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Tag: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun

  • How we caged Obasanjo as governors, by Segun Osoba

    …Obasanjo once threatened to prosecute us over onshore/offshore, says Udoma Udoma

     

    Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba said on Tuesday that governors who served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo were able to cage him and stop him from doing a lot of unconstitutional things because of their maturity and unity among them irrespective of political affiliations,

    Osoba spoke at the 80th birthday celebration of former Akwa Ibom state Governor, Obong Victor Attah just as the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma revealed how Obasanjo threatened to prosecute the Akwa Ibom Governor for “inciting” his people against the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The former Ogun State governor who spoke on behalf of other former governors present at the event including former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie Oyegun and his successor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the governors spoke with one voice and stood against the antics of the former President and dragged him to court on a number of occasion and won.

    He said “Today we are happy to celebrate a man of honour. In our time we do not know the differences in the party you belong to and Obasanjo then dare not play with any of us governors. I am happy to say that Obong Attah was from the PDP, I was from the AD.

    “The AD group made up of the late Lam Adesina, and Bisi Akande. When we speak, to our surprise, Obong who is of the PDP will take it up from there contributing intelligently to the issues we raised. It is on the ground of his style of leadership that we were seriously able to cage former President Obasanjo.

    “I used the word seriously because first of all, Abdulsalam Abubakar left a huge sum of money that was to be distributed to the governors. The first thing Obasanjo did was to seize the money and use it to buy vehicles for local government councils.

    “We kicked, went to court and we won. On the fiscal responsibility Act, he (Obasanjo) said he will not implement section 8 where all revenues were to go into an account from where it will be distributed according to the constitution. When it became almost impossible, we went to court and we won. In all of these, it was not resource control. Obong Attah was in the fore front of all these struggle.”

    Osoba who recounted how governors in those days rallied behind Attah and his other Niger Delta counterparts to agitate for resource control, expressed reservations on the quality and character of those aspiring to become governors these days.

    “I want to appeal to all us. We should go back to the characters that formed government in 1992 and 1999. 26 years ago, most of us who were governors have had exposures. John Odigie Oyegun was a former permanent secretary, I was former Managing Director of Daily Times, I can go on to give you backgrounds of all those who became governors in 1999. None of us were people you will say where you are coming from. We need to go back to that this days of governors of any kind should stop.

    Speaking earlier, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma said “Throughout his eight years as governor, I was the senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial district and also served as the leader of the Akwa Ibom legislators’ forum having been unanimously elected by my colleagues. During our time in the National Assembly, there was no Abuja front working against the home front. Under Victor Attah’s leadership, we were a strong united team and having worked with him, I can say something about his character.

    “He is somebody you can go into battle with because he is fearless and once he gives you his words, he does not turn back, no matter how fierce the battle.

    The battle to remove the onshore/offshore dichotomy was indeed a fierce one.

    “At one point, the three of us, myself, Obong Attah and Senator Ibok Essien were summoned to Abuja and made to appear before the President, Minister of Defence and all the service chiefs and were threatened with prosecution for inciting our people against the President and the federal government.

    “But under his leadership, we refused to allow ourselves to be cowed or intimidated. We believed in our course and we did not stop the fight till we succeeded.

    “As the senator who led the fight in Abuja, it really helped us as we staked our political career to ensure the passage of law abrogating the onshore/offshore dichotomy into law. It was good for us to know that we had a fearless governor back home who was watching our back.

    “I will like to join others in celebrating a man of immense character, a dogged fighter foe the rights of his people. A man of vision and action and yet with an artistic temperament. He is not just a politician, but a professional who is highly regarded as by his colleagues.”

    Responding to the accolades poured on him, the former governor said “Listening to All the things that have been said, I ask myself, did I actually say all those things? Where did I get the courage to say all those things? But I want to assure you that the fight was not just for a better Niger Delta, but I believed firmly that it will translate into a better Nigeria.

    “So, the fight always and the purpose was for a better Nigeria. But because we spoke specifically about a particular fight which is the onshore/off shore, when we were being threatened, somebody said in pidgin English your governor no dey know how to end? Senator Ibok Essien said, the axe does not rest until the tree has fallen.

    “Those are the types of battles we had to fight for some of the things that are happening today to happen. But as I have said, in all honesty, I believed that our founding fathers who agreed on a federal system for this country, a system whereby the region’s had and control whatever they had and contributed to the running of the country at the Centre remain the best and will continue to be the best for Nigeria. I believe strongly that any struggle towards achieving that is worth fighting for.“

    He said further: “I tell people, I enjoyed being governor and sometimes they wonder I say that. It is  because of this kind of comradeship.it is just fantastic working together with people with whom you can argue, reason and at the come to a solution”.

    With fond reminiscences of what happened then during his election as chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Attah said his emergence came as a coup and that his colleagues referred to him as “headmaster”.

    Those who attended the event which also heralded the public presentation of his book, “it is well with my soul” include former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of a Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka, Managing Director of NDDC, Nsima Ekere, former Senate Leader, Ndoma Egba, Gov. Udom Emmanuel and his deputy, former EFCC Chairman, Farida Waziri, Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor, former Governors Achike Udenwa and Bukar Abba Ibrahim among others cutting across all political parties.

     

  • I learnt rudiments of politics from the late Anenih – Oyegun

    Chief John Odigie Oyegun, immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) on Wednesday in Abuja, said he learnt the rudiments of politics from the late Chief Tony Anenih.

    He stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Anenih, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), adding that he was greatly saddened to hear of his death.

    Read Also:Obaseki declares three days mourning in Edo for Anenih

    “He was my original educator; he brought me up in politics and thought me the rudiments of politics, not in the classroom or anything, but by just observing him perform.

    “He had been through everything and he was everything in this country, the history of this country cannot be written in any meaningful sense without his major contributions being heralded,” Oyegun said.

    He added that he learnt peace, reconciliation and compromise from the deceased, saying he has never seen him being angry, vulgar or insulting.

    The immediate past APC national chairman, said that Anenih was always respectful and was a man of strong conviction.

    He maintained that though his family had a right to be sad over his death, they should look at the bright side, adding that all his children enjoyed his guidance in their maturity.

    Oyegun further added that though Anenih was late, his children should be happy because they had a father who would be celebrated by the entire nation.

    “Join in the celebrations, because your father was a great man and a political colossus of our time.

    “The sun has gone down on a political legend and he will be sorely missed, may God rest his gentle soul,” Oyegun said.

    He added that the deceased was a man, who loved his people and the nation and served passionately with all the courage and wisdom he was endowed with.

    He, however, said that the Oyegun family and the Anenih`s had become close through politics not withstanding political affiliation, marriage and friendship between children.

    “So we share your loss in every personal way, May the Almighty God console you and give you strength now and always,” he said.

    Oyegun was received at the residence of the deceased by his eldest son, Tony Anenih Junior and his widow, Justice Maryiam Anenih.

  • Obaseki hails Oshiomhole’s election as APC National Chairman

    …Commends Odigie-Oyegun for purposeful leadership

     

    The Edo Sate Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the election of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Speaking after Oshiomhole was announced the elected National chairman of the APC at the party’s National Convention in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Saturday,  Obaseki noted that “the former governor’s emergence is an acknowledgement of his people-centered  leadership and his commitment to the advancement of the nation.”

    Obaseki who also congratulated other elected officials of the party, said, “We are very proud of Comrade Oshiomhole’s emergence as the National Chairman of our great party, the APC. He is adequately equipped to foster unity and provide a new direction for the party, as we move closer to the general elections in 2019.”

    He saluted the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for providing purposfull leadership that brought the APC to global reckon after defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

    The Governor described Chief Odigie-Oyegun as a worthy leader with honour.

    “Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s impressive rise to prominence was the product of a combination of hard work, humility and faith in God.

    “From his humble background, he was taught the inestimable value of hard work, integrity and a good name.

    “In the federal civil service, Chief Odigie-Oyegun distinguished himself and was propelled to the enviable position of a federal permanent secretary.”

    According to Obaseki, “Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s forthrightness, civility and decorousness garnered from his impressive years of service to our great country in the civil service, marked him out for higher national call to serve our country after his retirement from the federal civil service.

    “These sterling qualities earned him the confidence of Edo people, when they turned out in their numbers to entrust him with their mandate as the first Governor of Edo State, in the aborted third Republic, from 1992-1993.

    “As a loyal and dedicated party man, his leadership qualities earned him the position of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and under his leadership, the APC grew into the largest party in Nigeria and displaced the then ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power at the center, through popular vote in the 2015 presidential election.”

    Recalling the achievements of the former APC National Chairman, Obaseki noted: “In particular, the 2015 presidential elections marked a turning point in the political history of our great country and reset the destinies of over 180 million Nigerians for greatness.

    “It was the first time since the return of democracy in 1999, that an opposition party would obliterate a “behemoth” ruling party.

    “Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s sagacity and wealth of experience helped in stabilising our great party during our most trying moments, when members of the decimated opposition wished us doom.

    “He is passing the baton of leadership of our great party, the APC, after successfully navigating the party out of troubled waters and making it stronger, stable and better prepared for the challenges of the future.

    “Edo State is proud of this illustrious son for his immense contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in this country.

    “History will forever adjudge Chief Odigie-Oyegun a worthy son of Edo State, one who elevated our politics and ushered in a new era of positive change and development for our great party and our country.”

    Oshiomhole’s election at the well attended APC National Convention in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, followed the withdrawal of other aspirants from the chairmanship race.

     

  • Tenure elongation crisis: APC support groups back Oyegun

    A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) support groups has expressed support for elongation of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    The groups, in a position paper made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said they had watched with keen interest developments that followed the 5th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and the sudden change of stance by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The paper was co-signed by Prince Danisi Momoh, Convener, APC Youth Solidarity Network, Comrade Japhet Echegwo, Coordinator Grassroots Mobilisation for Buhari /Osinbajo 2019, Comr Kede Michael South-South Youth Movement for Change,  Amb Tega Okokoyoko, Director-General, Buhari Supporters for Change,  Ibrahim Yusman, APC North Central Buhari/Osinbajo Support Group.

    Others are Lanre Jimiloyi, Oduduwa for Change movement,  Dipreye Victor, APC Ambassadors for Continuity, Comrade Champion Eyigie , Director-General, APC Advocacy for Transparency and Good Governance and Mrs Elizabeth Omokoro, Chairperson, Women for Change network.

    Buhari had recently directed that tenure elongation of APC’s National Chairman, Odigie-Oyegun and other National and State Executive Officers of the party be reversed.

    He described the elongation of their tenure by one year as unconstitutional.

    Buhari had told the NEC meeting of the party that he had reflected on the elongation and also sought advice and had come to the conclusion that it was unconstitutional.

    However, the coalition said that it was worried over Buhari’s sudden opposition to the 12-months tenure extension for party executives voted on and approved by NEC–104 in support and four against.

    “Hence, we are of the firm position that although the president is entitled to take a personal position as a member of NEC, the president’s decision is ill-advised and politically counter-productive.

    “Following NEC’s decision to setup a technical committee to advise the party on the President’s decision, we call on the committee to note the logistical and political exigencies that informed NEC’s decision to extend the tenure of Party Executives by 12 months and also be guided by the following facts before arriving at its decisions.

    “Coupled with the crisis the Party is battling with in many states  and many important activities of the Party this year and the available time, NEC found it unwise to embark on a wholesale replacement of the executive cadre of the Party at all levels at a time so close to the general election.

    “ For clarity, NEC, unarguably the second most powerful party organ is a hybrid of senior party leaders composed of the President, Vice President, Governors, National Assembly leadership, National Working Committee, State Chairmen and ex-officio members from the six geo-political zones of the country.’’

    The coalition said that procedurally, a move to reverse NEC’s decision could only be done if NEC reversed itself or the Party’s convention voted to nullify it.

    The coalition said that a reversal could not be effected by a personal position taken by the president or any other NEC member, as being suggested in some quarters particularly the media.

    The groups appealed to Buhari to look at the issues critically and prevent further crisis by not pleasing any powerful individual or group that might want to hijack the party’s hierarchy.

     

  • Ekiti 2018 governorship: APC prepares for primary

    As part of the party’s bid to snatch power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has flagged off a fresh membership mobilisation drive in Ekiti State. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA, who covered the chairman’s first official visit to the Land of Honour, reports.

    The campaign for the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State is gathering momentum within the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the visit of its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to the state recently.

    Beyond the frenzy and razzmatazz that characterised the visit lies a steely resolve and determination to bring Ekiti back into the mainstream politics and the fold of the progressives. Although he was in the state to kick-start the registration of new members, Odigie-Oyegun used the occasion to sound a battle cry that the state, also known as the Fountain of Knowledge, will be annexed by the APC come July 14.

    The one-time Edo State governor declared that the governorship poll is a “must-win” for his party; a statement that generated ripples in the political space. The applause that greeted the chairman’s declaration shook the Great Eagle Hall, venue of the stakeholders’ meeting, to its foundation.

    Before his arrival, residents of Ado-Ekiti knew that something big was in the offing, as vehicles carrying supporters of governorship aspirants moved towards the secretariat along Ikere Road in Ajilosun. The secretariat was awash with banners, miniatures billboards and posters of the over 30 aspirants gunning for the party’s ticket.

    Food vendors, as well as those selling drinks and party souvenirs had a brisk business marketing their wares.

    Odigie-Oyegun and the other members of the delegation arrived the venue amidst drumming, trumpeting, singing and dancing. Before then, one lane of the highway had been cordoned off by security men and this created a huge traffic snarl.

    The highpoint of the visit to the secretariat was the flagging off of the membership registration drive by APC National Chairman, to send a signal the party’s readiness to win the July 14 election and bring the state back into the fold of the progressives. He was joined by some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), including the National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso and the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure.

    Afterwards, the train moved to Eagle Hall, along Ikere Road, where another crowd of party faithful had gathered. The entry of Odigie-Oyegun and his team, followed by other stakeholders, including the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo, Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni and other aspirants into the hall generated excitement in the audience.

    Supporters of the various aspirants were chanting the names and slogans of their principals and were determined to outdo one another. Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun had a hectic time trying to calm the audience, to pave the way for the the stakeholders’ meeting to officially commence.

    It took the intervention of the State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe, to restore order and allow the National Chairman to address the audience. Two leaders of the party in Ekiti, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief Ronke Okusanya and former chairman of Ado Local Government, Chief David Adigun, were the only ones given the opportunity to welcome the guests, particularly Odigie-Oyegun.

    Okusanya told Oyegun: “You have seen the enthusiasm of our people; you have seen the interest of our people in the forthcoming election. We appeal to you that trust is very important in the conduct of the primary scheduled for May 5, 2018. We want to see the party united, so that we can move into the election as one body, because we are ready to snatch the government from the impostors.”

    Adigun said: “Ekiti is an APC state, but those in power now are ‘highway robbers.’ We want a honest primary, a transparent primary, a straightforward primary.”

    Odigie-Oyegun said he was happy with the excitement and enthusiasm among party members in Ekiti, as well as the vibrant and energetic display by some aspirants. He assured all aspirants that a credible, free, fair and transparent primary election will be conducted to choose the party’s flag bearer.

    He stressed that the Muhammadu Buhari administration would not compromise the integrity of the ballot box, despite the party’s quest to regain the governorship seat in Ekiti. The party leader promised that the APC will mobilise all available resources to assist members in Ekiti to win the July governorship poll.

    Governorship aspirants in attendance include: Chief Segun Oni, Mr. Olufemi Bamisile, Dr. Wole Oluyede, Mr. Kola Alabi, Mr. Victor Kolade, Dr. Bayo Orire, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Captain Sunday Adebomi, Dr. Mojisola Kolade, Chief Diran Adesua, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, Senator Ayo Arise, Dr. Wole Oluleye and Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi.

    The National Chairman added: “We did not choose Ekiti to flag off this event (new membership drive) by accident. Ekiti is facing an important election. God has put it in our hands; God has put it on your laps and God has chosen Ekiti to be a major factor in the politics of this country in July 2018.

    “We in the National Executive have decided that the coming election is one we will work as hard as possible. No stone will be left unturned; it is a must-win election. As you know, the Muhammadu Buhari administration will not compromise with offering voters a level-playing field.

    “The Buhari administration will not compromise on having a free and fair election. It means whether we are in power at the federal level or not, we must all work hard to deserve the victory that belongs to us.”

    Odigie-Oyegun also reeled out some guidelines to ensure that aspirants and their supporters conduct themselves with decorum and ensure that the party organizes a transparent primary.

    He added: “The aspirants should not campaign as if there is no tomorrow; don’t campaign with enmity, because there should be no discord in the party and anybody that wants to fly the party’s flag must sign an undertaking to maintain decorum.

    “We at the national headquarters, having guaranteed a free and fair primary, because there cannot be peace without justice, will guarantee a free and fair primary. We must not have bad losers; all aspirants must collapse their structures into that of the winner of the primary. There must be no division and factionalisation in the party.

    “No officer (in the state exco) should join the campaign bandwagon of any aspirant whatever position you hold. The moment you do that, you have factionalised the party.”

    Speaking on the fear that the national leadership intends to impose a candidate, Odigie-Oyegun said: “I want to assure that in Ekiti State, we will have free, fair and credible primary. We will provide security at the primary; it will be an open event that will be covered live on television from the beginning to the end.

    “There will be proper identification of delegates to prevent impersonation. Once the delegate list is out, every aspirant that pays the prescribed fee will be given the delegates list.

    “At the voting point, party chairmen of the local government (chapters) and wards will stand at a distance away but they will ensure that those that will vote are bona fide delegates and anybody found impersonating will be handed over to the Police.

    “A formidable group of (APC) governors will be mobilized who will superintend, guide and ensure that the election is totally free and fair. Finally, as far as Ekiti governorship election is concerned, we are going to mobilise the entire country, the entire APC structure to ensure that you (Ekiti APC) are not alone and that all resources you need for the election are made available to you. At the end of July, Ekiti will be in the APC fold.”

    Awe promised to abide by the “commandment” issued by Oyegun and organized a credible primary among aspirants.

    At the end of the day, Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Kemisola Olaleye, presented gift on behalf of the state APC caucus to mark the National Chairman’s visit to the state.

    After the departure of the guests, party members staged a “show of force” round the town causing another round of traffic gridlock.

    Meanwhile, the Ekiti PDP Chairman, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase, has declared the state a “no-go area for the APC”. He boasted that the opposition party would not win the election, even “if President Muhammad Buhari is brought down to serve as Returning Officer “.

    Oguntuase urged the international community to focus on the Ekiti poll and prevent it from being manipulated by the APC. He also called on civil society organisations (CSO) to monitor the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that it conducts a poll that will reflect the true wishes of the Ekiti electorate.

    Oguntuase said: “Every single APC member here in Ekiti knows that the party has no chance of winning even one of the 16 local councils. He said: “The only thing they have been saying is that Governor Ayodele Fayose has been giving President Muhammadu Buhari problems and that he (Buhari) has vowed to go to any length to take Ekiti from the governor, so as to serve as a payback for his persistent criticism of the President.

    “To us in the PDP, we can begin to draw correlation between the yesterday’s “we must win the Ekiti election by fire by force” comment of Chief Odigie-Oyegun with the way the APC has been boasting of using federal might to take Ekiti.

    “However, we are sure that even if President Buhari is brought to Ekiti as the INEC Returning Officer for the election, the APC will still fail.

    The international community and CSOs in Nigeria should therefore begin to focus their attention on the election from now and beam their searchlights on INEC and other agencies of the Federal Government that will be involved in the election.

    “This is because the election will be an indicator of the readiness and willingness of INEC to conduct free, fair and credible presidential election in 2019.”

     

  • Corruption can’t be wiped out anywhere – Oyegun

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said Tuesday that it was practically impossible to completely wipe out corruption from any society, but said the Buhari government will ensure that corruption is degraded to the extent where it will no longer have impact on the nation’s economy.

    Chief Oyegun who spoke when he received the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida who came to inform him of the decision to confer on him the Polytechnic Fellow also said that uncharitable Nigerians will not give the government credit for degrading the Boko Haram insurgency which no longer has the capacity to hoist its flag anywhere in the country.

    Oyegun will be honoured alongside Governors Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state, Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar at the institution’s combined convocation ceremony scheduled for March 28, 2018.

    Oyegun said even though there still challenges facing the nation, the Buhari government has taken drastic measure to address some of the ills facing the country, pointing out that while corruption is fighting back, it is no longer business as usual in the country.

    He said the country was in such a situation that it needed a man of courage to establish stability in the country and create an enabling environment for the economy to thrive, stressing that inspire of the challenges, the APC government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari has delivered in its promises.

    Chief Oyegun said the current government has been able to tame the Boko Haram insurgency to the extent that they no longer has the capacity to occupy any part of the country, but only attack soft targets.

    Oyegun said: “It is the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, a leadership that has been impossible for the opponents to distract or to derail that has made some of the things done so far possible. Yes, there are still challenges. As you rightly said, we took over in very difficult circumstances and one fundamental problem was the collapse of the price of oil in the international oil market.

    “The condition was such that we needed an extra ordinary man of courage to be able to lead the country out of the crisis that we inherited, to the increasing stability of economy and the progress that this nation is clearly beginning to attain. So, I consider that I am receiving this award on behalf of the President and government of this nation who has performed such tremendous miracle in reviving the Nigerian economy in a situation of declining resources.

    “We know how the fight against corruption is going on and that corruption is fighting back. It is not a problem you solve with the flip of a switch because corruption is very rich, it is very wealth and elitist and it is fighting back. But the President has a single mind about taming that scourge and tame it we will. 

    “We know now that corruption today is not as it was before. You can no longer take money from the government coffer and distribute to politicians and the rest of them. That alone is already a benefit and all the leakages have all been blocked. 

    “Nobody is saying that corruption has been wiped out because there is no country in the world where corruption has been wiped out, but it is being tackled in Nigeria and will degraded to the extent that it will no longer be a threat to the national economy or become an acceptable way of lodging business.

    “Boko Haram is tamed, but uncharitable people will go and say there are still explosions and killings. As at yesterday, there was still explosion in tenUnited States of America. 

    “Those crazy isolated incidents are aimed at soft targets. When a person is crazy and aiming at soft target, it is only God and inspiration that can stop such people. But what is clear is that Boko Haram has been totally degraded to the extent that it does not occupy any inch of Nigerian territory where it can raise its flag.

    “A lot of facilities are being out on ground especially the modern railway system that is going to be the bedrock of development in this country. You cannot carry meaningful development on trucks on the High way. 

    “It has to be carried on a modern railway system and the President has made that a priority and today we can say that on the implementation plan it now, is 5000 kilometer of modern standard gauge of railway line cutting across the entire length and breadth of this country.”

    Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Dr. Abubakar Dzukogi said the Polytechnic decided to honour the APC National Chairman because of his achievement in leading the party to a major victory in the 2015 election, and putting in place a government that achieved a lot in repositioning the country.

    Describing Oyegun as a master strategist and a silent achiever, the Rector said the achievement of the Buhari government in repositioning the country, especially in the area of security and agriculture among others was worth commending.

    Read Also: Kalu to Buhari: probe Obasanjo to prove your anti-corruption war

  • APC chieftain sues Odigie-Oyegun over tenure extension

    APC chieftain sues Odigie-Oyegun over tenure extension

    …‘Ruling party must not circumvent its rules’

     

    An aggrieved All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr. Wale Ahmed, has taken the national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, to court over what he described as an illegal extension of his tenure.

    Ahmed, a party stalwart from Lagos, said the ruling party has violated its rules and guiding principle on periodic national convention as stipulated by its constitution.

    The embattled chairman, Odigie-Oyegun, was elected chairman in June 2014 for a four year tenure, which had expires in June.

    The plaintiff said the chairman and other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party were given illegal anticipatory tenure elongation to enable them put the national convention in abeyance, without due consideration for the APC constitution and 1999 Constitution.

    According to the Section 223 (1a) and (2a), of the 1999 Constitution, “the constitution and rules of a political party shall provide for the periodic election on a democratic basis of the principal officer and members of the executive committee or other governing body of the political party.”

    Also, “the election of the officers or members of the executive committee of a political party shall be deemed to be periodical only if it is made at regular intervals not exceeding four years.”

    According to the APC Constitution (2014 as amended), “all officers of the party elected or appointed into the party’s organs shall serve in such organs for a period of four years and shall be eligible for re-election or re-appointment for another period of four years only, provided that an officer elected or appointed to fill a vacancy arising from death, resignation or otherwise shall notwithstanding be eligible for election to the same office for two terms.”

    Joined in the suit No. FHC/L/CS/364/18 before the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, are the Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Segun Oni, Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu, National Secretary Mallam Ibrahim Gubi, National Vice Chairman (Southwest) Chief Pius Akinyelure, the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Ahmed is praying the court to declare as null and void and of now effect the purported elongation of the tenure of the NEC, contrary to the extant laws.

    In the originating summons taken by his counsel, B.A.M Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff is claiming that the defendants, jointly or severally, have erred in law. His prayers include:

    “A declaration that the first to sixth defendants have no power under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  1999, to extend the tenure of the elected organs/officers beyond four years from their election /inauguration

    “A declaration that the purported extension of the tenure of the extant National Working Committee (NWC) and /or other executive committees or their members of the All Progressives Congress at various levels for another 12 months from June 30, 2018 by the National Executive Committee of or by the All Progressives Congress, is illegal, null and void and of no effect

    “A declaration that any provision of the sixth defendant’s constitution or any memorandum, circular or pronouncement of the first to sixth defendants purporting to extend the tenure of the first to fifth defendants beyond their extant elected or inaugurated four year tenure is in conflict or is inconsistent with the provision of Section 223(1) (a) and  223 (2) (a) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and is null and void to the extent of its inconsistency.

    “An injunction restraining the first to sixth defendants, their servants and/or agents, from taking any steps to implement the purported tenure elongation of the presently elected/constituted organs/officers of the All Progressives Congress, which pronouncement or decision was made on or about the 27th of February, 2018, or in any manner howsoever, stay in office beyond four years from the date of their election/inauguration.

    “An injunction restraining the seventh defendant, its servants and /or agents, from recognising the decision or any decision of the first to sixth defendants to extend the tenure of the sixth defendant’s extant elected organs/officers beyond their elected/constituted four years, or, taking any step, in any manner howsoever, to implement such decision.”

    Ahmed, a former member of House of Assembly and one-time Commissioner for Special Duties said he went to court to protect the image of the ruling party and the sanctity of the constitution.

    He said the APC should, through its convention, create a level playing field for all qualified members of the party who may wish to contest for any party office at the convention when the tenure of the executive committee expires in June.

    Ahmed added: “We must avoid a situation whereby a dangerous precedent will be laid by the deliberate violation of party constitution, rules and regulations on leadership recruitment and renewal of tenure. Our party is known for its avowed commitment to the rule of law, the due process and the constitution. We must obey our own laws and respect the constitution of the country.”

    Crisis had hit the APC, following the purported tenure elongation for the NEC and the NWC, following their Abuja meeting of January 26 and 27.

    While Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello told reporters that the NEC had granted one year tenure elongation to the Odigie-Oyegun-led NWC, his Zamfara State counterpart and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, said the NEC lacked the power to extend the tenure, adding that the power of the Convention to extend the tenure can only be exercised only by way of constitutional amendment.

    He stressed: “The power of the NEC of our party cannot go beyond doing so by way of constitution amendment. Article 30 of the APC Constitution and the schedules hereto, can be amended only by the National Convention of the party.

    “The process of amending the constitution is also expressly provided in Article 30 Sub-Section 2. This states: “Notice of any proposed amendment by any member or organ of the party shall be given to the National Secretary, at least, 14 days before the date of the National Convention. The Notice shall be in writing, shall contain a clear statement of the proposed amendment and reasons for the amendment.”

    Read Also: Odigie-Oyegun: APC NWC tenure extension in good fate

  • Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has assured former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his full support in the reconciliation efforts within the party.

    Oyegun, in a letter dated February 23, 2018 was however silent on the issues raised by the APC leader in his letter.

    The Nation learnt that Oyegun’s letter was written after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa on Friday afternoon after Friday prayers

    A copy of the two paragraphed letter sited by The Nation reads: “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayers and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grants you His peace.

    “Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peace making assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with. It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President. In this you have my fullest support.

    “Be assured, dear Asiwaju, of my highest regards now and always”

    Tinubu had, in a well publicised letter accused the APC national chairman of frustrating reconciliation efforts by taking decisions regarding some state chapters the party.

    Also, the Cross Rivers state chapter had accused the national leadership of undermining the reconciliation efforts by ordering a Congress to elect a chairman for the party in the state barely one month to the end of the tenure of the present executive in the state.

    Read Aslo: Tinubu to Oyegun: stop frustrating peace moves

  • A Benin son’s many firsts

    A Benin son’s many firsts

    Chief John Odigie-Oyegun is the son of one of the early Benin Senior Civil Servants, Pa Daniel Osagiede Odigie-Oyegun, who retired as Chief Registrar, mid-west region judiciary. Young John had his early education in what is now Edo & Delta State, attended the famous St Patrick College Asaba and the premier university, University of Ibadan.

    After graduating from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Economics, the young Oyegun joined the Federal Civil Service where he rose to the position of Permanent Secretary at the tender age of 36.  You can imagine the sterling qualities of this young man from a minority group in the country who rose to the pinnacle of his career without “godfathers”.

    I regard this achievement as his first of firsts.

    Chief John Odigie-Oyegun retired from the Federal Civil Service after a meritorious service and having spent the mandatory 35 years required for retirement. Responding to calls from his people, he joined partisan politics on the platform of the Social democratic party (SDP). In 1992, he contested and won the election as the 1st Executive Governor of Edo State, defeating the establishment and the federal might amassed against him at the time. A feat I consider as the second 1st of this great son of ours. But in less than two years of his administration, the military struck again under General Abacha and the government was sacked.

    Even though this awardee had the opportunity to clinch ministerial position of his choice in that regime, he opted out on the point of principle and belief in the democratic system of government by going into exile to fight for the return of true democracy. It is on record that while in exile, his served as the Secretary of NADECO. He returned from exile in 1998 to the warm embrace of his teeming supporters and admirers to participate in the political process leading to the 1999 general election. He joined the Action Democratic Party (AD) in line with his political/ideological leaning. AD was an off shoot of NADECO, a pro-democracy group with liberal tendency. Of course, he was aware that the AD as a party was not favored to win at the federal level but he was comfortable with his co-travellers of the left. Oyegun, the principled man.

    The PDP had ruled for sixteen years and had boasted that it would dominate the political space for the next 60 years and so the opposition parties decided to form one mega party to challenge and defeat the PDP and put a stop to their dominance. The APC emerged as the mega opposition party, and the next hurdle to overcome, was the choice of the Chairman to lead this new party. The APC in their wisdom perused the profiles of the candidates for chairmanship, voted overwhelmingly for Chief Odigie-Oyegun as the pioneer chairman of the party, again another 1st for our son and brother.

    The party APC has been formed and the executive is in place and the general elections have arrived. Chief oyegun distinguished himself once more by galvanising and harnessing the energies of the divergent and contending interest within the party into one potent and formidable force that dislodged a sitting federal government – another 1st in the political annals of this country. Drawing from his deep experience in managing persons and situations, he has been able to navigate and resolve the post victory challenges within the party.

    The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the recent NEC meeting of the party publicly acknowledged the contributions of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to the achievements, progress and stability of the party. Mr. President referred to the years: 1984, 1985, when himself and the awardee worked together and thanked God for bringing them together again. What a testimony from the number 1 Citizen. Having gone through the profile of this Icon, Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s robust education background, a first in the civil service, Federal Permanent Secretary at the tender age of 36, a first as the 1st Executive Governor of Edo State, highly principled as in his choice to go into exile to fight for true democracy instead of settling for a plum job in Abacha’s government, returning from exile to join the AD, a progressive party, instead of the favoured party, the PDP, resisting for 16 years, tempting offers from the ruling party and finally settling for APC where he was elected the 1st national chairman of the party; he is indeed the special one worth emulating.

     

    • Excerpts from a speech delivered by the former minister at the Benin National Congress Awards

     

  • Days of hardship will soon be over – Oyegun to Nigerians

    Days of hardship will soon be over – Oyegun to Nigerians

    The chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), chief John-Odigie Oyegun has assured Nigerians that the days of hardship is coming to an end.

    Oyegun stated this on Tuesday at the Umuahia Township Stadium during a mega rally organized in Abia State by the leadership of the party in the state.

    Oyegun while admitting that there is hunger in the country, promised Abians and Nigerians in general that President Buhari is having sleepless nights thinking about how he can improve the economy and better the lots of Nigerians.

    The APC chairman who expressed joy that the APC led government at the federal level since it took over power from the PDP is returning the country to the path of economic growth through various economic and developmental policies that the present government has initiated.

    According to Oyegun, President Buhari has been able to remain unshaken and resolute in delivering the dividend of democracy to Nigerians despite the criticisms from the PDP that he accused of ruining the economy of the country in their 16years of governance of the country.

    Lamenting that Nigeria was among the few African countries without railway system, Oyegun stated that he was happy that the President has changed the narrative with the massive standard gauge railway system being built by the incumbent administration to connect other parts of the country.

    The APC national chairman who was overwhelmed with the support the party has been able to receive in the state and the mammoth crowd that attended the event promised to relay to the president the message from the people of Abia State urging him (Buhari) to run for a second term.

    In his remarks, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha thanked Abians for accepting to embrace the message of change being preached by the party and expressed optimism that the party come 2019 would produce governors in Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.

    Okorocha who asked Igbos to be careful not to make the mistake they (Igbos) made in 2015, urged them to shun regional politics if they must be in the mainstream and benefit from it.

    Earlier in his opening speech, the chairman of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa recalled how difficult it was for the party to find its footing at the formative stage in the state, but stated that the population and array of political bigwigs in the party show that the members of the State Working Committee have been able to do their work perfectly.

    Nwankpa stated that they were not going to relax on their oasis, but to work harder in ensuring that the party produces the next governor of the state in 2019.

    Speaking on behalf of the people that were received into the party, a governorship aspirant of the PDP in 2015, Dr. Sampson Uche Ogah urged the southeasterners to ensure that they throw their weights behind the Buhari’s administration and reelection in 2019, stating that APC is the party to beat in 2019 in the state.