The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekeremadu

  • I never called for military intervention, says Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has faulted some reports which claimed that he called for a military intervention in the country.

    Speaking  in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital when Governor Seriake Dickson hosted him and other African lawmakers attending the 74th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) Executive Committee to a dinner, Ekeremadu said that his comments on the floor of the Senate, though “unambiguously in defence of democracy”, were either being twisted or misconstrued by some persons.

    Ekeremadu’s denial was stated  in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu.

    It said that while reinstating his respect for the Nigerian Armed Forces, Ekweremadu, advised that comments made by lawmakers in the course of their duty should be situated within the proper context before any form of reaction.

    Ekweremadu explained that parliamentarians had a duty to continue to defend democracy in the country, hence “he clearly cautioned fellow politicians against the mistakes of the past, which inevitably led to the abrupt end of the previous republics.”

    Ekweremadu was quoted to have said, “We had one of our colleagues from Kogi, who was hosting a constituency briefing and empowerment. He alleged that the state government sponsored thugs to chase away people, disrupt the programme, and destroy the equipment he bought for his people.

    “We condemned such acts, especially where in a particular case, the house of a parliamentarian was pulled down. We condemned a case whereby parliamentarians were stopped from holding meetings and where a parliamentarian was stopped from coming to a state where he was governor for eight years.

    “We warned that it was such reckless abuse of power and impunity that scuttled our previous republics, especially the first republic and I cautioned politicians not take our democracy for granted.

    “Of course, some people took it out of context and said I was calling for a military coup. I never called for a military coup. I never said the military was planning any coup. Even the military’s statement admitted that my statement was only cautionary and that we were sincere. But they went as far as saying that the international community should ignore my words of caution”, Ekweremadu said.

    He added: “I hold the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in high regard. They have defended our democracy, our people and have acquitted themselves creditably. If they need anything now, it is encouragement because this is not the best of times for them.

    “But we do hope that when parliamentarians make statements, they (the military) should be able to know exactly what they said before reacting so that we don’t overheat the system.

    “Our debate is circulating on the internet, unedited, and I never said the army was planning a coup and I never invited them to plan any coup. But I strongly hold the view that our political leaders should ere on the side of caution by refraining from past mistakes and actions inimical to democratic practice”.

  • Ekeremadu under fire over coup comment

    Ekeremadu under fire over coup comment

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu has come under severe attack over his comment on the possibility of a military intervention in the country with supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of Buhari Media Support Group asking him to withdraw the statement and apologize to the Nigerians.

    The Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance(APDA) also described the statement as shocking and regrettable, while asking the military to disregard it as well. 

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja, the Buhari Media Support Group said Ekweremadu must withdraw the coup statement he made on the floor of the Senate, as well as apologize to Nigerians for that “most unfortunate statement”.

    The Group (BMSG) expressed disappointment over comments made by Senator Ekweremadu during deliberations in the red chamber that coup is possible in the current political dispensation on account of what the Senate considered to be a threat to democracy in Kogi State.

    The statement signed by Coordinator, Austin Braimoh and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, the group said it wasdisturbed that a Senator of the Federal Republic would contemplate a coup plot in Nigeria after the country has witnessed almost nineteen years of unbroken democracy. 

    The group said that “His reference to a coup plot in this dispensation is highly disappointing and clearly appears as an instigation. Definitely his intention while making this comment is suspicious and unpatriotic.

    “As a lawmaker and second in command at the nation’s highest law-making body, we expect Senator Ekweremadu to always exercise restraint in his utterances in order to uphold the virtues required of his high office. As someone occupying a high office in the country, it is expected that the stability and progress of the country will be uppermost in his mind.

    “We advise Senator Ekweremadu and the Senate to stop equating the inability of politicians to adhere to democratic principles as putting the nation’s democracy in danger. It is indeed strange that the Senate, rather than focusing on its law-making responsibilities, is delving into states’ matters.

    “We make bold to say that if indeed the country’s democracy is under threat as Senator Ekweremadu tried to make us believe, then it is an indictment on him as one of the leaders of the Senate, and he should stop passing the buck”.

    Also in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Tosin Adeyanju, the APDA said politicians must be mindful of their utterances and must be patient and allow the current democracy mature.

    The statement said “Our democracy is evolving and we all must be patient to see it mature to a stage that  will be the envy of all. No doubt we are still far from  where we should be as a nation, but we are moving towards it and all stakeholders in the Nigeria project must be part of this journey of nation building and not be involved in destroying our hard earned democracy.

    “We are aware of the challenges being  faced by Nigerians but  that those challenges   are surmountable if we all unite towards nation building and contribute our quota at any area of endeavour   we may find ourselves.

     “We should all remember that we have no other country than Nigeria and we must do things that promote unity and prosperity of the country at all times. Our democracy should be protected and strengthened by all citizens of country because it is the only vehicle that will take us to our prosperity”. 

    The party appealed to the National Assembly to desist from instigating the military to truncate our nascent  democracy.

  • Ekweremadu hails Atiku’s return to PDP

    Ekweremadu hails Atiku’s return to PDP

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has described the return of the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a welcome development not only for the party but also to the country’s democracy.

    Ekweremadu said the move represented the massive vote of no confidence in the leadership capacity of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), first by the masses and now by the cream of its hierarchy and now founding members.

    His reaction was  contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu.

    He said “The dumping of the APC by Alhaji Atiku is a welcome development to the PDP, but more importantly Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Nigeria is in dire need of rescue mission to rekindle hope in our democracy, restore her on the path of prosperity, and halt the worsening divisiveness that threatens our corporate existence.

    “I, therefore, enjoin all former PDP faithfuls who left for various reasons as well as other progressive minded Nigerians to emulate Alhaji Atiku, to reunite under the umbrella  to salvage the nation because I see a new and better Nigeria coming in 2019.

    “I see a country where corruption will be eradicated, a nation that will be a pride of Africa and admiration of the international community, and a nation where no man will be oppressed, intimidated, persecuted or sidelined on account of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion.

    “No amount of depression will stop the will of God for Nigeria in 2019.”

  • Saraki, Ekeremadu, Dogara, Lasun, Mark express shock

    Saraki, Ekeremadu, Dogara, Lasun, Mark express shock

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday led the leadership of the National Assembly in expressing deep shock and disbelief over the demise of Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Chief James Ocholi, his wife and eldest son in a road mishap along the Abuja – Kaduna road on Sunday.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the death as a colossal loss to the present administration and the country.

    He condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the governor and people of Kogi State, leaders and people of North Central Zone and the family of the deceased over the unfortunate incident.

    Saraki said: “I still recall when the late Ocholi appeared before the Senate to be screened and confirmed as minister a few months ago. He was not only full of life; he came across to me as a man of great ideas and accomplishments.

    “He was very articulate and brilliant in his presentation and gave good account of himself as Senior Advocate of repute, who given the chance to discharge the duty assigned to him, would have contributed immensely in turning around the story of unemployment in this country.

    “His death and that of his wife and eldest son, is a colossal loss to me, his immediate family, the people and government of Kogi State, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire country”, he stated.

    Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekeremadu, on his part, expressed sadness and shock over the death of Ocholi and members of his family.

    In a condolence message to the President, Ekweremadu described the late Ocholi as a seasoned professional colleague and consummate public officer.

    He said the “incident, which bleeds the heart, is not only a grievous loss to the Ocholi family, Mr. President, and the APC, but also to the nation in its entirety”.

    “I therefore send my heartfelt condolences to Mr. President, the APC, the government and good people of Kogi State, and his immediate family. I pray God to grant their souls peaceful repose and to all of us the inner strength to bear the irreparable loss”.

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his deputy, Yussuff Lasun, also expressed shock over the death of the minister.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said the country has lost a patriot and a perfect gentleman.

    Dogara, who described the death of Ocholi and his family members as tragic, expressed his condolence to Buhari, government and people of Kogi State over the loss.

    He said: “I am shocked by the news of sudden demise of Mr. Ocholi, his wife and son in a ghastly motor accident on Sunday.

    “We have lost one of our finest lawyers, dogged fighter and a committed progressive. The legal profession has lost one of its best.

    “The death of the Ocholis is a big tragedy and only God will give comfort and solace to the immediate family. We share in the pains and our prayers are with them at this difficult moment.”

    “I pray almighty God to grant their souls eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    Yussuff, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Wole Oladimeji, expressed shock, saying it was unfortunate that Nigeria lost such a bright light at a time such people are needed to make a change in the country.

    Former Senate President, David Mark, in a statement, entitled: “Nigeria has lost a bright, fertile mind”, described the death of the minister, his wife and son as one tragedy too many.

    Mark, who reacted to the tragedy through his media aide, Paul Mumeh, said that the death of Ocholi has robbed the nation of a very vibrant, articulate, progressive and fertile mind.

  • Ekeremadu, Mimiko, others for awards

    Ekeremadu, Mimiko, others for awards

    Senate Vice President Ike Ekweremadu and Ondo State Governor Segun Mimiko are among eminent Nigerians slated to receive the Integrity award of the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

    The award ceremony holds on July 31st at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.

    A statement by the General Secretary of NACJ, Charles Okhai, said the awards are “designed to encourage integrity and discourage corruption among Nigerians.”

    While Mimiko will get the award for good governance, foremost journalist, Ray Ekpu and Managing Director of First City Monument Bank Plc, Ladi Balogun, are to receive professional integrity awards.

    For corporate bodies, Dr. Bembo Victor, Managing Director of Mediplan Health Care Ltd and Barrister Allen Onyema, Chairman Air Peace and Babatunde Wilkey, Managing Director of BW – Meat Embassy will be honored with Integrity Award for quality Services.

    Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will receive the awards for integrity in politics.

    There will also be a posthumous award for the late Dr Stella Adedevoh for her sterling demonstration of patriotism and professional integrity during the Ebola Virus saga.

     

  • Ondo APC flags Alasoadura’s support for Saraki, Ekeremadu

    Ondo APC flags Alasoadura’s support for Saraki, Ekeremadu

    Controversy is trailing the purported suspension of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, and the Chairman, Oba-Ile Ward 9, Julius Agboola, over their comments on the support given by Senator Tayo Alasoadura to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekeremadu.

    Alasoadura, who is representing Ondo Central District, was the only senator from the Southwest that voted against the directive of the APC.

    Some Akure APC leaders have condemned the action of the senator.

    They directed the Chairman of the Moferere Unit, Iju where the senator hails from, Julius Agboola, to set up a disciplinary committee to look into his action.

    The APC leaders maintained that Alasoadura had lost touch with his constituency and pursued his personal ambition.

    Besides,the aggrieved party members said his action betrayed the national leaders of the ruling and the wishes of Akure people.

    But, supporters of the senator ordered the suspension of Yusuf- Ogunleye and Agboola.

    The action was however, condemned by the deputy chairman, APC Akure North local government, Dare Ogunleye , Secretary, Mr. Tuyi Fatukasi, woman leader, Alhaja Serifat Adepoju and other members of the local government executives.

    They maintained that the purported suspension was null and void.

    The party leaders Alasoadura, who joined a coup against his benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    They pointed out that loyalists of the Senator were ignorant of the party constitution and the process of suspending members.

    Also, the Publicity Secretary of the party, Abayomi Adesanya described the purported suspension as laughable and total lack of indicipline.

    The party spokesman said it is wrong for a group loyal to Alasoadure to suspend the chieftain of the party who is representing the local government at the state executive level.

    Abayomi described the action of Alasoadura as an anti- party activity, which should be condemned by all committed members of the APC.

  • Constitution review not for states creation, says Ekeremadu

    Constitution review not for states creation, says Ekeremadu

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu may have dashed the hopes of those expecting the National Assembly to announce the names of new states at the end of the on-going constitution amendment.

    Speaking with reporters yesterday in Abuja, Ekweremadu said the National Assembly would not announce any new state.

    Ekweremadu urged Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwakwaso to acquaint himself with relevant Sections of the Constitution that deal with constitution amendment and state creation.

    He said the committee on constitution review can only advise on how many states can possibly be created.

    Ekweremadu said: “Do not expect that at the end of the Constitution Amendment, this committee or the National Assembly will announce states that have been created.

    “That is not going to happen. This has afforded me the opportunity to explain to those expecting state creation that things must follow all the due procedures.

    “ I think we need to enlighten Nigerians more, so that they can understand the process clearly.

    “This is important, because if those accusing some persons of hidden agenda understand all these, they will not be worrying themselves.

    “They will go and do more home work, because if you look at Section 8 of the Constitution, it is like passing a big snake through the eye of a needle.

    “State creation is a cumbersome process. It is completely different from constitution review.

    “Any group that wants a state can start the process without involving the Senate or House of Representatives committees on constitution review.

    “Nigerians are making their request for the creation of states based on their believe that these two committees can come up with a criteria that will favour them.

    “We are supposed to make laws for the good governance of this country and in doing so, we can advise our colleagues on how many states can possibly be created and the system can sustain.”