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Tag: intervene

  • Ondo: Akeredolu urged to intervene in Akure North APC crisis

    Sharing of political positions within the 12 wards of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akure North local government area of Ondo State is causing ripples.

    Stakeholders have urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to intervene in the affairs of the most political ‘volatile’ local government in the state to guarantee victory in future elections.

    Some party leaders in the area have said they were satisfied with the emergence of Abiodun Faleye as the party’s flag bearer for its state constituency, instead of another aspirant, Dele Ologun.

    The communique was jointly signed by 11 ward chairmen and the vice chairman, Mrs Olufunke Adu, and Secretary, Gbenga Fadeyi, among other party leaders, after an emergency meeting in Oba-Ile, Akure.

    The chairman of the party in the local government, Joshua Eleti, had, however, described the candidature of Faleye as an imposition, saying Ologun should be recognised by the national body.

    But the communique noted that it would be unfair to other communities in the local government, if the House of Assembly candidate and the Local Government chairman emerged from the same ward out of 12 wards in the area.

    It noted that the party primary conducted in the local government reflected the wishes of the generality of the party members, where Faleye won the primary with 7,947 votes as against Dele Ologun’s 2,742.

    The party stakeholders said INEC and security personnel were on ground that day to witness the primary elections as directed by the national secretariat.

    They stressed that at a meeting attended by Senator Tayo Alasoadura, party chairman, Eleti, and other leaders, it was unanimously agreed that the council chairman should come from Itaogbolu.

  • Oshiomhole to intervene in Imo APC crisis

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his National Working Committee (NWC) will intervene in the crisis rocking the party in Imo State.

    It was gathered that the party’s leadership is worried that the crisis may affect the party’s chances, not only in the state, but the entire Southeast.

    Sources said the party’s leadership resolved to invite Uzoma Ezediaro, the lawmaker representing Oguta state constituency, believed to have spearheaded Uche Nwosu’s endorsement, and other members, to explain why they perceive Nwosu as the best governorship candidate in 2019.

    The lawmaker’s action is believed to have led to the factionalisation of the party by the anti-Okorocha elements who have vowed to resist such moves.

    It was gathered that others opposed to the endorsement will also be invited to explain their opposition to ensure a quick resolution of the crisis which is said to be giving party leaders sleepless nights.

    Crisis began in Imo APC when Ezediaro rallied his colleagues to endorse Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, as the party’s preferred governorship candidate for the 2019 election. But the move was opposed by stakeholders led by Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere.

  • Tinubu should intervene in Bariga APC crisis, say chieftains

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains have urged the party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to intervene in the crisis triggered by the ward and local government congresses in Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.

    The chieftains complained about an alleged move to substitute the name of the elected local government chairman of the party by the former LCDA chairman, Hakeem Sulaiman.

    But, Sulaiman denied the allegation, saying he was not engaged in any illegal substitution.

    In a petition to Tinubu and the state chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the aggrieved chieftains said the wrong substitution may lead to fresh crisis in the council, urging the leader to avert it.

    Signatories to the petition include Senator Tony Adefuye, House of Representatives member Wole Diya, House of Assembly Chief Whip Rotimi Abiru, Sesan Olanrewaju, Chief Wale Mogaji, Otunba Denge Anifowose, Sanya Osijo and Elder Oshinnuga.

    Speaking with reporters, spokesmen of the aggrieved chieftains, Onayemi Onakoya and Dare Martins, said the agreement on the sharing of party positions among the groups in the party was violated by the former chairman, adding that his attitude smacked of betrayal.

    He said the violation was also against the doctrine fairness and the “all-inclusive” principle canvassed by elders to foster a sense of belonging.

    Onakoya said: “There was a stakeholders’ meeting, prior to the ward and local government congresses where agreement was signed by all in attendance on the modalities for the sharing of the positions of party chairman and secretary. Sulaiman signed the agreement.

    “But, he was not present at the Lady Lac Primary school Ground, the venue of the congress, where Lamoren Dimeji was overwhelmingly elected as chairman, only to later come up with a list, which was drawn in an unknown venue, where members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the congress were lodged.”

    Onakoya said Elder Timothy Eyashodun, who was allegedly picked as the party chairman by Sulaiman, never attended the congress.

    “He added: “We have resolved to take the matter to Asiwaju Tinubu for his intervention and resolution.”

     

  • ADC candidate urges Obasanjo to intervene in nomination crisis

    •Adesua vows not to step down for Oyinlola’s friend, Bejide

    A crisis has erupted in Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the party’s governorship ticket. Its candidate, Chief Ayodele David Adesua, has vowed not to surrender his mandate to another person.

    Adesua was returned unopposed by all 32 accredited delegates in a primary election supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

    But he has accused former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola of attempting to impose his friend, Ambassador Dare Bejide, as the candidate after he (Bejide) lost to Mr. Akinloye Ayegbusi in the primary conducted by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    Adesua faulted a report in a national daily (not The Nation) that the ADC has withdrawn from participating in the July 14 governorship election, saying the party is ready to participate in the election.

    The purported withdrawal was attributed to the ADC National Chairman, Mr. Ralph Nwosu. But Adesua insisted that “it goes beyond the power of anybody to withdraw from the Ekiti governorship race on behalf of the candidate, without being delegated to do so”.

    Adesua said: “This ridiculous development gives an insight into how selfish desperation of power of a single individual can wreck the ship of a movement such as Coalition for Nigeria Movement, which is recognized locally and internationally as the team that would salvage Nigerians from the currently sinking ship of their nationhood.

    “Though we are having a good grasp of why such comedy show is being relayed on a public platform after several persuasions by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola to lure the ADC candidate in the Ekiti 2018 governorship election, Chief Ayodele David Adesua, into standing down for his friend, Ambassador Dare Bejide of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    “It is on record that Oyinlola’s friend, Dare Bejide, was one of the SDP governorship aspirants who lost in the SDP primary election which held on Friday, 11th day of May, 2018, while Adesua was returned unopposed by the entire 32 party delegates in the governorship primaryof ADC held on May 13, 2018.

    “It must be noted that the sum of N1 million which was the fee for Adesua’s nomination form has been paid by him as requested, using text message platform by the same national chapter of the party.

    “Consequently, we will never consider sparing any effort in ensuring that we hold tight to what belongs to us, regardless of how dangerous it may appear to the success of Obasanjo’s CNM.

    “Therefore, His Excellency, Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo may need to prevail on former Governor Oyinlola before it is too late.

    “Ayodele David Adesua and his team will never lay down the people’s mandate to fly the party’s flag in Ekiti 2018 governorship election, considering how much he has singlehandedly laboured to fund the party to maturity in Ekiti State, before having a good boost of fortunes when Obasanjo’s CNM collapsed into it.”

  • Ijaw elders intervene to resolve crisis in IYC

    •245 delegates to elect new president

    Ijaw elders in the Niger Delta region have decried crisis in the vibrant Ijaw youth group, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.

    The youth wing presided over by Mr. Udengs Eradiri, has been enmeshed in transition crisis leading contending forces to hold parallel conventions.

    While Eradiri inaugurated a nine-member electoral committee at one of the conventions in Okirika, Rivers State, another electoral committee, consisting of seven persons, was inaugurated at a separate convention in Toru-Ebeni, Bayelsa State.

    The electoral committee inaugurated by Eradiri to midwife a new executive committee of IYC is chaired by Mr. Oscar Isu.

    But Jeremaiah Owoupele heads the seven-member committee inaugurated by aggrieved members at Toru-Ebeni.

    The Chairman of one of the electoral committees, Mr. Oscar Isu, confirmed yesterday that key Ijaw stakeholders were working to resolve differences in the body.

    Isu said his committee was ready to conduct a free and fair election into the 11 positions in the executive committee.

    He said the process of electing the delegates had started, adding that 245 delegates from various clans would elect a new president.

    He said 18 forms had been collected by aspirants, noting that the submission of forms had been shifted to Tuesday.

    He said all aspirants for various positions would be screened in Port Harcourt, from March 2, adding that the elections would hold on March 11 at Burutu, Delta State.

  • Reps intervene in sack of CRIN workers

    Reps intervene in sack of CRIN workers

    The House of Representatives has received the petition of 277 staff of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capitalwho were allegedly illegally dismissed.

    January 24 and January 27, 2014, some workers comprising mainly junior staff of the institute were issued sack letters by the management.

    A member of the House of Representatives representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Olusunbo Olugbemi, told reporters over the weekend, that the House would investigate the matter .

    In the petition, the workers are accusing the Executive Director of the Institute, Prof. Malacky Akoroda, of harassment and intimidation.

    Olugbemi said the House send the petition the appropriate committee for investigation.

  • Fayemi urged to intervene in Efon crisis

    Ekiti indigenes in Lagos have urged Governor Kayode Fayemi to intervene in the crisis rocking Efon Kingdom, so that peace can return to the community.

    Members of community associations, including the Hercules Club, Paramount Club, Crony Club, Efon Study Group and Federation of Efon Students Unions, expressed concern over the rift between the paramount ruler, Oba Adesanya Aladejare, and the six kingmaker/heads of quarters in the town.

    Hercules Club Secretary Caleb Ayegbusi, who spoke on their behalf, said: “I believe the governor should wade into the rift so that peace will not elude the peace-loving people of Efon-Alaaye. This is the time for our illustrious sons and daughters to return home for a meeting to resolve the crisis.”

    The six kingmakers -Obanla John Fakorede (Aaye Quarters), Obaloja Pariola (Obalu), Oisajigan (Ejigan), Peteeko Ojo (Isaja), Alaayo Folayan (Emo) and Ojubu Olowookere (Ikagbe)- have been shunning the daily meeting of the Oba-in-Council presided over by the Alaaye of Efonland.

    They accused the monarch of not “protecting their interests” before the state government. According to the high chiefs, Efon is a confederation coordinated by the paramount ruler and the quarters have their distinct identities.

    Other chiefs accused the monarch of being over-bearing, indiscriminate dethronement of chief, hijacking land belonging to some families and monopolisation of the five per cent of the Efon Council’s monthly allocation for traditional rulers and chiefs.

    Yesterday, commercial activities were paralysed in the ancient town. Shops closed abruptly and commercial vehicles and motorcycles were off the street, following hints that residents were planning a protest in solidarity with the high chiefs.

    The yearly Ogun festival was nearly put on hold, as the traditional Ojabalu market was closed.

    The dispute between the traditional ruler and the chiefs began after the governor distributed vehicles to traditional rulers and chiefs.

    Some local governments got 10 cars, but only one car was sent to Efon Council, “based on the monarch’s request”.

    The chiefs complained that they were excluded from the benefits because the Alaaye did not fight for their interests.

    However, a chief from one of the quarters urged caution, saying the Alaaye may have been grossly misunderstood.

    He said: “Our royal father is a modern king and a dynamic ruler. I urge eminent indigenes to wade into the crisis and restore peace.”

    A community leader, Chief Joseph Alake, the Erungbua of Obalu Quarters, urged the chiefs to return to the palace and dialogue with the Alaaye, saying the crisis can retard the community’s growth.

    He added: “We want peace in Efon. I believe we can settle whatever problem we have amicably. I urge our royal father and his chiefs to close ranks in the interest of our community.”

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akin Smart-Oyeyemi, urged prominent indigenes to intervene, saying: “If the crisis escalates, it will assume many dimensions. That is why I am calling on our elders to wade into the logjam.”

  • Obasanjo to PDP factions: let elders intervene

    Obasanjo to PDP factions: let elders intervene

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday expressed worry over the split of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The former President urged the two factions to maintain the status quo pending the intervention of party elders.

    In a statement he personally signed, Obasanjo said the split is “giving party members and elders great concern.”

    He said: “The situation in our ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) after the Convention on Saturday and the parallel convention same day has given great concern to all well-meaning members of the party and particularly to the elders of the party.

    “While some select elders are making efforts to get the situation resolved as soon as possible, it is imperative to emphasise that the move will bring back peace and return the party to its vigorous and dynamic election-winning party that it has always been.

    “I want to passionately appeal to both sides for now to sheath their swords, maintain the status quo, with earliest conveyance of the Elders’ meeting before the end of this week.

    “Members are equally enjoined to remain calm until the Elders’ complete their peace-making meeting.”

  • OIC urges UN to intervene in Myanmar

    The world’s largest Muslim organisation, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on the United Nations (UN) to wade into the continuous persecution of the people of Rohingya in Myanmar.

    A statement by an Islamic group said: “Not a single Mosque since the beginning of Ramadan was allowed to operate in Rohingya (Muslim) areas of Burma. No salat, no Jumat service, no Taraweeh, no Adhan (call to prayer), just nothing like Ramadan. Not even funeral prayers are allowed.”

    It urged warring parties in the Muslim world to halt infighting during Ramadan.

    OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, appealed to Muslims not to forget the persecuted Muslim minority in Burma.

    “I cannot fail to draw attention to the suffering of our brothers from the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar (Burma) and the renewal of their suffering from the continuing widespread atrocities against them,” he said.

    “I call upon all Muslims to help alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable people. I also call upon the neighboring countries to look with compassion and kindness to the displaced people from this minority who have sought refuge with them,” he added.

    According to Ihsanoglu, the Rohingya Muslims are described by the UN as one of the world’s most persecuted minorities, facing a catalogue of discrimination in their homeland.

    “The Rohingya are deprived of free movement, education and employment in Burma.

    They are not recognised as an ethnic minority by the Burmese authorities and they suffer human rights abuses in the hands of government officials. Thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been displaced from their homes in Burma after deadly waves of sectarian violence with the Buddhist majority,” he said.

    Ihsanoglu called on Muslims to offer charity to the less fortunate in the spirit of Ramadan.

    “I renew my call as well for all to help and support the needy in various regions of the Islamic world as is the case of the Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries,”” he said.

  • Leadership crisis: TWAN urges govt to intervene

    Leadership crisis: TWAN urges govt to intervene

    Tricycle Workers Association of Nigeria (TWAN) has called on Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Mr Kayode Opeifa to intervene in the leadership crisis brewing within the different associations of tricycle operators in the state to prevent chaos.

    The association has, however, accused the Lagos State branch of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) of attempting to impose an unelected leadership on them describing the attempt as an act of injustice.

    TWAN, in its petittion to the commissioner dated July 12, 2013 and signed by its Acting Secretary, Comrade Daodu Adesoji, said the union was working at cross purposes with their organisation.

    The body stated that they are ready to work with the NURTW for peace to reign in the state as earlier agreed as long as the union allows democracy to prevail.

    It, therefore, describes as illegal the caretaker committee constituted for the association by the union saying it is unjust and illegal.

    TWAN, which is the product of a merger of two rival tricycles bodies (Three-Wheelers and KORAN) further, alleged that the NURTW is trying to thwart the efforts of the Reconciliation Committee set up by the Transport Ministry to see to the complete reconciliation and merger of the two rival tricycle associations in the state.

    According to TWAN, after the first General Assembly meeting of the two rival tricycle associations (Three-Wheelers and KORAN) on July 4, another meeting was slated for July 16 to finalise the selection of the caretaker committee.

     

    They said they were surprised to receive a letter of inauguration of a caretaker committee members from NURTW on July 9 while the meeting of the two rival tricycle association set up to appoint caretaker committee is yet to be concluded.

    “On Tuesday 9th of July, 2013, we are shocked to receive a letter from the state office of the NURTW inviting all our branches exco to their state office for Wednesday 10th of July, 2013 for inaugural meeting of the association new caretaker committee and its state executives without the knowledge of the members and leaders of both association (Three-Wheelers and KORAN).

    “To our surprise, some of the members of the newly constituted caretaker committee are not known to the association members.

    “Meanwhile, the formal committee is about to round-up and organise election for the state exco of the association but this sudden change of the former committee have given us another set back”, it stated.

    In the caretaker committee set up by the NURTW, TWAN alleged that Three-Wheelers has only three representatives while KORAN has 17 representatives which it described as imbalance.

    TWAN therefore urged Opeifa to call the state Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede and Chairman of the so-called newly constituted Caretaker Committee Mr. Odusanya to order.

    TWAN therefore called for equal representation of the two associations’ members in the new caretaker committee.

    It also demanded for one month for the committee to organise a free and fair elections for the state executives for peace to reign.

    “Mr. Odusanya should be call to order not to use force or any act of provocation with the support of NURTW to intimidate or harass any of our members in their branches and units across the state, because we are ready to resist him with another round of serious legal battle”, it stated.