Tag: Jonathan

  • Jonathan to Atiku: Beg Obasanjo, get PDP ticket

    Jonathan to Atiku: Beg Obasanjo, get PDP ticket

    • Lamido, Shekarau, Dankwambo, others may not step down 

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has one more hurdle to cross in his secret deal with some stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, The nation can authoritatively report.

    It was learnt yesterday that Jonathan said Atiku must beg or apologize to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo to get the 2019 presidential ticket of the PDP on a platter of gold.

    Although Obasanjo has quit partisan politics, Jonathan was of the opinion that “he is still a strong factor in shaping the future of the nation in 2019 because he is a force among the revered kingmakers.”

    Former President Jonathan  had in early November told the publisher of Ovation magazine in an interview that “If Atiku gets our party ticket, he would compete well. But he would have to reach out to our boss, Baba OBJ, the boss of all bosses. We’ve all learnt at different times that you ignore OBJ at your peril. OBJ has the magic wand. He is respected at home and abroad.”

    It was however unclear if Atiku has either accepted the condition or opted to go it alone in seeking the presidential mandate of the PDP.

    But some presidential aspirants in PDP were said not to be ready to step down for Atiku, whom Jonathan is working to the answer for.

    The aspirants said they prefer to slug it out with Atiku during the presidential primaries.

    The affected aspirants are ex-Governor Sule Lamido, ex-Minister Ibrahim Shekarau, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and a former governor (now a Senator), who is expected to defect from APC to PDP.

    The fate of the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi on the party’s 2019 ticket was hanging in the balance as at press time.

    Findings by our correspondent revealed that the secret deal, which made Atiku to resign from the All Progressives Congress (APC), was comprehensive and targeted at the ex-VP securing the PDP presidential slot.

    It was gathered that the package also borders on hijacking the party structure at the National Convention on December 9 to make Atiku’s choice as the PDP presidential candidate a reality.

    Following lobbying by Jonathan, some founding fathers of PDP (including a few retired military officers), have been part of the latest course in PDP.

    Investigation revealed that most governors of the PDP were said to have bought into the Atiku project in deference to Jonathan.

    A top source, who was privy to the deal, said: “The unfolding script on Atiku’s return to PDP has the blessing of some founding fathers of PDP who are out to salvage the party. A major component is a likely waiver for the ex-VP to contest the party’s presidential primaries.

    “So far, Atiku is complying with the secret accord for his return to PDP. A formal declaration in Yola is being expected either on Wednesday or December 6 as indicated in a tentative timetable.

    “But in one of the negotiation shuttles with Atiku, ex-President Jonathan added a caveat that the former Vice President can comfortably secure PDP ticket and win the 2019 poll if he begs ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    “We were all shocked by this condition because Obasanjo is no longer in partisan politics. But Jonathan said Obasanjo is an institution whose action or inaction could make or mar the electoral fortunes of Atiku.

    “The former President also believes that Obasanjo may persuade any of the presidential aspirants to withdraw for Atiku after weighing all the indices. He said if Obasanjo could reconcile with him, he can also forgive Atiku.

    “As a matter of fact, Jonathan cited cases of chairmanship aspirants in PDP travelling to Abeokuta to seek his blessing.

    “We are expecting Atiku to comply with this proviso because we want to begin the media war (based on facts and figures) in earnest.

    “Jonathan’s position on Obasanjo has been endorsed by some founding fathers of PDP, especially the military class which contrived the existence of the party.”

    Meanwhile, there were indications yesterday that some presidential aspirants in the PDP may not step down for Atiku.

    These include Lamido, Shekarau, Dankwambo and a former governor (now a Senator), who is expected to defect from APC to PDP.

    It was not clear if the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of PDP, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi will seek the party’s 2019 ticket.

    A governor, who played a significant role in the pact with Atiku, said: “As part of the deal, we have been trying to prevail on some of these aspirants to step down but they have chosen to contest the primaries with the ex-Vice President.

    “Some of them queried why a politician will cross from the opposition party and just be given PDP presidential ticket.

    “One of the aspirants said since 1999, he has never defected to any party. He said loyalty to the party and competence should be compensated by PDP.

    “Well, we have looked into PDP Constitution, it is immaterial when you join, you can enjoy the rights and privileges which a Methuselah member enjoys. Go and look at sections 8 and 18 of our constitution.”

    While Section 8(a) and (b) of the PDP Constitution deals with the procedure for rejoining PDP, Section 18 is on the Status of Returnee Members.

    Section 8 reads: “A person who desires to rejoin the party after leaving it shall: (a) apply to his Ward Secretary for readmission; and (b) unless given waiver by the National Working Committee(NWC), be placed on probation for a period of not less than one year.

    “Subject to the provision of Section 8(b), a member on probation shall have the right to attend all meetings of the party but shall not be entitled to vote at such meetings, nor shall he be eligible to contest for elective office on the platform of the party.

    Section 18 says: “A person who has earlier decamped from the party but later decides to return to the party shall lose the seniority and privileges conferred on him by his previous status.”

    But the PDP top shot said: “As the opposition party, we are looking at the larger picture of the return of Atiku, we will give him all waivers required to ensure his readmission.

    “Some of our leaders, who were initially opposed to the return of the ex-VP, had shown enough understanding in the past few months.”

    Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan yesterday said the exit of Atiku would not have any significant effect on the fortunes of the party in the 2019 general elections.

    He said no serving governor, no presiding officer of the National Assembly or key national executive officer of the party was in sync with Atiku’s defection.

    Olaosebikan who spoke with journalists in Abuja yesterday said in spite of the defection, President Muhammadu Buhari would win hands down and that the party would perform better in 2019.

    He added:  “Going through the resignation letter, I found out that the Turaki did not exercise enough fortitude. He allowed politics and ambition to take control of him. He should have stayed with his avowed position in 2013 that the All Progressives Congress was his last bus stop politically, and leave the rest in the hands of Allah.”

    “What the President needs from us, particularly the big political players is love, understanding, support and prayers as already being exhibited by the National Executive of the party and our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who at different fora recently gave us hope and assurances of a better tomorrow.”

    When asked of the declaration of Asiwaju Tinubu that the party would not give automatic ticket to President Buhari for a second term, Olaosebikan told journalists that the position of Tinubu was in the best interest of the President, APC and the country as a whole.

    “Asiwaju,  with the declaration of no automatic ticket was merely portraying  the President as a genuine democrat who believes in due process. What Asiwaju Tinubu said was in support of strengthening our democracy and our political institution which we need to do with all seriousness.

    “You would recall too, that he stated that all the organs of the party would support him through the processes. In a nutshell, he is in full support of his second term and you know with him, all the APC governors and the presiding officers in the National Assembly, the ticket is already in the pocket of the President.

    “And when it comes to the general election, it is a platitude that you cannot compare the popularity and acceptability of President Muhammadu Buhari with that of any person in the country today. He will win in the North and in the South convincingly. Buhari is not loved for money or any material thing; he is passionately loved for his strong character and piousness.”

     

  • Jonathan: King Justin inspired me to community service

    Jonathan: King Justin inspired me to community service

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late monarch of his community, Obanema of Otuoke, King Lot Justin as a great leader who inspired him to commit to community service as a young man.

    The ex-President stated this in his tribute to the late King who was interred yesterday.

    The former President, who attended the service of songs  and the lying-in-state of the late King on Friday in Otuoke community of Balylsa State, further described King Justin as an extraordinary man who was selfless in his commitment to community development.

    According to him, the late Obanema was an exemplary leader who was well respected and loved by his people.

    He said: “On a personal note, long before he was made the Obanema of Otuoke, LJ as he was known then, encouraged me to commit to community service as a young man. He was an inspiration to a lot of us in Otuoke and beyond.

    “The late Obanema was a leader par excellence. In most societies, people mostly give only what they can afford but in his case he went to great lengths to solve community problems.

    “He was indeed a rare breed. As a youth, I worked with him on the issues that related to the advancement of our community and the relationship continued even after I graduated from the University.”

     

  • Jonathan: I was inspired to community service by King Justin

    Jonathan: I was inspired to community service by King Justin

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the late monarch of his community, Obanema of Otuoke, King Lot Justin as a great leader who inspired him to commit to community service as a young man.

    The ex-President stated this in his tribute to the late King whose internment held on Saturday, 25 November, 2017.

    The former President who attended the service of songs on Thursday and the lying in state of the late King on Friday in Otuoke community of Balylsa State, further described King Justin as an extraordinary man who was selfless in his commitment to community development.

    According to him, the late Obanema was an exemplary leader who was well respected and loved by his people.

    “On a personal note, long before he was made the Obanema of Otuoke, LJ as he was known then, encouraged me to commit to community service as a young man. He was an inspiration to a lot of us in Otuoke and beyond.

    “The late Obanema was a leader par excellence. In most societies, people mostly give only what they can afford but in his case he went to great lengths to solve community problems. He was indeed a rare breed. As a youth, I worked with him on the issues that related to the advancement of our community and the relationship continued even after
    I graduated from the University.”

    The ex-President further described the late Obanema of Otuoke as a man of peace who ensured that the community enjoyed relative peace under his reign “as no major community conflict or issues were brought to my notice as the then President of the country.”

    Recalling how he, as a young man, collaborated with King Justin to fight the cause of his people, Jonathan wrote: “Another incident that remained indelible in my memory was when our elders, about twelve women and five men were charged to the High Court over a major land dispute between the Otuoke community and a neighbouring village.

    “Back then, in the old Rivers State, Ogbia was under the Degema Judicial Division and so all High Court cases would go to Degema. Since there were no access roads, getting to Degema meant all the seventeen defendants had to travel to PH and then board a boat from the Abonema  waterside to Degema.

    “The late Obanema, working in Port Harcourt then as a civil servant saw how tedious and traumatic this journey was for these elderly meand women from Otuoke, so he suggested that the two of us be joined as co-defendants in the case since it was a civil case.  By this action, the two of us would represent the elders and save them the ordeal of
    travelling the long distance from Otuoke to Degema on court days. That was the kind of service and sacrifice he gave that greatly inspired me.”

    The former President further encouraged the immediate family members to “be comforted by the fact that he left behind an undying legacy of selfless service to humanity and care for the less privileged.”

  • I’m working for PDP to regain Presidency, says Jonathan

    I’m working for PDP to regain Presidency, says Jonathan

    FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan has said his priority is how to ensure the return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to power in 2019.

    He spoke when he received a PPD chairmanship aspirant, Chief Olabode George and his campaign team at his country home in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

    Jonathan took responsibility for the party’s defeat in the 2015 election, adding that it was also his responsibility to ensure that the party rose again as a strong political platform to win the next election.

    He said: “Whether I like it or not, I must take responsibility for the defeat because I led the party to the election. The only thing that will make me sleep well is to ensure that PDP comes back to power.”

    The former president said he was working with other stakeholders to ensure that the party is well organised to achieve this purpose though he preferred to work from the back seat.

    He said the party must begin to take the right steps in the right direction to regain the confidence of the electorate, adding that the mistakes of the past would not be repeated

    George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, who is on a nationwide campaign for the chairmanship election in December, congratulated the former president on his 60th birthday anniversary.

    He urged Jonathan as the party’s leader to ensure that PDP emerge stronger from the forthcoming national convention.

  • Senate, Jonathan, ACF, Ita-Giwa mourn ex-VP Ekwueme

    Senate, Jonathan, ACF, Ita-Giwa mourn ex-VP Ekwueme

    THE Senate yesterday adopted a motion urging the Federal Government to immortalise the late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, by naming the Federal Polytechnic Oko or other key federal institution or assets after him.

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and former Presidential Adviser Senator Florence Ita-Giwa also mourned the late vice president.

    The upper chamber resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family and the government and people of Anambra State.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    Ekweremadu, in his lead debate, prayed the Senate to note with a deep sense of loss the passing on of the former vice president.

    He noted that the late elder statesman was an intellectual giant and consummate professional, who pioneered the business of architecture in modern Nigeria and paid his dues to the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria.

    Ekweremadu noted that late Ekwueme was a bridge builder, patriot, and pan-Nigerian, who played a major role in the post-war reconciliation process in Nigeria.

    Other senators who contributed to the debate, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, James Manager, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, paid glowing tribute to Ekwueme, who died Monday night in a London hospital.

    The Senate also observed a minute’s silence in honour of late vice president.

    Jonathan, in a letter of condolence to the Ekwueme family and the government and people of Anambra State, described the late statesman’s exit as an irreparable loss.

    A statement by the ex-President’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, described Ekwueme as an intellectual giant and democrat, who took a principled stand against military rule.

    He said: “Ekwueme was a well-loved statesman, who played politics of inclusion and made useful contributions in charting a course for Nigeria’s geopolitical stability. A totem of courage and patriotism, the Second Republic Vice President’s role in deepening the roots of democratic rule was evident in his selfless and principled stand against military rule.

    “He was an intellectual giant, whose prowess in learning was as deep and profound as the love he had for his people and nation. His commitment to educational excellence is a trait we should encourage Nigerians to imbibe.”

    ACF said the former Vice President was one of the Nigeria’s finest politicians and bridge-builder.

    The forum, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, said: “The late Dr. Alex Ekwueme was the Vice President to former President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic and a great politician, who left an indelible mark in the political history of Nigeria. The late elder statesman was a qualified architect of repute, a man of great vision and intellect who was a strong pillar that continues to support the unity and stability of Nigeria.

    “We recalled that in October 2012, when a high powered delegation of the ACF paid a visit to the Southeast on the invitation of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the late elder statesman came personally to receive the ACF delegation and also led the Ndigbo team to the meeting with the forum.”

    Senator Ita-Giwa described the late Ekwueme as a pillar of democracy.

    The foremost leader of the Bakassi people from Cross River State, in a message to The Nation in Calabar yesterday, commiserated with the Ekwueme family and Nigerians over his death.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a man that I had a lot of respect and admiration for. He was a pillar of democracy in the country and played a tremendous role to ensure it was sustained in the country… He will be greatly missed by the country,” Ita-Giwa said.

     

  • Diezani pushed Jonathan to  remove me as minister, says Oduah

    Diezani pushed Jonathan to remove me as minister, says Oduah

    Senator Stella Oduah has alleged that she was removed as Minister of Aviation in 2014 at the prompting of the then Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    Oduah’s claim is contained in a book, ‘On a Platter of Gold: How Jonathan Won and Lost Nigeria’, authored by Bolaji Abdullahi, a former minister of sport and youth development in the Jonathan Presidency.

    The book will go on sale after its public presentation on November 30.

    According to The Cable, Oduah said when the scandal broke over the $1.6 million BMW armoured cars bought for her by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 2013, Jonathan invited her to explain herself.

    According to Abdullahi, at the meeting were Alison-Madueke, who was perceived to be extremely influential on President Goodluck Jonathan and Anyim Pius Anyim, who was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    The president seemed satisfied with her explanation that there was nothing untoward in the deal.

    Mrs. Alison-Madueke also appeared sympathetic and even promised to speak to her friends in the National Assembly and the media “to back down” on the issue.

    “I thought she had my back. I did not know at the time that she was actually fuelling it and orchestrating all the media attacks,” she told Abdullahi.

    “I knew all along that Diezani could not deal with having another female around who had the kind of access I had to the President. But she went too far. She thought I was the one who leaked the issue of private jet  that put her into trouble with the House of Representatives (Diezani was accused of spending N10 billion on chartered jets). For her, it was payback time.”

    Twice, she had offered to resign before her sack but Jonathan asked her not to, according to her, yet the issue did not go away.

    “Diezani was paying people to keep the story alive. At the same time, she was whispering in [the president’s] ears that he had to take action,” Oduah alleged.

    Abdullahi wrote that Mrs. Alison-Madueke asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest Oduah, but the plan was countered by other members of the cabinet.

    A presidential committee headed by Sambo Dasuki, then national security adviser, eventually indicted  Oduah.

    When the president told her that she had to go, Oduah asked: “Did Diezani ask you to sack me?”

    Jonathan answered no, but there and then it was agreed that she should be eased out of government.

    On January 12, 2014, she was removed as minister.

    Abdullahi, the author, was fired as minister of sport in March 2014 by Jonathan allegedly on account of his “godfather”, Bukola Saraki, who had joined other PDP rebels to defect to the APC.

     

  • Buhari, APC, PDP greet ex-President Jonathan at 60

    Buhari, APC, PDP greet ex-President Jonathan at 60

    President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 60th birthday.

    Jonathan, who has been described as the luckiest politician in Nigeria’s political history, was born in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, on November 20, 1957.

    Buhari, in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, noted that the former president, within a short period rose from being a deputy governor, governor, vice president to becoming Nigeria’s President for six years.

    According to the President, Jonathan’s foray into politics and ascendency to the highest political office in Nigeria from a humble riverine background “testifies to the greatness and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democracy, and serves as an invitation to all those with interest to add value to the nation”.

    Buhari prayed that the almighty God would bless the former President with good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.

    The APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said: “We join well-wishers in celebrating a statesman whose life and politics have been defined by patriotism and humility.

    “The APC recalls the commendable and exemplary conduct of Dr. Jonathan before and after the 2015 presidential election, which demonstrated his patriotism and love for Nigeria.

    “The party urges Dr. Jonathan to remain steadfast to the positive ideals he stands for and continue to support the development of the country.

    “The party wishes Dr. Jonathan many more happy, healthy and rewarding years of service to the nation.”

    The PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, credited Jonathan with “wonderful contributions” to the stability of democracy and the country’s overall development at his prime age.

    The party said Nigerians and members of the international community would always remember the former President for his numerous and indelible achievements while in office.

    The PDP noted that the Nigerian economy became the largest in Africa under the Jonathan administration.

    The statement said: “Nigeria witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development in all areas of the economy. Inflation was at single digits and we had a stable foreign exchange regime.

    “You consolidated Nigerian democracy by ensuring free and fair elections culminating in the historic presidential election of March 2015 in which you graciously conceded defeat and congratulated your opponent, even when there were substantial grounds to dispute the outcome.

    “Most importantly, the rule of law and the human rights of Nigerians were greatly respected. For these and many more, you have written your name in gold in the hearts of all Nigerians and you will be remembered as one of the greatest leaders of Africa.’

  • Buhari greets Jonathan at 60

    Buhari greets Jonathan at 60

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 60th birthday, slated for Monday November 20th, 2017.

    The President in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), professional colleagues, associates of Dr Jonathan, and his family in celebrating the unique history of the Nigerian leader.

    He noted that Jonathan, within a short period, rose from being a Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President to becoming Nigeria’s President for six years.

    Buhari also believed Jonathan’s foray into politics and ascendancy to the highest political office in Nigeria from a humble riverine background testified to the greatness and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s democracy.

    This, he said, serves as an invitation to all those with interest to add value to the nation.

    President Buhari prayed that the almighty God will bless Jonathan with good health, wisdom and strength to continue serving the country.

  • Ijaw needs unity for survival, says Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said his Ijaw people must embrace unity to survive their challenges instead of destroying themselves.

    Jonathan spoke at the weekend in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while paying tributes to the late Ijaw leader and former member of Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Gordon Bozimo.

    Bozimo, a former Chairman of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Board, died on June 5, 2017 at a hospital in Arkansas, United States of America at the age of 67.

    He said Ijaw people were not many and could not afford to be pulling themselves down.

    Jonathan said: ”We must stop destroying ourselves as a people. We are not too many. Things are quite challenging.

    ”Sometimes, you need to wear the shoes to know where they pinch. I believe that working together, helping ourselves collectively, we will be able to solve some of our problems.”

    He asked them to emulate Bozimo, who as a politician never engaged in assassination of people’s character.

    Jonathan added: ”At the political level, Bozimo was like a political giant among a few elders that were in the Peoples Democratic Party in terms of his national connections and he was committed to the party.

    Also speaking, Governor Seriake Dickson said that Bozimo was a true Ijaw son who gave his best to the service of the nation.

     

  • Obasanjo, Jonathan used police against governors, says Senate panel

    Obasanjo, Jonathan used police against governors, says Senate panel

    •Senators hail Buhari for ordering return of Obiano’s security details

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan used the police as a political tool against perceived opponents, the Senate Committee on Police Affairs alleged yesterday.

    The committee was mandated by the Senate in plenary on Wednesday to ensure immediate compliance to its resolution demanding the reinstatement of Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano’s security details.

    The upper chamber asked the committee to follow up the resolution and report back to the Senate yesterday.

    Chaired by Senator Abu Ibrahim, the committee said in its report that “it is significant and exemplary” that President Muhammadu Buhari  ordered the immediate reinstatement of the governor’s security aides even before the Senate resolution.

    It described the withdrawal of Obiano’s security aides as “most unfortunate,” and added that “it is heartwarming that the police authorities have explained that the action was not intended to cause the governor any injury or harm”.

    The committee said: “Nigerians must not forget however that the perceived use of the police to persecute a sitting governor was actually made a best-practice tool by immediate past administrations.

    “In those days of impunity, the directives (to use the police to persecute political opponents) were directly linked to the presidency and the then sitting presidents never issued any instructions to counter the positions of the police and security services.

    “The following examples illustrate clearly: ‘Dr. Chris Ngige as the then Governor of Anambra State suffered abduction and when he regained freedom and attempted to castigate the powers that be at the federal level, his security details were withdrawn on January 2, 2005.

    “In April 2007, a few days to the election, ’higher’ authorities ordered the withdrawal of the ADC and the CSO to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The APC leader was also threatened with arrest in the lead-up to the 2011 elections.

    “In September 2013, the then Governor Rotimi Amaechi, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, was harassed on several occasions with the threat of withdrawal of his security aides.

    “While his were repeated threats, the President of this Distinguished Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was not that lucky. His aides were actually withdrawn in September 2013 as punishment for his support of the rebellion within the then ruling PDP.

    “In February 2014, the security details attached to the then Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, were withdrawn on the orders of the presidency. The same man suffered the same fate again when he became the Emir of Kano in June 2014.

    “The Emir’s palace was sealed off by the police to prevent him from entering it and he had to assume his responsibilities from within the confines of the Kano State government House.

    “It is also on record that at the same time, security aides to the then Governor (now senator) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were withdrawn. All on ’orders from above’.

    “The then Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State had his security details withdrawn in April 2014.

    “In October 2014, the security details of the then Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, were withdrawn. This was after a blatant attempt was made to effect his impeachment.”

    Following President Buhari’s order for the immediate reinstatement of Obianor’s security aides, the issue was not raised on the floor of the Senate yesterday.