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Tag: Lagos APC

  • 2019: Lagos APC unveils leadership programme for youths

    …says Its time for youths to have positive mindset about politics

    As the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections, the youth wing of the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled a leadership conference to change the mindset of the youths to politics and governance.

    APC Youth Leader in the State, Mr Omotayo Sanyaolu, in a statement yesterday, said the leadership conference was part of activities lined up to celebrate the International Youth Day slated for August 12, 2018.

    He said the conference, with the theme, “Youths As Catalyst In National Development,” will take place on August 12, 2018 at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja by 11am prompt, adding that the principal objective of the programme was to equip youths with basic leadership skills as the country is set for a crucial electioneering process in 2019.

    According to Sanyaolu, “For us in the Lagos APC, we believe that it is time for the youths to have positive mindset about politics and governance and that is the main idea behind the conference. We have lined up great speakers across broad spectrum of the polity to share ideas and experiences with the youths with the focus to arouse their interest and participation in the political process.

    “This is a programme to mark the International Youth Day which falls on the 12th of August and we just decided to bring the youths together through a leadership conference to change their orientation to politics as well as their mindset to how the political terrain and arena looks like.

    “By the conference, we are also telling the youths of our readiness to give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs,” Sanyaolu said.

    He added that about 3,000 youths drawn from tertiary, political and religious institutions as well as the civil society organizations in the State, among others are expected to participate at the conference.

    Speakers listed to address the conference include a Special Representative to the United Nations and strong advocate of the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Campaign in Africa, Dayo Israel; social entrepreneur and human development expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji; young eloquent politician and another strong advocate of ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Campaign, Temitope Adewale and vibrant members of Lagos State House of Assembly – Jimi Lai Mohammed and Moji Lawal Meranda.

    Others are Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mayor Dele Oshinowo; and Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon Sesan Daini, while the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon Agboola Dabiri is to serve as Chief Host.

  • 2019: Lagos APC ward chairmen endorse Yayi

    One hundred and eighty five ward chairmen of All Progressives Congress, (APC) from all the wards in Lagos West Senatorial District have endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola  aka Yayi for second term as senator.The endorsement came during a meeting Senator Adeola held with the ward chairmen to inform them of his intention to contest for second term in the largest senatorial district in Nigeria.

    “In the 8th Senate, I am one of the senators with the highest number of bills sponsorship and two of my bills were among the 23 Constitutional Amendment bills passed by the National Assembly. My voice is usually heard on the floor of the Senate on major issues of national importance. I have so far done two major empowerment programmes and another one is coming up in September” he told the ward chairmen.

    “I have practiced all my politics in Lagos West from the days in the House of Assembly to House of Representatives and now Senate. I have not move outside Lagos West Senatorial district. The move to consult for the race in Ogun State was based on some strategic party considerations and now I am informing you as the grassroots party manager of the our party that I am re-contesting for the seat of Senate” Yayi had told the party leaders.

    Responding, Mr.Sola  Sobajo, the chairman of the Conference of APC Ward Chairmen in Lagos State, who is also from Lagos West Senatorial district, said the turnout of all the chairmen shows their support for their performing senator adding that real party men will stand by a loyal party man in place of a betrayer. He called for improved welfare for ward chairmen including exploring the possibility of putting ward chairmen on the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, adding that the senator’s gesture of donating a bus for the ward chairmen is the first of its kind in Lagos State.

     

  • Southwest, Lagos APC congratulate Fayemi

    The Southwest All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Ekiti State Governor-elect Kayode Fayemi on his victory.

    The zonal chapter said Fayemi deserved the victory, adding that his second term will usher an era of peace.

    A statement by the secretary, Ayo Afolabi, thanked the people of Ekiti for reposing their confidence in the party and the flag bearer.

    Afolabi, who noted that the journey to victory was long and tortuous, praised Fayemi for demonstrating courage in his renewed fight for the people’s freedom.

    He said: “We know of their yearnings for purposeful and progressive governance, which is in tandem with the cultural make-up of a typical aboriginal Ekiti. We assure the people that our candidate, Dr. Fayemi, is equally aware of the task ahead and is prepared. Hence, his eight point agenda.

    “We, therefore, solicit the support of everyone to make this new administration achieve the programmes of our party and so engender timely and sustainable socio-economic benefits for everyone. We enjoin Fayemi to rally party loyalists and begin earnestly, the task of rebuilding Ekiti State and our party for the next general elections.”

    Chairman of the Lagos State APC Tunde Balogun also thanked God for Fayemi’s victory, saying party faithful worked hard during the election.

    Balogun said Lagos APC was happy that the six states of the Southwest have now come under the progressive umbrella, adding that Ekiti will not regret its decision to vote for change.

    He added: “We give thanks to God for Fayemi. He deserved the victory. He worked hard; Ekiti people were determined and they stayed with him in his determination to end the rule of a governor who has been peddling falsehood. I congratulate them and wish Ekiti progress in the future.”

  • Lagos APC to Lagosians: get your PVCs ready

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Alhaji Tunde Balogun yesterday urged Lagosians to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of next year’s elections.

    He also reflected on the reconciliation in the chapter, waving the olive branch to aggrieved chieftains who have taken the party to court over the recent state congress.

    Balogun, a former Commissioner for Home Affairs, spoke at this year’s empowerment programme organised by House of Representatives member Prince Rotimi Agunsoye for the people of Kosofe Constituency. At the programme, many party leaders, traditional rulers, community development associations, Christian and Muslim clerics and beneficiaries endorsed the legislator for a second term in the Lower Chamber, saying that he has lived up to expectation.

    At the ceremony were Lagos East APC senatorial leader, Chief Akanni Seriki, his deputy, Chief Adeola Oyedele, Southwest APC Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Dr. Lola Akande, House of Assembly members Bayo Osinnowo and Tunde Braimoh; Special Adviser on Food Security Ganiyu Okanlawon, Demola Sodiq, Abiodun Salami, Abiodun Aigbe, National Directorate of Employment official Adebowale Ologbenla, Ketu monarch Oba Balogun Oyero, Pastor Oyedapo Oyetunde and Lagos white cap chiefs; Ayodele Oyekan (Bajulaye), Ibikunle Bailey Jakande (Oluwo), Taju Durosinmi-Etti (Etti), and Waheed Ayeni (Sasore).

    Urging party members to gird their loins, Balogun said: “Let our supporters and followers register at the ward level. After registration, go and collect your PVCs. That is the ticket for voting. If you are in politics or you are involved in politics and you don’t have PVC, you are not in politics. Let everybody go and collect their PVCs to vote for the APC.”

    He added: “Some members have taken us to court. Let them cease hostilities. They should withdraw their court cases and return to rebuild the party. We will dialogue and reconcile.”

    Hailing the legislator for his ability to plough back into the constituency, the chairman advised other elected officials to emulate his kind gesture of giving the constituents a sense of belonging.

    Balogun said: “We have a good representative in Abuja, who has come to plough back to his constituency. Through this empowerment, Agunsoye is campaigning for the party. I urge other elected party members to do the same. Through the empowerment, party members have a sense of belonging. Party members deserve dividends of democracy from the government and their elected leaders.”

    Beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes receive bicycles, tricycles, hair dryers, grinding machines, wheel biros, gas cookers, popcorn machines, sewing machines, and vulganiser’s pumping machines.

    To Aigbe, Agunsoye is a party man to the core who has an enviable record of service to the party, the state and the country. He urged party members to follow his footsteps.

    Prince Oyekan urged the constituents to give the legislator a second term for continuity of productive service to the country. He advised beneficiaries not to sell the empowerment items, adding that they should operate them to make money.

    He added: “Agunsoye was a good commissioner. He has justified the opportunity given to him to represent Kosofe in the House of Representatives. He is a prince with a mark of blue blood.”

    Salami, who welcomed the dignitaries, said: “Agunsoye is a jolly good fellow who has mass followership. Agunsoye is about effective and efficient representation. He is always eager to give back to the people.”

    Okanlawon said: “Agunsoye is always identifying with his people. His second term is assure.”

    Akande paid tribute to the legislator, saying that, in his first tenure, he has done the party and his constituency proud.  She added: “She is concerned, not about himself, but about other people. I urge the beneficiaries to utilise the equipment well for their economic life.”

    Seriki said: “Agunsoye has not forgotten his people. His people will not forget him.”

    Braimoh, a lawyer, endorsed the legislator for a second term, saying that he has justified the confidence reposed in him.

    Osinnowo called for unity in Kosofe and Lagos East, urging people to shun falsehood and lies.

    He denied working at cross purpose with Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, stressing that the performance of the governor is commendable.

    Osinnowo said: “Lagos is sweet because some people laid the foundation. I thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for laying the foundation. I thank the governor for building on the foundation. He has brought honour to the party. I am not fighting the governor. Only a mad man will fight the governor.

    “Lagos West and Central have done eight years. Lagos East must do eight years. I am calling for unity. The season of politics has come. It is the season of eating and lies. It is up to our elders and leaders. If they endorse a person, it is certain. If a person is not endorsed, that is the end.”

    Agunsoye tendered his stewardship, saying that he has represented the constituency well in the last three years. He also said that the empowerment programme initiated by him has been sustained in the last three years for the benefit of the constituency.

    These include Kosofe Federal Constituency Empowerment and Wealth Creation Programme, skill acquisition training for 200 youths, training for 200 graduates in skill acquisition in catering and hotel management, agriculture, fashion design, solar energy, ICT; skill acquisition for 50 women in collaboration with the NDE, distribution of block mouldingmachines, grinding machines, embroidery machines, generators, motorcycles and tricycles in 2016 and registration of occupational skill trainees with the Lagos State Entrepreneurial Trust Fund (LSETF).

  • PDP members, professionals join Lagos APC

    The membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State swelled yesterday with defection of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Also, some members of the Road Transporters Employers Association (RTEAN), Faith-Based Community Birth Attendants, Association for Formidable Education Development, comprising teachers and owners of private schools, Association of Traditional Midwifery of Nigeria and Association of Hairdressers have declared support for the APC and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    At a ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, the state capital, the new members pledged to work for APC’s success in next year’s general elections.

    The Chairman of Southwest PDP Movement, Mr Elijah Awodeyi, who defected with over 500 members to the APC, said they were excited by the performance of Governor Ambode to join the party.

    Awodeyi said: “We have seen the type of schools, roads and hospitals the Ambode administration is putting in place in the state. Since APC is working and Lagos is working, we decided to join the APC.”

    Lagos State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun congratulated the new members for joining APC.

    He said it was a party for the progressives who are concerned about the welfare of the people.

    The chairman said this was the reason Ambode has been performing wonders across the state.

    Balogun said the new members resolved to be part of the good work the APC administration was doing in the state, hence their decision to join the party.

    He said: “I must congratulate you for leaving darkness for light. You will not regret your decision in joining APC. All benefits accruing to old members of APC will be extended to you. There will be no discrimination.”

    The chairman urged the new members, who had not registered, to register at their wards.

    Balogun implored those without the Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) to register with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enable them vote in 2019.

    Members of the faith-based Community Birth Attendants stood up and waved their PVCs to show the party leaders that they were prepared for next year’s polls.

    Balogun presented APC’s flags to leaders of the defectors.

    They included Awodeyi, who led the PDP defectors; Bishop R. A. Oguntunwase, for Faith- Based Community Birth Attendants; Prince Tajudeen Olusesi, President of Association of Traditional Midwifery of Nigeria; Alhaji Rahaman Amusan of RTEAN; Mrs Ifejola Dada, leader of Association for Formidable Education Development and Mrs Surat Abari-Ajibola, President of Hair Dressers Association.

    Those at the event included APC Deputy Chairman, Chief Sunny Ajose; APC Secretary, Dr Wale Ahmed; Chief Funso Ologunde (Vice Chairman, Lagos West); Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya (Vice Chairman, Lagos East); Alhaji Hakeem Bamgbola (Vice Chairman, Lagos Central); Women Leader, Mrs Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas, members of Lagos State House of Assembly and some local government chairmen.

  • Lagos APC commiserates with tanker explosion victims

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commiserated with victims of last Thursday’s tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

    The party regretted that the tragedy occurred when the state government was working hard to ensure accident-free transportation system, which Lagos residents had commended.

    Lagos APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and wished those injured quick recovery.

    He said: “It is unfortunate. It is unnecessary. We did not bargain for this in Lagos. It is bad. It is sad. Efforts should be made that this type of tragedy does not occur again in Lagos.”

    He advised tanker operators and drivers to ensure that their long vehicles are fit for the road, adding that safe driving practices could avert doom on busy roads.

    Balogun said: “Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families at this trying period. We pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and quick recovery for hospitalised victims who sustained injuries.

  • Lagos APC to sue NWC for nullifying congress

    The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will challenge in court the nullification of the state congress by the National Working Committee (NWC), the state’s Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr Abiodun Salami, has said.

    Reacting to a report on the purported nullification, Salami said the NWC’s decision was mischievous and an attempt to cause confusion in the Lagos chapter.

    The state congress was held on May 19 at the party’s secretariat in Ikeja, where a new executive committee, headed by Alhaji Tunde Balogun, was elected.

    The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, was quoted as saying that “the faction loyal to Senator Bola Tinubu, which conducted its ward and local government congresses in 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs), was overruled by the national leadership. Of course, we overruled those who conducted their congress in 57 local government areas because the constitution only recognises 20 local governments”.

    Apparently referring to Fouad Oki’s group, which conducted another congress in Lagos, Abullahi said: “We couldn’t have discountenanced those who conducted in 20 local government areas because that is constitutional. The issue in Lagos is constitutional.”

    Salami said the issue of local government on which the NWC based its decision was not tenable.

     

     

  • ‘I didn’t attend Lagos APC parallel congress’

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Olayiwola Isiaq Oba yesterday said he was not part of the parallel congress held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    He said the factional congress organised by Fuad Oki was held in error, adding that it did not follow laid down guidelines.

    Oba said he was surprised that Oki announced his name as the State Assistant Legal Adviser at the parallel congress without his consent.

    Dissociating himself from the rebellious exercise, he threatened in a statement that he would take a legal action against the rumour mongers.

    Oba said: “My attention has been drawn to the list of All Progressives Congress (APC) parallel purported elected state executives, led by Fuad Alade Oki, that my name appears on Number 18 of their list as their Assistant State Legal Adviser in their parallel purported election held on May 19.

    “Ordinarily, I would have ignored because my name is Olayiwola Isiaq Oba, not as inscribed in their list as Lai Oba. But, for avoidance of doubt, coupled with the fact that a lot of my friends and associates have called me on it, I state that it is pertinent for me to clear my name and set the record straight for posterity.

    “I hereby state that I did not contest undr the above parallel APC congress, led by Fuad Alade Oki. I was not at their election venue and I am not part of their group and will never do anything against the APC-led exco by Alhaji Tunde Balogun.

    “I dissociate myself from this list and disclaim the position that they claimed I contested for. This is a ploy by my enemy to bring me in conflict with my role model and my amiable leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that will never happen in the name of Allah.”

     

  • Day Lagos APC elected its new executive

    The state congress of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) was held last Saturday at the party secretariat, Ikeja amidst pomp and ceremony. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN reports that the new executive committee is taking over the leadership of the party at an auspicious time and that the expectations of members are high.

    THE Lagos State secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a beehive of activities last Saturday, when the chapter held its congress to usher in a new leadership, to manage the affairs of the party in the next four years. As early as 7.30am, delegates had started trooping in for accreditation which commenced by 9 am. The security operatives allowed only bona fide delegates, party leaders, reporters and observers to enter the party secretariat to ensure orderliness and smooth session.

    The sitting arrangement for the delegates was on local government basis. This enhanced smooth accreditation, as they were accredited on their seat by the congress officials. The aspirants too also had their seats.

    The congress generated a lot of excitement, because it was an open secret that change was imminent. It had become evident three weeks ago that imminent that a change in leadership was in the offing, when National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, announced at the end of its stakeholders meeting that executive members that have served three or more terms would not be allowed to re-contest.

    The congress which was conducted by the Electoral Committee headed by Senator Uche Ekwunife was monitored by the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), men of the State Security Service and the police. The congress was peaceful and all officers were returned unopposed.

    The programme started with a welcome address by the out-going chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, who recognised the presence of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, and other party chieftains at the epoch-making event. He got a loud ovation when he described Ambode as “Governor General of Nigeria and governor of the most impressive state”.

    Ajomale made it clear that he was not making a valedictory speech. He equally made it clear that he remains a member of the APC family in Lagos and that he would continue to contribute to the progress of the party, even after leaving office. He said: “We are part and parcel of the APC membership; we will continue to serve the party.”

    He also admonished the incoming executive members: “The mantle of leadership that would be bestowed on you today is a challenge that you will be able to do better than what we are leaving behind. We have done our best. You should improve on our performance. You should remember that Lagos is the light of the APC; Lagos produced the Chairman of APC Chairmen. You must maintain that.”

    Thereafter, Ekwunife took over to perform the business of the day. In her remarks, she expressed her delight in being appointed to head Lagos State Electoral Committee, by the National Working Committee (NWC). She also commended Ajomale for holding the party together in the state for the past 12 years.

    She added: “Lagos is politically stable. The party is growing in the state. I commend the chairman for his zeal and commitment in growing the party in Lagos State. Thank you for giving Lagos that kind of leadership.”

    Apparently, reacting to information making the rounds that a parallel congress was holding somewhere in Ikeja, Ekwunife said: “This is the only legal committee set up by the national headquarters of our great party, the APC, to conduct state congress in Lagos State. Any other congress is illegal and an exercise in futility. As I am talking to you, we have in our midst INEC officials, DSS operatives and the police who are here to monitor the proceedings and also prepare their reports. This is the only congress recognised by the National Working Committee.”

    Although provisions had been made for delegates to cast their ballots, Ekwunife said since there was one aspirant for each position, there was no need to conduct the exercise. She said the committee had resolved to adopt voice vote in electing the new executive members. The committee chairman said the APC constitution allows election by affirmation.

    Then she called out the only aspirant for the chairmanship position, Alhaji Tunde Balogun and presented him to the delegates. He was returned unopposed. Similar procedure was applied in returning the other officers. They include: Deputy Chairman, Chief Sunny Ajose; Vice Chairman (Lagos West), Mr Funsho Ologunde; Vice Chairman (Lagos East), Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya; Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Mr Hakeem Bamgbala; Secretary, Dr Wale Ahmed; Assistant Secretary, Femi Saheed; Treasurer, Mrs Olasunbo Ajose; Assistant Treasurer, Johanna Adebobuyi; Financial Secretary, Oluyinka Osinubi; Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe; Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr Abiodun Salami; State Organising Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Enilolobo; and Assistant Organising Secretary, Mr. Muftau Kadiku.                                                             Others are: Legal Adviser, Mr Ademola Sadiq; Assistant Legal Adviser, Toke Benson; Welfare Secretary, Alhaja Ramota Bankole; Assistant Welfare Secretary, Alhaji Olorunfunmi; Auditor, Wale Ariyibi; Assistant Auditor, Mr Ismail Azeez; Women Leader, Mrs Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Assistant Woman Leader, Kehinde Babalola; Youth Leader, Mr Tayo Sanyaolu; Assistant Youth Leader, Ms Busola Akeredolu; and Youth Organising Secretary; Mr Idris Aregbe.

    The zonal women leaders are Mrs Kofoworola Ajayi (Lagos West); Mrs Fausat Gbadebo (Lagos East) and Mrs Fadekemi Otitolaye (Lagos Central). Those who emerged as zonal youth leaders are: Lukman Jimoh (Lagos West); Alhaji Bashir Adekoya (Lagos East) and Ahmed Olanrewaju (Lagos Central). The ex-officio members are: Abu Akilapa, Princess Obiageli Onu, Alhaji Ibrahim Patako and Mr Bode Oyedele. Mr. Israel Akiode was returned unopposed, to represent the physically-challenged.

    The Secretary to the Electoral Committee, Alhaji Kabiru Ibrahim, congratulated the new executive members, saying they emerged through due process. He noted that Lagos is always first in party affairs and urged the new executives to maintain the status quo.

    The new chairman promised to take Lagos APC to the next level. He also expressed his appreciation to Asiwaju Tinubu for his selfless services to the party. What makes a leader to be successful, he added, is the ability to promote leaders among his followers. This, he said, was the secret of Tinubu’s success as a leader. He equally hailed Ajomale for his tireless effort in making Lagos APC what is it today.

    Party chieftains that attended the event tried to set an agenda for the incoming executives. Ajomale advised the Balogun-led executive to come up with a new role for the youth, so that they would be involved in party management. He said the youths form the bulk of the party membership and that they should be engaged, because they are the future leaders. He added: “They should start learning the rope as youths, so that when they assume the position of leadership, they would have been prepared for it.”

    The deputy governor, Adebule, charged the new executive to promote unity among the members of the party. She said every member, irrespective of their disposition, should be carried along in party affairs. The unity among the rank and file, she stressed, would strengthen the party further.

    Perhaps the greatest challenge before the new executive is the parallel congress held by some members which produced a parallel executive headed by Mr Fouad Oki, who was the Vice Chairman of the out-going executive. Oki had earlier called for the cancellation of the ward congress.

    A chieftain of the APC who spoke on condition of anonymity told our reporter that the matter would be resolved amicably. He said Oki like every member of the party has the right to disagree on any issue. He said the former vice chairman and his group had exercised their right of expression, adding: “I know that the leadership of the party would not gloss over their complaints. Remember our leader Asiwaju Tinubu is gifted in resolving political crisis. I am sure he and other well-wishers of the APC in Lagos State would swing into action and settle the matter in a family way. My advice to the new executive is that they should not treat Oki and his supporters as dissident or rebel group. All hands must be on deck. We should not create the impression that Lagos APC is divided. He also advised members to discountenance the speculation that Oki was playing out the script prepared by some Abuja-based politicians.

    But, a youth leader, Mr Waheed Bamgbose from Ifako/Ijaye, blamed Oki for allowing himself to be used by few disgruntled members. He said having made his observation known as a disciplined party man that Oki should not have indulged in anti-party activities.

    He added: “What does he stand to gain from the melodrama staged at the Airport Hotel? He had succeeded in calling attention to himself. To whom will he submit the report of his kangaroo congress? I believe he and his sponsors are trying to create distraction for the new executive.”

    Balogun and his team should not be bugged down by the antics of the tiny minority, adding: “If they want to come back, they should be allowed. With what transpired here today, I can say unequivocally that Asiwaju is in control in Lagos State.”

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu said the success of the congress had proved that the APC is a party that believes in the rule of law. She advised the aggrieved members to apply the party’s internal mechanism in seeking redress.

    The congress was attended by Governor Ambode, Senators Oluremi Tinubu, Gbenga Ashafa, Solomon Adeola, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon. Others dignitaries were the Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Mudashiru Obasa; the Southwest APC Women Leader, Mrs Kemi Nelson; the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr Tunji Bello; Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Hon. Abike Dabiri; Chief Alabi Macfoy; Members of the House of Representatives and State Assembly, Chairmen and councillors of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas.

     

  • Lagos APC bans chair, others from re-election

    THE Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has banned its chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, members of the state executive council, wards and local government executives that have served three or four terms in office from seeking re-election.

    APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who announced the decision, said it was aimed at injecting new blood into the party’s leadership.

    Tinubu, who spoke at the APC stakeholders meeting in Lagos yesterday, said party officials who have served three or four terms at the ward, local government and state levels should leave.

    He said: “We want new breed, new development and new opportunity. Some of them have spent three to four terms at ward, local government and state levels. We thank them. The younger ones also want to move forward. If you have used eight, 10 or 12 years at ward, local government and state, we want to walk. Thanks a lot. We appreciate you. They should give us the chance, we plead.”

    Hailing them for their performance in office, Tinubu said: “They never lost elections during their tenures. They all worked hard. Those who have spent one term, the leadership will decide with you. That will be a matter for the local government branch to sort out. You must go back to the local leadership and they will look at all criteria.”

    The meeting became rowdy as supporters of some party chieftains were dancing and eulogising them. Some members displayed different placards with inscriptions such as: “We want open primaries”, “Enough of intimidation in Alimosho” and “Gbajabiamila deserves another term”.

    Tinubu was able to restore order after asking the placards-carrying members to leave the scene. He  said they did not come for the meeting. “If you come for meeting, you will listen to what we are saying. We are going to give you feedback. We are discussing about the congress not about the candidates for elective positions,” the party stalwart said.

    Addressing the warring factions from Alimosho, Tinubu said: “I saw your placards; I read all your letters. I will give you a date when to meet you.”

    Turning to Surulere members, he asked: “Why did you allow PDP to win in your constituency; noise-making will not solve your problem.”

    He advised members from Ajeromi/Ifelodun and Amuwo, where APC lost elections in 2015 to go and reconcile with those who betrayed the party.

    “Don’t fight them but beg them to vote for the APC,” he said.

    He noted that the state chapter of the APC through the Lagos Central Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, sent a message to the party’s national leadership in Abuja that they don’t want tenure elongation.

    “Ever since, we have worked tirelessly. Now, the National Executive Council (NEC) has agreed that there will be congress. Congress committee members have been inaugurated with Jigawa State Governor Badaru as the chairman.

    “We hope this congress will go well. We have been having meetings about this congress. This is a congress of unity.

    “Four year ago, we conducted a congress. We didn’t kill anybody. We elected governor and President.”

    Tinubu warned that where there is violence during the congress, the result will be cancelled.

    “Now is another congress. I want to see the leaders of Alimosho – the two group writing open letters. I want to see all your leaders. All the copies of your open letters, I have read. We will give you dates so that we can talk.

    “It is four years since the merger that led to the formation of the APC. We fought for the congress. We got it. We commend the leadership at the national level. All of you in Lagos, I want to appeal to you, we have heard series of things.”

    He canvassed that women should be given greater opportunity to participate in politics.

    In an interview with reporters after the meeting, Ajomale said he was part of the decision that young people should be allowed to take over the management of the party.

    “If you have contested once, it is right to give you a second term. If you have been there since 1998 – that is about 18 years. We feel the younger generation should be given a chance. It is right and proper to allow the younger generation to take -over,” he said.

    Party chieftains who attended the meeting include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Secretary to Lagos State Government Mr. Tunji Bello, Mrs. Modupe Sasore, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos State APC spokesman Mr. Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiu Esinlokun, Kamil Olukoya, Alhaja Kafilat Opara and the Igbo APC leaders.