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Tag: Muazu

  • We’ll investigate complaints against Taskforce – Police

    Lagos Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu on Wednesday assured that allegations of corruption, extortion against policemen attached to the state’s Taskforce on Environmental Sanitation will be investigated.

    He stated this while responding to questions from reporters after his brief on recent arrests recorded.

    Acknowledging that he had also received such complaints about the agency, Muazu said he had invited the Taskforce Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) for a meeting.

    Noting that the Taskforce was a state government agency despite having police components in it, Muazu assured that a positive result will come out of the meeting.

    “I have recently received complaints about the operations of the Taskforce and I want to assure you that this afternoon, we are hosting the Commander of the Taskforce here. We are going to have a meeting with him.

    “Though there are police officers in the Taskforce, we should know that it is an outfit created by the state government and so, we must collaborate with the Commander in handling any issue about officers there. I assure you that something positive will come out from today’s meeting,” he said.

    On armed gangs terrorising Amukoko, the Commissioner said he received the report and immediately took charge of the situation by directing the Area Commander and Divisional Police Officer to move in their men there.

    “Our police officers moved in there and made sure peace was restored to the area. We have not gotten report from the DPO yet, I will let you know how many arrests were made as soon as we get it.

    “What the command is doing is not different from the general strategy we have taken against the operation of cultists in the whole state. We have identified areas in the state where these cult activities are prevalent and we have mounted an operation with Area Commanders and the DPOs to ensure that these activities are totally wiped off.”

    Confirming the dismissal of the drunk policeman who shot a school girl at Ikorodu, Muazu said he had been handed over to the legal team for prosecution.

    He said the command will not tolerate cases of professional misconduct of policemen, urging residents to come forward with information on any cop found drinking at beer parlours or any other unethical behaviour.

    “I want to call on you to assist us. Where you see this misbehaviour, please let us know, we are here for you and with your cooperation we can sanitise those around us. If you see any please let us know, we are always here to listen to you, and always ready to take those police officers through orderly room procedures and show them the way out of the police force.”

  • Buhari receives ex-PDP chairman Muazu, Yuguda, others at Bauchi APC rally

    BAUCHI-PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is happy at the success story from the agricultural sector under his administration.

    Buhari,speaking yesterday at an All Progressives Congress (APC)  rally in Bauchi said the agricultural policies of the government had produced the desired result.

    “The last two rainy seasons recorded in the last two years in the country as a result of which farmers recorded bumper harvest, were gifts from God,” he told a massive crowd of supporters

    “Nigerians who heeded to my call for them to go back to farm, had no cause to regret,” he said.

    Buhari promised that if re-elected for a second term, he would ensure that all existing agricultural  programmes initiated by his administration, were sustained to ensure food security.

    He expressed delight that the agricultural programme had reduced mass importation of food items.

    He also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the anti graft war embarked upon by his adminstration, saying it had yielded dividends.

    The president reiterated the commitment of his administration to protect public treasury and ensure that looters were prosecuted according to the law of the land.

    In his remarks, National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, cautioned the people against giving their mandate to someone else.

    He urged Nigerians to thoroughly scrutinize presidential aspirants, adding that some of them that had boasted of being rich, owed it a duty to explain their sources of wealth.

    Oshiomhole formally received into the APC high ranking politicians who switched  allegiance mainly  from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

    They included two former governors of the state,Alhaji  Adamu Muazu and Mallam  Isa Yuguda, a former deputy governor Abdulmalik Mahmood, as well as Senators  Abubakar Maikafi and Babayo Gamawa.

    The defectors were handed over to Oshiomhole by the APC chairman in the state, Alhaji Uba Nana who commended commended the defectors for taking the right decision at the appropriate time.

  • PDP Convention: Tension mounts over N9b inherited from Muazu

    PDP Convention: Tension mounts over N9b inherited from Muazu

    •Disputed cash blown by party officials in nine months

    Ahead of the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), there is fresh tension in the party over the whereabouts of about N9billion left by a former National Chairman of the party, ex-Governor Adamu Muazu.

    All the organs of the party are poised to join issues with some members of the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC) including some aspirants seeking a return to PDP’s cabinet.

    It was learnt that the fate of the returnee aspirants might be determined by the extent to which they could account for the N9billion.

    About N500million, which was traced to Skye Bank, was shrouded in crisis as at the time of filing this report.

    But there were strong indications that the cash was allegedly squandered within nine months  before the sacked National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff came on board.

    But aggrieved party members have been prevailing on PDP leaders to allow the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to step into the row over the cash.

    According to investigation by our correspondent, Muazu allegedly left N9billion in PDP’s account before stepping aside as the National Chairman of the party.

    Muazu, who was in the US for medical treatment, had resigned as the chairman on May 20, 2015.

    In a letter to the party, Muazu attributed his resignation to the abysmal performance of the party in the 2015 general elections.

    He said it was necessary for him to leave and for peace to reign in the party.

    But more than two years after he quit, there are issues on the alleged N9billion inherited from him.

    It was unclear if the cash legitimately earned from members or part of the poll bribery sum which a former minister splashed on the party or presidential largesse.

    Findings however confirmed that all the organs, caucuses, ex-governors, ex-ministers and leaders of the party are angry over the whereabouts of the money which was in the party’s purse after the 2015 poll.

    A former governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “No one has been able to tell us the whereabouts of the cash. PDP members were even kept in the dark on the lump sum in the party’s account.

    “About N500million out of the N9billion is trapped in Skye Bank due to undisclosed reasons.

    “The former NWC cannot sweep this cash under the carpet. All those in the past NWC must tell us what they blew N9b on .This is also why we do not want any of them to come back to lead the party until every Kobo is accounted for.”

    A member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) said: “The sacked National Chairman, Sen. Sheriff virtually inherited empty treasury. Muazu left the party on May 20, 2015 and Sheriff came on board on February 17, 2016.”

    “This December 9 national convention wants to know what the party procured to have spent such huge cash after the general elections within nine months.

    “The whereabouts of the cash will shape the elections at our convention.  This is the hard truth we are seeking but which some serving governors would like to cover up by imposing candidates.

    “Those who seek to lead us must be accountable to the party. It is really unfortunate that some governors are pushing for business as usual.”

    A former governor said: “We want our cash back, all former NWC members must render account and locate the huge cash before seeking out votes.

    “Some of us will like the EFCC to step into this cash palaver and arrest those implicated.”

    A key member of the defunct NWC said: “The party’s former National Treasurer is in a position to give the breakdown of how the said money was spent and disbursed.

    “We also ensured that our account was audited by a competent firm. Whoever is seeking explanation on the cash should get a copy of the audit report.

    “This cash issue was raised at the meetings of all organs and caucuses including the National Assembly Caucus and the same details were given.

    “PDP members should ignore plot by some leaders, ex-governors, ex-ministers and some disgruntled elements to employ blackmail to fight proxy battle at the convention.”

    Asked what the money was used for, another NWC member simply added: “Logistics of PDP, I won’t say more than this. No money was stolen. Go and ask the former National Treasurer.”

  • Gombe APC ‘ll triumph in 2019, says Muazu

    Gombe APC ‘ll triumph in 2019, says Muazu

    Gombe State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Abubakar Habu Muazu, has hailed the restoration of peace in the chapter.

    He urged the party to learn from the protracted crisis, which lasted for two years.

    He charged the newly elected leadership of the chapter to build on the success of the recently held party congresses.

    He advised them to initiate political activities in their bid to build a viable opposition party.

    Muazu spoke on the imperative of unity and cohesion during his meeting with party executives and stakeholders in Balanga Local Government Area.

    He said the party cannot exist in silence and expect  to win power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, adding that members should exhibit loyalty to the party.

    The party chieftain, who chaired the coronation of Professor Iliya Sarki Dong as the ‘Hasken Waja,’ said the days of the PDP government were numbered.

    Muazu urged the people to endure the current pains, assuring that power will shift to the APC in the next election.

    He said: “This is one of the motivating reasons I had to sink over 40 boreholes in different communities within Balanga LGA. You don’t wait to be elected or when you are in power before you make meaningful impact on the lives of your people”.

    Muazu, a governorship aspirant for 2019 elections, urged party members to obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC’s).

    He said the people will use the cards to vote out the PDP during the poll.

    Muazu said the APC government will perform better than the PDP administration.

    He added: “Your best loyalty for now is to go out and obtain your weapon of sacking the PDP from power because without it, there is nothing you can do.”

    An APC chieftain, Luka Haruna, a lawyer, said the people must not fail to effect the change they missed in 2015 during the 2019.

    He described the APC as the only party that can drive the wheel of positive change for Nigerians, adding that Gombe must not be left behind.

    He said Muazu will emerge as the next governor.

    The chairman of the APC in the local government, Alhaji Ali Gwangal, commended Habu Muazu for identifying with the people of Balanga by sinking  boreholes in different communities.

    Muazu, who was accompanied by associates and received by a crowd of well wishers, described Professor Iliya Sarki Dong as a worthy son of Balanga, who will not disappoint his people.

  • Muazu: Gombe is for APC

    Muazu: Gombe is for APC

    Gombe State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Alhaji  Habu  Muazu   has said that the party will win the 2019  election.

    Muazu visited Biliri local government, in continuation of his tour of the state to drum support for his ambition.

    He was received by a large crowd of APC supporters in Biliri, who described him as a true party man.

    Muazu said he was in the locality  to drum support for the APC and  solicit their support towards his aspiration.

    Thanking the people, he explained that the visit would afford him the opportunity for close interaction with them, to feel their pulse, identify their problems and harness ideas on the future of the party.

    He noted that  theAPC has continued to grow from strength to strength in the state.

    Muazu said the party is determined to promote internal democracy by going through normal primaries to enable the people elect candidates of their choice. He stressed that there would be no god-fatherism or automatic ticket for any aspirant.

    While expressing satisfaction with the turn out, he urged the people not to relent in their support for the party, promising not to let them down, if giving the mandate.

    Muazu said if he becomes governor, his administration would sustain equitable distribution of democracy dividends to all parts of the state.

    He said various communities and local government areas would receive their fair share of political appointments and infrastructural development, including youth and women empowerment.

    A stakeholder, Luka Haruna, observed that the APC was initially weak, adding that the party was revived by Muazu’s financial and moral  support. He said the party has become a viable platform for the youths to actualise vision and ambition.

    Haruna said Habu’s action and commitment have shown his readiness to expand the frontiers of the party and defend its interest.

    The Tangale women leader ,Helen  Dantata, and youth leader Dickson Ibrahim said the former PDP youth leader has energised the party.

    They assured that the people of Biliri would continue to give him total support to turn around the party.

    The chairman of APC in Biliri Council, Timothy Seth,  noted that Muazu, in his philanthropist spirit, has impacted positively on the lives of the people.

  • 2019: Apc ‘ll defeat pdp in Gombe, says Mu’azu

    2019: Apc ‘ll defeat pdp in Gombe, says Mu’azu

    Prince Abubakar Habu Mu’azu is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State. He spoke with reporters in Gombe, the state capital, on the imperative of power shift in 2019. Excerpts:

    You were a very active player in the pdp. Why did you quit the ruling party in your state?

    I left PDP in 2015, shortly before the presidential election because I discovered that the then President and PDP flagbearer was not salable in our zone, due to insurgency, our people felt Goodluck Jonathan was weak in fighting the insecurity activities of Boko Haram that bedeviled the zone, including my state Gombe. My decision to live the PDP was based on the love I have for my people and the country at large, I had no choice but to go with the decision of my people to support President Muhammadu Buhari. My people then had the belief that Buhari will be able to tackle the problem of insurgency and thank God our belief and support was not in vain as he is able to reduced the security challenges to the barest minimum.

    But, do you think,  your party stand the chance of defeating the incumbent party in the state?

    We all witnessed what happened in 2015, the APC overwhelmingly defeated the ruling PDP, so defeating the incumbent is no longer a problem or challenge in Nigeria. Nigerians are becoming more wiser politically, people no longer follow a political party but a candidate that they believe in. Secondly defeating an incumbent is not strange to me or to us in Gombe I was actively involved in the campaign and politicking that led to the removal of Hashidu under the ANPP in 2003 to usher in Danjuma Goje of the PDP. With my experience, determination and support I don’t think defeating an incumbent will be a big deal. Thank God I enjoy the support of the youths and women and even some of our elders with the support I am very optimistic that realising my ambition won’t be a big task.

    You mean even with the internal crises within the party?

    I don’t think there is any big crises in the party. What is happening in Gombe is normal in every political setting. That is party politics and some people are just over exaggerating the situation, we all saw what happened during the last local government elections primaries,  we worked as a team there was no any parallel conduct of the primary anywhere. Also, we have just one caretaker committee with local government executives at local to wards levels. Had it been there is crises we will have factional leadership, beside I am making all efforts to reach out to those aspiring for leadership in the party to come together and see the need of building the party and the response is encouraging.  I am not desperate to be the Governor but I am more interested in building a party that will take power in the state come 2019 and In-sha Allah with the support we are getting and the calibre of people dumping the PDP for the APC we shall make it. I also want to use this opportunity to call on all those who truely believe in the APC to see the  need of sacrificing in building the party. I am assuring you that APC stand the chance of winning in 2019 in Gombe but it depends on the degree of unity, quality of candidates, campaign strategy and effectiveness of mobilisation

    Don’t you think that you are declaring your ambition too early?

    As a politician and one who sincerely believes in party politics,  there is nothing like too early. I don’t want to be an Abuja politician that will come few days to elections and think they will just bring money and buy delegates.  I believe in building the party and my structures within the party and that’s exactly what we are doing. Like I said earlier, people are becoming more wiser in the game, they want to know your past political records, achievements and contributions to the development of the party and the State. Thank God my records are open for everyone to assess, I am not doing this because I want to be Governor but because I am a true politician that is so passionate about the well being of my people. I am not doing this simply because I want to be a Governor you can ask those that know me very well, I am not doing this because I have money but because I believe in the masses and I derive pleasure in being with them. Maybe those that are yet to declare are waiting for permission from their godfathers, they masses are my godfathers, the era of godfatherism is over, I am advising those looking at some politicians as godfathers to have a rethink and return to the people.

    You talked about building the party. Can you tell us some of the personal efforts you are making?

    The must important one is the one I mentioned earlier, I am reaching out and talking to our well wishers and supporters at all levels to see the need of coming together to build a viable party. I am appealing to them to forget the past and be more focus on the future, secondly you know no organisation function without resources, I am contributing in that aspect. Again it was our contribution and commitment that led to the massive support and mobilization the party got during the local government elections, although there was no election because the state electoral commission refused to even bring out the election materials due to fears that we will win the elections. I knew it was a difficult task for an opposition party to win local government elections but I also understand the important of mobilizing and gingering party supporters, that is why I am always on ground to ensure that we have some few activities in order to keep the party alive and moving. My area of specialization in politics is mobilization.

    If given the opportunity to govern the state, what would you do differently from what the  governor is doing?

    I am willing and ready to serve our people. The leadership and supporters of our party recognises my capacity and my sense of commitment in this regard. I intend to come up with innovative ideas to make lasting difference in the lives of our people, I am one individual that don’t see political position as a means of acquiring wealth, money is not always my problem but my desire is to see how I can touch lives and that’s what governance entails.

    If given the opportunity to serve, I will embark on a robust youth and women development initiatives to address the current economic challenges, I will also lay a foundation for the growth of our economy, focusing on agriculture and rural development, provision of basic infrastructure,  potable water and provision of adequate and affordable healthcare services.

    I want to offer hope, through actions, I want our people to be able to feed their homes and I also want our children and youths to afford their potentials.

    Let’s take a look at your background, what was your childhood aspiration, and what inspired you to join politics?

    Sincerely my aspiration in life then as a young man was to succeed my father as the Emir of Pindaga, but as I was growing up as a Prince, seeing what my father was doing, I developed strong passion in helping the people. Along the line I discovered that if I truely want to pursue my passion of serving and helping people I need a bigger and better platform, realising that being an Emir I will be restricted to my domain and there are some things I cannot do. As a strong, vibrant and courageous young man I then opted for politics to fulfill my passion and desires.

    What lessons have you learnt in politics?

    I have learned a lot both the good,  the bad and the ugly but I always feel bad when I see people that struggle in forming a government are not being assist. Politics is a game full of diverse experiences, how best you apply them gives you the desired results.

    How do you intend to consolidate on these experiences and lessons?

    Like I said, I have learnt a lot being an active player in the last three government, right from the period of Adamu Hashidu,  Danjuma Goje and the present government of Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo,  this are 3 different personalities, with different character and style of leadership I have learned a lot from them and I intend to consolidate on these experiences to add value to governance.

    Again, among all those so far contesting I think I understand the people and the State better, having spent all my life in the state. My past experiences with the people and my knowledge of the state gives me an added advantage. And it is very clear with the overwhelming support I am receiving we shall make it.

     

  • $2.1b arms deals: Mu’azu, Dikko, Jonathan’s ex-aide may be declared wanted

    $2.1b arms deals: Mu’azu, Dikko, Jonathan’s ex-aide may be declared wanted

    Security agencies may declare former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chair Adamu Muazu, former Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Comptroller-General Abdullahi Dikko Inde  and four others wanted.

    The others are former PDP Kebbi State governorship candidate Gen. Bello Sarkin Yaki, a former top official in the Office of National Security Adviser, Col. Bello Fadile, former Special Assistant to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Domestic Affairs Waripamowei Dudafa and a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr.Abdulrasheed Maina.

    They are wanted in connection with the ongoing probe of alleged curious spending by some former public officers, including  the management of $2.1billion arms cash by ex-National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), who is in detention.

    Some of those wanted allegedly diverted public funds  to other uses, including political purposes.

    Investigations have so far shown that some of the officers have questions to answer on some expenditures incurred by the Jonathan administration.

    The breakdown is as follows:

    • Muazu—(N500million cash allegedly from the Office of the National Security Adviser);
    • Yaki(N200million from ONSA);
    • Fadile(N100million from ONSA);
    • Dudafa( being investigated for N10billion given to the delegates to the PDP’s nomination convention);
    • Maina—alleged N20billion pension fraud
    • Dikko—N3.5billion incurred  on internet project

    According to a source, who spoke in confidence, most of those affected were invited by the Special Investigative Committee probing the activities of ONSA but they refused to turn up.

    The source added: “Security agencies have given these former public officers enough time but they have not turned up to clear some disbursements and  expenditures traced to them.

    “The committee is not saying that they are guilty but it is imperative for them to appear before the team handling these issues.

    “They have up to one week to honour the invitation of the panel or else they will be declared wanted by the appropriate security agencies.”

    Another source said: “Some of the accused persons on trial admitted disbursing arms cash to a few of these former public officers. For instance, Dasuki, in his statement, said he handed over N10billion to Dudafa for disbursement to delegates to PDP Nomination Convention.

    “A former Minister of Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, who is standing trial, said Yakin benefited to the tune of N200million from some funds.

    “Most of these people are holed up abroad. Let them come home. Once they are declared wanted by security agencies, it will be easier to extradite them home.”

  • Security on trail of Mu’azu, Jonathan’s Secretary Tukur

    Security on trail of Mu’azu, Jonathan’s Secretary Tukur

    EFCC to quiz ex-PDP chair on alleged diversion of $2.1b arms cash

    EFCC on his trail over N600m shared to six chairmen of PDP mobilisation committees. He is believed to be in Asia

    EFCC interested his role in the botched deal with fake Boko Haram chiefs involving payment of huge cash 

    Security agencies are “watch-listing” former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Adamu Muazu and a former Principal Private Secretary to former President Goodluck Jonathan,  Hassan Tukur, it was learnt yesterday.

    The two influential personalities are said to have been placed on the watch list over the alleged diversion of cash meant for arms into the 2015 election campaign and payment of huge ransom to unknown Boko Haram agents.

    Also yesterday,  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it would not be intimidated or stampeded to release PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh.

    The EFCC  said since Metuh had refused to either refund the N400million traced to him or sign an undertaken to refund it, he will not be released.

    Metuh will be allowed to go once he satisfies the condition for the discretion to be exercised in his favour, a source said.

    According to a top security source, Muazu and Tukur have been under investigation in the last few months on the arms cash allegedly disbursed to them for campaign purposes and counter-insurgency initiative with Boko Haram.

    The source said: “We need to interact with these two leaders, who are on watch-list. Since Muazu went for his daughter’s graduation and medical treatment, we have not been able to locate him.

    “We learnt Muazu is around Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia axis. We are on his trail because some suspects have admitted drawing campaign funds from the ex-PDP national chairman. Over N600million has so far been traced to him.

    Tukur is believed to have been seen in the country by security agencies about three or four days ago. He  might be invited over the botched deal with Boko Haram, which allegedly involved the payment of a ransom. He is also implicated in the disbursement of some  funds for use in the Presidency  for campaign and 2015 poll.”

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday said it could not be intimidated or stampeded by any campaign to release Metuh.

    The anti-graft agency made its position known in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren.

    It faulted National Legal Adviser Victor Kwon for alleging  compromise and witch-hunt in its management of Metuh’s arrest.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been drawn to a statement by the National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Victor Kwon, alleging  compromise and witch-hunt in the release of a chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Brigadier-General Jafaru Isa, (rtd) by  the EFCC.

    In the statement made available to the media yesterday,  Kwon alleged that: ‘ The release of Jafaru Isa, a known associate of the President and chieftain of the APC, eight hours after his arrest, while our spokesman remains in detention even when the two are being investigated over same allegation, clearly shows that the President Buhari-led APC government is not fighting corruption but using the much-hyped crusade as a cover to prosecute PDP leaders and decimate the opposition, a project the EFCC has clearly yielded itself as a willing tool’.

    “While the EFCC will not wish to  join issues with Kwon in this regard, it is important that the public is presented with the facts regarding the release of Isa. The APC chieftain was arrested for his involvement in the arms procurement scam,  to the tune of N170,000,000( One Hundred and Seventy Million Naira).

    “ Upon his arrest,  the retired General admitted receiving the said sum from Dasuki and immediately refunded a total sum of N100,000, 000( One Hundred Million Naira only), with an undertaking to refund the balance of N70,000,000( Seventy Million Naira only) in two weeks.

    “Besides, his health deteriorated after he was taken into custody. These two factors prompted the offer of bail to the suspect.

    “The grant of bail by the Commission does not amount to exoneration of the suspect.

    “Unlike Isa, Metuh, who is exposed to the tune of N1.2 billion in the arms scandal,  has shown no readiness to refund any amount of money to the EFCC, nor signed any undertaking to do so at a future date. Metuh, contrary to claims by his party, is not being detained illegally as the commission obtained a valid court order to hold him.

    “There is no basis for witch-hunt of Metuh. Nigerians are assured that he will be released once he satisfies the condition for the discretion to be exercised in his favour. Until that is done, the commission will not be intimidated or stampeded by any campaign of calumny that is intended to detract it.

    “Kwon claimed rather ridiculously that : ‘We have information of the marching order from the Presidency for the immediate  release of the President’s associate  and that his issue is one of the major reasons for the repeated visits of the EFCC Chairman to the Presidential Villa within the period  of his arrest…’

    “This is far from the truth. No one micro manage the EFCC, not even the President. The EFCC is focussed and will remain un-deterred in its task of ridding the nation of all forms of corrupt practices.

    “There is no modicum of truth in allegations of selectivity, bias and witch-hunt and the general public is enjoined to ignore such claims.”

  • I got N500m from Mu’azu, says Nwobodo

    I got N500m from Mu’azu, says Nwobodo

    Former Governor of the old Anambra State and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Jim Nwobodo has denied receiving money from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki. He also denied being part of the PDP chieftains that shared N3.05 billion through the former Minister of State, Bashir Yuguda.

    Nwobodo said the N500 million he got for the election was from the former National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu.

    He added that the money was disbursed to the five Southeast states through the state chairmen of the campaign committee, adding that he could not have queried his party chairman as to the source of the fund, which was strictly spent on the election as directed by the party.

    The former governor denied any personal knowledge or contact with Dasuki and Yuguda.

    His words: “I don’t know Sambo Dasuki; I have never met him in person; I have never had any interaction with him. And I didn’t receive money from him. As for Yuguda, the Minister of State, whose name was mentioned, I don’t know him. I think I only met him once and that’s all.

    “The party approved N500 million for the Southeast for the campaigns. We have five states and when nominees from the zone met, I was chosen to be the chairman.

    “After series of meetings, the committee was invited to the residence of the National Chairman, Dr. Adamu Mu’azu, who handed over money to me for the zone. I invited the chairmen of each of the state campaign committee and we disbursed the money, each state got N100 million.

    “It was not possible for us to ascertain where the money came from. We simply received money from our National Chairman and we did not ask for explanations pertaining to the source; I don’t think it is our duty as party members to query our chairman as to the source of the money he was giving us for an election.

    “For me, the money was handed over, disbursed and used for the campaign. The money was given to the committee, not me; to the committee by the National Chairman, Mu’azu at his residence.

    “She state chairmen and members who received and disbursed the money are alive and they can be contacted. At no time did the NSA hand over any money to me; there is no such thing. I have never met the former NSA; I don’t know him. There is nothing between me and the then NSA; I only worked for the PDP.”

     

  • Party divided over Mu’azu’s replacement

    Party divided over Mu’azu’s replacement

    Moves to replace the immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, with a substantive chair appear to have caused division in the party.

    Mu’azu resigned his position in May following the party’s defeat at the last presidential election.

    Sources confided in The Nation yesterday that agitation by some prominent party chieftains from the Northeast, where Mu’azu hails from, to take the slot was being resisted by top members from other zones.

    The PDP constitution provides a replacement of the party chair by another chieftain from the same geopolitical zone should the occupant vacates office before the end of his tenure.

    The PDP’s Deputy National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, has since replaced Mu’azu in an acting capacity.

    Mu’azu’s tenure ought to end by March 2016, when the party is expected to elect a new set of National Working Committee members to run its affairs for four years.

    It was gathered that there was sharp disagreement when some party chieftains from the Northeast tabled the matter before the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    They were said to have been opposed by other party chieftains from the Southeast, who argued that a similar treatment was meted out to them in 2007.

    Sources at the NEC meeting said the chieftains from the Southeast opposed the move, arguing that when Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo’s tenure as chairman was cut short in 2007, the party did not allow his replacement to come from the zone.

    Rather, he was replaced by Dr. Mohammed Bello Haliru from the Northwest geopolitical zone, who completed Nwodo’s tenure.

    The party’s spokesman, Chief Olisa Metuh, confirmed the disagreement between the two contending zones, stressing, however, that further consultations were ongoing to resolve the matter.