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Tag: National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Corruption can’t be wiped out anywhere – Oyegun

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said Tuesday that it was practically impossible to completely wipe out corruption from any society, but said the Buhari government will ensure that corruption is degraded to the extent where it will no longer have impact on the nation’s economy.

    Chief Oyegun who spoke when he received the management of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida who came to inform him of the decision to confer on him the Polytechnic Fellow also said that uncharitable Nigerians will not give the government credit for degrading the Boko Haram insurgency which no longer has the capacity to hoist its flag anywhere in the country.

    Oyegun will be honoured alongside Governors Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state, Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar at the institution’s combined convocation ceremony scheduled for March 28, 2018.

    Oyegun said even though there still challenges facing the nation, the Buhari government has taken drastic measure to address some of the ills facing the country, pointing out that while corruption is fighting back, it is no longer business as usual in the country.

    He said the country was in such a situation that it needed a man of courage to establish stability in the country and create an enabling environment for the economy to thrive, stressing that inspire of the challenges, the APC government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari has delivered in its promises.

    Chief Oyegun said the current government has been able to tame the Boko Haram insurgency to the extent that they no longer has the capacity to occupy any part of the country, but only attack soft targets.

    Oyegun said: “It is the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, a leadership that has been impossible for the opponents to distract or to derail that has made some of the things done so far possible. Yes, there are still challenges. As you rightly said, we took over in very difficult circumstances and one fundamental problem was the collapse of the price of oil in the international oil market.

    “The condition was such that we needed an extra ordinary man of courage to be able to lead the country out of the crisis that we inherited, to the increasing stability of economy and the progress that this nation is clearly beginning to attain. So, I consider that I am receiving this award on behalf of the President and government of this nation who has performed such tremendous miracle in reviving the Nigerian economy in a situation of declining resources.

    “We know how the fight against corruption is going on and that corruption is fighting back. It is not a problem you solve with the flip of a switch because corruption is very rich, it is very wealth and elitist and it is fighting back. But the President has a single mind about taming that scourge and tame it we will. 

    “We know now that corruption today is not as it was before. You can no longer take money from the government coffer and distribute to politicians and the rest of them. That alone is already a benefit and all the leakages have all been blocked. 

    “Nobody is saying that corruption has been wiped out because there is no country in the world where corruption has been wiped out, but it is being tackled in Nigeria and will degraded to the extent that it will no longer be a threat to the national economy or become an acceptable way of lodging business.

    “Boko Haram is tamed, but uncharitable people will go and say there are still explosions and killings. As at yesterday, there was still explosion in tenUnited States of America. 

    “Those crazy isolated incidents are aimed at soft targets. When a person is crazy and aiming at soft target, it is only God and inspiration that can stop such people. But what is clear is that Boko Haram has been totally degraded to the extent that it does not occupy any inch of Nigerian territory where it can raise its flag.

    “A lot of facilities are being out on ground especially the modern railway system that is going to be the bedrock of development in this country. You cannot carry meaningful development on trucks on the High way. 

    “It has to be carried on a modern railway system and the President has made that a priority and today we can say that on the implementation plan it now, is 5000 kilometer of modern standard gauge of railway line cutting across the entire length and breadth of this country.”

    Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Dr. Abubakar Dzukogi said the Polytechnic decided to honour the APC National Chairman because of his achievement in leading the party to a major victory in the 2015 election, and putting in place a government that achieved a lot in repositioning the country.

    Describing Oyegun as a master strategist and a silent achiever, the Rector said the achievement of the Buhari government in repositioning the country, especially in the area of security and agriculture among others was worth commending.

    Read Also: Kalu to Buhari: probe Obasanjo to prove your anti-corruption war

  • Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    Oyegun assures Tinubu of support

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has assured former Lagos state governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of his full support in the reconciliation efforts within the party.

    Oyegun, in a letter dated February 23, 2018 was however silent on the issues raised by the APC leader in his letter.

    The Nation learnt that Oyegun’s letter was written after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential villa on Friday afternoon after Friday prayers

    A copy of the two paragraphed letter sited by The Nation reads: “I thank you for your letter dated February 21, 2018, for your prayers and good wishes for my health. I wish you the same and pray that our good God keeps you strong and grants you His peace.

    “Let me once again formally congratulate you on the peace making assignment Mr. President has entrusted you with. It is most challenging but I believe you will ultimately justify the confidence reposed in you by Mr. President. In this you have my fullest support.

    “Be assured, dear Asiwaju, of my highest regards now and always”

    Tinubu had, in a well publicised letter accused the APC national chairman of frustrating reconciliation efforts by taking decisions regarding some state chapters the party.

    Also, the Cross Rivers state chapter had accused the national leadership of undermining the reconciliation efforts by ordering a Congress to elect a chairman for the party in the state barely one month to the end of the tenure of the present executive in the state.

    Read Aslo: Tinubu to Oyegun: stop frustrating peace moves

  • APC will not protect corrupt politicians – Oyegun

    APC will not protect corrupt politicians – Oyegun

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun said Thursday that the party will not offer anybody accused of corruption any form of protection from prosecution as being insinuated by Nigerians.

    Speaking when he received Senator Florence Ita Giwa at the National Secretariat, Chief Oyegun said even though he was not aware of any case of corruption against her, it is important to stressed that insinuation that those joining the party from the PDP are seeking protection from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were not true.

    He said: I know that those who don’t wish us often tend to misinterpret some of this happening as running away thinking that they would have protection from the EFCC.

    “Of course, I am not aware in your case that anybody is harassing you with the EFCC. In any case, it is obvious and played out today that we do not offer sanctuary to anybody running from the arms of the law. The evidence is all over the place”

    He said further that he has “been severally criticised for saying that the change we stand for is something that cannot be accomplished and completed in the life of our present four year tenure. It will not be completed even in eight years.

    “The task is enormous, challenging and worth fighting for. We stand on the threshold of history. God put this nation called Nigeria for a purpose and he does not make mistake. We have a manifest destiny.

    “We thank you for volunteering to join us to work. This is not a food is ready party that has become very clear. I thank Mama Bakassi for doing so much for your people. I want to assure the two of you that you won’t suffer any loss of status or recognition and you will occupy your proper place.”

    While welcoming her and her supporters to the party, he said “We welcome you to the headquarters of the APC headquarters. It is an honour that has been bestowed on only very few persons. One thing made your presence significant here. Traditionally, the South-south has been the heart of the unity and oneness of this nation, whether during the civil war or post-civil war.

    “Of course, our party does not have the presence it ought to have in the South-south. So when people of your calibre join us for the struggle, we from the South-south are particularly glad and happy.

    “We are in difficult and troubling times. President Buhari is trying strenuously to rebuild the shattered economy, to diversify our economic potential which up till now most unfortunately rested solely and unintelligently on crude oil. The result of the collapsed economy in addition to the collapse in the crude oil market has disrupted our economy, which has manifested in the individual deprivations of Nigerians all over the country.

    “In spite of the obvious difficulties that the nation is passing through, people like you voluntarily wanted to assist in this responsibility of helping in nation building.”

    In her remarks, Senator Florence Ita Giwa said she was forced out of the PDP of the impunity done to her by the party, saying “coming to the party is like a home coming, and I am identifying with the people I have known before. I feel very comfortable identifying with the caliber of people in the APC.

    “I will like to correct the erroneous notion that I decamped or they call it defection because there is no party to defect from. I personally stopped attending meetings in the last two years because of the impunity done on me.

    “It is on record that at 2015, I had went to the presidential candidate to say that I  was leaving the party, so I was potentially one of the politicians that were forcefully driven out of the party.

    “Again, with all sense of modesty, as a politician, you have to be good to your people for them to love you on whatever party you come from and till today, the love of my people are still electrifying today as when I started politics 25 years ago and I fill I should no longer waste my time. That is why I kept away because there are two groups running around and some of us are too serious to show our face in that kind of place.”

     

  • APC determined to win Anambra guber election – Oyegun

    APC determined to win Anambra guber election – Oyegun

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said Thursday that winning the forth coming Anambra governorship election was a test case for the APC led government’s bid to mainstream the south east in the power equation of the country.

    Speaking when he received APC South East Zonal Committee for the Anambra 2017 Governorship election at the National Secretariat in Abuja, Chief Oyegun said the APC was determined to win the election.

    Odigie-Oyegun: “It is clear that the quality of the committee underscores the importance in which the Party hold the Anambra governorship election and the importance in which we hold return of the South East to the mainstream of Nigerian politics.

    “At national level, it is a matter of prime concern. We are very keen to return the nation to the balance it used to have, a balanced federation. And it is most important for that purpose that the South South and South East must participate.

    “We must try to achieve a semblance of equality and full participation by all geopolitical groups in the power equation of this country. We are joining you in making Anambra a test case.

    Fortunately, we have had quite a number of good opinion leaders joining the movement and we now have the critical mass with which to project this great effort. We are fully with you in this effort. Certainly, by next month the Party leadership will set up a national campaign committee for Anambra state. We are determined to work, not to manipulate to win the forthcoming Anambra governorship election.”

    Also Speaking, the Committee Chairman, Dr. Jim Nwobodo said the Anambra governorship election is important for APC as a national Party, adding that everything legally possible must be done to win the State.

    Nwobodo said: “Anambra is an important State in the South East, economically and politically.  It is a State where very prominent and wealthy Igbos come from, some of whom are aspiring to contest for the forthcoming Governorship election. There may be attempts to influence the primaries with money and buy nomination.

    “But this Committee has resolved that the most popular choice of the people of Anambra State will emerge, irrespective of how deep his pocket may be, through a transparent primary. This is because imposing an unpopular candidate is a recipe for failure and bad governance.

    “Beyond the primaries, APC government should do something to convince the people of Anambra State and indeed the South East, to vote for an APC governorship candidate and that they are still part of the government of the day.”

    The Committee which was presented by APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Hon. Emma Eneukwu is chaired by former governor of old Anambra state, Dr. Jim Nwobodo.

    Former Abia state governor, Dr. Uzor Kalu is Vice Chairman. Other members of the Committee are Sen. Emma Azu Agboti (Secretary) Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume, Sen. Nkechi Nwogu, Chief Cosmas Maduba and Chief Gbazuagu Gbazuagu.

     

     

  • God has hands in Nigeria’s economic challenges – Oyegun

    God has hands in Nigeria’s economic challenges – Oyegun

    • Buhari’s Fight Against Corruption Yielding Results – CAF

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Thursday said that Nigeria’s present economic downturn could be an act of God to remind Nigeria on the need to implement and embrace radical change, particularly in the country’s current economic model.‎

    Chief Oyegun made the disclosure when he received in audience a 15-member delegation of an APC support group, Change Agents Foundation (CAF) led by its Director-General, Dr. Felix Felix at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

    His words: “I think God has a hand in the current economic predicament of the country. Imagine the sudden fall in the price of crude oil, the mainstay of the Nigerian economy, from its heights in 2014, averaging $112 per barrel down to the current price of $28 per barrel — lower than the $38 per barrel which the proposed 2016 budget is predicated on.

    “It is an object lesson for us. It tells us that we must embrace radical change in our economic model.”

    According to him, the fall in oil price has taken its toll on the revenue and expenditure of the Federal Government and as a result is having a severe effect on the economy.
    “The concept of change is a difficult one. Nigeria must be ready to adapt to new ways of doing things. As a party, we know and understand it calls for tremendous sacrifice, there is no other way.

    “Yes the economy is in a bad shape, but maybe that is the kick we need to be innovative and find ways to drive the economy out of the woods.

    “The luck we have is that we have as president a man committed to personal probity and sincerity of purpose to the project of developing Nigeria. Today, we must think and be innovative in ways of fashioning out new economic models which diversifies from the present over reliance on oil.

    “We are in the process of organising a three-day dialogue which will bring the party, government and stakeholders for an exposition on the realities facing the country, particular the economy.  It will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas so that we go home with a clear direction on how to go forward.”

    Also speaking at the meeting, the Director-General, CAF, Dr. Felix congratulated the APC National Chairman for leading the APC to victory at the last presidential election which ushered in the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    He said: “We are here to identify with you in this success and to say that while achieving success is a difficult thing, sustaining success is even more difficult. It is this realisation that prompted our coming together to form the Change Agents Foundation.”

    The Director-General said the fight against corruption being waged by the Buhari-led administration is already yielding results.

    “Our party promised Nigerians Change and this change Nigerians have already started experiencing through the unprecedented simplicity and transparency our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari has brought to governance of Nigeria.

    “The fight against corruption has already started yielding results as looted public funds are being exposed and returned while everybody occupying public office today is conscious of his actions knowing that there would be consequences for any inaction or wrong action.” Dr. Felix said.

    The CAF Director-General requested the National Secretariat of the APC to register the organisation to enable it contribute its quota towards efforts to deliver on the Change Mantra and objectives of the APC.

    The 15-member delegation included: Dr. Felix Felix; Henry Odili, Engr. Paul Iheayichukwu; Philip Chikwe; Amb. Tony Anucha; Amb. Alban Paulinus; Eze Emeghara; Amb. Prince Uzoka Emeka; Hon. Tubonemi Aggo; Engr. Iroigak Ikann; Iyke Oginah; Chigbo Eligwe; Awu Pereowei Kelvin; Comrade George Jeremiah Oba and Graham Waribo (Secretary-General).