The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Obasanjo

  • Obasanjo: ASUU stampeded govt into 2009 agreement

    Obasanjo: ASUU stampeded govt into 2009 agreement

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday said university lecturers stampeded the government into signing the 2009 agreement which has been a source of incessant strikes by the teachers.

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is currently on strike over the failure of the government to implement the agreement.

    Speaking at a book presentation yesterday at the University of Ibadan, he said the government allowed itself to be pushed into signing agreement without full consultation within government.

    However, he added that regardless of that, the government was bound to implement whatever agreement reached with workers’ unions.

    He said: “Government allows itself to be stampeded into signing the agreement particularly when one group or the other withdraws their service and go on strike. After the agreement has been signed, without full consultation within government and implementation becomes an issue.

    “But an agreement is an agreement whoever the agent is that signed that agreement on your behalf, you are bound by it. You may now have to renegotiate to have a new agreement but the agreement earlier signed remains an agreement.

    “The university teachers go on strike, there is an agreement; doctors go on strike, there will be a special agreement. And when the university teachers see that the agreement reached with the doctors is different from theirs, they again go on strike and this is bad for our economy.

    “The way we are going about spending all our revenue to pay overhead, we will not develop. And we will have ourselves to blame. Ninety per cent of revenue is used to pay overhead, allowances, salaries and not much is left for capital development.

    “In a situation like that, we have to rethink.

    “It is even worse for the National Assembly. They will abuse me again but I will never stop talking about them. They are a bunch of unarmed robbers.

    “They are one of the highest paid in the world where we have 75 per cent of our people living in abject poverty. They will abuse me tomorrow and if they don’t, maybe they are sleeping. The behaviour and character of the National Assembly should be condemned and roundly condemned.”

    The book presented by Prof. Mark Nwagwu is titled: “I am Kagara, I Weave the Sands of Sahara”.

    Obasanjo as the chief host while a former Minister of Education Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, was chair person.

    Ezekwesili described the 289-page book as a tool for Nigeria to examine the extent to which she had lost her values and culture.

    She decried the loss of community spirit, warning that Nigeria must never negotiate her values.

    According to her, the world was currently such that humanity tried to figure out what happened to morality.

    Book reviewer Mr Nwachukwu Egbunike, noted the theme of feminism and how women navigate life intricacies towards achieving success in life.

    Egbunike also lauded the author’s ability to weave around different concepts in both the spirit and natural world.

    Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan, Professor Olanike Adeyemo remarked that Nwagwu’s book was a veritable instrument to help the younger generation keep touch with culture.

  • Agriculture holds key, say Osinbajo, Obasanjo, Abdulsalami

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, yesterday said that agriculture will take Nigeria out recession.

    They urged Nigerians focus more on the sector.

    According to Prof Osinbajo, a sustainable growth in agriculture has an important role to play in the government’s economy diversification policy and the food security drive.

    Osinbajo, who spoke yesterday in Minna at the Niger State Investment Summit, believed that Nigeria could feed 50 per cent of the Africa if it can harness its agricultural potentials.

    He said that the Federal and Niger State governments have been collaborating to reposition the state to feed the nation, urging other state governments to harness their agricultural potentials.

    He commended the state government’s measures in attracting investors and harnessing its economic potentials, urging it to do more to compliment the federal government’s efforts, especially in infrastructural development.

    Chief Obasanjo said that only agriculture can take the nation out of recession, saying that the sector can sustain the nation, create jobs and the wealth needed to make the nation great again.

    He said: “If we have anything to take us out of recession and to lift Nigeria. It is agribusiness and not oil or minerals because it is the renewable business that we can do to sustain us and give us all the job creation and wealth creation we need in the country.”

    The former President, however, called on the Federal Government to draw up policies that would reduce the interest rate being charged by banks on loan-seeking farmers, adding that the interest rates were killing agriculture and agribusinesses.

    “There is need for available of fund and the rate of loans to farmers should be conducive for agribusiness.

    Charging of double digit interest rate by banks has caused the failure of agriculture in the country”, he said.

    Gen. Abubakar urged the banks to look into their interest rate and come up with rates that would be friendly to farmers to encourage agricultural development.

    He described as encouraging that agriculture was taking the centre stage in the country. According to him, food would soon cease to be a challenge as investments in agriculture would have addressed it.

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammadu Abubakar III described the struggle for power devolution in many quarters as unnecessary.

    According to him, those advocating the devolution of powers should exert their energies on the devolution of the economy.

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello described the summit as a paradigm shift of the economy from oil revenues to agriculture facing the challenges.

    He expressed optimism that the summit would open the state to the global community and showcase its potentials of investment opportunities.

  • Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Wrest power from old politicians, Obasanjo tells youths

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised the youth to democratically wrest leadership from the old guards since they are unwilling to quit the stage.

    To Obasanjo, leadership positions are never given on a platter of gold. He urged the youth to work for them.

    The ex – President, who spoke on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the Youth Governance Dialogue organised to mark this year’s  International Youth Day, added that those seeking leadership positions must also carve a niche for themselves through hard work.

    The programme was organised by the Youth Development Centre, an arm  of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library(OOPL), Abeokuta.

    Obasanjo noted that moral values had been eroded, unlike in the 50s and the 60s, adding that sound moral values were necessary ingredients for leadership.

    In Obasanjo’s view, Nigeria is in dire need of leaders who are academically and spiritually sound.

    He urged the youth to stop complaining, “moaning and agonising”.  He advised them to get ready to fit into  elective offices as there were moves now to lower the age for President, Governor and National Assembly.

    ”I joined politics from the top. The only position I contested for is President, but I had a track record of achievements, which led to that.

    ”Nobody will choose you; you have to choose yourself. Why should you have to become president at the age of 40? “Why can’t you become president at the age of 35? Why can’t you become president at the age of 30?

    ”General Gowon became Head of State at 33. I became Head of State at 39. And it is because of my track record, and thanks to Abacha (the late Gen. Sani Abacha)for putting me in jail.

    ”Those were the reasons why I had the opportunity to come back as elected President. The point is this -how are you prepared? Are you really prepared?

    ”You should engage in things that will bring about unity and integration. You see yourselves as Nigerians and one family instead of pursuing things that could divide the country,” Obasanjo said.

    Also, former Attoney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), in his paper titled “The role of our youth in contributing to the Peace and stability of the nation,” asked youths to strive towards unity and peace of Nigeria.

    ”If Obasanjo can make it, you can also make it. He joined the army and survived. When he was sent to prison, he survived. He was sentenced to death but here he is,” Agabi said.

    The chairman of the occasion, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN), advised youths to shun violence and “remain committed to Nigeria’s development”.

  • Ogun 2019: Obasanjo, Amosun drum support for Ogun West

    Ogun 2019: Obasanjo, Amosun drum support for Ogun West

    Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State have justified why the Ogun West Senatorial District should produce the next governor of the state in 2019.

    They spoke in Abeokuta, at the 80th birthday ceremony of a former Secretary to the State Government, Deacon Poju Adeyemi, yesterday, stressing that the people of Ogun West are competent, qualified and capable of governing the state.

    Obasanjo said it will be unfair to deny Ogun West the governorship position in 2019, after more than 40 years of the creation of the state.

    He said Ogun West has credible, illustrious and competent professionals in all sphere of endeavours, such as academia, military, civil service and politics.

    However, the former president warned the people of Ogun West to sink their differences and come up with a single candidate in the forthcoming elections.

    He said the zone has been unable to present a single candidate in previous elections, due to their political rivalry.

    According to him, the people of Ogun East Senatorial District have been out smarting Ogun West in previous elections, by standing behind a single, united candidate.

    Amosun, while eulogising the celebrator, said the only way to make him happy for the rest of his life, is to make sure that a candidate from Ogun West emerges as the next governor of Ogun State in 2019.

    He said the district should produce the next governor in the spirit of justice, equity and fairness.

    The governor said the people of Ogun West have contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ogun State, adding that the only way to compensate them is to give them the governorship slot in 2019.

    He urged all stakeholders in the state to see reason with him, in ensuring that a candidate from Ogun West takes over from him in May 2019.

    Prominent personalities at the birthday ceremony included the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, members of the Ogun State Executive Council and members of the Ogun State Traditional Council.

     

  • Get ready for Second Coming of Jesus, says Obasanjo

    Get ready for Second Coming of Jesus, says Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obansanjo on Saturday at Apostolic Faith Church said that  Christians should be prepared for the t Second Coming of Jesus Christ  as the end of the world is near.

    Obasanjo made this remark during the 2017 Camp Meeting Concert by Apostolic Faith Church Choir and Orchestral at the Camp Ground Igbesa in Ogun.

    He said that as a person, he would like to makie to  heaven  so as to sing with the angels.

    “You have to be fully prepared for the second coming of our Lord, there is no compromise.

    “I have a friend who will always say that when we get to heaven that we will be exhausted  praising God and it will be like a prison and will be very boring.

    “But what I have seen this afternoon by the choir, I will want to go to heaven and join the hosts to sing.

    “If this is an example of what  praising God in heaven will be, then I want to be  part of it. If what I have seen here is an indication of how heaven will be, I will like  go to heaven.

    “Jesus Christ came to the world to show us the way to salvation and eternal life. We have a good heritage and we have everything to be proud of,” he said.

    Obasanjo said that God could not  fix Nigeria  except Nigerians invite God into their lives collectively and individually.

    “We have a lot of things wrong with this country, if all Nigerians are sincere.

    “Nigeria can be fixed by God but we have to invite Him into our lives. What we have to do about this country is in our hands.

    “Gods grace abounds when we do not abuse it,” he said.

    The District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith, West Africa, Rev. Adebayo Adeniran,  said that only tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmonious living amongst Nigerians , irrespective of religious and political differences,  could lead to meaningful development.

    He said that all hands must be on deck to build again a virile nation, where love and harmony, forgiveness and peace, equity and prosperity would reign supreme.

    “Our country’s shoulders will be raised high among the comity of nations. All Nigerians , irrespective of religion , should pray for the resurrection of what our nation has lost.

    “Nigerians should remain patient in the face of political and religious intolerance, insecurity and economic hardships. God will make us triumph over all of them,” he said.

    He also urged Christians to pray for the country’s leaders to lead the citizens with the fear of God.

    “We should pray for fresh outpouring of Holy Spirit on our leaders so that they can lead us aright .We must not trade the unity of our nation.

    “Therefore, as a nation, those who have responsibility for  our nation should ensure there is true federation; they must establish trust among the leaders and the led, they must work for the unity of our country, ” he added. (NAN)

  • I sacked 93 military chiefs to end coups —Obasanjo

    I sacked 93 military chiefs to end coups —Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes his 1999 decision to retire politically exposed military officers was largely responsible for the current stability of democracy in the country.

    Ninety-three military officers who had served as state governors/administrators and ministers were laid off in one fell swoop by Obasanjo, soon after taking office as President in May 1999.

    Throwing light on the move in a new book he co-authored “Making Africa Work,” the former president said he was motivated by the desire to put an end to incessant coups in the country.

    His words: “A coup is a treason punishable by death only if it fails, and yet it puts the plotter in the State House if it succeeds. It was a destructive and destabilizing practice, wasteful for the military itself, and undermining in terms of discipline, good order and military conduct,” Obasanjo wrote.

    “A junior officer takes a gun and looks at his political boss and senior officers through its sights, bumps them off and puts himself in the State House.

    “He instantly becomes superior and senior to all political and military officers. Such was the situation existing in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999.

    “On assuming office as president, I decided to put an end to these incessant coups. I asked the military to submit the list of all officers who had either participated in coups in the past or benefited in the dividends of coups by being appointed to political office as governors or ministers,” the former president wrote.

    “Not knowing what the list was meant for, the military faithfully compiled it and submitted to me as the commander-in-chief and chairman of council of each of the arms of service. Ninety-three officers in all were given six hours’ notice of retirement on a Friday, and ordered not to spend the Friday night in uniform or in barracks to prevent adverse reaction.

    “The following Monday, the service council met to ratify the retirement of all the officers. From my vantage position and background as a battle-tested and war-victorious general, I knew that an officer out of uniform and barracks is like a fish out of water, and their power and influence would be greatly diminished.

    “The retirement of these 93 officers all in one day was salutary. It meant that taking part in a coup or benefitting from one could catch up with you, no matter how long it takes, and for as long as you are alive.”

    Some of those retired at the time, later joined politics and went on to serve in different positions.

    These include former military administrator of Lagos State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who won election to become governor of Osun State and another ex-military administrator of Lagos State, Colonel Buba Marwa, who served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

    Obasanjo said: “Some of them later entered politics and became elected governors; some went into parliament; others got appointed as ministers and ambassadors.

     ”The idea was not to punish them for life but to exclude them from positions in the military where they could be coup planners, coup plotters, coup executors or coup beneficiaries.

    His co-authors of the book are Greg Mills, Director of Brenthurst Foundation; Jeffrey Herbst, President of NEWSEUM and Dickie Davis, a retired major general.

  • Military officers’ sack key to stability of democracy – Obasanjo

    Military officers’ sack key to stability of democracy – Obasanjo

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said his decision to retire politically exposed military officers in 1999 was largely responsible for the current stability in the nation’s democracy.

    At least 93 military officers who had served as state governors/administrators and ministers were laid off by Obasanjo after taking office as President in May 1999.

    Throwing light on the move in a new book he co-authored “Making Africa Work,” the former President said he was motivated by the desire to end incessant coups in the country.

    He said: “A coup is a treason punishable by death only if it fails, and yet it puts the plotter in the State House if it succeeds. It was a destructive and destabilizing practice, wasteful for the military itself, and undermining in terms of discipline, good order and military conduct.

    “A junior officer takes a gun and looks at his political boss and senior officers through its sights, bumps them off and puts himself in the State House.

    “He instantly becomes superior and senior to all political and military officers. Such was the situation existing in Nigeria between 1966 and 1999.

    “On assuming office as President, I decided to put an end to these incessant coups. I asked the military to submit the list of all officers who had either participated in coups in the past or benefited in the dividends of coups by being appointed to political office as governors or ministers.

    “Not knowing what the list was meant for, the military faithfully compiled it and submitted to me as the commander-in-chief and chairman of council of each of the arms of service. 93 officers in all were given six hours’ notice of retirement on a Friday, and ordered not to spend the Friday night in uniform or in barracks to prevent adverse reaction.

    “The following Monday, the service council met to ratify the retirement of all the officers. From my vantage position and background as a battle-tested and war-victorious general, I knew that an officer out of uniform and barracks is like a fish out of water, and their power and influence would be greatly diminished.

    “The retirement of these 93 officers all in one day was salutary. It meant that taking part in a coup or benefitting from one could catch up with you, no matter how long it would takes, and for as long as you are alive.”

    Some of those retired at the time later joined politics and went on to serve in different positions.

    These included former military administrator of Lagos State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola who later became governor of Osun State and another ex-military administrator of Lagos State, Col. Buba Marwa (retd), who served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

    Obasanjo added: “Some of them later entered politics and became elected governors; some went into parliament; others got appointed as ministers and ambassadors.

    “The idea was not to punish them for life but to exclude them from positions in the military where they could be coup planners, coup plotters, coup executors or coup beneficiaries.

    “And once an officer has tasted the trappings of a political life, of living in a government house, with free food and so on, he would easily look for excuses to want more if he is in a position to make it happen.”

     

  • N11tr wasted on electricity under Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, says report

    N11tr wasted on electricity under Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, says report

    OVER N11 trillion was allegedly squandered under the administration of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan on the pretense of providing regular electricity supply, a report has claimed.

    Based on the report by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday urged state governments to generate and distribute their own electricity.

    He said the states have a constitutional responsibility to generate, distribute and transmit electricity to improve the well-being of their people.

    Falana spoke at the launch of report, titled: “From darkness to darkness: How Nigerians are paying the price for corruption in the electricity sector”, at Weston Hotels, Ikeja.

    The report was supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

    The learned silk, who was chairman at the presentation, told states to challenge the laws restricting them from generating electricity in their domains.

    He described the power Reforms Act of 2005, which concentrate power and electricity on the Federal Government and private firms, as “largely illegal”.

    “That’s why we are challenging state governments,  stop going to Abuja, stop begging Federal Government to give you power to establish electricity companies in your state.

    “You have the right. If individuals can do that and generate electricity they needed, why should you go to Abuja to get a licence to generate electricity in your state?” he asked.

    Falana said it was high time for states to begin to exercise their constitutional rights by challenging the control of electricity generation, distribution and transmission by the Federal Government.

    According to him, “Items 13 and 14 of the schedule to the constitution stipulate that state government shall have power to generate electricity outside the national grid.

    “It goes further to say that the House of Assembly of each state shall make a law for the establishment of electricity boards in all states. But they are not there to provide electricity for the people outside the national grid.”

    In the 65-page report presented to reporters by an Associate Professor, Energy/Electricity Law in the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos , Akoka,  Yemi Oke, the organisation stated that the estimated financial loss from corruption in the electricity sector starting from the return to democracy in 1999 to date was over  N11 trillion.

    It said the money included “public funds, private equity and social investment (or divestments) in the power sector”.

    “It is estimated that may reach over N20 trillion naira in the next decade given the rate of government investment and funding in the power sector amidst dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls,” the report said.

    It said: “The country has lost more megawatts in the post-privatisation era due to corruption, impunity, among other social challenges.

    The report launch was also attended by the Director General/Chief Executive of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC) Babatunde Irukera and Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, who was represented by Director Public Affairs EFCC Mr. Osita Nwajah.

    Both promised to work to ensure the full implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

    The report accused Dr. Ransom Owan-led board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) of allegedly settling some government officials with N3 billion as severance package.

    The report called for the reopening and effective prosecution of corruption allegations, including the alleged looting of the benefits of families of the deceased employees of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) levelled against a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power.

  • Wike to woo Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki to PDP

    Wike to woo Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki to PDP

    •Oduah, Oseloka, Ikpeazu to run for Anambra governor 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has initiated moves to woo former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President Bukola Saraki; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara back to its fold.

    Others targeted by the party include Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Wamakko, Abdullahi Adamu, Danjuma Goje and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

    The party appointed Governor Nyesom Wike (Rivers) as chairman and Governor Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe) as deputy chairman of a reconciliation committee set up to woo the high profile politicians back to its fold.

    National Caretaker Chairman Senator Ahmed Makarfi inaugurated the committee and urged it to deliver on the assignment.

    The party also appointed a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi, as chairman of a newly inaugurated Disciplinary Committee. A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara was named as deputy.

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is chairman of National Convention Committee with former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido as deputy chairman.

    Makarfi urged the reconciliation committee to extend its assignment to the founding members of the PDP, stressing that the dragnet should be extended beyond those who left the in 2015.

    Makarfi said those targets should “include President, Vice President, governors and former senate president, speaker of House of Representatives and all other former top ranking members in the party.

    “Everybody that was in PDP at one time or the other should be reconciled with. It is not limited to pre-2015”.

    Makarfi also mandated the committee to reach out to other individuals who have never been in the PDP, with a view to bringing them into the party, without any conditions attached.

    He assured members that went through thick and thin with the party that they would not be sidelined. “We cannot foreclose opportunity for those who stayed behind during the turbulent period”.

    Ikimi assured that former PDP members who defected to the APC would soon be back in the party.

    He said: “APC is now dying and is almost dead. I am aware that they were able to win in 2015 because of members of PDP who defected there.

    “I have it on good authority that key members who left PDP and joined APC are now returning to the party. I would like us to receive them with open hands and we will rebuild the party”.

    The party also suspended the former factional Chairman in Anambra State Ken Emeakayi

    National Publicity Secretary Dayo Adeyeye who announced the decision, said three days after the dissolution of all factional executive in the state in July, Emeakayi went ahead to summon a meeting of his faction, which was in violation of the decision of the National Caretaker Committee.

    He said the committee issued him a query but rather than respond to the issue, Emeakayi disparaged the national leadership.

    “His reply not only showed disrespect to the National Caretaker Committee, he disparaged the personality of the chairman and the secretary.

    “He issued words of abuse totally unbecoming of a person who claimed to be holding an important office as chairman of a state chapter.

    “We found this to be gross indiscipline. And today, we decided on this matter, in accordance with the provisions of our constitution.

    “So, the National Caretaker Committee at its meeting today took cognisance of the violation of the Provision of Section 58 (1A, B, C, G, H, I, J, M) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as amended) by Chief Ken Emeakayi.

    “We took a decision to immediately suspend him for  one month, in accordance with Section 57 (3) of the PDP Constitution 2012 (as amended),” Adeyeye said.

    He added that the case of Emeakayi had also been referred to the National Disciplinary Committee for further disciplinary action.

    Adeyeye said seven aspirants had obtained the PDP nomination and expression of interest forms for the November 28 Anambra State Governorship election.

    They are Dr Alex Obiogolu, Mr Oseloka Obaze, Prince Okechukwu Emeka, Dr patrick Ubah, Mr Akolisa Ufodike, Lynda Ikpeazu and Mrs Stella Oduah.

  • PDP moves to woo Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki, others back to party

    PDP moves to woo Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki, others back to party

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday initiated moves to woo former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, back to its fold.

    Other targeted by the party include Senators Rabiu Kwankwaso, Aliyu Wamakko, Abdullahi Adamu, Danjuma Goje, Governor Aminu Tambuwal and many others who were members of the PDP but defected to the All Progressives Congress ((APC).

    The PDP had appointed Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers) and Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe) as chairman and deputy chairman of a reconciliation committee set up to woo the high profile politicians back to its fold.

    While inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, the National Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, tasked Wike and Dankwabo on the need to win the targeted individuals back to the party.

    The party also appointed a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, as chairman of a newly inaugurated Disciplinary Committee.

    A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara, was named deputy.

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, was named chairman of National Convention Committee, while former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, will act as deputy chairman.

    Makarfi charged the reconciliation committee to extend its assignment to the founding members of the PDP, stressing that the dragnet should be extended beyond those that left the party in 2015.

    According to him, all individuals who had held top government and political positions on the platform of the PDP but have left the party should be brought back.

    Makarfi said: “This includes President, Vice President, governors and former Senate president, Speaker of House of Representatives and all other former top ranking members in the party.

    “Everybody that was in PDP at one time or the other should be reconciled with. It is not limited to pre-2015.”

    Makarfi also mandated the committee to reach out to other individuals who have never been in the PDP with a view to bringing them into the party without any conditions attached.