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Tag: PDP

  • We were all consulted, says Senate spokesman

    The last may not have been heard about the endorsement of Senator Ahmed Lawan for Senate President by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Spokesman for the “Ahmed Lawan for Senate President Group of Senators, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, told reporters in Abuja yesterday that APC senators-elect were carried along in the adoption of Lawan for the position.

    Abdullahi’s explanation contradicted that of Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who claimed that the announcement of the adoption of Lawan by the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, came to senators-elect as a shock.

    The party chair announced the party’s position on Monday at a dinner attended by the APC senators-elect with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

    Although Abdullahi did not mention Ndume, he was categorical that “it is not good for somebody to peddle lies.”

    He added that when Oshiomhole announced the adoption of Lawan as the party’s choice for the Senate President of the Ninth Senate, the party chairman spoke in the presence of some governors, including those of Oyo, Kebbi and Borno states.

    Abdullahi, who doubles as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media & Public Affairs, quoted Oshiomhole to have appealed to them to support Lawan to avoid the mistake of the past.

    “Immediately he said that, there was instantaneous and spontaneous applause by senators who were there. For somebody to say there was surprise and shock following the announcement, he was economical with the truth. There was no shock, rather there was relief,” Abdullahi said.

    Abdullahi who said that the APC has learnt its lesson from the mistake of 2015 when Dr. Bukola Saraki became the Senate President against the directive of the party, assured that there would be no such crisis this time around.

    According to him, there was no clear directive by the party in 2015, prompting senators to go their different ways in the chamber.

    The APC, he said, has a great role to play in who becomes the Senate President.

    He said: “If the party has promised Nigerians good governance, it is only fair and proper for the party to play some role to deliver that good governance. For me, we have learnt our lessons from whatever happened in 2015.

    “Even when I’m walking on the street, people say please you people should make sure you learn from your past mistakes. As far as I’m concerned, we have unity of purpose.

    “We the senators-elect, we have made a choice. We have the right to say this is who we want. Our choice is Ahmed Lawan. Do you expect that Mr. President and the party should abdicate their responsibility? This is what they accused us of in 2015. Now they have spoken, why are you complaining?”

    He insisted that the announcement by Oshiomhole should have been enough for a genuine party loyalist to drop his ambition and toe party line.

    Abdullahi said there was no doubt that Nigerians would be the best for the emergence of Lawan.

    “It is not good for you to have bills that are not assented to,” he said.

    He said that on the day of inauguration of the Ninth Senate in June, by the grace of God, Ahmed Lawan will be Senate President.

    On alleged winner-take-all posture of the APC, he said that it does not necessarily mean that the party’s senators would take all positions in the Senate.

    The position of the party chairman on the issue, he said, was that the majority would have its way while the minority will have its say but the two must co-exist

    Abdullahi, who said they had been engaging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators-elect, noted that contrary to insinuation, the PDP senators-elect were not interested in any fight.

    On the slot of Deputy Senate President, he noted that the party has the responsibility to zone positions.

    Abdullahi said: “One thing I know and which is certain is that the party has zoned the Senate President to the Northeast. As for Deputy Senate President, I don’t know; the party will decide. When the party decides, there will be no dissent. If you dissent, it will be like a fly that wants to follow the corpse to the grave.

    “I won’t come here and start boasting about number but I want to tell you that on that very day. The party is responsible for zoning and the senate presidency has been zoned to the Northeast.

    “I don’t have the idea on what the party is doing on the position of deputy senate presidency. The party will ensure that a senator from each of the geopolitical zone benefit from the leadership positions, that is, two presiding officers and the four principal officers.

    Read also: APC: why we picked Lawan for Senate President

    “Let me tell you very clearly that we have been engaging our colleagues in the PDP and I will tell you that majority of them are actually working for us to see that we have a harmonious, rancour-free and non-tumultuous senate.

    “They are right by doing so because they are mandated by their people to come and represent them and to take dividend of democracy home not to take victories of fight on the floor home.

    “Fighting on the floor of the Senate cannot translate to dividends of democracy because the people want to see the roads infrastructure, health facilities and schools that you are able to attract to their constituency.

    “The government that we are going to form is that of the APC and the chief executive will be running the policy of the party. A parliamentarian want his people to benefit from the dividend of democracy have to work with those who are in government.

    “Our colleagues in the PDP are not interested in any fight. We are engaging them and we are talking. They know the truth and I know that we shall work together and succeed together.”

  • Governors-elect, others receive certificates of return

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday issued certificates of return to governors-elect and lawmakers-elect. It withheld some certificates based on court orders, report Okodili Ndidi, Owerri; Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti; Yinka Adeniran, Oyinlola Lasaki, Ibadan; Chris Oji, Enugu; Kolade Adeyemi,Kano; Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi.

     

    Ihedioha, 27 lawmakers get certificates of return

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday issued a certificate of return to Imo State Governor-elect Emeka  Ihedioha.

    The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, also presented certificates of return to the 27 House of Assembly members-elect.

    Ihedioha won the March 9 governorship election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Speaking shortly after receiving the Certificate of Return at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Oweri,  Ihedioha promised to be fair to all respective of tribe or party affiliation.

    He said he would abide by the rule of law in administering the state.

    According to him, “I will be Imo governor in the real sense of the word.”

    He assured that members of his transition team would comprise of men and women of integrity who would contribute immensely to the development of the state.

     

    INEC withholds four Delta Assembly members-elect certificates

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday refused to issue certificates of return to four members- elect of the Delta State House of Assembly over pending court matters.

    However, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his deputy, Kingsley Otuaro, along with twenty four other members-elect were given certificates of return.

    National Commissioner in charge of Delta State Dr Mohammed Lecky said the four members-elect were denied certificates following a court action.

    He listed the five members-elect to include Anidi Emosivwe, Ethiope East (APC), Oniyere Whomrouho, Ughelli North1 (APC), Egbo Jaro Movudu, Ughelli North 2 (APC) and Ochor Christopher, Ukwuani (PDP).

    Deputy Speaker Friday Osanebi representing Ndokwa East Constituency was absent at the presentation ceremony.

    Lecky congratulated Okowa and other candidates for their victory at the polls.

    Okowa praised Deltans for the matured manner they conducted themselves during and after the elections.

    He, however, regretted the death of four persons, adding that three died during the presidential elections while one died during the gubernatorial election.

    He said his victory would spur him to do more in the next four years.

    His words: “I believe Nigeria can be great if all stakeholders remain committed. All Deltans should be ready to work and shun all negative vices in my determination to take Delta to the next level. The next four years we will do more than we did in these last four years.”

     

    INEC to Ekiti lawmakers-elect: enact laws to bring succour to people

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday advised the lawmakers-designate in Ekiti State to make laws capable of accelerating the living standard of the people.

    The electoral commission said the legislature remains a veritable tool in ensuring and engendering socio-economic development of any state.

    This, the commission said, will have multiplier effects on the downtrodden masses.

    The Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ekiti State, Dr. Muslim Omoleke, spoke in Ado-Ekiti while presenting certificates of return to the 26 legislators designate elected during the March 9 and 23 assembly polls.

    The event was attended by Commissioner Asuquo Amba and other security chiefs in the state, APC chieftains, traditional rulers and elder statesmen.

    All the 26 lawmakers elect are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Addressing the elected officials, Omoleke said: “Legislature is a critical arm of government, because it makes laws to regulate the business of governance so don’t do anything that will be repugnant to democracy, equity and justice.”

    He said the essence of legislature is to strengthen constitutionality and the rule of law, by making laws for good governance, urging them not to derail from this norm

    “Don’t enact laws that will be antithetical to the 1999 constitution, because it remains the grand norm. Make sure you make laws that will promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    “We are not also unmindful of the doctrine of separation of powers. But you must cooperate with the executive to make Ekiti greater than it is”, he advised.

    Congratulating the elected individuals, Omoleke said the 2019 elections were largely successful due to ICT innovations introduced by INEC national Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu.

    “Prof Yakubu brought series of innovations into the electoral system. He had moved the conduct of elections from analog to digital level and this was novel in the history of our country.

    “Part of his innovation was the way accreditation and voting was being done simultaneously.

    “He also encouraged and upgraded the use of smart card readers to ensure transparency in our elections”.

    He said the peaceful comportment demonstrated by politicians and stakeholders made Ekiti to be rated the best in the conduct of the 2019 elections.

    The INEC boss applauded the traditional rulers and security agencies for showing immense interest in the conduct of elections.

    The Chairman of the APC in Ekiti, Hon Paul Omotoso, urged the lawmakers elect not to neglect their constituents, who gave them the mandate to serve.

    Omotoso, represented by the State Secretary of the party, Hon Sola Elesin said: “Ekiti people are known for honesty, and you must bring this to bear. People expect much from you and you must live up to the expectations of those voters who voted for you”, he said.

     

    17 cases before Oyo Election Petition Tribunal

    No fewer than 17 petitions have been confirmed to be before the Oyo State Election Petition Tribunal. The petitions include four senatorial and 13 House of Representatives cases.

    The revelation was made yesterday by the Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mutiu Agboke, at the presentation of certificates of return to the governor-elect, deputy governor-elect and lawmakers-elect.

    The event which held at the Banquet Hall, Premier Hotel, Ibadan was attended by many party stalwarts, religious leaders, security chiefs, well-wishers, family and friends.

    The exercise was supervised by INEC National Commissioner for Oyo, Osun and Ekiti States, Prince Adedeji Soyebi, who also presented the certificate to the governor-elect, Mr Seyi Makinde, and his deputy, Mr Rauf Olaniyan, at about 11: 50 am.

    Agboke noted that 42 governorship candidates across 42 political parties participated in the governorship election while 659 candidates across 42 parties contested for the 32 seats in the Assembly.

    Of the 32 members elected only two are serving, the rest 30 have a fresh mandate. In all, PDP has 26, APC 5 and ADP one member of the state legislative arm.

    Agboke urged the elected officials not to downplay the dreams, feelings and expectations of their constituencies and electorate in general who risked their lives and sacrificed their comfort and shunned intimidation to cast the votes for the eventual winners.

    He said: “Let me admonish the elected officials not to downplay the dreams, feelings and expectations of their constituencies and the electorate in general. The voters, in some cases, risked their lives, sacrificed their comfort, shunned intimidation and harassment to cast their ballot for you.

    “You cannot afford to disappoint them. Always have it at the back of your minds that 2023 is around the corner. Elections are designed to renew or withdraw mandate.

    “Presently, arising from the general elections in this state, we have a total of 17 petitions before the Oyo State Election Petition Tribunal.  The breakdown is four Senatorial and 13 House of Representatives petitions.

    “Filing and hearing of election petitions fall into post-election activities as aggrieved candidates are given the opportunity of presenting their grievances before the judiciary.”

    Soyebi commended the state for the peaceful conduct which resulted in no case of inconclusive elections.

    He called for improved electoral participation by the people, saying the number of votes recorded in the last election was a far cry from the total number of people on the voters’ register.

    He also urged the people to support the commission in its preparations for the 2023 elections, which he says has started in earnest.

    Makinde thanked INEC, the security operatives and his supporters that ensured peaceful conduct during the March 9, polls.

    While congratulating the lawmakers-elect, Makinde expressed willingness to work with them in his “desire to make the lives of Oyo state indigenes better.”

     

    Ugwuanyi, deputy, others get certificates

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi yesterday received his Certificate of Return as governor-elect in the March 9th Governorship Election held in the state.

    The governor, alongside his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and other elected members of the state Assembly received their certificates of return at the headquaters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in the state, Dr. Emeka Ononammadu, noted that it was gratifying that the electoral process ended in peace with all promises of fairness, openness and neutrality kept.

    “It was a tortuous journey that did not come at zero cost but it is also a journey that the entire nation is poised to learn from Enugu,” he stated.

    Ugwuanyi stated that they had prayed for a peaceful and transparent election and icommended efforts of security agencies during the process.

    A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr. Festus Okoye, who also spoke at the occasion, said INEC could no longer afford to plan in an uncertain environment.

    Okoye, who is the commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, disclosed that the independent National Electoral Commission would embark on aggressive constitutional and electoral reforms to enhance the integrity of the electoral process.

     

    INEC: Enugu polls exceptional

    The national leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commended the peaceful and successful conduct of the general elections in Enugu State, describing it as one of the best in the country.

    The electoral umpire added that the exercise in Enugu State, unlike in some states, witnessed no case of “violence, snatching of ballot boxes or all sorts of electoral malpractices”.

    The INEC commendation was made by the National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, during the presentation of certificates of return to Governor Ugwuanyi and others.

    Okoye, who congratulated the recipients, on behalf of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for their victory at the polls, explained that the exercise “is a formal statutory and confirmatory process that you have won an election in accordance with the constitution and electoral dictates”.

    He also congratulated “in a very big way, the people of Enugu State for taking ownership of the electoral process and driving it in a very peaceful and conducive atmosphere that fused power and sovereignty back to them”.

    Offering advice to the recipients, he said: “The sealed Certificate of Return that will be presented to you is not a trophy that marks the conclusion of your service. Rather it marks the beginning of your service to the people. The validity of the certificate rests with the people of Enugu State. It is within their constitutional mandate to renew, withdraw and or elevate it. The key word is service to the people”.

    Read also: Imo Governor-elect to prioritise youth empowerment

    Kano re-run: CUPP denies plan to challenge results

    A coalition of 42 registered political parties in Kano State, under the aegis of coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has dissociated itself from reports that it had concluded plans to challenge the victory of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje at the just concluded supplementary election before the tribunal.

    CUPP, who visited the Kano State governor-elect, was led by its chairman, Alhaji Isah Nuhu Isah, who expressed disgust over a plan to challenge the governor’s victory.

    Isah who is also the chairman, lnter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), described the position of the coalition as unacceptable, pointing out that “CUPP has distanced itself from such claims.”

    “CUPP was shocked and perplexed to read the contents of the news conference discrediting the whole conduct of the process, security agencies, INEC and worst still the declaration to challenge the outcome of the exercise.

    “We in CUPP comprising the representatives of the 42 political parties in the coalition, and joined by the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), categorically disowned and disassociate the coalition from the sham press conference as well as condemn it in its entirety as it does not reflect our true assessment of the election.”

    Isah also explained that the coalition was dismayed by the action of the conveners of the news conference for using the coalition to express personal and untoward views for whatever reasons and influence under the guise of CUPP.

    He noted that the coalition monitored the supplementary election in Kano and in all sincerity believed it to be free, fair and peaceful, but acknowledged that there were pockets of violence in some polling units.

    Ganduje wondered why only the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) faulted the re-run election while it was not the only party that participated.

    “Why is PDP crying more than the bereaved, are they hiding some mischievous anti-Kano mission?”

    Ganduje promised to run an all-inclusive government, which would be anchored on unity, where members of other political parties will be embraced.

     

    Benue Tribunal gets 11 petitions

    There are 11 petitions before The Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Benue State.

    The secretary of the tribunal in the state, Mrs. Deborah Musa, who disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Makurdi, gave the breakdown of the petitions to include four Senatorial and seven House of Representatives.

    Mrs. Musa revealed that two of the petitions were filed against the winner of the Benue South Senatorial seat, comrade Abba Moro.

    According to her, one was filed against Moro by candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Steve Lawani and the petition was filed by a defeated candidate of the Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), Alhaji Usman Abubakar respectively.

    Both parties are challenging the emergence of Senator Abba Moro as the winner of the Benue South Senatorial District seat election held on February 23.

    She further said the tribunal had also received a petition from the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the National Assembly election, Senator George Akume, challenging the declaration of Emmanuel Orker Jev of the People’s Democratic Party as the winner of the Benue northwest senatorial seat.

    Mrs. Musa stated that the fourth petition was filed by another candidate of the APC for the Benue NorthEast Senatorial Seat, Mrs. Mimi Orubibi-Adzapeh against former Governor Gabriel Suswam.

    She disclosed that Mrs. Adzapeh is challenging the declaration of Suswam of the PDP as the winner of the election.

    She stated that the tribunal was yet to receive any petition in respect of the governorship and State assembly elections in the state.

    The tribunal secretary stated that petitions have been received from Samson Okwu of the People’s Democratic Party and Mr. Nick Ewuro of the All Progressives Congress APC  against Agada David of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who was declared winner of the Oju/Obi federal Constituency.

    “The law stipulated twenty-one days for respondents to reply to petitions filed against them but they are yet to reply to the petitions and an event that the 21 days elapsed, the tribunal will mandate the petitioners to use substituted means to serve the respondents in view of the time limit which is 180 days that all cases are to last”, she said.

  • Tinubu: A kingmaker at 67

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is 67 tomorrow. A colloquium with the theme: ‘Work for People’ is holding in Abuja today to mark the ceremony. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the struggles, battles and exploits of the statesman, who has remained relevant in national life, 12 years after vacating office as governor of Lagos State.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Third Republic senator, former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, may have become the main issue in Nigeria’s politics. Twelve years after leaving the corridor of power as governor, he has remained relevant in national life. As he celebrates his 67th birthday this week, the eminent politician is again on the front burner.

    Not only has the annual colloquium in his honour become a powerful tool of political mobilisation, it has also offered the country a veritable opportunity to always reflect on the journey so far and make realistic projections for the future. The theme of this year’s discourse holding at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, is: ‘Next Level: Work for People.’ It underscores the people-oriented ideas, struggles, battles and exploits of the pro-democracy crusader, seasoned administrator, progressive arrowhead, statesman and citizen of the world. It is the 11th edition.

    For his party, it is another time for reassessment and sober reflection. The ruling party survived the plot of retired Generals, who are major political principals and principalities. It won some states. It lost others in the polity. As APC chieftains gather for Tinubu’s birthday, they may have to also brainstorm on the way forward on the sidelines of the colloquium. How will the party handle the election of principal National Assembly officers to avoid the mistake of 2015? Will there be party supremacy and discipline? How will APC resolve the Zamfara debacle? Has post-election reconciliation not become compelling? Will the party henceforth put its house in order?

    In post-Bola Ige era, Tinubu has remained the most outstanding Yoruba political megastar with a large following. Across the six regions, he is being perceived as a rallying point and national asset, whose contributions were critical to the enthronement of the first post-1999 humane and progressive government at the centre.

    Tinubuism encapsulates the time-tested philosophy of service premised on the evergreen Awoist theme of “Freedom for All, Life More Abundant,’ and driven by the permanent and non-negotiable devotion to the creed of progressive welfarism in a polity still struggling to resolve the multiple crises of nation-building, conflicts of political participation, illusion of hope for gainful employment, contradictions in education, insatiable quest for social welfare,  and thirst for the restoration of sanctity of the ballot box.

    The former governor is a man of many parts, although his political profile has now dwarfed his rich resume as boardroom guru, strategic economic planner and socialite. Former House of Representatives member and Senior Presidential Assistant on the Diaspora Abike Dabiri-Erewa described Tinubu as a dynamic leader, consummate politician, consistent democrat, towering progressive arrowhead, seasoned administrator, financial surgeon, great organiser, powerful mobiliser, master strategist, tested and trusted visionary leader, courageous fighter, man of foresight, defender of the oppressed, apostle of rule of law, foremost philanthropist, and man of the people.

    It is incontrovertible that Tinubu is a dynamic leader, who is always bubbling with energy, zeal and enthusiasm. This may have been the bedrock of his successes in his chosen fields of endeavor. There is no evidence to show that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He has thread the long, narrow and tortious path to limelight, and survived through the dint of hard work and divine grace.  But, the stress and strains of the past, which he had to pass through as a struggler, are hardly taken into consideration by detractors who are envious of his indomitable status.

    Tinubu is a consummate politician. The Lion of Bourdillion understands the language of politics, which, is a great deal of competition and struggle. The ultimate goal is the attainment of power, which in his view, is not served a la carte. His incisive wit, power of foresight and strategic thinking are vital assets. Although the Federal Government waged war against him as governor, he survived. While the political earthquake swept across the Southwest in 2003, Tinubu became the last man standing. If Tinubu had slept on guard in 2003, Nigeria would have become a one-party state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He resisted the intimidation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and converted his weak position as an opposition figure to a position of strength. From Lagos, the battle to reclaim the Southwest begun. Ironically, one of the states, Oyo, may have gone back into conservative captivity.

    Tinubu can also be counted among the consistent democrats and progressive arrowheads who have never jumped ship. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back. As governor, there were occasions when he had to bow to suggestions on governance by his cabinet of talents. The political leader has always honed his skills of negotiation, consultation, and reconciliation. His associates often allude to the fact that he has never claimed to have a monopoly of knowledge. He is always willing to bow to superior arguments.

    As a leader of the progressive bloc, Tinubu’s greatest under the banner of the APC is the installation of a progressive government at the centre in 2015 and 2019. The defining moment was 2015 presidential election.  It is to the credit of Tinubu that the Southwest agreed to participate in mainstream politics and the zone has not regretted it. Unlike under the Jonathan administration, the Buhari administration is giving the Southwest a sense of belonging.

    In the Third Republic, the celebrator became a man of the future. He had taken the politics of the populous Lagos West by storm. He won the highest vote as a senator in 1991 on the platform of the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP), defeating Mrs. Kemi Nelson of the banned National Republican Convention (NRC). The bulk of the votes came from Alimoso sub-zone, which has since been referred to as ‘Tinubu country.’ Tinubu shone like a star in the Upper Chamber. Yet, his senatorial career was not insulated from vicissitudes. The all-civilian National Assembly had a military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, to contend it. When the transition programme finally failed as designed by the Evil Genius, Tinubu’s career as a federal legislator was aborted by the Abacha regime, which sacked the elected leadership.

    His boss at Mobil Oil Company, Chief Pius Akinyelure, had advised him to retrace his steps, if politics became hotter. The financial surgeon was the treasurer of the company. But, Tinubu never went back to the boardroom. He returned to the drawing board to politically strategise for the future. He joined the pro-democracy movement, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), to fight for popular rule. By the time civil rule was restored, the symbol of the struggle, Chief Moshood Abiola, had died mysteriously in detention.

    Although Tinubu wanted to return to the Senate in 1999, fate decided otherwise. He was elected governor on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). As governor, he presided over an administration that was a model between 1999 and 2007.

    To observers, Tinubu became a key player in national politics, following his success at state and regional levels. For him, charity should begin at home. He had a 24-year development plan for the transformation of Lagos State.  Tinubu years in the Centre of Excellence were remarkable for progress. As governor, he jerked up the internally generated revenue from the N600,000 monthly to billions of naira. Today, Lagos can boast of over N33 billion monthly IGR. The implication is that the state can survive without federal allocation. Also, Tinubu fought the infrastructural battle in the city state. He constructed roads, built hospitals and schools, created opportunities for employment and re-energised the transport sector. He initiated the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The judiciary reforms he introduced were legendary. Tinubu pioneered the payment of NECO and WAEC fees for students.

    The former governor also created additional 37 local councils, based on popular demand. When the allocations to the councils were seized by the Federal Government, his team of experts invented a creative financial engineering that made the councils to survive the federal onslaught. As governor, Tinubu contributed to the debate on the national question as an apostle of true federalism and restructuring. He was also an electoral reforms curator. To him, the sanctity of the ballot box is critical to the survival of democracy.

    Tinubu handed over to Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in 2007. After the expiration of his two terms of eight year I 2015, the lawyer-turned politician handed over to Akinwunmi Ambode, an accountant. On May 29, Ambode will pass the baton to Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Reflecting on his achievements, the Lagos State APC Governorship Advisory Council (GAC), observed that Tinubu succeeded in raising worthy successors. “What you celebrate today is the reality of unprecedented, steady and consistent progress in the Centre of Excellence, the foundation of which you laid as the first Fourth Republic Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

    “It is gratifying to note that, in this dispensation, you have led the way in raising a crop of quality, devoted, dynamic, focused and result-driven leaders, who have continued to sustain the progressive vision at the state and national levels. Your strength lies in your powers of ideas, risk-taking, courage, resilience, vision of a welfarist society and leadership by example,” it added.

    Read also: Mass failure in General Studies at Sokoto Varsity

    Among the leaders that have been raised by Tinubu are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), former Lagos State Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Fasola, Ambode, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola,  one-time Finance Commissioner Wale Edun, Babatunde Fowler of Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Opeyemi Bamidele.s

    Tinubu and other compatriot floated the Action Congress (AC) in 2007. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) reclaimed the Southwest, although the battle shifted from the ballot box to the court.

    However, 2015 was the turning point. Tinubu’s gospel of strength in unity paid off. Reflecting on the 2015 calculations, one of his associates said he re-invented the theory of the slaughter’s slab to suit the collective aspiration of the opposition. In Tinubu’s view, there will be no going back for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by Buhari, and Prince Tony Momoh,  the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), led by Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the ACN, led by Chief Bisi Akande and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, if they agreed to merge together into a single party.

    The merger, he explained, would lead to the permanent withdrawal of their certificates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Tinubu, the acknowledged party financier, provided selfless leadership and the quantum of resources for the novel project. He urged his colleagues to take the risk and be optimistic about the future. The struggle heralded President Buhari’s success at the poll and the abortion of PDP’s dream of ruling for the next 60 years.

    Party faithful have also hailed his contribution to the President Buhari’s second term challenge. As the Chief ‘Reconcliator’ and Co-chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, APC won a resounding victory in the just-concluded poll. Also, the party under his leadership retained Lagos State for APC and produced Governor-elect Sanwo-Olu, who defeated Jimi Agbade of the PDP at the poll.

    In politics and private life, Tinubu is reputed for philanthropy. His abode is a Mecca of sorts. He is a cheerful giver, benefactor, godfather and defender of the oppressed.

    Tinubu holds honorary titles from many towns across the country. He is the Jabagan of Borgu Kingdom, Aare of Ile-Oluji and Aare Ago of Egbaland.

    But, there are many aspects of his life that may not be known, until he opens up in his autobiography. When the autobiography is written, it will inspire the future generations.

    Many stakeholders believe that Tinubu still has a lot to contribute to national greatness.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu, House of Representatives member-elect and former Lagos State Works Commissioner Ganiyu Johnson said he is a talent hunter. “Your greatest strength lies in your ability to raise a crop of leaders who are building on the progressive foundation laid by patriotic pathfinders of history,” he added.

    An APC youth, Toyin Balogun, described Tinubu as a source of inspiration to the younger generation. He said: “Your pedigree, sagacity, tenacity of purpose, hard work, resilience, courage and loyalty to worthy progressive causes have continued to serve as sources of inspiration to the younger generation in the vineyard of people-oriented, welfarist politics.”

    Lagos APC secretary Dr Wale Ahmed, who described Tinubu as an oak tree offering protective shield to progressives nationwide, said he has no equal in mentoring and role modelling. Ahmed, a former legislator and Special Duties Commissioner added: “God has equally blessed you with a good wife, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu (OON), who share your vision of greater good for the greatest number of our people.”

    To House of Representatives member James Faleke said Tinubu’s name will continue to resonate in he hearts of lovers of democracy, urging other politicians to emulate his virtues.

    Hailing the celebrator, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said: “Your consistent struggle, selfless and constant sacrifices over the years have continued to define you as a true and worthy leader. You are indeed, an epitome of hard work, discipline, and patriotism. Without doubt, this generation is highly blessed to have your personality as a great mentor and trail blazer.”

  • CLO indicts APC, PDP others for electoral malpractice

    The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Akwa Ibom State has slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well security operatives for their roles in undermining the credibility of the elections.

    Chairman Franklin Isong, who addressed a news conference yesterday, accused the groups of aiding and abetting electoral malpractices.

    Isong, who accused the APC and PDP of engaging in vote buying, accused security operatives of intimidating voters.

    According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not do enough to cover the electoral lapses, and advised the electoral umpire to go back to the drawing board to address them.

    HE said: “INEC should return to the drawing board to address the lapses which came to the fore during the general elections.

    Read also: March for Army in Rivers over INEC’s accusations

    “The critical stakeholders in the electoral process such as INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil societies and the press, should close ranks and ensure that elections remain free, fair and credible.

    “Perhaps, the greatest undoing of the elections was the large scale vote-buying which pervaded the state. Cash-for-vote was so pervasive that they were done in the open. Voters were made to write their names before voting and collect the cash after voting. In most cases thugs were fighting over money and sharing formula.

    “In Unit 7, at Village hall, Ikot-Anwanna Asanga Asanga Usung in Ikono Local Government Area, it was a free for all fight, and voting had to be stopped until the voters were paid. There is hardly any polling unit in the state where votes were not paid for, all happening in the presence of the security men”.

    He called for a reform in the country to address all the lapses in the elections.

  • Rivers AAC deputy chairman joins PDP

    Rivers State Deputy Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) Amezhinim Prince Atuma has resigned his membership of the party.

    Atuma announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a brief ceremony in Port Harcourt yesterday.

    He said his decision to defect was necessitated by his commitment to the advancement of the democratic interest of Rivers State and the peace of her people.

    The party chieftain said: “As at today March 27 (yesterday), arrangements have been made to disrupt the collation and announcement of the governorship election results scheduled for April 2 to 5.

    “There are plans to cause bloodshed leading to total breakdown of law and order. This is in furtherance of their plan to create a state of emergency.”

    Atuma noted that petitions against the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman by the AAC governorship candidate contained false allegations.

    He, however, averred to the veracity of the facts contained in the affidavit sworn to by AAC’s former deputy governorship candidate, Akpo Bomba Yeeh.

    According to him, available data from AAC agents showed that Wike won the election.

    “Our party agents inundated us with information that the PDP won the governorship and state Assembly elections. There is a sinister plot between the AAC/APC alliance to rig the election and subvert the people’s will,” he added.

    Read also: Atiku, PDP get tribunal’s nod to serve Buhari through APC

    PDP Chairman Felix Obuah has welcomed former deputy governorship candidate of AAC, Akpo Yeeh, to the party.

    Obuah, in an online statement yesterday by his media aide, Jerry Needam, described Yeeh’s resignation from AAC and his defection to PDP as heart-warming. He stressed that the sole import of participating in governorship election must be to vote for leaders who would move the state forward.

    He decried the “desperation of selfish” leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, whom he claimed were bent on lording over the state to exploit the people’s common resources.

    The statement reads: “I have never seen this level of wickedness and desperation of one man who wants to play God and would do anything, including killing everyone who stands in his way.

    “Yeeh has realised that Rivers State is supreme and above anyone’s personal interest and quest to rule by force. His action is a wake-up call for others to set aside pride, ego and join the winning train of Governor Nyesom Wike.”

    Obuah assured Yeeh that posterity would be kind to him for following the path of peace.”

  • Kwara PDP passes confidence vote on Saraki

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara state passed confidence vote on Senate President Bukola Saraki.

    PDP assured Saraki of its continued support and all that he stands for.

    It said the party’s executive and members stand firmly behind him in all his struggles to liberate, emancipate and free the country from draconian and autocratic rule.

    PDP chairman in the state Kola Shittu, in a statement, also thanked Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed for his administration’s giant stride on the various development programme s embarked upon since his assumption of office in 2011.

    It, however, urged him to continue his good work till the end of his tenure in May, 2019.

    “The party hereby assures the general public that the Garin-Alimi underpass, the UITH dual carriageway and the new state Secretariat among other projects already embarked upon by his Excellency will be completed by the end of his Excellency’s tenure.

    “That all our party members across Kwara state are urged to remain steadfast and loyal to the party and should not allow the little setback of the outcome of the March 2019 general election  discourage and or instill fear in them as the party’s leadership are making efforts at repositioning the party towards regaining her lost victory.

    “The party also thanked the electorate for their support during the elections, “the PDP stated.

  • Breaking: Atiku, PDP get tribunal’s nod to serve Buhari through APC

    The Presidential Election Tribunal has acceded to the request by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar for permission to serve their petition of President Muhammadu Buhari through his party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

    PDP and Atiku, who, by the petition they filed earlier this month, are challenging Buhari’s victory at the election, applied for leave to effect service of the petition on the President on the grounds that they were having difficulty serving him personally.

    On Wednesday, the three-man tribunal, after to listening Chris Uche (SAN) who moved the ex-parte filed by the petitioners, granted them permission to serve through substituted means.

    Justice Abdul Aboki, who led the panel, ordered that Buhari, who is the second respondent to the petition, be served through any senior official or an officer of the APC at the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

    Justice Aboki, in his lead ruling, said “it is in the interest of justice” to grant the prayers in the petitioners’ motion.

  • Buhari, APC chiefs endorse Lawan for Senate President

    Ahmad Lawan is the favourite for Senate President  – courtesy of his “rich legislative experience” and character –  The Nation learnt yesterday.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and most APC governors have endorsed the Senate Leader after consultations.

    The leaders were said to have considered  Lawan’s “qualifications, prudence, accountability, loyalty and rich legislative experience” which will assist the APC government to have a robust Executive-Legislative relationship to fast-track development.

    Lawan is believed to be a “leader with much focus on accountability”.

    It was also learnt that Buhari preferred Lawan because he repeatedly told senators-elect that he will “like to leave sustainable legacies; to be remembered for something”.

    Buhari, who was emotional at a stage in his speech during a dinner with old and would-be lawmakers on Monday, regretted the frosty relationship between his administration and the leadership of the 8th National Assembly.

    Senators Danjuma Goje and Adamu Abdullahi were calm, but Senator Ali Ndume protested against what he called Lawan’s imposition.

    The search for the President of the Ninth Senate started immediately after the February 23 elections when members of the “kitchen cabinet” sought the opinion of the President on the direction to go.

    It was gathered that the President wasted no time in picking Lawan.

    Besides, every time the governors met with Buhari, his refrain was always “I will be involved in the election of principal officers in the National Assembly this time around”.

    The source said the Kitchen Cabinet members, strategists, governors, national leaders of the party and APC leadership later endorsed Lawan.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The choice of Lawan for the office was not the making of the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The President had zeroed in on Lawan since 2015 and he did not mince words in asking the leaders of the party, APC governors and even senators-elect to ‘leave the Senate President for me’.”

    “He spent the past few weeks to consult with some leaders of APC, governors and senators-elect to feel their pulse on Lawan. Having realised his position, some APC governors asked senators-elect from their states to be part of Lawan’s campaign.

    “When Ndume met with one of the leaders of the party, he only said: ‘Whichever direction the President is going, I will follow him. You cannot expect me to work against the interest of the President.’

    Read also: Group to APC leadership: ensure fairness in zoning National Assembly’s positions

    “Security reports on Lawan’s lifestyle revealed a commitment to accountability. He does not indulge in wasteful spending. He fits into the austere focus of Buhari.”

    Security agencies, it was learnt, rated Lawan as a loyal politician, who has been consistent in the last 20 years as a progressive.

    “The dilemma of the President was how to break the news to senators-elect without making it to look like an imposition. Again, he was not too comfortable with the intrigues on the race for Senate presidency. This was why he felt he must address it before going on break,” the source said, adding:

    “Buhari only routed his choice through the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, to demonstrate deference to party and promote discipline in APC.”

    A source said: “The President actually respected us and named his preferences for President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “Oshiomhole’s job was simple. He was only to convey the decision of the leader of the party to our members-elect in the National Assembly. We are trying to avoid what happened in 2015.”

     How the news was broken to senators-elect

    A senator-elect at the dinner in the Villa said: “Sitting beside the President, Oshiomhole spoke passionately and made it clear that all ranking senators-elect are eminently qualified to be the President of the Senate and other principal officers. He eulogised all ranking senators.

    “He had some difficulty in going straight to the point but he explained why it was necessary for the party to be united and have a solid leadership in the National Assembly.

    “After some rigmarole, the National Chairman said the National Working Committee had consulted with the governors elected on the platform of the party and APC leaders and reached a conclusion that Dr. Ahmad Lawan should migrate from being a Senate Leader to the President of the Senate. At the end of the day, we are presenting Lawan for consideration.

    “Oshiomhole assured that the party will ensure a win-win situation for all, especially those aspiring for Senate presidency.”

    Another Senator-elect said: “Only the President and Oshiomhole spoke at the session in the Villa; we were not allowed any input. Lawan is mandated to reconcile with everybody and allow ranking senators to choose the committees they like.”

    Asked how they knew that Buhari endorsed Lawan, a senator-elect from North-Central said: “The President was by his side and his body language suggested the choice of Lawan.

    “Not only that the President in his remarks plainly said: ‘I thank the National Chairman of our party for making a difficult job for me much easier. I hope this will go as expected.’ Nobody needed any other signal from the President.”

    The President was said to have also earned some mileage at the session with some emotional words.

    A Senator from the Northeast said: “The President emotionally told us:  ‘I want to be remembered for something; I want to leave something for Nigerians. I need your support.”

    “Immediately after the President spoke, we all rose to sing the National Anthem.”

    Although the announcement of Lawan by Oshiomhole received much applause, it was shocking to other contestants for Senate president, including Senators Danjuma Goje; Ali Ndume and Abdullahi Adamu.

    A Senator from the Northwest said: “While Goje and Adamu took it in good faith, Ndume immediately protested to the APC governors at the meeting that what Oshiomhole did was unconstitutional.

    “He made his feelings known and he was obviously bitter with the development. What pained  Goje and Adamu  was that they were not consulted. They said they would have loved to be consulted by the President and the party.”

    Lawan has been mandated by the party and most senators-elect to reach out to Goje, Adamu and Ndume.

    A ranking Senator said: “We are working on how to appease all. We said all our leaders should reach out to these respected Senators aspiring to be Senate President and give them some comfort. We believe it is not too late for the President and APC leadership to consult Goje, Adamu and Ndume.

    “For instance, we have some proposals to  make Abdullahi Adamu Senate Leader and retain Goje as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

    “It was also agreed that all ranking senators be allowed  to choose the committees they like.”

  • Ajimobi to Makinde: shun politics of bitterness

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has advised the incoming People’s Democratic Party (PDP) administration to focus on developmental issues instead of its renewed campaign of calumny against his person, family and administration.

    The governor, who spoke yesterday in a statement by his Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, said the renewed campaign of calumny was aimed at rubbishing his eight-year selfless service.

    But, the governor-elect, Seyi Makinde, said it would be unnecessary and unhelpful to embark on a campaign of calumny against the out-going governor.

    Ajimobi said more than two weeks after the general elections have produced winners and losers, the opposition parties ought to start talking about their plans for the state and how to build on the foundation of development laid by his administration.

    The governor said he was appalled by the unprovoked media attacks by the opposition parties, especially sympathisers of the PDP and its governorship candidate, who were still practising politics of bitterness that Oyo State, under his tenure, has since left behind.

    The governor appealed to the traditional and online media practitioners to be circumspect in churning out unverified information being supplied to them by their unscrupulous sources, who were bent on spreading inflammatory rhetoric.

    He said the purveyors of falsehood have recruited some online medium to carry out some of their nefarious activities.

    Ajimobi said: “Now that elections have been won and lost, there should be an end to acrimonious and incendiary comments. Political discussion has moved from the pre-2011 era. Our focus is on politics of issues and development.

    “That is what we expect from them, not personal attacks and falsehood-laced statements indicating their unpreparedness for governance.

    REad also: Oyo govt, APC tackle group over vote of confidence in Ajimobi

    “I’m not unaware that during campaigns some politicians adopted the campaign of calumny as strategy believing it would give them undue advantage, but such does not last. What the electorate expects is to be educated on their blueprint for the development of the state.”

    However, the governor-elect, while replying Ajimobi, denied any campaign of calumny against the present administration, saying such would be unnecessary and unhelpful at this point in time.

    He said: “We deny campaign of calumny against Ajimobi. Such won’t be necessary and it is unhelpful.

    “Our major grouse is that awarding fresh contracts worth over N30 billion in one fell swoop and under mischievous circumstances will be a disservice to our state, if we do not cry out.

    “We do not need the outgoing governor to tell us to inform our people what we want to do for them because they already know during the course of the campaign.

    “What the people never knew was the extent to which the outgoing government will go to attempt to empty government coffers to leave frustrate the incoming administration.”

     

  • Rivers PDP, AAC row over alleged N3b offer

    The Rivers State African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, has said he rejected Governor Nyesom Wike’s N3 billion offer to drop his ambition.

    He also debunked claims by his running mate, Akpo Bomba Yeeh, that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) made them sign resignation letters.

    Awara, who addressed a news conference in Abuja yesterday, dismissed the allegations against the minister as false. He said Amaechi and the APC offered him and his party unconditional support, owing to their shared ideology and love for Rivers State and the people.

    He dismissed Yeeh’s ‘compromising’ actions as pathetic, claiming that he was himself offered N3 billion to drop his ambition but he rejected it and his deputy was in the know.

    He said: “When the story of his resignation first came out as a rumour, that Rivers State Governor offered him N200 million to abandon me, I had no reason to believe it because Elder Yeeh knew I had earlier turned down an offer of N3 billion from the governor.

    “I discussed this with my running mate and outlined why we must not succumb to the lure from the governor or any interest group. I was convinced we were in agreement because he neither expressed nor alluded to a difference in opinion on the matter.

    “When the rumour became rife by Sunday, I tried reaching him without success. I started developing some strange feelings pointing to a possible sell-out by him. I know that a key component of their plot is to smear Amaechi’s image. But I state categorically that all the accusations by Yeeh against the minister are lies poorly crafted by his paymaster. You could see how tough it was for him to read the script handed to him.

    “I was never asked to, and did not sign any letter of resignation. I know that my deputy was also not asked to or signed any letter of resignation. My deputy, Elder Akpo Bomba Yeeh, is believed to be under tremendous financial pressure based on his statements.

    “The support the AAC got from Amaechi and the APC was unconditional. Those conditions my deputy alleged in the statement are false, crude lies. The alliance between AAC and APC for the governorship election was because of our shared love for the state and our vision to liberate it from cultism, rapidly growing poverty and insecurity.”

    Awara has also filed a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against the Resident Electoral (REC), Obo Effanga, for alleged gross incompetence and bias.

    He said: “My party and all well meaning citizens of Rivers State are dissatisfied with the gross incompetence of the REC and INEC’s decision to continue with the suspended electoral process, as it is clearly not a fair or transparent process.

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    “We are concerned about the looming crises, and this may most likely result in a breakdown of law and order, destruction of property and deaths.”

    But the PDD described Awara as having mastered the art of lying since the APC adopted his party.

    The Director of Information and Communications, Emma Okah, denied allegation that Governor Wike offered Awara N3 billion or any money to drop his governorship ambition.

    The statement reads: “The allegation is childish and ridiculous. Does he know the weight of N3 Billion? Where will the governor get such money to give anybody as bribe to win an election that he has already won? What did Awara do or will do that will make the governor offer him such money? Is it for his lies or the election he contested and failed? Though lying is part of the APC, Awara is running faster than his masters in learning the art of falsehood.”

    “How will Awara explain to God and men of goodwill that he does not care about those who died during the elections; robbing Rivers people their right to choose the governor they like, and the huge economic toll the state has to bear because of his recklessness in wanting to serve the wrong master at the wrong time and at all cost?”

    Okah assured Awara that unless he responds in full to the weighty issues raised by Yeeh, a huge burden will continue to hover over his head.