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Tag: PDP

  • What is Amaechi still doing in PDP?

    What is Amaechi still doing in PDP?

    Hon. Bimbo Daramola is the Vice Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) has described Rivers State  Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as a man in a wrong bus.  Precious  Igbonwelundu reports.

    What is your assessment of the Jonathan Administration?

    The economy is going bad. As a member of the opposition, I am not just in opposition party because it is inherent in the opposition to criticise. I remember that President Goodluck Jonathan believes in his two year score card that perhaps, he has done well and he asked Nigerians to judge him, that his period in office has been eventful and impactful. But, if you ask me, I see a man struggling to win the trust and confidence of the people again. He met issues on ground and he assured Nigerians that he would address and deal with the issues and now, he is returning back to Nigerians like saying ‘’go and judge the marking scheme to mark the exam that you set for me’’. The teacher cannot tell the students to come and mark the exams he set. That, to me is a role reversal. He made those promises that he would deliver, but an average Nigerian knows that his life has not been positively affected with what the government is professing or brandishing as its achievement. There is also the politics of the majority party. Take, for instance, party saying that, because a governor did not take a phone call from the national chairman of the party, so, he got suspended. Another governor ran into problem for holding different views with its leadership. So they had to employ the instrumentality of the state to frustrate him. They have alluded so much to growth in terms of figures; they will show you beautiful graphs, the nation’s GDP is growing above our population but you don’t find a corollary to buttress their claim when you look at the people and the majority is still living in abject poverty. Look, if your car does not have fuel and you say it is still a beautiful car, that beautiful car cannot take you to your destination.

    They will give themselves high mark, but the masses are still wallowing in poverty. I am surprised that an Okonjo Iweala, our Finance and Co-ordinating Minister who would have been the head of the world bank is saying that there is no relationship between the figures being bandied about and job creation. In the two years of Jonathan’s government, we should by now take a stock on how many companies or industries have come back to the system. The industries, sadly enough, are re-locating even to African countries that we should be far ahead of. We are cruising at a very high speed and I hope somebody calls them to caution. What we are having or getting is disappointing, given the our resources that abound.

    Can the opposition make the difference?

    2015 provides for us the opportunity to critically take stock and say enough is enough. It is a time to say we have played party loyalty for too long, we have played active politics for too long and it’s about time to now ask ourselves as individuals and as Nigerians whether we are better off than we were in 2011. Is the country better off as it was in 2011? Do we have better roads now than what we had in 2011? Do we have more infrastructures now? Is life better now than what we had in 2011? These are the questions that must bother us. When you vote a government and put that government in power, we expect real impact, real changes. It is amazing that, as individual we do stock taking but as a nation, we refuse to take stock. So, 2015 provides an opportunity for a turn around to be able to ask ourselves, if are better now. No matter how long you have gone on a wrong direction, you will never get to your destination until you make a turn around. The destination, we are talking about is improved society, improved security, improved social infrastructure, improved life etc, these are the indices that you must look at to begin to assess whether a government is working or not.

    Are you saying that the PDP is the problem?

    Well, I am not going to sound puritanical and say everybody in PDP is bad. There are pockets of them that are good. For instance Governor Rotimi Amaechi is good.

    But he is almost an opposition member

    If you say so. It’s a truism in life. Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are. You cannot be found in the company of armed robbers and you will be leading praise and worship in the church on Sunday. When you lie with dogs, you wake up with flies. If you get into a car going to another place, what do you do? You simply tell the driver you have entered the wrong bus and you come down. People who have chosen to identify with the politics of the opposition must have seen something diametrically different. Don’t forget that there is the politics of service and of the people and the politics of the stomach. Some politicians can masquerade politics of stomach and you may think that they are for the people. Even in the Bible, the holy book, Jesus said at the last day when the Son of Man shall come, he will condemn some people and those people will come to him and ask Him if He is making a mistake because they will tell him they cast out demons and healed in His name. But he will ask them to go away because they were workers of iniquity.

  • Can PDP avoid rancorous convention?

    Can PDP avoid rancorous convention?

    The special national convention of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  will take place next month in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN writes on the controversy surrounding the convention.

    Will the special national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) achieve the desired objective? Will the convention committee abide by the guidelines? Is it possible to resolve the internal crises before the convention? To observers, these questions must be addressed, if the PDP is plans to conduct a credible convention.

    Analysts contend that the proposed convention is a formality because virtually all the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) who resigned their positions last month are likely to return.

    This is evident by the statement of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who is the the convention committee Secretary. He said that the zones and the states where the previous members that resigned came from will fill the slots.

    “We are going to keep all the positions within the zones. If there is any strong reason for us to change a particular candidate, that will happen. But for now, we are going to keep all the positions in the zones that keep them presently. We are not changing the zoning formula we are reopening nominations. This is a new convention. They will pay; it is not the old convention.”

    The implication of Ekweremadu’s explanation is that the office of the National Publicity Secretary is retained in Anambra State while Imo state will produce the National Woman Leader. The office of the National Legal Adviser is retained in Plateau state; the National Treasurer will come from Kebbi State, Rivers state will still produce Deputy National Chairman. The National Organising Secretary is retained in Kaduna state while Ebonyi state will still produce the Deputy National Secretary.

     

    Why special convention?

     

    The election of some national officers, which was held in March last year was faulted by the INEC a year after. INEC clearly stated that the mode of election of some of the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) was not acceptable. INEC in its report signed by Col M. K. Hammanga (rtd), the team leader to the PDP national convention held on March 24, 2012, at Eagle Square, Abuja, said the mode of election facilty.

    “The mode of election of election adopted for single candidates was not in accordance with the mode of election stipulated in paragraph 6.5 (i) of the guidelines for the conduct of the 2012 congresses and national convention and therefore not acceptable to the Commission”, the report stated.

    Consequently, the elections of the following officers were voided: The Deputy National Chaairman, Dr Sam Sam Jaja; National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha; National Youth Leader, Alhaji Garba Chiza; Deputy National Youth Leader, Dennis Alonge Niyi; National Auditor, Senator Umar Ibrahim; Deputy National Woman Leader, Hanatu Ulam; National Woman Leader. Kema Chikwe; Deputy National Organising Secretary, Okechukwu Nnadozie; Deputy National Treasurer Claudius Inengas; National Legal Adviser , Victor Kwom; National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Methu and the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Binta Goje.

    INEC that their elections improper despite the fact that these single candidates were duly nominated and their candidature ratified by a majority voice vote at the convention.

    The commission also noted that the open secret ballot system was adopted for the election into the offices of the national Chairman , Auditor, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer, in accordance with paragraph 6.5 (I) of the guidelines. It stated that all other positions had single candidates and were affirmed by motions, except for the position of the National Chairman, which was put to vote by open secret ballot, despite the fact that only one candidate was in contention.

    INEC also pointed out that the elections to the PDP congresseswere not properly conducted in some states. A letter signed by the INEC Secretary Abdullahi Kaugama, listed the affected states to include Sokoto, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Lagos, Anambra and Katisna.

     

    Special convention guidelines

     

    To avoid INEC sledge hammer, the Chairman of the Special Convention Planning Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, said the election is open to all the qualified members of the party.

    According to the new convention guidelines released by the committee, all the delegates that took part in the March 24, 2012 national convention are expected to attend the special convention. The process shall be by secret ballot where the candidate is unopposed by voice vote. In the event of tie, a run- off election shall be immediately conducted between the candidates with the highest equal number of votes.

    The guidelines further stated that: “Election of zonal officers shall recognise the principles of zoning and spread of the party and public offices. Each candidate seeking election must be nominated by 20 registered members from the two-thirds of the states in the zone. Election shall be by simple majority to produce the officers of the zone.

    “Election of national officers shall recognise the principle of zoning and be conducted on the basis of existing zoning formula as amended by the National Executive Committee of the party. Each candidate shall be nominated by at least 20 registered members, five of whom must come from the aspirant’s zone.”

    The guideline further emphasised that all the members seeking elections into the various offices must be registered members for, at least, two years.

     

    Tukur/Gana feud

     

    From all indications the party is going for the convention as a divided fold. The acrimony that majority of the stakeholders may carry to the convention, portends danger. The special convention was heading for the rock last week when the National Working Committee announced the suspension of the convention. Tukur and other members of the NWC directed the Convention Committee headed by Prof. Jerry Gana to suspend all the actions on the convention, which was earlier fixed for August 31.

    However, the suspension order did not go down well with the committee as its members including the Secretary, Senator Ekweremadu, were said to have reported the matter to President Goodluck Jonathan . The complaint made the President to invite Tukur for a meeting where issues bordering on the convention were discussed. The President’s intervention has led to peace in the battle of wits between the Tukur-led NWC and the Convention committee. Already, the President has directed that the convention date as announced by the convention committee be retained.

    A presidential source, who was at the meeting, said the deal the President had with both Tukur and Gana was that the Special National Convention will still hold on August 31 and the Southwest congress will also take place on August 24. To appease the angry NWC members, the President, according to the source, directed that the Gana committee should allow the members of the NWC to chair some of the sub-committees in the convention committee.

    The source said the NWC members were not happy that the headship of the sub-committees, including the Publicity, which was supposed be reserved for the National Publicity Secretary, was given to another person by the Gana committee. The NWC also complained that the National Organising Secretary was not even mentioned as the chairman of any committee, while the Woman Leader, who is the traditional person in charge of welfare was merely made a member of the welfare committee.

    Whether the peace brokered between Tukur and Gana by the Presidency will endure or not, time will tell.

     

    Crises tearing PDP apart

     

    There is no geo-political zone in the country where the PDP is crisis-free. The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) crisis that has polarised the governors into pro-Amaechi and Jang supporters, an attempt by the presidency to destabilise Northern Governors Forum and the lingering Rivers crisis that has pitched Governor Rotimi Amaechi against President Jonathan and his wife.

    The party is bitterly factionalised in the Southwest. In ogun state, PDP is divided alongside many factions. There is a faction loyal to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Buruji Kashamu group is in control of party machinery in the state. The recommendation of the reconciliation committee set up by the national secretariat of the party that the state executive be shared between the two groups was rejected by the Kashamu group. The Obasajo group has lost out completely in the struggle for the soul of the party. The battle of supremacy consumed Chief Bode Mustapha as the National Auditor of the party. He was replaced by Adeyanju Olawale from Kashamu group.

    The Southwest zone held a special congress recently in Ibadan to nominate a replacement for Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the erstwhile national secretary, whose appointment was nullified by the court on the ground that the congress that produced him was illegal. According to a release issued after the meeting, the delegates unanimously approved the nomination of Professor Wale Oladipo as the Acting National Secretary. The position was zoned to Osun state and Oladipo hails from Osun.

    Forty eight hours after the announcement, a group, the Osun PDP Concerned forum kicked against Oladipo’s nomination. In an advertorial signed by the representatives from the 30 local governments in the state, the forum stated that the said selection and the mode of the selection did not conform with the constitution of the PDP and does not enjoy the support and goodwill of the majority. Rather than deepen peace and unity the announcement has stirred disunity disenchantment and mutual suspicion, the statement added.

    But the Chairman of Ogun State chapter, Chief Bayo Dayo, who attended the zonal congress, told The Nation that the selection of Prof. Oladipo was open and transparent. According to him, there were two candidates. The other candidate stepped down for Oladipo to emerge as the unanimous candidate.

     

    Stalled reconciliation

     

    Ekiti State PDP was embroiled in a fresh crisis last week, following the suspension of the party chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, by a faction loyal to former Governor Ayo Fayose. There was commotion at the party secretariat in Ado-Ekiti when some aggrieved members met and announced the suspension of the chairman. Ogundipe was accused of misappropriation of funds, corruption, and failure to carry along members of the Central Working Committee. He was also accused of constituting unilaterally the screening committee to pick the governorship candidate for the next year governorship election. The Ogundipe group has also suspended Fayose and some officers. Already, the party is balkanised into splinter groups loyal to various chieftains, including the former governor, Mr Segun Oni, Fayose, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd). All efforts to reconcile the factions by the national leadership have failed.

    A chieftain of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, admitted that there was crisis in the chapter which according to him, is not peculiar to PDP. He told our correspondent that, in a big party like PDP, the likelihood of disagreement on issues is possible. Adeyeye said Ogundipe, is still the chairman. An individual cannot on his volition suspend the chairman. There is a procedure to follow, he added.

    Lagos is also not insulated from the crisis as some chieftains of the party have approached the Federal High Court seeking an order to disqualify the former chairman of the party in the Southwest, Chief Bode George, as a member of the Board of Trustees. The plaintiffs, Alhaji Badmus Agboola and Dauda Atomoh, contend that George, having been convicted in 2009, is not qualified to hold office. The suit was filed on the heels of purported reconciliation between George and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, a PDP chieftain and a challenger to George’s leadership.

    Ondo State chapter is also not at peace with itself. The elders of the party are not in good terms with the governorship, candidate in last governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke, who is also the former National Legal Adviser of the party. The elders were alleged to have shifted allegiance to the Labour party, thereby ensuring Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s re-election.

  • Court bars new PDP

    Court bars new PDP

    …Restrains Atiku, Baraje, others from interfering in PDP’s operations

    It was a major loss on Friday for the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, as a Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the faction’s officers from parading themselves as officers of the party.

    Justice Evoh Chukwu, in a judgment ordered Alhaji Kawu Baraje, Jaja Sam Jaja and Olagunsoye Oyinlola (claiming to be National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman and National Secretary of the New PDP) to stop parading themselves in that capacity.

    The judge also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials from recognising Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola as national officers of the PDP, either new or old.

    Justice Chukwu further restrained the three and Atiku (described as the leader of the New PDP) and their aides or employees from “interfering and continued interference with the duties and functions” of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and other officers of the PDP elected at the August 31 special convention of the party.

    The judge also restrained Baraje, Jaja, Oyinlola and Atiku from opening or operating parallel national, states, local and ward secretariats of the PDP.

    The judgment was in a suit instituted by Tukur and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP against INEC, Baraje, Jaja, Oyinlola and Atiku.

    The plaintiffs had accused Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola of unlawfully holding themselves out as national officers of the PDP, with the backing of Atiku. The plaintiffs contended they were the truly elected officers of the party by virtue of the party’s last special convention and that unless Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola were restrained, INEC would accord them recognition as officers of the PDP.

    Justice Chukwu noted that although Baraje, Jaja and Oyinlola claimed to have been elected as officers of the party at a convention held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on August 30 this year, they failed to provide material evidence to support their claim.

     

     

  • Do not relent, PDP urges members

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State has urged its members not to be deterred by the delay in determining its candidate in the November 16 election.

    PDP’s national and state leadership presented Comrade Tony Nwoye to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as their candidate, but submitted the name of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, following the ruling of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Since then, the party has been at a crossroads. While the candidates of other parties have launched their campaigns, PDP is still battling in court to determine its candidate.

    Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, members of the Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation (TNCO), said they were not bothered about the development, adding that they believed victory would be theirs.

    The Director, Media and Publicity of the group, Mr. Ken Arinze, a former commissioner for Commerce and Industry, said the court case would not stop them from reaching out to the people.

    Said he: “The people know who they want in this election. This is why we are hoping in God to give us victory.

    “We are not panicking, the only thing bothering us is the delay in launching the campaign the way other parties have done. Time is no longer on our side.”

  • APC, PDP unite for Ogbara

    Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have set aside partisan politics as they joined former PDP governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Alhaja Kafilat Ogbara, in a thanksgiving service in Lagos.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Ogbara, said: “All I can say is to thank the Almighty Allah for sparing my life in a fire incidence in Ogun State in February this year. I am also grateful to President Goodluck Jonathan, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and all Nigerians, who stood by me during my six months sojourn abroad”.

    She commended Jonathan and Amosu for their quick response to emergencies in the country. “Governor Amosun, especially, stood by me. I am not a member of the APC, but he stood by me. Those with the fear of God should be made to govern this nation like Amosun. He is an excellent man”, she said.

    Obasanjo, who was represented by Chief Femi Majekodunmi, also expressed gratitude to God for sparing the life of the young politician, while paying glowing tribute to her. Amosun, who was represented by Mrs Funmi Ajayi, said the government will continue to ensure the security of lives, property and safety of her citizens during emergencies.

  • Delta by-election: PDP advises aggrieved parties to go to tribunal

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta has advised the aggrieved parties in the Oct. 12, 2013 Delta Central Senatorial District by-election, to channel their grievances to the Election Tribunal for redress.

    The state PDP Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, said this on Tuesday in Asaba, at a post-election news conference.

    Nwaoboshi noted that the law on electoral disputes was clear, adding that nobody could annul an election that had been concluded, except the court of law.

    “I have read and heard the comments of some of the defeated candidates and their parties on the election.

    “I think the best way to address this issue is for them to go to court for redress.’’

    He appealed to the opposition parties to explore all the legitimate processes open to them to lay their grievances such as the court or the tribunal.

    According to him, the by-election afforded the political parties that participated the opportunity of “experiencing the weight of the political machinery of the PDP in Delta state.”

    Nwaoboshi recalled that the by-election became imperative because of the death of Sen. Pius Ewerido, who represented the district in the Senate.

    He said that the party was happy to have won the election duly certified by the INEC.

    “To this end, I want to thank the people of Delta Central Senatorial District for this massive support given to our party.

    “We can only assure them of efficient and effective service to the good people of the state.’’

    The chairman also commended INEC and the security agencies for the successful conduct of the election

     

  • ‘PDP has no plan for Nigerians’

    ‘PDP has no plan for Nigerians’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Hon. Monsuru Owolabi is a member of the House of Representatives. He spoke with reporters in Lagos on national issues. Correspondent Musa Odoshimokhe was there.

    Is the House of Representatives living up to the expectation?

    The House is doing a fantastic job and I must commend the leadership qualities of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, and other principal officers. The contribution of the current House to issues of national importance, such as the fuel subsidy debate, constitution amendment debate, the political crisis in Rivers State and other issues, is robust. Of course, because of our large number, which is 360, there can be disagreements. But we disagree to agree and that is the hallmark of leadership.

    Let us look at 14 years of democratic rule under PDP. How would you describe the journey so far?

    We are in 14 years of democratic rule. But let me say here that the PDP has dragged Nigeria backwards for 28 years. Nigerians have suffered long enough under the PDP. It is a selfish government that does not care about the welfare of Nigerians. What area can you pinpoint where PDP has excelled? Is it in terms of bad roads, poor health care service delivery and poor educational system? Look at the educational sector. Our students have been idling at home for the past two months, due to the insensitivity of this government.

    Nigerians can no longer walk freely on the streets in their country because of the fear of being kidnapped. Also, they cannot sleep with their two eyes closed, due to insecurity challenges. If there is insecurity, how will the foreign investors come? Also, look at the issue of power supply. Nothing tangible has been achieved, despite trillions of naira and various reforms in the power sector. Most of our industries have relocated to other African countries like Ghana, Cotonou and South Africa. Yet, we are saying there are no jobs. 14 years of democratic rule under PDP is a waste.

    What should Nigerians expect from the APC, if it becomes the next ruling party in Nigeria?

    The emergence of the APC is the best thing that has happened to this country. In fact, it is long overdue. The coming together of these parties could have happened eight years ago. All those who are now coming together under the APC have sacrificed themselves, their time and resources and they have been at the vanguard of ordinary people, in terms of trying to elevate the living standards of these people. I congratulate our leaders, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and General Muhammadu Buhari, and other eminent personalities for taking this unenviable task in rescuing Nigeria and Nigerians from the clutches of power mongers and enemies of true democracy. Nigerians should expect a different form of leadership under the APC. They should expect to be governed by a government, which places the interest of the country above their personal concern. A progressive government that will eradicate corruption and other vices that are inimical to the growth of democracy and will usher in a true change, prosperity and justice.

    The PDP believes that minor differences will polarise the APC? Is this a fair assessment?

    The PDP’s thinking is faulty. To them, three or four people coming together with different ideologies and political background is impossible. That is why they keep saying there will be in-fighting and disagreement within the APC. But unknown to them, we are all determined to move the nation forward, no matter the challenges we may encounter. No one ever said coming together of different political parties will be an easy task and that is why the leaders of these political parties deserve commendation for agreeing to let go of certain positions, so as to make the merger a success. The PDP never believed the APC will see the light of the day. In fact, they believe the party will not be registered in the first place. But against all odds, the APC is here to stay. To me, I think it is all about give and take. You take A and I give B and we move forward. Understanding of one another and putting party interest, ahead of personal interest, too is very important. It is not compulsory that I become the President of the country. If I am interested in becoming the President and the party supports another candidate, all I need do is to bury my ambition and back the candidate put forward by the party. That is one thing they lack in the PDP. To them, it is about me, me and me. They are always thinking of what to benefit, instead of what will be of benefit to Nigerians.

    Do you see Nigeria gravitating towards a two-party system, unlike the current multi-party system we operate?

    Well, with what is happening at present, I cannot really say that Nigeria is tilting towards a two-party system like we have in the days of the NRC and SDP. This is because other parties will still be registered by the INEC and these parties will want to contest in the forthcoming elections. Also, we have other parties that are duly registered and are still operating. Also, don’t forget that the Supreme Court recently unbanned some parties that were deregistered by INEC. If these political parties decides to join forces with the APC to confront the PDP, that is when we can say Nigeria is moving towards a two-party system.

    What about the smaller political parties, do you see them making any impact in the next general election?

    All these mushrooms political parties will, in no distant time, collapse into the APC. They will join forces with theAPC and it is just a matter of time. Many of these political parties know that they do not have what it takes to win election, both at the state and national levels. Also, with the intractable crisis in the PDP, many of them will not want to join them because they know they will be used and dumped. Tell me, which sane political party will want to enter into alliance with the PDP today? They have been in power for 14 years; no single political party has entered into any form of alliance with them. Is it now that they are polarised and divided that any political party will want to enter into any agreement with them?

    What has been your major contribution to your constituency?

    As a politician, I know the primary reason why I am in the National Assembly, which is to represent my constituency and to make laws for the country. Let me add here that Nigerians are good people. They know it is not all politicians that are selfish and do not have their interest at heart. If you come to them and pretend that you love them in order to get their votes, they know.

  • Delta : APC alleges use of security, thugs by PDP in bye- election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP)  of using security agents to intimidate voters and prevent voting materials from reaching polling units in opposition strongholds during Saturday’s bye-election in Delta Central Senatorial district.In a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said reports from its agents on the field indicate that armed soldiers and policemen were deployed strategically to intimidate voters.

    Trailers and tankers were also allegedly  used to block the roads leading to opposition strongholds, thereby preventing voting materials from reaching there.”Worst-hit areas are Ughelli North; Udu and Uvwie Local Governments, which are the strongholds of the APC. Also, several Hilux vehicles loaded with armed soldiers were sent to Okpe Local Government Ward 8 Collation Centre since Friday night.

    ”Though materials were moved from the distribution centre to local government headquarters overnight, the PDP, using security agents and thugs, have succeeded in ensuring that the materials are not being ferried to polling units
    in several wards, ” Mohammed stated.

    In Sapele Ward 8, security agents according to APC spokesman   beat up voters even before the start of accreditation, thus scaring them away from polling units. In Udu LG Ward 7, election materials were seized by thugs. These strategies are all aimed at scaring away voters and suppressing votes in opposition strongholds.

    ”In Ughelli South, the INEC official is insisting that 19 booklets of ballot papers and 197 loose sheets (ballot papers) be given to the Jeremy Ward 2 of the Delta State Deputy Governor, even after materials have been shared to all the wards, including Jeremy Ward 2. If the INEC official has his way, the extra materials will be abused by the PDP.

     ”These conditions are not conducive to the conduct of a free, fair and credible elections, and we call on those saddled with providing security for the election to act fast and arrest the trend before it degenerates into violence and disenfranchises voters, ” Mohammed said.
  • Court dismisses suit against Tukur, others

    Court dismisses suit against Tukur, others

    A Lagos High Court, Ikeja, on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP against Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for lack of jurisdiction.

    The Judge, Justice Oludotun Adefope-Okojie, held that the Lagos State High Court had no power to assume jurisdiction over a matter which originated outside its territory.

    Adefope-Okojie said the applicants had averred in their affidavit that the cause of action was the Special Convention of the PDP held on August 30 in Abuja.

    She said they also averred that the PDP had its registered office in Abuja and that none of the defendants was resident in Lagos.

    The judge held that the argument by the applicants’ counsel that the court could effect its judgment against the defendants was not relevant at this stage.

    “I hold that with the defendants not resident in Lagos and the subject matter originating in Abuja, the High Court of Lagos State has no power to assume jurisdiction over this suit.

    “I accordingly make an order striking out the suit,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted justice Adefope-Okojie as saying on Thursday.

    NAN recalled that Baraje, Dr. Sam Jaja and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, filed the suit on September 1.

    They urged the court to restrain Tukur, Uche Secondus, Deputy National Chairman; Kema Chikwe, Women Leader; and Olisa Metuh, National Publicity Secretary; from parading themselves as PDP National Executive Committee members.

    The Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Joe Kyari-Gadzama (SAN) and Mr. Emeka Etiaba, had on September 18 asked the court to strike out the suit for want of jurisdiction.

    They argued that the writs of summons was not endorsed and did not comply with the mandatory requirements of Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act.

    However, the applicants’ Counsel, Mr. Robert Emukpaeruo, had urged the court to dismiss the defendant’s preliminary objection and assume jurisdiction.

     

  • Tukur to Baraje’s faction: Let’s unite for national confab

    The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has appealed to members of the Abubakar Baraje faction to close ranks with the mainstream PDP, to enable the party forge a common front for the national dialogue.
    In a statement he signed on Tuesday, Tukur said the ruling party would mobilise Nigerians from all walks of life, including opposition groups, for the success of the conference.
    Tukur said the dialogue offers a life time opportunity for Nigerians to re-lay the foundation of the country, stressing that the nation would emerge as a true giant of Africa at the end of the exercise.
    He said, “I appeal to members of the PDP to align with the President on the national confab agenda. I also appeal to our aggrieved members to return to the PDP for us to forge a common endeavour towards rebuilding the party and our country in particular.
    “For this reason, I will not shy away from begging our party members to come together so we can enter the national confab like a team and set examples for the rest of Nigeria.
    “In doing that, we would have demonstrated that we remain the most serious party, not only in Nigeria but in Africa”.
    The chairman said the PDP was excited by the government’s desire to bring all ethnic nationalities in the country together for discussions on the progress and future of the country.
    He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for responding positively to the yearnings of the Nigerian people for a national conference.
    Tukur wondered why the idea of the conference was being criticised by certain individuals and groups in the country.
    He described the critics as hypocrites, saying that many of them had severally called for the conference in the past and had mounted pressure on the President to set machinery in motion for the talks.
    The chairman admitted that the ruling party is presently at a crossroads, a development which he said, is normal in democracies.
    What is not normal, according to him, “is a situation where dissenting members resolve to permanently stand apart with little regard for the party’s starting line, past efforts in building the party, as well as common aspirations in raising the party to be the most formidable among all.”
    Tukur restated his determination to pursue with vigour the revival of the ruling party and to put the country on the path of sustainable growth and development.