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Tag: ticket

  • Ofeimu battles Amos for LP ticket

    Two aspirants – Mr. Ofeimu Odia, a former Private Secretary to the late Premier of defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Pastor Amos Olelogbe – will today battle for the ticket of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the September 10 governorship election.

    Over 150 delegates of the party are expected to participate in the party’s primaries.

    This came at the end of the party’s state congress where Comrade Kelly Ogbaloi was elected chairman.

    LP’s National Secretary, Julius Abure, who supervised the congress, said the party was on its way to take over the seat of power in Edo.

    He said: “The political development in Edo State landscape has crystalline. We all can see it without needing anybody, in some sense of extra-terrestrial knowledge, to tell us history.”

  • Ize-Iyamu, Iduoriyekemwen, Edebiri battle for PDP ticket

    Ize-Iyamu, Iduoriyekemwen, Edebiri battle for PDP ticket

    Compared to weekend’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), today’s contest among the three aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is believed to have been decided even before delegates formally cast their votes to produce a winner. OSAGIE OTABOR looks at the chances of the aspirants.

    Three aspirants are contesting for the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State in today’s governorship primary for the September 10 election. This is the first time the PDP will be going into an election in Edo State as an opposition party, both at the state and the federal level.

    The aspirants are a former Secretary to the Edo State Government, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Chief Solomon Edebiri and Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. The 576 delegates that would decide the fate of the aspirants were elected from the 192 wards across the state. They are to be joined by other statutory delegates whose figures are yet to be disclosed.

    All the aspirants are from the Edo South senatorial district, the zone where the governorship seat was zoned to in the PDP. Unlike the APC, the build up to the Edo PDP primary appeared rancour-free, with low apprehension: a situation which made many to believe the party delegates already know where the pendulum would swing.

    At different fora organised by a PDP group, the Unity League, the aspirants pledged to work together after the primary. At a seminar held last weekend in Benin City, the Edo State capital, a former Minister of National Planning, Prof Sulaiman Abubakar, said the survival of the PDP as a party depends on winning the Edo governorship election in September.

    Abubakar noted that putting Edo under the PDP family would open the path to true federalism in the Southsouth region, provide a platform to reclaim power in 2019, if the aspirants and supporters accept the outcome of today’s primary election and not cause disaffection in the party.

    In his address entitled, “Edo State Election: The last Hope of the deprived”, Abubakar said: “The Southsouth must as a matter of strategy be under the same political platform. This will be a challenge to the hegemony in the Northwest. We should not forget that you have been described as people who provided just five per cent of the presidential vote. So, as long as the APC remains in power, you should not expect anything significant.

    “The surest way to negotiate, bargain and diplomatically make a point is to be united, integrate and form a formidable front under the PDP. Such political formation is sharper, result-oriented and more consequential than a thousand avengers.”

    One notable personality that has been silent since the race to September 10 began is Chief Tony Anenih, a former Minister of Works and Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT). On a good day, a snap from him is capable of deciding who gets the PDP nomination. But, the story is different today. Though Anenih is yet to announce his retirement from partisan politics, he has been taking a back seat since the former ruling party was defeated in the last general elections.

    The aspirants are in for a stiff contest.

     

    Ize-Iyamu

    He has a bright chance of emerging victorious in today’s primary, because he has effectively taken control of the PDP at the grassroots. Top PDP chieftains across the state are in support of his candidacy. They believe Pastor Ize-Iyamu is the only person that has the political clout to lead a successful campaign against Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was a founding member of the PDP and strongly opposed to the over-bearing influence of Chief Anenih on the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion. This made him to propagate the slogan: “No man is God.” He joined others to fight Anenih by forming the Grace Group. Ize-Iyamu returned to the PDP in 2014 with his supporters after he sensed that his ambition to succeed Oshiomhole under the APC would not succeed. He has however told critics that he should not be blamed for the failure of the Igbinedion administration, because, according to him, he was not in charge of contracts award and the final decision rests with the executive governor.

    He had said: “You will be surprised the way the ordinary man understands the matter. For them, Ize-Iyamu is a good man. He has not been a governor, let us give him a chance and know if he will do well.

    “If you sample opinion round the state, you will find out that form of attack will not work at all. People are very enlightened. They see me as somebody who is very experienced and courageous enough to bring the kind of changes they want in the state.”

     

    Edebiri

    This is the first time Edebiri would be contesting a party primary since he has been contesting for the governorship since 2007. He was the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) governorship candidate in 2007. In 2012, he endeared himself to the people at a political debate when he contested under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). After the merger that led to the formation of the APC, Edebiri joined the APC where he stayed briefly before he moved to the PDP in 2014, after the party’s congresses. Many said he is seen as an outsider in the PDP and that party leaders would not be able to control him. He might spring surprises if the thinking of his supporters that some leaders were in secret pact with him is anything to go by.

    Edebiri has promised to develop the agricultural potentials of the state to boost internally generated revenue (IGR) without over taxing the people. He has also promised to generate N12 billion annually from rice production.

    His words: “What is uppermost in my mind is that we must develop our agro potentials to tackle poverty and boost the economy in the face of the dwindling oil price. If we produce rice in this state and tax N1000 per bag, we will generate N12 billion in a year from rice production. This state will become a centre for food production. We will negotiate and get crude oil from the Federal Government. We will build modular refinery and produce petrol at N45 per litre. Enough is enough of electing people who get into office and treat people like slaves.

    “If you make an error of not electing a labour-conscious candidate, we are in for a mess. There will no welfare and there will be low-staff morale.  For workers not to be corrupt, we must look at all the issues.

    “The only way to create jobs is to set up industries. How many workers can say they have gone for a capacity-training programme? It is pathetic. I know we will manage a state where workers will be happy and the people will be happy.”

     

    Iduoriyekemwen

    He was the former Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and a Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Matthew lost the PDP primary in 2012 to Charles Airhiavbere. He is tagged as Mr. No stain and said his performances as NDDC commissioner would secure votes for him. Matthew said he should be rewarded for being a loyal party man and not those that moved from one party to another.

    All the aspirants have pledged to work for whoever emerges in today’s primary and the delegates are poised to vote according to the dictates of party chieftains. There is however a snag in the contest over the pending court ruling on who is the authentic National Chairman of the party. It was the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led leadership that screened the three aspirants.

  • Who gets Edo APC ticket?

    Who gets Edo APC ticket?

    Twelve governorship aspirants are competing for the governorship ticket in Edo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). OSAGIE OTABOR writes on the succession battle, the contenders and pretenders, and the factors that will shape the shadow poll.

    The die is cast in the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC). Twelve aspirants are competing for the governorship ticket tomorrow. The candidate will face his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart at the the September 10 election.

    No fewer than 3,000 delegates will decide the fate of the aspirants. Many of the aspirants have stormed the 12 local government areas soliciting for votes in the last three months. However, some contenders were also busy campaigning on the pages of the newspapers. Others have employed the television and billboards to pass their messages across to the people.

    What has raised the tension and apprehension among APC members are allegations of mopping up the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and forcing delegates to swear to oaths of allegiance.

    Top on the list of aspirants is Godwin Obaseki, the economic wizard. Others are Major-General Charles Airhiavbere, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Blessing Agbomhere, Dr. Pius Odubu, Kenneth Imasuangbon, Comrade Peter Esele, Oserheimen Osunbor, Tina Agbarha, Austin Emuan, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula and Prof. Ebegbue Amadasun.

    Edo South Senatorial district has the highest number of aspirants. Four aspirants are from Edo Central while the youngest aspirant, 37 year-old Agbomhere hails from Edo North. The APC is silent on zoning, but the body language of its leaders appear to lean towards a candidate from the Edo South because of its voting population.

    The fate of the aspirants will be decided by the delegates. But, the outcome of the primary would also determine the relevance of Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the political family he has raised in the last seven years.

    The governor has stood his ground, despite the blackmail and outright insults heaped on him when he decided to back Obaseki, the Chairman of the Edo State Economic Team. He appears to be weathering the storm in his bid to deliver his anointed candidate, despite the threat by some fifth columnists, who believe that the emergence of Obaseki could spell doom for the APC at the poll.

    Oshiomhole’s loyal foot soldiers are working hard to convince delegates to stop what some had termed the disgrace of their boss, especially by his deputy, Dr. Plus Odubu, and the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    Oyegun was alleged to have frustrated efforts to replace delegates, who had defected to other political parties or died since the congresses were conducted. It was learnt that Oyegun and Oshiomhole are at loggerheads over the delegates’ list. Both men are also on the divide over the choice of Oshiomhole’s successor. Oyegun is believed to be supporting Ogiemwonyi.

    At a meeting with the Prince Oyinlola Fact-finding and Reconciliation Committee, Oshiomhole said he would fight the election as if he were a candidate, regardless of who wins the primary. The governor also warned that the APC in Edo State has enemies within, who “are worse than those in the opposition party.”

    He said:”The truth is this might be the wish of our enemies; enemies from within and enemies from without. The more dangerous enemies are those who even purport to have joined the APC, but their soul is in the PDP. By their choice of language and style and tactics, it is clear that they wish to be in APC while actually working in futility, hoping that they can discredit APC so that their own party that we have grounded, dismantled and wrested can hopefully be revived.”

    A Senior Special Assistant to Oshiomhole on Political Matters, Mr. Aiyamenkhue Edokpolor, however, said the successor to his boss must not be a “slow poison” and that the candidate “must understand that loyalty is not a slave-game, but a game of mutual interest.’

    Edokpolor said the person must have sufficient capacity to regenerate the fading legacies of the founding fathers and he should have the intellectual capacity to appreciate superior arguments.

    He said the person must be detached from thuggery, brigandage and vindictive tendencies, adding that he should be accessible and humble.

    It is not clear who would get the ticket because the delegates could not be trusted, until they have voted. The battle for the ticket, according to APC chieftains, are between five of the 12 aspirants. Obaseki enjoys the support of entire Oshiomhole political family, the Edo APC Caucus in the National Assembly and about 18 APC lawmakers in the House of Assembly.

     

    Odubu:

    He is the deputy governor. His boss has reportedly told him: “We come together, we go together.” This has caused friction in their relationship. Oshiomhole recently said he was informed of a plan by his deputy to use voodoo means to eliminate him. Those opposed to the deputy governor’s aspiration claimed that his emergence would give the PDP an easy victory because of what happened to Samson Osagie during the general elections when he (Osagie) attempted to go to the Senate after 16 years as a state and federal lawmaker. He was tagged Mr. ‘Only me’. Odubu was in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2007. He became the deputy governor in 2008 after the Court of Appeal judgment. His critics said 16 years were enough for him, but Odubu has insisted that he is more experienced and qualified to succeed Oshiomhole. He has promised to grant tax holiday and waiver for the Certificate of Occupancy fees as an additional incentives to new investors.

    He said: “Given the high level to which Comrade Oshiomhole has taken Edo State, the state needs a governor that is game ready. One that will hit the ground running.I am in the race to win. I have all it takes to win the primaries. I am a loyal party man. I will support any winner in a free and fair primaries.”

     

    Obaseki

    He is the most vilified aspirant because he has the backing of the governor. Godwin is the scion of the famous Obaseki family. His great grand father was the administrator of Benin Kingdom between 1897 and 1914 while his grand-father, Ikuobase Gauis-Obaseki, represented the Benin Kingdom in the British Council during the time of Governor-General James  Robertson. His detractors have raised many issues against him. But, Godwin has been described as the architect of Oshiomhole’s success. He gathered experts to fashion out the road map for the of Oshiomhole administration. His greatest undoing was that he opted to work silently as the Chairman of the Economic Team. But, Godwin has sympathy among voters. He has been able to convince them in the course of mobilisation. He has promised to sustain the tempo of infrastructural development. His key point areas are investment in agriculture to foster economic stability,  human resources development and the formulation of policies that will lead to self-reliance.

    He said: “Developing and investing in the agricultural sector is a sure shot way to economic sustainability. It will provide jobs and create associated support businesses.

    “It is also one of the most effective and important strategies for economic growth, poverty reduction and more job opportunities in a state. Our abundance of intelligent human capital means Edo can become a vibrant technology hub, we must look inward to develop this resource,” he added.

     

    Airhiavbere

    He joined the APC from the PDP after last year’s presidential election. He was the PDP governorship candidate in 2012. Airhiavbere entered politics five days after he retired from the Nigerian Army as a Major-General. He contested the PDP primaries seven months after he joined the party and he is contesting on the APC platform 13 months after his defection. Airhiavbere told reporters that the democratic process is at work in the APC. He said aspirants are not expected to purchase the ticket, unlike the PDP. He has promised to improve the public service delivery, boost agriculture and promote foreign direct investment.

     

    Imasuangbon

    Popularly known as the ‘Rice Man,’ Imasuangbon is in the race for the third time. He is a household name in Edo. In 2007, he was asked to step down for Oshiomhole on the defunct Action Congress (AC). In 2012, he lost to Airhiavbere when he contested in the PDP. Imasuangbon is a philanthropist. He has sustained his yearly rice distribution for 10 years. He has also organised essay competitions where he distributed ipads and cash prizes to students.

    The aspirant has urged other aspirants to show what they have done to lift the poor. He hoped to get a blocc vote from Edo Central where he hails from. He had promised to create wealth by blocking leakages.

    Imasuagbon said: “The best way to create wealth is to create job. The best way to create job is to block the leakages. No false contract, no fake civil servant. Another way is to go into agriculture. When I am governor, I will stop throwing rice. For the past ten years, I have been giving out rice non-stop.

    “When I am governor, I will have three rice plantation in each of the three senatorial district. That will take over 5000 youths off the street. We will have pineapple farm, mango farm and each of the farm will have industries at the tip end. We will not only feed Edo, we will feed other West Africa countries.”

     

    Arigbe-Osula

    He did not show any intention to contest, until the sale of nomination forms commenced. Party members were surprised when he paid for the nomination form. Arigbe-Osula was in the House of Representative between 1999 and 2003 on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He defected to the PDP  and later. to the ACN. Critics said he was dragged into the race to help divide the votes of the Edo South. Not much was heard from him, until he purchased the form. His chance is very slim, if he does not step down, ahead of the primary.

     

    Ogiemwonyi

    Ogiemwonyi, an engineer, worked in the oil industry for 34 years before he enteed politics. He has tagged himself as ‘Mr. Integrity.’ Ogiemwonyi, a former Minister of State for Works, joined the APC last year He has warmed his way into the hearts of some APC delegates. Ogiemwonyi said he would continue from where Oshiomhole stops with a new strategy. He is seen as a strong contender for the race

     

    Esele

    This is the first time the former Trade Union President is participating in elective politics. He has promised to focus on three key areas-culture, agriculture and education- if elected as governor.

    Esele hails from Edo Central. But, he does not believe in the Esan Agenda, which is power shift to Edo Central. He has said that merit should be the watchword, and not ethnicity.

    Esele said: “We want to have functional educational system to help children fit into the 21st century. My life is my canvass which I intend to reproduce. You cannot have a government when you cannot plan. A government is driven by data, research and analysis.”

    “Leaders want to go this way, delegates want to go the other way. I am in this race because I love it. I have carried out research because it makes me happy. Other aspirants should tell the people what they want to do. I will not be a governor where my commissioner of Education cannot tell you the number of pupils in primary school. I will not be a governor where my Commissioner of Agriculture does not know extension workers. I know what to do. I do not believe in money bag. I want to bring in new things.”

     

    Agbarha

    She is the only woman aspirant. She has promised to make women hold key positions in government, including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to Government and the chairman of the party. Her chances are very slim, owing to the financial muscle of her male counterparts.

     

    Amadasun

    He is the oldest aspirant. Prof. Amadasun first contested for the governorship on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) against Chief John Oyegun. That was in the aborted Third Republic. He is a Professor of Anasthesiology. He said he has developed a winning strategy since he does not have the financial muscle. Prof. Amadasun said he was not bothered about the purchase of PVCs by any aspirant.

    He added: “All is fair in war. The delegates are available for use. Why don’t the aspirants go out to use their method to win. They should also go out and buy PVC of devise ways to mitigate buying.

    “I believe all is fair in war. I am devising my method. I will win. I am devising my unique ways since I don’t have money to share and also knowing the advantages my opponent have.”

     

    Agbomhere

    He is the youngest aspirant. He is a critic of the governor. Agbomhere said he would probe Oshiomhole and ensure that looted funds are returned to the treasury. His targets are the youths. He said he would make Edo the Dubai of Africa and boost the economy by creating marketing boards.

  • Cold war in Edo over APC ticket

    Cold war in Edo over APC ticket

    There is a gulf between Governor Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu. They are not on the same page over who gets the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR, who has been following the matter, highlights the problem and its implication for the party.

    The cordial relationship between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, has hit the rocks. Both men are on collision course over the party’s governorship ticket in the election. While Oshiomhole has left no one in doubt that Godwin Obaseki is his preferred candidate, Odubu is insisting on gunning for the ticket.

    Before now, Odubu was described as the best deputy governor in the country, because of what many termed his unalloyed loyalty to his boss. But, that is no longer the case. He has set up his campaign office within the highbrow Government Reservation Area (GRA) in the state capital and notable members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are flocking there to pledge their loyalty. But, Oshiomhole has made it clear that he would not support Odubu’s bid. “We came together, we leave together,” he was quoted as telling his deputy.

    Odubu, a lawyer, hails from Orhionmwon Local Government Area. His supporters say he is the only experienced aspirant among those gunning for the ticket. This is attributed to his eight-year tenure as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives and his close to eight-year stint as deputy governor. They say Odubu showed his political relevance during the tussle between Samson Osagie and Patrick Obahiagbon; a contest where Obahiagbon, who is believed to be favoured by Oshiomhole, was narrowly defeated.

    Apart from Odubu and Obaseki, top contenders for the APC ticket are: Blessing Agbomhere, Charles Airhiavbere, Prof. Amadasun Ebegue and Chris Ogiemwonyi.

    Supporters of Odubu say the relationship between him and Oshiomhole has degenerated to a low level. Last year, the sacking of four commissioners by the governor signaled the parting of ways between them. The commissioners were reportedly sacked for holding political meetings with the deputy governor. Those affected were Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Chief Lucky James, Commissioner for Women Affairs Blessing Maigida, Commissioner for Basic Education Mr. Patrick Aguinede and Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources Chris Ebare. Oshiomhole, however, explained that the commissioners were removed for corrupt practices.

    Several loyalists of Odubu have also been dropped from one political appointment or the other. For example, Osaretin Edoma, the member representing Orhionmwon in Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Commission (EDSOGPADEC), was kicked out for alleged corrupt practices. Osaretin told reporters he was being victimised for supporting the deputy governor and warned of dire consequences at the polls, if the governor succeeds in imposing a candidate on the party.

    In January, the Vice Chairman of the APC and one of the key supporters of Odubu, Gentleman Amegor, was suspended from office. Amegor, who is also the Edo South Senatorial leader, was accused of providing a lacklustre leadership for the party.

    Other accusations were that Amegor failed to implement objectives contained in the Article 13.9 of the party’s constitution; he failed to convene regular meetings of the district to discuss and resolve issues affecting the development of the party; and was also alleged to have been engaged in anti-party activities during the last presidential elections, which led to the loss of his unit and local government.

    Attempts by Amegor to call a meeting of the APC in Edo South were resisted by some youths, who drove away those heading for the residence of the APC chieftain. The youths laid siege on Amegor’s residence till about 6pm.

    Odubu, according to his loyalists, is now rarely invited to government functions or sent to represent the governor. For instance, he was absent at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company by the Dangote Group. He was also not present at the visit of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom and Edaiken N’ Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, to the Government House and in February, when the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, visited the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Edo. It was the governor’s wife, Lara, that was sent to welcome him.

    Nevertheless, a peace move has begun to settle the political differences between Oshiomhole and his deputy. Sources told our reporter that a meeting was held in Abuja to prevail on Odubu to step down and that the deputy governor reportedly told those at the meeting that he would consult with his supporters. Those close to the Odubu, however, insist that he may have resolved to contest the primaries, even after settling the rift between him and his boss.

    A Senior Special Assistant to Oshiomhole on Media, Curtis Ugbo, who was arraigned last week for illegal possession of firearms and making inciting statements against the governor, said his travails began when he started showing support for Odubu’s governorship bid.

    Ugbo had posted the following statements on his Facebook wall after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Okpella Cement Company: “What is wrong with my boss? no senior member of government, Speaker and National Assembly member was present at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Edo State-owned cement industry, in partnership with a private company. “Is Edo State now a personal estate of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole?” Government sources said Odubu has distanced himself from the rantings of Ugbo and other political appointees who want to hide under the fracas to get at the governor. Many supporters of Odubu had wanted an all-out war with the Governor, but Odubu opted to remain calm and work towards getting the party’s ticket.

    It is not yet clear how many local government areas Odubu could win at the primaries, but some party leaders claim that he has a good relationship with delegates from Orhionmwon, Uhunmwode, Ovia North East and Ovia South West, Owan East, Owan West and Egor.

    A top government official, who expressed worry over the cold between Oshiomhole and Odubu, said the latter deserves some respect from the governor and that he is not a push over, as he appears on the surface. He said Odubu helped to stabilise Oshiomhole’s administration by being loyal and not becoming over ambitious in the last eight years.

     

  • Nigeria Taekwondo team fails to pick Olympics ticket

    For the first time since 2004, the Nigerian Taekwondo team will not be competing at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

    The four-man team failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in its history. All fighters lost in the Semi-Finals.

    African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, and African Games silver medallist, Chinazum Nwosu both narrowly lost to Morocco while Edwin  Samson lost to Senegal via second round stoppage via kick to mouth.

    Earlier, Jamilu Mohammed had been disqualified for overweight in the men’s -58kg. Finalists in each weight category are expected to qualify automatically for the Olympics.

    To berth in the semi-final, Samson beat athletes from Togo and Algeria while Nwosu defeated an Ethiopian and Otuadinma beat Swaziland.

    Having featured in the last three Olympics in Athens, Beijing and London, Nigeria will be conspicously missing in action at the Rio Olympics Games in Brazil.

    Meanwhile, on the first day of the qualifiers, êight  countries picked up Rio 2016 tickets with DR Congo, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, Libya, Tunisia & Niger Republic berthing in Brazil.

  • NCAA to airlines: remit over N6b debts from ticket sales

    NCAA to airlines: remit over N6b debts from ticket sales

    Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has expressed concern about airlines’ failure to remit charges collected for Federal Government’s agencies.

    Domestic airlines owed the authority over N6 billion from the five per cent ticket, charter and cargo sales charges collected from the public.

    The charges, according to the NCAA, were paid to airlines to avoid collection before flights, thereby creating confusion and delays.

    In a statement yesterday, NCAA’s spokesman, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, called on the affected airlines to offset the debts, which were stunting the growth of aviation agencies.

    The statement reads:  “The NCAA notices with serious concern the huge debts of airlines as a result of failure to settle promptly invoices as at when due.

    “This poses serious financial challenges to parastatals that benefit from the five per cent ticket, charter and cargo sales charges.

    “Consequently, the NCAA would be pleased to see that the airlines put plans in place to liquidate all outstanding indebtedness. The settlement of those debts will assist the authority fulfill its statutory obligations to the country and the world.

    “The NCAA has tried many times  to get  the money from airlines that sometimes falsify and misrepresent the payment of the charges to the travelling public, accusing them of concealing the real reason behind the charges.”

    Adurogboye added that the five per cent charge was enshrined in the Civil Aviation Act and embedded in passengers’ fares, adding that airlines were supposed to collect it from passengers and pay to the NCAA.

    He explained that in line with the Civil Aviation Act 2006, the NCAA was saddled with the collection of five per cent sales charge on all tickets originating from Nigeria, cargo operations and charter/contract flights.

    After collection, the ticket sales charge is shared among aviation agencies namely: Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) as approved by the Civil Aviation Act 2006.

    He denied insinuations  that airlines were paying five per cent of their earnings to the NCAA as ticket sales charge.

    Adurogboye said: ‘’I wish to correct a serious misconception being sold to the public by some airlines. NCAA has reports that some airlines are purporting that the five per cent TSC is being paid to us from their earnings. This, they say, is adversely affecting their operations.

    “This is absolutely false and a misrepresentation. The TSC is content charged in the ticket sold to passengers. The airlines’ role is to collect and remit to the regulatory authority.”

  • Nasarawa pick CAF Confederation Cup ticket

    Nasarawa pick CAF Confederation Cup ticket

    •Jubilation in Lafia
    •Giwa FC abandons game

    Nasarawa United have qualified for CAF Confederation Cup following a 2-0 win over ten-man Giwa FC in the final match of the Glo Premier League match played at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday.

    Nasarawa United thus secured the ticket ahead of Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi who also defeated Kano Pillars 2-0 on superior goals deference.

    Nasarawa United ended the season with 63 points with (+11) while Wikki Tourists secured 63 points with (+9).

    Nasarawa United qualification was made possible due to Sunshine Stars’ failure to beat Enyimba FC in the final game on Sunday. Sunshine Stars were held to a scoreless draw at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Sunday.

    The Akure Gunners needed to win the match to stand any chance of securing CAF Confederation Cup slot.

    This is the second time the Nasarawa United will play in a continental tournament. The Lafia-based side played in the lucrative CAF Champions League in 2007 and almost got to the group stages of the competition.

    Ugochukwu Leonard shot Nasarawa United into the lead in the 9th minute due to goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo’s error. Phillip Auta compounded Giwa FC woes when he netted the second goal in what looks like a goal rush knowing full well that they needed more goals to achieve their dream.

    Giwa FC player, Amos Gyang was sent off for slapping a ball boy while goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo got his marching order for dissent.  Ojo was sent off for protesting Gyang’s card.

    A ball boy was carried away from stadium in an ambulance after he was attacked by Amos Gyang .

    The game was abandoned when Giwa FC staged a walk out after protesting the two red cards.

    In a chat with SportingLife,Nasarawa United’s chairman, Isaac Danladi was full of praise for his players and technical crew as well as supporters of the club.

    He said the club will wait for state government to announce the reward for the team’s qualification for continental football for the second time.

    “This is exactly what happened in our game against Sharks. I hope LMC will give us our points like they did in the case of Sharks FC. It is too early to speculate what government will give the team. We are waiting for government.I congratulate our fans for their loyalty. I also thank our State Governor Umaru Al-Makura and Deputy Governor Silas Agara for their support to the team,” Danladi told SportingLife.

    It was gathered that Nasarawa United supporters in their numbers in Lafia celebrated their team’s qualification for continental football into the wee hours of the day.

  • Bitter struggle for Bayelsa APC ticket

    Bitter struggle for Bayelsa APC ticket

    Last week, the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries ended in fiasco. The result of the controversial shadow poll was cancelled. Major contenders are trading blames. Will chieftains repeat the same mistake or learn useful lessons from the sad episode as they prepare for another exercise? Correspondent MIKE ODIEGWU, who witnessed the flawed contest, examines the bitter struggle for the party’s ticket by aspirants. 

    Expectations were high in Bayelsa State on September 22. Eyes were on the All Progressives Congress (APC). Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from the state, was anxiously monitoring the governorship primary of the opposition party. Also, Governor Seriake Dickson, the PDP candidate, waited anxiously for the emergence of his rival. But, the APC flag bearer did not emerge that day.

    The anxiety was, no doubt, expected. The APC is the only viable alternative to the ruling PDP. As a new bride believed to have offered fresh hope to the people, many stalwarts of the PDP abandoned their party to embrace it.

    But, the day ended on a bad note. Instead of producing an acceptable standard bearer for the party as a similar exercise did in Kogi State,the exercise was ended in fiasco. Criticisms are trailing the contest, which heralded crisis and bad blood. Observers believe that the crisis have implications for the party during the general elections.

     

    Controversy:

    According to observers, the exercise was marred by violence, thuggery, intimidation of some aspirants and meddlesomeness by party officials. The The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Edo State Governor of Adams Oshiomhole, was held hostage. He was later smuggled out of the venue by operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and soldiers.

    The governor escaped from the scene under the pretence that he was going to have his meal. In fact, trouble started around 8am, when thugs, suspected cultists and ex-militants invaded the entrance of Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, the venue of the exercise. The thugs hurled stones at delegates showed up for screening. There were chaos and panic.

    The unruly crowd attacked the delegates. They ran  and sent them running for their lives. Most of the delegates, especially those said to be loyal to one of the aspirants and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, ran away from the venue and refused to return out of fear.

    The local government chairmen of the party in Sagbama, Ekeremor and Yenagoa, were attacked and wounded by the thugs. Despite, the deployment of over 1300 policemen led by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), the violence continued unabated.

    Most of the delegates were not allowed access to the venue of the primary. The Chairman of the party, Chief Tiwe Oruminighe, and some of his executive members were angry at Alaibe and attacked him verbally. Alaibe maintained his cool as he uttered no word.

    When the accreditation of delegates started, many people who presented themselves for the exercise were said to be fake delegates in possession of cloned voter cards. The Master of the Ceremony (MC) announced that some persons with cloned cards had been arrested and handed over to the police.

    Three aspirants, Alaibe, Prince Preye Aganaba and Ebitimi Amgbare, who spoke with reporters, called for the cancellation of the exercise.

    Alaibe said: “You have seen the rancourous process leading to the primaries. The process is being marred by irregularities, violence, intimidation and complete disrespect for aspirants, agents and party officials.

    “This is an enactment of negative history for a party that stands on the mantra of change. I think something is missing somewhere and we need to get it right. We have had delegates perceived to be loyal to us, threatened, beaten wounded since morning

    “Quite a lot of people you see here are not delegates. Most of the authentic delegates are outside. We need to put a stop to this process. We will meet with the chairman of the committee and ask for the cancellation of the process.

    “Some other times we can get the security dynamics rights so that we can get the methodology of the primaries right. We cannot continue with this process.”

    Also, Aganaba described the process as shameful, adding that it has failed to represent the values and principles of the party.

    He said: “I am ashamed of this process. I was a member of the Presidential APC in Lagos. It was a successful convention and when the winner emerged, all other aspirants supported the winner. But the process today is flawed.

    “It is a pity that the chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, is not here. We have been here since 8am and it is 1pm and he is not here. Most of the delegates here are fake. I toiled for this party and sweated for it to be established in Bayelsa and if l am asking for the cancellation of this exercise, they should know how serious l am. I believe we should even move the primary to another state”.

    But, another aspirant and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, said he had not received complaints of malpractices. He advised delegates and aspirants to conduct themselves peacefully.

    “I am not an agent and if there are people with clone cards, we will make sure they are arrested. I was part of the arrangements put in place. Among all the aspirants l am the only one with the credentials; someone who has done a term here.

    “You know how unjustly l was treated in office. So, their sense of justice is still burning. Delegates should conduct themselves peacefully just as I  advised all the aspirants to conduct themselves put peacefully”, he said.

    As the aggrieved aspirants were protesting, Oshiomhole, who came late, entered the venue. The convoy of Oshiomhole came in the midst of the controversies, two minutes after Sylva arrived the area. Sylva was hailed by the crowd.

    The Edo State governor suspended the exercise after he observed some irregularities. He held marathon meetings with members of his committee. After meeting with them, Oshiomhole also spent over an hour meeting with all the aspirants, which led to speculations that the shadow poll could be cancelled.

    Following responses he got from the aspirants, the committee chairman started another round of meeting with the committee members. But, when feelers that the poll was to be cancelled and got to the camp of Sylva, tempers flayed with most loyalists of the former governor accusing Oshiomhole of compromise.

    Matters got to a head when Sylva called the National Vice-Chairman of APC, South-South and complained that the process was designed to deny him the advantages of being the state leader.

    He accused the committee and the National Chairman of designing a process that was bound to fail. He said it was impossible for the committee to come from Abuja to conduct an election without involving the local people.

    No sooner had Sylva complained than youths loyal to him surged into the venue chanting songs of victory in his name. Security operatives threw the gate to the complex open and allow the youths to come in their droves.

    There was pandemonium as aspirants, reporters and other dignitaries took to their heels out of fear. One of the state executive members grabbed the microphone, threw tantrums at Oshiomhole and alleged that he had compromised. But, the governor sat quietly. He did not say anything.

    Oruminighe announced that the accreditation of delegates should continue. Oshiomhole later escaped from the scene. The exercise ended at about 8pm and Sylva was declared the winner.

    Sylva was said to have been declared the winner by a member of the APC electoral committee identified as Nelson Alabar. He polled 726 votes to defeat his closest rival and former member of the House of Representative, Mr. Warman Ogoriba, who scored 10 votes.

    The former governor described his emergence as a proof of the indivisibility of the APC.

    He said: “I have never been proud in my life. I have belonged to many political parties such as the defunct UNCP and the nearly dead PDP. But I am very proud of the APC with a very clear internal democracy.

    “A few years ago, I was unjustly stopped from contesting a governorship primary by my former party.p My former party did that to me. A few days ago, they disqualified a serving senator from contesting.

    “It is shameful. I have once again gone through a primary and emerged winner. It is contest like this that makes the difference.It is this contest that makes the difference between the APC and others.There is no doubt that we will win the election.”

    Ogoriba, who spoke on behalf of other aspirants accepted defeat and commended the winner, Sylva.

     

    Unresolved issues:

    In fact, before the primary, the party had some unresolved issues. There was a sentiment within the state executive members of the party and Sylva’s loyalists that they would not surrender the ticket to a new comer, no matter how popular the person is. So, despite the assurances by the national leadership that all aspirants would be treated equally, the executive members held a different opinion. Pundits observe that, before the primary, the party leadership could not rise above the old-new member sentiment to consider the overall interest of winning the general poll.

    Again, there was a clear division in the party. While some old and new members backed the aspiration of Sylva, others supported the ambition of Alaibe. Apart from few aspirants like Chief Diekivie Ikiogha, considered to be independent-minded, other aspirants belonged to either Alaibe’s or Sylva’s camps. The division was obvious at the venue of the primary as the two camps moved separately and sat separately.

    At the eve of the primary, Oshiomhole led a seven-man electoral committee to Yenagoa. The Edo governor emphasised that the party had no preference for any aspirant adding that whoever emerged the winner would fly the flag of the party.

    The governor and his committee met with all the 19 aspirants in a hotel in Yenagoa and promised to follow the laid-down rules.  He said any international passport issued to any delegate after the party released its guidelines for the poll would not be used for accreditation.

    He said the accreditation of delegates would commence by 8am and end at 12pm, adding that late comers would not be allowed accreditation and voting. Oshiomhole said the rules guiding the exercise were sacrosanct and would not be compromised for any reason.

    He said 1,508 were expected to turn up as delegates for the exercise, insisting that the most potent instrument of identification for the poll is the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). He said the primary is a family affair, stressing that the  rules were  not different from those used in Kogi and the presidential primaries.

    He said two Board of Trustee (BoT)-former Governor Timipre Sylva and the Deputy Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank-were also eligible to vote. Oshiomole said the open ballot system of voting would used for the exercise.

    He, however, warned aspirants against involvement in cloning identification cards. He said the party would deploy card readers to authenticate the identity cards and PVCs presented by delegates.

    “If anyone is involved in criminal acts, we will ensure they are arrested. Cloning of cards is a criminal offence. The sponsor of such act and those caught with the cloned cards would be arrested”, he said.

    The governor added:  “The election is a family activity.The family is meeting to deliberate on who can be entrusted with the party flag to contest the December 5 election. Already, the fact that we can seat together in Bayelsa is a good sign.

    “The election is not between enemies; it is not between opponents. The language in this primaries is not to win and defeat and it is not to kill. The language must not be violent.At the end of the day, there would be no looser. Whoever emerges can not govern the state as a military administrator.”

    “Out of 19, only one will emerged as our party’s flag bearer. l know I have visited the state on different matters and I enjoyed myself.But I know I won’t be able to enjoy myself like before.But I know I will come back when my party is in government.”

     

    Friction among leaders:

    The aftermath of the controversial election has thrown the party into crisis. Observers contend that it may rob the Edo governor of an opportunity of visiting an APC-led Bayelsa after December 5. First, it has created friction between Sylva and Oshiomhole and the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

    The governor lamented how thugs held him and members of his committee hostage. He accused the Sylva of insisting that the primary election should be held without following the guidelines. But, Sylva replied described Oshiomhole a liar and a mischief-maker. He also accused the governor of bias.

     

    Mixed feelings:

     Following the report of the committee, Oyegun cancelled the exercise, saying another date would be chosen for a fresh primary. The cancellation was received with mixed feelings. While most of the aspirants received it as a welcome development, Sylva and his camp totally rejected the move by the party to hold another internal election.

    Some observers believe that the cancellation has further boosted the confidence and hope the people repose in APC. They believe that by so doing the APC had shown itself a non-nonsense party not ready to bend its rules and principles of internal democracy. To them it shows that nobody’s ambition is greater than the party.

    Concerned youths from the state commended the national leadership of APC for annuling the party’s primary. The youths under the auspices of Bayelsa Youth and Student Volunteers for Progressive Change (BYSVPC) further hailed Oshiomhole, and his electoral committee members for rising above intimidation to insist that the right thing must be done.

    The BYSVPC, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Ayere Egbetein, Secretary, B.J. John and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Okwa, said that the purported primary where Sylva emerged as candidate was a sham and fraudulent.

    The group said the cancellation was a good development for the APC, adding that persons who desired to get to power through the back door had been taught a lesson of their lives. It condemned the intimidation and assaults on delegates and persons said to be loyal to Alaibe,  at the venue of the bungled primary.

    The group described the attacks as barbaric and lamented that the old order of things Bayelsa youths were clamouring to change was still present. It recommended to the national leadership of the APC that the rescheduled primary be moved to a neutral ground outside Bayelsa State to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    It said: “We suggest that the rescheduled primary election be moved to a neutral ground outside the state. This will ensure safety and bring about credible elections or in the alternative, we pray the leadership of the party to over the security apparatus at the venue of the rescheduled date to boost delegates confidence and public participation and build confidence in the APC.

    “The party should work out a more credible process of accreditation of authentic delegates and where possible collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission to deploy more of its staff on identification of cloned PVCs  to avoid impersonation and pseudo delegates who are only engaged to thwart the good reputation of the party.

    “As youths and students, we are the worst hit in the emergence of any bad government.  As people at the grassroots, we can only commend Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and the national leadership of the APC for taking the right step. “It urged the delegates to remain calm and committed to the process and not give in to threats and intimidation. It called on the teeming  members and Bayelsans to stand by the candidate that can help the APC to succeed in the December 5 governorship election.

    The group urged delegates to vote for Timi Alaibe, whom they said remained calm and unmoved despite attacks on his personality by some hired thugs. It said a vote for Alaibe would lift Bayelsa to the next level of development, adding that it is only Alaibe that could develop the state.

     

    Reactions by aspirants:

    Also, some of the governorship aspirants hailed the decision of the national leadership of the party to cancel the primary election in the state. The aspirants said the body language of the party on due process had boosted their confidence in the APC and shown that no man’s ambition was greater than the founding principles of the party.

    They also advised the party to ensure that proper security was put in place before conducting a fresh primary to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    Ikiogha, applauded the cancellation of the exercise he described as a charade. He said the APC, for not pandering to impunity and lawlessness, had shown that it was different from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He disclosed that about 10 of his delegates were wounded during the violence that broke out at the last primary.

    “I am attending to over 10 delegates who were wounded at the last primary. I can’t abandon them and travel. I hail the decision because what happened on Tuesday abnormal. We are appealing to the party to put proper security in place before holding another primary”, he said.

    Another aspirant and founding member of the party, Prince Preye Aganaba, said the cancellation and rescheduling of the primary, had confirmed APC as a law-abiding party.

    “We are a party that has always organised free and fair primary. It is not about who wins, but the process. I am not surprised at the announcement cancelling the exercise”, he said.

    Identifying himself as the first registered member of the APC in the state, Aganaba said he was not making noise about his status in the party because of his belief that delegates would do the right thing. He said persons who claimed to be popular in the party should not be afraid of contesting a free and fair primary.

    He said the state executive members of the party has no business with the primary since all of them are delegates.

    “The state executive members cannot constitute an electoral committee to screen out real delegates at the gate and allow thugs to come in as delegates. I know we will have a free and fair primary in Bayelsa. I heard one Bolous Mbiamowei saying he was one of the founding members of the party. It is not true because he is not a registered member of APC. He has no membership card”, he said.

    Also speaking, another aspirant, Mr. Ebitimi Amgbare, said the APC has not betrayed its members and aspirants.

    “We beleive in this party and we have hope and confidence in it. We proud of the APC leadership for making a popular decision. The leadership has shown that nobody is greater than the principles of the party”, he said.

    But, Sylva dared Oyegun, saying that he (Sylva) remained the party’s candidate for the December 5 election. In a statement by his aide, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, he described as misleading reports that  the primary had been cancelled or rescheduled.

    Buokoribo maintained that the primary was won by Sylva, adding that it was conducted in accordance with the rules and guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said and the party had no basis to cancel the outcomes of the exercise.

    He said: “We want to state categorically that since the primary election was conducted according to the rules and duly won by Sylva, he remains the candidate of the APC in Bayelsa State and any statement to the contrary is mere rumour.

    “The National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, does not have the powers to unilaterally annul a state primary election. We are even shocked that he allowed his name to be used when he has not even received the report from members of the electoral panel.

    “Beyond the electoral panel’s report, there is also an Appeals Committee, which has the responsibility to examine complaints arising from the primary election. It is only after the Appeals Committee has concluded its job that the National Working Committee (NWC) will meet to consider all reports from the primary, including those of the security agencies.

    “There are seven members of the panel. Let us say Governor Adams Oshiomhole has submitted his own report through the pages of newspapers, there are six members left and the NWC has to sit and debate the reports.

    “Oshiomhole lied that the election was marred by violence. There are pictures and videos to prove that he lied. There are pictures and video to show that Oshiomhole presided over the election and handed over the exercise to the Secretary of the Panel on the excuse that he was going to eat.

    “It should also be pointed out that only Oshiomhole left the venue of the election and that the remaining six panel members and INEC officials remained in the venue till the winner was announced.

    “Oshiomhole must answer some questions relating to his conducts, which completely compromised his position as Chair of the election panel. Right from the beginning, it was obvious that Oshiomhole was working towards a pre-determined answer, unfortunately for him, the will of our people prevailed.

    “Lastly, you cannot abort a baby that has already been born. The APC governorship primary has been concluded in Bayelsa State, a winner has emerged, and the winner is Sylva.

    “We therefore, ask our teeming supporters to remain calm and ignore the rumour that a new primary is being scheduled.

    Sylva also gave an indication that he will head for the court if the party cancels his victory and insists on another election. He gave the indication following reports that the two governors had been selected to assist Oshiomhole in conducting another election on Tuesday.

    Buokoribo said any attempt by the party to hold a fresh primary would amount to an act of “illegality.”

    He said: “Let us restate here that an APC candidate for the December 5, 2015 governorship election in Bayelsa State has emerged and that candidate is Chief Timipre Sylva. No amount of media manipulation can change that. This is a society of law and order.

    “Besides, there is no way a hopelessly compromised Oshiomhole, who has also openly displayed his bias, can be asked again to go and conduct an election in Bayelsa State. Even his masters know that will be unacceptable to Nigerians.

    “Similarly, as at Saturday, 26 September 2015, Tambuwal is in far away New York attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) while Amosun is attending Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Are they going to conduct a virtual election?

    “Despite the orchestrated lies and disinformation, the Sylva Campaign will again urge our teeming supporters to be law-abiding, peaceful but resolute. Victory is sure.”

  • Bayelsa APC: one ticket, many aspirants

    Bayelsa APC: one ticket, many aspirants

    The primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State is generating tension. Nineteen aspirants are struggling for the ticket. MIKE ODIEGWU examines the issues that will shape the contest and the chances of the major aspirants. 

    The contest for the governorship ticket of the Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC) will be robust, tough and controversial. Undoubtedly, the fortune of the party and its success in the December 5 governorship election depend on the outcome of the primary election. Observers have already described it as a make or mar contest for the party.
    Everybody in the state appears to be waiting for the emergence of the flag bearer to do a final analysis of the December 5 poll. The exercise is already concluded in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with the emergence of Governor Seriake Dickson as the standard bearer. Even without conducting a primary election, the party zeroed in on Dickson as its best for the election.
    In spite of the challenges that were initially heaped on his path, it was evident that Dickson would get the party’s nod. Therefore, all attention has been on who would emerge as the APC standard bearer. Based on feelers from the streets, people are clamouring for a neutral candidate; someone free of excess baggage of corruption allegations and an individual whose lifestyle, taste, behaviour and conduct have shown passion and commitment to develop the state.
    Observers believe that the APC can only give the PDP and Dickson a run for their money if it rises above selfish sentiments and produces a candidate generally accepted by the people. Otherwise, with an unpopular candidate and on the strength of one-man, one-vote, the party may not be able to make the desired impact.
    Already, there are signs that all may not be well with the APC. No fewer than 19 aspirants are battling for the ticket. They include the leader of the chapter and former Governor Timipre Sylva; former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe; ex-Chief of Staff, Chief Dikivie Ikioghaba and former two-time member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Warman Ogoriba.
    Others are: the Prince of Odi Kingdom and former senatorial aspirant, Preye Aganaba; Ambassador Felix Oboro, Ambassador Felix Otiotio, Powell Godknows, Kpolovie Obhoo, Christopher Enai, Romeo Bekeyai, Tonye Apirila, Ebitimi Amgbare, Fred Ekiegha, Senator Clever Ikisikpo, Mrs. Charity Vedalago and Ebitei Francis Williams.

    Sylva

    Sylva, who is popularly known as the Opuabadi (the sea) and Pigaton, became governor in 2007 — against all expectations. Following the controversial tenure elongation judgment that initially favoured him and other past governors, he was at the helm for about five years. The former governor is remembered for constructing roads in Yenagoa, the state capital; completing and maintaining the Peace Park, stimulating the local economy, empowerment and other projects.
    But, he was accused of operating a state security outfit, Famou-Tangbe, which was hit by allegations of rights violations.
    The former governor’s tenure was eventually terminated by a Supreme Court judgment that reversed the earlier ruling and sent him packing from the Creek Haven Government House. This made him vulnerable in the power play that erupted between him and former President Goodluck Jonathan who became his sworn enemy. He was denied a re-election ticket of the PDP and made a candidate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His matter is still before the EFCC.
    Sylva, who hails from Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa East Senatorial District, later salvaged his political career by joining the APC at its formative stage. He became the leader of the state chapter. Against the background of initial claims that he was not interested in the race, his entry came as a surprise to many.
    There are reports that Dickson and his supporters are praying for the emergence of Sylva as the APC flag bearer. Dickson believes that the election will be a walkover for him, if Sylva eventually becomes the candidate of the party. The governor has enough campaign materials to shoot down the ambition of Sylva, his supports claim.
    As a leader who has suffered to bring the party on board, Sylva stands a great chance of clinching the ticket. Indeed, despite his alleged mistakes as a governor, Sylva remains popular. He has over 25 years experience in politics. His entrance into politics began in the old Rivers State where he held many elective positions, including being a member of the House of Assembly.
    He is considered one of the main aspirants in the APC.

    Alaibe

    Fondly called “the principal”, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe is a big force in the politics of the state and the Niger Delta region. His entrance into the race is like a bone stuck in the throat of the government and the PDP because he is seen as capable of jeopardising the re-election of Dickson. The camp of the governor is not favourably disposed to Alaibe picking the APC ticket.
    He is popular among the youth and has wide acceptance among the elders. APC elders who defected from the PDP contributed money to buy his nomination and expression of interest forms. Also, Alaibe hails from Kolokuma-Opokuma, a politically marginalised local government area. Despite the roles played by the council in the creation of the state, it has not produced a governor, a deputy or a Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
    A great mobiliser and organiser, Alaibe has established a network of national and international connections. He was the pioneer Managing Director of the NDDC and the first Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
    Alaibe’s popularity soared in the build-up to the April 2011 elections when he wanted to run against Sylva on the platform of the Labour Party (LP). Following the exit of Sylva, Alaibe was convinced to return to the PDP and run on its platform in the 2012 election. But, he was denied a waiver to pave the way for Dickson.
    Alaibe is roundly criticised for always mobilising people and abandoning them to negotiate for other assignments each time he nurses a governorship ambition. He was said to have done that on two occasions. Therefore, some people believe he has squandered his goodwill by not always following his ambition to govern to a logical conclusion. But, others argue that Alaibe is a party man, who always put the general interest of the party above his personal ambition. His love for the party was the reason why he opted out of some elections in the past. Many people believe that Alaibe is the most qualified aspirant for the ticket.

    Ikiogha

    Chief Ikiogha is another big name in the race. Ikiogha is a known political brand who has played crucial roles in the past electoral victories of the PDP. His well-publicised defection to the APC generated concern. He wields a lot of influence and is believed to be another threat to Dickson’s re-election ambition.
    A grassroots politician, Ikiogha had in the past held many political offices by appointments. He served in some ministries as commissioner and in his last appointment; he worked under Dickson as Chief of Staff, Government House. Dickson, in controversial circumstance, moved Ikiogha from Yenagoa Government House to the state’s office in Abuja as a chief of staff. He later resigned his appointment to seek a seat in the House of Representatives in the last general election, but was denied the PDP ticket.
    Indeed, he is one of the most experienced aspirants. He is the founder of a political movement, the New Nigeria Initiative (NNI), a platform he has always used to canvass votes for his preferred candidates in past elections. Popularly called the kingmaker, because of his roles in the victories of past governorship candidates, Ikiogha now seeks the APC ticket to be a king in a state he has wide knowledge of.

    Ogoriba

    Ogoriba is perhaps, the most vibrant and youngest of all the aspirants. He has a wide appeal and provides a bridge between two extremes. Though he has not held any public office as a commissioner, he was a two-time member of the House of Representatives. As a federal lawmaker, he was so resourceful and committed to issues affecting the Niger Delta region that he rose to become the Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta. He was also the Chairman of the South-South Caucus of the House.
    His roles as a lawmaker exposed him to a network of connections. Ogoriba dumped the PDP and joined the APC with over 40 notable political associates. Like Alaibe, he hails from the politically-marginalised Kolokuma-Opokuma local government area.
    Ogoriba seems to be free from excess baggage of corruption allegation, especially as he has not held any political appointment. Therefore, the government does not know what to accuse Ogoriba of. He possesses the prerequisite credentials to seek the ticket.

    Aganaba

    He is the Prince of Odi, a community in Kolokuma-Opokuma, that was invaded and destroyed by the military in 1999. Aganaba is from one of the legacy parties that collapsed into the APC. A close friend to the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, the aspirant worked as Amaechi’s aide.
    His first shot at an elective office was at the last general election when he picked the ticket of the APC for the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District. He lost to Senator Emmanuel Paulker of the PDP. Aganaba is believed to be a dark horse in the race, while others are of the opinion that he is not yet mature to weather the storm of a high political office. Some also insist that, given the short duration for the election, Aganaba lacks the popularity to win an election for the APC.
    Aganaba’s long history with the APC is his strength. He is also favoured by the sentiment that the ticket should go to an old member, instead of a new comer. So, Aganaba may just spring a surprise.

    Amgbare

    Amgbare has been a progressive. He was a founding member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and he flew the flag of the party for the 2007 governorship election, which Sylva won on the platform of the PDP. Amgbare filed a case against Sylva and got his election annulled in 2007. The cancellation of the election and the subsequent conduct of a fresh poll, which Sylva also won, altered the political timetable of the state.
    Amgbare was later employed by Dickson to manage the state transportation company, but he later resigned and returned to the APC to join the governorship race. He may not have the financial muscle to challenge other top aspirants, but he possesses the progressive goodwill to sway the vote to his favour.
    Other aspirants like Ambassadors Oboro and Otiotio cannot be wished away in the contest that is already generating controversy. But, some are mere pretenders, whose ambitions are simply a bargaining power for relevance in the APC.

    Crisis brews

    Ahead of the election, observers believe that the APC must deal with issues of imposition through alleged coercion of the delegates. Already, the executive committee of the party led by its Chairman, Mr. Tiwe Oruminighe, has been accused of working for the emergence of Sylva and attempting to narrow the race to ensure the victory of the former governor.
    Crisis is brewing over a list of delegates. A founding member, Chief Perekeme Kpodo, raised the alarm over what he described as the doctoring of the delegate list by Orunimighe.
    Scores of delegates were said to have gone into hiding over alleged threats and desperate scramble by aspirants. The delegates, consisting of states local and ward executives of the party, went into hiding to avoid threats.
    Some members of the State Working Committee (SWC) were said to be mounting pressure on the delegates to vote for Sylva. Other aspirants were said to have approached the delegates with cash promises and better accommodation before and after the primaries.
    The loyalists of Sylva, bent on ensuring that their candidate wins the ticket, were said to have told the delegates not to allow a newcomer like Alaibe reach out to them for votes.
    A group known as Bayelsa Victory Frontier (BVF), in a statement by its spokesman, Ayibanoh Gibson, alleged that the threat against the APC delegates was becoming worrisome.
    He said: “We have it on good authority that the Sylva’s block within the APC has resorted to threats and blackmail to cow the delegates. They have been warned of dangerous consequences if they vote for Timi Alaibe.”
    Also, Kpodo, who claims to be a factional chairman of the party, accused Orunimighe of tampering with the list and forcing the delegates to vote for Sylva.
    He said that all aspirants should be given level-playing field. He said compelling delegates to vote for a particular aspirant has rubbished the chances of a credible primary election.
    Kpodo condemned the aspiration of Sylva, describing the former governor as a “bad product”. He insisted that if the APC presents him as its candidate, the party would lose woefully.
    He added: “I want to use this opportunity to advise the delegates not to yield to the manipulation by Tiwei Orunimighe, because as a chairman of a party, he has no right under the constitution to compel delegates to vote for a particular candidate when you have many candidates.
    But, when contacted, Oruminighe denied the allegations and said he would not dignify Kpodo with a response. The Media Officer to Orunimighe, Mr. Alawoei Opukume, said responding to the allegation would amount to dignifying Kpodo.
    “As far as we are concerned, Kpodo is not an APC member. He is simply an impostor and does not have any atom of integrity,” he said.
    A stalwart of the party, Chief Wilfred Ogbotobo, said the APC must apply a high sense of discipline and maturity, understanding and responsibility to produce a credible candidate; someone with proven capacity to deal decisively with the predominant challenges of youth unemployment, insecurity, agriculture and drinking water.
    He said: “Also, there is this residual decadence and disconnect in our values occasioned by the selfish greed and anti-progress orientation of our politics. It is, however, comforting that we have illustrious members who actually pioneered the first and only bold initiative aimed at diversifying Bayelsa mono-economy.
    “We are in dire need of ideas and great minds to cleanse the system of a residual crisis that characterized the 16 years of the PDP rule, especially the present Jonathan-Dickson hegemony.
    “The APC must produce a mature bridge-builder to redeem image of the Ijaw nation deeply battered by the sad low performances of the Ijaws at the presidency. We need a leader who can confront the ring of coalition of corrupt, selfish and greedy sycophants frustrating good governance and service delivery in the past 16 years”.
    Ogbotobo who is the Coordinator, Legacy Forum and National Coordinator, Free Bayelsa Initiative (FBI), said the APC must prevent PDP from turning Bayelsa a rehabilitation facility four “the resurrection of a demon mortally bruised, defeated and successfully chased away from the national political arena”.
    “The party owes Bayelsa a duty to produce someone who bears these realities and possesses the spiritual maturity and intellectual resilience to confront the 21st Century challenges of the Ijaws and Nigeria,” he said.

     

  • Wada, Echocho, Amoto battle for Kogi PDP ticket

    Wada, Echocho, Amoto battle for Kogi PDP ticket

    Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is set for governorship primaries in Lokoja, the state capital. Governor Idris Wada is a major aspirant. Alhaji Isah Echocho and Mr. Moses Amoto are also in the race. Whoever becomes the flag bearer will face the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, former Governor Abubakar Audu, at the poll on November 21. Correspondent JAMES AZANIA writes on the importance of the shadow poll for the ruling party. 

    The stage is set for the Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries. No fewer than 717 delegates will converge on Lokoja, the state capital, for the exercise. The delegates are from 239 wards. The shadow poll is very critical to the survival of the ruling party. If the exercise is successful, the party will go for the November 21 election as a united fold. If it is trailed by post-primary crisis, it may lose its grip on the state on poll day.

    Since 2003, the PDP has been in control of Kogi State. But, during the last presidential and National Assembly electuions, the party’s fortune was on the decline. Many thought that the PDP has lost its popularity. However, it bounced back during the House of Assembly elections.

    Three chieftains are battling for the ticket. They are Governor Idris Wada, Alhaji Isah Echocho and Mr. Moses Amoto.

    Opinion is divided on the chance of Governor Idris Wada at the primary election. According to party chieftains, the governor may not defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, former Governor Abubakar Audu, during the election. Thus, according to a source, efforts are being made to swing the votes towards the direction of Echocho.

    But, another source said that the governor is firmly on ground in the party.Wada’s loyalists swept all the party offices during the recent congresses. This has made  his opponents to return to the drawing board.

    The governor’s opponents have described him as a political neophyte. But, they also behave as neophyte during the congress by failing to mobilise their supporters for a show down with the governor during the controversial congresses.

     

    Echocho:

    Many believe that Echocho has a date with history at the shadow poll. He was an aspirant in 2011. But, he was defeated by former Governor Ibrahim Idris. The primary generated controversy. Echocho went to court. But, he failed to dethrone Idris as a candidate.

    A party source said Echocho enjoys the support of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC). In fact, following complaints by him, the delegates ward congress was cancelled. Last week, protesters stormed the PDP Secretariat to denounce the behaviour of the congress committee. The protesters carried placards. Some of read: ‘We want a credible congress,’ ‘No result sheet at venue,’ ‘Release our hijack material.’

    The Public Relation Officer of the Echocho Campaign Organisation, Adamu Ahmadu, who led other protesters, said the conduct of the ward congress was not only shrouded in secrecy, but it was also marred by malpractices.

    “Materials were not seen at the polling venue. People were doing nothing. We are going to write a petition to this effect and we hope the national body will hear our plea.”

    The Chairman of the Ward Congress, Hon. Leo Ogor, who pleaded with the protesters not to destroy the party’s property, promised to investigate their allegations.

    He said: “We will take the complaint to the appropriate authority. We will also verify it with the returning officers on the field. We are still waiting for the result of the congress. But,  we will attend to the grievances.”

    Echocho won the January 9, 2011 primaries. But, according to party sources, he was not the choice of Idris, who has anointed Wada as his successor.

    For four years, the post-election litigation lingered in the court, until the Supreme Court decided the case in Wada’s favour. However, the bitter rivalry has persisted because there was no reconciliation between Wada and Echocho.

    Echocho has a formidable structure. He also has the backing of many party chieftains. His supporters include Senator Smart Adeyemi and billionaire businessman Chief Jide Omokore.  Those supporting him believe that he was short-changed in 2011.

    However, some factors may work against him. Die-hard PDP supporters have accused him of inconsistency, saying that he hobnobbed with the opposition. Also, after 2011, he returned to his shell. Thus, some people believe that he is battling with a waning popularity. In fact, it was speculated that Echocho would defect to the APC in September last year. many of his associates left the PDP for the party, shortly before the general elections. But, he stayed back, to the consternation of his supporters. A party source said that Echocho refused to defect because it was clear that Prince Audu will emerge as the APC candidate.

     

    Wada:

     Wada has the advantage of incumbency power. Besides,  his predecessor, Idris, is mobilising support for him. The former governor, who has an axe to grind with Echocho, has led other major stakeholders to endorse the governor for a second term. But, a source hinted that Idris may be playing the Ostrich, because he also has grudges against Wada.

    Major supporters of the governor include Senator Tunde Ogheha, Chief Abiodun Ojo and Chief Olusola Akomode. They have influence over many delegates in the Kogi West Senatorial District. Furthermore, they are supporting Wada in the spirit  of power shift. “They are supporting Wada on the basis that he has only four more years, after which they will push for power shift to other zones,” said a source.

    Observers are of the view that the Echocho camp may not be able to withstand Captain Wada during the primary.  Already, there is a propaganda against Echocho. Critics have labelled him as an enemy within.

    “How can a politician who has the plan to contest election abandon the party for almost four years and come thereafter to seek election on the platform of the same party he had abandoned?  If the national body of the PDP make a mistake of manoeuvring the ticket for Jubrin Isah Echocho, then, the party will end up creating advantage for the opposition to take over the state,” said a party chieftain.

    A PDP chieftain, Alhaji Sadiq Momoh Obari, said the governor will win at the primary. He said Wada’s prudent management of resources, particularly the payment of workers’ salaries, despite the dwindling financial allocation, will swing the pendulum of victory to his direction.

    He added: “Despite the paucity of funds, the state under Wada has embarked on some legacy projects, including the Korea Partnership Centre for Vocational Training, the University Teaching Hospital Anyigba, the 500 housing units in Ganaja village and the Diagnostic and Imaging Centre in Lokoja”.

    According to him, Wada deserves a second term to enable him consolidate on his achievements. However, he called for a free and fair primary to prevent crisis.

    His words: “What we need now is free, fair and transparent primaries. Any attempt by the national body to be biased will spell doom for the party. Kogi State is the only PDP state standing in the North Central of the country, if the party wants to hold on to it, there must be sincerity and a level playing ground for the contestants. We all witnessed the APC primaries in Kogi where the conduct cannot be questioned in all ramifications.”

     

    Amoto:

     The third aspirant, Amoto, is not a political giant. Little is known about his antecedent. He is an Ebira-born businessman. In the past, he has expressed interest in the position. But,  he never went beyond purchasing the nomination form. After that, he disappered from the scene.

     

    Uncertainty:

     But, will the primary hold today? There is nothing on ground to suggest that the exercise will hold. As at 2 pm yesterday, delegates have not been sited in the capital. The accreditation of reporters has not been done. Observers have not arrived. The PDP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bode Ogunmola, asked reporters to check back at the secretariat, indicating that further directive was still being awaited.