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  • Tinubu: Direct primary’ll deepen democracy

    All Progressives Congress stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has hailed the direct primary option to pick the party’s governorship candidate in Osun state.

    He described the decision of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to approve direct primary as historic and capable of deepening democracy.

    He said: “The decision of the National Working Committee approving a direct primary to elect the party’s candidate for Osun election is a ground-breaking step toward achieving this fine objective. By this decision, the party affirms its democratic inclinations.

    “When the history of this moment is written, those looking back on this decision will say that it was an inevitable natural consequence of party evolution.”

    In a statement by his media office, Tinubu said the party’s constitution allows the use of both indirect (delegate system) and direct (participation of all card-carrying party members) in picking a candidate.

    The former Lagos State governor described the direct primary as more democratic.

    He said: “When the history of this moment is written, those looking back on this decision will say that it was an inevitable natural consequence of party evolution.”

    The statement entitled ‘Internal Democracy: Improving the Nomination Process’ said: “From its inception, our party has held to principles of internal democracy and, by the open and fair conduct of our conventions, we have distinguished ourselves from all other political parties. While we have achieved more than others with regard to internal democracy, there is still more to be done in order to perfect our internal procedures and mechanisms.

    “This consideration was a key factor in the election of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as party chairman. Core to that mandate is the improvement of democracy within the party so that we may become even better representatives of the people.

    “However, I know differently. This decision took courage and conviction because it bucked the old ways in order to bring about something better and new. Comrade (Adams) Oshiomhole deserves commendation for leading the party toward greater democracy, which means increased participation of all party members in key decisions that affect them.

    “The involvement of all APC members in candidate nomination will ensure that the party chooses the candidate of the people. It will also serve to galvanize the party membership for the general election that lies ahead.

    “Moreover, direct primaries will serve as a future deterrent to those who might have tried to corrupt the delegate system of obtaining nominations. With that system, the temptation to ‘buy’ delegates was an ever-present weakness.  Now, such a venal undertaking will prove much too costly and uncertain to be entertained as feasible strategy.

    “I am sure party members in Osun welcome this decision for it shines the rays of democracy more fully upon them. May this decision not be peculiar to Osun but stand as the new way of our party. The nation and the APC will both be better for it”.

  • New chapter begins in Ekiti, says Tinubu

    Former Lagos State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the party’s candidate in Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, over his victory, saying the people voted to put their future in his hand. He urged Fayemi to avoid recriminations and run an all-inclusive government.

    In a statement entititled “Ekiti election: A victory for the people” personally signed by him,  Tinubu said the people had voted to take a path different from the one on which they had been.

    He said:”In Ekiti a chapter has closed and a new one has begun.  This was not done by contrivance or artifice, nor was it the product of intimidation or improper influence. This came about because it was the will of the people of Ekiti as expressed and manifested in the conduct of a free and fair election in that state. In voting as they did, the people voted for the state to take a path different from the one on which they had been.

    “In voting as they did, the people thus voted for themselves. Here, we must congratulate Dr. Kayode Fayemi and our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the successful campaign that was run and for the confidence the people of Ekiti have shown in transferring the mandate to govern them into our hands.

    “Dr. Fayemi must keep in remembrance that the people have placed their future in his safekeeping and he must justify their trust in him by doing all he can do to advance their welfare. I’m confident that Dr. Fayemi will keep faith with the programmes and policies of our party in order to improve the lives of the people of Ekiti. I know Dr. Fayemi will establish an all-inclusive government that involves all stakeholders in his administration and in the governance of the state.

    “There was much apprehension and concern leading into the election that the exercise would fall into disorder. It did not. In the end, the election took place as it should for democratic elections are but the peaceful contest of ideas and ideologies. In Ekiti, two clearly different perspectives of governance stood in contest for the people to decide and decide they did.

    “I make no bones that I am glad that Dr. Fayemi and the APC won this contest. However, I would be remiss if I did not say a good word about the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Olusola Kolapo Eleka. He conducted a tough and energetic campaign. He wanted this seat but, in the end, he did not resort to violence to get his way. He allowed the people to make their own decision and for his adherence to this democratic principle, he should be recognised.

    “The same must be said of Governor Ayo Fayose. He tried to his utmost to bring his candidate to victory but he did not cross the line by trying to subvert the will of the people through violent means. Dr. Fayemi is a man of integrity and his government will not be one of recrimination.  It is a government of the people and as such will focus its attention on helping the people, not suppressing yesterday’s political opponents.

    “I urge Governor Fayose and Prof. Kolapo Eleka, as prominent citizens and leaders of Ekiti, to move forward in that same spirit. Let there be an orderly transition from the outgoing to the incoming government.  Last and most importantly, let us commend the people of Ekiti.  Casting aside all the dire predictions, they conducted themselves with the patience, sobriety and collective wisdom befitting the moment. Instead of turning things upside down, they turned to peace and mutual respect for each other as well as respect for the democratic process.

    “Above all else, the election was your election and yesterday was your day!  With the choice that you have made, may tomorrow also be your best future”.

  • APC solution to four years of frustration in Ekiti, says Tinubu

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has appealed to the people of Ekiti to vote for the party in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the APC is the solution to four years of frustration, disappointment and poverty that had enveloped the state, since the emergence of Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2014.

    Tinubu in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said APC is the only party that can improve Nigeria in all sectors.

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected in Ekiti tomorrow to meet with the traditional rulers, APC leaders and supporters  as well close the rally of the APC candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

    Tinubu said: “We thank the people of Ekiti for being kind and hospitable to us all along. We, the leaders of APC are here to greet Ekiti people and commend them for being tolerant to the maladministration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the emergence of the APC at the Federal level and Ekiti, in particular.

    “We have had 16 years of maladministration, bad governance, misrule and series of complaints on our economy, education, non-development and several other segments of our country. It is all from the poor foundation laid by the PDP government for 16 years and thank God for our timely intervention at the federal level, the nation would have collapsed.

    “The only remnant of them is Ekiti. I want to appeal to you that Dr Kayode Fayemi, the candidate of our party in the Saturday election, is our brother and colleague and has learnt a great lesson about governance.

    “ That is why we, the leaders in the party are standing as guarantors of the commitments that definitely Ekiti will experience rapid development if you vote for our party and we appeal to you to vote Dr Kayode Fayemi as the next governor of Ekiti, “he said.

    The former Lagos governor reminded the youths that  “the future is yours and the government is ours. The APC is ready to lay the foundation for a better future for you. Don’t because of two slices of bread today mortgage your future.

    “Don’t because of intimidation of a lone ranger fail to exercise your franchise. The broom is a bunch of unity, the symbol we offer to you today is the broom. We want you to vote en masse, there will not be violence or intimidation. All I am appealing is that you should give APC a chance to show its worth to the people of Ekiti.”

    Former interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, said Saturday’s election is a must for the party to win.

    He said Ekiti cannot afford to be in the opposition in the Southwest.

    “The Saturday election will go in peace. It is therefore time for all Yoruba to come together. Ekiti cannot afford to be in the opposition. It is certain that APC will win on Saturday,” he declared.

    The winner of the Saturday election will be inaugurated on October 16.

    Apart from Tinubu and Akande in the state ahead of President Buhari, other leaders already in the state are former Governors Segun Osoba, (Ogun), Segun Oni, (Ekiti) and the Deputy Chairman (South) of the party, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, the first democratically elected governor of Ekiti in 1999.

    Others are, Governors of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Kebbi State Governor Isa Bagudu, who is also the Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Ekiti governorship election.

  • Ciroma was committed to service, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said yesterday that with the death of former Finance Minister Adamu Ciroma, the country has lost an illustrious leader, consummate politician and accomplished public servant.

    Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Mallam Adamu Ciroma was one of the illustrious leaders this country has produced. He was a politician of note. You cannot but recall his days in the Second Republic National Party of Nigeria and in the Peoples Democratic Party where he was one of the party’s founding fathers.

    “He also made name as an experienced technocrat and skilful public servant particularly as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and in later years as Minister of Finance.

    “He was a fine man who played politics with a commitment to serve the people and change society. This did not come as a surprise given his background honed by sound education at the popular Barewa College and University and his nationalistic worldview.

    “My condolences go the Ciroma family and the people of government of Yobe State. May his soul rest in peace”.

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, others for Lagos Assembly’s anniversary today

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will be the guest speaker at the third anniversary of the Eighth legislative Assembly of the Lagos State parliament today.

    Prof Osinbajo will speak on the topic: Strengthening Democratic Institutions: Panacea For Enduring Democracy.

    The programme will start at 2 p.m inside the legislative chamber of the Assembly.

    A statement by Musbau Rasak, the Chief Press Secretary to Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, said a former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Umar Na’aba will be the main discussant of the theme after Osinbajo’s presentation.

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will lead important personalities to the event.

    They include Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; his Osun and Oyo states’ counterparts, Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi.

     

  • Tinubu, Akande, others reaffirm support for Fayemi

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the Southwest have restated their support for Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the party’s governorship candidate in the July 14 Ekiti governorship election.

    They condemned a court case allegedly instituted by Chief Segun Oni, one of the defeated aspirants in the party’s primary election.

    In a statement, the leaders “demand that the sponsors of the court action withdraw their case immediately if they are within our party and not agents of PDP. We also request that Segun Oni should come out publicly to dissociate himself from and condemn the case and play active role in the APC campaign”.

    The statement entitled: ‘We stand behind Kayode Fayemi,’ was signed by APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, the APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Niyi Adebayo and the party’s former National Vice Chairman, (Southwest) Chief Pius Akinyelure.

    According to the leaders, the decision to support Fayemi was “reached through a combination of persuasion, reconciliation, consensus- building and understanding on the part of all the stakeholders.”

    They condemned the court case which they described as spurious and asked those behind the court action to withdraw their case immediately “if they are within our party and not agents of PDP”.

    They also called on Segun Oni to come out publicly to dissociate himself from and condemn the case and play active role in the APC campaign

    The statement reads: “We led several intervention meetings that held in Abuja, Lagos and Ekiti with all the APC Ekiti gubernatorial aspirants where we resolved to support whoever emerges from the May primaries.

    “We have stood behind Kayode Fayemi’s candidacy since he won the governorship primaries and when we all gathered in Ekiti for the Mega Rally on June 19, it was an emphatic declaration of support for his candidacy. Again on the night of June 19, we as leaders met with all stakeholders including all former aspirants and commended them for not defecting from the party. They all emphasised their commitment and suggested that Kayode Fayemi run an effective and inclusive campaign that will ultimately lead to an all-inclusive government.

    “We have been consistent in our position working to ensure victory for the APC candidate, we are therefore surprised to find out through media channels about plans to challenge Kayode Fayemi’s candidacy on spurious grounds.

    “Furthermore, it is worrisome that a court action against Kayode Fayemi and our party is alleged by media reports to be instituted by Chief Segun Oni, which from our investigations is being sponsored by some unknown persons.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, we the undersigned leaders remain solidly behind the candidacy of Kayode Fayemi knowing full well he has fulfilled all necessary requirements for the election as the candidate of our party.

    “We have forged a common front even as we are irrevocably committed to our party’s victory come July 14, 2018. Nothing should be allowed to undermine our party’s victory in the upcoming election.

  • Tinubu to Buhari: ignore Obasanjo

    All Progressives Congress( APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday asked President Muhammadu Buhari to ignore any letter from former President Olusegun Obasanjo and seek re-election.

    Obasanjo, in an open statement, urged Buhari to stay off the race next year and become a statesman. But, to Tinubu, the former President is a busybody and not a democrat whose letter to Buhari had been marked as “not delivered”.

    He said the successful hosting of the party’s national convention had proven wrong those who predicted its explosion.

    He insisted that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) was a party of the past which had been deserted.

    Tinubu, who spoke shortly after the inauguration of the new National Working Committee of APC, led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole,  said Obasanjo had no democratic credentials to ask Buhari not to run.

    He said: “If anybody must blame you at all; it’s over-democratisation. Those who asked me not to follow  and support a General should better look at their house; it has been deserted; it is a house of frustration and migration to other parties.

    “I remember one Uncle backdoor, who has been a General himself and who has been elected President; I call him election rigger.

    “ Let us compare the two of you. The man had the temerity to write a letter, not to the post office. We said, ‘no; we are not using the post office like that anymore, we are now using email. Your letter  is not delivered, you are analogue’.

    “If he had the temerity to say Buhari must not run again, in which party? Thank God he is not a member of our party, we hold our future in our hands. What is your business, busybody? Unfortunately, he has torn the card of his previous party, his own legacy. So, he has none anymore.

    “Now we have a General that they asked me not to follow. They said if you call yourself  a democrat, don’t follow this man. I said I am not mad enough to listen to your lies. Thank you Muhammadu Buhari for the job you are doing up till today.

    “You have not set half of the records of this General who is not a democrat. He does not know the meaning of democracy. You have not tried to dismantle the National Assembly and impeach or remove a governor with six out of 38 members. You have not done criminal assault on democracy and they are writing letters.

    “Today, through convention, we have changed the leadership of our party, but not at gunpoint as it was done to Mr. Audu Ogbeh.

    “Our new elected National Chairman, our new elected national executives, to my friends the governors, to my dear citizens and members of our great party, the challenge is confronting us. We thank God that we have been able to be strong enough to stop 16 years of their  looting and broken promises. There is no  way we face 16 years of looting, abuse of power , denial,  hunger and be able to perform within three years.

    “Mr. President, we thank you that you have offered yourself again, run, contest, you must.”

    Tinubu said he almost doubted if the convention would hold until he was proved wrong by the commitment and dedication of the National Convention Committee, headed by Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State.

    He added: “Sometimes a steel can melt. Mr. calculator, thank you; Badaru, you have delivered. The pigs and their fortune tellers said there will be explosion today. They predicted that our party will fall apart; that we will never see this party again. You navigated a very complex situation since you became the chairman of this convention committee.

    “In fact, a week ago, I almost changed my name to Thomas because I doubted if it was possible to hold this convention today. I gave you  a call, are you set? You said ‘no, Asiwaju. Even though I have not spoken to the President, we are doing fine.’ Thank you to all of you (all the members) that showed dedication and commitment and good party leaders to deliver today for us. May God bless you.”

    Tinubu said the APC had come of age within a short time.

    He said: “To our party members, in less than five years, our dream of a united party came to fruition. That we need a very strong party to face the party of the past who had spent 16 years of our precious life to demolish our economy, frustrated our people and led us almost astray. We said then: ‘enough is enough.’

    “We came together; they called us all sort of names, they said it was impossible. We bunched together with just a great symbol of our party, the broom. We brought the revolution about, we got an Army General (retired) to lead us among other Generals.

    “Some of them called me, they said ‘we don’t want the General’. One member said: ‘It cannot be General; he was   tired of the Generals. I said until we finished with Boko Haram and looting we need one more General at least. Sai Baba and you lived up to the expectations in facing all the challenges.

    “Cast your mind back, dear members. When we came together, there were 12 cases in court to stop us from being registered, to stop us from bearing our name (APC), and we said these people in court were the headache of Nigeria and we said they needed a cure , they needed the medicine of APC.

    “Here, I must thank the Judiciary for being steadfast in the face of all intimidation, threat. And now, INEC registered the party, they registered our name. We marched on and led by this simple-minded General who is today  a great democrat.”

    Senate President Bukola Saraki said: “With Oshiomhole, I can see that there is hope and a future in what he has promised. We look to the future and as we do that, we must ask ourselves, ‘how have we been successful so far? How were we able to win an election against all forms of opposition?”

    “We did it because we were courageous and because we had leadership led by the President. We did it because we came together united and with a focus and direction. We did it because we made sacrifices and worked as a team. That was what we did to make this achievement. Can we do it again? Of course, we can. We do have challenges, but the responsibility of leadership is to tackle challenges and take them head-on. It is irresponsible of leadership to take on challenges and find solutions.

    “You have spoken so well by admitting that there are challenges and I am happy that you promised to set to work to address those challenges. These are those who are supposed to be here because we need everybody. We want everybody so that we can carry on with the assignment that Nigerians have given us. The intention of all of us is to make Nigeria better and move forward.

    House Speaker Yakubu Dogara said: ”Oshiomhole’s leadership skills will be tested and the job is neatly cut out for him. The challenges the face are enormous.

    “But there are no challenges that have no solutions and if we search deeper, we will definitely find solutions to all the challenges confronting this movement.

    “I know that with the deep knowledge and rich pedigree that he brings to the table, by the grace of God, we will bid bye to most of our problems.

    “One issue that I want to dwell on is the issue of justice, which we know Mr. President stands on. He stands for the common man. It is, therefore, very important the new leadership creates equal opportunity for the weak and the strong.

    “Challenges will come, but we must always rise against them. I want to also charge you to maintain the culture of democracy, which is conflict, compromise, consensus and progress. Without conflict, there cannot be progress.”

     

  • How Buhari, governors, Tinubu averted crisis

    •Oshiomhole, Mai Mala Buni, Adebayo, Masari, Ogala, others emerge unopposed
    •Kashim Imam, Bulama withdraw for Secretary Mai Mala Buni
    •Oyegun: I leave a fulfilled man

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday picked majority of its national officers without rancour during its convention in Abuja.

    The intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari and high-wire consensus building by some governors and key party leaders, among them Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, averted what could have been a crisis over the filling of the offices.

    It was learnt that they were able to realign forces on over 40 out of the 60 National Working Committee (NWC) seats. Election into the remaining offices began at 5pm. It was ongoing at press time last night.

    The governors met far into the night on Friday and agreed substantially on the positions. Buhari and Tinubu were aware of what was going on.

    “Everybody sued for the unity of the party and agreed that sacrifice should be made by all in the interest of the party “, a governor told The Nation yesterday at the convention ground.

    He said the unanimity of purpose in the party informed the decision of former presidential liaison officer Kashim Imam, who was backed by Tinubu, and Waziri Bulama, an architect, said to be the favourite of some members of  the President’s camp, to step down for the National Secretary, Mai Bala Buni.

    Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and 19 others had before the convention started,  emerged unopposed as members of the new NWC.

    As the convention progressed, many aspirants announced their withdrawal, leading to the declaration of more candidates as unopposed

    Some of those returned unopposed are  Buni; former Ekiti State Governor Niyi Adebayo (Deputy National Chairman);  Babatunde Ogala (National Legal Adviser); Pastor Bankole Oluwajana (National Vice Chairman, South- West); Ibrahim Masari (National Welfare Secretary); Jock Alamba (Deputy National Welfare Secretary); Tunde Bello (National Financial Secretary); National Vice-Chairman, North-Central and others.

    Imam stole the show when he led the way in stepping down for Mai Mala Buni.

    His action prompted the withdrawal of Bulama and another aspirant, Abdulrahman Terab, from the race.

    Also, the incumbent National Vice Chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, withdrew for Pastor Olajuwon.

    Another governor, who spoke in confidence yesterday,  said: “Following intervention by the President, some of our leaders and governors, we were able to shift grounds on some offices. But those we disagreed on, we left their fate to the delegates to decide.

    “If you look at the scenario at the convention, there was much consensus building in the South-West, North-East, North-Central and even North-West on some key positions. The office of the National Secretary was a tough one to take a position on but the governors had their way because the North-East is too strategic in 2019 to allow political tension or division.

    “We tried as much as possible not to revert to our fault lines. We need reconciliation, we need to reunite all and we want to use this convention as a template.”

    I’m fulfilled – Odigie-Oyegun

    Addressing the delegates, outgoing National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun said he felt fulfilled that APC was waxing stronger.

    He said the hosting of the convention had proved sceptics wrong that the party would collapse.

    According to him, the Phase 1 of the APC has ended and Phase 2 has started.

    He said: “I look in front of me today. I look to my right and to my left and I feel a deep sense of fulfilment, a deep sense of inner peace.

    “If you read the social media and you read some of the headlines in our media, you will think that this is a party that was on the verge of implosion, that it has divisions within it that was fatal. But look around, what we have is a colourful and one happy family. I thank you all for this privilege.

    “Mr. President, I thank you specially for the opportunity to work closely with you and interact with you and for the support that you gave all the while.

    “I am not going to make any big policy pronunciation because today is a day to express my very deep gratitude to all of you.”

    Oyegun thanked key APC leaders, including Asiwaju Tinubu, for making the coalition a reality.

    The APC, he said, would be a strong and passionate party in the years ahead.

    He added: “I will start with the key founding fathers of this party,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Prince Tony Momoh of the CPC. You were the key heads of the various political parties that accepted the idea of unity for the sake of this country and because of you all, including the later addition of nPDP and a faction of APGA, we are here today.

    “It is because of you that I look right and left and I see one strong party. I see a vibrant party, a party of passionate followers who are ready to follow our President because of the principled leadership in spite of the crude abuses, insinuations, fake stories that have been hurled in his direction, all of which he has not allowed to dissuade or distract him in any way from his course.

    “I thank my colleagues in the NWC, the chairmen of the various state chapters, some of who have returned to the saddle and will provide experience for continuity.

    “I thank my colleagues in the outgoing National Working Committee for the fantastic cooperation that I have received all these four years.

    “Yes, occasionally, our arguments were almost muscular but at the end of the day, we provided the kind of leadership that has brought this party to this point today, a strong party, a united party.

    “There were divergent views here and there. The essence is that the APC, is at the end of the day a strong party, a passionate party, a party that believes in its vision and the vision of the President for the vision of this country.

    “I thank the delegates who are here today. It was the same group that elected me as National Chairman four years ago and we are here today to perform a similar exercise.”

    Oyegun said he was leaving because the world is a stage and everyone is an actor with an exit date.

    He added: “I will end by saying that Shakespeare told us generations ago that the world is a stage and that all of us are actors in this stage.

    “We make our entrances and in due time, our exit. Today, I am making my exit from the honour that you have bestowed on me to lead you for four years.

    “Phase one of this party is over and phase two is about to begin and it is my hope that at the end of today, we would have elected a worthy successor to carry on the battle and the leadership struggle of the party. I wish my successor the very best of luck and wish him fair weather and for the rest, we leave to history.”

    Opportunity to interact

    The National Convention Committee (NCC) Chairman, Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State, said: “This event is not just a platform for the election of national officers, but an opportunity to interact with our fellow party members from across the country so that we can appreciate its diversity and the national outlook of our common brotherhood in the political arena.

    “In the last eight weeks or so, since we undertook this assignment, the convention committee has been working very hard to make this day a reality and to strike a balance between various interests and aspirations, a task that is not easy in the context of a party in power and a government that is poised to sweep the coming polls having delivered on its mandate to the satisfaction of Nigerians.”It is therefore not surprising that the agitation for various party positions have been very vibrant and competitive, a situation that led to foreseeable disagreement in some states.

    “I want to assure you all that this is normal in politics and it is the price we have to pay for being the party of the moment, the beautiful bride and the most sought after political party in Nigeria today.

    “My team and I have worked hard to reconcile the various interests at play and has striven to achieve consensus for as many party positions as possible. Where this could not be achieved, we will adopt the most convincing and visibly transparent process.

    “I am convinced that for all positions of which voting will take place, a clear winner will emerge and whosoever loses will do so with dignity and with the satisfaction that he lost in a free and fair contest.

    “I want to thank our National Leader, President Muhammadu Buhari and our party leaders for deeming us fit to handle this sensitive and critical party assignment. I hope that at the end of this convention, we would have justified the confidence reposed in us.

    “I also want to thank the members of the main convention committee and the various subcommittees for their dedication, sacrifice and the team spirit they exhibited in making this day possible. You have delivered on your assignment and you have made the party proud.

    “I want to call on all our delegates to conduct themselves in a manner that is constant with our party’s spirit of discipline.

    “The convention is not just a national affair, but one that has attracted global attention. We must therefore use this opportunity to showcase the spirit of internal democracy and set the tone for the kind of election outing that Nigerians expect in 2019.”

     

  • We’ll take Nigeria to Promised Land, says Tinubu

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu yesterday assured all that the party would take the nation to the Promised Land.

    Delivering a speech at its national convention in  Abuja, Tinubu said the party had redirected the nation to the path of progress and development after years of misrule by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    His words: “Joined in goodwill by common purpose and noble endeavor, we assemble this day. The doubters who gave APC no chance of existence or of continued survival have gotten their reply in full. Their envious prayers and complaints have been answered in reverse.

    “They wanted to see the end of us and our pursuit of good governance for Nigeria. You should not forget, as I shall never forget, the strong efforts they made to stop us in the courts.

    “There were twelve cases brought trying to stop us from merging, from registering the new party, then attempting to bar our candidate from the election.

    “Lacking the courage to face the democratic will of the people, they tried to misuse the courts as a weapon against democracy. We thank the judiciary for following the letter and spirit of the constitution by dismissing this dirty dozen of malicious cases filed against us.

    “With their schemes foiled, those who tried to destroy us must bear witness to the destruction of their edifice of corrupt governance and their dreams of unjust domination of our nation.

    “While they planned a lifetime of greedy enrichment by looting the people’s resources and the public treasury for 60 years, we moved to reform the economy to bring development and aid to the poor.

    “When they called for hate and division, we strove for compassion and unity. When they hoisted the standard of bias, we raised the flag of justice and the chevron of fairness.

    “When they sought to make Nigeria a monument to corrupt government, we sought to remake Nigeria into a place of transparency and honest opportunity for all.

    “The APC’s formation is the most important political development in our recent history. This is not due to the names of those who founded the party. It is because of the ideals upon which the party was established.

    “The APC was not brought into existence to compel the majority to serve the few. For 16 consecutive years, the PDP had already assumed that mean role.

    “The APC came into being to reverse this unjust equation.

    “Under the PDP, the people were made to let the beast ride them.  The APC came to stop this travesty. By right, it is the people who are to ride the beast not the other way around.

    “As we go through today’s deliberations, we must keep in remembrance and put into action the purposes for which this party was formed.

    “Yes, human nature is partly composed of personal ambitions. Life would be incomplete without such goals and dreams. Yet, we must be motivated by other things more sublime than our personal benefit.

    “As good citizens of Nigeria and members of the party, we must seek to prosper with society more that we seek to prosper from society.

    “In the APC, we are many but we are also one.

    “Thus, we must stand together for democratic good governance or stand not at all.

    “We have experienced much since our inception. Unexpected events and harsh realities emerged to block our way. Those who detest progress fought severely against us. And they are still fighting.

    “Yet, we remain true to our beliefs.

    “In a few short years, we have done more than the other party did in 16 long years.

    “During their years, oil prices and government revenues were high.  They had more money but less moral commitment to the common welfare.

    “They neither established school-feeding programs nor created a safety net for the poorest among us. We had less but did these things because we cared more.

    “Under the PDP, terrorists planted their wicked flag on our soil, controlled territory and spread mayhem as they willed.

    “Now, that evil flag of Boko Haram no longer flies over any of our land.  Their fantasy of establishing an empire has forever been dashed. They are retreating and being beaten by the day. The APC government accomplished this while the PDP spent money with no result except increasing misery.

    “Where did the money go? When the PDP holds their convention and presents their candidates, the public should ask them.  If the question is asked, theirs will be the quietest convention ever held. They dare not answer the question with honesty for an honest answer will destroy them.

    “Our party has made progress but much work remains. We have overcome recession but that is an insufficient cure to many. We must accelerate economic growth and bring prosperity to all.

    “We must create jobs wherever we find the jobless. We must help bring food to the tables of the hungry. We must bring light where darkness now resides.

    “We must continue to squash corruption where it stands.

    “People continue to suffer violence in several places. We must end the violence and untangle the root causes of such conflict.

    “We must reclaim Nigeria’s place in the world as the leader of the African cause and black race.

    “These things will be challenging. This is why we must band together as one party, one family, one purpose, one people.

    “As a very old and wise woman recently told me: “Don’t worry son. You are doing well but you mustn’t get tired. Your broom is good but it takes more than one stroke to clean a filthy house.”

    “Well, the PDP left us a dirty house. As we complete this four-year term, we complete but one stroke of that broom in cleaning that house.

    “We are here today to prepare our way so that we may continue to right the wrongs that have been left by others for us to correct.

    “You are here to build a better Nigeria.

    “This means we must join hands even more tightly than before.  Over the past few months, there has been jockeying and competition for the various positions in the party.

    “Today, we conduct the elections to fill these vital posts. Those who sought posts were all qualified and good people. While only one person can win, the party needs you all.

    “You all have competed as is your right in a democratic setting. Now, competition must end. Reconciliation for the great battle ahead – the general elections – must commence.

    “We must show the people that we conduct our internal affairs differently than other parties just as we adhere to different ideas and policies than these other parties do.  They are backward. We are progressive. They are despotic. We are democratic. Now, we must walk the same as we talk.

    “Today I appeal to you to accommodate each other by giving greater emphasis to the progressive bond that unites us so that we attain victory in the electoral battles to come.

    “The success of the APC convention today is such that it sets our eyes at the edge of the spear.

    Under President Buhari, Nigeria has found its rightful course.  Discipline and collective purpose are taking root. Government has become accountable. Bleakness turns to hope.

    “President Buhari has done significant work clearing away yesterday’s mess so that we may reach a better future.

    “When his critics grossly falsify by saying he has not achieved enough, remember what the old woman told me “Your broom is good but it takes more than one stroke to clean a dirty house.”

    “The old malpractices of the PDP that have soiled what should be our beautiful national home. We now must continue cleaning it for the benefit of all Nigerians, even for the members of the PDP who have done so much harm because we are a party of compassion and togetherness not one of malice and intolerance.

    “Be proud to be of the APC.  We are on a mission to save our nation. When you return home, speak not only of what we accomplished today.

    “But enlighten your people about the policies and ideals of this party so that they will know which party is day and which is night, which party seeks to be their servant and which again schemes to be their master.

    “To the APC governors, Excellencies. You are the wheels on which the party moves. You have found ways to close ranks and wisely resolve issues in the overall interests of the party.

    “You have rallied behind President Buhari and refused to be moved by anything other than the good of this collective enterprise. Your comportment has been inspiring.

    “To our lawmakers, your efforts are recognized. Without your contributions, providing responsible and good governance would be impossible.

    “We ask you to do even more to advance our party’s policy agenda and help the president enact laws that ensure prosperity and justice reign throughout the land.

    “APC Women, you are the heart and conscience of the nation and our party.  You must always raise your voice to ensure that we remain true to our goal of improving the lot of the average family.

    “We count on you to run for elective office and to galvanize support for the party throughout the land.

    “Great APC youth (pause and repeat). Your intelligence, skills and patriotism tell us you are ready to serve. That we believe in you is evident by Mr. President signing the “Not too young to Run” bill into law.

    “If you seek progressive governance that gives every Nigerian a fair chance, the APC is the home for you. We welcome you home.

    “Before closing, I must mention something of high concern. Our progressive agenda has been hampered because elements of the PDP remain embedded in the many agencies and ministries so crucial to daily governance.

    “They have been as a fifth column, undermining our policies at every turn. While impeding reform, they also plot the comeback of their reactionary brethren to power.

    “This is something we should no longer abide. Our party teems with competent, reform-minded people who would perform admirably in these positions.

    “It is time to sweep out the PDP remnants and put in position people, who actually care about the people.

    “Some among us feared that today we would be joined by the presence of rain. Don’t fret. Let the rain fall if it must. For it is a sign of a great washing.

    “We, the party of the broom, should understand more than anyone else what this represents. The rain symbolizes that we are to wash away the remaining shards of the old, unjust politics so that we can set forth a better path for Nigeria.

    “Thus, let us be equal to the historic moment before us. Let us dedicate ourselves to uplifting the average man, woman and child. Let us dedicate this day to the establishment of a compassionate political culture and social consciousness.

    “May this mighty broom that we have become sweep aside that which needs to be swept aside so that all Nigerians may enter into their finest destiny with national pride and utmost dignity.

    “We are ready. We are the APC. We are Nigeria.

    “May God bless you all and bless our beloved republic.”

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, governors to voters: stop PDP

    •Defections hit PDP as Fayemi intensifies campaign

    All is now set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag off mega rally in Ekiti State ahead of the July 14 governorship election.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other key party figures are expected at the rally scheduled for Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

    Members of the APC National Campaign Council headed by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, National Working Committee, governors and ministers are also expected at the rally.

    Security has been beefed up at the venue with riot policemen stationed within the vicinity of the arena. The stadium was being decorated ahead of the rally.

    Osinbajo is expected to hand the party’s flag to the governorship candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his running mate, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.

    Fayemi took his campaign to communities in Ekiti West and Ijero Local Government Areas on Monday, urging the people to reject the continuity agenda of Governor Ayo Fayose, which he said was aimed at keeping them perpetually in poverty.

    Communities visited include Aramoko, Erio, Ido-Ile, Okemesi, Ikoro, Ijero, Ijurin, Iloro, where more leaders and members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC.

    The defectors promised to ensure victory for Fayemi in their various localities, saying they were rejecting the PDP in protest against Fayose’s alleged “deceit, wickedness, lies and greed”.

    In Aramoko, a stronghold of the PDP where the visits kicked off, no fewer than 30 of its top leaders led hundreds of supporters to defect to the APC, while in Ido-Ile, residents said they would vote for Fayemi for the water project, roads, schools rehabilitation and social security for the elderly people he provided in his first term.

    Fayemi expressed delight that it was mainly those giving the APC headaches that defected to the party in Aramoko and assured them of equal treatment in their new party.

    He listed his achievements in agriculture, schools and hospital rehabilitation, social security, appointments, education, roads and electricity, among others, in Aramoko to the thunderous applause of supporters.

    Fayemi regretted that nothing had been added to what he did in the town, except for Fayose to introduce payment of tax by school pupils, while workers are unpaid for between six and 10 months.

    He urged the people to dismiss Fayose’s lies on debts, saying though he borrowed N25b to implement projects that are verifiable, including completing projects started by Segun Oni’s administration.

    The APC candidate revealed that he paid back N14.5b of the loan before leaving office, while Fayose had so far borrowed N56b but did nothing with it, except a bridge built at over-bloated cost.

    Fayemi said the road he awarded but abandoned by Fayose would be completed, including new projects that the community might request for in his budget.

    He urged the people to reject continuity of sufferings, unpaid salaries and lies that Fayose wanted to sustain by working to install Prof Eleka as his successor.

    In Erio, the hometown of Fayose’s wife, residents regretted that though Fayose is their son-in-law, they had not seen any development assistance from neither Fayose nor his wife in the last three years.

    The community presented a copy of the Holy Bible to Fayemi, declaring that the APC candidate represented a soldier of Christ who will always win his battles. They said victory is sure for Fayemi on July 14.

    Fayemi expressed shock that the road he initiated leading to Erio worship centre was abandoned by Fayose. He promised to complete the project and implement other ones they choose in his pre-budget meetings with the people.

    He also promised to continue his pro-people schemes, including social security, free education and helping students to pay for public examinations and scholarships.

    The rally at Okemesi was dramatic, as residents in the town openly rained abuses on one of her sons in Fayose’s administration who early in the morning allegedly led thugs in knife battle to create sense of insecurity to disrupt APC rally.

    The Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji, in his palace praised Fayemi for appointing indigenes, including Adewale Fapohunda, into his government, while Kayode Fasakin was a member of the House of Assembly. The monarch said they were the best to represent the town in government.

    He said the town had the best of times while Fayemi was governor, even as he praised Fayemi for constructing the abandoned road to the town’s hospital. The monarch assured Fayemi of total support of the community.

    At Ikoro, country home of the third runner-up in APC primary, Kayode Ojo, the former aspirant, who described Egbeyemi as his father’s friend, urged the people to vote for Fayemi, reminding the people that Fayemi’s years as governor was an evergreen experience in the development process of the town.

    Another party chief from the town, Dr. Femi Thomas, regretted Fayose’s neglect of the town despite support for him in 2014.

    He described Fayemi as a man of honour who can be trusted with his words while another former aspirant, Dr Bayo Orire, spoke in the same vein, urging residents to vote for Fayemi.