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Jam’iyyar APC ta taya shugaban jam’iyyar, Abdullahi Ganduje, murnar zagayowar ranar haihuwarsa ta cika shekaru 75.
Jam’iyyar ta bayyana Ganduje a matsayin gogaggen shugaba, malami, mai taimakon jama’a, kuma ƙwararren ɗan siyasa da ke ci gaba da bayyana kwarewarsa a dukkan mukaman da ya samu damar yi wa jama’a hidima.
Kakakin APC, Felix Morka, a cikin wata sanarwa, ya jaddada rawar da Ganduje ya taka wajen cimma “babban nasarar zabukan da aka samu a jere” da kuma ƙarfafa matsayin APC a matsayin “babbar kuma mafi tasiri jam’iyya a nahiyar Afirka.”
APC ta kara da cewa, a karkashin jagorancin Ganduje, jam’iyyar ta samu nasarori, ciki har da shirin rajistar membobin jam’iyya a zamanance, da kuma haɓaka haɗin kai tsakanin jam’iyya da gwamnati wajen cika alkawuran zaɓe ga ’yan Najeriya.
“A madadin Kwamitin Gudanarwa na Kasa (NWC), shugabanni, mambobi da magoya bayan wannan babbar jam’iyya, muna murna tare da wannan babban gwarzo a wannan rana ta musamman na zagayowar ranar haihuwarsa ta cika shekaru 75.
“Muna roƙon Allah Maɗaukaki da rahamarSa, ya ba wa shugabanmu na kasa tsawon rai, hikima da lafiya mai kyau yayin da yake ci gaba da hidimarsa ga jam’iyyarmu da ƙasarmu.”
•As Tony Okocha Empowers hundreds of widows, indigent women for Christmas
Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt
The Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha said his administration will take drastic measures to end the lingering crisis plaguing the party in the state.
Okocha, while reacting to a recent court ruling which nullified the congress that produced him as chairman of the party, threatened to expel some aggrieved members of the party who he alleged is working with Governer Siminalayi Fubara to embarrass the national secretariat of the party and the president through the state judiciary with frivolous court cases.
He accused Governor Fubara of meddling into the affairs of the APC in the state, and influencing the outcome of the court cases against the party, while urging him to refrain from such acts or face the wrath of God.
Recalled that a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Godswill Obomanu had last Friday in a suit filed by some aggrieved members of the party in the state led by factional chairman, Emeka Beke, nullified the local government and state congresses of the APC in the state, citing contempt of court.
The court had a day to the state Congress issued an injunction stopping the conduct the exercise in the state, but the APC ignored the court order and continued with the congress.
Addressing Journalists on the sidelines of his birthday celebration on Sunday at his residence, where he empowered hundreds of widows and indigent women with rice, vegetable oil, wrappers, and cash gifts, etc, Okocha said state executive of the party which he is leading as chairman is not perturbed by last Friday’s Rivers High Court judgement, as they are fully recognised and backed by the national leadership of the party.
Okocha who explained that the process of the congress which produced him as APC Chairman in Rivers State was made open to all members of the party to contest, while forms were sold to all those interested, expressed disappointment at activities of some judges in the state, prompting him to describe the judiciary in the state as the governor’s supermarket.
He maintained that party decisions in the the case of APC in Rivers State remains supreme and that no court can decide for the party on who becomes it’s chairman or executives, stressing that there are plethora of judgements of superior courts barring lower courts from dabbling into party affairs.
“The day I was sworn-in, I extended an olive branch to everybody to join us and build the party but where it becomes impossible, I would not sit down and see them embarrass the party, embarrass Mr President and the party.
“The APC is Mr President’s party. For the National Chairman of the party and eighteen other National Working Committee members to come down here and then anybody is going behind because you think you have the law, you have the cash to throw around and you want to embarrass the national secretariat of our party, I will not sit down here and watch that, I will expel them. It is a political party,” Okocha vows.
Okocha said even though he’s not aware of the processes of the case, he has however, directed the party’s lawyers to appeal the judgement of the lower court.
“Gentlemen, I’m not aware of the processes but, as a law abiding party, we have advised our lawyers to go to Court of Appeal.”
“That judgement as far as we are concern has no effect. We’ll keep doing what we are doing because we are within the armbits of the law, the party is supreme and Justice Obomanu and whoever again they will assign the matter to will not decide for us how we’ll run our party,” Okocha stated.
In the meantime, the Special Adviser to Governor Fubara on Electronic Media, Mr Jerry Omatsogunwa, has responded to Tony Okocha accusations against the principal. He said Governor Fubara no time to meddle into the affairs of the APC, and that he cannot in any way influence the judiciary against the party.
He said the governor is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and an active member of the PDP Governors’ Forum and has been attending their meetings.
He advised Chief Okocha to obey court orders and stop blaming the governor for his party’s crisis in the state.
.’It’s callous to policticisea death of citizens’.
.As Ex-president Jonathan seeks support for victims
.Gov Abiodun visits Makinde, advocates govt, NGOs’ collaboration in palliative distribution
CYRIL MBAH, Abuja with agency reports
The Presidency on Monday criticised Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, over his comments on the recent tragic stampedes that claimed over 77 lives, including those of children, in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja.
This was disclosed by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, via his X handle.
Also, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for blaming the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent deaths of people as a result of stampedes during the distribution of food items.
According to Dare, Obi’s remarks were indecent, stating, “When seeking someone who benefits from the misfortune of others or from confusion — what the Yoruba people describe as Aríje nínú Màdàrú — look no further than Peter Obi.
“His recent comments on the avoidable tragedies in Anambra and Oyo states lack statesmanship and decency, even as he clings to the fading echoes of his much-vaunted political victory. This attempt to score cheap political points falls flat.
“In times of unfortunate tragedy, leaders are expected to speak responsibly and offer support. President Tinubu cancelled all engagements, expressed profound sadness over the loss of lives, and ordered an immediate investigation. That is the way of true leadership. These incidents have highlighted critical issues that must be addressed.”
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has berated the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for blaming the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over recent deaths of people as a result of stampedes during the distribution of food items.
In its first reaction to the incident and the statements from the PDP, APC through its National Publicity Secretary, Barrister Felix Morka, said that it is disheartening that at a time of national grief over stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory which resulted in the death of citizens, “the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seized the moment to engage in callous political chicanery.”
The APC regretted that rather than genuinely commiserating with the victims and their families, the PDP chose to politicize the grief of the victims by blaming the stampedes on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to score political points.
According to the APC, the tragedies have brought together all well meaning Nigerians in mourning and sober reflection on how the incidents might have been avoided through better planning and organization by all involved.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families but it is grossly indecent, insensitive and despicable for the PDP to exploit these tragic incidents in a senseless attack against the administration that has devoted itself to fixing the ruins of nearly two decades of PDP administration. “Nigerians have not forgotten the tragic stampede at the ill-fated Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise in 2014 at the Abuja stadium, under the watch of the PDP administration, that left many desperate job seekers dead and scores injured. The PDP’s allegations only remind us of its sordid record of maladministration and utter incompetence.
“The PDP is either mischievous or totally out of touch with reality to suggest that President Bola Tinubu-led administration has not shown commitment to Nigerians’ welfare. “For an administration that has invested hugely in alternative sources of energy and conversion of vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG); introduced the Credit Corps scheme and Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND); reviewed workers salaries and corps members’ allowances upward; sustained annual free and subsidized transportation fares for Nigerians during the yuletide; approved grants for farmers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and a slew of other humanitarian interventions, there is no doubt that this is the most people-centric administration in our history.
“Laughably, the PDP claimed that APC’s policies ruptured a “once thriving economy.” For years, successive PDP administrations operated a phantom economy wired with complex distortions and suffocating corruption while deluding Nigerians into thinking that the economy was healthy. “Changing course away from the lies and deception of the PDP, President Bola Tinubu embarked on the boldest and most courageous programme of reform to rebuild our country’s economy, and dismantling obstacles to true prosperity and sustainability. The economy is rebounding steadily now as reforms continue to yield wholesome dividends.
“We commend President Tinubu for calling off his scheduled activities in response to, and in honour of the victims of the incidents. Again, we commiserate with families that lost their loved ones and wish the injured speedy recovery,” the APC statement concluded.
Similarly, former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for support for the victims of the tragic stampedes that occurred during palliative distributions in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.
In his Christmas message issued on Monday in Abuja, Jonathan also urged authorities to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Jonathan expressed sadness over the incidents and called for prayers and support for the victims’ families.
“The unfortunate incidents have left all of us in shock and sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends who have lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.
“I urge the authorities to provide the necessary support to the victims and ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
“As we navigate through this painful period, I encourage all Nigerians to show compassion and solidarity, especially during this festive season.
“Christmas is a time of love, unity, and hope. It reminds us of the importance of caring for one another and working towards peace and harmony in our communities,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to embrace the spirit of Christmas by extending a hand of friendship to those in need and fostering unity across all divides.
Jonathan prayed that the season would rekindle Nigerians’ collective resolve to build a nation founded on justice, fairness, and mutual respect.
“Let us also pray for the wisdom, strength, and resilience to overcome our challenges and for brighter days ahead for our beloved country.
“I wish all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with joy, peace, and love. May the new year bring renewed hope and prosperity for us all,” Jonathan said.
Also, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has admonished Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), charitable organizations, and individuals who wish to distribute palliative aid to the people to involve the government to prevent a chaotic situation that could lead to the loss of lives.
Governor Abiodun, who spoke when he visited Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, in his office in Ibadan regarding the stampede that occurred in the city last week, said such an incident would not have happened if the state government had been involved.
“I am here on behalf of myself, the government, and the good people of Ogun State and the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF) to commiserate with the governor of Oyo State and the people on the unfortunate incident that happened on Wednesday, December 18th, where a good initiative turned sour.
“It is most unfortunate that, in response to the current realities, an NGO decided to share the joy of the season with the children, which led to the loss of 35 lives.
“I think that we’ve seen this trend in Anambra and Abuja during this yuletide period.
“I believe that what we must also take away from this unfortunate incident is that when private sector players, non-governmental organizations, and charities want to embark on such initiatives, they should try to work with the government. Because as a responsible government, we carry out such initiatives, and it doesn’t end like this because we have people who are charged with such responsibilities.
“They planned it to ensure that it is well implemented. So, one must admonish others who have such initiatives that a lot of lessons must be learned from what has happened, and we must ensure that we avoid such mishaps in the future,” Prince Abiodun said.
He stated that the Southern Governors’ Forum is pained by the loss, and as the Chairman of the Forum, his visit is to condole with Oyo State, saying that as a neighbor, anything that affects them affects Ogun State.
While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the families to bear the loss, the governor wished the people of Oyo State a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
In response, Governor Makinde appreciated his Ogun State counterpart for the visit, saying that it provides an opportunity for the cross-fertilization of ideas that would benefit the two sister states.
He mentioned that the two states would meet next year to have a Peer Review to see what they could learn from each other and leverage it.
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EMMANUEL NLEWEDUM , Port Harcourt
The Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress (APC), in Rivers State, backed by the party’s National Working Committee (NEC), has said that it will appeal the State High Court rulling that nullified it’s congresses.
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, presided over by Justice Godswill Obomanu
had Friday nullified the congresses of the APC in the state which produced Chief Tony Okocha as Chairman.
Justice Obomanu, in a suit filed by factional chairman of the party in the state, Chief Emeka Beke, nullified the exercises citing contempt of court.
Reacting to the ruling, the Okocha-led Rivers APC described the court’s decision to nullify it’s congresses as a coordinated plot masterminded by the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his collaborators to undermine the party as well as President Bola Tinubu.
The party in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Chibuike Ikenga on Saturday, stating that the Rivers State High court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter and that the interim order of injunction stopping the congresses was obtained through deceit.
He said: “The Rivers State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, would wish to inform the general public of a larger plot and grand plan to thwart the unprecedented successful state and local government congresses held since the inception of the APC in Rivers State by some frustrated collaborators from within the APC and Gov Fubara to get at President Bola Tinubu, by making it impossible for the party to successfully carry out its activities and programmes through the instrumentality of the Rivers State High Courts and some compromised Judges who have become appendages to the executive.”
Ikenga explained that the drama began in July 2024, when the APC announced its congresses in Rivers State for October 2024. However, he noted that some persons claiming to be members of the State Executive Committee of the APC ran to the Rivers State High Court to obtain an interim order of ex parte injunction restraining the APC from holding the congresses.
He alleged that Justice Obomanu, despite being aware of the pending appeal, proceeded to deliver a ruling nullifying the APC congresses, describing the action of the court as “judicial impertinence” and a clear disregard for the hierarchy of courts.
“Recall, that sometime in July 2024, after the APC announced its Congresses in Rivers State for October 2024, some persons on the pay role of the Gov Fubara of Rivers State, who claimed to be members of State Executive Committee of the APC ran to the Rivers State High Court (before Hon. Justice G. Ollor) to obtain an Interim Order of Ex Parte Injunction on 22th August, 2024 in suit No PHC/3699/CS/2024: Peter Ohochukwu vs His Excellency, Abdulahi Ganduje & Ors., restraining APC congresses. After they secured the orders, they went to sleep and took no further steps in that case.
“Consequently, the APC rescheduled its Congresses to November 2024, in deference to the Interim Orders of the Rivers State High Court. However, the APC appealed to the Court of Appeal in No: CA/PH/371/2024: His Excellency, Abdullahi Ganduje vs Peter Ohochukwu, challenging the jurisdiction of the High Court to dabble into the Rivers domestic affairs of a political-the APC and to make the interim order. That appeal is fixed for February 2025 for a definite hearing.
“However, on the 15/11/2024, the Court of Appeal set aside the said order of Interim injunction restraining the APC from holding its Congresses, which paved the way for APC to conduct its Ward Congresses on the 16/11/2024”
The party’s Publicity Secretary claimed that Justice Obomanu, who delivered the ruling, was a relative of the Governor, alleging that the ruling was based on nepotism.
“Aggrieved by the Order of the Court of Appeal staying the execution of the interim order of injunction and the subsequent conduct of APC Ward Congresses on 16/11/2024, three (3) other agents of the Gov Fubara ran again to the Rivers State High Court on 19/11/2024, this time before The cousin of Gov Fubara, Hon Justice G. V. Obomanu who was just elevated by Gov Fubara this year, to obtain another fresh order of interim injunction in suit No: PHC/3859/CS/2024: Okwu Joebrown Ndike vs APC & Anor. As usual, the Rivers State High Court granted a fresh order of interim injunction (ex parte) against the same congresses of a political party-the APC,” he said.
Ikenga, urged its members to remain calm and have faith in the judiciary, noting that the party will continue to provide constructive opposition and criticism against the Rivers State government and will not be deterred by a temporary setback.”
He added that the APC in Rivers will not be deterred by this temporary setback and will continue to provide constructive opposition and criticism against the Rivers State government.
“On Friday, the 20th day of December 2024, using touch light to deliver his ruling, Justice Obomanu decided to set aside the congresses of the APC, and after he had satisfied the desire of Gov Fubara, his agents and collaborators, the Judge then adjourned the case sine die, hoping that sine die at this stage WILL DEPRIVE THE DEFENDANTS the opportunity of seeking leave to appeal against the Cost of N10,000,000.00(Ten Million Naira)awarded against Defendants.
“The APC has instructed its lawyers to take steps to apply to the Court of Appeal to set aside the Proceedings of the Rivers State High Court which were held in total disregard and disrespect for the processes pending before the Court of Appeal and challenge to its jurisdiction. The proceedings and actions of the Rivers State High Court were not only an AFFRONT to the Court of Appeal, it was JUDICIAL IMPERTINENCE to say the least. We hope that, some day, consequences will begin to apply to judicial impertinence.
“The APC remains undaunted by the vexatious use of the Rivers State High Court against its activities; It will continue to provide constructive opposition and criticism against the maladministration and intimidation of the opposition party by Gov Fubara led government in Rivers State,” he said.
The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has invalidated the Local Government and State Congresses conducted by the Tony Okocha-led All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State.
The Rivers State APC under the leadership of Okocha conducted the congresses in violation of a court order.
The new executives from the congresses were also inaugurated on December 14 by the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje.
A suit challenging the congresses was filed by some party members who alleged that they were excluded from the process despite making the necessary payments.
A member of the House of Representatives, Paschal Obi, who represented Ideato North and South Federal Constituency has dumped the Labour Party, LP, for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He was welcomed back to the APC fold by the State party expanded executives led by Macdonald Ebere, having officially formalized his membership in the ward and LGA levels.
Making his speech, Obi said that he was encouraged to rejoin APC because of what he described as massive infrastructural development efforts of Hope Uzodinma.
He equally thanked the State party leadership led by Ebere, for its excellent leadership, which according to him, culminated to wonderful performances of the party at the grassroots as observed during the last LGA election.
The former lawmaker assured the executive members of the party of his continuous support and loyalty to the party.
In his response, the State Chairman of APC thanked him for deeming it necessary to return to the APC.
Many political stakeholders from Ideato South accompanied Obi to the event.
DAILY POST reports that Obi, before now, has been a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, later joined APC, then left for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, joined LP and now back to APC.
The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has backed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
The APC Forum, in a statement released after a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, said the North-Central would stand behind the President in the 2027 presidential election.
The statement, signed by Chairman of the North-Central APC Forum, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, stressed that the Forum decided to endorse Tinubu for a second term because his administration had extended several opportunities to the North-Central zone since he assumed office as President in 2023.
DAILY POST reports that the development is coming on the heels of emerging opposition to Tinubu’s reelection by foremost northern socio-political body, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and its youth wing, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF.
In a recent communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF announced that it would support northerners running for the presidency in 2027.
Also, the AYCF, in a statement by its President, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said the North regrets supporting Tinubu in the 2023 elections.
The group warned that the North might oppose Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027 unless significant changes are made to improve the country’s socio-economic conditions.
However, the APC North-Central Forum, while endorsing Tinubu, said the zone had benefited immensely from Tinubu’s administration, especially in the areas of infrastructure, appointments and security.
The APC Forum declared that the North-Central has never had it so good under any administration, since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
Parts of the statement read, “Rising from a meeting in Abuja during the weekend, the North-Central APC Forum has decided to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
“After assessing the state of the nation, the North-Central APC Forum is of the view that President Bola Tinubu has done well to earn a second term in office.
“An assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s policies also shows that he is taking the country in the right direction and deserves the support of all Nigerians to get the country there.
“The Forum equally evaluated the programmes and initiatives of the Federal Government and it is evident that, since the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no other President has given the North-Central as many opportunities as much as President Bola Tinubu.
“No other President has brought as many infrastructural projects to the North-Central as the President Tinubu administration.
“If it is possible, we are also calling on the President to extend more developmental projects to the North-Central, while assuring him of our continued support and loyalty. We believe that President Tinubu will assent to the Bill for the establishment of North Central Development Commission (NCDC), when passed by the National Assembly.
“The current level of insecurity in the North-Central is less than what was obtainable during previous administrations. Before now, it was difficult for our people, who are mostly farmers, to go to their farms because of insecurity.
“But now, due to the leadership provided by Mr President who has given marching orders to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, the people can now go to farm to cultivate and harvest their crops.”
Continuing, the APC Forum expressed confidence in Tinubu’s ability to revamp Nigeria’s economy, noting that policies introduced by the President would eventually turn things around.
“The economic policies introduced by President Tinubu are already making the expected impact, with the recent strengthening of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, improvement in volume of oil production, and rise in foreign reserves, among others.
“President Tinubu’s policies in the petroleum sector have already eliminated scarcity, and we believe that, with time, Nigerians will witness reduction in the cost of petroleum products, which would reverse inflation in the county.
“The APC North-Central Forum believes President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term to midwife these reforms which are already bearing fruit, and we call on all Nigerians to support his administration to improve the situation in the country.
“After extensive considerations, North-Central APC Forum has given the President a passmark on insecurity, appointments, infrastructure, economy and other areas.
“We stand firmly behind President Tinubu as his bold leadership has brought significant progress to our region, and we believe he is the right person to continue leading Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
“We urge all Nigerians to rally behind the President and support him for a second term, to enable his administration to deepen the gains of his reform policies.
“Just as we worked for his election in 2023, the North-Central APC Forum assures President Tinubu and all his supporters that we will again work for his reelection in 2027.”
Two Plateau House of Representatives members elected on the platform of the Labour Party – Alfred Ajang Illiya and Daniel Chollom – recently defected to the APC.
The APC Forum said the development is an indication of the overwhelming support Tinubu enjoys in the North-Central.
“The recent defection of some members of the House of Representatives, elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, to our great party, the APC, in Plateau State, is a sign that President Tinubu is widely accepted in the North-Central.
“We expect more defections of lawmakers and other political office holders elected on the platform of other parties to the APC in the North-Central in the coming days.
“The North-Central APC Forum is assuring the President of the full support of the zone in all his policies and programmes, and we are backing him for a second term in 2027,” the group stated.
DAMISI OJO, Akure
Ondo State APC Youths have sued for calm over an attack on the party secretariat by unknown persons on Saturday in Akure, the state capital.
Through its leader, Adeyemo Olalekan,the youths strongly condemned the development, stressing that it goes against democratic principles and party rules.
He however called for calm as regards the dastardly act of some miscreants that committed the offense
Olalekan said” Our attention has been drawn to the ugly actions of some faceless youths against the party on Saturday. As the youth leader of APC in the state, I condemn this unprovoked attack outrightly because it is against the tenets of democracy and party rules and regulations.
“Our party is not a lawless party, we have provision for conflict resolution in the party constitution.” He said.
Olalekan urged security agencies to take proactive measures to arrest those responsible and their sponsors.
He also debunked allegations against State Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, calling them false and unfounded. He assured that efforts are underway to apprehend those behind the incident.
He described Adetimehin as a leader who values his followers and loves his people.
According to him, “Adetimehin is a core progressive who loves his people and will not bow to intimidation. I urge members of our party not to allow desperate politicians divide us at a time we are preparing for the local government elections in the state.”
Olalekan appealed to youth leaders to remain calm, emphasizing that the APC is committed to resolving conflicts through established channels.
The embattled Chairman was accused of allegedly calling for military take-over, high handedness and allied offences.
However, some stakeholders including the State organ of the party have kicked against the purported suspension of the Ondo APC chairman, stressing that it is unconstitutional.
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•Inaugurates New Party Leaders
Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt
Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, has affirmed that the Chief Tony Okocha-led executive of the APC in Rivers State is the only one recognised by the national secretariat of the the party.
Ganduje stated this in Port Harcourt on Saturday during a working visit to Rivers State where he inaugurated the newly elected state executive committee of the party, led by Chief Tony Okocha as chairman.
This is as the APC national Chairman declared that there is no division in the party in the state.
The APC national chairman, while congratulating the newly inaugurated state executive, explained that Rivers is the next state to be captured by the party after taking over Edo during the last election.
Ganduje said, “No faction in Rivers APC, only one leadership is recognised led by Tony Okocha.”
“First of all, I will like to congratulate the newly elected members of our state executive committee.
“Traditionally, in the APC, the inauguration of a state chapter is usually done at the headquarters of APC in Abuja, but as part of the change that we are introducing, we decided to inaugurate these elected committee members here so to show that our party is rooted to the grassroots and to show that there is no dichotomy between the national exco and the state exco, we are all working together hand-in-hand.
“We don’t feel reluctant to go to the wards, it is our constituency and we embrace it, we are in harmony with the states and that is why we are here, ladies and gentlemen.”
Ganduje however, charged the newly inaugurated executives to entrenched internal democracy in the party and to woo new members into the political fold.
He recalled the efforts of the party in wresting power from the former grip of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Edo and Cross River states, saying Rivers was the next target of the party.
“Your basic responsibilities as spelt out by the constitution of our great party is to ensure that there is internal democracy, you should look for new entrants into the party, you must have very effective conflict resolution mechanism and I believe you are equal to the task.”
“You are from the South-South geopolitical zone, the zone was dominated by the PDP, but during Buhari administration, we were able to take one state, Cross River and during President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, we are able to win squarely in Edo State, out of six, we have recovered two and we are counting.
“We are seeing a sign of good riddance, Rivers State is our target, we are on the way, therefore to the APC, this is task that must be done.”
In his acceptance speech, the Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, reassured the national executives of the party that it will take over the administration of the state come 2027.
“I am in league and in liaison with my friends, members of the state executive council of the party and the teaming membership of APC in Rivers State, want to assure you that in 2027, the story will be different, APC will take place the rostrum of governance.
“The man who I am told is the Governor of Rivers State has no party and our constitution does not allow independent candidacy, therefore they hate disqualifies him first and foremost, so APC will take the rostrum, I assure you.”
A crisis is currently brewing within the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, following the call for the removal of chairman, Ade Adetimehin by some youths of the party.
The youths who demanded the immediate removal of Adetimehin stormed the secretariat of the party and dumped a coffin with the inscription; “Adetimehin Must Go” as well as a dead dog.
After placing the fetish materials within the premises of the secretariat, the infuriated youths, who also wrapped palm fronds at the gate of the secretariat, accused Ade Adetimehin of allegedly calling for military intervention in the country.
A visit to the secretariat situated along Road Block and FUTA axis indicated that security operatives were mounted within and around the premises.
According to the pioneer State Youth leader of the APC, Babalayo Olutayo, who was at the secretariat, Adetimehin must leave due to various alleged offences.
Olutayo added that “some aggrieved youths across the state went to the new secretariat to seal off the place with a lot of fetish objects.
“The place was barricaded, locked with a chain, and I went there to confirm the incident, and I found out that what people said to us was actually the fact. What led to the incident was due to some allegations levelled against the incumbent chairman, Ade Adetimehin, that he was calling for a military takeover, and we are yet to know the reasons why he was calling for this.
“If at all his tenure will leave by next year, we believe that he should leave the party better than where he met it.
“Also, another allegation against him was how he doctored the list of the just-concluded governorship election and the incoming local government election, which we felt was not right.
“He is the only one running the affairs of the party: no youth leader, no women leader, no party secretary, no state legal adviser.”
Reacting to the development, the State Director of Media and Publicity of the party, Steve Otaloro, stated that “Security agencies have taken control of the secretariat, and we will continue appealing to those that came to shut down the place to be calm.
“Governance is continuous; everybody will be taking care of it. They should be wary of the law; what they are doing is very illegal. Bombarding the party Secretariat is not the best. We will continue to appeal to them not to take laws into their own hands.
“Members who are not happy for now should please calm down and connect, and we are making a consultation on the situation.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, has affirmed that Chief Tony Okocha is the leader of the party in Rivers State.
According to Ganduje, the executive committee headed by Okocha, an ally of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister, Nyesom Wike, is the Rivers State APC leadership structure recognized by the national secretariat of the party.
Ganduje made this declaration on Saturday in Port Harcourt during the inauguration of the newly elected state executive committee of the party.
The APC national chairman congratulated the newly elected members and explained the party’s decision to hold the inauguration in Rivers State instead of at the APC National Headquarters in Abuja.
He emphasized that the move signifies the party’s effort to strengthen ties between the national and state leadership, ensuring there is no division between the two structures.
Ganduje charged the state executive committee to prioritize internal democracy, highlighting it as a cornerstone of their responsibilities.
He also underscored the importance of fostering unity and inclusiveness within the party at the state level.
Commenting on the APC’s performance in the South-South geopolitical zone, traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ganduje noted that the APC has made significant progress, citing its control of Cross River and Edo states.
He further stated that Rivers State is the party’s next strategic target as it continues its expansion efforts in the region.
More details later.
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The National leadership of APC Youth League (AYL) has inaugurated its Imo State chapter, with the mandate of carrying out an aggressive campaign targeted at expanding the membership of APC in the State and Southeast in general.
Performing the inauguration ceremony in Owerri, the National President of the group, Olamide Lawal, enjoined the State executive members, led by Promise Okolie, to be exemplary in their conduct and ensure they portray a positive view and manifesto of the party to every nook and cranny of the State. He added that they should see their inauguration as a call to service.
He noted that the group would continue to champion the cause of youth participation in politics through enlightenment campaigns, stressing that it would not tolerate any act of sabotage from any member of the executive.
Lawal, who used the medium to commend the State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, especially in the area of youth and infrastructural development, also pledged their loyalty to his administration.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Emeka Mandela, who was the special guest of honour at the event, admonished the State chapter to be of good behaviour by working in tandem with the dictates of the group.
He noted that Gov. Uzodinma, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, has recorded what he said were impressive achievements in uniting the ruling party.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State coordinator of APC Youth League, Okolie, vowed to consolidate the mandate of the group in the State and Southeast in general.
He posited that the group is ever determined to provide a formidable platform where developmental leadership would be canvassed, while promising to work in unity with his team members towards achieving the vision of the group.
The high point of the event was the presentation of certificates of membership to the inaugurated State executive members.
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended the Federal Government for its decision to halt the MKO Abiola International Airport project in the state.
DAILY POST had reported that as part of its second year anniversary, the Ademola Adeleke administration revealed that it was relocating the airport from Ido-Osun to Aisu in Ede South local government area of the state.
On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development announced that it was putting on hold the turning of the sod of the proposed airport in Ede pending the determination of some unresolved issues.
Reacting on Wednesday, the Osun APC through a statement by Kola Olabisi, its Director of Media and Information, said the futile relocation of the airport by Governor Adeleke to his town has been causing a series of crises in Ido-Osun, the host community.
The party also described the relocation efforts as an act of executive recklessness and oppression.
DAILY POST also reported that residents of Ido-Osun community had been protesting and demonstrating against the state government decision.
The statement said, “The unpopular relocation bid of the airport by the governor to his town has always been attracting negative comments from within and outside the shores of this country as no tenable reason could be adduced for the relocation of the airport other than an unfair desire to exhibit a wicked attribute of favouritism and nepotism.
“The relocation saga of the airport had heightened tension which had enveloped the state and proved to be a focal point for the urgent need by any serious government at the centre to have intervened at the right time to douse the tension over either the building or relocation of any airport by this time in the history of the state that can hardly grow its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“This bungled airport relocation saga has, to a large extent, exposed the administration of Governor Adeleke as deviously lacking in planning but prioritizing the running of government by impulse which has caused the state a lot of havoc since the intervention of the PDP-run government into the political theatre of the state about 26 months ago.”
The party also described the action of the Federal Government as prompt as it will checkmate another visible action of alleged financial recklessness by Governor Adeleke.
Wani dan majalisar wakilai da aka zaba a karkashin jam’iyyar LP, Daniel Chollom, ya sanar da sauya sheka zuwa jam’iyyar APC.
Chollom ya bayyana matsayar sa a ranar Talata, yana mai zargin rikicin shugabanci da ya dabaibaye LP ne ya sa shi barin jam’iyyar.
Ya kara da cewa rikicin ya hana shi samun damar hada kai da kowanne bangare na jam’iyyar.
Cikin wata wasika da kakakin majalisar wakilai, Abbas Tajudeen, ya karanta yayin zaman majalisa, Chollom ya bayyana cewa rikicin cikin gida a LP ya sa ya yi nazari kuma ya ga cewa zai fi amfani ga mutanensa idan ya koma APC.
Ya kara da cewa yana sauya sheka ne domin ya goyi bayan shugaban kasa, Bola Tinubu, wajen tabbatar da ci gaban kasa da raba alfanun dimokuradiyya ga al’ummar Najeriya.
Sai dai, Mataimakin Bulaliyar Karamar Jam’iyya, George Ozodinobi, ya sukar masu barin LP, yana cewa suna nuna rashin akida.
Ya kuma yi kira da a ayyana kujerar Chollom a matsayin wadda ba ta da mai rike da ita.