₦airaland Forum

abumeinben:
Amaechi wey nor fit defeat Wike.

He's even detested by his people.

In programming, Amaechi == Okorocha

The All Progressives Congress has rejected a call by the Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, for the dissolution of its National Reconciliation Committee headed by the President of the Senate, Dr Ahmed Lawan.

Chieftains of the party, who confided in The PUNCH on Monday, said it had become obvious that the governor was not concerned about peace in the Edo State APC.

Obaseki, in an interview with The PUNCH correspondent in Benin on Monday, called for the dissolution of the committee, which among others, was saddled with the responsibility of resolving the dispute between the governor and the National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

The APC had on November 18 set up a 10-member committee headed by Lawan to resolve crises among its members.

The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, had in a statement, said the party set up the committee in line with the November resolution of its National Executive Committee.

Besides Lawan, other members of the committee are a former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande (Vice Chairman); Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor; Alhaji Nasiru Koki, Senator Khairat Gwadabe-Abdulrazak, Senator Binta Garba and Senator John Enoh (Secretary).


The APC in Edo State had become factionalised some months ago with one faction loyal to Oshiomhole and the other backed by the governor.

The crisis worsened on November 12 when factions of the party suspended Oshiomhole and Obaseki.

While the national chairman was suspended during a meeting at the state party secretariat in Benin, the action against Obaseki was carried out at the residence of a chieftain of the APC, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd.), by the Edo Peoples Movement, a pressure group within the party.


The APC had, late November, set up a committee headed by the Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, to resolve the crisis, but Obaseki rejected the panel on the grounds that it was set up by the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee.

Again, Obaseki on Monday called for the dissolution of the Lawan-led national reconciliation committee of the APC, adding that a fresh one should be reconstituted by the party.

The governor had last week rejected the committee because of the decision of the National Assembly leadership to take over the Edo House of Assembly was part of the issue the panel would resolve.

NWC resolves round only Oshiomhole – Gov

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, who spoke to The PUNCH on the phone, said such a call had become very necessary to ensure justice.

Osagie stated, “As a matter of fact, we appeal to the highest decision making body of the party to dissolve the committee and set up another one. To the best of our knowledge now, the National Working Committee of the party revolves around only one person and that is Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and he just makes decisions unilaterally and then attaches the names of the NWC members to them. So we are calling on the National Executive Committee to look at the pertinent issues that we have raised concerning the rejection of the national reconciliation committee and reconstitute it.

“We can’t have a committee where we have parties in the dispute as members. It just doesn’t follow the cause of natural justice. The National Assembly is in court as we speak with the House of Assembly in Edo State over the plan to come and take over the operations of the state House of Assembly and then the leaders of the same National Assembly that had wanted to take over the House of Assembly are now the head of the reconciliation committee. Senator Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President, with all due respect, and other leaders of the National Assembly are hell-bent on taking over the Edo House of Assembly,” he said.

Recall that the Obaseki/Shaibu Movement, a support group for the re-election of the governor, and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, had on Thursday last week rejected the Lawan-led APC national reconciliation committee set up by the party’s NWC to resolve the crisis in the Edo APC.

A statement by the convener of the group, Mr Damian Lawani, faulted the constitution of the committee, saying some of those selected as members were interested parties in the crisis.

But top members of the party’s NWC and NEC, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity, said the request by the governor was an affront to leaders of the party, including the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

A member of the NWC said, “The committee was not raised specifically for Edo State. It is a national committee. Why will the governor oppose the committee agreed to at NEC?”

Another member said the party had begun to see the governor’s request as an indication that he was not looking for true reconciliation.

“Obviously, the governor is not looking for reconciliation. Maybe he had made up his mind to bring down the party,” he said.

Explaining how the committee was raised, a chieftain of the party told one of our correspondents that members of the committee were those approved by the party leaders.

“We are not bothered about the governor’s antics. If he doesn’t want them to come to Edo, that is his business. The committee will perform its duties as stated by NEC,” the chieftain added.

Efforts to get the reactions of the APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, did not succeed on Monday as he did not answer calls to his mobile. He had also yet to reply a text message sent to him on the request by Obaseki for the dissolution of the committee.

Obaseki doesn’t mean well for Edo APC – 14 aggrieved lawmakers

But the leader of the 14 aggrieved lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly, Washington Osifo, condemned the governor for serially rebuffing peace efforts.

The state House of Assembly had last month declared the constituency seats of the lawmakers vacant. The lawmakers had opposed the Obaseki’s proclamation order on the current Edo Assembly on the grounds that it was issued in the night.

The leader of the lawmaker, Osifosaid, “There is no group without a disagreement but when there is a disagreement there must be room for peace. Whoever abhors peace is an enemy of peace, progress and development of society. Peace is a recipe for development.

“For Obaseki to have rejected first the Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje-led peace committee and now the Senate President Ahmed Lawan-led National Reconciliation Committee shows he is not for peace. Obaseki doesn’t mean well for APC, for Edo State and for Mr President.”

National reconciliation committee yielding results – Oshiomhole

On his part, Oshiomhole said the national reconciliation committee had started yielding results.

He stated this while welcoming the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in Ogun State, Adekunle Akinlade, and his supporters back to the party.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, said the development was good for the APC.

The statement added, “Only last week, we received some leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, who equally left the APC in Edo State and, came back into our fold.

“As a party, we are glad that the national reconciliation committee set up recently by the party is yielding fruits.

“We welcome these party men and women and we urge them to join in this progressive governance which the APC promised Nigerians.

“The APC is one big family that believes in the ideals of true democracy, the rule of law and party supremacy. We also want to use this opportunity to urge other members of our party who left and wish to return, to do so, as our party is big enough to accommodate all, even those with divergent opinions.”

December 23, 2019

The House of Reps member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency, Shina Peller has been released by the Police.

He was released on bail after his case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Details Shortly…

popsy2:
We are finished

•Don’t trust Ajayi anymore, group warns governor

December 23, 2019

Damisi Ojo, Akure

Ondo State Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi has declared the ‘rift’ between him and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu as a normal occurrence in politics.

He denied any conflict with his boss over the 2020 governorship election.

Ajayi spoke at the weekend while addressing the people of Apoi in Ese-odo Local Government Area of the state,.

Also yesterday, a socio-political group in the state, Patriotic Builders (PB) warned Akeredolu to be wary of Ajayi’s utterances.

Ajajyi blamed political jobbers seeking patronage from the government for escalating the disagreement between him and his boss.

Things are no longer rosy between Ajayi and his boss over the re-election bid of the governor.

Besides, Ajayi is beleived to be hobnobbing with other parties in order to contest the governorship election.

But Ajayi, who spoke at the “Praise Night” organised by the Apoi people, said they should not worry about the “rumour” that he was fighting the governor.

He alleged that those seeking to cause crisis in the state executive council in order to reap political benefits ahead of next year’s governorship election were behind the rumour.

Ajayi said: “You must have been hearing one or two comments here and there about a conflict between me and the governor. Don’t worry yourself. It is a normal thing in politics.

“The governor and myself are doing very well. We are brothers and we are working together for the progress of Ondo State.”

Ajayi also conveyed the governor’s greetings to the people and wished them merry Christmas, adding that they should be mindful of job-seekers whose stock-in-trade was cheap blackmail and political propaganda.

The deputy governor admonished the people to pray for the governor who is their kinsman, “since his mother is from this kingdom.”

READ ALSO: Akeredolu and challenges of reconciliation in Ondo APC
The Kalasuwe of Apoiland, Prof Sunday Amuseghan, said the Praise Night was to appreciate God for His protection over the kingdom.

But the Patriotic Builders (PB), in a statement by its State Coordinator, Badmus Anifowose, said the governor should not be deceived by the public display of loyalty by Ajayi.

PB described Ajayi as a political chameleon, “who will go about during the day pledging loyalty to Akeredolu and in the night damaging the political reputation of his boss.

The group alleged in its statement: “Since the inception of this administration in Ondo State, Ajayi has been plotting to oust his boss from office. Apart from oiling his structure in his former political party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ajayi has also successfully built a structure in APC through some former exco members that were sacked by Akeredolu.

"Tell him to respect constituted authority."

Osagyefo98:
Enemies from Benin Republic and Togo onn rampage

They have failed again.

No wonder Ghana sent them packing in 1959.

jayfolarin:
I am doing my duty non-stop where I am to protest Nigeria's failed leadership anytime any of them steps here. No matter which state they visit. Most government officials are now scared shitless to announce foreign visits whenever they make them now.

Loads of bright minds like myself are ever ready to come join or even lead the fight but that fight is null when the main victims aren't ready 'yet' to break from their chains.

The real question is what are you, A direct bearer of oppression, poverty and near-slavery livelihood doing to push back against your oppressors?

jayfolarin:
And then there are ones like this subtlely discouraging people from taking action. Calling out the youths to wake up from their slumber by the OP is an action in itself.

The real question is what are you doing besides making snide remarks at people that make calls to actions? And still sucking up to mama's breast milk ofcourse

Acting Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Abiodun Aina, on Monday, said Tunde Fowler stepped on toes during his first term as the chairman.

Aina said this at the handover ceremony on Monday after President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Muhammad M. Nami as the new FIRS chairman

Aina, who spoke in glowing terms about Fowler, thanked him for transforming FIRS even as he admitted that he stepped on toes during his term.

Aina said: “Thank you very much Mr, Chairman, my boss, my brother, and my good friend Sir. As you hand over to me I say what am I running? To have fought a good fight. You laid a very solid foundation

“Within the intervening period that I will be holding fort, I promise you to steady the ship, by the grace of God. You have done a lot within the space of four years. You have transformed FIRS. You have modernised it. There has been a lot of innovations and under you, we have achieved great heights.

“When we look back in 2015, the section was about N3. 3 trillion. At the end of 2018, with your leadership, we were able to move to N5. 32 Trillion. That was the highest collection ever, in the annals FIRS. You brought dynamism to FIRS.

“You introduced so many programmes that repositioned FIRS: Tax Amnesty Programme implemented VAIDS, increased the number of taxpayers nationwide to over 20 million in a space of four years, began placing lien on the account of taxpayers to ensure that each capable corporate taxpayers pay his/her dues, fostered collaboration amongst the states through the Joint Tax Board, began robust information sharing amongst states, launched the JTB TIN so that states might have access to data for tax purposes, deepened FIRS’ embrace of technology for tax purposes and many more.

“But like you also mentioned in your speech, change is usually resisted. And so you stepped on toes. That is normal. Leadership is not a popularity contest. And I’m sure you know that very well. And that was why you were focused on carrying out the mandate that was given to you. I can tell you on behalf of my colleagues here that we will miss you. You have left a very big shoe behind. We will do all we can to ensure that we will keep the flag flying.

“Thank you very much for what you have done for us.”

hush15:
Well, what is done can't be undone. Next time, he will take note but honestly, na you carry this matter for head o. When people do thing to show solidarity, you sha can't nail the guy for it sha is all I know.

hush15:
Take a chill pill and read again: you misconstrued the whole thing
Chairman, OYRTMA, Mogaji Akin Fagbemi received delivery of over 1000 shelter kits for commercial motorcycle operators in Ibadan today, in connection to the "One passenger per Okada" campaign, sponsored by Mr Sulaiman Agboola Sidol Solutions.

oyo state road transport agency received..... in a connection to One passenger per okada campaign, sponsored by one sidol solutions.

How is that state affiliated? Its like sterling Bank giving lawma reflective jackets for safety reason and insulting Sanwo olu for it

Published December 7, 2019

Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

The All Progressives Congress state chairmen have warned President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of governors working against the interest of the party because of their 2023 presidential election.

They said the governors were behind the plot to remove the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, because they saw him as a threat to their presidential aspiration.

The chairmen expressed concerns that the concerned governors had been working day and night to get signatures for Oshiomhole’s removal.

The chairman of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, who is the party’s chairman in Zamfara State, Ali Bukar, said these at their meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa on Friday in company with Oshiomhole.

Our correspondent learnt that the President rebuffed attempts by two anti-Oshiomhole chairmen to disrupt the meeting.

It was gathered that the President ordered the two chairmen from the North-West to sit down and behave themselves, while they were trying to protest against the content of the speech by their chairman.

“One of the chairmen had tried to protest that Bukar did not reveal the speech to them before the meeting. But the President asked him to sit down and remain quiet,” the source said.

In his speech, Bukar said, “Mr President, Sir, let me also express our recent worries regarding the activities of some of the governors who are undermining the efforts of the national chairman of our great party, Adams Oshiomhole, to reposition the party by plotting his removal.

“It is more worrisome knowing full well that they are not doing this because the national chairman is not performing his duties, according to the constitution, but they are fighting him due to their 2023 presidential ambitions when it is a notorious fact that Mr President had just commenced his second term in office a few months ago.”

Bukar said the governors in their desperation to nail Oshiomhole worked against APC candidates in the recent governorship elections won by the party in Kogi and Bayelsa states so they would latch on those losses to advocate his removal.

“It is really unfortunate, Your Excellency, that just after we won an additional state in the South-South, which is Bayelsa and consolidated on our hold on Kogi, these governors have been busy collecting signatures, spending our hard-earned resources in both covert and overt campaigns for the removal of Adams Oshiomhole.

“We believe Sir that the affected governors don’t mean well for your administration because after Nigerians voted massively for Your Excellency, all hands should have been on the deck to give Nigerians the desired dividends of democracy and not create crisis where there is none.”

“We want to appeal to Your Excellency to use your good offices to caution these governors so they will not destabilise the party. We need stability at this point and not anything that will cause distraction. And we use this opportunity to reiterate the vote of confidence, which we earlier passed in our national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and we appreciate Mr President for the cooperation that you have been giving to the NWC.”

Bukar appealed to the President to reward them with board appointments and to stop the trend of appointing members of the opposition in place of hard-working members.

Published December 5, 2019

…Some passengers beg to stand

After days of low patronage recorded on the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge free train service between Monday and Wednesday, passengers besieged Iju Station on Thursday to enjoy the ride to Ibadan.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria who monitored the train service on Thursday observed that the number of passengers outnumbered available seats in the train.

NAN reports that a sizeable number of intending passengers had been waiting since 11.00 a.m for the train billed to depart Lagos for Ibadan at 4:00 p.m.

Before 3:00 p.m., a huge crowd of intending passengers had gathered at the station and filled all the available seats in the train with two executive coaches.

Confusion arose when those, who had earlier in the day registered their names to travel on the train, returned a few minutes to 3:00 p.m. to discover that the train had been filled up to capacity.

More intending passengers started to troop into the station and begged the officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to allow them to stand in the train.

When the entire station was about to be thrown into confusion, the NRC officials had to bend the rules to accede to the request of those who wanted to stand.

Speaking to NAN on phone on the huge turnout of passengers, the Lagos State Railway District Manager, Mr Jerry Oche, expressed surprise about the sudden turnout of passengers.

Asked if the NRC intended to increase the number of coaches to accommodate more intending passengers, Oche said that the service would increase from December 21.

He said that instead of one return trip daily from Ibadan to Lagos, it would be twice daily.

It was reported that only six passengers turned up for the ride on Monday and Tuesday together in Lagos.

A Senior Station Master at Iju, Mr Sunday Abu, told NAN that people were only just getting to know about the free ride, thus the number of beneficiaries had started improving each day.

According to him, on Wednesday, the train moved 14 passengers to Lagos from Ibadan and returned 31 passengers to Ibadan.

(NAN)