Ajimobi’s APC NWC to Buhari: You’re ill-advised, don’t attend Giadom’s NEC Meeting

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June 24, 2020

Chief Ajimobi — APC, National Deputy Chairman (South)) and Former Governor of Oyo state, Chief Abiola Ajimobi

Idowu Sowunmi

Ahead of tomorrow’s virtual meeting of the National Executive Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called by the party’s Acting National Chairman, Victor Giadom, the factional leaders of the party Wednesday said they would boycott the meeting, which President Muhammadu Buhari has signified his interest to attend.

The factional leaders under the chairmanship of Senator Abiola Ajimobi-led National Working Committee (NWC) described tomorrow’s meeting as illegal.

Rising from a meeting at APC National Secretariat in Abuja in Wednesday night, Ajimobi’s NWC said the President must have been ill-advised or blackmailed into accepting the proposal for Thursday’s meeting.

“We wish to unequivocally state that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) believe that the President was offered wrong advice or blackmailed into lending his weighty office to the illegality of the National Executive Committee meeting purportedly convened by one Victor Giadom on 25th June, 2020.

“We hereby respectfully implore Mr. President to kindly avail himself with facts of the matter regarding the impasse presently experienced by the party so as to guide him in his assessment of the matter because we are sure that the President if properly advised, would come to the conclusion that the meeting convened by Chief Victor Giadom bothers on illegality and criminality.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) regrets to turn down the invitation to the illegal and unconstitutional National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Chief Victor Giadom.

“We believe that attending such a meeting will amount to embracing illegalities and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the constitution of our great party,” said a statement signed by the National Vice Chairman (South-south), Hilliard Eta who is standing in for Ajimobi; and co-signed by the party’s National Secretary, Waziri Bulama.

Letter by the Ajimobi NWC factional Acting Chairman, Hilliard Eta

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APC Crisis: How Amaechi’s intervention made Buhari to recognise Giadom’s faction

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 24, 2020

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Rotimi Amaechi and Victor Giadom — Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom

Idowu Sowunmi

It’s no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari has recognised Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman, with a promise to attending the virtual meeting called by Giadom tomorrow afternoon.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari admitted that he has been well schooled and legally advised accordingly on the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.

“We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.

“In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” said a statement by Shehu, in response to enquiry by some journalists.

Sources at the Presidency said Buhari’s new position was made possible by the intervention of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

Amaechi’s singular effort has made some political analysts to describe him as the new kid on the block of Nigerian politics.

“He (Amaechi) understands the game of power. He practises politics with so much dexterity and sagacity. His influence looms larger than life in the Presidency. When he speaks and analyses politics, every one is often taken awe.

“That’s how he succeeded in winning President Buhari and other key people in Presidency to accept the candidacy of Victor Giadom as the Acting National Chairman of APC. The deal is done. Welcome to a new era in the ruling party,” said the source.

Amaechi’s intervention was coming after Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, and Giadom made unsuccessful frantic efforts to meet Buhari over the APC crisis.

Though the duo visited the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday night, they could not see the President. Instead, the President’s Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Gambari, attended to them.

Earlier, Amaechi claimed he had decided to keep out of the crisis rocking APC because he did not want to get involved in politics, noting that he’s not sure what the cause of the crisis was.

He had said: “What is happening in APC, I don’t know; what is happening in Rivers State, I don’t know. What I’ve done is to keep away from politics. Even if I’m bothered, it’ll be internally.

“There’s nobody there (in the party) who is a child; we’re all adults. I don’t want to get involved in politics.

“Nigerians know me for being blunt and honest. Some see it as arrogance, some see it as being brash, whatever it is. What do I need to say that I have not said before? It’s internal dynamics of politics, it’s internal struggle.

“So, I have said it several times. When we fought in 2015, I said this country cannot continue the way it is going. I’m not helpless, but I’m doing what they call ‘siddon look (sit down and look).”

But, on Wednesday his politics of “siddon look” took flight to unknown destination as he moved in to save the party from further crisis.

With Giadom’s recognition, it may be politically difficult for Adams Oshiomhole and his sympathisers to return to the leadership mantle of APC.

As APC supporters and Nigerians await the official statements of Mr. President tomorrow afternoon during the party’s virtual meeting called by Giadom, one thing seems to be certain for now: there’s a new sheriff in town and the ruling party may not be the same again.

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Just in…Buhari Recognises Giadom as Acting National Chairman of APC

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Abuja Bureau

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June 24, 2020

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President Buhari and Giadom — President Mohammadu Buhari and Chief Victor Giadom, Acting APC National Chairman

Idowu Sowunmi

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday recognised Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman, saying he has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned.

“The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Because he will always act in accordance with the law, the President will be attending the virtual meeting Giadom called for tomorrow afternoon.

“We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter.

“In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly,” said a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, in response to enquiry by some journalists.

More to follow…

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PDP Primary: Court stands down suit seeking to stop Obaseki

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 24, 2020

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IMG_20200624_144227 — File Photo: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki

As the political standoff within the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State unfolds, there is indication that embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki may finally participate without hindrance, in the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday.

This comes after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt granted the request by one of the governorship aspirants, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, to have the matter stood down to enable an out of court settlement.

Ogbeide-ihama had filed a suit seeking the court to bar any member of the party that has purchased forms but not screened within the time stipulated to contest the PDP primary.

Ogbeide-ihama’s suit was granted accelerated hearing by the court yesterday. However, before the hearing on the application today, Wednesday, Ogbeide-Ihama’s counsel requested that the court stood down the case for some time.

The presiding judge, Justice Emmanuel Obile, granted the prayers after the counsel to all the defendants aligned with the request.

Governor Obaseki, having defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) got a waiver of the PDP to join the race under its party.

Meanwhile, a High Court of Justice in the Ekpoma judicial division on Tuesday restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from excluding Governor Godwin Obaseki and the other cleared aspirants from participating in the Edo State governorship primary.

The court ordered that the PDP and the electoral umpire should not exempt any of the aspirants who have been cleared by the party from participating in the gubernatorial primary slated for the 25th June 2020.

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Ondo: Armed robbers attack petrol station, kill attendant

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 24, 2020

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Police1 — File Photo: Nigerian Police patrol van

Suspected armed robbers who on Tuesday night attacked a petrol station in Akure, Ondo State have killed an attendant.

The identity of the deceased attendant who worked in the filling station which is located along the Oba-Ile Road area of the city could not be ascertained due to the pandemonium that resulted in people scampering for safety.

According to the Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro who confirmed the incident, the suspects did not, however, succeed in robbing the filling station.

Ikoro disclosed that two suspects have been arrested not far from the scene of the incident in connection with the crime, while police are on the trail of two other suspects who fled.

The State Police PRO revealed that a rifle, a Dane gun, some cartridges and live ammunition were recovered from the two arrested suspects.

The Police spokesperson added that the command will ensure all criminals in the state are apprehended and made to face the wrath of the law.

He also assured residents of the State that the police are committed to providing adequate security for their lives and property.

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Edo PDP: Obaseki, other cleared aspirants get green light for primary

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 23, 2020

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has been given a reprieve after a High Court of Justice in the Ekpoma judicial division today restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from excluding Governor Godwin Obaseki and the other cleared aspirants from participating in the Edo State governorship primary.

According to the court order, the PDP and the electoral umpire should not exempt any of the aspirants who have been cleared by the party from participating in the gubernatorial primary election scheduled to hold on the 25th June 2020.

This decision as of now guarantees the participation of Governor Godwin Obaseki in the gubernatorial primary.

Recall that earlier today, there were reports in the media that indicated a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State had on Monday stopped Obaseki from participating in the June 25 governorship primary of the party in the state.

A PDP member, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, had filed an ex parte motion, praying the court to bar Obaseki from taking part in the primary.

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UN refugee agency appoints 2Baba Goodwill Ambassador

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 23, 2020

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5ef1d7054 — Nigerian world-renowned musician and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, 2Baba

Tobiloba Kolawole

The United Nation Refugee Agency, UNHCR has appointed Nigerian born world-renowned musician, Innocent Ujah Idibia popularly known by the stage name 2Baba, as its Goodwill Ambassador.

The appointment of 2Baba, who is also a music producer and philanthropist was announced in a statement by the UN Refugee agency today, Tuesday 23, 2020.

The agency stated that for the past three years, 2Baba has been a committed High-Level Supporter of UNHCR’s LuQuLuQu campaign – a pan-African movement of people from all walks of life investing in a better future for forcibly displaced people across the continent.

The International agency noted that the talented musician has over the years dedicated his time to uplift the narrative of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) in Africa.

In 2017, during a visit to IDP camps in Borno State, north-east Nigeria, 2Baba remarked that: “These families shared heart-breaking stories of watching loved ones being kidnapped or killed, forced to flee the comfort of their homes and leave everything they knew behind. I saw how they struggled to access basic things that we take for granted – like food, water, education and healthcare.

“I witnessed UNHCR’s work firsthand during my visits and commend the organization for being on the frontlines, providing emergency relief and support to forcibly displaced families. I believe in this organization and I’m proud to be associated with UNHCR”, 2Baba the first Nigerian to be appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador stated.

Reacting to the appointment, the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Chansa Kapaya, expressed optimism about the positive impact 2Baba’s appointment will bring to the organization and refugees.

“Nigeria hosts 60,239 refugees in south east Nigeria and over 2.6 million internally displaced persons in north east Nigeria. With such staggering numbers of people forced to flee in Africa, 2Baba’s support and advocacy is instrumental for Nigeria and the continent.

“We look forward to his continued incredible commitment”, Kapaya said.

As an Afropop music legend, 2Baba has given his voice to refugee and IDP causes. In 2017 he wrote and recorded, Hold My Hand, a song dedication to internally displaced persons, which helped raise funds for UNHCR’s humanitarian response.

Apart from his time, physical presence at the refugee/IDP camps and song dedication, 2Baba has also generously contributed personal funds to support refugee and IDP families in Africa, while continuing to use his celebrity status to raise awareness and support for UNHCR’s work.

In his welcome statement to the new Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR’s Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde noted that: “At a time when one percent of humanity has been forced to flee, we welcome 2Baba’s help in raising awareness and support for refugees and our cause.

“We welcome 2Baba to the UNHCR family as a Goodwill Ambassador and commend him for being part of the movement challenging the narrative of the African refugee”, Hyde said.

The appointment of 2Baba comes as the world is facing unprecedented levels of forced displacement globally, with 79.5 million people forcibly displaced.

More than 26.4 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have been forced to flee their home, the largest number of displaced people in the world.

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Breaking: Police takes over APC headquarters, seals premises

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 23, 2020

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APC-Abuja-secretariat — National Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja

The Nigeria Police Force has sealed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

According to information gathered by Channels Television, the seal-off was aimed at ensuring peace around the secretariat.

Members of the NWC who showed up at the party secretariat were prevented from gaining access to the party house while members of staff and journalists were allowed to walk in without their cars.

This development comes as the party’s leadership has been divided over who takes over as the Acting National Chairman, following the suspension of the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

The party’s National Working Committee had affirmed former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, as the Acting National Chairman.

However, due to Mr Ajimobi’s unavoidable absence, the NWC appointed the National Vice Chairman, South-South, Hilliard Etta to act on his behalf.

Meanwhile, the APC Deputy National Secretary, Mr Victor Giadom also declared himself as the acting National Chairman, on the strength of a Federal Capital Territory High Court order obtained on March 16.

In his reaction, embattled National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said he has accepted the verdict of the Court of Appeal which upheld his suspension.

He noted that his next line of action will be determined by his lawyers.

“We thank their lordships, they have given their judgement. In our democracy, the court is an independent arm of government.

“When they hand that judgment, it is not for you to pick whether you will obey or not. I accept their judgement in good fate.

“My lawyers will advise having studied the judgement, what the next line of action will be. So at this point, I will just thank their Lordships for their judgment and look forward to my lawyers on what should be the next line if there should be another next line of action,” he said.

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Ondo: Akeredolu sacks Deputy Governor’s media aide

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 23, 2020

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Akeredolu ondo gov — Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

Ondo state Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has terminated the appointment of an aide to the embattled Deputy Governor of the state.

The sack was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Akure by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olusegun Ajiboye.

Ajiboye stated that the sack of the Deputy Governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Allen Sowore, was with immediate effect.

The Deputy Governor, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, who has been having irreconcilable differences with his principal, Governor Akeredolu on Sunday finally resigned from the All Progressives Congress and joined the People’s Democratic Party.

Ajayi, however, maintained that he remains the deputy governor of the state in spite of his leaving the All Progressives Congress. He explained that the APC has “become a poisoned space” with one man “kneeling on its neck”.

The statement, which conveyed the sack of the Deputy Governor’s aide advised Sowore to submit all government properties in his possession to the Chief of Staff to the Governor.

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Finance minister reconstitutes NBET board, reinstates controversial MD, Amobi

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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June 23, 2020

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Reinstated NBET Managing Director, Marilyn Amobi

The Federal Government has reconstituted the Board of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company, the managing and administrative agency of the electricity pool in the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicated that the prevalent challenges in the power sector made it necessary to re-constitute the Board.

During the inauguration of the board, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, charged the members to come up with strategies that will facilitate the speedy resolution of challenges in the power sector.

Members of the board are Mr. Alexander Okoh, Ms. Patience Oniha, Mr Ben Akabueze, Suleyman Ndanusa, Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, Mr. Adeyeye Adepegba and Dr. Marilyn Amobi, as Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer.

Mrs. Ahmed, who is the Chairman of the Board, said: “The reconstitution of the board therefore took consideration of the current stage of evolution of the restructured electricity sector, the complexities the sector currently faces, multi-disciplinary skills of prospective Board members especially in finance and investment, electricity generation, system operations of deregulated electricity markets, administrative law, as well as economic regulation of network utilities, amongst other factors.

“It is important that we bring our skills and experiences to bear in this critical assignment.

“It is important that we build NBET to become that defensive wall against potential payment defaults, till generation companies and distribution companies are able to enter into power purchase agreements on bilateral basis.”

She said NBET should be able to successfully fulfill its role in the management and administration of financial flows in the sector, adding that it was vital for the agency to promote a contract-based market that allocates risks efficiently to parties responsible for them.

Recall that the reinstated Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer NBET, Dr. Marilyn Amobi, has been enmeshed in controversies including an alleged N517 million graft and violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

Premium Times had on June 10 exposed how Ms. Amobi continued to run a private firm, ESL Economics and Management Limited, registered in the United Kingdom, while being a public officer in Nigeria in violation of the country’s code of conduct for public officials.

She also continued to run a foreign account in violation of Nigeria’s law, Premium Times reported.

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