Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: APC

  • Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    Buhari Congratulates Obaseki as PDP Tells President to Sustain His ‘Newfound’ Democratic Credentials

    President Muhammadu Buhari congratulated the winner of the Saturday Edo State governorship election, Godwin Obaseki, and urged him to show grace and humility in victory.

    The President commended the election process in Edo State which led to Obaseki’s victory as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    This was coming as the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) celebrated the party’s victory and congratulated the people of Edo State on the re-election of their choice leader.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    The party implored Buhari to sustain his “newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.”

    PDP described the victory as historic, noting that it served as a strong, viable and unambiguous lesson to leaders, saying Ondo State governorship election is the next target of the party.

    Speaking on the outcome of the election as announced by INEC, Buhari said: “My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    “I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.

    “Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”

    The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.

    Also, speaking on its victory at Edo State guber poll, PDP commended the courage of the people of the state for resisting what it described as antics of the enemies of democracy.

    PDP said: “Our party celebrates the resilience and courage exhibited by the people of Edo state in resisting the antics of the enemies of democracy, who, as vote buyers, patrons of lions and tigers, as well as beguilers, attempted to take over the political space of Edo state.

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    “We rejoice with the Edo people for helping to reset the political culture of our nation by casting their votes, protecting the votes, ensuring that their votes counted and following it, ‘bumper-to-bumper,’ to the final point of declaration.

    “Our party commends traditional institutions, faith-based organizations, youth groups, market women, artisans, community associations, trade unions, traditional leaders and other stakeholders in Edo state for standing up for their state during her critical moments.

    “On account of the reverberation of this victory across the length and breath of our country, the PDP implores President Muhammadu Buhari to continue in this newfound spirit of ensuring that the people are allowed to freely choose their leaders at all elections.

    “Our party states this in our belief that in spite of his administration’s failure in other spheres of life as well as in previous elections, if Mr. President can continue to toe this new line of allowing for electoral uprightness, history will be beckoned to be kind to him.

    Edo: PDP Supporter Boasts Obaseki’s Achievements Will Be Rewarded At Saturday Poll

    “To the ‘political godfathers,’ this election must serve as a loud lesson that power belongs only to God, which He confers through the people; and that no matter how an individual strives to lord it over others, the will of God, through the people, will always prevail.

    “Our party also notes the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Prof. Yakubu Mahmood in ensuring that Edo election was conducted in a manner that was largely adjudged to be free, fair, transparent and credible. Nigerians hope that what we have witnessed in Edo state will not be an off-season procedure in the commission. We demand that this credible process applies to all our elections.”

    The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, applauded “the use of virtual portal by INEC to upload results directly from the polling unit, the base of our election, which made it impossible for electoral violators to hijack this electoral process.”

    “It is our hope in PDP that this new found image of INEC will gather more thresholds in future elections, particularly the October 10, 2020 Ondo governorship election.

    “We however call on INEC to strengthen its processes, particularly in the area of card readers, to forestall the type of delays witnessed in accreditation of voters.

    “Our party also notes the improvement in the activities of our security agencies compared to past elections. We hope that our security organs will continue in this stead in future elections.

    “The Edo election has indeed shown that credible elections are possible in our country if we play by the rules,” the party said.

    PDP also applauded the international community for their keen observation of the electoral processes as well as profiling of those who are bent on undermining our democracy and making free and fair elections appear impossible in Nigeria.

    “We urge the international community and all lovers of democracy not to relent in providing necessary advisory to our leaders on the conduct of our elections,” the party noted.

    PDP restated its support for the actions taken so far by the United States and the United Kingdom in restricting electoral violators from visiting their countries, urging “them not to restrain on further sanctions against such individuals for their sinister roles in our elections.”

    The party also appreciated the Chairman of its National Campaign Council and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, for providing the right leadership that led to the victory in Edo State.

    It commended the party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Chairman of South-south PDP Governors’ Forum and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; as well as all PDP governors, National Assembly caucus, elders, leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the party for their efforts in this election.

    Edo Guber Poll: Oba of Benin Tasks Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on Peaceful Election

    PDP appreciated the candidate of APC, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, “whose participation in this election helped to deepen our democracy and enabled the people to make their choice. We invite him, in the spirit of sportsmanship, to congratulate his brother, Governor Godwin Obaseki and join him in the onerous task of leadership in the general interest of all Edo people.”

    The party thanked the media, the civil society groups and all Nigerians across board, for showing more than a passing interest in ensuring that the wish ofThe the people of Edo State for a credible and transparent election prevailed, saying: “We do not take your efforts in this regard for granted.”

    PDP assured of “a continuous partnership with all critical stakeholders in our collective desire to recreate a nation that will continue to be our pride.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    A former vice president and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2019 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on his re-election, describing it as a victory over godfatherism and militarism.

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    He said no victory could be sweeter than Obaseki’s re-election and rejoiced with the good people of Edo State for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.

    According to him, “There is a new dawn in Edo State, and the hard-won victory of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is not just a victory, but a Declaration of Independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism and militarism.

    Edo Assembly Crisis: Tinubu berates Obaseki, says he’s dictatorial

    “No victory could be sweeter than this, and I heartily congratulate the Governor and the good people of Edo state for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.”

    While thanking Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, for his fatherly role in ensuring peaceful election, Atiku said he looked forward to the continuation of four more years of tangible development, and people centred leadership from Obaseki.

    Ahead of Ondo State governorship election, the former vice president tasked the peopedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers to set themselves free from the shackles of oppression and external forces that seek to dominate them.

    “And to the good people of Ondo state, my message to you is that freedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers and external forces that seek to dominate your will and eviscerate your treasury, is possible. Edo has done it. You can do it too!

    “There is a new wind of democratic change now blowing all over Nigeria. The forces of despotism, nepotism, and interlopers cannot successfully withstand this force. Nigeria shall soon be totally free from these forces, from Kaura Namoda, to Lagos. The only power that will stand in Nigeria is people power, not the power of godfathers, or despots,” Atiku said.

    Edo Guber Poll: Oba of Benin Tasks Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu on Peaceful Election

    Read the full text of Atiku’s statement here:

    The End of Godfatherism Has Come in Nigeria

    There is a new dawn in Edo State, and the hard-won victory of Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is not just a victory, but a Declaration of Independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism and militarism. No victory could be sweeter than this, and I heartily congratulate the Governor and the good people of Edo state for their resilience in the face of the forces arrayed against them.

    Edo has a rich history as the centre of Black civilisation, and to this, she is adding a new record as the bastion of Nigerian democracy. This double whammy of ancient and modern glories is a testament to a people who have for centuries set the pace as a beacon of light on the African continent.

    I most heartily congratulate the Peoples Democratic Party, who stood shoulder to shoulder, with the people of Edo and their Government, in good times and bad. We in the PDP have shown that we are not fair-weather friends to the good people of Edo. In good times, we will walk beside you. In bad times, we will be your loyal ‘comrade’. We will never be a turncoat. We will never abandon the principles we once espoused so that we can dine with our nemesis. Democracy has no nemesis. And this, the PDP has again proved.

    I look forward to the continuation of four more years of tangible development, and people centered leadership from Governor Obaseki. I also seize this opportunity to thank His Royal Highness, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolo, Ewuare II, for the fatherly role he played as a neutral catalyst for peace. That this election was, by and large, free from violence, is a testament of the long and effective shadow he casts over his domain.

    From personal experience, I know Governor Obaseki to be a magnanimous man, and I urge Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu to accept the right hand of fellowship that is likely to be extended to him. The leprous hand he is now holding can only lead to a destination of barrenness. He is amongst strange bedfellows, and I remind him that no matter how far one has gone on a wrong road, it is never too late to turn back and head in the right direction. The PDP is the right direction.

    And to the good people of Ondo state, my message to you is that freedom from the oppressive grasp of godfathers and external forces that seek to dominate your will and eviscerate your treasury, is possible. Edo has done it. You can do it too!

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    There is a new wind of democratic change now blowing all over Nigeria. The forces of despotism, nepotism, and interlopers cannot successfully withstand this force. Nigeria shall soon be totally free from these forces, from Kaura Namoda, to Lagos. The only power that will stand in Nigeria is people power, not the power of godfathers, or despots.

    May God bless the good people of Edo State and may God bless Nigeria. #EdoDecides2020

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    Obaseki Wins Edo Guber Poll, Defeats Ize-Iyamu

    Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure another four-year term as governor of Edo State.

    Obaseki was returned elected after scoring highest number of votes in the Saturday poll, said the Returning Officer for Edo State governorship election, Akpofure Rim-Ruke.

    He said the incumbent governor secured 307,955 of the total votes, 84,336 more votes than his closest rival Ize-Iyamu, who got 223,619 votes.

    [Leaked Video] PDP to Buhari: Pull in Gambari, Oshiomhole for Questioning

    The announcement by the returning officer was coming after the collation of the results from all the 18 local government areas of Edo State where the election was conducted.

    Obaseki won in 13 local government areas, while Ize-Iyamu won in five local government areas of the state

    More than 12 political parties fielded candidates for the election, but the election was keenly contested between PDP and APC.

    Atiku Celebrates Obaseki’s Re-election, Describes Victory as Independence from Godfatherism

    Ironically, Obaseki ran against Ize-Iyamu four years ago. The former was elected on APC platform after defecting the latter who ran on the platform of PDP. Obaseki decamped to PDP earlier this year after being denied APC ticket owing to intra-party politics.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Reactions to a television broadcast by the National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) have not ceased as the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleges there is a transaction between Bola Tinubu and APC candidate in the Saturday guber poll, Osagie Eze-Iyamu.

    In a statement by PDP chieftain, Chris Nehikhare, it was alleged that the transaction led to the television broadcast by former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu.

    READ ALSO:

    PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    The PDP accused APC of offering its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu slots for key political offices in exchange for a viral broadcast in which he asked voters to reject Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    According to Nehikhare, Tinubu contributed a whooping $10m to the campaign of APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    in his statement, the PDP stalwart lambasted the APC for having “descended to the abyss by dragging one of their national leaders to their dying campaign in Edo State”.

    “The uncommon broadcast on Tuesday by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu shows the level of desperation on the side of the APC. Bereft of ideas about how to market their candidate and breathe life into their dying campaign, Edo APC leaders switched on the panic mode and ran cap in hand to Tinubu for oxygen and salvation.

    “What many, however, do not know is the satanic pact the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, made with Tinubu before he agreed to make the ill-fated broadcast on his behalf.

    “Multiple sources privy to the agreement have since informed us how Ize-Iyamu agreed to Tinubu’s demand to nominate three commissioners, seven council chairmen and 12 board chairmen into his cabinet and government after becoming governor in exchange for the broadcast. Of course, Ize-Iyamu promised an open treasury in pursuance of Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigeria is World’s Most Prosperous Black Nation – President Buhari Declares

    “To emphasise his seriousness, further support from Tinubu came the way of Ize-Iyamu after Lagos State local governments’ chairmen were compelled to contribute the sum of N300 million to Ize-Iyamu’s election.

    “Tinubu topped this up with a further $10m cash which is the cash they are using to con Edo people that it is from the Federal Government, euphemism for Buhari’s support that has been denied them in appearance, security arrangements and INEC instructions.

    “It was also revealed that part of the sum has been set aside for vote buying and mobilisation of their lions and tigers.
    Edo APC leaders have shifted their attention to vote buying after realising that they cannot defeat Governor Obaseki in a free and fair contest” the Edo PDP chieftain stated.

    Nehikhare however encouraged all Edo people to collect the money being shared, considering it as “reparation for stolen funds of our republic”.

  • PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed the decision of the United Kingdom to impose visa ban as well as seizure of assets and property belonging to those involved in the undermining of Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    The opposition party also commended the United States of America for taking similar step In a bid to stop rigging and other electoral malpratices.

    READ ALSO:

    US Imposes Fresh Visa Restrictions on Election Riggers in Nigeria

    PDP alleged: “Our party commends the United Kingdom for her quick response alongside the United States in the global bid to stop the unbridled electoral fraud being perpetrated by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and their compromised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials.

    “With the emerging global action, our party reiterates our call to other countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, France, Spain, Canada as well as African countries and the ECOWAS member states to impose similar sanctions on these unscrupulous elements and their family members.

    “Our party, being the genuine pan Nigeria political platform standing with the Nigerian people, urges the world community to profile the election riggers and their agents in INEC and security agencies and ban their family members from benefiting from services from other countries of the world.

    “On the Edo governorship election, those at the forefront of the undermining of our democratic process, including the APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who was seen publicly directing thugs, cultists and killers as tigers and lions to invade polling units and unleash violence on election day, should be immediately profiled for sanctions.

    “The same goes to the Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredelu, who was publicly exposed by a self-confessed APC militant and former APC chairman in the state, Isaac Kekemeke, as being behind the violent attacks against our party in the state.”

    READ ALSO:

    Edo Guber Poll: Tinubu, Obaseki taunt each other

    “On our own part, the PDP remains law-abiding but will never allow anybody to use any mean whatsoever, to manipulate Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

    “Never! Not after the people of Edo State had manifestly expressed their resolve to re-elect our candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki and when the people of Ondo State have resolved to replace the failed Governor Akeredolu with our candidate, Eyitayo Jegede on September 19 and October 10 respectively,” PDP further alleged, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Buhari Says Akeredolu Will Win Ondo Governorship Poll Fairly

    Buhari Says Akeredolu Will Win Ondo Governorship Poll Fairly

    President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja assured that the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, would win the October 10 guber election in the state.

    The President urged APC to work diligently and ensure fairness in electoral processes, while returning governorship candidate of the party for second term in office.

    The President, who presented the party’s flag to the candidate at the Presidential Villa, said the reconciliation process in the state branch of the party had provided a solid ground for an easier clear victory for the candidate than he achieved in his first term.

    READ ALSO: 

    Buhari Celebrates His Administration’s Efforts to Contain Spread of Coronavirus Pandemic

    While assuring Akeredolu of the party’s full support, the President said a peaceful and fair election that reflects the will of the people should be upper most.

    He urged adherence to the regulations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and protocols of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, noted that the party’s mechanism for resolving differences was most effective, and would be sustained to strengthen relationships, and project the objectives of the party as people-focused and development oriented.

    READ ALSO: Presidency Describes UK Court Judgement on P&ID as Right and Just

    The APC candidate was presented to the President by the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mai Mala Buni, who is also Yobe State Governor.

    Photos:

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Kogi Gov, PDP Disagree over Supreme Court Ruling on Guber Poll

    Kogi Gov, PDP Disagree over Supreme Court Ruling on Guber Poll

    Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed over the Supreme Court judgement, which affirmed the former’s victory at the November 17, 2019 gubernatorial election in the state.

    After the apex court pronouncements on Monday, Bello tasked candidates of the other political parties who ran against him to join him in taking the state “to the next level.”

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mohammed Onogwu, described his victory at the apex court as “an affirmation of the landmark victory entrusted to him by the people of Kogi state at the November 16, 2019 polls.”

    “The governor calls on the other parties and their candidates to forgo all forms of bitterness and division and join hands with him to take Kogi to the next level.

    “[The] apex court’s decision upholding his victory is an affirmation of the identical positions on the matters taken by the erudite jurists at the tribunal and the court of appeal.

    “The governor used the moment to pay tribute to His Royal Majesty, Dr. Micheal Idakwo, Ameh Oboni II, the late Attah of Igala who passed on last week. He described the late traditional ruler as ‘a unifier’ who was a great supporter of his administration, a father and a wise counsellor,” the statement said.

    PDP has, however, expressed shock over the judgment of the Supreme Court on the 2019 Kogi State governorship election.

    The party said though it accepted the verdict of the Supreme Court, as the apex court in the land, “the judgement fell short of the expectation of the majority of the people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general, who collectively looked up to the court to remedy the manifest injustices, manipulations, violence and killings that marred the election.”

    PDP said: “Indeed, the judgement had not inspired hope in our national quest to ensure that our elections are violent-free as well as deter unpatriotic individuals who resort to violence and killing to gain access to power, as heavily witnessed in the Kogi election.

    “However, as a law-abiding party, we call on the people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large, to remain calm, yet undeterred in their quest for the entrenchment of credible electoral process in our country.

    “Our party deeply mourns all those who were gruesomely murdered as well as commiserates with all victims of the violence that was unleashed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 2019 Kogi State governorship election.”

    The party also commended the resilience of the people of Kogi State in pursuing the recovery of their mandate to the very end, describing their commitment as “a demonstration of the undying determination of the people to defend their choice of leadership to the end.”

    “Our party will continue to stand with the people of Kogi State as they weather the insensitive and anti-people government in Kogi State.

    “We charge the people not to allow the judgment make them lose hope in our nation but rather remain united in their commitment, as good citizens, toward entrenching democratic values in our country despite the odds,” PDP advised, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    The Supreme Court had Monday dismissed the appeals filed by Musa Wada of PDP and Natasha Akpoti of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • We’re Yet to Pick Consensus Candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District – APC

    We’re Yet to Pick Consensus Candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District – APC

    Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed media report that it has handpicked outgoing Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Adetokunbo Mukhail Abiru, as its consensus candidate for the forthcoming Lagos East Senatorial District bye-election.

    Dismissing the report, Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, said the party has not conducted its primary election for the forthcoming bye-election and such could not have chosen any candidate.

    He advised well-meaning citizens of Lagos State and Lagos East Senatorial District to be calm and wait for the outcome of the forthcoming primary that would take place next Thursday.

    According to him, “The party has not picked any candidate for the forthcoming bye-elections. It is not until next week Thursday when the primary will be conducted that the candidates for Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe 2 constituency will be determined.

    “Lagosians should disregard any speculation or rumors making the rounds that the party has already picked Mr. Tokunbo Abiru as the party’s consensus candidate for the senatorial election.”

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had quoted Lagos State APC Assistant Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Salami, to have confirmed in an interview with newsmen on Friday that Abiru had been picked as the party’s consensus candidate for Lagos East Senatorial District election.

    The reports said, Abiru, who served as Lagos State Commissioner for Finance under the Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, was allegedly handpicked by party elders, including the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu.

    NAN disclosed that Salami confirmed Abiru had been successfully screened at the party secretariat, adding that all the other aspirants had purportedly stepped down for him in agreement with the party.

    “Mr. Abiru is the consensus candidate of the party; it is confirmed.

    “The elders, under the platform of Governor’s Advisory Council met and consulted widely and they resolved on the choice of Abiru as the consensus candidate.

    “The choice has been endorsed by the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; all the other aspirants have stepped down in agreement, it was a unanimous decision,” Salami was reportedly quoted.

    Lagos East Senatorial District became vacant following the death of Bayo Osinowo (Peperito), representing the area, on June 15.

    He died of complications arising from the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • APC confirms ex-Polaris Bank boss, Abiru for Lagos East Senatorial bye-election

    APC confirms ex-Polaris Bank boss, Abiru for Lagos East Senatorial bye-election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) inL Lagos State has confirmed that a former Commissioner for Finance in the state, Tokunbo Abiru, is the party’s consensus candidate for the forthcoming Lagos East Senatorial bye-election.

    The party’s state Assistant Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Salami, gave the confirmation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)on Friday in Lagos .

    He said the choice of Mr Abiru, who recently stepped down as CEO of Polaris Bank, was agreed upon by party elders, including the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu.

    Mr Salami said Mr Abiru had been successfully screened at the party secretariat, adding that all the other aspirants had stepped down for him in agreement with the party.

    “Mr Abiru is the consensus candidate of the party; it is confirmed.

    “The elders, under the platform of Governor’s Advisory Council met and consulted widely and they resolved on the choice of Abiru as the consensus candidate.

    “The choice has been endorsed by the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; all the other aspirants have stepped down in agreement, it was a unanimous decision, “he said.

    Mr Salami said the party would, notwithstanding, still follow the process of affirmation to validate the choice of Mr Abiru as the APC flag bearer for Lagos East Senatorial District.

    On Kosofe 2 state constituency bye-election which will also hold on Oct. 31, Mr Salami said the party’s candidate would soon emerge.

    He said a lot of work was going on to produce an acceptable flagbearer for the state constituency election.

    Mr Salami described APC as the party of the people, saying the party will win both the senatorial and state constituency bye-elections.

    NAN reports that the Lagos East Senatorial District became vacant following the death of Senator Bayo Osinowo, representing the area, on June 15.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also declared the Kosofe 2 state constituency seat vacant following the death of Tunde Braimoh, the lawmaker representing the area, on July 10.

  • PDP asks Gbajabiamila to step aside to aid Corruption Investigation in the House

    PDP asks Gbajabiamila to step aside to aid Corruption Investigation in the House

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, over the decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership of the House to shut down the sitting of various committees carrying out investigation on the executive arm of government.

    The opposition party alleged that the action was a deliberate design to cover the stench of corruption oozing out of the APC administration.

    “If the Honoruable Speaker is inclined towards allowing the covering of corruption, against the purpose for which he was elected to lead the House, then, he should take a bow and step aside,” PDP said.

    The party charged the Speaker to “stop circumventing the statutory duties of the House of Representative and placing of wedges in the way of the fight against corruption by the legislature.”

    PDP also described “the shutdown order by the APC leadership of the House of Representatives as a clear example of corruption fighting back from within the government circle, which must be condemned by all Nigerians.”

    The party allegedly noted that “such incursion into the activities of the committees is to quench the fight against corruption as well as to frustrate whistle blowers just because APC has become an ocean of corruption where the members are swimming.”

    “It is clear that the shutdown directive is targeted at frustrating revelations from ongoing investigations on the $500 million foreign loan from China, particularly as it relates to the mortgaging of our nation’s sovereignty to China.

    “This is in addition to the investigations into the humongous corruption in government agencies including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) the N300 billion unremitted revenue to the federation account as well as allegations of corruption in government earnings and the expenditure in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA’s) under the APC.

    “It is therefore unfortunate that under the Gbajabiamila-led leadership, the basic responsibility of the House of Representatives, which is its oversight on the executive, has just been maimed through a forced holiday on the members of the respective committees and their chairmen.

    Insurance Act amendment in the works, House to partner industry – Gbajabiamila

    “It is equally distressing that the APC leadership of the House of Representatives is breaching parliamentary rules, practices and procedures to shield APC leaders and their cronies who have been fleecing our nation.

    “Our party therefore holds that any parliament that deliberately frustrates its statutory responsibility to call the activities of the executive to question has lost the essence of its own existence. The leadership that led it into such constitutional suicide must be held culpable.

    PDP: Reviewed Broadcast Code, Another Draconian Measure to Suppress Free Speech in Nigeria

    “Indeed, never in our parliamentary history has committee activities been suspended or shut down on the ground of holiday or suspension of plenary.

    “For us in the PDP, it is shocking that the APC leadership of the House of Representatives could by any consideration shut down, its legislative investigation, which is exclusively vested on it under sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), on the guise of being on break.

    “Such an action is calamitous to our democracy,” said PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

    The party, however, commended the members of its caucus and other minorities in the National Assembly for standing against corruption and striving to ensure that the APC does not sell Nigerians into slavery with its reckless foreign borrowings.

    “Our party urges the lawmakers not to be deterred but continue in their assignments, as they are only answerable to the Nigerian people,” the statement added.

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    PDP therefore charged the Gbajabiamila-led APC leadership of the House of Representatives to immediately reverse itself as Nigerians expect nothing but seamless investigations without unnecessary interferences and incursions.

    Idowu Sowunmi