Following the face-off between Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the party chairman in the state, Umar Haruna Doguwa and the Organizing Secretary, Sanusi Suraju Kwankwaso have been suspended by the party on allegations of misconduct and anti-party activities.
Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi, former Commissioner of Environment and currently Special Adviser to Governor Ganduje on Political Affairs has also been appointed as the Acting Chairman.
Briefing reporters at the Maiduguri Road headquarters of state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday, Secretary of the party, Abbas Sani Abbas, also said that already, a seven-man Committee has been constituted to investigate the activities of the duo.
He named chairman of the Committee as Alhaji Haruna Ahmadu Danzago, Secretary, Alhaji Nuraddeen Zubair and five others who were given one week to investigate and submit their findings and as well recommend appropriate action against Doguwa and Kwankwaso.
Advancing reasons for the suspension, the party secretary said: “having received complaints and petitions from card-carrying members of our great party, the APC, about the case of misconduct and abuse of office by the state party chairman, Haruna Umar Doguwa and the state Organizing Secretary, Sanusi Suraju Kwankwaso of which the former, after issuing out a press conference duly agreed upon by the party Working Committee and Elders Committee respectively, and he later betrayed the trust by making a unilateral statement that refuted the party’s position on the subject matter.
“In the same respect, the Organizing Secretary made various radio programmes which are injurious to the party, without seeking the permission of the party. Based on the above action, we therefore, suspend the party chairman, Haruna Umar and the Organizing Secretary, Sanusi Suraju Kwankwaso, from their various position and we hereby constitute a seven-disciplinary committee which was set up to investigate the matter and take proper disciplinary measure and we urge them to discharge their duty without hindrance.”
What triggered the face-off between Ganduje and Kwankwaso can be traced to the recent controversial condolence visit by Kwankwaso to Ganduje town to condole with the governor who recently lost his mother, Hajiya Fatima.
Kwankwaso was said to have used the occasion as a launch pad for his 2019 presidential ambition as his supporters were said to have been chanting anti-Ganduje slogan and also wielding dangerous weapons.
Doguwa who earlier held Press Conference, condemning Kwankwaso’s action later retracted from statement indicting Senator Kwankwaso of alleged indiscipline by sponsoring armed thugs to Ganduje town.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Buhari Has Destroyed The Legacy Of Free, Fair Election – Fayose
As usual, the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has lashed out at President Muhammadu Buhari. This time around, Fayose accuses Buhari of destroying the “free fair election” legacy laid by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Remarking on the purported dysfunctions that took over the Rivers State Assembly rerun election, Fayose alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was using Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to work against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“The open display of contempt for free, fair and transparent election by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari as being witnessed in Rivers state presently is capable of setting Nigeria on the path of anarchy,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by Lere Olayinka, his spokesman.
“Rivers State is 100 percent PDP, and any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be counter-productive.
“Obviously, INEC under President Buhari has destroyed that legacy of free, fair and transparent elections bequeathed on Nigeria by the PDP government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“It is strange that INEC produced results sheets with PDP omitted, and I wonder what is going to happen in 2019 if INEC and security agents are acting in this clear compromised manner in Rivers state.
“From reports that I have heard, Rivers state is under siege. I have seen pictures of people killed and I have seen pictures of INEC Result Sheets with PDP omitted. Most importantly, I have read reports of top functionaries of PDP and Rivers state government either abducted by unknown gunmen or arrested by the security agents.
“What all these portend for our democracy is danger!
“It is a sign of what APC desperation to take over power in the entire 36 States of Nigeria will cause in Edo and Ondo States this year and in Ekiti State in 2018 as well as the entire country in 2019,” Fayose raised alarm.
Remarking on the purported dysfunctions that took over the Rivers State Assembly rerun election, Fayose alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, was using Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to work against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
“The open display of contempt for free, fair and transparent election by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Muhammadu Buhari as being witnessed in Rivers state presently is capable of setting Nigeria on the path of anarchy,” he said in a statement issued on his behalf by Lere Olayinka, his spokesman.
“Rivers State is 100 percent PDP, and any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be counter-productive.
“Obviously, INEC under President Buhari has destroyed that legacy of free, fair and transparent elections bequeathed on Nigeria by the PDP government of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“It is strange that INEC produced results sheets with PDP omitted, and I wonder what is going to happen in 2019 if INEC and security agents are acting in this clear compromised manner in Rivers state.
“From reports that I have heard, Rivers state is under siege. I have seen pictures of people killed and I have seen pictures of INEC Result Sheets with PDP omitted. Most importantly, I have read reports of top functionaries of PDP and Rivers state government either abducted by unknown gunmen or arrested by the security agents.
“What all these portend for our democracy is danger!
“It is a sign of what APC desperation to take over power in the entire 36 States of Nigeria will cause in Edo and Ondo States this year and in Ekiti State in 2018 as well as the entire country in 2019,” Fayose raised alarm.
#RiversReRun: INEC suspends poll in 4 Rivers LGAs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended the ongoing legislative rerun election in Bonny, Gokana, Abua/Odual and Andoni local government areas of Rivers state.
This is as a result of widespread irregularities that have marred the exercise and incidents of violence across most parts of the state.
An INEC official told TheCable that dynamites were used to blow up the commission’s office in Gokana, while electoral materials were hijacked by suspected thugs in Bonny.
More Details Later...
This is as a result of widespread irregularities that have marred the exercise and incidents of violence across most parts of the state.
An INEC official told TheCable that dynamites were used to blow up the commission’s office in Gokana, while electoral materials were hijacked by suspected thugs in Bonny.
More Details Later...
Video showing Gov Nyesom Wike's SA on Special projects Cyril Dum Nwite been paraded after his arrest, alongside four other boys with fake police and military uniforms in Bori
[embed]https://twitter.com/SituationRoomNg/status/711187399951458304[/embed]
Video showing Gov Nyesom Wike's SA on Special projects Cyril Dum Nwite been paraded after his arrest, alongside four other boys with fake police and military uniforms in Bori.
Source: Sahara Reporters
Video showing Gov Nyesom Wike's SA on Special projects Cyril Dum Nwite been paraded after his arrest, alongside four other boys with fake police and military uniforms in Bori.
Source: Sahara Reporters
#iStandWithBuhari Coordinator, Mustapha Ramalan Formally Resigns From Organisation Over Credibility Battle
The National Coordinator of #iStandWithBuhari organisation, Mustapha Ramalan has formally resigned from the group.
His resignation was contained in a letter personally signed by him, a copy of which was sent to Abusidiqu.
Abusidiqu recalls that the organisation has faced several criticisms especially in the social media where its leaders were accused of positioning themselves t benefit from the largess of government.
According to Abdullahi, his close associate, the decision by Ramalan boils down to the insistence by some members of the group to forge on with the planned rally in support of the president.
He said Ramalan is of the opinion that a rally at a time when Nigerians are hungry and angry over issues like fuel scarcity, rise in exchange rate among many others will not speak well.
“While he favours a postponement of the rally especially as it may not garner the expected number of supporters expected to grace it, other members insisted on going ahead with the rally even if it means hiring crowds”, Adbullahi said, adding that this singular decision informed his decision to resign his position.
Ramalan in his resignation letter though said his decision will not affect his continous support and contribution to the organisation so long as the set ideas which the organisation stands for remain its hallmark.
He said “if I must lead the organisation, I must be convinced more than anyone on the path we choose for ourselves.”
His resignation was contained in a letter personally signed by him, a copy of which was sent to Abusidiqu.
Although, he did not state the reason for his resignation, one of his close associates, Barrister Aliyu Abdullahi confirmed to Abusidiqu that it may not be unconnected to the credibility crisis the organisation is battling with.
Abusidiqu recalls that the organisation has faced several criticisms especially in the social media where its leaders were accused of positioning themselves t benefit from the largess of government.
According to Abdullahi, his close associate, the decision by Ramalan boils down to the insistence by some members of the group to forge on with the planned rally in support of the president.
He said Ramalan is of the opinion that a rally at a time when Nigerians are hungry and angry over issues like fuel scarcity, rise in exchange rate among many others will not speak well.
“While he favours a postponement of the rally especially as it may not garner the expected number of supporters expected to grace it, other members insisted on going ahead with the rally even if it means hiring crowds”, Adbullahi said, adding that this singular decision informed his decision to resign his position.
Ramalan in his resignation letter though said his decision will not affect his continous support and contribution to the organisation so long as the set ideas which the organisation stands for remain its hallmark.
He said “if I must lead the organisation, I must be convinced more than anyone on the path we choose for ourselves.”
Friday, March 18, 2016
ALERTS! Rivers: APC Offloads N5bn In PH Airport As Amaechi, SGF, Others Supervise - PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has revealed that N5bn is currently being offloaded at the Port Harcourt airport by the All Progressives Congress, APC, to share ahead of the Saturday, March 19, rerun election in Rivers State.
According to PDP, which raised the alarm via its twitter handle, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, are currently at the airport supervising the offload.
According to PDP, which raised the alarm via its twitter handle, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, the Rivers State Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, and former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, are currently at the airport supervising the offload.
PDP Nigeria ALERT! Rivers: APC Offloads N5bn For Electioneering Purposes Under The Supervision Of Amaechi, SGF, Others
✔@PdpNigeria
✔@PdpNigeria
FLASH: N5billion Naira being offloaded right now at the Port Harcourt airport. Rotimi Amaechi presently at d airport
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachi Lawal, the @inecnigeria REC & Rotimi Amaechi are all at the Port Harcourt airport
Bullion vans on the tarmac now leaving d airport with heavy security escort.Soldiers & police all around the airport
Ahead of re-run polls: Fear, unease as Rivers violence claims 2 soldiers
Ahead of tomorrow’s federal and state legislative elections in Rivers State, tension reached feverish pitch, yesterday, after an Army Major and another soldier were killed in the latest burst of violence.
While the soldiers were killed in the creeks of Abonema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area supposedly by sea pirates, the capital city, Port-Harcourt was also not spared as an unidentified young man was killed with a loaf of bread he was eating in his hand, in what is believed to be an assassination.
Meanwhile, the political gladiators were unsparing in their denunciations of the actions of one another. Governor Nyesom Wike, who is marshalling the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaigns, yesterday, alleged plots by the rival All Progressives Congress, APC, to get the advantage in the polls through the arrest of leading PDP members, including state party chairman, Felix Obuah. He vowed that the people of the state would resist what he described as a scheme by the APC to gain the advantage.
The governor’s assertions were echoed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; Senators Matthew Urhoghide, PDP, Edo South and Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East.
The governor’s assertions were echoed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; Senators Matthew Urhoghide, PDP, Edo South and Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East.
The assertions were, however, countered by APC leader in the state and Minister of Transportation,Rotimi Amaechi, who flayed what he called the governor’s panicky political measures against the people through the declaration of two-day public holidays.
The death of the soldiers was confirmed by the Army, yesterday, in a press statement issued by the spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Captain Lazarus Eli. He said the two died during a fierce gun battle in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area. The Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Stephenson Olabanji confirmed the attack before Captain Eli issued a formal confirmation on the casualties. He said: “At about 11 am today, Thursday, March 17, 2016 (yesterday) troops on patrol in Abonema, Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with unknown gunmen. Our troops displayed extraordinary valour.
Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier who sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter lost their lives.
“We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law abiding citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities. The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace, security of lives and property of all.”
Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred on the waterways and the officer involved was of the rank of a Major. Meantime, the PDP and the APC in the state have expressed worries over the development. Deputy Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Sam Wonosike describing the attack as painful said: “It is a really painful story to hear. Security operatives should track those behind this evil act.”
On his part, spokesman of the APC in the state, Mr Chris Finebone, urged security operatives to intensify efforts to arrest those behind the incident.
“People should hearken to the call for peace. When people take violence to security agents, then we begin to worry about unarmed voters whose only job is to go and cast their votes.
Click to continue reading......
While the soldiers were killed in the creeks of Abonema in Akuku Toru Local Government Area supposedly by sea pirates, the capital city, Port-Harcourt was also not spared as an unidentified young man was killed with a loaf of bread he was eating in his hand, in what is believed to be an assassination.
Meanwhile, the political gladiators were unsparing in their denunciations of the actions of one another. Governor Nyesom Wike, who is marshalling the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, campaigns, yesterday, alleged plots by the rival All Progressives Congress, APC, to get the advantage in the polls through the arrest of leading PDP members, including state party chairman, Felix Obuah. He vowed that the people of the state would resist what he described as a scheme by the APC to gain the advantage.
The governor’s assertions were echoed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; Senators Matthew Urhoghide, PDP, Edo South and Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East.
The governor’s assertions were echoed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh; Senators Matthew Urhoghide, PDP, Edo South and Samuel Anyanwu, PDP, Imo East.
The assertions were, however, countered by APC leader in the state and Minister of Transportation,Rotimi Amaechi, who flayed what he called the governor’s panicky political measures against the people through the declaration of two-day public holidays.
The death of the soldiers was confirmed by the Army, yesterday, in a press statement issued by the spokesman of the 2 Brigade, Captain Lazarus Eli. He said the two died during a fierce gun battle in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area. The Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Stephenson Olabanji confirmed the attack before Captain Eli issued a formal confirmation on the casualties. He said: “At about 11 am today, Thursday, March 17, 2016 (yesterday) troops on patrol in Abonema, Akuku Toru LGA of Rivers State had a fierce encounter with unknown gunmen. Our troops displayed extraordinary valour.
Unfortunately, an officer and a soldier who sustained various degrees of injuries during the encounter lost their lives.
“We are in pursuit of the criminals and we will surely get them. All law abiding citizens are urged to go about their lawful activities. The army will continue to make necessary sacrifices to ensure sustainable peace, security of lives and property of all.”
Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred on the waterways and the officer involved was of the rank of a Major. Meantime, the PDP and the APC in the state have expressed worries over the development. Deputy Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Sam Wonosike describing the attack as painful said: “It is a really painful story to hear. Security operatives should track those behind this evil act.”
On his part, spokesman of the APC in the state, Mr Chris Finebone, urged security operatives to intensify efforts to arrest those behind the incident.
“People should hearken to the call for peace. When people take violence to security agents, then we begin to worry about unarmed voters whose only job is to go and cast their votes.
Click to continue reading......
2019: MEET 7 Likely Northerners Who May Take-Over From President Buhari
Below are seven of the Northerners who are potential presidential candidate come 2019:
1. Atiku Abubakar
The former vice president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, still has his eyes on the presidency seat. He started his journey since the early 1990s, but has been failing ever since then. Time will tell if he will not bounce back in 2019.
2. Abubakar Bukola Saraki
The Senate president still has the intention of leading Nigeria. He tested the waters in 2011, but failed. He is currently facing charges of illegally acquiring properties, while he governed Kwara state.
The former governor of Kano and Minister of Defense is not having it easy presently, because he is having some differences with his successor in Kano state. He was accused of trying to pull off the rug from the feet of President Muhammadu Buhari. He is now a senator at the upper chambers.
4. Nasir El-Rufai El-Rufai
Has one major political enemy in the person of Senator Shehu Sani. Sani said the governor has inordinate ambition regarding trying to scheme his way to the top hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
5. Sule Lamido
He was charged with an allegation of stealing money along with his son, and was charged to court the EFCC, along with his a few months ago. The former two-term governor of Jigawa state, may throw his hat into the ring, come 2019.
6. Aliyu Wammako
The current senator and former governor of Sokoto state is a formidable force in the Northern politics. Anything is possible with Wammako in 2019. He was said to have performed and delivered dividends of democracy while he governed Sokoto.
7. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was said to have betrayed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before he moved to the APC. He is currently the governor of Sokoto. Some political watchers believe, he may be anointed, in case the president does not seek a second term.
Source: Naij
1. Atiku Abubakar
The former vice president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, still has his eyes on the presidency seat. He started his journey since the early 1990s, but has been failing ever since then. Time will tell if he will not bounce back in 2019.
2. Abubakar Bukola Saraki
The Senate president still has the intention of leading Nigeria. He tested the waters in 2011, but failed. He is currently facing charges of illegally acquiring properties, while he governed Kwara state.
- Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
The former governor of Kano and Minister of Defense is not having it easy presently, because he is having some differences with his successor in Kano state. He was accused of trying to pull off the rug from the feet of President Muhammadu Buhari. He is now a senator at the upper chambers.
4. Nasir El-Rufai El-Rufai
Has one major political enemy in the person of Senator Shehu Sani. Sani said the governor has inordinate ambition regarding trying to scheme his way to the top hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
5. Sule Lamido
He was charged with an allegation of stealing money along with his son, and was charged to court the EFCC, along with his a few months ago. The former two-term governor of Jigawa state, may throw his hat into the ring, come 2019.
6. Aliyu Wammako
The current senator and former governor of Sokoto state is a formidable force in the Northern politics. Anything is possible with Wammako in 2019. He was said to have performed and delivered dividends of democracy while he governed Sokoto.
7. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was said to have betrayed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), before he moved to the APC. He is currently the governor of Sokoto. Some political watchers believe, he may be anointed, in case the president does not seek a second term.
Source: Naij
Like Tinubu's, Discharge And Acquit Saraki - Lawyer Tells CCT
Chief Kanu Agabi, Lead lawyer for Senate President, Bukola Saraki demands his client’s discharge and acquittal by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the way it was done for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, five years ago.
Agabi told the CCT panel that the Code of Conduct Bureau case was flawed as Saraki was not invited, when it had an issue over his asset declaration.
Agabi said his team is not raising any of the issue that has been determined by the Supreme Court.
He said the issue being raised in the fresh application is that failure of the CCB to act 13 years after the defendant filed his forms is fatal to its case.
”If for any reason, the defendant has committed any offence he should be informed. The defendant has not been given any opportunity to defend himself against the charges. The AGF has no jurisdiction to prefer the charges and therefore the Tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear it.
“Under our constitution, the moment a man comes under justifiable suspicion, he must be informed promptly of the reasons for the suspicion”, said Agabi.
He said failure to inform Saraki was against the principle of fair trial. He said failure of duty on the part of the CCB for 13 years operates to the peril of the Bureau.
He said there is no document to indicate that any member of public has complained or that the CCB has conducted any research to implicate the defendant.
He however agreed that there are aspects of the charges against Saraki that can be prosecuted elsewhere.
“The result of the investigation by Bureau is expected to be presented to Your Lordship, where is it?” Where is the reference? We don’t have it, you can struck it out and let them start afresh.
“He has not been invited, he should be invited like Tinubu. He is the Senate President of this country. He has not been invited, it is not discriminatory. My Lord, the reason you said you allow Tinubu to go home was that ten other governors were invited, but he was not invited, the defendant is a former governor. ”
He then asked the Chairman of the Tribunal to strike out the charges.
Monday, March 14, 2016
CCT trial: How APC leaders bungled Aso Rock meeting meant to decide Saraki’s fate
Indications have emerged into how top hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress, APC, bungled a stakeholders meeting held in Aso Rock about a fortnight ago to decide the fate of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, in view of his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT.
Nigerian Tribune is reporting that while Saraki’s matter was billed for discussion at the meeting presided over by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, some leaders, who were in attendance and were against having the matter resolved by the party, sent out messages to some media outfits, claiming that Saraki was going to the Villa to beg APC leaders.
A source privy to the development was reported by the newspaper as saying that the messages sent to some journalists practically took the wind out of the sail of the meeting which majorly resulted in the failure to reach any concrete conclusion. It was also said that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting did not help matters
The report has it that while a number of party bigwigs pleaded for caution in the handling of the Saraki matter in order not to cause an early implosion in the party, some insisted that the Senate President should be allowed to carry his cross, while others were of the view that the ongoing trial could speak negatively about the party.
A source was reported as saying: “The party is largely divided on the Saraki issue and I can tell you this is affecting things down the line. It is affecting the way senators of the APC are also reacting to things. The Villa meeting was set up to ensure that the party could extract some commitments from Saraki and find a political solution to the issues at stake, but those opposed to a resolution apparently moved fast.
“They started sending messages to some media to indicate that Saraki was going to the Villa to be the APC even before the Senate President left the National Assembly. He got to the Villa late, but even before he left the chamber, his office had been bombarded by questions from several media. The meeting could not come to a concrete solution that day because of the antics of the leaders, who leaked the meeting, even though the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari also contributed to the meeting’s failure.”
Daily Post
Nigerian Tribune is reporting that while Saraki’s matter was billed for discussion at the meeting presided over by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, some leaders, who were in attendance and were against having the matter resolved by the party, sent out messages to some media outfits, claiming that Saraki was going to the Villa to beg APC leaders.
A source privy to the development was reported by the newspaper as saying that the messages sent to some journalists practically took the wind out of the sail of the meeting which majorly resulted in the failure to reach any concrete conclusion. It was also said that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting did not help matters
The report has it that while a number of party bigwigs pleaded for caution in the handling of the Saraki matter in order not to cause an early implosion in the party, some insisted that the Senate President should be allowed to carry his cross, while others were of the view that the ongoing trial could speak negatively about the party.
A source was reported as saying: “The party is largely divided on the Saraki issue and I can tell you this is affecting things down the line. It is affecting the way senators of the APC are also reacting to things. The Villa meeting was set up to ensure that the party could extract some commitments from Saraki and find a political solution to the issues at stake, but those opposed to a resolution apparently moved fast.
“They started sending messages to some media to indicate that Saraki was going to the Villa to be the APC even before the Senate President left the National Assembly. He got to the Villa late, but even before he left the chamber, his office had been bombarded by questions from several media. The meeting could not come to a concrete solution that day because of the antics of the leaders, who leaked the meeting, even though the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari also contributed to the meeting’s failure.”
Daily Post
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