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Tag: Buni

  • Buhari backs Buni-led CECC, warns APC Governors

    Buhari backs Buni-led CECC, warns APC Governors

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Governors of the All progressives Congress (APC) to stop further utterances that lead to disunity ahead of the National Convention.

    A statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Wednesday in Abuja, quoted a letter personally signed by the president, addressed to Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.

    Bagudu is also the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum.

    The letter was also copied to the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC), the Acting Chairman of the CECC, Gov. Sani Bello, the Director General of the DSS as well as the Inspector General of Police.

    In the letter, the president said the multiplicity of cases currently rocking the party had the prospect of invalidating the activities and actions of the party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The president said that since the party could not change the leadership of the CECC without infringing on the time limit set by INEC, and the fact that the current uncertainties and controversies “pose a real threat to the party,” he has therefore directed as follows:

    – “The issue of the leadership of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee (CECC) should immediately return to status quo ante;

    – “All members of the Governors Forum and their followers should desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeorpadise the transition to the convention;

    – “The Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee should accordingly be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly on March 26, 2022.”

    The presidency also announced the meeting between the president and the Chairman of the CECC, Buni, in London via pictorial reports.

  • Buhari wades into APC leadership tussle, as party cancels NEC meeting

    Buhari wades into APC leadership tussle, as party cancels NEC meeting

    Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni

    President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the Chairman of Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee Mai Mala Buni, be allowed to conduct the party’s planned national convention to avert unnecessary controversies and distractions that may result in litigations.

    Buhari who gave the directive on Wednesday in a letter addressed to the Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, noted that the party had demonstrated inability to effect leadership change in a manner that is inclusive, legal and respectful of the time limit set.

    He warned on all members of the Governors’ Forum and their followers to desist from any behaviour or utterance that will likely lead to disunity in the ranks of the party, and ultimately jeopardise the transition to the convention.

    “As you are, no doubt aware, the All Progressives Congress, APC, is currently facing a litany of controversies and some level of uncertainties that may ultimately question its status and affect the status and feasibility of its proposed National Convention.

    “There is, therefore, an urgent need for the party to as much as possible, avoid all controversies, litigations and all other necessary distractions and quickly get its acts together.

    “The Mai Mala Buni-led CECC should, accordingly, be allowed to proceed with all necessary preparations to hold the convention as planned- unfailingly, on 26th March 2022,” the letter read in part.

    It would be recalled that about a week ago, the Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai, insisted that the President had directed that Buni should be fired and stressed that he could never return as chairman of the party.

    He said: “Buni is gone, the Secretary is gone. Gov. Bello is in charge and he has the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari and 19 governors. Buni can only return as Governor of Yobe but never as chairman of our Party”.

    Meanwhile, Secretary of the party’s Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning, John Akpanudoedehe, has disclosed that the APC had cancelled the emergency national executive committee (NEC) meeting earlier scheduled for Thursday by the Niger State Governor Sani Bello, whom Buni had handed over the headship of the CECPC to while away on a medical vacation in Dubai.

    “As directed by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning (CECPC) and Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, a purported emergency meeting of the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) slated for Thursday, March 26, 2022, is hereby cancelled,” Akpanudoedehe said.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had also refused to acknowledge Bello as the chairman of the party, insisting that letters from the APC to the commission must be signed by Buni and Akpanudoedehe.

  • Kogi Govt. rebukes PGF DG, Lukman on outburst against Yahaya Bello, Buni

    Kogi Govt. rebukes PGF DG, Lukman on outburst against Yahaya Bello, Buni

    Kogi Government has rebuked the former Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Mr Salihu Lukman over his outbursts against the Gov. Yahaya Bello.

    The state also decried Lukman’s outburst against Gov. Mai Mala Buni, .APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Chairman.

    Lukman had accused the party leadership of extortion from aspirants ahead of the APC March 26 National Convention and also asked that Bello be prevented from getting the presidential ticket of the party.

    The former PGF DG also alleged that Bello was yet to begin payment of N30,000 minimum wage as announced and that workers were earning 25 per cent of their salaries.

    Reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the state government said Lukman’s allegations were baseless and untrue.

    Fanwo added that he should not “allow his exit as the Director-General of PGF, lead him to disparaging party leaders.”

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kogi, Mr Onu Edoka, has confirmed that the state government had embarked on the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to its workers.

    Edoka said Bello’s administration had not been owing salaries or paying 25 per cent of salaries, contrary to Lukman and other naysayers’ claims.

    Edoka, in an interview with the media on Tuesday, said the minimum wage was only approved for the state’s civil servants on level 1 to 6, adding that “it is not true that workers earn 25 per cent of their salaries.

    Fanwo, in his statement, said, “The attention of the Kogi government has been drawn to the disparaging statements credited to a former employee of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Lukman concerning the popular presidential ambition of Bello.

    “The unfounded allegations against the administration of Bello cannot sway the minds of Nigerians or party leaders.

    “But asking the party to prevent Bello, a leading presidential hopeful, from getting the party’s ticket, already stamps the fact that all eyes are on him to take the party to victory in the 2023 general elections, which everyone knows will be keenly contested.

    “We are not surprised at his recent outburst against key party leaders. He has proved himself to be a mole in APC with a mission to undermine it and ultimately hand advantage to the opposition.

    “We, however, want to assure him that no one has the monopoly of caustic statements. Bello has only refrained from dignifying detractors with responses, venom for venom, because of his sound upbringing.

    ”But Lukman should be ready to face the consequences of his actions as we will not leave any stone unturned to seek redress legally.

    “We will not watch him continue to rubbish the image of our dear party in the manner he has been doing.”“

    The state reiterated that Bello remained a key figure holding the APC together and had the support and endorsement of overwhelming majority of party faithful to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Lukman should wake up to the fact that his campaign of calumny will not wane the love APC and Nigerians have for Bello.

    “We find it needful to inform the public that the historic and audacious staff verification exercise undertaken by the Bello administration at inception did not only paint the payroll in the colours of integrity and transparency, but also ensured efficiency in the service.

    “Many unintended beneficiaries were removed and the state immediately ensured that 100 per cent salaries were paid to the civil servants.

    “It is instructive to note that the staff verification exercise was carried out with the full cooperation and deep involvement of labour unions who have always cooperated with the state government in its bid to reposition and strengthen the service.

    “Nigerians are adequately informed of the allocation shared during the last FAAC meeting. Many states have yet to pay their February salaries.”

    He pointed out that the internally generated revenue of Kogi wasn’t at the standard the administration had set as a result of economic downturn, owing to the energy crisis that hit the nation in February.

    “But as an administration that is committed to the welfare of its civil servants, the Kogi government sat with labour leaders and agreed to pay 75 cent.

    “It has since been paid with the full implementation of the minimum wage. This is against the lies peddled by Lukman that Kogi workers received 25 percentage of their old salaries.

    “Only civil servants on grade level seven and above received 75 per cent . Civil servants on Grade Level one to six received 100 per cent salary with the 30,000 minimum wage.

    “The governor and all political office holders also received 75 per cent in solidarity with our workforce. To us, this is responsible and responsive leadership.”

    He reiterated the commitment of Bello’s administration to the welfare of the workforce and that no amount of lies sponsored would prevent the governor from answering the popular call by Nigerian masses to serve the nation in the presidential capacity.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kogi, Mr Onu Edoka, has confirmed that the state government had embarked on the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to its workers.

    Edoka said Bello’s administration had not been owing salaries or paying 25 per cent of salaries, contrary to Lukman and other naysayers’ claims.

    Edoka, in an interview with the media on Tuesday, said the minimum wage was only approved for the state’s civil servants on level 1 to 6, adding that “it is not true that workers earn 25 per cent of their salaries.”

  • Gov Buni’s removal good omen for APC – Prof Sagay

    Gov Buni’s removal good omen for APC – Prof Sagay

    Professor Itse Sagay has described the removal of Governor Mai Buni as interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress as a good omen for the party.

    Prof. Itse Sagay, who is Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), described it as a healthy development for the party.

    Sagay while speaking to the media said with Buni’s removal, the APC can now make progress and look forward to conducting a proper national convention.

    Although the party settled for March 26 to conduct its convention, all has not been well within the party over shoddy preparations for the convention which has witnessed several postponements.

    According to Sagay, “I believe Buni’s removal is a very healthy development for the APC. Now, we can look forward to a proper convention for the election of the new party leadership. After that, we can have a proper convention for the primaries”.

    “Buni is a man who has too many axes to grind and instead of working for the interest of the party which asked him to do a six months job but he turned it into a permanent job. He had too many unknown agenda which he was slowly carrying out”.

    “So, it was clear to all that he was no longer operating on behalf of the party but for his selfish interests. His removal to me is good news and I believe we can now make progress as a party”.

    It will be recalled that Sagay in an interview last week had singled out Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, national secretary of the committee, as persons to be held responsible if the party loses the 2023 presidential election.

    Sagay had also alleged that Buni is plotting to preside over the convention and presidential primary of the party so as to hand over the ticket to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who is yet to join the APC, with him (Buni) as running mate.

    There were also insinuations that if the plan sails through and Jonathan wins the election, he will hand over to Buni after four years.

  • Niger gov, Bello denies taking over APC leadership

    Niger gov, Bello denies taking over APC leadership

    Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has denied taking over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) as speculated by some media organisations.

    Bello said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after heading a meeting of the APC CECPC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

    He said that he met with APC State Chairmen as well as inaugurated some newly elected State Chairmen.

    “The States Chairmen took their oath of office today and we discussed progress made so far on the forthcoming National Convention and what needs to be done next so that we will achieve the March 26 date for the convention,” he said.

    When asked in what capacity he presided over the meetings, Bello said:” I have been acting for a while since the chairman (Buni) traveled”.

    The meeting was attended by all members of the committee including the Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedrhe, Women representative, Mrs Stella Okotete, Youth Leader, Mr Ismail Ahmed and Mr David Lyon.

    Also in attendance were Prof. Tahir Mamman, Sen. Ali Abba, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Sen. Yusuf Yusuf.(

  • BREAKING: Confusion as over 70 armed operatives seal off APC HQ

    BREAKING: Confusion as over 70 armed operatives seal off APC HQ

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership crisis took a new twist on Monday as heavily armed security operatives seal off the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

    Security operatives in 15 patrol vehicles had cordoned off access roads to the party secretariat as early as 5.a.m.

    APC security guards told however told journalists that the security measure was necessary due to a meeting of the party’s state chairmen.

    “We were told that only the State Chairmen would be allowed into the Secretariat.” We don’t know what’s going on, but we’re only following orders from above. The security agent stated, “You can see that even your media centre has been locked.

  • Buni denies zoning of APC national offices

    Buni denies zoning of APC national offices

    Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has denied media reports saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has zoned its national offices
    ahead of the Feb. 26 convention.

    Buni, also the Chairman, Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC, said on Wednesday that the party did not zone any national office.

    The denial, as contained in a statement by the governor’s Director General, Press and Media Affairs, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu, noted that the publication was false, baseless and unfounded.

    Mohammed stated that “his excellency has in a clear and unambiguous terms denied the said list, saying it is false, baseless, unfounded, misleading and it has nothing to do with him.

    “The chairman of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Committee said the party has not taken any decision at any fora on anything relating to zoning of offices.

    “The publication is just a figment of the author’s imagination and has nothing to do with the chairman and the party.

    “The public is hereby urged to disregard the purported list as it is misleading and completely false.”

    He urged journalists to always verify issues relating to the party before going to press, assuring that the doors of the party would always remain
    open for confirmation of stories and rumours. (

  • 2023 election not a do or die affair – Buni

    2023 election not a do or die affair – Buni

    Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe has cautioned politicians not to see the 2023 general elections as a do or die affair.

    Buni, also National Chairman, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the maiden National Progressives Women Conference.

    He specifically charged women to preach the doctrine of peaceful elections across the country ahead of 2023 general elections.

    “You should enlighten your spouses, children, brothers, in-laws, neighbours and the larger society that we must not see election as a do or die affair.

    “We should promote peaceful elections and service delivery against personal gains,” he said.

    Buni wished the women fruitful deliberations and assured that the APC would continue to support them.

    He expressed confidence that the conference would unveil ideas that would improve the fortunes of the APC and support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in its commitment to improve the lives of Nigerians.

    He noted that women no doubt constituted a large proportion of Nigeria’s population, adding that their roles in nation building, political and socio-economic development of the country could not be over emphasised.

    “Today, Nigeria proudly parades a good number of women at the Federal and State levels, as well as in political offices serving with excellence.

    “At the home front, you define the future of the country through great values and support to your spouses which helps in shaping the society and modelling the
    present and future of the country.

    “Politically, women have always played key roles in our electioneering process and administration.

    “You remain the best and most reliable mobilisers of support to any political party and its candidates. You have always been there on queue on election days,” Buni said.

    He added that it was in realisation of these great roles of women, that the APC had as a matter of deliberate policy reserved some space to carry the women along at all levels.

    He recalled that while the party under his leadership conducted membership registration and revalidation exercise, it found it expedient to constitute a special committee on women and youth before the commencement of the exercise.

    He said the roles women played, made the membership registration and revalidation exercise a huge success.

    “Today, APC parades over 41 million registered members, asserting our position as Africa’s largest political party and of course, Nigeria’s leading political party.

    “With this, we are confident of winning the 2023 general with huge success,” he said.

    He expressed gratitude to the party’s women for their support before, during and after the exercise.

    He said the party was looking forward to more support from the women during its Feb. 26, National Convention and during the 2023 general elections.

    He said as the most women friendly party in the country, the APC shall reciprocate the kind gesture of women by supporting them and youths in their political aspirations to enable them realise their political dreams.

    “We look forward to having more women contesting in the forthcoming National Convention of the party and the 2023 general elections.

    “Now, as we approach the convention and moving closer to the next general election, l wish to remind you of your progressive role to supporting progressive minded leaders,” Buni stressed.

  • APC faction attacks Buhari, sacks Buni; picks Audu as new party chairman

    APC faction attacks Buhari, sacks Buni; picks Audu as new party chairman

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has run into fresh murky waters as a faction sacks Mai Mala Buni.

    The faction has also attacked President Muhammadu Buhari over his supervision of the party.

    Buni, Yobe State Governor, is Chairman, APC Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

    On Monday, a unit within the party, Progressive Youth Movement, announced his replacement.

    They named Mustapha Audu as National Caretaker Committee Chairman with immediate effect.

    Audu said a National Reconciliation Committee will be formed to reconcile aggrieved members before the February 26, 2021 convention.

    He further announced a zoning formula for positions in the new National Working Committee (NWC).

    Meanwhile, National Secretary of the APC CECPC, John Akpan Udoedehe in a swift reaction dismissed the “felonious activities of the purported group”.

    The scribe’s statement said they are unknown to the party, its structure or as a registered support group and therefore non-existent.

    “However laughable, the criminal attempt of the purported group to usurp the leadership of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC now bothers on treasonable felony.

    “Relevant security bodies must now check and address their unscrupulous activities. The attention the purported group seeks will not be given to them by the party.

    “We can only advise that the general public completely disregard them. They are not registered members of the APC and are being used by opposition elements and fifth columnists to cause confusion.

    “As widely reported, the successful meeting between the APC leadership, Progressive Governors’ Forum and the President produced February 2022 as the timeframe for the National Convention”, Udoedehe noted.

  • Why Buhari approved February 2022 for APC National Convention – Buni

    Why Buhari approved February 2022 for APC National Convention – Buni

    The Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni has said the party can no longer hold its national convention before the end of the year hence the February 2022 date approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The party attributed the postponement of the exercise till February, next year to protracted crises in Anambra, Zamfara and other state chapters, logistic challenges, preparation by Christians for Christmas and the proposed governorship election in Ekiti State.

    Speaking on the development on Monday, Buni who also doubles as the Executive Governor of Yobe State said there was also the need to concede to President Muhammadu Buhari the honour of picking a date for the convention, following consultations with party stakeholders.

    A tripartite meeting of the president, Progressives Governors Forum, led by Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu and National Caretaker Committee took place yesterday in Aso Villa to discuss the convention.

    However, after the meeting, the party resolved to hold the exercise in February 2022, although it was not specific on a particular date.

    Explaining the shift in the proposed date, Bagudu told reporters that it was due to incomplete congresses in four states.

    He said: “Yesterday, November 21, the Progressive Governors’ Forum met, where we congratulated and thanked the Caretaker Committee for working so hard in leading the party. We also thanked the President for supporting them to deliver on their mandate.

    “I also explained yesterday that the Progressive Governors’ Forum discussed the issue of national convention of the party and they mandated us to come and discuss with the President as the party’s leader to give the input of the governors so that the party and the President will consider.

    “Part of the inputs we got yesterday was that we still have four states, which are in the process of completing their congresses like Anambra; understandably because of the recent gubernatorial election, Zamfara and two others, because of logistic challenges and then, Christmas is around the corner and early January we will be very busy with Ekiti.

    “So, the governors, based on all these, suggested the party and the President should graciously consider February and the President is favourably disposed to the suggestion.”

    Buni, who also spoke on the outcome of the meeting, said: “The Progressive Governors’ Forum, after their meeting, has suggested February to the party and the President has concurred. So, we are going ahead to plan for the convention in February.

    “Nigerians should expect more unity and progress as a result of the forthcoming convention.”

    On insinuations in some quarters that he might be delaying the convention to extend his tenure as the caretaker chairman of the APC, he said: “Am I a jobless person who is always trying to extend his tenure? To do what? I have my primary responsibility as a governor to go back to my state and carry out my primary responsibility.

    “What I am here to do is ad-hoc, and of course, to reposition the party and that is exactly what we have been able to achieve.”

    Buni said after the convention, APC will wax stronger as a more cohesive and united party.

    On the crisis between the National Caretaker Committee and some chieftains, Bagudu ruled out an impending explosion, saying those thinking along that line are out of tune with reality.

    He said instead of decimation, APC has enlarged its coast, adding that prominent people, including governors and National Assembly members, are defecting from opposition parties to the ruling party.

    When asked for a specific date in February, he said: “Well, we’ll let you know. You know, we have to work on a timetable. So, we have to communicate it to our various state chapters for them to be ready for the convention”.

    Buni also allayed fears that the tentative date was just an idea of the governors, excluding other caucuses within the party, explaining that party stakeholders were widely consulted so that there can be good planning.

    He added: “Of course, we have to consult widely and part of the reasons why even the governors met yesterday, 20 of the 22 governors attended. So, it is in consultation to that effect. So, it is a well consulted, well thought out plan”, he said.

    Bagudu said the forum would keep the public informed on its decision on zoning of elective offices.

    He, however, said that insinuations in some quarters that the governors’ meeting with Buhari was to discourage him from assenting to the amended electoral bill should be disregarded.

    Bagudu stressed: “That is not correct. I just told you we are meeting the president, it is to discuss the on-coming national convention of the party,’’ he stressed.