TheNewsGuru

Tag: Congress

  • APC Congress: Sen. Abe denies sponsoring attack against party

    A member of National Assembly, Sen. Magnus Abe, has denied allegations that his supporters were responsible for the attack on All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat on Friday in Port Harcourt.

    Some persons suspected to be supporters of the senator allegedly attacked and vandalised property at the party’s secretariat in protest on allegations of high-handedness by the leadership of the party in the state.

    But Abe told newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday that he had no link with the perpetrators of the attack.

    “How can anybody just conclude that they were my supporters?

    “It cannot be completely correct to say that those who attacked the party office are my supporters simply because we share similar sentiments,’’ he said.

    Abe, however, admitted that some party supporters were aggrieved over the outcome of the just-concluded congress in the state.

    “The high-handedness in the party is very obvious; many party faithful are not happy, the result is what we have just seen,’’ he said.

    The senator claimed that he had never supported violence in politics and would not do so for any reason.

    “Today, those who stood in support of the party a few years ago are now being labelled thugs; before now, they were agents of democracy.

    “I am saying that we must enthrone internal democracy in our party; we must say `no’ to high-handedness and undemocratic tendencies,’’ he stated.

     

  • Delta PDP condemns killing during APC ward congress

    The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned in strong terms the gruesome and deliberate murder of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta, a Chairmanship Candidate , from Ward 10, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, of Delta State.

    This is contained in a statement party’s state publicity secretary, Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, who said the report of Jeremiah’s death is uncalled for.

    “We read with great shock and a disturbing sense of alarm, the gruesome and deliberate murder of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta, a Chairmanship Candidate , from Ward 10, Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South Local Government Area, of Delta State.

    “The report of his death indicate that Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta met his untimely demise as a result of circumstances that were allegedly caused by the perpetratiom of electoral fraud and malpractice during the APC Ward Congress in his Local Government Area.

    “Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta and his loved ones who are now bereaved by this unexpected fatality. The death of one man diminishes us and the sudden cutting down of Mr. Oghoveta, a promising young Deltan with a bright political future and ready to serve his people and his State, in the prime of his life, diminishes us further and unveils to us once more, how fragile and temporal our existence truly is. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

    “While it will be uncharitable and un-African to even consider or seek any untoward political mileage out of the demise of a fellow Deltan, it behoves us as a responsible political party, to point out that this gory incident which took Mr. Jeremiah Aghoveta’s life raises the question once again, over the extent to which the APC and its supporters are ready to go to get what they want.

    “We recall vividly how only recently, a band of thugs, allegedly loyal to an APC Senator from Delta State, invaded the hallowed chambers of the Nigeria Senate in gung-ho style, brutalized the security personnel, disrupted the on-going plenary, intimidated the Senators in attendance, except one Senator who ostensibly led them into the chambers and, in what has been described as the most horrible and brazen assault on our freedom and democracy, took away the Mace, which is the sacred symbol of authority of our legislature, carried it all the way to the city gates of the Federal Capital Territory, only to discard it with malicious disdain and disregard under a foot bridge.

    “We shudder to imagine the level of violence and attendant blood-letting that would have happened in the event of a melee or scuffle, if any of the Senators present had attempted to intercept the hoodlums as they made away with the Mace, which would have promptly been deployed as a dangerous weapon, considering the way and manner the thugs had been wielding the heavy and sacred instrument in their escape movement.

    “Sadly, this weekend’s violence and fatality in an APC organized event did not only happen in Delta State, as reports reaching us also claim that Rivers State in particular and other States across the country, were equally embrolied in widespread violence over and during the conduct of the APC Ward congresses while violence consumed the APC Ekiti State governorship primaries, over allegations of electoral malpractices, fradulent activities by the actors and other sharp practices which are all hallmarks of rigging elections.

    “We will not dwell on the various accusations and allegations that the APC heaped and continues to pour on our party after every election, but the fact is becoming clearer now that pot of the APC impunity is even ‘blacker’ than the PDP democratic kettle and Deltans and Nigerians are becoming wiser by the day that nothing good will ever come out of APC.

    “We also want to use this medium to sound a note of warming and caution that what is happening in the APC, with all these violence and deaths, even in small elections and political activities like ward congresses, is not a good sign at all. What the APC has done is to send out a dangerous warning signal to all and sundry that they will do everything possible, including violence and taking of lives, to achieve their aim in 2019 and this message has been sent loud and clear with the dastardly murder of Mr. Jeremiah Aghoveta.

    “We use this medium to call on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to take note of our warnings and concern as we enter the electioneering period for the 20!9 general elections. To forewarned is to be forearmed

    “As we mourn with the bereaved family of Mr. Jermiah Aghoveta and indeed all Deltans, over this sad and unnecessary death, we pray the good Lord to give his immediate family and relatives the fortitude to bear the loss and the grace and divine provision to carry on without him in the months and years to come.

    “We must not allow APC to endanger the lives and property of Deltans again because of their wild and uncontrollable ambition to get power at all cost. Politics is not a do or die affair,” the statement read.

     

  • Ward Congresses: APC calls on aggrieved members to seek redress in Appeal Panels

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on its members that may have been aggrieved following the conduct of its Saturday Ward Congress across the country to seek redress in its Appeal Panel.

    Malam Bolaji Abudulahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He, however, congratulated all members of the party, saying that the conduct of the congress was generally peaceful.

    “The party especially commends members who served in the congress committees for their dedication and impartiality.

    “We, however acknowledge that there are some issues arising from the conduct of the elections in some states.

    “With this in view, the party had set up various appeal committees which will begin sitting from Monday, May 7,” he said.

    Abudulahi, therefore, called on all party members across the federation to remain law abiding.

    He stressed that where there were issues, party members should seek redress through the appeal committees in their respective states.

     

  • APC Congress: Nigeria has failed, Ali Baba weeps [Video]

    APC Congress: Nigeria has failed, Ali Baba weeps [Video]

    Stand-up comedian, brand influencer and motivational speaker, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba has wept for the fortune of the country after witnessing act of thuggery that occurred during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses.

    TheNewsGuru reports the APC congresses has been marred by shortcomings at different wards, leaving Ali Baba, who witnessed two unidentified young men captured interrupting the process at one of the APC congresses saying: “Nigeria is a failed country”.

    The popular comedian in his lamentation stressed the act of the two young men captured in the video can be likened to “what Orubebe did” and “what those guys did when they walked into the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly and carried the mace”.

    “Can you imagine how confident and arrogant the grey bearded guy was? Or the guy in the danshiki? Just imagine if he was a university student. Dead. That’s what he would be. Think about it.

    “This is what herdsmen [do] daily. This is what people who dip hands into government coffers and loot to their heart’s content do. This is what people who carry ballot boxes do.

    “This is what happens when law makers break each other’s head on the assembly floor. This is how a man can walk into a government house carry a sitting governor of a state, and constituted authority are negotiating with him to release “his excellency” and the kidnapper kept the governor for as long as he wanted. And nothing happened.

    “This is what police men do to harmless citizens. This is what military officers do and get away with. You know why? We are a lawless country. We don’t meet out commensurate punishments to these kinds of elements. So they do it again and again.

    “That’s the democracy we are practicing. And you are thinking things will change? Pardon me, do you think only these 2 exist? Naaaa. By these actions they have emboldened 2 million others. Who will now believe its doable.

    “If these 2 can do this, with all cameras rolling, can you imagine what they can do to anyone who crosses the path of their godfather off camera? Dead!!!!.

    “I cry my beloved country. Now I really want that dual citizenship. Failed country. Yes. Go call the police,” Ali Baba lamented.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BibcRnEhvoE/?taken-by=alibabagcfr

     

  • Buhari arrives Daura for party congress

    President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived his hometown, Daura ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress on May 5.

    The president arrived Daura at about 5:30 pm on Friday.

    He is expected to participate in the ward congress at Sarkin Yara A ward in Daura.

    The APC ward chairman, Malam Ali Mani said all arrangements have been completed for a smooth congress and urged party members to be law abiding.

    The Sarkin Yara A consists of 15 polling stations and 26 party executives.

  • Rivers APC Congress: Gov. Wike laments illegal use of SARS

    Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the illegal use of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and military personnel to cause rancour ahead of the APC Congress in the state has vindicated him.

    He stated that the series of statements released by APC stakeholders on the illegal activities of SARs Personnel in the course of their forthcoming congress should draw the attention of all well-meaning lovers of democracy.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit by the retired military and para-military officers of Ogoni extraction at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said if security agencies can be negatively used during a party congress, Nigerians should expect electoral mischief, masterminded by security agencies in 2019.

    “In an ordinary party congress, over a platoon of soldiers and more than 200 SARs personnel have been handed over to one man. If these operatives protect just one man, why are other communities left without protection?

    “Even the notorious election rigger, SARS Commander Akin Fakorede is operating without check because he has the support of the Police High Command,” Wike said.

    He said that conflicts during elections are generated by overzealous security agents, detailed to manipulate the process.

    The governor urged the retired military and paramilitary senior officers to use their contacts in the military to prevail on them to respect the rule of law in a democracy.

    He stated that his administration will continue to invest in the promotion of security of lives and property across the state.

    Governor Wike thanked the retired military and paramilitary senior officers of Ogoni extraction for their desire to contribute to the development of the state. He urged other leaders to emulate the Ogoni retired officers.

    Leader of the Retired Military and Paramilitary Officers of Ogoni Extraction, Rear Admiral John Nicholas Bakpo thanked Governor Wike for infrastructural development of Ogoni communities.

    He said that as retired military and paramilitary senior officers, they are willing to offer their services for the security of Ogoni land.

     

  • APC alludes plot by Gov. Wike to destabilize congresses

    The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) said it has uncovered plan by a group allegedly sponsored by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to destabilize the APC’s Saturday Congresses in the State.

    According to a statement made available to TheNewsGuru, the State Chairman of the APC, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said the group is suspected to have some members of APC in their fold, and that they have already gone to work.

    “Information unearthed by the APC confirm that the group collected huge sum of money from the governor with the sole purpose of discrediting the congresses through wild allegations against leaders of the party especially the leader of the party in Rivers State and Honourable Minister for Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya amongst others.

    “Details of the plan seem to have been rolled out already as the group has gone on air to accuse the Minister of hijacking materials for the congresses, an accusation that exposes the ignorance of the group and makes absolutely no sense at all,” the statement read.

    According to the statement, “Whereas the APC is working hard to fully expose the full dimension of the plot and the evil people that are hell-bent on destabilizing our party congresses, we urge party faithful and the general public to ignore the well-known antics of Gov. Wike, the PDP and their collaborators within and outside the APC who have sold their souls to blood money.

    “The party re-assures all members of strict adherence to the guidelines of the party congresses and not to be distracted by anyone or group under any guise. The party would like our members and the general public to refuse to be deceived by these agents of doom who are likely to employ diverse means to destabilize the party in fulfilment of the agreement between them and their sponsors”.

     

  • Gov. Wike wishes Rivers APC members peaceful congress

    Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has wished the All Progressive Congress (APC ) in Rivers State a peaceful congress outing and appealed members of the political party be law-abiding through the process.

    The Governor made this known is a statement made available to TheNewsGuru by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Rivers State APC is set to hold her congress this weekend.

    “Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is wishing all APC members, a successful and peaceful congress. Governor Wike appealed to all APC members in the state to be law-abiding and maintain the peace in the state,” the statement read.

    Meanwhile, Governor Wike advised all hoteliers in the state not to allow their hotels to be used to foment trouble as was the case during the party’s last congress when Novotel was negatively used by some persons, leading to the misconception across the country that Rivers State was in crisis.

    Governor Wike advised all APC members in the State to work towards a peaceful and successful congress, devoid of rancour.

  • Forgive me if I wrong you, Gov. Bindow begs APC stakeholders

    Forgive me if I wrong you, Gov. Bindow begs APC stakeholders

    Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of Adamawa has urged stakeholders and other members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state to forgive him, if he wronged them.

    Bindow made the plea Monday at a stakeholders meeting in Yola to discuss the upcoming party congress.

    “If I offended any of you here please forgive me. I didn’t do that deliberately,” Bindow said.

    The governor assured all the stakeholders that he has no candidate for the coming party congresses, and urged all those seeking positions to go and mobilize support.

    “My administration is ready to work with all those elected in the congresses,” he stressed.

    Bindow expressed satisfaction with the turnout of stakeholders from various interest groups in the state and urged for more unity in the party.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustafa stressed the need to abide by the party guidelines for hitch free congresses.

    “We are one family and must not allow internal political bickering to affects our party in the state.

    “We won in 2015 general election and shall win in 2019, but we need to create a situation that would make it much easier for us to win again,” Mustafa said.

    In his remarks, the APC National Vice Chairman North East, Alhaji Mustafa Salihu, lauded the stakeholders for putting aside their differences to attend the meeting and urged contestants to show sportsmanship.

    “We must work to retain government at all levels; we need to put all our personal interests aside for our party,” Salihu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former SGF, Babacir Lawan. who also attended the meeting however criticized the meeting for not discussing the issue of zoning ahead of the congresses.

    According to him, the APC constitution promotes zoning of positions particularly in diverse states like Adamawa and wonder why the issue was not discussed.

  • APC congress: Ajomale, other state executive members must go – Tinubu

    The Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has banned its chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, members of the state executive council, wards and local government executives that have served three or four terms in office from seeking re-election.

    APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who announced the decision, said it was aimed at injecting new blood into the party’s leadership.

    Tinubu, who spoke at the APC stakeholders meeting in Lagos yesterday, said party officials who have served three or four terms at the ward, local government and state levels should leave.

    He said: “We want new breed, new development and new opportunity. Some of them have spent three to four terms at ward, local government and state levels. We thank them. The younger ones also want to move forward. If you have used eight, 10 or 12 years at ward, local government and state, we want to walk. Thanks a lot. We appreciate you. They should give us the chance, we plead.”

    Hailing them for their performance in office, Tinubu said: “They never lost elections during their tenures. They all worked hard. Those who have spent one term, the leadership will decide with you. That will be a matter for the local government branch to sort out. You must go back to the local leadership and they will look at all criteria.”

    The meeting became rowdy as supporters of some party chieftains were dancing and eulogising them. Some members displayed different placards with inscriptions such as: “We want open primaries”, “Enough of intimidation in Alimosho” and “Gbajabiamila deserves another term”.

    Tinubu was able to restore order after asking the placards-carrying members to leave the scene. He said they did not come for the meeting. “If you come for meeting, you will listen to what we are saying. We are going to give you feedback. We are discussing about the congress not about the candidates for elective positions,” the party stalwart said.

    Addressing the warring factions from Alimosho, Tinubu said: “I saw your placards; I read all your letters. I will give you a date when to meet you.”

    Turning to Surulere members, he asked: “Why did you allow PDP to win in your constituency; noise-making will not solve your problem.”

    He advised members from Ajeromi/Ifelodun and Amuwo, where APC lost elections in 2015 to go and reconcile with those who betrayed the party.

    “Don’t fight them but beg them to vote for the APC,” he said.

    He noted that the state chapter of the APC through the Lagos Central Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, sent a message to the party’s national leadership in Abuja that they don’t want tenure elongation.

    “Ever since, we have worked tirelessly. Now, the National Executive Council (NEC) has agreed that there will be congress. Congress committee members have been inaugurated with Jigawa State Governor Badaru as the chairman.

    “We hope this congress will go well. We have been having meetings about this congress. This is a congress of unity.

    “Four year ago, we conducted a congress. We didn’t kill anybody. We elected governor and President.”

    Tinubu warned that where there is violence during the congress, the result will be cancelled.

    “Now is another congress. I want to see the leaders of Alimosho – the two group writing open letters. I want to see all your leaders. All the copies of your open letters, I have read. We will give you dates so that we can talk.

    “It is four years since the merger that led to the formation of the APC. We fought for the congress. We got it. We commend the leadership at the national level. All of you in Lagos, I want to appeal to you, we have heard series of things.”

    He canvassed that women should be given greater opportunity to participate in politics.

    In an interview with reporters after the meeting, Ajomale said he was part of the decision that young people should be allowed to take over the management of the party.

    “If you have contested once, it is right to give you a second term. If you have been there since 1998 – that is about 18 years. We feel the younger generation should be given a chance. It is right and proper to allow the younger generation to take -over,” he said.

    Party chieftains who attended the meeting include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Secretary to Lagos State Government Mr. Tunji Bello, Mrs. Modupe Sasore, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos State APC spokesman Mr. Joe Igbokwe, Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiu Esinlokun, Kamil Olukoya, Alhaja Kafilat Opara and the Igbo APC leaders.