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Tag: National Chairman

  • The type of National Chairman PDP needs at this time – BoT Chair

    The type of National Chairman PDP needs at this time – BoT Chair

    The Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Walid Jibrin, has said that the party needs a reliable chairman who would not take any sides but be the man for all.

    Jibrin spoke on Sunday on monitored Channels Television programme. He spoke on the party crisis particularly on issues regarding the embattled national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

    When asked if he would love to see Secondus, return as the party’s chairman after the convention in October, Jibrin said: “We have held so many meetings to look at the left, right, front and back, to look at the real situation that will be better for us.”

    “When we were discussing, we did not say that Secondus should be sent away immediately, no.

    “We gave him all the respect, all the opportunity to think and for him to even come out and make a decision by himself, not for us to make a decision for him.

    “I’ve seen the rumours that there are some particular people who want him out immediately, No.

    “For you to tell me that right away, the aim is to sack him, or to disgrace him, no we are not ready for that.

    “We are ready for him to come and talk to us, agree with us so that we can leave peaceably”.

    Speaking further, the BoT chairman, pointed out some qualities which he believes would make a good leader for the party.

    “At this stage, we are in now, we need to have a very sound, clever, party chairman that will lead this party,” he said.

    “We must have someone who is consistent in his loyalty to the party. He should be well-grounded in politics both at the national and local levels with a good reputation for excellent leadership.

    “Somebody who will be for all of us and make sure that he does not take sides”.

    His comments follow several calls for the resignation of Mr Secondus by some aggrieved party members.

    They believe that he is more “preoccupied with holding onto his position rather than preparing for the next elections” and have also accused him of having “no clear road map, blueprint or policy programme for the PDP.”

    Last week, a High Court in Rivers State granted an interim order restraining Mr Secondus from parading or acting as the National Chairman of the PDP.

    The Kebbi State High Court on Thursday, however, ordered him to return to his position.

    Speaking of the forthcoming Presidential election, the BoT chairman said the PDP has ruled Nigeria for 16 years and he is optimistic about the party’s ability to reclaim power in 2023.

    “We are ready to rule again come 2023,” he said.

    “We have candidates and personalities in the PDP that are capable of becoming President of Nigeria.

    “There are many of them and we can pick anyone from any part of this country to be the president of Nigeria but it is not time for us to do that now”.

  • JUST IN: New twist as another court reinstates Secondus as PDP National Chairman

    JUST IN: New twist as another court reinstates Secondus as PDP National Chairman

    The Kebbi State High Court on Thursday ordered Secondus to return to his position as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), days after he was removed from the post.

    The presiding judge, Justice Nusirat Umar said she was satisfied after reading the affidavit of the respondents that an interim order should be granted on the purported suspension of Prince Secondus pending the determination of the case.

    She gave the order in a suit brought before her in Birnin Kebbi in case KB/AC/M. 170/2021.

    “An order of this honourable court granting leave to the first respondent (Uche Secondus) to continue exercising all the constitutional powers of the office of Chairman of PDP (second defendant) as enshrined in both 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended and the Peoples Democratic Party’s constitution pending the hearing and final determination of applicant’s motion on notice,” the order read.

    The three concerned members of the party, Yahaya Usman, Abubakar Mohammed and Bashar Suleman are the claimants/applicants in the case while Prince Secondus and the PDP are the defendants/respondents.

     

  • ‘He actively participated in my ousting’, Oshiomhole rubbishes claims Keyamo working to reinstate him as APC National chairman

    ‘He actively participated in my ousting’, Oshiomhole rubbishes claims Keyamo working to reinstate him as APC National chairman

    Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has denied plotting to return to office.

    He distanced himself from the leadership crisis rocking the ruling party.

    Oshiomhole, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by his media aide, Victor Oshioke, described the speculation as false.

    He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC under the leadership of Governor Mai-Mala Buni.

    The former Edo Governor dissociated himself from a statement credited to Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a self-styled aide of a Minister from the South-South quoted to have said Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, and others were plotting to return Oshiomhole to office.

    The former APC Chairman said the statement was far from the truth, recalling the role Keyamo played in the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) in 2020.

    Oshiomhole said: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is now a member of the APC and self-styled aide of Minister of Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi.

    “In the said statement widely reported in the media, Chief Eze was quoted as saying that Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment and others were plotting to bring back Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the APC.

    “Ordinarily we would have ignored this nonsensical suggestion. However, it is pertinent to set the records straight and put to rest this ridiculous falsehood being marketed by Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.”

    Oshiomhole recalled Keyamo was in the forefront and provided legal support through his legal assistants in court and argued on behalf of those that filed cases for his removal.

    “Keyamo also offered legal advice on the legality of the NEC that was convened for the dissolution of the Oshiomhole led National Working Committee of APC and emergence of the Governor Mai-Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee.

    “It is therefore frivolous for any right-thinking person to assume that Keyamo who actively supported the removal of the National chairman elected by over 6, 500 party delegates from across the 36 states and the FCT because 8 out of 27 Ward executive members purportedly suspended a national party chairman, would now plot to bring the same Oshiomhole back to the office.”

    The former chairman said he will not be part of any plot to destabilise or ridicule the party in any way or for any reason.

    He stressed he took serious exemptions to his name being dragged into an issue that he has no hand in.

    “This is an opportunity to further reaffirm Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s loyalty to the APC under the able leadership of His Excellency, Governor Mai-Mala Buni.

    “Oshiomhole’s position is that all hands should be on deck to support the Governor Mai-Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee to complete its assignment rather than creating distractions that are counterproductive to the mandate of the committee.

    “He congratulates Governor Mai Mala Buni and the entire members of the Caretaker Committee for their efforts in depleting the ranks of Governors of the PDP by winning three of them into the APC fold.”

  • Ebok-Essien is PANDEF new National Chairman

    Ebok-Essien is PANDEF new National Chairman

    Few months after the death of its former national chairman, foremost Niger Delta group, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has announced the emergence of a successor.

    The new national chairman is Mr Emmanuel Ebok-Essien, a former member of the Nigerian Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Ebok-Essien succeeds the former Military Administrator (MILAD) of Akwa Ibom State, Idongesit Nkanga, who died of COVID-19 complications last year.

    His ratification and approval of the nomination of other national officials were contained in a communiqué signed by the national leader of PANDEF, Mr Edwin Clark, and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Obong Victor Attah, after a meeting of the board of trustees (BoT) on Wednesday, in Abuja.

    The new PANDEF chairman represented Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He was once the Senate Deputy Chief Whip.

    The new PANDEF leader was also one of the strong advocates for resource control and a strong supporter of the fight against the obnoxious onshore/offshore dichotomy in the distribution of the nation’s oil revenue.

    He is the first Akwa Ibom legislator to be elected into the ECOWAS Parliament and is expected to deploy his verse knowledge acquired, over the years, to move the regional group, South-South, Niger Delta and the country forward.

    The BoT also approved the nominations and elections of former Military Governor of old Rivers State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff; and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Victor Attah, as co-chairmen of PANDEF BoT.

    Also, Mr T. K Okorotie from Bayelsa State was confirmed as Deputy National Chairman, Mr Bello Bina was chosen as the National Youth Leader, Mr Whiskey Ayakeme is the National Director of Research, while Mr Kalaiti Jephthah is an ex-officio member, national NEC.

  • BREAKING: National Chairman of Labour Party, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam is dead

    BREAKING: National Chairman of Labour Party, Abdulkadir Abdulsalam is dead

    National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam is dead.

    He reportedly died in the early hours of today (Tuesday) from an undisclosed ailment.

    Speaking with TheNewsGuru.com, the Deputy National Secretary, LP, Mr. Kennedy Chigozie who confirmed Abdulkadir’s death revealed that a public announcement will be made today by the party.

    He added that the party has been thrown into mourning following the demise of its national chairman.

    In a WhatsApp message to newsmen the party’s National Secretary, Julius Abure, said the body of Abdulsalam will be buried in Minna, Niger State on Tuesday according to Islamic rites.

  • Why Oshiomhole was booted out as National Chairman – APC

    Why Oshiomhole was booted out as National Chairman – APC

    More details have emerged on why the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) sacked the Adams Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC).

    According to court document, the decision was taken to end the party’s internal crises.

    The documents are a part of the counter-affidavit filed on behalf of the APC by its lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The counter-affidavit is marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/736/2020.

    A member of the APC in Abia State, Kalu Agu,had challenged the June 25, 2020 decision of the APC to sack the Oshiomhole-led NWC and appoint a Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, led by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni.

    Agu asked the FHC to, among others, declare the dissolution of the NWC, led by Oshiomhole, as unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

    But, the APC argued in its counter-affidavit that the suit by Agu was designed to destabilise its current peace building and reconciliation efforts.

    APC further said that Buni and other members of the National Caretaker Committee are eminently qualified for their appointment. It, therefore, pleaded with the court to dismiss Agu’s suit.

    In another application, the party asked the court to reject a motion by Agu, seeking to have the case heard during its ongoing vacation and to abridge parties’ time to file their processes.

    The party faulted Agu’s claim that the suit was pre-election in nature and ought to be determined within 180 days.

    Fagbemi, who also represents members of the APC Caretaker Committee,listed among the defendants, argued that the suit has no particular life span.

    He added that the subject of the suit did not relate to any particular election.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo has however, scheduled ruling for September 18 on whether or not the case could be heard during the court’s vacation.

    Other defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Buni, Isiaka Oyebola, Ken Nnamani, Stella Okorete, Governor Sani Bello, Dr James Lalu, Senator Abubakar Yusuf, Akinyemi Olaide, David Leon, Prof. Their Mamman, Isiaka Ahmed and Senator John Akpanudoedehe.

    Agu contended in his suit that the APC constitution guarantees four-year tenure for its officials and that in breach of the same constitution, the party’s NEC on June 25, 2020 in Abuja, “passed an illegal and unlawful resolution dissolving the NWC and also setting up an illegal caretaker committee of the NWC.”

    He argued that Oshiomhole and his team had barely spent two years out of their four years in office before they were removed by the NEC.

    The plaintiff also requested another declaration that the recognition accorded the caretaker committee is unconstitutional and illegal.

    Agu said the court should restrain the NCC from putting into effect, the resolution of the NEC on June 25, 2020 and to restrain INEC from recognising, dealing with or relating with the caretaker committee in whatever guise to usurp the functions of the NWC.

    He also wants the court to compel INEC to continue to recognise members of the sacked Oshiomhole-led NWC as the authentic national officers of the party.

    Agu wants the court to strike down Article 17 of the APC constitution, which provides for the appointment of officers into the organs of the party, for being inconsistent with Section 223 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 85 of the Electoral Act of 2010.

  • I remain APC national chairman despite court order, Oshiomhole boasts, gives reasons

    I remain APC national chairman despite court order, Oshiomhole boasts, gives reasons

    Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has insisted he remains the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the order of an Abuja Federal High Court early Wednesday that he should vacate office.

    Chief Press Secretary to the embattled chairman Simon Ebegbulem while reacting to the court order said Oshiomhole remains the Chairman because APC’s lawyers had filed for a stay of execution of the judgment ordering his removal from office.

    “Our legal department is studying the matter and we have filed for a stay of execution and appealed the ruling.

    “With those processes, Oshiomhole remains the National Chairman of the party,” Ebegbulem said.

  • APGA elects new National Chairman

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Friday elected Mr Edozie Njoku, as its National Chairman.

    Njoku was elected at the party’s convention held in Owerri and attended by delegates from each of the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

    Njoku, first National Vice Chairman (South) of the party, who hails from Ibeku, in Aboh Mbaise Council Area of Imo, would be leading the party for the next 4 years.

    The new chairman addressed a teeming crowd of party members shortly after his election.

    He noted that the convention and his election came as a result of the nullification of the outcome of the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party held on April 14 in Awka, Anambra, by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    “I will take all necessary steps to reconcile all aggrieved members and rebuild our party.

    “If we must support any politician, it will be a collective decision and not a one man show.

    “All we want is for democracy to reign in our party. We should desist from unwarranted criticism and put heads together to rebuild APGA,” he said.

    The APGA chieftain castigated Chief Victor Oye and his team for allegedly plunging the party into what he called avoidable crisis through chains of anti-party activities.

    “We need to apologise to all those who were misled and shortchanged before and during the last general elections because we are prepared to heal the wounds.

    “APGA is our party. We collectively resolved and agreed that the post of the National Chairman must leave Anambra for another state.

    “With a sincere spirit of team work, we shall rebuild our party. I must consistently keep on protecting the interest of APGA and nobody can push us out of this party,” he said.

  • ADP suspends national chairman

    ADP suspends national chairman

    Crisis of confidence is rocking the leadership of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) over alleged diversion of over N200 million, among other allegations.

    Consequently, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has suspended the national chairman, Mr. Yabagi Sani for allegedly diverting the funds into personal use.

    But Sani has dismissed the suspension order, claiming that the constitution of the party did not empower them NWC members to suspend him.

    The suspension order, signed by seven members of the NWC and dated April 26, 2019, listed 12 “illegal acts” against the party chairman. The party chiefs announced Alhaji Najeem Awodele as Acting National Chairman for the time being.

    A copy of the suspension order, obtained by our correspondent on Monday, stated that the N200 million allegedly misappropriated and diverted by Sani was the money realised from payments for Nomination and Expression of Interest forms by aspirants and candidates in the 2019 general elections.

    Sani was also accused of forging the signature of the National Secretary, Dr James Okoroma with which he presented a fake resolution to Polaris Bank and other banks for the removal of the National Treasurer, Chief Iboro Ige-Edaba as signatory to the party’s bank accounts.

    The party chair was also accused of constant physical attacks on ADP national officers and refusal to pay their remunerations for two years.

    The NWC members also alleged that Sani doctored the party’s constitution and criminal insertion of strange clauses meant to perpetuate himself in office as National Leader, Life Leader, Presidential Candidate, National Chairman and the only signatory to the party’s bank accounts.

    Also listed against Sani was the alleged use of his personal staff to run the affairs of the party against the provisions of the ADP constitution and non-disclosure of monetary donations to the party by some prominent Nigerians.

    “In view of the above and the need to reposition the party, a change in the leadership of the ADP has become inevitable. The NWC has decided to suspend Mr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani in order to enable him respond to all the allegations against him and to clear his name”, the document stated.

    The NWC members that signed the suspension order are Dr. James Okoroma (National Secretary); Chief Iboro Ige-Edaba (National Treasurer); Esther Oche (National Special Duties Secretary); Mr Obadiah Bichi (National Legal Adviser); Mr. Tope Salami (National Financial Secretary); Prince Edobor Oghosa (National Youth); and Dr. Chris Nzekwu (National Leader, PLWD).

    “Accordingly, former Agriculture Minister and Deputy National Chairman (South) of the ADP, Alhaji Najeem Awodele has been appointed Acting National Chairman by the NWC pending the conduct of congress,” the document added.

    In a swift reaction however, Sani, in a WhatsApp message to our correspondent on Monday, declared that he remained the National Chairman of the ADP.

    According to the party chairman who also doubled as the candidate of the ADP in the 2019 presidential election, the NWC members that suspended him, had themselves been suspended a long time ago.

    Sani said, “Let me make it clear that the purported suspension is self-defeating, dead on arrival and completely invalid. The so called NWC members are either former or suspended ADP National officers who are no longer members of the ADP NWC.

    “For instance Dr. James Okoroma knows he is no longer ADP National Secretary by the resolution of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of ADP which has since several months ago been duly communicated to INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission)

    “Mr. Obadiah Bichi who is purported to be the National Legal Adviser has since withdrawn his membership of ADP. By the ADP Constitution, the NWC cannot suspend the National Chairman.

    “In any event, none of the signatories to the purported resolution suspending the National Chairman is a member of ADP NWC. I therefore state categorically that I remain the National Chairman of the ADP”.

    Sani however, declined comments on the allegations of diverting N200 million, forgery of party documents and high handedness in the running of party affairs.

    “I will not want to comment about the false and damaging allegations made against my person, including misappropriation, forgery and high handedness in the running of the party; as those matters have already been submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction,” the party chair stated.

  • [Video] I remain authentic chairman of Labour Party, Mike Omotosho insists

    The National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Mike Omotosho has insisted that despite controversies trailing his election as chairman, he remains the authentic national chairman of the party in Nigeria.

    Omotosho spoke in a recent interview on a programme ‘Democracy Today’ anchored by Odion Bello.

    Recall that the party had in October last year held its convention which produced the Mike Omotosho led executive committee. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in another twist in December said it only recognized the former chairman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam as the authentic leader of the party. This has degenerated into several crisis and the party now has different factions.

    However, while reacting to questions on his authenticity as the Labour Party chairman, Omotosho said:

    “First of all the question we need to ask is who owns the party. If you agree with me that the party belongs to the National Working Committee, the National Executive Council and indeed representatives from every state which is the special convention of the party then you will agree who truly is the authentic leader of the party. We had national working committee, a national executive council meeting and a convention where representatives of the states were present. INEC, security agencies and the media were also present to give it the deserved coverage. So how else could we have convinced the world that we followed due process?,” he inquired.

    Speaking further he said: “The unfortunate rancour spreading around now is a consequence of one man who wants to be an emperor, behaving like he is above the party and it is unacceptable. I think its high time we returned the party of the people to the people. Because the party truly belongs to them. So if the people who owns the party decides that I (Dr. Mike Omotosho) should lead them, then, that judgement is final. It means I am the new National Chairman of the party and that remains so.”

    Highlighting the party’s allegations against the former chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Omotosho said: “There’s allegations of embezzlement to the tune of N1.3 billion, forgery and several other ones that have reported to the appropriate authorities. And they are acting on it, in fact we have an interim report from the Police and the allegations will soon be charge to court. If the party comes together and say this chairman’s integrity is at stake and you do not deserve to continue leading the party.

    He was invited to come and explain his side of the matter to a committee but he did not show up because he felt he was bigger than the party. He was also invited to respond to a disciplinarian committee, he still did not come. This was why the National Working Committee met and decided to have a convention. They did inform him and he agreed. The convention was held, INEC was duly notified and it was at that point he realised that if things continue that way, he will be removed. And he hid under a part of the constitution that says only the chairman can call a meeting for the special convention, however, there are clauses also in the same constitution that caters for when the chairman is unruly, otherwise the chairman will be there for ever even when allegations of gross misconducts hangs on his neck,” Omotosho explained.