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  • 2019: No election for APC candidates in Rivers, INEC insists

    2019: No election for APC candidates in Rivers, INEC insists

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not participate in elections in Rivers State.

    The electoral commission added that its action is based on a court ruling on the matter

    INEC Commissioner, Festus Okoye, who made this known in Abuja on Sunday, said that in cases where there are disputes, the commission has abided with court rulings and will only change its position if there is a contrary ruling from a higher court.

    Okoye said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission acts on the basis of existing facts.

    “The facts on the ground as of today is that the Federal High Court Port Harcourt Judicial division, delivered two judgements and said that the APC will not participate in the elections and that the logo of the APC or any of the candidates of the APC will not appear on the ballot papers on election day and INEC has fully complied with this particular directive.”

    Furthermore, Okoye stated that it has no plans to postpone elections in any part of the country, contrary to claims in some quarters.

    “If anything arises as we proceed towards the 2019 elections, we will deal with that particular eventuality.

    “But as at today, the reality is that the APC will not participate in the elections, the elections will go on and it won’t be postponed.

    “The PDP forwarded the name of a candidate to the Independent National Electoral Commission as the candidate of the political party. INEC accepted the name of that candidate. During the period of substitution, the candidate was not substituted, therefore, the candidate’s name will appear on the ballot on election day.

    “The only basis for the removal of any candidate from the list as at today is death”.

    “We have released the final list for presidential and National Assembly elections and there wouldn’t be any change anymore”.

     

  • 2019: Tough time for APC as INEC omits party’s candidates in Rivers, Zamfara

    The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was battling on Thursday to assure its members that all will be well after its candidates’ names were omitted from the list of those who will run in the general elections.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the final list of candidates for the February 16 National Assembly polls. However, the governorship and National Assembly candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers and Zamfara states were missing on the list.

    The party in the states have been embroiled in internal crises leading to the disqualification of its candidates, following its failure to conduct acceptable primaries.

    APC presidential candidate President Muhammadu Buhari and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lead other 71 presidential candidates.

    The others are: Ositelu Isaac Babatunde (Accord); Abdulrashid Hassan Baba (Action Alliance); Omoyele Sowore (AAC); Chike Ukaegbu (AAP); Shipi Moses Godia (ABP); Nwokeafor Ikechukwu Ndubuisi (ACD); Ezekwesili Obiageli Katryn (ACPN); Mailafia Obadiah (ADC); Yabagi Sani Yusuf (ADP); Nwachukwu Chuks Nwabuikwu (AGA); Umenwa Godwin (AGAP);

    Obaje Yusufu Ameh (ANDP) and Durotoye Adetokunbo Olufela (ANN).

    There are also: Shittu Moshood Asiwaju (ANP); Fasua Tope Kolade (ANRP); Ibrahim Aliyu Hassan (APA); President Buhari (APC); Shitu Mohammed Kabir (APDA); Gbor John Wilson Terwase (APGA); Yusuf Mamman Dantalle (APM);

    Obinna Uchechukwu Ikeagwuonu (APP); Dara John (ASD); Angela Johnson (AUN); David Esosa Ize-Iyamu (BNPP); Ojinika Geff Chizee (C4C); Abah Lewis Elaigwu (CAP); Etim Emmanuel Ishie (CNP); Ukonga Frank (DA); Awosola Williams Olusola (DPC) and Osakwe Felix Johnson (DPP).

    Others are: Dr Onwubuya (FJP); Okotie Christopher Oghenebrorie (FRESH); Akhimien Davidson Isibor (GDPN); Eke Samuel Chukwuma (GPN); Albert Owuru Ambrose (HDP); Madu Nnamdi Edozie (ID); Chukwu-Eguzolugo Sunday Chikendu (JMPP) and Fagbenro-Byron Samuel Adesina (KP).

    Also on the list are: Kriz David (LM); Muhammed Usman Zaki (LP); Adesanya-Davies Mercy Olufunmilayo (MAJA) Bashayi Isa Dansarki (MMN); santuraki hamisu (MPN);

    Rabia Yasai Hassan Cengiz (NAC); Ademola Babatunde Abidemi (NCMP); Salisu Yunusa Tanko (NCP); A. Edosomwan Johnson (NDCP); Akpua Robinson (NDLP); Ishaka Paul Ofemile (NEPP); Asukwo Mendie Archibong (NFD); Atuejide Eunice Uche Julian (NIP); Ike Keke (NNPP); Maina Maimuna Kyari (NPC); Ibrahim Usman (NRM); Moses Ayibiowu (NUP); Felix Nicolas (PCP); Abubakar Atiku (PDP) and Ameh Peter Ojonugwa (PPA).

    They include: Victor Okhai (PPC); MAJOR HAMZA AL MUSTAFA (PPN); Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (PT); Israel Nonyerem Davidson (RAP); Osuala Chukwudi John Kennedy (RBNP); Nsehe Nseobong (RP); Da-Silva Thomas Ayo (SNC); Ahmed Buhari (SNP); Balogun Isiaka Ishola (UDP); Mark Emmanuel Audu (UP); Inwa Ahmed Sakil (UPN); Nwangwu Uchenna Peter (WTPN); Ali Soyode M. (YES) and Moghalu Kingsley Bosah Chiedu (YPP).

    The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was, however, omitted following the legal tussle between former Cross River Governor Donald Duke and former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana.

    In all, 1,904 candidates are vying for the 109 seats in the Senate; 4,680 are to battle for the 360 seats in the House of Representatives.

    According to INEC, 225 women are contesting for senatorial seats. The figure is the highest ever.

    Five APC governors made the list for election into the Senate. They are Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun; Kazeem Shettima, Borno; Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo; Rochas Okorocha, Imo and Ibrahim Gaidam, Yobe.

    The oldest candidate on the list is former Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Adamu, 72. He is followed closely by 71 years old Tanno Patrick Onobughakpo of Kowa Party, who is contesting for Delta South.

    Also on the list, which was signed by INEC Secretary Mrs. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, are Senator representing Lagos Central Oluremi Tinubu, Patrick Obahiagbon, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Dino Melaye, Smart Adeyemi and others.

    The commission also laid to rest the controversy over the list of candidates for the Ogun State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The electoral body listed the names of candidates submitted by the Adebayo Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive as candidates of the PDP for the National Assembly election.

    The Dayo-led Ogun State PDP Executive is the structure supported by the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, who is the state’s PDP governorship candidate.

    For the senatorial candidates, the list has Apostle Solomon Abiodun Sanyaolu as the PDP candidate for Ogun Central; Sosanwo Adeola Ayoola for Ogun East and Honourable Odunjo Odunleye Abiodun for Ogun West.

    For the House of Representatives’ candidates, listed are Mrs. Lanre-Balogun Abimbola for Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode/Odeda Federal Constituency; Showunmi Olusegun for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency; Sunmonu Monsuru Olusegun for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency; Kojeku David Olusola for Egbado North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency; Ajose Suru for Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency; Adesina Olufemi for Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency.

    Others are Taiwo Kabir Shote for Ijebu Ode/Odogbolu/Ijebu North East Federal Constituency; Adekoya Adesegun Abdul-Majeed for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency and Lawal Alaba Isiaka for Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.

    Kashamu described the development as “victory for resilience and the rule of law”, saying there was “no victor, no vanquished”.

    He said with the publication of the final list by INEC, it was incumbent on lovers of the party to close ranks and work to deliver Ogun State for PDP.

    Meanwhile, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Rivers State, Mr. Obo Effanga, said the removal of names of APC candidates for the February 16 and March 2 elections was in compliance with a court order.

    Effanga said Thursday on a local radio in Port Harcourt that as a law-abiding commission, it had to comply with the order of the court.

  • 2019: APC reacts to High Court judgment nullifying party primaries in Rivers

    2019: APC reacts to High Court judgment nullifying party primaries in Rivers

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is still studying the judgement of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which nullified the primaries conducted in the state.

    The APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said this in a terse message on Monday.

    He said, “We have received the news of the judgement of the Federal High Court regarding our candidates in Rivers State.

    “We are currently studying the decision of the court.

    “We will make our position public in due course.”

     

  • Court nullifies all APC primaries in Rivers, bars party from 2019 elections

    A federal high court in Port Harcourt on Monday nullified both the direct and indirect primaries conducted by two factions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

    The court, presided by Kolawole Omotosho, also restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any candidates of the APC for the 2019 general elections in the state.

    Two factions of the party had conducted parallel primaries that produced two sets of candidates.

    While one faction, loyal to former Governor Rotimi Ameachi produced Tonye Cole as its candidate, the other loyal to serving senator, Magnus Abe, produced him as its own candidate.

    The national secretariat of the APC however recognised Mr Cole as the authentic candidate of the party. His name was forwarded to INEC.

    In a suit filed by Mr Abe, the court declared that the APC, for failing to respect the law, must bear the consequences of her disobedience to the law.

    Mr Omotosho declared that both the direct and indirect primaries were held during the pendency of the suit at the Rivers State High Court.

    According to the court, the APC conducted the indirect primaries in gross disrespect of the pending suit before the Rivers State High Court.

    He noted that the judgment of the state high court nullifying the primaries of the APC in Rivers State is yet to be set aside by an appellate court, hence it remains valid.

    The court, therefore held that the names sent by the Amaechi faction and the National Working Committee of the APC to INEC for the 2019 general elections were illegal and should be disregarded.

    He added that the direct primaries conducted by the Magnus Abe faction were illegal because the National Working Committee of APC did not monitor or participate in the processes.

    The judge added that the state high court was clear when it nullified all primaries and congresses held during the pendency of the suit, which included the direct primaries conducted by the Abe faction.

    He said that both the Magnus Abe and the Amaechi factions have no leg to stand in view of the judgement, hence both factions are disqualified from participating in the elections.

    The court held that the APC in Rivers State has no power to nominate and sponsor any candidates for the 2019 General elections.

    The court ruled specifically that the APC cannot participate in the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly elections during the 2019 polls in Rivers State.

  • Rivers, N’East, problematic areas of 2019 elections – Abdulsalami

    The National Peace Committee has identified Rivers State and some states in the North-East as problematic areas areas of the 2019 general elections.

    The committee, which met with Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in Abuja yesterday, however, promised to intervene in the areas and ensure peaceful conduct of the polls.

    Chairman of the peace committee and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who spoke at the end of the meeting, also disclosed that the committee would meet with national chairmen and secretaries of registered political parties today, to listen to them.

    His words: “In particular, we have problem in Rivers State, and there are some other areas where problems are emerging. So, we will try to see how we can solve the problems

    “I’m worried about the security situation in the North-East and it is necessary that we try to contain violence there in order for INEC to go there and conduct election.

    “You should know that INEC will not send people to endanger their lives in order to conduct election and, in actual fact, no agent or no political party will endanger the lives of its people in any conflict area.
    “So, we hope we will be able to contain that violence before the general elections.”

    The former head of state promised to help sanitise the political arena.

    According to him, INEC has assured the committee of its readiness for the general elections, but called for issue-based campaign by political parties.

    He emphasised the importance of peace during the election, adding that “there must be peace before we have a country, there must be peace before we (could) conduct election.”

    The former head of states promised that the committee would ensure there is decent electioneering campaign and that there are no hate speeches, no name calling and undesired utterances by politicians.

    “We are going to meet with the chairmen and secretaries to all political parties tomorrow (today) in order to discuss and also listen to them and see how we can make progress.

    “After the meeting with the political parties, we are going to draw a Memorandum of Understanding of peace and tranquillity and this we hope will be signed by all the presidential candidates and the chairmen of the registered parties.

  • Tonye Cole’s convoy kills two, injures another during sensitisation tour in Rivers

    The convoy of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, on Friday hit and killed two women in Abua, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of the state.

    The incident happened in Egbolom area of Abua Central-Ogonokom Road in Abua in the afternoon, and another woman was said to have been injured.

    It was gathered that Cole was on his way to Otapha on a ward-to-ward sensitisation tour before the accident happened.

    The security details of the governorship candidate, in an attempt to avoid hitting a motorcyclist on the road, swerved their vehicles to the edge of the road, crushing the women on the walkway to death in the process.

    An eyewitness, who only identified himself as Kipoye, told one of our correspondents that Cole’s convoy hit the two women in Egbolom, while they were walking on the side of the road.

    He said, “The Rivers APC governorship candidate was on his way to Otapha in Abua on a ward-to-ward sensitisation visit. While on their way in Egbolom, a motorcycle suddenly joined the road and the soldiers leading the convoy tried to avoid hitting the bike and in the process, they swerved to the edge of the road, hitting and killing two women on the spot.

    “The deceased women have been taken to the morgue. Right now, we have not been able to ascertain the identities of the women. But they are from Egbolom.”

    When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, adding that Cole and the Divisional Police Officer of the area were currently in touch with the families of the deceased persons and the injured person.

    Omoni said, “We are aware that the convoy of the APC candidate was today involved in an accident. Three women were hit in the accident and two of them died while one was injured.

    “I understand that the governorship candidate and the DPO of the area have reached out to the families of the deceased and injured persons.”

    Speaking about the accident, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Chris Finebone, said they were heading to Ward 8 in Abua/Odual when the incident occurred, adding that the political activities of the day were cancelled following the accident.

    “When the accident occurred, the candidate was in about the eighth vehicle in the convoy. A pick-up van was involved in the accident and we all went out to give first aid to the women that were affected.

    “The candidate, who was in one of the vehicles that had moved about half a kilometre ahead, ordered the vehicles to make a U-turn. The candidate joined others to visit the hospital, where the two women were confirmed dead.

    “We then went to report the matter to the divisional police in the area while the activities of the day were cancelled as a result of the death of the two women. It was an accident that could happen to anybody.

    “The candidate and the party have restated that they would stand by the family of those deceased and injured,” the state APC spokesman said.

  • Tonye Cole knocks Wike for ordering immediate closure of IDP camps in Rivers

    Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole has reacted to Governor Nyesom Wike’s order to close all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps presently housing victims of ravaging flood in parts of the state.

    Cole in a statement by his campaign organisation, The Tonye Cole Campaign Organisation (TCCO) condemned the sudden directive describing it as anti-people.

    Reacting on Thursday in Port Harcourt, the Director-General of the TCCO, Chief Chidi Lloyd, blasted Wike for ordering the immediate closure of the camps instead of visiting the people and providing them much succour. He also added that the actions of the governor would increase the sufferings of the flood victims in the state.

    “It is condemnable for Gov. Wike to ignore calls by well-meaning people to visit suffering flood victims in the Orashi and other areas in Rivers State. Instead, the governor has ordered that the IDP camps be closed down even when communities like Odiereke, Akinima and others are still submerged in water with reptiles roaming freely and occupying homes.

    “We expect a responsible government to cater for the needs of the flood victims and when the water has completely receded, carry out a comprehensive health audit and possible fumigation before the victims move back to their homes. These our brothers and sisters are likely to face several challenges such as waterborne diseases, rodents and possible snake bites. Even some of their homes may have weakened to the point of collapsing with all the attendant dangers to life.”

  • Wike unveils plan for tourism development in Rivers

    Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has reiterated his commitment to develop the tourism potential of the state.

    The governor, in a meeting with journalists on the sidelines of the recently concluded National Festival of Arts and Culture held in Port Harcourt, said there was a need to constantly showcase the cultural heritage of Rivers and to manage its tourism potential in such a way as to enhance its economic growth.

    He said, “Rivers State has a rich cultural heritage and the potential to emerge as a first class tourist destination. For this reason, I have said that every year we must host a major cultural activity in the state. In doing this, we hope to showcase the cultural and tourism potential of the state to the rest of the world.

    “Everything must not always be about politics. I believe that culture and tourism are also very important. Politics has failed this country, in terms of unification of the people. The only unifying factors today are culture, tourism and sport.

    “We have built the Jim Rex-Lawson Cultural Centre in Port Harcourt, for example, for the purpose of developing the tourism potential of this state. I dare say that there is no other facility of its kind in any part of the country.”

    Wike said that the state government had entered a deal with some of the major artistes in the country, which required them to occasionally visit the state and showcase their talents at the centre.

    “If you visit the Pleasure Park, you will understand why we are keen on tourism development. If I have a potential and I don’t let the world know about it, then I have a problem. I have to do anything necessary to promote culture and tourism in RiversState and that is what I will continue to do,” he said.

    The governor also said that the only obstacle standing between the Rivers State Government and its plan to transform Port Harcourt into the ‘Dubai of Nigeria’ was the Federal Government.

    He explained, “We have a solid plan to develop tourism in Rivers State and we believe it should grow, but we also have a limitation in a sense that this plan is dependent on the government in power at the centre.

    “If you have a Federal Government that is hostile to the state government, how can you achieve it? You can’t achieve it. And that is not what is supposed to be.

    “So, having the will or plan to develop tourism is different from actualising it because of the hostile attitude of the Federal Government. We must be able to tell ourselves the simple truth.”

    Speaking on the need to introduce culture to the school curriculum in Nigeria, Wike said that no meaningful progress could be achieved without placing emphasis on the teaching of culture and history in schools.

    “I think that culture should be embedded in the educational curriculum. How can I have a child who doesn’t know the culture of his people? Culture is part of development and growth. So, it is important and quite necessary to let our children learn about the cultures of the various ethnic groups in Nigeria,” he said.

  • JUST IN: PDP loses only senator from Rivers to APC

    The Senator representing Rivers West, Osinakachukwu Ideozu, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
     
    Majority Leader at the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, announced Osinakachukwu’s defection at plenary on Wednesday.
     
    Lawan, who was moving a motion for the adjournment of plenary till November 6, welcomed and congratulated him for joining the majority party.
     
    With this, the three senators from Rivers, a PDP-controlled state, are now members of the APC.
     
    The others are Senators Andrew Uchendu (Rivers East) and Magnus Abe (Rivers South East).
     
     
     
     

  • Court slams N600m fine on EFCC for declaring two Rivers govt officials wanted

    A High Court in Port Harcourt on Thursday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay the sum of N600m ‘exemplary damages’ to two Rivers State Government officials for investigating and declaring them wanted.
    The two officials are the State Accountant General, Frederick Dagogo-Abere; and former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Lekia Bukpo. They were among those accused by the anti-graft agency of withdrawing N117bn from state government coffers.
    The judge, Justice George Omereji, in his ruling, declared that the anti-graft agency violated the fundamental rights of the officials by investigating the Rivers State Government’s account.
    He stated that the action was in disobedience of a subsisting court order restraining the Commission from investigating the state government account.
    Justice Omereji said he was embarrassed by the actions of the EFCC, adding that the Commission failed to appeal the judgment against it, but resorted to self-help by inviting the state officials.
    He said that the Commission should first vacate the subsisting order made by Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court before taking any action on accounts of the state government.
    The judge also described the letter of invitation of the EFCC to the state government officials malicious, maintaining that only the Rivers State House of Assembly has the right to investigate the financial activities of the state government.
    The court declared that the sum of N300m each be paid by the EFCC to Federick Abere and Lekia Biokpo as exemplary damages.
    Counsel for the Accountant General of the State, Dike Udenna, described the judgment as a response to some questions asked by Nigerians on the alleged abuse of court processes by the EFCC.
    Recall that former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili, had, during his administration, obtained a perpetual injunction from a Federal High Court restraining the EFCC, ICPC and other anti-graft agencies from investigating Rivers State Government account.