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Tag: Tinubu

  • Lagos APC Primaries: Rejection of Ambode for Sanwo-Olu beyond me – Tinubu [Video]

    Lagos APC Primaries: Rejection of Ambode for Sanwo-Olu beyond me – Tinubu [Video]

    The national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the decision by the party in Lagos to deny incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode second ticket is beyond him.
    Recall that governorship primary to decide who flies the party’s ticket in the election next year is still ongoing.
    However, results from most local government areas show the party’s anointed, Jide Sanwo-Olu is leading the governor comfortably.
    Sanwo-Olu is believed to be enjoying the support of Tinubu and the entire party structure in Lagos.
    Watch Tinubu addressing the press after voting in his ward today:

  • APC NWC moves to save Ambode

    APC NWC moves to save Ambode

    Few hours to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Lagos State, the national leadership of the party has made a last-ditch effort to resolve the crisis that has threatened the second term bid of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
    Ambode is bidding for the APC ticket, alongside Managing Director of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a direct primary election holding in 20 local government areas and 37 local development areas of the state.
    Ex-governor and National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, had endorsed Sanwo-Olu’s aspiration, as, according to him, governor Ambode has derailed, having abandoned the Lagos masterplan.
    This came just as Ambode has demanded a level-playing field in the primary that would determine the APC candidate for 2019.
    Sources revealed that the APC national leadership, weighing the implication of having a fresh candidate in Lagos, at a time President Muhammadu Buhari is seeking re-election, reached out to party stakeholders in Lagos and impressed it on them to support Ambode.
    In the interventions, sources revealed, the APC leadership asked members to put the interest of the party first; before any other considerations.
    Specifically, it was gathered that the APC National Chairman, Adam Oshiomhole, is interested in the amicable resolution of the crisis in favour of Ambode.
    Sources revealed that Oshiomhole is not comfortable with the prospect of Ambode losing the primary and perhaps, joining the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in a critical state as Lagos.
    It wasgathered that elements in the Presidency are also not in support of the move to bring a fresh candidate in Lagos when the party has a sitting governor.
    Towards this end, these elements have told APC leadership to ensure that the boat is not rocked in Lagos.
    It was gathered that in order to ensure that a candidate that would help the APC win next year’s election emerges, the National Working Committee (NWC) panel set up to conduct the governorship primary in Lagos has been asked to ensure a level-playing field.
    The panel, made up of former Cross River governor, Mr. Clement Ebri (chairman), Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel (Secretary); Hon. Chidi Duru; Chief Clever Egbeji; Senator Clever Ikisikpo and Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe, arrived Lagos yesterday and paid a courtesy visit to Ambode.
    A member of the panel, who declined to be named, told that the panel has the mandate to ensure that the interest of the APC, as a party, prevailed.
    He said the panel will ensure that APC members vote according to their conscience, “bearing in mind that the ultimate is for the party to not only retain the governorship seat but, also, that president Buhari wins the state in the presidential election.”
    Meanwhile, Ambode, yesterday, told his visitors that he is not afraid of the primary, having gone through the same process with 12 other aspirants to emerge as governorship candidate in 2014.
    He simply asked for a level-playing field in the primary.
    “The eventual process of choosing who flies the party’s flag must be seen to be fair to all concerned
    “All I seek is credible primary, transparent primary and level-playing ground that we will all be proud of at the end of the day, for the outcome.”
    He reminded the panel that he had raised such issues earlier.
    “The bottom line is this; we are family, we must not go into the elections divided because this is the very first time that our party is controlling the centre and also, the state. That is what I want us to continue.
    “The issues that I raise have been put in form of a letter, which I would pass to their chairman and I believe the committee will look into it judiciously and also I welcome the stakeholders meeting, which will allow you feel the pulse of what is going on in the state.”
    He also urged the panel to use its prerogative to decide the best possible time for the primary election and make a public announcement on the time, date and venues of the exercise; to enable members of the party partake in the process.
    Ebri, on his part, said the panel deemed it fit to pay a courtesy visit to the governor, as the number one citizen in the state and to also intimate him on the process for the conduct of the primaries.
    He said: “We are the panel that has been constituted to conduct primaries. We are seven members and there are indications that there would be one or two additions; due to the work load here.
    “We have come to intimate you that this exercise is going to take place in the next few hours. I also like to apologise for the delay. It had to be postponed as a result of logistics in Lagos, Imo and some other states because of the pressure and workload from the secretariat and other developments that have taken place.”
    Ebri assured Ambode that he and his team were ready for the task ahead and would do everything possible to ensure that the process is seen to be free, fair and credible.
    “Lagos is more like a decider and like they say, when Lagos sneezes the rest of the country catches cold.
    “So, that is why we are very careful about what we are doing and the national chairman asked me to send his best wishes to you and ask us to come and do the right thing to the satisfaction of all members, more so that the president of this country stands for transparency and detests corruption and a situation where no one feels manipulated.
    “The process we are laying out is such that we ensure and guarantee transparency and credibility; we have people of integrity in this panel; these are not rookies in politics; they are people who have been tested.
    “You can see senators, former governors, former deputy governor, former member of the House of Representatives; so, this is a star-studded team and I can assure you that we have all the experience that you want and you can think about to conduct this exercise.
    “We assure you of our sincerity and transparency and we seek your cooperation in providing a level playing field.”
    On the stakeholders meeting, which later held yesterday evening at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ebri said it was to enable aspirants and other concerned stakeholders voice their opinions concerning the primary, in accordance with the democratic principles of the party.
    He said the meeting would afford the panel look at the possibility of conducting the primary at the most convenient time and where there are still grey areas, “then, we will contact the national headquarters and get the necessary approval to make adjustments.”

  • JUST IN: Buhari, Osinbajo, Tinubu, others attend APC NEC meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have arrived the secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja for the National Executive Council meeting.

    The meeting is currently ongoing at the APC secretariat in Abuja.

    Buhari arrived the meeting at 11:19 a.m., after Osinbajo and other stakeholders arrived.

    Among the earlier arrivals was former Lagos State governor and national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu.

    Thursday’s meeting will, among others, address the type of primaries to be adopted by the APC to select its candidates for the 2019 general elections.

     

    Details later…

  • 2019: [Photos] Buhari hosts Tinubu, Uduaghan, governors, APC caucus in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met with the national caucus of All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting at the New Banquet Hall of the State House started around 8.30pm.

    Those at the meeting included the the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, and the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole.

    The serving State Governors at the meeting included Borno, Jigawa, Niger, Plateau, Kogi, Adamawa, Ondo, Kano, Ogun, Oyo, Katsina, Osun, Yobe, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Imo, and Lagos.

    Also at the meeting were Segun Oni, Femi Gbajabiamila, former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, former Borno State Governor, Alimodu Sheriff, former Lagos State Governor, Buba Marwa, Lawrence Onoja, Jim Nwobodo, Kabiru Gaya.

    Others are former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, former Enugu State Governor, Sylva Chime, former Edo State Governor, Osunbor.


    Also in attendance were the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, former Ekiti State governor, Niyi Adebayo, former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Goodwill Akpabio, former Bayelsa State Governor, Sylva Timipre, Don Etiebet, and the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed.

    Some senators and members of the House of Representatives also attended the meeting.

  • 2019: Rivers Govt knocks Tinubu for linking Wike with Tambuwal’s presidential ambition

    The Rivers State Government on Monday berated a former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for linking Governor Nyesom Wike with Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s 2019 presidential ambition.

    Recall that Tinubu had on Sunday in a statement stating why some high profiled defectors left the APC accused Wike of luring Tambuwal to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with the promise of getting him the PDP presidential ticket.

    In a statement he issued in Port Harcourt on Monday the State Commissioner of Information and Communications, Emma Okah, said Wike has a culture of respecting elders, including Tinubu but accused the leader of not reciprocating the gesture.

    According to Mr Okah “Governor Wike has not discussed the political ambition of Governor Tambuwal with Senator Tinubu any day and so Senator Tinubu cannot rely on mere rumour to speak unfairly about the governor in the way he did.”

    Okah said Mr “Tambuwal is a matured adult who has the capacity to take critical political decisions for himself without prompting from Gov Wike.

    “When as Speaker of House of Representatives, Governor Tambuwal defected from the ruling PDP to the APC, why did Senator Tinubu not say that Governor Wike had a hand in it at that time or is it because it favoured Senator Tinubu’s APC?”

    The commissioner urged elders to “exercise restraint at times like this.”

     

  • 2019: Saraki reveals why Tinubu will support Buhari even on hospital stretcher

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has replied national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who alleged that he [Saraki] among other APC defectors left the party because they couldn’t get cash settlements and automatic tickets to run in 2019.

    Saraki in an article titled: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Rhetoric: My Response, by Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, reinstated that he left APC due to lack of inclusion while stressing that Tinubu is only supporting the Muhammadu Buhari led government just to protect his [Tinubu] presidential ambition in 2023.

    Read Saraki’s words to Tinubu:

    “I have always restrained from joining issues in the media with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this is based on my respect for him. However, I will not allow him to create a wrong, false and mischievous impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the All Progressives Congress (APC) and present his prejudice as facts for public consumption.

    I have been consistent in my complaints to all leaders of the APC, including Tinubu, that a situation where the National Assembly is not constructively engaged or carried along in key policy decisions, particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval, is not in the best interest of the nation. No genuine leader of the legislature will be comfortable that the Presidency will simply write a terse letter to the National Assembly on key issues which the federal legislature is expected to later deliberate upon and give its approval. The Buhari administration consistently treats the legislature with contempt and acts as if the lawmaking body should be an appendage of the Executive. To me, this is unacceptable.

    In the same way, I find it very objectionable that many stakeholders who worked strenuously to get the administration into office have now been excluded in the government and not consulted on key decisions as necessary and expected. In fact, some of them are treated as pariahs. A party that ignores justice, equity and inclusion as basic pre-conditions for peace, unity and stability cannot sustain its membership and leadership.

    Let me redirect the attention of the former Governor of Lagos State to the aspect of my July 31, 2018, statement announcing my exit from APC in which I emphasized that the decision “has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist”.

    >In that statement, I further noted that those APC elements “have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded. All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as additional pretext for further exclusion. The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere”.

    Tinubu himself will recall that during the various meetings he had with me at the time he was pursuing reconciliation within the APC, I raised all the above issues. I can also vividly recall that he himself always expressed his displeasure with the style of the government and also mentioned that he had equally suffered disrespect from the same government which we all worked to put in office. I also made the point that whatever travails I have gone through in the last three years belong to the past and will not shape my decisions now and in the future.

    However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between Tinubu and I is that while I expressed my worries that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather ‘support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher’ to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-west. This viewpoint of Tinubu’s was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest.

    It is clear that while my own decision is based on protecting the collective national interest, Tinubu will rather live with the identified inadequacies of the government for the sake of fulfilling and preserving his presidential ambition in 2023. This new position of Tinubu has only demonstrated inconsistency — particularly when one reviews his antecedents over the years.

    Again, let me reiterate my position that my uncertain and complex relationship with Tinubu has been continually defined by the event of 2014 when myself and other leaders of the APC opposed the Muslim-Muslim ticket arrangement about to be foisted on the APC for the 2015 polls. It should be noted that he has not forgotten the fact that I took the bull by the horns and told him that in the interest of the country, he should accept the need for the party to present a balanced ticket for the 2015 General Elections in terms of religion and geo-political zones. Since that time he has been very active; plotting at every point to undermine me, both within and outside the National Assembly.

    It is a surprise to me that Asiwaju Tinubu is still peddling the falsehood about the fact that my defection is about automatic ticket and sharing of resources. Members of the public will recall that when the issue of my decision to quit APC came to the fore and many APC leaders were holding meetings with me, a newspaper owned by the same Tinubu published a false report about the promise of automatic tickets, oil blocks and other benefits. I immediately rebutted their claims and categorically stated that I never discussed any such personal and pecuniary benefits with anybody. My challenge that anybody who has contrary facts should come forward with them still remains open.

    t should be known that Democracy is a system that allows people to freely make their choices. It is my choice that I have decided to join others to present a viable alternative platform for Nigerians in the coming elections. Tinubu and leaders of the APC had better respect this decision or lawfully deal with it. As for me, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfill their aspirations.”

  • Tinubu reveals reasons Saraki, Tambuwal, other defectors dumped APC

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday spoke on the defection of some chieftains from the ruling party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said the defectors, including Senate President Bukola Saraki and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, left the APC because they wanted automatic tickets and “the sharing of the national wealth”, which the party could not guarantee.

    Tinubu said those anticipating the decline of the APC on account of the defections will soon be disappointed by their inaccurate predictions, adding that the days and months ahead will reveal that the forecasts were premised on bitterness and not on objective analyses.

    In his view, the debate on the current historic national transition should not be reduced to narrow and cunning electoral calculations based on which party maintains the majority in the National Assembly. Nigerians are more concerned about the quality of governance, Tinubu said.

    He added: “We are locked in battle to define the future of this nation and the quality of its governance. This battle pits one party, the APC, with all its imperfections, that seeks national reforms against another party, the PDP, which symbolises the perfection of the most selfish designs of the most selfish politicians among us.”

    The former Lagos State governor said the defectors, who have presidential ambition, are afraid to face President Muhammadu Buhari at primary.

    Tinubu reflected on the gale of defections in a statement in Lagos titled: “They go away because we go the right way”.

    He said chieftains who had called it quits with the APC embraced the PDP because of the promise of automatic tickets, offices and privileges, adding that they were not interested in political and governance reforms that are critical to the liberation of Nigeria from the tenement of global poor.

    Firing salvos at Tambuwal, Tinubu said his ambition was motivated by a personal ambition predicated on the defeat of the progressive reform and not its advancement.

    He stressed: “Governor Tambuwal’s exit can be distilled to one cause. He covets the presidency. However, he had not the stomach to challenge President Buhari in a primary. Tambuwal felt further insulted that he would be compelled to face a direct primary just to retain the governorship nomination.

    “But for the promise made by PDP hardliners like Rivers State Governor Wike that he would have the PDP presidential nomination, Tambuwal would not have left. His exit had nothing to do with governance of the nation. It was about forging a personal ambition predicated on the defeat of progressive reform, not the advancement of it.”

    Tinubu said it was strange that Saraki could attribute his exit to lack of governance in a government where he wields ample power and influence as the number three citizen.

    Chiding him for lack of proper focus, he said the Senate President had concentrated on activities that fuelled his selfish designs, instead of progressive enactments that could catapult the country to progress.

    Tinubu added: “He harbours dreams of the presidency, but Tambuwal’s ambition will dwarf Saraki’s when the two collide. If Saraki had remained in the APC, he would be unable to reclaim his Senate seat, let alone the Senate Presidency. He thus bolted because he lusts for the presidency, but was promised by the PDP, at least, a return to his position in the Senate.

    “For Saraki to talk about lack of governance is for him to deny who he is and the position he holds. The man stands as Nigeria’s number three citizen. Clothed is he in ample power and influence. If he saw areas where government and the nation needed help, he could have easily applied his energies to these areas. He could have drafted legislation and easily got passed.

    Why announcing his defection, Saraki said it was “inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.

    He added: “All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined.”

    Speakinmg to his supporters in Ilorin, he lamented that “200 juicy appointments” were made without anyone being given to him and House of Represntatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    Tambuwal also said he was defecting because the APC-led government neglected its promise to Nigerians including “the restructuring of the country as promised and as contained in the APC manifesto”

    He added that he could not “boldly point to any meaningful federal projects initiated in the state under the APC government, adding that “Sokoto State is also not being meaningfully carried along in political appointments and in other matters of national importance.

    “However, no progressive enactment bears his name, for he cared not for progress. He has been more focused on changing the rules of the Senate to favour himself and changing the order of elections so as to coincide with his selfish designs.”

    Noting that the Buhari administration is on course, Tinubu said it is nurturing political and governance reforms that would reposition the polity.

    He said: “We steadily close the door on the old practices that have caused a rich nation to reside in the tenement of the global poor. The corruption of the past is ending; for it must end, if we are to fulfill our collective purpose. With this correction, less public money will be diverted to private benefit. More will be afforded to the causes of the people. The economy is being transformed so that the average person will have a better chance of finding a better life.”

    Tinubu also said Nigeria is on the path of a steady union where exclusive decision making by a handful of uninformed men and rich persons has become a thing of the past.

    He lamented that while some politicians champion the cause of reforms, others are scheming against collective improvement.

    Tinubu stressed: “They seek to halt progress toward a fairer nation. They seek to hold the old ways. The difference between the two parties and why some people returned to their PDP conclave must be seen in this light.”

    To the former governor, Nigerians have a stark choice to make in 2019. They will exercise the wisdom to make a good choice, he said.

    He added: “If they want to relive the certain failure and inequality of the system the PDP had erected against their very interests, the people will walk the way of the defectors. If the people want to give themselves a better chance at an excellent nation, they will adhere to the path elected in 2015 when they voted for reform and the APC.

    “I believe in the collective wisdom of the people. They will choose the right way for they are Nigerians, which means they shall do what is right and just.”

  • Jonathan, Obasanjo, Atiku, Saraki, Tinubu, others pay tribute to Kofi Annan

    Prominent Nigerian politicians all poured in their tributes in salutation of former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Kofi Annan, who passed on yesterday.

    Ex-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, described Annan as a renowned icon of peace and a great son of Africa whose death was a sad loss to humanity.

    In a tribute to the memory of Annan, who died Saturday at the age of 80, Jonathan noted that his extensive reforms reinvigorated the UN systems and positively impacted international relations. “I am deeply saddened by the death of Kofi Annan, a world renowned icon of peace and diplomacy.

    He was a distinguished and accomplished international public servant and one of Africa’s most prominent diplomats. “As the United Nations Secretary-General, Annan introduced far-reaching reforms that reinvigorated the UN systems and positively impacted international relations. “A consummate diplomat, Annan successfully managed the contending powers in the UN and stood firmly for development, human rights and a peaceful world; a commitment that earned him the Nobel Peace Prize.

    “Even after leaving active service, Annan remained robustly engaged in promoting good governance, diplomacy, mediation, and humanitarian services. His demise is a sad loss to Africa and the World,” Jonathan said. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his remark described Annan as a statesman who dedicated his life to democracy, peace, stability, security, equity, justice, human rights, development and progress. In a statement signed by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo said: “I received the shocking news of the demise of former United Nations Secretary- General, Kofi Annan, with deep sadness at the loss of a brother and friend.

    He said: “In this moment of grief, I fondly remember Kofi’s contribution to good governance and sustainable development in Africa particularly through the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Africa Progress Panel, a group of ten distinguished individuals which advocated policy change for sustainable development in Africa. “Kofi Chaired the Africa Progress Panel, and I was a member, until 2017 when we took a decision to transfer the activities of the Panel from Geneva, Switzerland, to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria under the name of Africa Progress Group.”

    Former Vice President of Nigeria Atiku Abubakar described the late former Secretary General of the UN as a quintessential promoter of global peace. Atiku in a statement by his media office in Abuja yesterday said Annan was an astounding diplomat and one of the leading lights in the African continent of this century.

    He lamented his passing on and called on Africans of the present generation to emulate the late Annan’s commitment to the well- being and development of the African continent while serving as Chief Scribe of the United Nations. Atiku, a presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recalled that during his days at the United Nations, Annan served the international community with distinction, adding that his period as UN Secretary General was to a large extent peaceful internationally because of his wisdom, patience, persistence and integrity. He noted that even after retirement, Kofi Annan continued to play critical international roles that advanced the well- being of Africa and the world.

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, says late Kofi Annan will be remembered for his remarkable role in ensuring stability of democratic governments in Africa.

    Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Media Officer, Tunde Rahman, in Lagos, said the late Annan initiated interventions in conflict resolution around the world, aimed at achieving world peace.

    According to him, Annan was Africa’s gift to the world and a wonderful servant to the international community.

    “The death of former Secretary-General of UN, Mr Kofi Annan, in Bern, Switzerland today, August 18, 2018, is a loss to Africa and the entire world because of all that he represented.

    “In his lifetime, Kofi Annan distinguished himself as an international statesman, global icon, finest diplomat and tireless champion of human rights for all.

    On his part, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, described his death as the end of a golden era in global politics and international relations. Saraki, in a statement signed on his behalf by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late Annan as a quintessential African diplomat on the global plane and a citizen of the world, who deployed his vast capacities to tackle intractable global challenges ranging from hunger, conflict, epidemic and restoration of peace in war-torn countries.

    He noted that many developing nations benefitted immensely from the humanitarian efforts of the late Annan during lifetime as he was able to raise the concerns and challenges confronting hitherto forgotten peoples and nations in the Assembly of world powers. Reacting, former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu described the passing of the Founder, Kofi Annan Foundation, Dr. Kofi Annan as a huge loss to the African continent and beyond. According to Kalu, the late scribe of the UN, made inestimable contributions toward the building of a just and fair society.

    Acknowledging the selfless and patriotic attributes of the late Dr. Annan, the former governor urged leaders across the world, to emulate the late diplomat. In his condolence message, Kalu lamented the demise of Dr. Annan, stressing that the deceased will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to humanity. “I received with shock the news of the demise of former Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Kofi Annan.

    “The world, in particular, Africa has lost a rare gem and well-respected statesman, whose passion for humanity was extra-ordinary.

    “The late Nobel Peace Prize Laureate will be greatly missed across the globe for his unwavering determination to make the world a better place. Dr. Annan impacted the world positively and his legacies will remain evergreen. My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family,” said the business mogul. In his own reaction, a former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi described the Ghanaian as a true representative of Africa.

    He recalled his numerous meetings with him in Nigeria and outside Nigeria, how Annan’s preoccupation was how to develop Africa along the right paths. A former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States and Chargé d’Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, The Netherlands, Ambassador Joe Keshi, said the death of Annan came as a shock as many people had no inclination that he was sick or seriously sick for them to have anticipated his passage.

    According to him, Annan was the second African after Boutrous Ghali of Egypt but the first person of African extraction in the United Nations to lead the global organisation. He said that to a large extent, the deceased diplomat was remarkably successful given the compelling issues that the UN had to deal with under his watch.

    “Since he retired, he has spent considerable time mentoring African leaders on good governance and development. I just think that we will miss the voice of such an experienced diplomat and an African elder statesman but the world will always remember his contributions to peace and development across the globe,” he said.

  • 2019: All Lagos APC aspirants to face direct primaries – Tinubu

    2019: All Lagos APC aspirants to face direct primaries – Tinubu

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said all aspirants for various elective positions for the 2019 general election under the banner of the party, will be made to face direct primaries.

    Tinubu spoke while addressing members of the party at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

    He said to this end, the party would immediately commence the process of registering new members, while the old members who had registered before now as well as the new members would all be issued membership cards.

    Tinubu said it was gratifying to report that the party had resolved to register additional members, adding that membership register would be opened to facilitate the process, which eventually would be used for direct primaries.

    He said: “We appeal to all members to update the membership registration and embrace the direct primary that has just been introduced and adopted by our party. We are committed to our party; we are committed to the values of the party; we see direct primary as President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption and internal democracy revolution.

    “We are going to embrace that in which the party is going back to the owners of the party and that is you the people. It is not we the few; it is we the people. We have embraced democracy and you have your decisions to be made but you have to be members of our party in the first place.”

    Tinubu also dismissed the insinuation that the party was divided in the State, saying there was nothing of such, and that the party was intact.

    “We reiterate the fact that APC in Lagos State is intact. There is no division. I’ve heard some people conspiring to present a situation of division in the party in Lagos but let me assure you that it is just the coming together of adversaries which will have no effect on the party,” Tinubu said.

    Besides, he said the party at the State level also passed a resolution commending the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo for taking decisive actions to save the party and the nation from any embarrassment, saying: “We commend his efforts; we stand with him; and we stand with all members of our party,” just as the party commended all the steps taken so far by APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

    TTinubu equally urged members to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) before the expiration of registration deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    In his remarks, the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode commended Tinubu for kick-starting the revolution for direct primaries, saying the process would go a long way to deepen democracy in the country.

    “There is no better time to appreciate our National Leader (Tinubu) than now. What we have just witnessed is the beginning of a revolution about the deepening of democracy in Nigeria. People might not understand what is going on but we are giving power to the people and it is starting from APC.

    “So, we want to collectively say a big thank you to Asiwaju for championing this silent revolution and it is very simple; what we are saying is that if we know that Lagos State is truly controlled by APC, we would champion a revolution that has never been witnessed before in this country and that means each member of our great party will now determine who becomes the President of this country and by so doing, we create the championship that Lagos State has the votes and Lagos State has the numbers to make things happen in this country,” the Governor said

    He said the party in the State, with the development, was laying a solid foundation, and that the onus was now on others to build on it and allow Nigeria arrive at its destined destination.

    According to the Governor, “So, for us to say that all the people should go and get their membership, is going to now determine how many of us are really APC members. We want to determine what really controls political positions in this country and whoever has gone to defect, we are saying that there are no defectors in Lagos State and defection is a major loss to whoever has defected.

    “By the time we count ourselves; by the time we count all the members of APC in Lagos State, other parties will understand where APC is going and that is the assignment for all of us. Each member will get a minimum of 100 new members and by the time we do our count, we should be so sure that that is what should happen in other States and we would deliver the next general presidential election to Muhammadu Buhari by the grace of God,” Governor Ambode said.

    The meeting was well attended by chieftains and members of the party across the State.

  • Freeze reacts as Adeboye ordains Tinubu’s wife as RCCG pastor

    Freeze reacts as Adeboye ordains Tinubu’s wife as RCCG pastor

    Popular On Air Personality, Daddy Freeze has reacted to the ordination of Oluremi Tinubu, Senator from Lagos State as an Assistant Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG.

    Recall that Mrs Oluremi, who is the wife of a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Bola Tinubu was ordained assistant pastor during RCCG’s 66th Annual Convention yesterday.

    In attendance was the APC’s National Leader and former governor of the State.

    The APC National Leader also met with the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

    Reacting to Mrs Tinubu’s ordination, Freeze in a tweet wrote, “Congratulations to Mrs Tinubu, did she ordain Adeboye into politics..or is it the other way around? I didn’t quite get the story, congratulations anyway, we wish them well!”.