TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ultimatum

  • BREAKING: More trouble for APC as nPDP laments non-recognition, issues seven-day ultimatum

    BREAKING: More trouble for APC as nPDP laments non-recognition, issues seven-day ultimatum

    There are more trouble imminent in the already distressed All Progressives Congress [APC], as former leaders of the nPDP [new Peoples Democratic Party] who defected, joined hands with other parties in the merger that led to the formation of APC in 2013 have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the national chairman of the ruling party, demanding an urgent meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Recall that the then newPDP alongside Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) were the parties that were merged together to form APC.

    In a letter [obtained by TheNewsGuru] signed by Former national chairman of nPDP Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and its former national secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola, which was presented to John Odigie-Oyegun and copied to President Buhari and Osinbajo on Wednesday afternoon, the group listed several grievances and demanded an emergency meeting.

    The nPDP lamented that their faction of the APC were sidelined in the scheme of things immediately the party took over power in 2015.

    Some of the grieviance highlighted by the nPDP include the following:

    -In the constitution of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) the New PDP block was generally sidelined as virtually no position was conceded to it. The only member of FEC that belonged to former New PDP block comes from a State that contributed virtually no vote to the APC in the 2015 presidential elections.
    – There has been no significant patronage and appointments to executive positions in various government agencies such as Chief Executives and Executive Directors of government agencies and parastatals as members of our block of the party continue to helplessly watch as these positions are shared by the erstwhile CPC, ACN, ANPP and even APGA blocks of the party and those who have no party at all.
    – In appointments into boards of various government agencies, very few former New PDP members were patronised. These are however not commensurate with our contributions to the growth and victory of the party.
    – When members of the former New PDP block showed interest in running for the offices of President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, they were subjected to a vicious and relentless political opposition as if they were not legitimate members of the APC family.
    – During the party primaries preparatory to the 2015 General Elections, most of the promises made to sitting members of the National Assembly, who belonged to the former new PDP in terms of a level playing field were reneged upon or observed more in breach.
    April 27, 2018

    Read the letter in full:

    The National Chairman
    All Progressives Congress (APC)
    National Headquarters
    Abuja.
    REQUEST FOR REDRESSING OF GRIEVANCES OF THE FORMER NEW PDP BLOCK WITHIN THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC).
    We the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who moved over from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to form the APC before the 2015 General Elections in Nigeria are desirous of strengthening our party especially now that new party Congresses have commenced and the Convention and another round of General Elections are imminent. Obviously, this cannot be achieved without addressing fundamental issues which we wish to raise in this letter.
    We therefore wish, with due respect, to re-state our expectation then and now that the APC we all laboured to build would be one united, inclusive, cohesive and progressive party devoid of divisions, factions, cleavages and tendencies. We envisioned a political party promoting equal rights for all Nigerians and ensuring rapid and even development across the country. Of course there is no gainsaying the fact that the lofty ideals enumerated above cannot be attained without ensuring justice for party faithfuls and citizens.
    2. Kindly indulge us to offer a brief reminder of the history of events that led to the victory of the APC in the 2015 General Elections and the presidential election in particular. It is an undeniable historical fact that the movement of the former New PDP block to form the APC contributed immensely to the victory of the APC in the elections. The former new PDP included five sitting Governors of Sokoto, Kano, Kwara, Adamawa and Rivers States and former Governors of Kebbi, Gombe, Osun, former Vice President of Nigeria, former acting National Chairman of PDP, sitting Speaker of the House of Representatives, many serving members of the National Assembly and many renowned politicians and PDP Elders. It was a watershed moment in Nigeria’s political History.
    3. Most of these leaders not only DELIVERED their States to the APC at the elections, some of the Governors were also assigned specific responsibilities to ensure that other States were also delivered to the APC in the 2015 elections. The then Governor of Sokoto took charge of Kebbi and the then Governor of Kano State took responsibility for Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa States just to mention a few examples. There were also unprecedented efforts by many stakeholders such as Senator Bukola Saraki, in concert with others, to DELIVER the entire North Central to the APC.
    4. These efforts, contributions and sacrifice were made in spite of the fact that the presidential ticket was taken by the erstwhile Congress for Progressive Change, (CPC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) blocks of the party. It is a matter for grave concern that His Excellency, Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has never publicly acknowledged our efforts in the face of clear evidence that the total number of votes scored by the APC in States where leaders and members of the then NEW PDP block held sway made the difference.
    5. The stubborn facts are as follows: In Kano State APC scored 1,903,999 in 2015, and in Kwara 302,146. In Sokoto State it scored 671,926, and 374,701 in Adamawa. In Kebbi State, APC had 567,883 votes and 885,988 in Jigawa. It was the same story in Gombe (459,898), Kogi (264,851), and Benue (373,961) votes. These represented significant additions to the APC victory column. Indeed, the influence, activities, momentum and ripple effect generated by the former New PDP block was significant in the victory of APC in the entire elections in the whole country.
    6. At this stage we would chronicle a few grievances which if addressed will lead to a harmonious APC where justice, equity, fairness and peace will reign and enable APC avoid rancour, reinvigorate the pace of national development and face the 2019 General Elections as one united party.
    7. Our grievances include:
    a. In the constitution of the Federal Executive Council, (FEC) the New PDP block was generally sidelined as virtually no position was conceded to it. The only member of FEC that belonged to former New PDP block comes from a State that contributed virtually no vote to the APC in the 2015 presidential elections.
    b. There has been no significant patronage and appointments to executive positions in various government agencies such as Chief Executives and Executive Directors of government agencies and parastatals as members of our block of the party continue to helplessly watch as these positions are shared by the erstwhile CPC, ACN, ANPP and even APGA blocks of the party and those who have no party at all.
    c. In appointments into boards of various government agencies, very few former New PDP members were patronised. These are however not commensurate with our contributions to the growth and victory of the party.
    d. When members of the former New PDP block showed interest in running for the offices of President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives, they were subjected to a vicious and relentless political opposition as if they were not legitimate members of the APC family.
    e. During the party primaries preparatory to the 2015 General Elections, most of the promises made to sitting members of the National Assembly, who belonged to the former new PDP in terms of a level playing field were reneged upon or observed more in breach.
    f. There has been general lack of consultation, non recognition and even persecution of former New PDP members and leaders by the party and government. For example, some of our leaders are denied the security cover necessary to visit their constituencies even though they are elected representatives of the people in a government they sacrificed so much for.
    g. Harassment, intimidation and persecution of former New PDP leaders by the government, is still an ongoing affair. We do not want to overstate the obvious by cataloguing names of former new PDP stalwarts that are targets of this political pogrom.
    h. There is inadequate reflection of programme and policy contributions of members of the former New PDP block in the running of the government.
    8. Our belief is that it does not augur well for our party if a section of it feels that it is being treated as outcasts and meddlesome interlopers in the party they rightly belong with the legitimate expectation to be treated with justice both in the running of the party and the government.
    9. Arising from the issues outlined above, among others, we request for an urgent meeting with the Leader of the party, and the Party Executive leadership to find lasting solutions to the issues raised so as to prepare the party as a fighting force to deliver more pungently on its manifesto and face the 2019 General Elections with even greater commitment. The meeting will also enable us to work out modalities to ensure a level playing field for all in the Congresses and Convention of the APC.
    10. Given the constraining factor of available time and in the interest of our great Party, it is strongly advised that the said urgent meeting be held not later than Seven (7) days from the date of the receipt of this letter.
    11. In conclusion, we the members of the former New PDP block of the APC wish to reiterate that this letter is written patriotically with the best of intentions and the good of our party, the APC, and is issued to alert the leadership of the APC and in particular, the leader of our party, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who only recently indicated his intention to seek a second term as President, of grievances that exist within the party with a view to ensuring justice for all members of the APC family regardless of the blocks they came from prior to the formation of the APC.
    For and on behalf of the former New PDP Block of APC:
    Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje (CON) Former National Chairman (nPDP) Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola Former National Secretary (nPDP)
    CC:
    1. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR
    President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria
    2. Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
    Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

     

     

  • N650bn debt: Fuel marketers call off 14-day ultimatum to FG

    The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria ( DAPPMAN ) has called off its 14-day ultimatum earlier given to the Federal Government over N650 billion debt owed its members.

    The Executive Secretary of the Association, Mr Olufemi Adewole, called the 14-day ultimatum off in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

    On Feb. 20 DAPPMAN gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to settle a N650 billion debt owed its members or disengaged its workers.

    According to Adewole, following the 14-day ultimatum to commence staff disengagement given to government by DAPPMAN in the light of over N650 billion owed to petroleum marketers.

    “A series of constructive engagements and meetings were held with NNPC, Ministry of Labour, the Presidency and DAPPMAN/MOMAN.

    “Marketers have been reassured about the FGN’s commitment to make payment as evidenced by the request for approval for appropriation of same to the National Assembly.

    “It is our hope that this approval will be given promptly and these long overdue payments made subsequently,’’ he said.

    Adewole said that consequently, DAPPMAN/MOMAN hereby suspend the issued 14 days ultimatum and use this medium to plead with all our staff under the various umbrella unions.

    He urged NARTO, PENGASSAN, NUPENG/PTD to please bear with them whilst the approval for appropriation by the NASS is being deliberated on and processed.

    The statement expressed the belief that it would not exceed two weeks in view of the adverse implications of any delays.

    It, however, said that all marketers were to ensure there was no disruption in the supply and distribution of petrol nationwide.

    “We thank all Nigerians for their understanding and support in many forms as always,’’ the statement said.

  • Buratai extends ultimatum on capturing Shekau ‘dead’ or ‘alive’ by another 40 days

    Buratai extends ultimatum on capturing Shekau ‘dead’ or ‘alive’ by another 40 days

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has extended his 40-day deadline to troops to capture Abubakar Shekau, leader of terrorist group, Boko Haram.

    His initial deadline to Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, had expired on August 30, 2017.

    Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, in a statement on Friday said the commander requested for an extension of the order.

    He said troops were close to acheiving the goal before the expiration of the deadline.

    Usman, however, did not disclose the duration of the extended deadline.

    He said, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. T.Y. Buratai, has commended the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, his sector commanders and all troops of Operation Lafiya Dole for pursuing the COAS directive of capturing the purported Boko Haram terrorists’ leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive, within 40 days beginning on July 21, 2017, which elapsed on August 30, 2017.

    “Although the leader has not been captured, the COAS noted with satisfaction the zeal and determination with which the directive was pursued. He congratulated the commander for eliminating five key leaders of the terrorist group that were the closest associates and right-hand men of the terrorist group leader.

    “The Theatre Commander has asked for the extension of the deadline and it has been granted by the COAS.”

    He added that killing of top five leader of the terrorist group has weakened its structure and capacity.

  • Army unable to capture Shekau as Buratai’s 40 days ultimatum expires

    Army unable to capture Shekau as Buratai’s 40 days ultimatum expires

    Nigerian troops have failed to arrest Boko-Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, after the forty-day ultimatum given to apprehend the terror kingpin elapsed.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai had on July twenty-one ordered the commander of operation Lafiya Dole and his troops to arrest Abubakar Shekau at all costs.

    At a briefing in Maiduguri on the fortieth day of the ultimatum, the commander, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, said the arrest had not been made.

    He however added that the failure to arrest Shekau within the deadline was not an indication that the military would relent in its efforts to fight the Boko-Haram terror group and possibly arrest their leader.

    Attahiru said if the forty days ultimatum to arrest Shekau has elapsed we can fix another forty days ultimatum till he his finally caught.

    Attahiru also said operations are ongoing to locate and rescue the University of Maiduguri staff who had been abducted while exploring oil in Borno by members of the Boko Haram sect.

    The theatre commander in his briefing also gave a breakdown of activities of the northeast counter-insurgency operation, including the terrorists killed, hostages rescued, arrests made, weapons recovered, and losses on the part of Nigerian troops.

  • Reconstruction: FG issues 7-day ultimatum to truck drivers, others to vacate Apapa road

    Reconstruction: FG issues 7-day ultimatum to truck drivers, others to vacate Apapa road

    The Federal Government on Wednesday directed truck drivers blocking roads in Apapa to vacate within seven days to enable the reconstruction work on Wharf Road to start.

    The government also ordered telecommunication service providers and other operators to relocate their service cables on the Right of Way (RoW) of the project for work to begin.

    The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Godwin Eke, gave the directives during a meeting with stakeholders at the ministry’s office complex in Lagos.

    Stakeholders present at the meeting included representatives of telecommunication service providers, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), transport unions, port operators, shippers unions and AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, the construction company handling the project.

    Mr. Eke, after extensive deliberation with stakeholders, directed the tankers to immediately vacate the roads while service providers were to quickly relocate their cables from the RoW.

    “We need to do something urgently to ensure smooth running of the project.

    “When the project starts, we will not be able to wait for companies to relocate utility services; so, I am appealing to all stakeholders to act fast in the interest of us all.

    “Leave the roads so that this contractor, AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, can begin excavation on site,’’ he said.

    Mr. Eke also scheduled another meeting with the service providers and traffic management agencies for Wednesday to map out strategies for urgent relocation of their services.

    The stakeholders said some of the roads, which include Wharf Road and Creek Road, were already being handled by the ministry, adding that there must be cooperation for the project to be completed on time.

    Some stakeholders accused service providers of frustrating previous projects in Lagos by ignoring calls for relocation of services, thereby causing delays.

    They therefore agreed that a timeline be set after which service providers who ignore the deadline would bear the consequences of their inaction.

    The Managing Director of AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, Ashif Juma, said that strategies had been put in place to speed up construction work.

    Mr. Juma explained that the drainage channels were going to be constructed with precast elements which were ready to be moved to site.

    “We are ready to begin the drainage works by next week because we are using precast elements and they are ready.

    “The road is two kilometres for each lane both in bound and out bound lane.

    “We are to rehabilitate and reconstruct the road using concrete to construct rigid pavement that will last between 30 and 50 years.

    “This kick off meeting is to begin this process. There are several utility cables which nobody is aware of except the owners come forward to relocate them.

    “We will provide ducts and channels to protect the utilities but we need the help of stakeholders,’’ he said.

    Mr. Juma explained that the meeting was also important in order to schedule a traffic plan to make the site available for reconstruction.

    Sola Ayo-Vaughan, Chairman, Apapa GRA Residents Association, appealed to all stakeholders to comply with the directives to ease the hardship faced by the residents of Apapa who bear the brunt of gridlock.

    “We residents will like to know the routing for traffic diversion,’’ he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola had on Saturday signed a N4.34 Billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dangote Group and other stakeholders for reconstruction of the Apapa-Wharf Road.

    TheNewsGuru.com also reports that the site was handed over to the stakeholders for commencement of reconstruction works after the agreement was signed in Lagos.

    The project is to be funded by AG Dangote Construction Company Ltd, an arm of the Dangote Group, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Flour Mills of Nigeria.

     

  • Senate issues two weeks ultimatum to agencies yet to submit budget proposal

    Nigerian Senate apart from making public, list of government agencies yet to submit their 2017 budget proposal to the National Assembly in line with extant law issued two weeks ultimatum for compliance.

    Recall that the Senate on Tuesday lamented that the situation negated President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance against corruption.
    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, who drew the attention of his colleagues to the abnormality during plenary, insisted that it was wrong for agencies to spend money that has not been appropriated by the legislature.

    Na’Allah told his colleagues that he intends to bring the issue to the floor as a motion so that Senators will understand the implications and the need to assist the government to fight corruption.

    “I deliberately decided that I will bring it on the floor, so that Senators will understand the implications,” Na’Allah said.
    “In our commitment to assist this government to fight corruption, we must stand on our feet that every spirit of our law must be obeyed by those holding public offices.

    “I think that if you permit me I will like to come tomorrow by way of motion, so it can be debated on the Floor of the Senate.

    “The only approach this Senate can take to assist this government in fighting corruption, is to insist that gross abuse of power and misuse of power must be stopped by every government agency.
    “The only way we can build our institutions is to radically address the issue of abuse of power and misuse of power. I think that if you give me permission, I will like to bring it tomorrow as a motion.”

    How coup rumours made Buratai redeploy top Army officers

    The full list of agencies yet to submit their budget, as released by the Senate, below:

    Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASEI), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), National Maritime Authority (NMA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Nigerian Postal Service (NPS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),

    Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Communications Commission (NCC), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    Others are National Insurance Commission (NIC), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Radio Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

    Buhari: Buratai warns Army officers against secret meetings with politicians

    National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Federal Mortgage Bank, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), as well as Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGZFA)

  • Resident doctors end warning strike, issue 21 days ultimatum to FG to meet demands

    Resident doctors end warning strike, issue 21 days ultimatum to FG to meet demands

    The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD on Wednesday ended its seven-day nationwide warning strike and gave the Federal Government another 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the resident doctors had on January 18 embarked on seven days warning strike for the government to meet their demands.

    The President of the association, Dr John Onyebueze, said that the demands border on welfare, revamping decay infrastructure and equipment in the government-owned health institutions, provide quality and affordable healthcare to the populace.

    Others include immediate implementation of the National Health Act, 2014, release of the template and implementation of white paper on residency training programme.

    He said, “At the moment, we are still where we are, none of our demands have been met by the government, but the last time we met with the government officials they made some promises.

    “So, we are giving the Federal Government another 21 days ultimatum now to see those promises translating into action.

    “They cannot just tell us that they have set up machinery to implement the National Health Act, 2014 without actions.

    “Between now and the 21 days we have given, if we do not see the committee working or implementing the National Health Act that means it is a mere promise.

    “On the other issues regarding welfare, the government also made some promises which of course they have been making since 2013.

    “What we are waiting for is for those promises to translate into action.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that in a response to the warning strike, President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday directed Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to replace the resident doctors.

     

  • NCAA gives Arik Air 24-hour ultimatum to return passengers’ luggage

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Wednesday directed Arik Air to return all delayed baggage of its passengers from London to Lagos within the next 24 hours.

    The authority also directed the airline to compensate the affected passengers with $150 each for their troubles.

    The directive was issued by Mr Adamu Abdullahi, Director, Consumer Complaints Department, NCAA.

    Recall that Arik Air and no fewer than 40 passengers have been at loggerheads over the non-arrival of their baggage, five days after their flight landed in Nigeria.

    The aggrieved passengers had on Tuesday disrupted the airline’s operations and also allegedly damaged its check-in counter at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

    Addressing the passengers, Abdullahi appealed to them to remain calm as both Arik Air and the aviation authorities were working towards resolving the issue.

    In his words: “NCAA has directed Arik Air to pay each and every passenger a compensation of $150 each in line with civil aviation rules and regulations in Nigeria.

    “We have sent the letter to the airline and it also contains a directive that every bag must be here within the next 24 hours.

    “A directive is a directive and we will hold Arik Air management responsible, and I can assure you that they will abide by the directive, “he said.

    Abdullahi advised them against taking the laws into their own hands, stressing that there are laid down procedures to be followed in resolving such issues.

    Also speaking, Mr Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), urged those who needed medical attention to visit the FAAN clinic within the airport.

    Dunoma said the doctors had been directed to issue prescription drugs to passengers whose medications had yet to arrive the country due to the delay.

    Speaking on behalf of the airline, its Associate Vice President, Ground Operations Department, Mr Femi Kukoyi, apologised to the passengers for the inconvenience caused by the incident.

    Kukoyi said the airline had to charter an aircraft which brought some of the baggage to Lagos on Wednesday morning because the passengers prevented it from operating its A330 aircraft on Tuesday.

    He assured them that an aircraft was en-route Lagos from London and would arrive with about 300 bags by 7.pm while the remaining would be brought in by another of its aircraft by 5.am on Thursday.

    On the issue of compensation, he said Arik Air would attend to them on an individual basis and expressed optimism that everything would be resolved amicably.

    Two of the passengers who spoke to NAN, Mr Ifeanyi Uchendu and Mr Johnson Agwu, berated the airline for the shabby treatment of the passengers.

    According to them, the airline had earlier promised them that their bags would arrive latest on Tuesday and also they would receive compensation of N50,000. but failed to keep to its words.