politics
2023 president: APC zoning, gives the South the advantage of getting the presidential ticket
Pic 26.PresidentMuhammadu Buhari (L) andChairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Gov Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi during ameeting of the President with members of the Progressive Governors Forum at thePresidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22)00926/22/2/2022/Callistus Ewelike/NAN Pic27. Members of the Progressive Governors Forum after their meetingwith President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22)00927/22/2/2022/Callistus Ewelike/NAN
Pic 28.From left: GovernorsHope Uzodimma of Imo; Babagana Zulum of Borno; Simeon Lalung of Plateau; AtikuBagudu of Kebbi State; Mai Mala Buni of Yobe; Nasil El-Rufai of Kaduna Stateand Ben Ayade of Cross River briefing State House Correspondents after their duringa meeting of the President with members of the Progressive Governors Forum atthe Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday (22/2/22)00928/22/2/2022/Callistus Ewelike/NAN
It adopted the consensus option to pick its national chairman and other officers at its March 26 convention in Abuja.
The swapping of all offices commonly in the South for North and vice versa gives the South the advantage of getting the presidential ticket.
The North will have the Chairman whose last occupant is former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
“We have agreed on a zoning formula for all the six geopolitical zones and essentially, northern zones will take positions that southern zones had in the last eight years and vice versa – very simple, equitable and fair formula.
“We will now go back and consult at the zonal level, and look at the positions that are available and the process of the convention preparation will start in earnest,” Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai told reporters after the governors met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa.
The governors had met on Monday night to fine-tune the zoning proposal which was presented to President Buhari at yesterday’s meeting.
The breakdown of the zoning proposal according to geo-political zones is as follows: National Chairman (Northcentral), Deputy National Chairman (North) (Northwest), Deputy National Chairman, South (Southeast), National Secretary (Southwest), and National Organising Secretary (Northeast).
Speaking further on the zoning, El-Rufai said: ”So, by the grace of God on the 26th of March, we would have done a national convention.”
The chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, said President Buhari favoured consensus.
He said: “Mr. President reminded us that we have produced a number of national chairmen by consensus; Baba Akande emerged as the pioneer chairman of the party by consensus; His Excellency, John Oyegun, emerged by consensus; His Excellency, Adams Oshiomhole, emerged by consensus.
“While recognising in that many people who have indicated interest are equally competent, but knowing that just one person will occupy the office, the consensus is part of our Constitution and urged us to work towards consensus.
“And the governors I have said earlier have also been working to ensure that as part of the equitable arrangement, zoning and consensus are incorporated. We have done that at the lower levels, and even at the national level, it’s almost certain that we will achieve it.
“Then, the date of the convention, the caretaker committee briefed us yesterday about their meeting and the proposed March 26, 2022. And today, the governors informed Mr. President that we have had the briefing from the caretaker committee and we are supportive of their position.”
Bagudu explained that even though the planned zonal congresses of the APC is not provided for in its constitution, the law is also not against the process.
He said: “On proposed zonal congresses not in the constitution, I think there has been so much debate. Yesterday (Monday), there was a statement to the effect that even the letter that has gone out was withdrawn.
“So, zonal congresses are not explicitly stated in the constitution, particularly how you do zonal congresses.
“And we have in the past done them with national convention, but nothing again in the constitution stops them from being done outside the national convention. But, the final form will be decided, given the input we have provided.”
The President left the governors guessing on his preferred choice for the national chairman.
A source said President Buhari neither consented to the zoning formula presented by the governors nor gave direction on modalities for the sharing of party offices.
The governors, who agreed on the zoning formula Monday night, had put into consideration the President’s body language, politics within the party, zonal and state politics.
A governor said: “I will tell you the ongoing intrigues which may or may not guide the President, who controls the party machinery.
“Some governors are in favour of some of the aspirants for the office of national chairman but they are afraid of the body language of the President.
“Out of 12 aspirants, seven of them are from the Northcentral. They are the pioneer Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; ex-Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura; ex-Governor George Akume; Mallam Saliu Mustapha (Turaki Ilorin); Senator Sani Mohammed Musa; a former Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Bawa Bwari; and the youngest, Mohammed Etsu.
“The truth, however, is that the governors were careful because they know that Buhari is a bit favourable to Senator Adamu, who was asked to be the chairman of the party’s National Reconciliation Committee (NRC).
“There was an incident, which was not lost on most of the governors. When the list of aspirants was presented to the President, Adamu was omitted because he is yet to express interest. The President directed on the spot that the name of the senator should be included.
“In the last few weeks, Adamu’s residence on Ali Akilu Crescent, within the precinct of the Presidential Villa, has been a beehive of activities.
“It is certainly a straightforward battle between Adamu and other six aspirants in the Northcentral.”
Speaking on the division among the governors, El-Rufai said: “We were divided over the timing of the convention. Some governors felt that we should put off the convention until we resolve all the congress’ issues in some states.
“Some governors held the view that we should wait until all these are resolved and this is not borne out of any agenda or selfishness. It is just a realistic proposition to avoid us violating any laws or putting our party structures of elected candidates in danger.
“There were differences in opinion about timing. Some of us are saying the Constitution allows us to have the convention, even if three or four states have unresolved issues, while others are saying no, let us finish all the reconciliations and we do this convention, after all, there is no time limit for the convention, as long as we do it before the time for the primaries.
“So that was the difference. This is what the media has called divided governors. In a democratic setting, there is no way you can have 22 governors, plus the deputy governor of Anambra State, agreeing on every issue.
“After our meeting last night to deliberate on the proposal by the national caretaker committee, and our briefing with Mr. President today, we’re all on the same page.
“So, by the grace of God on the 26th of March, we would have done a national convention. We could do the zonal convention before that, or do it at the same time. Again, the constitution is silent. So, as our chairman said, we can decide either way.
“But, let nobody leave this room with any doubt that the Progressive Governors are united and the convention and the future of the party and our commitment to ensure that the People’s Destruction Party doesn’t come back to power,” he said.
Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, dismissed fears that the ruling party will collapse at the end of President Buhari’s time in office, noting that the APC had done very well at the federal level.
At yesterday’s meeting were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari.
Eighteen governors attended the meeting at the Council Chambers.
They are from Yobe, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Jigawa, Cross River, Kaduna, Lagos, Borno, Niger, Gombe, Osun, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kano, Imo, Kogi, Ogun, and Plateau states.
The outgoing deputy governor of Anambra State, who last year defected to the APC, was also in attendance.
It was however learnt that an in-house committee has advised the President to consult with the National Caucus of APC before the convention date.
A governor, who spoke in confidence, said: “In his usual manner, the President listened to us. He didn’t accept the zoning formula brought to him and he didn’t present his own.
“But he told us that the party has a tradition right from when Chief Bisi Akande was made the interim national chairman of our party. He said we always do consensus.
“Therefore, he was clear to us that we will adopt consensus at the national convention.”
Asked if the President disclosed his preferred candidate for the national chairman, the source added: “He was not forthcoming on any position but we already knew his mindset on some offices .”
Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu lauded Buhari and caretaker committee chairman Mai Mala Buni for postponing the convention.
Kalu, in a statement in Abuja, said the shift in the date of the proposed convention has saved the party from implosion.
Yesterday, PDP mocked the APC for postponing its convention.
PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba said the ruling party was ineligible to contest in the 2023 election.
He said: “Our party is not surprised that the APC, a party of backstabbers, again postponed its national convention already scheduled for February 26, 2022.
“The failure of the APC to hold a national convention is, therefore, a clear warning to those aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election on its platform to note that with the APC, they are on a journey to nowhere.”
Former Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha said President Buhari, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other founding fathers of the APC should be allowed to determine the NWC members.
Okorocha who spoke while answering questions from reporters in Abuja said the suggestion if adopted, would help put the ongoing squabbles in the party to rest.
He insisted that the founding leaders of the party across the original four blocs should be allowed to nominate interested party members for sensitive positions such as National Chairman, National Secretary, Woman Leader, Youth Leader, Organising Secretary, National Auditor and National Legal Adviser of the party, among others.
According to him, while President Buhari as the leader of the former CPC bloc should be given the honour of deciding who becomes the next National Chairman of the party, Tinubu of the defunct ACN, Ogbonnaya Onu of the defunct ANPP, himself (Okorocha) as leader of the APGA faction should also be allowed to decide who should occupy the office of National Secretary and others.
politics
2027 Election: Preserve Your Reputation as a Statesman — Oshiomhole Advises Jonathan, Says Only Your Enemies Want You to Contest
Former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has advised former President Goodluck Jonathan against yielding to pressure to contest the 2027 presidential election, warning that doing so would damage his legacy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Oshiomhole said that only those who do not wish Jonathan well would encourage him to return to the political arena, adding that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would easily defeat him if he chose to run.
“How can Jonathan be a threat? We defeated him before when PDP was truly PDP,” Oshiomhole said.
“If a man had PDP at its best, at its peak, and he was defeated, I think only his enemy will push him to go into election.”
The former APC national chairman advised Jonathan to preserve his reputation as a statesman and avoid a return that could erode the respect he earned after conceding defeat in 2015.
“If I were able to advise him, I will say, Sir, maintain this status. You governed for eight years, you don’t have to govern for nine,” Oshiomhole said.
According to Oshiomhole, Jonathan “has managed to demonstrate that out of power, you can be relevant and at peace.”
He praised Jonathan’s historic concession speech in 2015, describing it as one of his most admirable legacies.
“Looking at how he ascended to that office, if I were him, I will spend the end of my life trying to find relevance, which he has already found, and speaking because that conceding defeat, and that is memorable quote about my blood, sorry, blood of a Nigerian is not worth my ambition, he should just allow those legacies to be,” he said.
Oshiomhole further argued that Jonathan’s political base in the South-South had weakened since his departure from office, making a comeback unrealistic.
“We will defeat him flatly if he comes out because now the South-South is no longer PDP. So where is he going to start from?” he asked.
Jonathan, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost the 2015 presidential election to the late Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has sacked all commissioners and other appointees administration affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The Governor announced the decision during a valedictory session he organised for his cabinet to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, confirmed that during the event, which held in Government House, on Wednesday, Fubara relieved all the commissioners and other public officers affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement of their appointments.
The Governor called on all stakeholders to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secured and prosperous country.
He also thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years..
“He called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all,” the statement said.
The Governor also reiterated commitment to serve the State with renewed vigor and thanked all citizens for their support, and wished all Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.
The Court, while recognising the 27-member Assembly led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule as the only authentic legislative arm of government, nullified all legislative decisions made in favour of Fubara during the crisis including the passage of budgets; screening and confirmations of commissioners and other public officers holders.
It was gathered that over 19 of Fubara’s commissioners, whose appointments were screened and confirmed by Oko-Jumbo were affected by the Supreme Court’s judgement.
The judgement rendered the appointment of Iboroma Dagogo, SAN, who was screened and confirmed as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice invalid.
Other commissioners affected by the judgement are Charles O. Beke, Collins Onunwo, Solomon Eke, Peter Medee, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, Basoene Joshua Benibo, Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.
Also, Illamu Arugu, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anya, Samuel Eyiba, Austin Emeka Nnadozie, Israel Ngbuelu, Evans Bipi, Otamiri Ngubo, Benibo Alabraba and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara, suffered a similar fate.
It was also gathered that the Governor could consider the inclusion of some of them in the list of fresh nominees he was preparing to send to the House of Assembly.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
In a bid to contribute to the stability, unwaving and sterling political Governance in Lagos State since the Era of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as the then Governor of the State, Renowned Political Journalist and Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim has today presented a GAC Frame to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr). Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa
GAC, which means Governance Advisory Council is known to be the highest decision making body in Lagos Politics.
The Presentation was done today at the Office of the Rt Honorable Speaker in Ikeja, Lagos.
Our reporter gathered that the frame which is a 24 inches by 34 inches frame size displayed the names, photographs, local government and senatorial district of all the 35 distinguished members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The Names are President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) Gov. BABAJIDE Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Surulere Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Gov. Dapo Akinwunmi Ambode, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi (OON) Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Chairman of the GAC, Alhaji Bushura Alebiosu, Kosofe Local Government, (LAGOS EAST), Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa, Ajeromi Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Surulere Local Government. (LAGOS CENTRAL), Alhaji Shakira Akanbi Seriki, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF M.A Taiwo, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Ojo Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Hon. Wale Edun, Eti-Osa Local Government, (LAGOS CENTRAL), RT. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Agege Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Somolu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Alhaji Mutiu Are, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Secretary of the GAC, DR. Qadri Obafemi Hamzat, Ifako/Ijaye Local Government (LAGOS WEST), RT. Hon. Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Epe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, Mushin Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Sen. Adeseye Ogunleye, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), CHIEF Abiodun Ogunleye, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Ikeja Local Government. (LAGOS WEST), Omooba Murphy Adetoro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Sen. Mikailu Adetokunboh Abiru, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Hon. Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Apapa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Cardinal James Omolaja Odunbaku, Ikeja Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefuluire, Alimosho Local Government, (LAGOS WEST), Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Ikorodu Local Government (LAGOS EAST)
Others are; Omooba Olumuyiwa Sosanya, Kosofe Local Government (LAGOS EAST), Sen. Musiliu Olatunde Obanikoro, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL), Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Ojo Local Government (LAGOS WEST), Chief Femi Pedro, Eti-Osa Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) and Hon. Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Lagos Island Local Government (LAGOS CENTRAL) respectively.
The frame also has a tribute segment where all the late eight (8) members of the council where fully recognized.
They are Late Hon. Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson, Hon. RF Balogun, Ambassador Rasak Demola Seriki, Oba Olatunji Hamzat, Alhaji Safiriyulahi Sumola, Chief Lanre Rasak (KLM), Proff Tunde Samuel and Chief Sunny Akinsanya Ajose of blessed memory.
The GAC remain one of the deep thoughtful thoughts, several positive political theories and landmark legacies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) while serving as Governor of Lagos State as part of its efforts to “REBRAND” Governance which has now become a MODEL and TEMPLATE of good Governance in our dear state, Lagos, Hence on his Mandate, we shall continue to STAND.
According to the Publisher of August24news.com Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim during the presentation said The Idea of putting the 35 Wise Men and women of the GAC in a Large frame is to showcase their UNITY as well as a way of Promoting their well-deserved Honour. This will no doubt, encourage other political leaders in our state to be more dedicated in their services to our dear state in particular, the country at large and humanity as whole.
Speaking further, The Frame is a great research work carried out by our Editorial Team here in August24news.com, we did this to encourage our leaders in Reshaping, Promoting and Rebranding Our Lagos Politics.
“After today’s presentation to the Speaker, we will continue to roll out the presentation to the office of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. BABAJIDE OLUSHOLA SANWOLU and his Deputy, Dr. OBAFEMI KADRI HAMZAT, All Honourable Commissioners in the state, Federal and State Lawmakers, All the 57 Council Chairmen, Some Key Dignitaries and other Party Loyalist in the state.
Receiving the Frame in a joyfully mood, Lagos Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa thank the team for the presentation while commending August24news.com Editorial team for the great research job particularly the Publisher, Mr. AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM for putting up such creativity.
Obasa said the frame will be well kept in a reserved place in his office and archives for coming generation to know their legends and political leader as he call for a minute silent to honour the late eight members of the Council.
Commenting on the GAC FRAME Presentation is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) who also doubles as the GAC secretary, Alhaji Mutiu Are said the GAC is one of the beauty of Lagos Politics.
Also Commenting, is a Political Analyst Commentator and Publisher of Upshot Media, Mr. Mojeed Jamiu commended Ajagbe for the initiative on the photo frame adding that GAC members deserves even greater recognition, especially given their immense contribution to good governance in Lagos State.
Publisher of August24news.com, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
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