politics
Update : “Akpabio Will emerge as the next Senate President”,APC leaders back him, Says Ganduje
…. Contest will be based on constitutional provisions – Yari
Outgoing Governor of Kano State,Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje,has dropped the strongest hint so far about the chances of former Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio emerging as the next Senate President.
Ganduje spoke in Calabar on Thursday ahead of a meeting yesterday of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders agreeing on Akpabio choice for the job.
The APC leaders,including Bola Tinubu; the party’s National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu; Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Abubakar Kyari; Deputy National Chairman (South) Chief Emma Enukwu; and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore also penciled down Dr.Abbas Tajudeen, House of Representatives Committee Chairman for Land Transport from Kaduna State as the Speaker of the 10th House of Reps.
Akpabio is one of the dozen or so senators -elect aspiring for the office.
Also supporting him are many Senators- elect from across the political divide.
Also at yesterday’s meeting of the APC were the incumbent Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, current House of Reps Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi said yesterday that he had withdrawn from the Senate Presidency contest in favour of Akpabio.
Umahi said he took the decision after meeting Tinubu to intimate him about his interest in the position.
Tinubu,according to the governor ,however told him he was already committed on the issue.
A source close to the meeting said:”Conscious of the 2015 experience and the inability of the party to give aspirants direction, the President-elect is not disposed to the free-for-all rat race that the struggle for the Presiding Officers positions of the 10th National Assembly was gravitating to and he made it clear to the party leadership during the meeting.
“It will be recalled that a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party recently complained of unethical moves by some National Assembly members-elect jostling for NASS leadership to influence the process,a move that he said may hurt governance and the incoming administration.
“So, at the meeting, the President-elect told them his preference which the party leadership accepted and the meeting directed the National Working Committee and the leadership of the 9th Assembly to work out a modality of getting other aspirants to buy into the zoning and consensus arrangement.”
Ganduje,had on Thursday said an Akpabio Senate Presidency was a done deal.
“The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will come from the South-south and it is no other person than the former governor of Akwa Ibom,” Ganduje said in Calabar during a meeting with his Cross River State counterpart, Ben Ayade.
He added: “The uncommon governor, the uncommon minister is going to be the uncommon president of the senate. So we have resolved that.
“I am giving you assurance, we are waiting for the D-Day that he will be the Senate President of Nigeria.”
Ayade expressed joy at the news.
“I want to thank you so much for zoning the Senate President to the South-South and to our brother from a neighbouring state who is also part of Cross River State,” the governor said.
“We want to thank you for this great opportunity because our dream of a Bakassi seaport is becoming very real.”
Chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari,was present at the meeting.
The Calabar statement came on the heels of the drama that played out at the State Banquet organised for President-elect Bola Tinubu in Port Harcourt by Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike.
On that occasion, Tinubu called out Akpabio to address the gathering.
To the surprise of all,the immediate past Niger Delta Affairs Minister was followed to the podium by about 40 Senators-elect including Alhaji Jibrin Barau who some people believe could be paired with him as Deputy Senate President.
Akpabio himself said the number could have been higher if all his ‘friends’ from the Senate had made the trip to Port Harcourt.
A video also trended on Twitter yesterday showing Akpabio as he introduced Senators-elect to Tinubu one after the other as he made to depart the city at the end of his two-day visit to Rivers State.
Political observers see the development as a strong pointer to where the pendulum is likely to swing when the Senate is inaugurated next month
Former Zamfara State governor and an aspirant to the office of Senate President, Abdulaziz Yari, said yesterday that the contest for the position would be based on constitutional provisions and not instructions by anyone.
Yari at a meeting with the executives of the Tinubu Shettima Network (TSN), headed by its National Chairman, Dr Kailani Muhammad, in Abuja described the contest as senators’ business, backed by the constitution to choose their leader.
“The senate presidency is senators’ business and on the ‘D- day’ when we are going to elect our president, we will do the needful,” he said.
“When we do that, we are not for anybody. We are doing what the constitution says- that we should take our leader within ourselves.
“That is what the sections of the constitution stated very clearly. What is going to happen that day, it is going to happen based on the instructions of the constitution and not for anyone.
“So, we are going to exercise our constitutional rights there.”
He commended the TSN for supporting his cause to become the President of the 10th Senate, saying that the group’s work in the area of mobilizing support for his cause was commendable.
According to him, this is a special session we have with the TSN leadership. If we can recall four weeks ago, I was in their office where I declared my intention to contest for senate presidency.
“I was there to seek their support and all the executives of the body gave their commitments that they were going to give me support for this contest.
“And today, we are to review what happened from then to where we are here today.
“From what we have been seeing and receiving from the media shows clearly that the work is in progress and very excellent. So, the organisation is doing very well,” Yari said.
In his remarks, Muhammad said that the purpose of the meeting was to brief Yari how far the group had gone in terms of mobilisation, adding that it achieved over 70 per cent of the work.
He expressed optimism that the senator-elect would emerge as President of the 10th Senate.
Also Representative Muktar Betara (APC-Borno) who is eyeing the position of the House Speaker is intensifying his lobbying ahead of the election of the leadership of the Green Chamber.
Betara in a statement in Abuja yesterday asked Representatives-elect to keep faith with and be loyal to Nigerians as President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to handover to his successor Bola Tinubu on May 29.
He commended them for their resolve to serve their constituents, saying that power comes from the people to serve the masses.
His words:”We must all be resolute in our quest not only as parliamentarians, but as a united people to do all within our capacity to defend the democratic institution of the National Assembly.
“My speakership aspiration is driven by Nigerians, my colleague Reps-elect and APC members.”
Betara pledged that the 10th Assembly under his watch, would be one united, indivisible legislature that will work harmoniously with all arms of government.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support received from the members-elect and Nigerians at large across party lines.
He reiterated commitment towards healthy engagement of all members-elect ahead inauguration of the 10th Assembly.
According to him, the parliament remains the beacon of hope for all citizens, irrespective of religion, tribe, race and political affiliation.
The aspirant assured various stakeholders of his commitment to the ‘Nigerian Project’ and to democratic institutions if elected speaker.
The Betara’s Campaign Organisation,in a separate statement yesterday alleged that ill-motivated publications were being dished out on social media and some national dailies against him by some people.
It said Betara remained committed to the APC which he joined hands with other party faithful to build leading to the victory for the President-elect.
It said:”The ultimate purpose and vision is to ensure that the 10th House of Representatives will be one united, indivisible assembly that will work harmoniously with all arms of government.
It added that the 10th House of Representatives under Betara, will promote a legislative dispensation that will accommodate all opinions in the larger interest of all Nigerians.
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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