politics
Update : presidential race 2023 : Coalition unable to reach AfDB President, Adesina after procuring N100m APC forms
….’Count me out of presidential race’ – says Adesina
The coalition of 28 groups which procured an All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest forms for the President, African Development Bank AfDB, Akinwumi Adesina has said it did not have the consent of the continental public servant to purchase the forms.
According to the coalition, 24 hours after paying for the forms, it has not been able to reach the banker. It however said Adesina remained the best man for the job and that the groups needed to procure the forms to meet with relevant deadlines before trying to convince Mr Adesina.
This was as the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu dismissed insinuations that he could one day enter the 2023 presidential race.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi in a statement on Sunday said any such innuendo or proposition is preposterous.
He said; “Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urging him to do so. It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen.
“The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles.
“The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or illwill against, any political party or candidate”.
Speaking on Sunday after physically picking the forms at the International Conference Centre ICC in Abuja, the coalition said it has not been able to reach Mr Adesina.
The coalition had earlier on Saturday paid for the forms and it said between the period it paid for the forms and when it picked them on Sunday, it was yet unable to get across to Mr Adesina.
Leader of the Youth Arise Movement, one of the groups in the coalition, Babatunde Ademola, said they are very certain that Mr Adesina is a member of the ruling party.
He said; “I am one of the group leaders of this team of 28 groups that have been working tirelessly and consulting across the country and even outside the country to ensure that we get him to come and obey the clarion call.
“I will tell you significantly that we have tried to reach out to him, we have sent messages, we have looked at any which way we will get across to him. We have not gotten any definite response from him, but because we know the Constitution of Nigeria is very clear, and the Act that governs the umpire for electioneering is also clear, and we know that the timing is not on our side and we believe that for such person after we have looked at the situation of this country, we need Dr Adesina to come and solve Nigeria’s problem and because of this, we have put our resources together.
“It is very certain that such a man who knows very well that when he was contesting for the AfDB, the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, supported him wholeheartedly for the first time, supported him wholeheartedly for the second time, such person will not want to throw away the call of over 200 million Nigerians and also feel that he cannot defend the legacy and the goodwill of the President of Nigeria.
“It is a time for him to come and reciprocate the good gesture that President Muhammadu Buhari has given to him by accepting this forms that we have struggled to purchase.
“It is not easy to gather N100 million but we have ensured that we gather as many people as possible. Like he said, on the issue of if we are going to meet up, we have people on ground and we are very certain that he is a member of APC before we begin to do what we are doing. So, we are calling him to come out and accept this form from us. It is a gift to serve this country and solve our problems. We are calling Adesina because it is a call to save Nigeria and I think he is going to accept”.
On when the coalition would present the forms to Mr Adesina, he said; “By the grace of God we will ensure that, we know that he is not available, right now. We have been trying to reach him, but when we get him we will inform you”.
President of the One Nigeria Group, Mohammed Saleh who led the delegation said Adesina is a man of proven integrity and experience.
“He has done so much for Nigeria as Minister for Agriculture. He has solved the problems of so many farmers, created so many jobs by solving the corruption in the agricultural sector. Particularly the fertilizer, which he brought the e-wallet for fertilizer which the farmers are enjoying now and it has created a lot of jobs. It has also helped millions of farmers in Nigeria which they are still benefiting and also as President, African Development Bank he has brought a lot of initiatives that solve Africa’s food security problem. So, we will like him to come back home and apply it here in Nigeria”.
On whether Adesina is a member of the APC and if he would be able to get party delegates to vote for him, Mr Saleh said; “When we get there, we will cross that bridge, don’t worry about that. First, the most significant thing is for us to get him to agree and come and collect the forms, sign it for us and then join the race. That is the most significant thing at the moment. Issue of delegates, everybody and I know all Nigerians apart from not even the delegates even you, everybody in Nigeria knows that Adesina has the capacity to bring Nigeria back from the brink.
“God’s willing, we will be able to submit (the forms). We are going to meet up with the deadline”.
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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