GRPolitics
Crises Hits APC Camp
•Zonal chairmen move against Oyegun
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be consumed by leadership and factionalisation crises which have blown open as many of its chieftains and top members, including sitting governors and serving federal lawmakers, have signed into the new third force, the Coalition for Nigeria, called for by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
This was as the six zonal chapters of the party have formed themselves into an opposition against the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, over alleged indiscretion and lack of transparency, accountability and general mismanagement of the affairs of the party.
Following the call by Obasanjo for a third force, as contained in his statement on the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, it was confirmed on Friday that several high-profile members of the party are part of the new movement
An online newspaper, Premium Times, had on Thursday reported that many of those consulted by Obasanjo were said to have keyed into his plan to ensure a shift from the two major political parties in the country, APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as unfit to run the country effectively.
The online news medium revealed that the former president, frustrated by the worsening state of the nation, even after he had repeatedly discussed his concerns with Buhari, had spent the last few months consulting key political leaders in the country.
As of Friday afternoon, a key member of the new movement told Tribune that “the coalition has been activated in more than 70 per cent of the electoral wards across the 774 local government areas,” even as he said “12 governors, about 26 senators and over 100 members of the House of Representatives have joined the coalition.”
The source gave a breakdown of the 12 governors to include nine from the northern part of the country and the remaining three from the South, adding that the target number of governors that would eventually sign into the Coalition for Nigeria project is 24, representing two-thirds of the entire country.
“Initially, the number of sitting governors who have joined the coalition train was nine. But as we speak, the number of governors on the list has increased to 12, while the target is 24 governors to represent two-thirds of the country’s geographical spread.
“Talks are still on with the other 12 governors who have shown interest in the coalition for Nigeria project. These governors are watching events as they unfold,” the source said.
While plans are said to be underway to constitute the leadership of the proposed coalition, with the announcement expected mid-next week, President Buhari and Obasanjo may meet today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Both leaders are attending the African Union summit.
There are concerns on both sides on how the two leaders would manage their differences at that international forum, even as it was not clear, on Friday, if former Head of State, General AbdulSalami Abubakar, would be involved.
APC zonal chairmen move against Odigie-Oyegun
Meanwhile, the haemorrhage being quietly suffered by the ruling APC burst into the open on Friday as the six zonal chairmen of the party have challenged the leadership style of the national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, especially his handling of the finances of the party.
The six zonal chairmen namely, Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West), Comrade Mustapha Salihu (North East), Alhaji Zakari Idde (North Central), Inuwa Abdulkadir (North West), Honourable Emma Eneukwu (South East) and Ntufam Hilliard Eta (South South), made the allegation in a petition dated January 17, 2018 and addressed to the APC National Working Committee (NWC).
They said they were worried by the alleged financial and leadership indiscretions of the national chairman which they said may derail the APC from achieving its set goals and subject it to public ridicule.
The APC leadership in the six zones accused the party leadership, led by Chief John Oyegun and which has been in office in the last three years, of lacking in transparency and accountability and generally mismanaging the affairs of the party.
In the memo, sent through the office of the party’s national chairman, the zonal chairmen raised four key areas of indiscretions, which they alleged included the finances of the party, formation of ad-hoc committees, abandonment of the zones and change of party structures.
They said they had observed with dismay that the APC Constitution had been “disregarded since the inception of the NWC, especially in the formation of ad-hoc committees among others.
“This function, which constitutionally is the sole responsibility of the National Working Committee, has been reduced to the whims of the National Organising Secretary, under the watch of the National Chairman,” the memo stated.
The APC zonal chairmen specifically raised issues about the finances of the party, saying, “Article 14b (iii) of the party’s constitution on finances has been grossly abused since the inception of this body.
“The state of the financial affairs of the party is shrouded in secrecy and lacking in transparency such that it makes it virtually impossible for members of the National Working Committee to authoritatively defend the various expenditure and incomes.”
They alleged that the income and expenditure of the party has never been brought to the consideration and approval of the NWC and further alleged that, on abandonment of the zones, the structures of the party, other than the national executives, were not allowed to function as envisaged by the party’s constitution.
“Particularly, the Zonal Executive Committees have more often than not been bypassed by the National Chairman in many of the interventions at the state chapters without due regard to the grand norm of the party,” they said.
The zonal chairmen also said “the continuous change of party structures or officers without due respect and/or recourse to the constitution of our great party is very rife”, describing such as scandalous and abnormal.
“The frequency and brazenness, which the changes take place without due authorization from relevant organs of the party, is intolerable. Kano, Kaduna, Gombe and Ondo chapters are critical examples. Given this misnomer, the structures of the party in the affected jurisdictions have continually been weakened”.
The zonal chairmen then demanded that the constitution of the party be adhered to in the remaining tenure of the NWC, saying all ad-hoc committees must be constituted as envisaged by the party’s constitution.
They also said the NWC should immediately be furnished with the revenue and expenditure profile of the party by the National Financial Secretary and that effort must be made to fund the zonal structures of the party.
“The NEC approved sharing formula of 50 per cent to the National Secretariat, 40 per cent to the states and 10 per cent to the zones from all revenues accruable to the party must be implemented forthwith,” they demanded.
The zonal chairmen also asked that change of the party structures at any level should be as intended by the party’s constitution, while all earlier actions taken in this regard without constitutional backing must be reversed.
South West APC opens talks with AD
The dominant faction of the APC in the South West is reportedly in talks with the former ruling party in the zone, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) for possible use of the old platform as part of its strategy to remain relevant in the scheme of things ahead of the 2019 elections.
The concerned APC leaders, who are said to have been left out in the scheme of things at the national level “are now considering AD as their nest zone,” being the party from which APC evolved, metamorphosing from the Action Congress (AC) to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
A frontline leader of AD in the South West disclosed to Saturday Tribune that, indeed, discussion was ongoing between the leadership of the two political parties, adding that every option must be considered in the efforts at repositioning the zone in the scheme of things.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity for what he described as political expediency, the AD chieftain said, “Yes, it is true. Some leaders of the APC from the South West who feel that they have been sidelined in the affairs of the party, especially at the national level, are talking to us on strategic engagements. I can’t say more than that for now.” (Tribune)
GRPolitics
PDP Crisis: Saraki, Dickson, Dankwambo Storm Enugu, Meet with Gov Mbah
… South East is important to PDP, says Saraki – REPORTER: SANDRA ANI
In a clear bid to stem the tide of crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the PDP Special Reconciliation Committee chaired by former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Friday, met with the governor of Enugu State and leader of the party in the South East region, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Other members of the Committee present at the meeting, which held behind closed doors at the Government House, Enugu, were former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.
It is recalled that the leaders of PDP in the zone had in a communique issued after the South East PDP Zonal Executive Council, ZEC, meeting a fortnight ago announced the re-nomination of former PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, to serve out the remaining tenure of the National Secretary, threatening possible exodus should their decision not be respected.
“In the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique stated.
But addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting with Mbah, Saraki said, “We are members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee that was set up recently by the PDP Governors’ Forum to work towards ensuring that our upcoming National Executive Council meeting and also likely convention is rancor-free and and works smoothly.
“In line with that, we are here in Enugu State to consult with one of our leaders, Governor Peter Mbah, who is the leader of South East PDP.
“This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the South East in our PDP family. As you all know, the South East has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.
“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and first to commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party. More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government.
“In doing that, we discussed how we will ensure that we carry out the assignment given to us and go ahead to have our NEC and our convention. We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for.
“We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very, very useful discussion. We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that.
“With this, we can say here in Enugu we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.
“What we have also seen today is that there is nothing insurmountable in the challenge ahead and the spirit, the commitment of all of us, especially our leaders, is very very inspiring,” he stated.
… It’s time to stand together – Mbah
… We’ve been trampled upon – Wabara
… We don’t want to be taken for granted – Achike Udenwa
The crisis currently rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has worsened as the South East caucus of the party has threatened mass exit from the troubled party if its choice of Hon. Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary is not respected for the umpteenth time.
This was even as the governor of Enugu State and leader of the PDP in the zone, Dr. Peter Mbah, said it was time for the zone to speak with one voice, while the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, expressed fury over what they described as the party’s disrespecting and trampling of the region.
The zone vented its displeasure in a communique read by the Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, at the end of a meeting by the South East Zonal Executive, ZEC, at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday.
It said the meeting was convened to nominate a candidate to complete the remaining term of the position of National Secretary in line with the directive of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, during its 600th meeting in Abuja.
Rendering the communique, Odefa said, “The South East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party. Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary.”
The South East PDP, however regretted that it had to go through the process of nominating Udeh-Okoye severally since October 2023, and urged the NWC to not only immediately ratify his nomination, but also ensure that Arch. Setonji Koshoedo effectively occupies the Office of the National Secretary in acting capacity pending Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the NEC.
The South East PDP, however, threatened to review its continued membership of the party should its position suffer further delay despite its agelong loyalty to the PDP.
“The South East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In PDP’s near three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party.
“Currently, while the party has been losing key members post-2023 general elections, the South East PDP is at the vanguard of strengthening the Party by rallying major opposition figures such as in Enugu where the Labour Party, LP, gubernatorial candidate, two LP House of Representatives Members, numerous members of the House of Assembly, among other stalwarts into the PDP fold.
“Therefore, we hope that this time around, the position of the South East PDP regarding the Office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves. This would bring to a closure to the needless lingering dispute over the matter.
“However, in the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique concluded.
Wabara, on his part, said it was in order to review the region’s relationship with the party should what he described as trampling of the zone by the party persist.
“We have been trampled upon, not taken seriously. If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this. And now, it came to us. I mean, the usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man. Yes, we may have to reconsider our stand as far as the party is concerned. But I trust the NWC,” he stated.
Udenwa, on his part, Udenwa said, “We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again.”
GRPolitics
2nd anniversary: Nsukka leaders score Gov Mbah’s administration high
…as Nsukka retired army generals, DSS, police throw weight behind Mbah’s security reforms
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, have scored the administration of the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, very high and satisfactory, stating that the governor’s second anniversary in office deserved commendations.
This was as retired senior security chiefs, comprising army generals, directors of the Department of State Services (DSS), commissioners of police, among others, declared support for the governor’s security reforms and tech-driven policing system.
The Nsukka leaders who converged on Adada House, Nsukka, weekend, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Chapter, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, senior academics, retired security officers, captains of industry, traditional rulers, association of farmers, politicians, among others, drawn from the 6 council areas, said the governor had done well in the governance of the state.
The gathering which featured a dialogue series themed, H.E Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Administration – The Journey So Far (Education, Politics & Security), had the former Minister of National Planning and Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Osita Ogbu, delivering the keynote address.
Referring to the former Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew’s sacrifices that led to the transformation of Singapore from a third world country to a developed nation, Prof Ogbu said the country was in need of leaders that were committed to the welfare and growth of their people.
He commended the governor for substituting partisan politics for all-inclusive, people-driven governance in the state.
Noting that the governor was fulfilling his campaign promises, Prof Ogbu pointed at the revitalization and completion of abandoned projects, funding of quality education, financial independence through fiscal discipline, private sector mentality and efficiency in public governance.
Speaking on the concept of “Tomorrow Is Here,” the renowned economist said the governance philosophy had zero tolerance for lazy and unintelligent acts, zero tolerance for corruption, strive for new opportunities, adherence to strict democratic accountability, clean and green environment, and the pursuit for healthy and happy citizens with rights and responsibilities.
“We did analyses of the budgets of all the states and we did a comparison. Enugu State, in absolute terms, in relative terms, spends more on education than even Lagos State. It’s the highest spender on education across the federation,” he added.
Speaking on security, a discussant, Maj. General Victor Ezeugwu (rtd), said the retired veterans from the zone met with the governor on some of the challenges facing the zone with proposals, adding that the governor had already done almost 60% of them.
“We visited the Command and Control Centre in Enugu today, and from that centre we watched Uzo Uwani and the forests around Uzo Uwani, and other areas, and all of us were very amazed that he has brought technology to bear on security. We’ve proposed to the governor that all the senatorial zones have a replica of that spectacular innovation which he has promised,” Ezeugwu said.
The veteran, who called for a joint taskforce where all the security apparatuses would work in sync to tackle the menace of killer herders and the ESN, said Governor Mbah had provided welfare and also informed them of the planned increment of salaries for local vigilante and neighbourhood watch operatives.
Acknowledging that veterans from the zone were already working in synergy with the governor through a 5-man committee approved by him, Gen Ezeugwu called on the people of the district to support the state government to do more.
Also speaking were the Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Dennis Agbo, the Deputy Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ezenta Ezeani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, Coordinator of the group, Hon Chinedu Onuh, and the secretary, Prof Simon Ortuanya, who lauded the governor for championing landmark projects in the zone.
Justifying the significance of the gathering, Hon Agbo said the governor had done well particularly for the people of the zone which was the motive behind the discussion. He called on the people to continue their support for the administration.
Lending his voice, the Deputy Speaker said it was time to tell the world the remarkable projects the governor was championing in the senatorial zone, and to also convey a message of appreciation to him.
“From what we have gathered from our people, the governor is getting more popular on a daily basis. It’s because of the litany of development projects and it has never happened, so we’ve come out en masse to appreciate his good works. We’re a very grateful people, and we are grateful to the governor. What we’re discussing here is governance beyond politics,” he added.
On her part, Dr Onyeisi stressed that the world-class 260 smart schools in the state were an initiative of the Mbah administration to address inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, and equip both teachers and students with the essential soft skills for the 21st century tech revolution.
Declaring support for the governor on behalf of other security chiefs, Maj. Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd) said security comes first in any clime at all levels, saying the governor had accepted to set in motion all that was required to execute the terms and proposals made by them.
According to him, “Everything that he’s putting in place, it’s only security that will make us enjoy it – the economy, education, health, and all that the government is doing. The most important thing we from the Enugu North Zone can do is to encourage him to continue to do more, and let us not distract him unnecessarily. From afar, you’d think that the governor is unapproachable, but if you approach him with a good idea, you’ll discover that this is a leader.”
Other dignitaries at the dialogue moderated by the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Mr Aka Eze Aka, were the former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Dr Dan Shere, the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, State Secretary of PDP, Chief Chukwudi Nnadozie, foremost entrepreneur, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, and the chairmen of the 6 local government areas of the zone led by the Deputy Chairman of the State Chapter of ALGON, Barr Ferdinand Ugwueze, among others.
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