GRPolitics
Lagos APC: Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege congresses end in disagreements
The All Progressives Congress congress in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State on Saturday ended abruptly as delegates rowdily disagreed on the election of some candidates.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the congress, which started around 1pm, had been peaceful until commotion erupted over the choice of candidates.
Trouble started when the electoral officers announced some names as elected executive members after a voice vote by the delegates.
Some party members opposed to the announced names protested noisily, resulting in a bedlam.
Appeals to party members to maintain the peace by the chairman of the council, Mr. Oloruntoba Oke, were not heeded as supporters of the opposing candidates engaged in a shouting match.
The situation almost degenerated into violence, but for the intervention of security personnel around who prevented members from fighting one another.
The electoral officer, thereafter, was whisked away by security officials after attempts to attack him.
Speaking to NAN after the incident, the council chairman said the congress had been orderly all along.
He said the congress was almost concluded when some members noisily disagreed over some candidates.
Oke, however, expressed the optimism that the issue would be resolved amicably by the leadership of the party in the state.
“Disagreements are normal in politics. We will be trusting the leadership of the party to resolve the issue. I have no doubt that everything will be resolved,” he said.
In Agege LG, Mr. Jubreel Abdulkareem, a chieftain in the area, faulted the exercise in the council, saying, “no congress was held.”
Abdulkareem, the former Executive Chairman of the council, told newsmen that some delegates were denied access to the venue.
Abdulkareem said that following the crisis that greeted the ward congress on May 5, an apex leader of the party, Prof. Tunde Samuel, called a peace meeting before the congress where the posts were shared between the two camps.
He said that only delegates from one camp were called to vote, hence there were agitations from the other camp.
He claimed that one person was shot in the imbroglio that followed.
An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said that the reading of list of delegates, which favoured one faction, triggered the crisis.
He said there was shooting from inside the venue and a bullet hit a man at the gate of Central Primary School, Oniwaya, Agege, where it held.
Efforts to confirm the shooting and arrests by the police were, however, unsuccessful, as the Lagos Police spokesman, SP Chike Oti, promised to get back but had yet to do so at the time of filing this report.
However, it was a different situation at Ayobo/Ipaja Local Council Development Area as the congress ended peacefully.
The congress, which started at 10 am at St. Andrews Primary School, ended with delegates electing party executive members by consensus.
There was jubilation by party members, who danced around the venue after a successful congress.
Mr Bisi Yusuf, a member of the state House of Assembly (Alimosho) who was present at the congress, commended members for peaceful conduct.
He said he was proud that the exercise ended without rancour or violence.
Yusuf said politics should be about understanding and not violence or desperation.
“I am happy at the conduct. I thank all party members for the success.
“Ipaja /Ayobo has done it again. Everyone is happy with the results.
“You see, politics should not be about desperation or rancour. It should about understanding.
“We have demonstrated that today and everybody is satisfied “,he said.
He commended the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for laying the foundation for peaceful conduct of the congress.
He said Tinubu’s constant appeals to members to always be peaceful had yielded the desired results in Ayobo/Ipaja.
Yusuf urged members to continue to maintain peace in the area to ensure success of future elections.
In Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, the exercise started by 11 :30 am, with heavy presence of policemen and oficers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Mr Olukayode Aina-Gold, one of the APC State external observers, expressed satisfaction with
the peaceful and orderly conduct of the Congres.
“Honestly, I am overwhelmed because initially I was sceptical.
“I didn’t want to come, I thought there might be some rancour and alot of disorganisation but on getting here, I am happy with the conduct and orderliness,” he said.
The 27 Local Government Executive Officers were uncontested and the nominated executives were ratified by the voters from the seven wards of the LCDA.
The Agbado Oke Odo LCDA Chairman, Mr Augustine Arogun, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of the congress.
Arogun said: “Our congress is very peaceful because we carried everybody along including the leaders and the stakeholders in Agbado Oke Odo.
“We always involve them and that is why we have no opposing camps because we are all involved.
“All we did was just ratification because there was no serious opposition as all the leaders had input on the list we put forward for those to be elected into the executive.”
He however, advised party members who were dissatisfied with the outcome of the congresses in the state so far to dialogue with the leaders in order to resolve the matter in a family way.
In Mushin LG, NAN reports that security personnel, such as the Police and Civil Defence were stationed around the venue to avoid social miscreants from disrupting the exercise.
The election which started at 10am ended at 11:30am.
The Executive Chairman, Mushin Local Government, Mr Olarenwaju Bamigboye, commended the peaceful election.
Bamigboye spoke with NAN during the congress held at the party secretariat in Mushin.
“The election is very free and well conducted. Our party members are more compassionate in this exercise.
“They have really composed themselves very well to ensure that there is a free and fair election today,” he said.
The chairman said the newly elected chairman for the party in the area won unopposed.
Bamigboye said the future of APC was very bright in the sense that the party would always organise themselves very well.
“We have to move forward and we have to advance ourselves and gone are those days that we are desperate to win,” he said.
In Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), delegates adopted consensus candidates at the congress.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that party delegates, who were screened before being allowed into the venue under the watch of the security agencies.
Mr Odeniyi Odeyemi, a delegate from Ward C said: “We are very happy that the process was peaceful and we thank God that the will of people prevailed without opposition.’’
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Rasheed Makinde, commended the party leaders and members for the spirit of oneness in the area.
According to him, the leadership of APC in Ojokoro LCDA had come together with a single list, which the LOC (Local Organising Committee) read out to everybody and all agreed to it.
“This is a sign that our party is moving forward and it is a good omen for our democracy,’’ Makinde told NAN.
He said the development was a sign of maturity and harmony and the progress of the party.
Mr Thaddius Uwanaka, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Officer, who monitored the Congress, expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the delegates.
NAN reports that the Congress was held across the local governments in the state. (NAN)
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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