GRPolitics
Confusion in PDP over Tambuwal
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may be hit by another crisis ahead of the 2019 elections.
The threat to party peace stems from alleged plan by some powerful forces to hand over the PDP presidential ticket to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State.
Tambuwal is currently in the All Progressives Congress (APC) but he is being wooed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and some other PDP governors to return to the party he dumped ahead of the 2015 elections.
Also pushing for the Sokoto governor’s candidature is a prominent traditional ruler in the North, party sources told The Nation yesterday.
Simultaneously, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) appears to be narrowing its choice of presidential candidate in next year’s election to one of the three ex-governors it is currently wooing as a possible replacement for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ex-governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano) like Buhari, are all from the North-West geo-political zone.
The Nation gathered authoritatively that their names feature prominently in ongoing consultations by CNM bigwigs.
But there is a condition: any of them seeking the Olusegun Obasanjo-inspired coalition’s support must first identify with it publicly.
Wike, fresh from installing Prince Uche Secondus as party chairman despite vehement opposition from the likes of former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is said to have drawn the ire of Jonathan and many of his supporters for promoting Tambuwal’s presidential ambition in PDP.
Party sources said the anti-Tambuwal elements are uncomfortable with him in view of the role he played in the loss of power by the PDP in 2015, especially the defeat of Jonathan.
The Jonathan associates and some PDP governors have vowed to stop Tambuwal’s bid to secure the PDP presidential ticket.
Tambuwal was Speaker of the House of Representatives under Jonathan and his defection from the PDP to the then newly formed APC laid the foundation for the defeat of the PDP in the 2015 polls.
Party sources also said he might return to the party on the basis of an alleged unwritten agreement between him and Wike.
He is the only APC governor that has not yet identified with the 2019 re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A source conversant with the ongoing intrigues said: “Jonathan’s associates and some PDP governors are not comfortable with Tambuwal for betraying the party to pave the way for the victory of APC and President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015
“They believe that, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, he was used by the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) to destabilize the PDP, giving the ACN control of the House from 2011 to 2015
“They accused Tambuwal of working for ACN and later joining APC to fight Jonathan. Jonathan’s kinsmen and his associates have not forgotten the role he played in bringing down their man. To that extent, the ex-president’s camp sees Tambuwal as a hard sell in the South-South, particularly in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states.
“Some PDP governors and leaders believe he will also be difficult to sell in the South-West because of the role he played in the defeat of Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in the Speakership race in 2015. Whereas the South-West supported him to become the Speaker by defeating Hon. Mulikat Adeola from Oyo State in 2015, he was implicated in working against Gbajabiamila, who was the zone’s choice for Speaker in 2015.
“Some PDP governors also believe that Tambuwal will be no match for Buhari in the north since his major political platform belongs to ex-Governor Aliyu Wammako who APC and strategists of Buhari are lobbying to remain in the ruling party.
“Wammakko, politically known as ‘Alu’, may prefer to return to the Senate on the ticket of APC as long as he can be allowed to single-handedly pick a successor to Tambuwal to consolidate his political base.”
But a PDP source said: “With Wike’s backing, Tambuwal may get the ticket. I think those making a strong case for Tambuwal have gone far on this project to be underrated.
“If Jonathan and his associates can be cut to size during the National Convention of PDP, Wike and others can have their way on Tambuwal.
“The aftermath in PDP might affect the chances of the party in 2019 because those in favour of the former Interim National Chairman of the party, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi as the preferred candidate for the party’s presidential mandate may cause an upset. Adopting Tambuwal will amount to abandoning the agreement with Makarfi by PDP governors to make him the party’s presidential candidate.
“I think a member of the Interim Caretaker Committee saw this coming when he advised Makarfi to seek a firm commitment from Wike and others. Makarfi preferred to have trust in these governors.
“Whatever it is, it is just a matter of when Tambuwal, who pulled the strings behind the scene during PDP convention, will move to PDP.
“Realising the danger of APC plot against him, Tambuwal has gone on the fast lane by winning prominent Emirs to his side and reconciling with the likes of ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa. This was what accounted for the enlargement of his cabinet to 25 on February 5. He also pulled the rug from under Wammako’s feet by appointing his younger brother, Ahmed Barade Wamakko as Commissioner for Social Welfare.
“Also, the anti-Tambuwal elements in PDP and APC are not relenting. For instance, the alleged hounding of Prince Kassim Afegbua, who is the spokesman of Babangida, by security agencies might have been more about his role as a political strategist of Tambuwal than the ex-Military President.”
Notwithstanding, it was learnt that some PDP governors are considering Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.
A third source said: “These governors say Dankwambo is young, well educated, urbane, cosmopolitan with less baggage. He was in Asaba last week when the governors met with the Secondus-led executives. He is also very close to Governor Ayo Fayose
“Their worry is whether or not he has the stature to defeat Buhari.”
Another PDP source added: “Dankwambo is too close to Governor Nasir el-Rufai for comfort. We are suspecting that APC is propping him up as a weak candidate to make it an easy ride for Buhari. We know their game plan.”
Investigation by our correspondent on Obasanjo’s CNM revealed that contrary to claims by the former president that he has no preferred candidate for the 2019 presidential race, the coalition may make strong recommendations on some candidates for Nigerians to vote for.
A source in the group however said that whatever action taken by it will be guided by utmost caution to avoid acts capable of derailing its plans to “ease out Buhari” at all cost.
“Whatever may be the pretence by ex-President Obasanjo, the ultimate target of CNM is to get a replacement for Buhari in 2019,” the source said.
“The group may recommend any of the three former governors from the North-West as being capable of replacing Buhari.
“The three leaders are Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sule Lamido, and Ibrahim Shekarau who are all from the North-West like Buhari.
“I think a major challenge of CNM is how to work to the answer in 2019 on any of these three presidential aspirants.
“This is why CNM, through Obasanjo, is opening talks with top politicians from the six geopolitical zones.”
But the group is still working on the platform it will use to actualize its plan to replace Buhari.
“The choice of platform is a challenge,” the source explained.
He added: “PDP is the strongest opposition party which Obasanjo does not want to associate with in order not to return to his vomit having torn his membership card.
“The CNM is trying to recommend a merger of PDP and other parties with a new name to be able to push its agenda for any of Kwankwaso, Lamido and Shekarau.”
The CNM believes it has made a substantial inroad into the National Assembly as one of the institutions to promote the anti-Buhari agenda.
Continuing, the source said: “The CNM has been implicated in a romance with some Senators and members of the House of Representatives which led to the reversal of INEC’s Order of Elections in 2019.
“Nigerians should expect more radical resolutions from the National Assembly which can promote the coalition’s plans against Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
Analysts however see Obasanjo’s motive as selfish and playing gambling with Nigerians.
One analyst asked: is it his birth right to choose president for us? He imposed Yar’Adua, Jonathan, now he is scheming to impose on us the next President. He must be stopped.
“On Wednesday, Obasanjo insisted that CNM would remain a socio-political movement.
“He said he would cease to be a member if the coalition becomes partisan.
“He said: ‘In the year 2015, I said I would no longer participate in partisan politics. And I still stand by my decision. Everybody, irrespective of his or her political affiliation is free to come here for advice, I will gladly do that. I have no candidate, whatsoever, for any political office. I just believe that things must be done differently in Nigeria to get different result.’
. Nation
GRPolitics
2027: Nsukka Leaders Endorse Gov Mbah Over Massive Projects in the Zone
…say senatorial district highest beneficiary of Mbah’s projects, reports Ikenna Oluka
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Nsukka Zone, have endorsed the Enugu State governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, to continue in office beyond 2027, saying the governor has transformed the zone in less than two years of his administration.
The Nsukka leaders who convened at the Adada House, Nsukka, on Thursday, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Branch, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, the academia, representatives of Traditional Rulers, captains of industry, businessmen and women, politicians, market men and women, farmers association, labour leaders, among other leaders drawn from the 6 council areas of the zone, expressed their unwavering support for the Mbah administration.
In an interactive session by a panel of discussants from the groups which was followed by a communique issued at the end of the discussion and signed by no fewer than 700 signatories including the former deputy governor, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Senator Chuka Utazi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the deputy speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, Dr. Dan Shere, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd), Dr. Mike Ajogwu SAN, Chief Maxwell Ukuta, Prof Osita Ogbu, and Igwe Dr H.N Ukuta, they cited the litany of monumental infrastructural developments of the governor across the state, particularly in Nsukka Zone, as the reasons behind their endorsement.
In a resolution and vote of gratitude, the coalition commended the governor’s outstanding leadership and stellar performance since assuming office in May 2023, saying the only candidate the zone would support in 2027 is Governor Mbah.
They insisted that supporting Mbah to do 8 years in office was in the best interest of Nsukka people as his re-election would enable him finish the landmark projects initiated by his administration in the zone which were already opening Nsukka for economic development.
The coalition further praised the governor for providing peace and security in Enugu State, making it an attractive destination for investment, business, and tourism in Nigeria.
“In particular, we note with satisfaction, that the setting up of the Enugu State Command and Control Center by His Excellency at the Government House for tracking criminal activities across the state has become a model for other states of the federation. We applaud His Excellency’s holistic development agenda for Enugu State anchored on his disruptive innovation philosophy as a catalyst for positive change,” the communique read in part.
While underscoring that the senatorial district has 102 electoral wards constituting 39.2 percent of the 260 electoral wards in the state, the elated Nsukka leaders said with 102 Smart Green Schools and 102 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the six councils, the zone has become the highest beneficiary of Mbah’s stellar performance.
On the ongoing dualization of Enugu-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, the coalition described it as a critical infrastructure aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities, adding that the reconstruction of the 44.8 km Ama Ngwo-Eke-Oghe-Iwollo-Umulokpa road and the new 40 km Owo-Ama Nkanu-Ubahu-Mbu-Neke dual carriageway would open up a new traffic and economic corridor to the senatorial zone.
It also noted that Mbah’s administration has transformed Enugu State from a civil service state to a fast-emerging industrial hub, with an unimaginable annual internally generated revenue of over N600 billion by the end of 2025. “The governor’s commitment to progress is evident in the rapid pace of development and transformation across various sectors, including roads, bridges, healthcare, security, tourism, entertainment, industries, and educational institutions.”
Throwing their weight behind the governor, Chief Ukuta said the people of the zone would not only queue behind him in the next polls, they also owed the governor apology for the herd mentality that almost led to the voting of wrong candidates.
Expressing confidence in the governor’s leadership ability, Senator Utazi said as an APC card-carrying member, he was at the meeting to particularly appreciate the good work of the governor, stressing that he deserved the unwavering support of the entire zone.
“I am a card-carrying member of APC starting from my ward in Nkpologu all the way to Abuja. I want to say that this gathering is not for PDP. It’s a gathering for every well-meaning Nsukka indigene who is appreciative of the good job the governor of Enugu State is doing in Enugu State and especially in Enugu North senatorial district. In fact, when I came back to Enugu, starting from the airport, I saw nylon roads, the type only seen in Abuja. When I visited the governor recently to discuss the police station I built there as a senator, the governor was immediately working to operationalize it, and is additionally working on the road from 9th Mile to Umulokpa. He also told me severally the things he was doing in Nsukka zone and all of them are what people can see on ground. Let’s support him to continue with his job. I want to say frankly that Nsukka people are happy with him,” the senator added.
Adding his voice, Dr. Ajogwu said the coalition had already spoken the minds of Nsukka people which was to support the governor for another term.
On his part, Hon. Ezeani, who led lawmakers from the zone, said the governor would continue to enjoy cordial relationship with the House of Assembly to ensure the continuation of the good governance in the state.
He described the Mbah administration as business unusual where new projects were springing up daily with many already completed across the state, adding that they had already declared unalloyed support and endorsement for his candidacy beyond 2027.
Lending his voice, Dr Shere lauded the governor for the transport infrastructure project which has the Nsukka Central Terminal Station, the Holy Ghost utra-modern terminal stations, Abakpa and Gariki stations in addition with the recently delivered CNG buses ordered by state government.
“You don’t need to be told that in Nsukka, we are all adopting governor Peter Mbah to complete the job he has started here. Nsukka is now looking beautiful because of what he’s contributing to our economy, infrastructure, education and transport sectors. Look at the Enugu Air, it’s a game changing moment for the state. The investment prospects will impact all the nooks and crannies of the state. Again, the International Conference Centre, the ongoing 5 star hotel, the Hotel Presidential and the 300-bed international hospital in the state will make Enugu the hub of medical tourism where robotic surgery will be conducted and thousands of jobs created,” he said.
Moving a motion for endorsement of the governor for 2027, Chief Itanyi insisted that the ongoing 43.7 km dualisation of the Penoks-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka road was the single most costly project in the state. The motion was unanimously affirmed by voice votes by the members coalition who filled the hall.
GRPolitics
Breaking: ‘Welcome home,’ Gov Mbah Receives Edeoga Back to PDP
…‘You’re Enugu people’s choice,’ Edeoga tells governor
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, welcomed the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, back into the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, fold, commending the ex-opposition flagbearer for demonstrating that politics is not a do-or-die affair.
Mbah said that Edeoga’s return to the PDP was in line with the party’s principle of reconciliation and making the people, not personal ambition, the focus of governance, urging him and his supporters to feel very much at home.
This was even as the former gubernatorial candidate endorsed Mbah as the popular choice of the people of Enugu State, stressing that he had fully aligned with that choice.
Receiving Edoega in his office, in the company of party leaders led by the state party chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Mbah said, “Welcome back home. The symbolism of your action is a mark of the enduring bond that runs in our party. I am indeed very delighted to have you back to rejoin your family.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of fence-mending consistent with the philosophy of our party – the imperatives of reconciliation.
“It is also a demonstration on your part that politics is not a do-or-die affair; that what we are currently doing in Enugu State appeals to you and you believe that it is working for the interest of the people and you have taken that decision to say, ‘Look, let us join hands together and serve our people.’
“I commend you greatly for making such a courageous bold step. The lesson for us is quite profound, as it shows that the common denominator even when we express our aspirations on different political platforms, is all about the people and making them the centerpiece of our ambitions.
“So, we will embrace you with our arms wide open. You are going to be treated as a member of PDP, which we know you are indeed. We look forward to working with you in the service of our people.”
Edeoga, on his part, commended Governor Mbah for making his return possible, describing it as a paradigm shift from politics of animosity and winner takes all to politics of empathy and people-centred development.
“I thank Your Excellency for overseeing the process that has culminated in my return to the PDP and my visit to your office. It is easy to downplay what has happened. But something like this has not happened in the annals of politics in Enugu State. I commend your wisdom, I commend your empathy, I commend your mental sagacity.
“What has happened here today will effect a paradigm shift in the way politics is played in Enugu State. It will no longer be winner takes all or politics being seen as a hostile or brutal activity. It has restored politics as just a contest of ideas and visions. These contesting visions were thrown open to the public and the people of Enugu State have made their choice, which I completely align myself with.
“Politics should be played without bitterness; it should be played without animosity and as much humanely as possible. Once the victor has emerged, the next thing is governance. The governance is ongoing and it is going very well. When it is time for politics, people are free to pursue their dreams. For now, it is time for governance.
“Anyone, who feels annoyed or deeply angered that Edeoga has taken this step of faith, I believe with time, they will align with the superior wisdom of those who are their leaders. Leadership comes with responsibilities and one of these responsibilities is to take a step of faith.
“Again, thank you for making my return to the PDP possible. I recommit myself to the ideals of PDP. As much as possible, I will work to ensure that PDP becomes victorious going forward,” he said.
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.
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