GRPolitics
Over 60 aggrieved APC reps announce plan to leave party
Aggrieved All Progressives Congress members of the House of Representatives have resolved to dump the party, following their inability to secure return tickets for 2019, findings have shown.
Investigations showed that the resignation would be done in batches, beginning from Wednesday (today) on the floor of the House in Abuja.
One member, who has been prominent in the negotiations with the party for a return ticket, Mr Musa Soba, categorically told a news reporter that the members would leave.
He will be among the first batch to dump the ruling party today.
Soba, who is from Kaduna State, stated, “We have decided to resign our membership of the APC.
“However, this will come in batches.
“My resignation will come up through a letter to be read on the floor of the House tomorrow (today).”
Over 70 lawmakers had petitioned the appeal panel of the APC after they lost their tickets at its last primary election for the February general elections.
While some of the members had complained that the process was “manipulated” to favour some preferred contestants, others alleged that the party approved direct or indirect primaries in one instance, only to make a U-turn the next moment.
But findings indicated that the panel resolved the petitions of about eight members in their favour. Over 62 others lost the appeal.
When the final list of candidates was submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Thursday last week, Our Reporter gathered that the majority of the aggrieved members were not captured.
Those confirmed to be on the list were the Chairman, House Committee on Financial Crimes, Mr Kayode Oladele, Mr Isiaka Ibrahim, Mr Baderinwa White, Mr Aminu Malle, Mr Goodluck Opia, Mr Mayowa Akinfolarin, Mr Lado Abdullahi and Mr Jimoh Oladele.
The aggrieved members have been meeting since the final list was submitted to take a decision on their political future.
According to reports, the meetings were rounded off on Tuesday (yesterday) with the position that the affected members would leave the party in batches, starting from this morning.
Recall that two weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari had summoned the aggrieved lawmakers to a meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in a bid to pacify them.
He had reportedly called the meeting following threats issued by the members that they would either dump the APC or work against it in 2019.
But, the presidential intervention did not do much to help the fate of the lawmakers.
One of them, Mr Ayodeji Joseph, had earlier informed The PUNCH that he protested the outcome of the primary election in his area because of manipulation.
Joseph, who represents Apapa Federal Constituency in Lagos State, stated that he even won the election, expressing surprise how his opponent was declared the winner.
He spoke more, “I won in the three wards. Initially, there was a disagreement over the method of accreditation of voters, whether it was to be by membership card or not.
“Eventually, there was election in only three out of the 10 wards and I won. How another fellow was given the ticket, I don’t know.”
However, the APC in a last ditch effort to get some of them to have a change of heart, has intensified efforts to assuage the bruised egos of some of the aggrieved lawmakers.
A top-ranking member of the party’s leadership who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue said, “We are talking and will continue to talk.
“The truth is that what we are dealing with is in most cases local issues. There were those the party felt should be given the right of first refusal in terms of return tickets but they had issues with their constituents.
In such cases, if you force such a candidate on the party and the people in such areas, you are sure to lose the elections.
“So, in such cases, we had to go for the lesser evil and allow the people will prevail. When we win the election, there are enough appointments to go round.”
When contacted, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the party had not given up on its members who were aggrieved as a result of the fact that the outcome of the primaries fell short of their expectations.
He said, “Immediately after the primaries we started reaching out to our aggrieved members. You will recall that even last night, (Monday) some of our aspirants from Kwara State were with the President. The meeting was part of efforts to heal wounds and that is going on all over the country.
“Everywhere we have such issues; the party is rising up to it. We do understand that conflicts are a necessary part of politics and it is the ability to reconcile people, ensure that people who disagree are brought to a roundtable and given an opportunity to first and foremost lay bare whatever the grudges are.
“And that you can get people to listen to you that is the first comfort you can get from your party. The APC has a structure to listen to anybody who has an issue and everyone will be given an opportunity. As party members, the greater good is our ultimate goal.”
He, however, didn’t go into specifics about what plans the party had in store for such members.
*Source: Punch
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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