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Category: Politics Lite

  • Rhodes-Vivour’s Running Mate Resigns From Labour Party

    Rhodes-Vivour’s Running Mate Resigns From Labour Party

    Princess Islamiyat Abiodun Oyefusi, the Labour Party’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, has officially resigned from the party. 

    Oyefusi conveyed her decision in a letter addressed to her ward chairman, expressing gratitude to Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for the political opportunity as his running mate.

    The resignation, outlined in the letter, stated, “I can no longer see myself aligning with the current values of Labour Party or as a member of Labour Party, and the time has come for me to move forward.” 

    Oyefusi highlighted the past 10 months of her political career as interesting and thanked supporters across Lagos State and Nigeria for their dedication during the 2023 electioneering period.

    Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about collaborating with her team and supporters in the future to work towards shared goals, emphasizing the vision of freeing Lagos from one-party politics and contributing to a better Nigeria. 

  • Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Labour Party Chairman Released on Bail After Arrest in Edo State

    Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, who was apprehended in Benin, Edo State, on Wednesday, has been released on bail. 

    His arrest, triggered by a petition from the Inspector General of Police, involved charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses.

    Addressing supporters after his release, Abure linked his persecution to efforts to destabilize the party following the 2023 general election. 

    He highlighted ongoing challenges within the party, expressing hope for the release of the state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, and the state youth leader later today.

    He said, “Let me appreciate all of you for the solidarity, for the support and your commitment. No struggle to liberate the country comes easy. In many countries of the world where freedom fighters have fought for the emancipation of the people, freedom fighters suffer injustice, suffer prosecution and it is what is happening to me and my other colleagues since after the general election.

    “After the general election, they have been trying to instigate crises in the party. They try to bring false accusations against us. They talked about forgery against us at a time when it didn’t work. They came with embezzlement.

    “Any person that is aggrieved in the party, they go and instigate them to write a petition against us. The irony is that the police even act on those, and at the end of the day, they discover that those things are false.

    “Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to preempt them.

    “But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them.

    “Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people until we liberate them. I have said it, and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters. It is what you do with power.

    “Today, APC is in power. Life has become more unbearable for the people. Today, the dollar is exchanging for almost N2,000. Fuel today is sold for N700 per litre. There is even scarcity now, and the price is likely going to increase.

    “Inflation, even though it is double digit, it is now above 31 per cent, unemployment has increased, and a bag of rice today is sold for N120, 000, and the minimum wage is N30, 000. You can see the paradox. You can see the irony and Nigerians are in for a difficult time.”

  • Labour Party state chairmen speak on suspending Peter Obi 

    Labour Party state chairmen speak on suspending Peter Obi 

    The Labour Party’s 36 State Chairmen, along with the Federal Capital Territory, have denied rumors of a plot to suspend their leader and 2023 Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

    Dismissing allegations against Party Chairman Julius Abure as the work of detractors, the chairmen expressed satisfaction with the day-to-day management of party affairs. 

    They clarified during a solidarity visit that the party has not considered suspending Peter Obi, reaffirming his leadership and commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. 

    The chairmen also dispelled claims of financial impropriety, emphasizing transparency in party fund management and denouncing unrecognized individuals falsely claiming to be party officials. 

    They reiterated confidence in Abure’s leadership and passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the National Chairman and his executive.

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Chairman of the Council of State Chairmen of the party, Ceekay Igara said;

    “We want to use this opportunity to debunk the allegation that the Labour Party is planning to suspend our National Leader, Peter Obi.

    “Our party is under the worst siege ever, including unleashing fierce propaganda against the party.

    “The party has not at any time contemplated a suspension of our leader. He remains our leader and will continue to lead the party in our avowed determination to pull this nation out from the strangulation under this present government.”

    “We are also using this opportunity to beg our media friends to cease on going media trial against our party and its leaders. What you are witnessing now is orchestrated and will fizzle out very soon.”, he said.

  • Edo APC youths take over party secretariat over Guber primary

    Edo APC youths take over party secretariat over Guber primary

    Enraged young individuals and women have seized control of the All Progressives Congress secretariat in Benin, Edo State. 

    They are demanding the removal of the state executives, led by acting Chairman Jarret Tenebe, due to alleged irregularities in Saturday’s governorship primary election, which resulted in three declared winners. 

    The protestors, led by Tony Adun (Kabaka), forcibly entered the offices, taking out furniture, rice bags, and other items. 

    They declare their intent to occupy the premises for seven days, expressing dissatisfaction with the officials’ conduct during the primary and insisting on the dissolution of the executive committee.

    Adun emphasized their support for Dennis Idahosa and urged party members to back his candidacy in the upcoming governorship election.

    Adun said, “It is clear that the party exco in the state are no longer working on the interest of the party so it is time for them to leave.

    “We are here in solidarity with Dennis Idahosa who the party has nominated. We call on party members to back Idahosa’s candidacy in the governorship election in September.

    “As you can see, we are here in large numbers, youths and women, to show our displeasure over the way the exco handled the election.”

  • Edo Election: Imasuen Withdraws From APC Gubernatorial Primaries 

    Edo Election: Imasuen Withdraws From APC Gubernatorial Primaries 

    Lucky Imasuen, ex-deputy governor of Edo State, has decided to step back from the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primaries in the state.

    Imasuen cited the party’s National Working Committee’s decision to zone the ticket to Edo Central Senatorial district as the reason for his withdrawal.

    In an open letter addressing supporters, Imasuen stated, “I have come to the conclusion that since members of our National Working Committee (NWC) have expressed their preference for zoning the governorship position to Edo Central Senatorial District, it is wise to align with the decision of the party.”

    Despite being screened and cleared along with 11 other candidates on February 10, Imasuen’s decision adds another twist to the unfolding dynamics of the Edo APC governorship primary election, scheduled for today (Saturday).

     
    His withdrawal follows closely on the heels of Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s surprising exit less than 24 hours ago, further intensifying the intrigue surrounding the contest.

  • Court decides ALGON’s authentic Nat’l Chairman, April 30

    Court decides ALGON’s authentic Nat’l Chairman, April 30

    Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja, will on April 30, decide the case seeking a declaration that Akolade David Alabi is not qualified to be national chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON).

    Petitioners in the suit are the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Honorable Abubakar Abdullahi and Honorable Shaban Oyinoyi Shuabu.

    Specifically, they maintained that Alabi, who was chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area in Lagos State at the time, cannot be president of the association as Bariga is not among the country’s 774 Local Government Areas.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation and Governor of Central Bank(first to third respondent), the Attorney-General of the Federation, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Inspector General of Police, State Security Services(SSS) and Honorable Alabi Akolade David( fourth to eight respondents) are the Respondents.

    In their originating summons filed by Barrister Bartholomew Opara, they maintained that Alabi is not eligible to be ALGON chairman as he was not a local government chairman as contemplated by the 1999 Constitution, the Constitution of ALGON and a Supreme Court decision which had touched on the disput.

    He argued that Alabi had been removed by ALGON’s National Executive Council in 2019 but he keeps parading himself as chairman.

    Therefore, he prayed urged the court to affirm the removal of Alabi by NEC and perpetually restrain him from further parading as such.

    Responding, Counsel to Alabi, Wahab Shittu, in a counter affidavit and preliminary objection, urged the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter.

    At the resumed hearing on Friday, Okpara, adopted his originating summons and response to the eight defendant’s counter affidavit, asking the court to grant his prayers in the interest of justice.

    But Shittu told the court to strike out the case and dismiss the entire suit for lack of jurisdiction and for being incompetent.

    He added that the entire case rests on the constitution of ALGON and the only person that can be sued is the national president but the person sued is the national chairman.

    The court did not attend to the party seeking to be joined because of the issue of jurisdiction raised by Shittu.

    Part of his reliefs sought read,”
    “A Declaration that all the findings and resolutions of the 1st Claimant’s General Assembly convened on 30th May 2020 remain extant and binding
    on all and sundry; particularly, the resolution affirming its National
    Executive Council’s decision which removed the 8th Defendant
    as 1st Claimants National Chairman on 6th September 20I9; and the inauguration of an Interim Management Committee (IMC)
    mandated to set up an electoral committee for the conduct of a
    substantive Chairmanship election for the 1st Claimant.

    “An Order annulling or setting aside the purported General Assembly convened at the 8th Defendant’s instance on 24th March 2021, including all the activities carried out on the said date, to wit: purported resolutions arrived at, amendment of the ALGON Constitution, election /appointment of the 6th & 8th Defendants, alongside their cronies, to different offices.

    “An Order for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Defendants to forthwith recognise, deal and or relate with the National Chairman of the 1st Claimant, and other persons, who emerged from the election conducted by the electoral committee set up by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) as occasioned by the resolution of the general assembly convened on May 30, 2020.”

    After listening to their argument, the case was adjourned to April 30th for judgement.

  • Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race

    Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the Edo State gubernatorial race, barely 24 hours to the party’s primary election.

     Ize-Iyamu announced his withdrawal on Friday, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, the State capital.

    The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.

    Ize-Iyamu described the decision as painful but stated it has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters.

    He further pledged that he and his teeming supporters would support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.

    Read the full text of the withdrawal letter:

    “Few montha ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political assonates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude.

    “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

    “Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

    “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times.

    “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

    “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”

  • Abure Denies Plan To Join Edo Governorship Race

    Abure Denies Plan To Join Edo Governorship Race

    Julius Abure, the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has stated that he has no intention of participating in the Edo State gubernatorial election to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    In an interview on Arise Television,  Abure expressed concerns about leadership failures in the country, attributing them to a lack of internal party democracy within political parties.

    Abure emphasized the need for an open, transparent, and competitive electoral process, pledging to work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to ensure the Edo State gubernatorial race is fair, free, and credible.

    He stated, “I have the responsibility to ensure the party gets the best candidate for the people of Edo State. Once again, I have no interest in becoming the gubernatorial candidate in the state.”

    Addressing the suspension of the party’s National Treasurer, Oluchi Okpara, over an alleged N3.5 billion fraud, Abure attributed the internal issues to external interference aimed at destabilizing the party post-2023 general elections.

    He remarked, “It is obvious that a lot of people are being used to disrupt and cause chaos in the party, jeopardizing its credibility as a formidable opposition force in the country.”

  • Deji Adeyanju Reveals Why Peter Obi, Atiku, Tinubu Should Be Jailed

    Deji Adeyanju Reveals Why Peter Obi, Atiku, Tinubu Should Be Jailed

    Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has called for the imprisonment of President Bola Tinubu, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

    He cited their alleged failure and contribution to the nation’s hardships.

    Addressing a protest in Abuja, Adeyanju expressed concern over the depreciation of the naira compared to other West African currencies. 

    He criticized the choices made by Nigerians in the last election, accusing politicians of corruption and emphasizing the need for accountability.

    Adeyanju warned of a Zimbabwean-like trajectory for Nigeria and asserted that all the presidential candidates should be in jail for the betterment of the nation.

    He said “We have warned Nigerians severally but it seems they have a covenant with oppression and suffering. I can’t imagine a situation where people had several credible alternatives during the last election but Nigerians said they wanted to swim and die with corruption.

    “Look at the Labour Party, people were jumping all over the place for that they are the saviour, look at the kind of worms we are witnessing, they can’t even account for their campaign funds.

    “The Abure looter has just been alleged of stealing N3.5 billion from the campaign funds by the party’s treasurer. We are talking about money generated from just sales of forms, not those in their naira account and those generated during the last election.

    “Peter Obi has refused to come clean, you can’t fight corruption with corruption. We warned Nigerians of the Emi Lokans of this world that he just came to have fun and loot. When he said it was his turn, Nigerians didn’t ask him, turn to do what? To loot? A man who said he would continue where Buhari stopped, what were you expecting?

    “Nigeria is heading the Zimbabwean way, is it not shocking that the West African CFAs are stronger than the naira? Things are going to get worse

    “There is none of them that ran that election whether Atiku, Tinubu or Obi that should not be in jail if we are to run a smooth country.”

  • Nigerian Lawmakers Sponsor Bill To Adopt Parliamentary System Of Government

    Nigerian Lawmakers Sponsor Bill To Adopt Parliamentary System Of Government

    A proposal to introduce the parliamentary system of government in the country has successfully passed the first reading in the house of representatives. 

    The bill, backed by 60 lawmakers, was presented during Wednesday’s plenary session. 

    Currently operating under a presidential system, Nigeria elects its president directly. 

    In contrast, the parliamentary system involves the legislature appointing a prime minister, with a less distinct separation of powers. 

    Lawmakers aim for a transition to this system by 2031, citing perceived flaws in the current presidential system.

    Abdulsamad Dasuki, representing the PDP in Sokoto, highlighted concerns, including the high cost of governance and excessive executive powers.

    “Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people,” Dasuki said.

    The lawmakers said they expect the bill to ignite, and provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system.

    “To ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process, raise awareness about this significant development and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations,” they said.

    “Our conviction is that a streamlined executive branch, which replaces the president and vice president with a prime minister and cabinet chosen from the legislature could lead to a smaller central government, reducing salaries and administrative expenses.

    “We also hold strongly that shifting the election of governors and local government chairmen from the general election to votes within their respective legislative bodies could save billions spent on state and nationwide campaigns,” he said.