INEC: Senate Reduces Verification of Buhari’s aide, Asks New nominee

The room has reached out into the presidency to substitute Onochie, whose nomination has split senators.

The Presidency is now weighing its options onto her but it can nevertheless re-present the nominee based on a political position.

Onochie’s destiny is delaying the confirmation of others on the record submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Country gathered that the Senate committee found Onochie is”greatly partisan according to her conviction that Progressives Congress (APC) and President Buhari would be the very best for Nigeria”.

It was learnt that besides protest from the resistance, some APC senators also agreed that she’s”positively partisan” in her loyalty to work.

The influenced APC senators pledged they wouldn’t back her clearance as a candidate for Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State was reversed in similar conditions.

Findings confirmed that despite her brilliance, many senators don’t want Onochie since her confirmation procedure may”wreck the by-partisan stability in the Senate.

A senator who talked in confidence stated: “We could validate the allegation of partisanship from Onochie in the plan of our tests. Her nomination was faulty in the beginning.

“We don’t begrudge her for standing with her conviction. However, from the light of…, she can’t be a National Commissioner for INEC. A nominee can’t profess prejudice for any celebration.

Read also: INEC: Youth Party rejects Onochie as National Commissioner representing South-South

“To prevent heating the Senate along with a probable battle with the Presidency, we chose to resign’ her affirmation.

“This really is a middle-class approach which won’t embarrass both the presidency and the nominee, whose dossiers happen together with all the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

Responding to a query, the Senator said: “I can confidently inform you that our direction has got in contact with the presidency on the conclusion on Onochie. We’ve requested the presidency to forwards a different nominee to us.

“We chose to suspend legislative actions on the 3 other nominees on precisely the exact same record with Onochie in expectation of the reaction of their presidency.”

A standing senator said the room was outside to guard the integrity of INEC and the 2023 polls.

He explained: “A number people were uneasy with Onochie in view of their decision to safeguard the sanctity of both 2023 poll and also the integrity of their electoral umpire. If we need a credible survey, the whole procedure has to be flawless.

“Onochie’s nomination and verification (when we’d gone ahead) will entice many instances in court. We think the Senate must not seem foolish. It’s nothing personal against her we must abide by the constitution.

“This is actually the second time we’ve taken such a choice.

Onochie is a ministry but not INEC National Commissioner.”

An origin in the presidency stated: “The government is considering choices available to it”

Read also: INEC releases `Report of 2019 General Election’ with 180 recommendations

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted a waiver to all new members of the party and others planning to join its fold from various political platforms.
This formed part of the resolutions adopted on Tuesday at a virtual emergency National Executive Council meeting of the APC presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja.
It is the first time the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, will attend the APC NEC meeting since he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in November.
The approval was to allow Governor Umahi and other new members of the party to contest for elections without having to wait for two years, as was done previously.

Read also: #EndSARS: Governor Umahi sacks SA, three Council bosses for non-performance
According to the party’s NEC, the decision to grant a waiver to new members is to encourage young people to join the APC.
Away from defection, the APC NEC resolved to extend the tenure of the Caretaker/ Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party another six months.
With the extension of the tenure of the committee led by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, the members will continue with their duty until June 30, 2021.
The meeting also resolved to dissolve the party structures at the polling unit, ward, local government, zonal, and state levels.
However, members of the dissolved executives were asked to serve as the caretaker committee members.
Another important resolution adopted by the APC NEC was the expulsion of its immediate past National Vice Chairman (South-South), Hilliard Etta.
Etta was expelled from the ruling party for not heeding the directive of the party leadership that all legal cases be withdrawn from the courts.

Read also: #EndSARS: President Buhari’s restraint averted the unimaginable — Femi Adesina

In his remarks, President Buhari urged party members to collectively work towards the sustenance of peace and promotion of more understanding within the party, with a view to consolidating on earlier successes and winning new members.
He noted that the decision of the party’s leadership to dissolve the National Working Committee and constitute a 13-member Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee on June 25 was well conceived as party members now enjoy a new atmosphere of peace.
The President, who acknowledged the defection of Governor Umahi and the return of many party stalwarts and their supporters, believes the APC is making progress as a party of choice for Nigerians.

Read also: Gov Sule condemns killing of Nasarawa APC Chairman
Governor Buni, on his part, said the reconciliation effort in the party had yielded positive results, with many old members returning and new members being recorded, most recently the Ebonyi State governor.
He stated that following the President’s instructions, almost all pending cases in courts instituted by APC members had been withdrawn to create a “neutral ground’’ for discussions.
The governor noted that a timetable for membership registration and revalidation exercise would be released after initial sensitisation.

APC Grants Waiver To Umahi, New Members To Competition Elections

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, says he is not tribalistic, thus encouraged President Muhammadu Buhari instead of the predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan at 2015.

Buhari emerged President, beating incumbent, Jonathan.

Amaechi, speaking in Port Harcourt on Saturday clarified that whatever he says in Rivers State could happen, adding that he would soon return to announce prayers in the state.

“You know, when Goodluck fought us, he was not fighting me, he had been fighting God and I knew he would fail.

“Inform them from next year prayer will start, I will come to Port Harcourt like I used to come and I will say that this will happen and it will take place.

“Let me inform you that I am; I don’t drink, I have never tasted alcohol in my entire life, I really don’t smoke; I am not tribalistic. Whether in Rivers State or in Nigeria, I am not tribalistic.

‘If I were tribalistic, President Goodluck Jonathan offered me the chance to remain in PDP, he offered me all sort of chances and I stated I have given my allegiance to Buhari since I am not tribalistic.”

Read also: Lagos East Senatorial By-Election: Apathy As PDP Senatorial Candidate Cast Vote

The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has declared an entire amount of N120,717,387,596 for a number of jobs that cut across countries of the federation.

Of this figure, roughly N117.5 billion has been for both construction and rehabilitation of bridges and roads.

He clarified that two have been in regard to different streets and bridges functions, although the third was to get a banking software for the Federal Mortgage Bank.

According to him, “Council announced an entire amount of N18,923,846,198.47 billion for bridges and roads.

“Bridge at kilometre 22 +700 meters across Bida -Zungaru road in Niger at N1.022 billion.

“Another memorandum concerning streets is for the entire amount of N98,73,840,842.81 billion. The streets are in Rijiya — Gusau Road at Zamfara N1.799 billion; Jega-Kwanar Sanagi-Kebbi-Gunmi Road at Kebbi N31.539 billion; Koko- Mahuta Road at Kebbi, N19.713 billion; Kukar Babangida — Gangara Road in Katsina N11.731 billion, Ihiala-Orlu -Umuduru Road into Uko at N16.750 billion, respectively Oye Ama Etitte road to Umuawulu Road at Anambra at N2.155 billion and rehabilitation in Bichi Road in Kano State N8.34 billion.

ALSO READ: Niger Infrastructure committee tells contractor to increase pace of work on Minna-Bida road

“The next memo has been that the procurement of a core banking software for Federal Mortgage Bank in the amount of N487.394,285.71 million to Messers FINTAX software to empower Federal Mortgage Bank to provide all of the frontline services which other banks now supply across its branches nationally.

“Contrary to other banks, federal mortgage lender remains not able to send automatic notices, statements and all those to federal housing finance subscribers.

“This program will enable the federal mortgage lender to provide those sorts of services and also do a great deal of reconciliation and automation credit and loan processing when completely installed.”

Additionally, briefing, the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, stated his ministry introduced two memoranda to Council that was the furnishing of this already finished technology construction, that’s the communication and information control and control center in the purchase price of N2,100,080,759.65 billion.

He explained an endorsement was acquired for the purchase price of 44 operational vehicles meant to boost the efficiency of their officers, including Comptrollers, Assistant Comptroller Generals, Deputy Comptroller Generals and for patrol responsibilities, in the purchase price of N768,077,08 million.

He explained,”Council also accepted a contract to the furnishing of their tech structure, that’s the information and communication command and control facility, it is also going to act as the support Headquarter of Nigeria Immigration Service. The award is currently favour of messers Julius Berger Nigeria Plc at the entire amount approved is N2,100,080,759.65 billion.

“Council accepted the procurement of usable vehicles to boost efficiency in the support for people who were recently promoted by the Nigeria Immigration Service, Comptrollers, Assistant Comptroller Generals, Deputy Comptroller Generals in addition to patrol vehicles.

“The council declared procurement of 44 usable vehicles at an entire contract amount of N768,077,08 million.

“While the previous phase of consultancy was awarded to Messers APTECH Practice Ltd, an architectural design adviser. The ward is an entire amount of N163,956,232.03. The period of the project is four weeks ”

FEC also approved a memo that searched the award of a contract to its reversed cost to get an extension of the period of their consultancy solutions in Tadasungai Irrigation job in Kwara state.

Briefing on this, the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu noted that Council had okayed the change of their entire price of the principal job and obtained approval to expand the help of the advisor, Messers Tech Consult Consultancy International and partners Ltd for the following 12 weeks.

He explained,”It was 24 weeks and 12 months growth plus 12 months accountability interval, which makes it 36 to get an entire amount of N200,192,200 million inclusive 7.5 per cent VAT.

“All these are high priority job along the banks of River Niger and has the capability to enhance production in the country notably rice production”

He stated the council approved an award of contract for a dedicated power line for mid Ogun Irrigation job phase one that is in Iseyin at Oyo State.

Adamu explained the irrigation system has been powered by gas generators,” but because of deregulation and gas, it has gotten so expensive and not sustainable.

He explained, “Thus, we need to search for further ways and means to power irrigation methods. We’re considering either National solar and grid.

“In this example, we have obtained an interim structure to enlarge electricity for national grid electricity to irrigation strategy and later on, until it is completed, we’ll take it into solar.

“The power coverage is about 3,000 hectares and now about 1,300 hectares are completed but because of lack of electricity, we can not irrigate the property. Additionally, the property is only used for infrequent…irrigation,” he explained.

Additionally, briefing, the Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume, in Addition to Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mohammed Abdullahi, gave reports of their visits for their home conditions, Benue and Nasarawa state, according to President Buhari at the Wake of this #EndSARS protests.

The President had directed all of the Ministers to relocate for their respective nations and constituencies to port with all the youths on the attempts of this Government in attending the requirements made by the protesting youths on Police brutality.

Read also: From Pandemic to Panoply of Data in Project Monitoring and Evaluation

The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, has stated that market arrangements in the state could be used to boost the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state.

The governor spoke through the commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Simon Ebegbulem, in Owerri, while inaugurating a 16 members caretaker committee of the Imo state Amalgamated Market and Allied Traders Association, ISAMATA, with Emmanuel Ezeanochie, as chairman.

The commissioner stated that the aim of setting up the ISAMATA, caretaker committee, was to make way for the introduction of the modern reforms for market growth and revenue generation.

ALSO READ: Court rules on Lawsuit against Imo govt from 27 LGA chairmen

According to him,”A caretaker committee is to pilot the affairs of the body till the next election. We were aware when they wanted to arrange an election it created a lot of tension and caused so many troubles.

“The governor stated that he didn’t like what was happening and there is a need to organize the structures so it will be easier to execute the reforms needed for market growth in the state.

“Also, the objective is to drive up our earnings generation capacity. We think that this leadership will do their best to lay a solid foundation for the development of our markets.

“What the government wants to do is to arrange the marketplace and make it conducive so the people will be productive.”

Read also: Samzuga Hope Alive Center Dubai partners with Imo Govt for free solar energy training

The ruling party in the nation held its own mega rally on Monday from Sagbama and Yenagoa to hand over party flags to its candidates, Hon Seriake Dickson to its west senatorial district and Moses Cleopas to the fundamental senatorial district.

ALSO READ: Sack support chiefs today, Senate informs Buhari

Secondus stated”the demand for alternative on the dilemma of the systematic failures of this APC administration to boost safety, growth and economy is likely to make the people select the PDP applicants to pass necessary legislation to overthrow the nation.

“The APC will neglect in Saturday elections because they are seriously fragmented,” and cautioned that the army to focus on its specialist callings instead of being used for election responsibilities.

Also, the members of the State House of Assembly representing constituencies below the West and Central Senatorial Districtsmembers of the National Assembly and governmental leaders supported the candidature of Hon. Seriake Dickson and Cleopas Moses.

He also augmented the turning position arrangement between Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas saying,”Do not let them fool you on the conclusion on turning.

“There is nobody contesting from Ekeremor. It is Sagbama turn. We are sending a reliable and analyzed hand into the Senate rather than a person who doesn’t understand the legislative enterprise.”

The Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjapor, who relinquished the senatorial chair of the Bayelsa West, informed the audience of PDP supporters the current rotation arrangement between both councils of Ekeremor and Sagbama remains a sacrosanct covenant.

“The APC senatorial candidate, Perebowei Ebebi defended the zoning in 2015 when Senator Heineken Lokpobiri tried to violate the covenant, saying that it had been the turn of Sagbama to perform their two phrases.

ALSO READ: Operation Burst detains soldiers for beating lady over “indecent dressing” in Oyo

“It is unfortunate that today, it’s the identical Ebebi that is denying the presence of zoning arrangement.

“This really goes to show he isn’t trustworthy and therefore can not be entrusted with the people’s mandate”

He predicted on Ekeremor and Sagbama individuals to dismiss the vacant threats being issued from the APC and also come out en masse to vote for the PDP senatorial candidate.

Former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim on Monday petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu and the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged plot to kill him for not defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He alleged that Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi was behind the plot.

Anyim said Umahi was in his house on November 20 to advise him to defect from the PDP to the APC, adding that he had declined.

Anyim said no amount of blackmail or intimidation will compel him or any of the PDP leaders to follow the governor.

He said Umahi is suffering from delusion and he needs help.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said he and key leaders in Ebonyi State are not engaging cultists and members of the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) to kill and cause crisis in the state.

He said Umahi pointed accusing fingers at some leaders in the state in a circulated media briefing on November 27, after a formal State Security Council meeting. Also, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said Umahi’s defection is not as important as the problems currently confronting the country.

Anyim, who raised the alarm in an open letter, which was sent to Umahi, President Buhari and the IG, said his blood is not available for Umahi in pursuit of his ambition.

Anyim said in part: “I would not have bothered to respond to this gibberish by a sinking man but for the compelling need to put the records straight and forewarn the public about the sinister plans of a man who personifies everything ignoble, shameless and despicable.

“Umahi is pitiably delusional. He is a prisoner of his greed and inordinate ambition. Here is a drowning man looking for who to drag down with him.

“Umahi has made his worst mistake after his latest misadventure by taking on me and other noble and respectable sons of Ebonyi State who have served and continued to serve our dear state with resolute commitment, dedication and integrity.

“The case at hand is his defection to APC on the 19th of November, 2020. The discerning public knows that he has been on the plan for a long time and when he decided to consummate it, he suddenly concocted an accusation against PDP, that PDP was not willing to zone Presidency to the Southeast. “When he spews these allegations, he would not even mind whether they make sense or not. He did not have the mental capacity to reason that no party in less than two years into a new term would bring the next election unto the front burner.

“That even in APC where he has gone to, the issue of next election is not yet on the table as doing so would distract the government.

Read Also: Defection : Ebonyi Commissioner resigns from Umahi’s cabinet

“People who know Governor Umahi know that he normally starts this way whenever he is hatching a sinister plan. He raises dusts, makes wild allegations and accusations against people just to divert the attention of the public before he strikes.

“It is public knowledge that Governor Umahi had been planning his defection to the  APC for a long time. In his delusion, he believed his own lies that he is the only man who matters in Ebonyi State. He did not consult with anybody notable before consummating his defection to APC. After his defection, no person of note followed him.”

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has condemned the destructions that followed the peaceful End SARS protest in October.
The official said the perpetrators must face the law.
“If we don’t punish those that caused these damages, others may roll in the hay again,” he said on Sunday.
Amaechi spoke during an assessment of the damages at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters in Lagos, NAN reports.
The former Rivers State Governor said it had been legitimate to protest but illegal to destroy private and government properties.
“This is totally disastrous. it’s not enough to vent your anger about police brutality during this manner.

Read also: Transport sector: Amaechi has proved his worth -Bent

How does damaging government property concern the police? Whether you wish it or not, this may be refurbished or rebuilt with government funds.
”That means the funds also belong to those that have set this place ablaze. those that commit crime should be held liable and appropriate punishment administered on them. i used to be a student from 1983 to 1987, that was a period when the Nigerian students were always out on the streets, we never burnt down anything.

Read also: Amaechi says economic development is antidote to crime reduction, better security

“The rights to protest is defined within the laws of Nigeria, it doesn’t include burning peoples houses or places, it doesn’t include blocking major highways or minor roads. The law said you ought to protest by the side of the road, it didn’t say you ought to protest and block the roads because there are other road users.
“I might not like police brutality and that i didn’t protest. it’s legitimate to protest but it’s illegitimate to require other people’s rights. The rights to protest is defined within the constitution but it doesn’t include burning people’s houses and government properties”, Amaechi stressed.

The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has sacked four of his technical assistants for alleged dereliction of duty.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said the affected officers were sacked because they were not living up to the governor’s expectations.

He added that the decision takes immediate effect.

Read also: “I can’t resign on facebook”— Ebonyi commissioner

The affected officers are – Cletus Ogbonna, John Osi, Tochukwu Ali, and Olachi Arua.

The statement read: “All the affected officers have been directed to handover all government property in their possession to the SSG before the close of work on Monday, November 23.

“The officers are to comply strictly with this directive in their best interest.”

The governor had on Saturday sacked after all categories of aides from Ohaukwu local government area of the state.

The development, according to the SSG, was to “ensure greater participation of Ebonyi people in governance.”

A former Governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayo Fayose, has urged the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Fayose made the decision during a statement made available to the press agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ado Ekiti by his Spokesperson, Lere Olayinka.

Read also: Ondo: Party stalwarts bury differences with 2023 in mind

The statement quoted Fayose as making the decision when he received Ajayi, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate within the last governorship election in Ondo State, in his Afao-Ekiti country home late Friday night.
“It is vital for him (Ajayi) to place the past behind, return to PDP and join hands with other leaders within the state to rebuild the party,” Fayose said.

Read also: Incitement: Lagos PDP gives Fayose 7 days to apologise to party elders

READ ALSO: ECOWAS Parliament will back states on E-learning — Speaker
The former governor described Ajayi as a force to be reckoned with within the politics of Ondo State, adding that the deputy governor would thrive better politically in ‘a liberal political party like PDP’.

Read also: Bayelsa gov, Diri, hosts Obaseki, Shaibu to dinner party

“What I can tell you wish a brother is that the past should be put behind you and therefore the future-focused on realistically.
“The best choice before you now’s to return to the PDP and that i am encouraging you to offer it a consideration because you would like the party and therefore the party too needs a robust political character such as you ,” Fayose said.

Read also: APC, PDP, others at war over alleged doctoring of party agent’s list

Responding, the deputy governor commended Fayose for his “credible leadership within the South-West and within the country as a whole”.
He described the previous governor as a clear-minded personality, who would say his mind, not minding whose ox was gored.
“I have come to Afao-Ekiti at this hour of the day to wish a lover , brother, and leader a cheerful 60th birthday.
“Fayose is one person I even have great respect for and that i will still relate with him because he’s not someone who won’t tell you something when he means another thing.
“His yes is yes and when he says no, he means no,” Ajayi said.
A former Governor of Ekiti, Mr Ayo Fayose, has urged the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Agboola Ajayi, to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Read also: Electoral Reforms: PDP Sets Up C’ttee, to Partner CSOs

Fayose made the decision during a statement made available to the Newsmen on Saturday in Ado Ekiti by his Spokesperson, Lere Olayinka.
The statement quoted Fayose as making the decision when he received Ajayi, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate within the last governorship election in Ondo State, in his Afao-Ekiti country home late Friday night.
READ ALSOECOWAS Parliament will back states on E-learning — Speaker
“It is vital for him (Ajayi) to place the past behind, return to PDP and join hands with other leaders within the state to rebuild the party,” Fayose said.
The former governor described Ajayi as a force to be reckoned with within the politics of Ondo State, adding that the deputy governor would thrive better politically in ‘a liberal political party like PDP’.
“What I can tell you wish a brother is that the past should be put behind you and therefore the future focused on realistically.
“The best choice before you now’s to return to the PDP and that i am encouraging you to offer it a consideration, because you would like the party and therefore the party too needs a robust political character such as you ,” Fayose said.
Responding, the deputy governor commended Fayose for his “credible leadership within the South-West and within the country as a whole”.
He described the previous governor as a clear-minded personality, who would say his mind, not minding whose ox was gored.
“I have come to Afao-Ekiti at this hour of the day to wish a lover , brother and leader a cheerful 60th birthday.
“Fayose is one person I even have great respect for and that i will still relate with him, because he’s not someone who won’t tell you something when he means another thing.
“His yes is yes and when he says no, he means no,” Ajayi said.

Read also: Electoral Reforms: PDP Sets Up C’ttee, to Partner CSOs

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

As an aftermath of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a committee of elders to work towards ensuring effective and efficient electoral reforms before the next general election.
To that extent, the party said it would partner civil society groups to work with it and its members at the National Assembly to reform the electoral act.

Read also: Why we’re demanding for electoral reforms in Nigeria — CSOs

This was disclosed to newsmen by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, who claimed that electoral reforms were one of the high points of the PDP NEC meeting.
“For us in the PDP, we believe that until there are improvements in our electoral laws, our elections are not going to be credible and this is going to endanger our democracy.

Read also: Constitution review: INEC wants NASS to approve recommendations on electoral reforms

“So, the PDP has resolved to constitute a committee that will work in tandem with National Assembly members elected on the platform of our party and other interested parties as well to form a broad-based committee that will work with our parliamentarians.

“We need to engage the civil societies on electoral reforms, because as a party, we have seen that the issue of electoral frauds, abuses and hijack of electoral process by the APC can only be redeemed if every Nigerian agree in unison that we must amend the rules.

“This was why the PDP has agreed to work in concert with CSOs, faith-based organisations and community leaders to entrench a law in the system in which the people can truly elect their representatives,” Ologbondiyan said.

Read also: Prioritise passage of 2020 electoral Act Bill to end rigging ― CSOs task NASS

On the membership of the reforms committee, he said, “We haven’t decided that yet. The NWC will work on the modalities and present it. We will act on behalf of NEC, work on the modalities of membership and work on the areas of interest concerning the party and the nation. As soon as we constitute the committee, we will make it known”.

He also announced that the PDP would from the first quarter of next year embark on electronic membership drive.

His words: “We are also going on electronic membership drive as you know even INEC is contemplating going for electronic election. If you look at the election that was held in Edo State, where results were transferred from the units, the base of the election to the collation centre, that negated and ruled out the tendency of hoodlums to hijack results and change them.

Read also: #EndSARS: Group wants FG to implement 2018 presidential report on SARS reform

“We believe that in our party too, we must immediately go into electronic membership drive. The NWC has gotten approval prior to now on the need for that and also presented it to NEC yesterday. By first quarter of next year, we would have been able to begin the pilot scheme.”

He said the NEC has approved the strengthening of the reconciliation of aggrieved member in the party, noting, “NEC also agreed that we should strengthen the processes of our reconciliation both at the zonal level and at the national level. Modalities have been created already and I am sure that before the end of the year, we are likely going to see leaders coming in.

“Even the governors forum and other organs of the party have also agreed to go into reconciliation with our members and leaders, when we have issues,” he explained.

The PDP spokesperson said the NEC has agreed for a review of the manifesto of the party to meet the agitations and expectations of Nigerians before the next general election.

He said: “Our party and NEC have decided that in view of the new exigencies in our nation, and in order to be able to meet the demands of Nigerians; in order to prepare Nigerians ahead of 2023 elections, we are going to create a committee that will review our manifesto and make sure that it meets the requirements of today particularly, the exigencies of today.”

On the outcome of the review of the 2019 general election, he said, “The Bala Mohammed Committee briefed NEC on how far they had gone on the issues the committee is looking into, the reasons the 2019 election went the way it did, because we believe Nigerians voted for our party in the 2019 Presidential election. They brought a preliminary report to NEC and they divulged the areas that they have been able to cover in the assignment and they asked for more time.”

Read also: Yakubu’s temporary exit raises fresh concerns in INEC

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, says leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid his dues.

Fayose, a key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), described Tinubu as one of the greatest builders of men in Nigeria.

The ex-governor stated this during an interactive session with journalists as part of the events marking his 60th birthday in Ado Ekiti on Friday.

He said: “I am not championing the course of Tinubu, I am not in the position to do that. But there is no denying the fact that Tinubu is a prominent Yoruba leader both in APC or PDP. There is no denying the fact. Fayose is a prominent son of the Yoruba nation. Governors Nyesom Wike , Ifeanyi Okowa, and Okezie Ikpeazu, are prominent sons of southern Nigeria.

Read also: Labour activists list how #EndSARS campaign redefines radicalism in Nigeria

“What I am trying to say is that, we can’t hide their identities and goodwill for political reasons. We can’t deny their contributions. Other leaders from the North like Ahmadu Bello and Sardauna, they made different impacts not necessarily like Awolowo. So, Tinubu has paid his dues. I have paid my dues, Okowa has paid his dues and Wike has paid his dues, we need to acknowledge them.

“The late Balarabe Musa, who was a leader of note and repute, cannot be forgotten in history. For me, Tinubu, has paid his dues, I stand by that. I have not seen Tinubu after the Ekiti election by any means, we haven’t even met at a function or saw him passed.

“President Muhammadu Buhari condoled with me on the death of my sister, does it mean we are on the same page politically? No. I will not sit down in any corner to shoot down Tinubu. I am not a member of APC and I will never be. But I supported Governor Fayemi to be governor by Tinubu’s influence at a time.”

Fayose, who also spoke on the defection of the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, to APC, despite the multifaceted crises in the PDP, he won’t jump ship like some leaders of the party had done.

“If we are fighting in PDP, let us fight it inside PDP. People who have been jumping ship are armed robbers. They are being driven by greed and inordinate ambition.

“These are indications of the type of leaders we have in our country who are without ideology. They go for only what they feel would benefit them.

“Our politics is sick. Everything in Nigeria is currently sick and is a function of the leadership that we have. Governor Umahi’s joining APC after benefiting several positions in PDP was unprincipled. We do not accept the excuses given by the governor.

“I am not satisfied with some things in PDP, but, leaving the party does not equally solve the problems,” he added.

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Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has said his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike has an overbearing influence on the affairs of the People’s Democratic Party.
Umahi noted that Wine’s dictatorial actions are “destroying’ the PDP.

Umahi spoke on an Arise TV interview programme on Wednesday.

Umahi was reacting to a statement credited to Wike who said he (Umahi) left the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) because of his desperation to be president of the country in 2023.

Wike, while reacting to Umahi’s defection to the APC, had said Umahi’s decision did not come to him as a surprise as the Ebonyi State governor had been involved in anti-party activities for some time before his eventual public declaration to join the All Progressives Congress.

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But in a swift reaction to Wike’s comment, Umahi warned him to desist from attacking him “as it would be very dangerous if both of them continue attacking each other.”

He said Wike’s “dictatorial tendencies and overbearing influence on the party’s affairs had made other governors to be unhappy with him”.

Umahi said: “I refused to join issues with Wike because he is my friend. But Wike must know that he is a dictator. Wike must know that one person cannot be called a crowd.

Wike must know that a lot of governors in PDP are not very happy with him. He remote controls the party.

“He (Wike) said that I made my brother the Vice Chairman. I fund the PDP South-east from A to Z. And he has forgotten that he singlehandedly made Secondus the (PDP) Chairman. He has forgotten that he wanted to impose one of his own as minority leader of the house.

“There is nothing that happens in PDP without his authorisation. He once said that PDP National Working Committee members are beggars and bribe takers. I have asked him that let’s not take on ourselves or else it will be very dangerous.

“So let’s us face the party, the party does not belong to him. And this is by no means personal and he is demonstrating the dictatorial tendencies in him by taking on me, a fellow governor. And that is very shameful.”

Mr Umahi warned that more governors would leave the PDP fold “unless there is a change in the mode of doing things in the PDP”.

The Ebonyi governor also accused his Rivers counterpart of ‘remote-controlling’ the PDP.
He added that APC has allows intraparty deliberation on any move to be made.

“APC does more consultation. Anybody can contravene this that PDP working committee is being remote-controlled and that is the truth and it is very dangerous and all the governors know that.

“You (Wike) cannot stay in your state and you will be remote-controlling what happens in other states. Unless that changes you will see a lot of governors leaving the party,” he warned.

Umahi also said he is not desperate to be president of the country, contrary to Mr Wike’s assertion.

He, however, said “he will be a happy man if a president of South-east is elected in 2023 even if that person is not him.”

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