... Daniel, Dickson, Obi, Iweala, Wike and Fayose makes VP list
Following the landslide victory of Alh Abubakar Atiku, GCON as the flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), information available to us reveal that the jostling for who will be his running-mate has reached fever-pitch.
Atiku, according to sources, has referred the question of who will be his running mate to party elders to decide. This, many believe, would serve to heal any wounds that may have arisen from his landslide victory over Gov Aminu Tambuwal who enjoyed the open support of Gov Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and delegates loyal to him.
There are many eminent PDP members across the country qualified for the role but discussions with top PDP apparatchiks at the venue of the just concluded Party National Convention in Port Harcourt reveal that the front runners for the position of Vice Presidential candidate are Chief Gbenga Daniel, Gov Nyesom Wike, Dr Peter Obi, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Gov Seriake Dickson and Gov Ayodele Fayose.
Chief Gbenga Daniel is the former Governor of Ogun State and the Director General of the Atiku Campaign Organization who was able to gather the delegates from the south west states, except Ekiti State delegates, to deliver block votes for Atiku at the primaries. He is believed to be more suited for the job as he should be able to reduce the votes to and the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south west states. He would also balance the influence of the current Vice President to President Buhari who is also from Ogun State.
Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State was the only Governor that openly supported Atiku and mobilized support from fellow PDP Governors, in direct opposition to people like Wike who was supporting Tambuwal, that led to Atiku’s recent victory as the Presidential Candidate of the PDP. Dickson has been a stabilizing factor in the Niger Delta and is widely accepted as a grassroots politician with strong ties with the Yorubas being that his grandmother was from Ogun State. His giant strides in various sectors in Bayelsa State continue to stand him in good stead as a purveyor of peace and development to the people in general.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the renowned Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy in President Goodluck Jonathan’s Government. She comes with immense experience and capacity together with a largely unblemished public service record. Though not a politician, her candidacy should put presidential hopefuls from the south east states at ease as she would not be competing with them to take over from Atiku at the end of his single term plan. She would also help to reel in the female sympathetic votes.
Gov Nyesom Wike is arguably the latter day leader of the PDP who has fought to steady the course of the party in the last turbulent years after the loss of the presidency to the APC. Though he did not support Atiku in the primaries, pundits say that his control of the party systems through his appointed Chairman- Chief Uche Secondus - is very strong.
Gov Ayodele Fayose is the current Governor of Ekiti State who stepped down from the presidential primaries race ostensibly to support Tambuwal. Despite the fact that his candidate lost the governorship elections to the APC candidate, pundits say he still commands a lot of support in the south west states. Fayose, though considered a rabble rouser by a cross section of the society for his many verbal engagements, should therefore help the PDP garner votes in the south west states as Vice Presidential Candidate to Atiku.
Last but not the least is Dr Peter Obi. He is the immediate very successful governor of Anambra State. Obi brings economic sagacity and an unblemished public service record to the table but may raise fears from other possible successors to Atiku at the end of the single term as being Vice President would put him in pole position to take over.
However the odds appear to favour Gov Dickson for several reasons. He is a loyal party man and level headed politician who has been found more on the side of peace building, chairing many of the PDP reconciliation committees since 2013 when the crisis that led to the party's loss of the last general elections started.
Given the fractious state of the nation, Alhaji Atiku would need someone who can move across the across sensitive ethnic and regional lines to make peace. Dickson has made a success of calming militancy in Bayelsa State and has successfully hosted many times over leaders from the west and the north despite previous resentments against such leaders in Bayelsa.
Politically, Gov Dickson like Alh Atiku believes in the restructuring of the country and has carried the campaign like Atiku to other parts of the country.
As a strong associate of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the choice of Dickson can help heal the wounds that came with the defeat of the PDP in 2015 when Atiku defected with some party leaders to the APC. Coming from the South-South that only recently produced the President, it is not likely that a Dickson vice-presidency will succumb to succession intrigues that may create a wedge between a President and him. The PDP even has a strong power rotation principle that will even take care of that.
Dickson has a wide reach among federal legislators in Abuja where he once served in the House of Representatives. Such a bridge is needed to smoothen the acrimonious relationship between the federal executive and the National Assembly that had often stalled government business in the past.
His security background, being a former police officer, would stand him in good stead to help find genuine solutions to the plethora of security issues currently bedevilling the country.
It won't be a surprise if the lot eventually falls on the Bayelsa State governor.
Monday 8 October 2018
Lagos East leaders disown Osinowo, praise Ashafa
Lagos East leaders disown Osinowo, praise Ashafa
Stakeholders in Lagos East on Sunday were full of praises for the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
They also distanced themselves from the fake victory of the member representing Kosofe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bayo Osinowo.
The leaders who met in Epe lashed out at Osinowo for claiming victory in a primary that affirmed Ashafa as the party’s senatorial flag bearer.
They lambasted Osinowo for encouraging anarchy in the ruling party.
“The victory story of Osinowo is spurious, shocking and repulsive. It is a fabrication aimed at causing confusion in the party. It is also a figment of his imagination and that of his cohorts” the leaders said.
Meeting under the auspices of Lagos East Political Leaders Forum (LEPLF) to articulate the position of the senatorial district in the 2019 general election, the astonished leaders listed envy, selfish ambition and gluttonous appetite for power as reasons for Osinowo’s action.
“Senator Gbenga Ashafa did not call Osinowo. He never congratulated him” the leaders said.
They condemned the push by Osinowo and others to reverse the decision of APC faithful in the senatorial district.
In a statement entitled; Lagos East has spoken, the leaders lauded the role of the National Working Committee (NWC) in the fight for the ideals of democracy.
They commended APC members in Lagos State for affirming Gbenga Ashafa, Oluremi Tinubu and Olamilekan Solomon.
Signed by LEPLF Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Aleem Mujeeb, the leaders advised Osinowo and his co-travelers to lend support to Ashafa in his effort to develop Lagos East.
Specifically, the leaders urged the Lagos State House of Assembly member and his associates to stop bringing the district into disrepute and ridicule.
“The last day for the conduct of party primaries is Sunday, 7th October, 2018. The submission of forms CF001 and CF002 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections is 10th-18th October, 2018. These documents have not been submitted to INEC. Osinowo’s name is not in any list. The NWC did not give Osinowo the nod to run for the seat” the leaders said.
Similarly, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye on Saturday reviewed the destruction in Ikorodu over the National Assembly primaries in Lagos East, describing the action of the lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bayo Osinowo and his associates as dangerous trend.
Ogunleye said it was the party’s duty to hold free and fair primaries but it has miserably failed to do so.
Addressing journalists in Ikorodu, Ogunleye stated that open secret voting remain a vital process for the development of democracy in Nigeria.
He described the APC primary in Ikorodu as a charade.
“It was supposed to be affirmation. The party disqualified Bayo Osinowo. The exercise was disrupted by thugs, electoral officers and government functionaries who disappeared with materials in Ikorodu” he said.
Ogunleye condemned Osinowo for not quitting the senatorial race after disqualification by the National Working Committee of the ruling party.
Equally , former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun has urged politicians to eschew violence and rigging.
He said Osinowo was disqualified from standing as a candidate by the appropriate authority.
“We expected a primary to affirm Ashafa’s candidature and our current House of Representatives candidate who has no opponent. The only person who opposed him stepped down. The National Working Committee cleared Senator Gbenga Ashafa. We got to the venue, I started smelling foul play. We got to the field, I saw my own chairman directing people to the other side. Unfortunately for them, the votes in Ward C2 exceeded the number of people accredited. This was replicated in all the wards in Ikorodu. They eloped with the materials and went on to write the results” he said.
Basorun, lawyer and former Central Bank of Nigeria director, described Osinowo as an ineligible candidate.
“They are doing nothing. The result is nothing. Bayo Osinowo cannot contest. Once a single candidate has been cleared by the appropriate authority, there is no opponent. Ashafa is our sole candidate for Lagos East senatorial district” he stated.
He said the fake votes cast in favour of the Lagos State House of Assembly member should be treated as thrown away.
“Osinowo has no respect for the party’ he said.
The former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman who scolded some government officials for working against the interest of the party advised politicians to abide by the rules of the game.
He also urged the party to discipline Osinowo.
“The party must be strict on this particular matter. Some people cannot sit somewhere and think they are above the party. The party must discipline the man who asked people to vote for him in Lagos East senatorial district”
Meanwhile, the Director of Communication, Ashafa Campaign Organisation, Ayodele Adio is optimistic that Senator Gbenga Ashafa will be pronounced the rightful flag bearer of Lagos East Senatorial Constituency alongside Senator Remi Tinubu and Senator Olamilekan Solomon as the only candidates cleared for Lagos State Senatorial elections by the APC NWC.
"We urge all our supporters and the good people of Lagos East Senatorial Constituency to remain calm as we are sure the party’s decision remain supreme".
Stakeholders in Lagos East on Sunday were full of praises for the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
They also distanced themselves from the fake victory of the member representing Kosofe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bayo Osinowo.
The leaders who met in Epe lashed out at Osinowo for claiming victory in a primary that affirmed Ashafa as the party’s senatorial flag bearer.
They lambasted Osinowo for encouraging anarchy in the ruling party.
“The victory story of Osinowo is spurious, shocking and repulsive. It is a fabrication aimed at causing confusion in the party. It is also a figment of his imagination and that of his cohorts” the leaders said.
Meeting under the auspices of Lagos East Political Leaders Forum (LEPLF) to articulate the position of the senatorial district in the 2019 general election, the astonished leaders listed envy, selfish ambition and gluttonous appetite for power as reasons for Osinowo’s action.
“Senator Gbenga Ashafa did not call Osinowo. He never congratulated him” the leaders said.
They condemned the push by Osinowo and others to reverse the decision of APC faithful in the senatorial district.
In a statement entitled; Lagos East has spoken, the leaders lauded the role of the National Working Committee (NWC) in the fight for the ideals of democracy.
They commended APC members in Lagos State for affirming Gbenga Ashafa, Oluremi Tinubu and Olamilekan Solomon.
Signed by LEPLF Chairman, Alhaji Abdul-Aleem Mujeeb, the leaders advised Osinowo and his co-travelers to lend support to Ashafa in his effort to develop Lagos East.
Specifically, the leaders urged the Lagos State House of Assembly member and his associates to stop bringing the district into disrepute and ridicule.
“The last day for the conduct of party primaries is Sunday, 7th October, 2018. The submission of forms CF001 and CF002 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections is 10th-18th October, 2018. These documents have not been submitted to INEC. Osinowo’s name is not in any list. The NWC did not give Osinowo the nod to run for the seat” the leaders said.
Similarly, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye on Saturday reviewed the destruction in Ikorodu over the National Assembly primaries in Lagos East, describing the action of the lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bayo Osinowo and his associates as dangerous trend.
Ogunleye said it was the party’s duty to hold free and fair primaries but it has miserably failed to do so.
Addressing journalists in Ikorodu, Ogunleye stated that open secret voting remain a vital process for the development of democracy in Nigeria.
He described the APC primary in Ikorodu as a charade.
“It was supposed to be affirmation. The party disqualified Bayo Osinowo. The exercise was disrupted by thugs, electoral officers and government functionaries who disappeared with materials in Ikorodu” he said.
Ogunleye condemned Osinowo for not quitting the senatorial race after disqualification by the National Working Committee of the ruling party.
Equally , former Secretary to Lagos State Government, Chief Olorunfunmi Basorun has urged politicians to eschew violence and rigging.
He said Osinowo was disqualified from standing as a candidate by the appropriate authority.
“We expected a primary to affirm Ashafa’s candidature and our current House of Representatives candidate who has no opponent. The only person who opposed him stepped down. The National Working Committee cleared Senator Gbenga Ashafa. We got to the venue, I started smelling foul play. We got to the field, I saw my own chairman directing people to the other side. Unfortunately for them, the votes in Ward C2 exceeded the number of people accredited. This was replicated in all the wards in Ikorodu. They eloped with the materials and went on to write the results” he said.
Basorun, lawyer and former Central Bank of Nigeria director, described Osinowo as an ineligible candidate.
“They are doing nothing. The result is nothing. Bayo Osinowo cannot contest. Once a single candidate has been cleared by the appropriate authority, there is no opponent. Ashafa is our sole candidate for Lagos East senatorial district” he stated.
He said the fake votes cast in favour of the Lagos State House of Assembly member should be treated as thrown away.
“Osinowo has no respect for the party’ he said.
The former Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman who scolded some government officials for working against the interest of the party advised politicians to abide by the rules of the game.
He also urged the party to discipline Osinowo.
“The party must be strict on this particular matter. Some people cannot sit somewhere and think they are above the party. The party must discipline the man who asked people to vote for him in Lagos East senatorial district”
Meanwhile, the Director of Communication, Ashafa Campaign Organisation, Ayodele Adio is optimistic that Senator Gbenga Ashafa will be pronounced the rightful flag bearer of Lagos East Senatorial Constituency alongside Senator Remi Tinubu and Senator Olamilekan Solomon as the only candidates cleared for Lagos State Senatorial elections by the APC NWC.
"We urge all our supporters and the good people of Lagos East Senatorial Constituency to remain calm as we are sure the party’s decision remain supreme".
Princess Marian Tolofari Resigns from SDP, Defects to APC
Princess Marian Tolofari Resigns from SDP, Defects to APC
The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, SDP in Rivers State Princess Marian Tolofari has resigned from her position as the national spokesperson of the party.
Princess Tolofari stated this in a resignation letter made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It reads: This to inform the general public and the leadership of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, OF my resignation from my position as the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP and my exit from the party.
This resignation and defection is with immediate effect.
My resignation followed many moths of consultation with my political leader and Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi and other associates on the need to return to the political tree and family for which I have been associated for many years in Rivers State in particular and in the country.
My pursuits in the SDP have been useful but alienated me from my grass root political movement.
I wish to thank all those I have associated with in the SDP and wish the party well.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, SDP in Rivers State Princess Marian Tolofari has resigned from her position as the national spokesperson of the party.
Princess Tolofari stated this in a resignation letter made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
It reads: This to inform the general public and the leadership of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, OF my resignation from my position as the National Publicity Secretary of the SDP and my exit from the party.
This resignation and defection is with immediate effect.
My resignation followed many moths of consultation with my political leader and Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi and other associates on the need to return to the political tree and family for which I have been associated for many years in Rivers State in particular and in the country.
My pursuits in the SDP have been useful but alienated me from my grass root political movement.
I wish to thank all those I have associated with in the SDP and wish the party well.
Tuesday 2 October 2018
Rivers 2019: With Arch. Tonye Cole we are convinced of total victory – PPA Chairmen
Rivers 2019: With
Arch. Tonye Cole we are convinced of total victory – PPA Chairmen
The Chairmen of the PRINCEWILL’S POLITICAL ASSOCIATES (PPA)
in the twenty three Local Government Areas of Rivers State has commend their
mentor, Prince Tonye .T.J.T Princewill and other Riverine Ijaw leaders of the
All Progressive Congress APC, for their steadfastness, commitment and loyalty
to the party and leader of the party in the State, RT. (Hon) Chibuike Rotimi
Amaechi (CON), Honourable minister of Transportation, Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
The leaders in a statement commended Hon. Chibuike Amaechi
and other stakeholders for listening to the cries and clamour by their brothers of the Riverine part of the state for
the emergence of a Governorship candidate from the Riverine part for the 2019
general election.
According to the group, “The consideration of Arch. Tonye
Dele Cole as our party’s flag bearer is a welcomed development and we in the
PPA whole hearted accept it.”
The statement reads: “We call on our brothers and sisters
who may feel unhappy by the preferred of the choice of Arch. Cole by our
leaders to please let go and join hands with all progressives in the state to
bring down the demonic, devious and destructive government of the PDP/ Nyesom
Wike come 2019.
“We hereby re-dedicate ourselves and pledge our total and
unalloyed loyalty to our party the All Progressive Congress and our Leader, the
RT. (Hon) Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.
“Our focus is the enthronement of a progressive and people
oriented government in 2019 and that we cannot trade for anything. With Arch.
Tonye Cole on the ballot in 2019, we are more than convinced of total victory.”
Long live PPA
Long live APC Rivers state
Long live Rivers state
Long live Nigeria
Signed
1. Lily Tamunotonye – Phalga
2. Awor Gift – Onelga
3. Emmanuel Owohor – Obio Akpor
4. Omaranma Godspower – Ikwerre
5. Believing Ikata – Abua Odual
6. Festus Chindo –Eleme
7. Fubara Shedrack – Opobo Nkoro
8. Precious Anamoji – Ahoada west
9. Jeremiah Obudein – Ogu/Bolo
10. Lambert Amapakabo – Okirika
11. Ogbonna Chinaka – Etche
12. Alobari Henry – Khana
13. Keanye Benson – Gokana
14. Nkereghe Kordo – Tai
15. Sunny Olusele – Ahoada East
16. Ukot Otuosobolo – Andoni
17. Azuh Peter – Oyigbo
18. Tubobani Cotterel – Asalga
19. Solomon Amah Hart – Bonny
20. Charity Braide – Delga
21. Ikechukwu Nwafor – Omulga
22. Victor Nwosu – Emohua
23. Fubaiawari Ngofaa Briggs - Akulga
'No Victor, No Vanquished'
'No Victor, No Vanquished'
The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere has emerged the winner of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) held in the 329 wards of Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
Announcing the primary results during a news conference at the APC State Secretariat in Uyo on Monday, the Chairman of the Gubernatorial Primary Election Committee for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Yamah Momoh, said Ekere polled 160,458 votes to defeat his closest challenger and former NDDC Managing Director, Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, who trailed behind with 4,189 votes, in the direct primary.
Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Senator John Udoedehe, finished third with 2,015 votes, closely followed by Dr. Edet Efretuei who scored 1,234 votes.
Ekere won in 29 of the 31 local government areas of the state, losing narrowly with 332 votes (2,331 to 2,663) in Esit Eket, Dan-Abia's local government area.
The result of Uyo, home local government area of Udoedehe, was cancelled following violence, no voting and counter-petitions by two rival groups.
Momoh pointed out that Akwa Ibom APC was the first in the country to successfully conduct its governorship primary election using the direct primary mode and commended the aspirants and party leaders for ensuring that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully.
He advised aggrieved persons, especially those who filed the two counter-petitions in Uyo to channel their grievances to the Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee within 72 hours.
Accepting the nomination, Ekere dedicated it to the party faithful who voted overwhelmingly for him.
He declared that there was no victor or vanquished in the contest and extended an olive branch to other contestants in the primary.
His words: "The nomination process has brought no victor, no vanquished. I extend my hands of fellowship to all. We shall begin immediately to heal the wounds of the nomination process. I will ensure that all aspirants are carried along. We must work together. We must plan together to win the election."
The APC State Caucus Chairman, Atuekong Don Etiebet, said the primary election results were not unexpected, given the tremendous outpouring of support for Ekere during the various rallies by the party in recent times.
The APC State Chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido, said the primary was the freest, fairest and most transparent in the history of Akwa Ibom State, stressing that original election result sheets were released alongside other ballot materials to the 329 wards of the state.
Present during the event were APC chieftains including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, Senator Ita Enang, the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Mr. Umana Umana, the NDDC Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Samuel Frank, the Chairman of Uyo Senatorial District Elders' Forum, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, Senator Aloysius Etok and Members of the APC State Executive Committee.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, observed the event.
Credit: Inemesit Ina
The Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Nsima Ekere has emerged the winner of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives' Congress (APC) held in the 329 wards of Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
Announcing the primary results during a news conference at the APC State Secretariat in Uyo on Monday, the Chairman of the Gubernatorial Primary Election Committee for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Yamah Momoh, said Ekere polled 160,458 votes to defeat his closest challenger and former NDDC Managing Director, Barr. Bassey Dan-Abia, who trailed behind with 4,189 votes, in the direct primary.
Former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Senator John Udoedehe, finished third with 2,015 votes, closely followed by Dr. Edet Efretuei who scored 1,234 votes.
Ekere won in 29 of the 31 local government areas of the state, losing narrowly with 332 votes (2,331 to 2,663) in Esit Eket, Dan-Abia's local government area.
The result of Uyo, home local government area of Udoedehe, was cancelled following violence, no voting and counter-petitions by two rival groups.
Momoh pointed out that Akwa Ibom APC was the first in the country to successfully conduct its governorship primary election using the direct primary mode and commended the aspirants and party leaders for ensuring that their supporters conducted themselves peacefully.
He advised aggrieved persons, especially those who filed the two counter-petitions in Uyo to channel their grievances to the Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee within 72 hours.
Accepting the nomination, Ekere dedicated it to the party faithful who voted overwhelmingly for him.
He declared that there was no victor or vanquished in the contest and extended an olive branch to other contestants in the primary.
His words: "The nomination process has brought no victor, no vanquished. I extend my hands of fellowship to all. We shall begin immediately to heal the wounds of the nomination process. I will ensure that all aspirants are carried along. We must work together. We must plan together to win the election."
The APC State Caucus Chairman, Atuekong Don Etiebet, said the primary election results were not unexpected, given the tremendous outpouring of support for Ekere during the various rallies by the party in recent times.
The APC State Chairman, Mr. Ini Okopido, said the primary was the freest, fairest and most transparent in the history of Akwa Ibom State, stressing that original election result sheets were released alongside other ballot materials to the 329 wards of the state.
Present during the event were APC chieftains including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, Senator Ita Enang, the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, Mr. Umana Umana, the NDDC Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Samuel Frank, the Chairman of Uyo Senatorial District Elders' Forum, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, Senator Aloysius Etok and Members of the APC State Executive Committee.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini, observed the event.
Credit: Inemesit Ina
Monday 1 October 2018
Cole Vs Wike: Independence Day Message
Cole
Vs Wike: Independence Day Message
By Prince Tonye Princewill
As the news slowly begins to filter out, the
magnitude of the decision reached at the Rivers state APC primaries to field
Tonye Cole as the candidate for 2019 is quietly becoming obvious. Leading up to
today, he had 4 people to contend with. Magnus Abe, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, Dawari
George (all of the APC) and Nyesom Wike of the PDP. I expect one or two of his
APC contenders to still challenge the outcome, but like I said to Awuse, when
he felt sure he could upturn my direct primary victory over him in 2007, “Can
an elephant fly?”
In the end, it will be Tonye Cole vs Nyesom Wike and
so the forces of light will finally confront the forces of darkness, head to
head in a generation defining moment that our children will read about for many
decades to come. The task before us is not a walk in the park. Our opponent has
money he did not earn, readily placed at his disposal. He is very desperate and
he places little or no value on human life. In 2019, by Gods grace, he will be
thoroughly demystified. Take my word for it and look forward to that day.
The battle is not about political parties, Riverine
or Upland nor is it about ethnic tribes. It is about the future of Rivers state
and the need to place value on human life, reaffirm the dignity of Rivers
people and enshrine unity amongst all of us. The term “One Rivers, One People”
that Tonye Cole oftentimes uses as he tours the state is no mere coincidence.
The man is no ethnic jingoist. That’s what traveling the world does to you. The
man is not short of big ideas. That’s what having to think on your global feet
does to you. And the man is not afraid. That’s attributable to him being a
pastor. “All things worketh together for good”. I can go on, but let me also
observe that the man does not hold a grudge, that is because he knows forward
ever and backward never is the way you win, it is the way you govern and it is
how you leave a legacy. This is a character trait sorely missing in the current
Governor of Rivers state.
While many are celebrating this victory across the length
and breadth of Rivers state and beyond, many of his allies, me included, are
looking ahead to the task in front of us. Top on our list is reconciliation.
Magnus Abe against the wishes of the National Working committee of the party
went ahead to conduct what he described as a “primary” and then unashamedly
proceeded to declare himself the winner. Such an act for me is not only
unfortunate but an exhibition of how much he has alienated himself from the
mainstream, all in the pursuit of ambition. If we are unable to pull him back
from the brink, we will wish him journey mercies and open the door to a time in
the future when calmer heads will prevail.
Magnus is in no position to conduct a primary by
himself, supervise it himself and declare himself winner. I expect those with a
basic understanding of politics to appreciate this. Governorship primaries are
conducted by the national office. Who came from Abuja to conduct his primary?
Did INEC send its officers to go to the 319 wards to observe it? That is what you
do for a direct primary. Did the decision to conduct indirect primaries in
Rivers state by the APC National fly over his head? If all that it takes to
send out fake news via established channels is to pay them to cover it,
politicians will keep confusing voters and the established channels will lose
credibility. Some media stations covered a lie, broadcast it and kept mute
waiting for the truth to also go live. There is a difference between being
neutral and being truthful. For me, his “primary”, is best described as a
“nursery”, an exercise in futility. The media should take note.
Nobody in their right mind can argue that what
transpired in the authentic primary in front of TV cameras and in the full view
of national officers, under the supervision of INEC wasn’t free, fair and
credible. With an overwhelming majority, Tonye Cole now has the mandate of the
party to proceed forward and chart a path to victory where to quote him,
“women, elders, people with disabilities, youths and students, have a sense of
hope and belonging”. It is our job to help him deliver. All glory goes to the
Man upstairs, our Father, the Almighty, for giving our state the opportunity to
reclaim its rightful place at the zenith, among the comity of states.
I want to thank all the other contenders for putting
up a spirited fight and would advise them to show uncommon maturity for the
interest of our dear state. You’ve all fought a good fight, but in the end,
only one seat was vacant. There is no time for internal wrangling. All energies
must now be directed at unseating Nyesom Wike aka the Commissioner for
Everything. One reason I decided not to contest was so because us winning, is
far more important than me winning. A word is enough for the wise. A big thank
you to the state exco under the distinguished Chairmanship of my blood, Ojukaye
Flagg Amachree who has always delivered to the highest of standards, the
delegates who came out in their numbers to vote and the national officers who
did us very proud. Finally I want to thank the security agencies, the ushers
and also the APC volunteers for making this primary one of the smoothest
primaries ever. Your efforts are not only acknowledged and appreciated; they
are an investment that will most certainly pay off. You can take that to the
bank.
It is a new day, a new dawn and a new month. And I’m
feeling good. Let’s get to work. It’s time to send the message out, loud and
clear. Politics is too important to be left to politicians. Happy Independence
Day to us all. Today we have gained our freedom.
Signed,
Prince
Tonye T.J.T Princewill
Convener,
Riverine APC Leaders
Kwara PDP Governorship Primaries - The Facts
Kwara PDP Governorship Primaries - The Facts
Following the discussions with participants and sources on the ground in Kwara State, and due to the speculation that is being generated on certain social media channels, it is important to highlight the following about the Kwara PDP gubernatorial election that held today.
First, as stated at various fora, and as expressed to the gubernatorial aspirants at a meeting held in the early hours of September 25th, 2018, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had no preferred candidate for the party primaries that held today.
Dr. Saraki believes that competence, popularity and acceptability, must be the deciding factors in the selection of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, as such, due to the fact that many of the aspirants in question meet all three criteria, Dr. Saraki has stated that a level-playing field must be provided for all the aspirants to vie for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP in Kwara.
Going back to today’s incident, the accreditation had already taken place, and delegates from two Local Government Areas had already previously voted. The third Local Government had started to vote, when a few people from that LGA raised certain observations about the process.
The organisers of the primaries than suggested that the LGA in question should either conclude voting while the observations were addressed, or allow another LGA to vote — pending the resolution of the observations that were raised.
It was at this point that hired thugs then forced their way into the venue of the primaries to disrupt the process.
It is important to note that despite his influence in the politics of the state, Dr. Saraki has always worked to ensure that the democratic process is followed to the letter. Additionally, as many of his political associates are aspiring to become the next Governor of the State, he has maintained that he will allow the people to decide and worked to ensure that the party primaries in the state remain credible.
That was why he stayed back in Abuja while the primariy election in Ilorin was on-going. He just left Abuja for Ilorin at 9.10pm following the news of the disruption.
Signed
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to Senate President
Following the discussions with participants and sources on the ground in Kwara State, and due to the speculation that is being generated on certain social media channels, it is important to highlight the following about the Kwara PDP gubernatorial election that held today.
First, as stated at various fora, and as expressed to the gubernatorial aspirants at a meeting held in the early hours of September 25th, 2018, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had no preferred candidate for the party primaries that held today.
Dr. Saraki believes that competence, popularity and acceptability, must be the deciding factors in the selection of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, as such, due to the fact that many of the aspirants in question meet all three criteria, Dr. Saraki has stated that a level-playing field must be provided for all the aspirants to vie for the gubernatorial ticket of the PDP in Kwara.
Going back to today’s incident, the accreditation had already taken place, and delegates from two Local Government Areas had already previously voted. The third Local Government had started to vote, when a few people from that LGA raised certain observations about the process.
The organisers of the primaries than suggested that the LGA in question should either conclude voting while the observations were addressed, or allow another LGA to vote — pending the resolution of the observations that were raised.
It was at this point that hired thugs then forced their way into the venue of the primaries to disrupt the process.
It is important to note that despite his influence in the politics of the state, Dr. Saraki has always worked to ensure that the democratic process is followed to the letter. Additionally, as many of his political associates are aspiring to become the next Governor of the State, he has maintained that he will allow the people to decide and worked to ensure that the party primaries in the state remain credible.
That was why he stayed back in Abuja while the primariy election in Ilorin was on-going. He just left Abuja for Ilorin at 9.10pm following the news of the disruption.
Signed
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to Senate President
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