2019: Atiku Emerges PDP Presidential Candidate

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Presidential Flagbearer in the 2019 elections.

Atiku scored 1,532 votes to defeat 11 other contestants including Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, who scored 693 votes and Senate President, Bukola Saraki who placed third with 317 votes.

Rabiu Kwankwaso polled 158 votes, Ibrahim Dankwambo (111 votes), Sule Lamido (96 votes), Ahmed Makarfi (74 votes), Tanimu Turaki (65 votes), Attahiru Bafarawa (48 votes), David Mark (35 votes), Jonah Jang (19 votes), Datti Ahmed (05 votes).

The Chief Returning Officer at the convention and Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, declared the former Vice President as the winner after the votes were counted at the Adokiye Amiesemeka stadium, the venue of the PDP National Convention in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Atiku will now face the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari, in the 2019 presidential election.

I am Nigeria’s next president, says Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and PDP presidential aspirant, says he will “easily beat President Muhamadu Buhari” if given his party’s ticket to contest the presidential election in 2019.

Kwankwaso, who spoke on Thursday in Jos, during a consultation visit to the North-Central state, said he has the ability to wrestle power from the APC.

“I come from a state which has the highest number of voters that can sway an election in my favour.


“If I pick the PDP ticket, I will be the next president of this nation.
“I have the hunger to save Nigeria from its current troubles. I have my plan to make Nigeria a better country for all.

“I have massive support from the North-West and will get even more supporters if given the ticket,” he said.
The aspirant promised to run an all-inclusive government, a leadership virtue he accused the APC administration of lacking.

“A key solution to Nigeria’s problems is a participatory government that will ward off mutual suspicion and distrust. It will address the gap in communication which is largely responsible for farmer/herder clashes, religious violence and ethnic crisis in the country,” he said.

(NAN)

Punch

Nigeria needs a youthful President, says Saraki

Alexander Okere, Benin

Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on Nigerians to stand united and elect a youthful President with an energetic mind to take the country to its desired height.

Saraki made the call on Wednesday evening when he met members of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benin, as part of his nationwide consultation on his presidential ambition.

He stated that the country had never been so divided as many of the citizens no longer enjoy a sense of belonging owing to the prevalence of a type of governance that was based on sentiments.

He said, “The country has never been so divided as it is today; we need to unite this country and in uniting the country, we must have a President that speaks for Nigerians.

“We must have a President with whom everybody will have a sense of belonging. We must have a President that you all feel is representing you. We must have a President and a government where Edo State has its key role on the table, where things are done with equity.

“It is time for us to unite and to do that, we must move away from electing a President based on sentiments. We have done it many times. It has not worked.”

The Senate President said that the time had come for Nigerians to elect a President who understood what was required to grow a country, rather than depend on trial and error.

He, however, said that he had the capacity to lead the country and had shown the courage and commitment to do so.

He said, “Countries that have grown did not grow by chance. Countries that have grown did not grow by trial and error. They had a leader that understood what the issues were.”

Copyright PUNCH.

Tinubu Finally Endorsed Ambode for Second Term.

AgegePulse Magazine

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally agreed to endorse Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for another term, THISDAY has learnt.

However, Tinubu’s resolve to endorse Ambode was made possible with the interventions of Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, both of whom the governor allegedly asked to wade into the situation that hitherto threatened his re-election in 2019.

An authoritative source confirmed the development to THISDAY at the weekend, noting that the two eminent Nigerians approached Tinubu at different times and prevailed on him to reconsider his stand on Ambode’s re-election, considering the larger implications.

The source noted that the APC leader yielded to the intervention of the vice president and the monarch out of respect for the two leaders.
This development regardless, the political class was still believed to be angry with the governor over alleged lack of respect and poor treatment of the people, who made it possible for Ambode to become governor in the first place.

The source said although Tinubu was displeased with the running of the government, he did not have any fundamental differences with the governor, the reason he yielded to the pleas to let Ambode return.
While the debate on Ambode’s fate in 2019 lasted, according to the source, Tinubu deliberately stayed above the fray because he did not want to get involved in the politics of conjectures about the governor’s re-election, more so that it might not be totally in his interest to do so, given the state of the party and government at the national level.

Another source hinted that one of the problems the governor had with Tinubu and many of the political leaders in the state was, because he wasn’t consulting on critical issues of state and had at a point, alienated everyone in the political class in the running of the state.

The source noted that while Tinubu had managed the situation with the best of political maturity, it didn’t take away the fact that he also had disagreement with Ambode over some of of his decisions and was displeased with the way the governor handled some critical issues.

“You’d agree that Asiwaju boasts an undeniable father figure and so, we cannot continue to attribute some of these petty politics to him. Yes, he may not be happy about certain things in the government, he really does not have any fundamental differences with the governor. That much I know. So, to your question, it is true there have been interventions and he is set to endorse him in order to put paid to some of these speculations,” the source said.

Fears that Ambode’s second term bid might have hit the rocks started to manifest significantly after the recent stakeholders meeting chaired by Tinubu himself at the party’s Lagos secretariat on Akilo, Ikeja. It is pertinent to state that the former Lagos State governor and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, went through similar re-election baptism with Tinubu, but many people in the state rose early in support and defence of Fashola, which forced Tinubu to yield and eventually endorsed Fashola.

Thus, a similar stakeholders’ meeting was organised during Fashola’s time and it was at the meeting that Tinubu laid to rest all the speculations surrounding his re-election by raising his hands and pronouncing his second term a fait accompli.

But much longer than it took Fashola to clinch his re-election ticket, Ambode’s is still battling to known his fate, not to talk of the fact that he has refused to openly endorse him for re-election at the stakeholders’ meeting, which held on Tuesday.

“He will give him the ticket. It is our oga’s way of raising the stakes. He did it to Fashola and when the stakes were resolved, he endorsed him. In Ambode’s case, the stakes have been raised and will be resolved.

Saraki’s agents still in Kwara APC’

A political group, Ilorin Emirate for Buhari (IEB), has said loyalists of Senate President Bukola Saraki are still members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.

The group is campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election in Ilorin Emirate, which comprises Kwara Central and a part of Kwara North.

A statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman, urged those opposed to Saraki’s hegemony, and desire Buhari’s re-election, to be cautious when relating politically with such people.

According to him, some party chieftains have a long history of closeness to Saraki, casting doubts on their loyalty to APC.

The statement reads: “We have witnessed with mixed feelings events in Kwara APC on whose platform we are campaigning for President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election, particularly as regards the make-up of members.

“We are convinced that Senate President Bukola Saraki does not have the traction of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kwara, and the Saraki’s yoke will be broken in 2019.

“But we have well-founded suspicion that some Kwara APC chieftains may not be committed to Buhari’s re-election, but ensure the people miss out on witnessing the curtain falling on the Sarakis’ dominance of the state politics in 2019.”

The group berated Saraki’s visit to former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), in Minna, Niger State, saying his action and statement underlined his alleged hatred for Kwara and its people.

“The expression ‘show me your friends and I will tell you who you are’ holds true of the romance between Saraki and Babangida. Saraki threw bile at Buhari, who had a hand in the making of our son, the late Maj.-General Tunde Idiagbon, as chief of staff between 1983-1985.

“Babangida overthrew the government that was more or less led by a Kwaran, given that it was the only military regime where the No.2 man was as prominent as his boss. To add insult to our injury, Babangida ceded Kanji dam, which was under Kwara State, to his home state of Niger.

“The same Babangida also robbed Kwara of the Upper and Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority to pay Minna. It was during his time as military leader that the Ilorin headquarter of the Federal Government agency was relocated to Minna, to the displeasure of Kwarans.

“It is not so difficult to understand why Saraki is full of disdain for Buhari but lionises and fetes Babangida. It is because both are alike in their streak of hatred for Kwara and its people.”

Osinbajo orders IGP to re-organise SARS

...Aks NHRC to probe rights violation
Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday directed the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to immediately begin the overhaul of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

He has also directed the National Human Rights Commission to set up a panel to probe allegations of rights abuse by the Police unit.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

Akande said the Acting President’s directive was based on persistent complaints being made by members of the public against the SARS.



He said Osinbajo also directed the Police IG to ensure that any unit that will emerge from the overhaul is intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of crimes.

The statement read, “Following persistent complaints and reports on the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad that border on allegations of human rights violations, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has directed the Inspector General of Police to, with immediate effect, overhaul the management and activities of SARS and ensure that any unit that will emerge from the process will be intelligence-driven and restricted to the prevention and detection of armed robbery and kidnapping, and apprehension of offenders linked to the stated offences, and nothing more.

“The Acting President has also directed the IGP to ensure that all operatives in the emerging unit conduct their operations in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regard to International Human Rights Law and the constitutionally guaranteed rights of suspects.


“The operatives should also bear proper identification anytime they are on duty.

Punch

SIEGE AT SARAKI’S RESIDENCE STAGE-MANAGED, SAYS JIMOH MOSHOOD

Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says the siege at the residence of Senate President Bukola Saraki was “stage-managed for public sentiments”.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Moshood said the force had no hand in the incident.
In the early hours of Tuesday, some police vehicles and officers were seen stationed at the entrance of the senate president’s residence in Abuja.

Footage which emerged online also suggested that the officers were trying to block his convoy from leaving the area, although Saraki later made it to the national assembly.

The incident generated widespread criticisms of the force, with some Nigerians describing it as a “clampdown on the nation’s democracy”.
But speaking on the programme, Moshood said there was no official command for a deployment of police officers to the senate president’s house.

“We have the responsibility to protect him so we can’t block him. If we were expecting him at 8am, why should we block him?” he said.

He said over 140 security personnel of the police are attached to the national assembly “and about 40 are attached to the senate president, including other units”.
“So what happened yesterday was not a blockade by the security personnel from the force. The personnel seen in the footage are those attached (to) the convoy of the senate president and to his residence. Those you see are those attached to him,” Moshood said.

“The IGP has directed an investigation into the incident. The ADC has been invited, he should be with the principal all the time. So if he is not aware of the whereabouts, we want to know why. Why should we go and block an empty house?

“The video footage was circulated in the media to embarrass us. These are leaders of the legislature who we have the responsibility to protect. So we should allow the investigation to be completed before we give you the outcome of investigation.”
Saraki is being investigated for his alleged connection with suspects arrested over the Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara.

-Cable

Oyedepo To Buhari, Resign, Get Out Of Office

Jesusegun Alagbe

The founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winners’ Chapel, David Oyedepo, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over persistent Fulani militant herdsmen killings.

In a YouTube video posted by the church’s official page, the cleric made this call on Sunday at its headquarters in Ota, Ogun State.

With this development, Oyedepo has joined other notable clerics – including the Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Church, Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and a former Archbishop of the Catholic Church in Lagos, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie – who have asked Buhari to quit his position over failure to secure the lives of Nigerians.

The cleric told his congregation that although he was not partisan, he would not be alive and not talk about the massacre of Nigerians, especially in the Middle Belt, by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking on the theme, “Enough is enough,” he said, “When I was talking in 2015, people were saying my own was too much, now everybody can see what’s happening. What has moved forward in anybody’s life? You don’t know it’s war. Why are they attacking the Christian communities? Why has nobody been arrested? I can tell you this, the authorities and the powers that be are behind them.

“I will never be partisan; Jesus got me out of it in 1984. But I will not be alive to see innocent people massacred.

“We must wake up and push this evil back. Not one of those so-called herdsmen – they are jihadists – has been brought to book till date. Herdsmen don’t shoot; they have been here all along. They are just taking cover under the herdsmen to assault innocent citizens. They wake up in the night and slice innocent children to pieces. Yet, you have a government in place. What!

“The most honourable thing for any non-performing leader to do is to resign. The most honourable thing is to resign. That’s my own for Mr President. Resign! Get out of office! Even our Islamic friends in the North are calling on him (Buhari) to resign. Because that’s the noblest thing to do. Or are we going to look at one system destroy a whole nation?”

Oyedepo also warned Nigerians against the ceding of land to the Fulani herdsmen for ranching, as proposed by the Federal Government.

He said, “I’m going to say this and I’m not going to be tired. This (Nigeria) will never be a Fulani republic. That is not our terms of agreement. It will remain a secular nation till Jesus returns. It’s not just (about) land, it’s (about) heritage.

“Forever, I stand on the fact that no government has the authority to collect land from those who own it and transfer it to another person because on the other side (presumably the north), it never happens"

Punch

Talks of offers from Buhari or APC unfortunate, Saraki says

President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has debunked speculations of offers being made to him by the Presidency and All Progressives Congress to keep him in the party.

He said that though there had had been discussions on some national issues, talks of offers to him by APC leadership or President Muhammadu Buhari was not only untrue but unfortunate.

The media had reported that the Presidency and APC National Chairman, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, had made overtures to influential leaders of Reformed All Progressives Congress (R-APC), which had stalled their planned mass defection from the party.

The  reports had said that Buhari, his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo; and four APC governors allegedly met on Thursday with Saraki, to discuss the grievances of R-APC and some other members.

Oshiomhole was also said to have met one-on-one with Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and governors of Sokoto, Aminu Tambuwal and Samuel Ortom of Benue states.
Oshiomhole was also reported to have met with former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwakwaso; and APC caucus in the National Assembly, with a view to dousing the defection threat.

But in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Saraki said was myopic for anybody to talk about certain offers being made to an individual.
He said that the future of the country and its democracy were at stake, and not the issue of give-and-take.
Saraki said, “I saw some reports talking about promise of money or oil block and nomination tickets.
“Those viewing the ongoing development in that context are simply reducing a major national issue involving many key actors to that of personal benefits and preferences.

I believe at this point (that) it is important for me to make some clarifications, end speculations and make my position clear.
“It is important for Nigerians to know that the discussions that I and many others of like minds are having with the Presidency and leadership of APC is not about me and what I want.

“It involves the future of our country and her democracy. It is about making things better for our people.
“Though there are many speculations being peddled in the media, let it be known that these discussions are not about me.

“Our focus should now be about Nigeria. The major issue on the table for discussion is how to strengthen our democracy, rebuild our economy and stop the spate of insecurity.

“It is also to improve the conditions of living of our people and generally chart a course for the development of this great country.”

(NAN)

Why I’m visiting Afrika Shrine - Macron

President Emmanuel Macron of France has given the reason behind his decision to visit the Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

The French leader disclosed this during a joint press conference at the presidential villa in Abuja yesterday.

Recalling his days in Nigeria, Macron said he never imagined he would return to Nigeria as president of France.

Fifteen years ago, the president of France worked as a diplomat in Abuja.

He told reporters that the Afrika Shrine stands as a symbol on the importance of African culture.

“First, because I wanted to find a good occasion to come back there. I know the place and I have some memories, I have to confess at a time that there was no president around, I hope I will not spoil the party,” he said.

“First, I think that is such an iconic place for a lot of African people and African culture. And I think very often when you speak of the African culture in Europe, those who are successful in Europe and in France, which is different most of the times are not dramatically very famous in Nigeria or in Africa. And there is a bias because you know people are absolutely not the same.

“I mean Fela, Femi, Seun Kuti are obviously very famous in France and Europe, I mean they are big successes but the Shrine is a cultural hub, an iconic hub and it is very important for me first on a personal level, and that is why I want to say with a lot of humility that I recognize the importance of this place, I recognize the place of culture in this current environment.”

Headline News

*AgegePulse Magazine ...the mouthpiece of Agege/Orile Agege * *Headlines Today* [Tue-02-Jan-2018]*


*Punch Newspaper*
16-year-old boy kills his family, taken into custody

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[VIDEO] Cat born with two faces, three eyes

Prediction: President Trump most likely to be impeached this year

Trump threatens to cut aid to Pakistan, a haven to terrorists

Car park fire consumes 1,400 vehicles

Dead appointees: Sagay slams Buharis critics

Declare state of emergency on economy, Obi urges Buhari

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BREAKING: Israel seeks 12 charges against Palestinian teen who slapped soldier

ASUU asks Ambode, Bello to recall sacked lecturers

Akeredolu pardons 12 prisoners

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*Vanguard Newspaper*
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2018: Prophet Omale gives 'prophesy' on Buhari, Atiku, PDP, others

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NSE reviews composition of market indices, effective today

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Gov. Umahi to ensure re-election of Ebonyi legislators in state, NASS

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Buhari's New Year Speech, depressing- PDP

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*The Nation Newspaper*
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Video: President Muhammadu Buhari's 2018 New Year address

Cross-Over Night: Enenche releases 2018 prophecies

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Full text of President Muhammadu Buhari's 2018 New Year address


*Thisday Newspaper*
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NigeriansExpress Mixed Reactionsover2017

President Buhari Enjoins Wizkid, Davido To Be Good Ambassadors of Nigeria

...Congratulates duo on MOBO Award achievements

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, WizKid, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria as they continue to bask in the euphoria of their awards at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina, the president joined the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse’’ award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act’’.

The President affirmed that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

Buhari however called on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.

Sustain selfless service to humanity, Ambode tasks religious bodies

...Religious leaders are significant in the development of the State - Gov. Ambode
...Your policies positively touching lives, PFN tells Gov

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday commended religious leaders for upholding religious tolerance in the State and complementing government efforts in offering essential services to the people in critical areas such free medical care, provision of shelter and assistance to the needy.

Governor Ambode, who said this at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja when he received the leadership of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) led by its President, Dr Felix Omobude on a courtesy visit, said it was on record that in the last two and half years of his administration, there had never been any major religious or ethnic crisis, while religious bodies have also been complementing government, just as he urged them to sustain the selfless service they have been offering to humanity.

He said: “I want to thank you on behalf of our administration. In another two days, our administration will be two and half years and it has been two and half years of sincere religious tolerance in this State. It has never been like this before; we have never had any disagreement between or among the religious groups or even among our people on a tribal note and that also show that God is present in Lagos State.

“Religious leaders are significant in the development of the State and I can say it easily. There are too many things that even our policies do not cover and a strong part of the civil society is our religious bodies because in areas where we cannot give shelter, we cannot give advice and we cannot give comfort, you have always been there.

“There are so many things that the churches are doing that are beyond spiritual. There are churches that are feeding people; they are taking care of health of the people; they are taking care of maternal mortality issues, taking delivery of babies where there are no hospitals and thereby complementing the efforts of government. That in itself deserves to be commended and I must say a big thank you to all our religious bodies. I must also inspire you on. What you are doing is not going unnoticed.

I take note of everything that our churches are doing and I commend you most sincerely from the bottom of our hearts.”

He said as a sign of celebrating and appreciating the religious tolerance in the State, the State Government would uphold and sustain the interfaith parley which started last year, saying this year’s edition will hold in coming weeks.

Besides, Governor Ambode said the modest achievements of his administration were a product of the discipline learnt from religious fellowship, and assured that no stone would be left unturned to make life comfortable for residents.

“We like to touch humanity which is the whole essence of governance and that is why we are here. We will continue to do it. The electorate decided that somebody should come and represent and take care of their interest and that interest we are ready to sustain, we are ready to uphold; it is more about them not about us and I think at the end of the day, this kind of visit gives me inspiration that we are doing it in the right way and I want to assure that we will continue to work for the interest of the people,” he said.

Earlier, Omobude said they were at Lagos House to deepen the relationship existing with government and to identify with Governor Ambode.

He said the PFN leadership is thrilled by what God had been using Governor Ambode to do in the State, saying the massive infrastructural renewal and various policies were having positive impact on the people.

He said the church must not only criticize government officials when they do wrong, but also commend them when they are working in the interest of the people, adding that of a truth, the giant strides of the State Government deserved to be commended.

He also assured that PFN would continue to partner with government at various levels especially on matters relating to development of the country.

I’m Under Pressure To Contest In 2019, Says Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says people have been asking him to contest the 2019 election.

In an interview with Dele Momodu, celebrity journalist, the immediate past president said he is moved to tears seeing people shouting “GEJ, we want you back.

Jonathan, who ruled out the possibility of returning to office, said reflections on his achievements and mistakes make him sober.

I’m not God but I sincerely doubt the possibility, Jonathan was quoted to have said in response to a question on the next election.

People come to me every day saying they want me back. I’m always moved to tears whenever I go out and see the huge crowds shouting GEJ, we want you, even in the north.

Instead of getting swollen headed, I actually reflect on my achievements and mistakes and feel humbled and feel very sober…

I have never been a man of inordinate ambition. I’m a man of very modest means. I hardly travel because of the logistical costs. I’ve played my part and I have moved on.

Asked what he would do if the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gives him its presidential ticket in 2019, he said: Are you not aware that our party has zoned the presidency to the north, and the chairmanship to the south?

Even Fayose that has declared his interest may face big challenges because of the decision of our party.

Source: Online

President to appoint more ministers, heads of agencies

A move by some governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress to use the platform of the National Executive Council of the party to endorse President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term failed on Tuesday.

The APC NEC is the second highest decision-making body of the party after the national convention.

Signs of what was in the offing became apparent early in the day as some governors known to be close allies of the President extended a campaign they began at an event organised by the Buhari Support Organisation in Abuja on Saturday.

In separate interviews with reporters at the APC National Secretariat, the venue of Tuesday’s NEC meeting, the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha; his  Plateau and Kebbi counterparts, Simon Lalong and Atiku Bagudu, respectively said only Buhari had what it would take to fly the party’s flag in 2019.

The governors spoke before the commencement of the NEC meeting. Lalong said all the governors had agreed to work towards the President’s re-election in 2019.

He said, Concerning the issue of sole ticket for Mr. President, I want to say that if Mr. President is performing, well-respected and carrying everybody along, all of us have resolved that we will work for him.

He then asked a rhetorical question, Do we have any other person that will challenge the President again? Whatever you call it, as far as we are concerned, we have one President and that is the ticket we will fly.

I want to assure you that you won’t see a wrangling party after the meeting. From now onwards, it will be focused governance from Mr. President and all the governors from the states. We have all resolved to support Mr. President.

His Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, who was also responding to a question on whether the governors had resolved to give the President an automatic ticket, said, “The performance of the President in the last two and half years suggests that if he wants to contest, l will certainly support him and l know that our party members feel the same about him.”

However, the governor of Nasarawa State, Tanko Al-Makura, expressed a slightly different opinion.

While responding to a similar question, he said, “For anybody to preempt the consensus opinion of the people is to say the least not fair to the vision of our party.

I can tell you if there is anything that is clandestine, the President will not honour it. So, let’s wait and see as we embark on these meetings.

I believe the consensus and the preponderance of opinion of all party members will be what is good for this country and we have already known the will of this country, the future of this country as we are now as a country is associated with one person, who is impeccable, who has the greatest amount of integrity that you can find in any human being around; so, your guess is as good as mine.

Also speaking on the issue, Okorocha, who is also Imo State governor, said only a decision by President Buhari to contest the 2019 election could make him drop his personal presidential ambition.

He said, “If Mr. President wants to run for election, he will follow all the processes and if he is the person, we will all support him. In APC, there is no imposition of candidate.

If Buhari is running, I will allow that man to continue but if he is not running, I won’t sacrifice my Presidential ambition. Mr. President is showing the right leadership and taking the very right steps and there is reconciliation going on even with nobody talking about it. There is the spirit of reconciliation and people understand their role.

Our role is to make this party great and we are all trying to do that; but importantly, the governors have remained the pivot upon which this wheel of change has rotated so far. We have kept this party working and after this meeting, our congresses and convention will commence in the early part of next year and all party organs will be strengthened. We are in good mood and high spirits.

During the meeting proper, one of the party members moved a motion asking that a vote of confidence be passed in the President and that he should be endorsed as the party’s candidate for the forthcoming presidential election.

This however failed to sail through. The party members felt that considering the fact that aggrieved members had yet to be pacified, doing so would escalate tension in the party and adversely affect its chances.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, confirmed this while speaking to newsmen after the NEC meeting.

He explained that the Tuesday’s NEC meeting was not about the 2019 elections but that there was a motion asking that first, a vote of confidence be passed in the President and then he should be endorsed as the party’s candidate for the 2019 election.

Dogara said, “Today’s meeting was not about 2019 elections. When we talk about 2019 in the context of the agenda you saw, we are talking about membership registration, the drive for membership and others. We are not talking about elections.

Even though there was a motion on the floor that called for a vote of confidence in the President, some of us felt it was not necessary because there is nowhere that his confidence is shaking.

But the motion was taken and passed. But there was a second leg to that motion which calls for the adoption of the candidature of the President, but it was deferred for now and no decision was taken because that is not the major reason why we are here.”

He further explained that the party had yet to agree on a date for its inaugural bi-annual national convention because details were still being worked out.

The Speaker noted that some of the grievances expressed by party members were normal in every family.

He stressed that there was no family without its internal squabbles; and noted the challenges were being handled and would soon be resolved.

Similarly, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, explained that a member of the party’s NEC made a move for a confidence vote in the President after a briefing by the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, about the activities of his ministry.

Abdullahi said, “One of the NEC members said we should move a motion passing a vote of confidence in Mr. President. There was no formal motion moved on the issue of second term for Mr. President.

Somebody in the crowd shouted that we should move a motion and we don’t even know that member. But the motion that was formally moved was that NEC should pass a vote of confidence in Mr. President and that was after the brief given by the Minister of Agriculture, especially when he said that by 2018, Nigeria would have no need to import a single grain of rice. That is the context and I need you to understand that very well.”

He added, “The only discussion or conversation on 2019 was the activity of the party in 2018, especially the issue of convention. It was agreed that since we have all these activities lined up, including the mini-convention, congresses and elective convention, a small team be set up to put dates to these party activities up to 2018.

There was no discussion about election of 2019 or who will be the party flag bearer. The committee will decide when all these activities will take place.”

Abdullahi also said a vote of confidence was passed in the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun National Working Committee of the party.

Source : Punch

Headline News - Agege Pulse

Agege Pulse Magazine...the mouthpiece of Agege/Orile Agege
*Headlines Today* [Thu-26-Oct-2017]*


Orile Agege Egunbiyi Fatimah wins Cooking Gas at 2017 COWLSO
...Seven Others win Brand New cars, trip to Dubai, Ghana


COWLSO: "Women are uniquely created, endowed with skills and blessed with creativity- Mrs. Bolanle Ambode

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Obasa Cup Final Takes Place Thursday; LABASCO, State High School For Male Final; Govt Coll, Girls High Sch For Female Final


Be creative and build businesses from nothing, Secretary EDDI, Dr. Yinka Ayandele urges women at the 2017 National Women's Conference in Lagos

*Punch Newspaper*

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BREAKING: Leicester City name Claude Puel as new manager

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PHOTOS: Edo police parade 31 suspected criminals

Patience Jonathans $15.5m: Court decides firms fate Nov 22

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Breaking: PDP approves N3m for chairmanship nomination form

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Read Nigerian Senate's proceedings for Wednesday 25th October, 2017

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Senate takes action on non-payment of student scholarships in Russia

Rivers govt. partners World Bank, others to provide portable water

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FG partners stakeholders to support children with birth defect

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DTHA Assures Public Servants Of Conducive Working Enivronment

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Obaseki inaugurates Edo Boundary C'ttee

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 *The Nation Newspaper*
Maina: PDP lacks moral authority to attack Buhari, says Presidency

Troops arrest 'smugglers', recover arms

Meet John Paul Usman awardees for civic leadership

Photos: Jidenna arrives Nigeria for Heineken live your music parties

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Maina family rises in defence of son

ETTU Champions League: Quadri leads Sporting

Kebbi to retrain unqualified teachers

Ramos gives partner post award special

Anambra guber candidate decries monetary inducement in politics


 *Thisday Newspaper*
Tuesday 24th October 2017

Obaseki inaugurates Edo Boundary Committee

Lake Chad Basin Calm but Unpredictable, Says Military

US to Assist Nigeria Develop New Technologies in Oil Production

Obaseki receives New Police Commissioner, assures of new security architecture

Shekau's Wife Killed in NAF Air Strikes

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NNPC $25bn Probe: Pressure May Affect C'ttee's Focus, Redirected to Duke Oil