Nigerian Newspapers
Buhari, Tinubu: things must change or we sink
CHANGE. That was the song yesterday as the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) held its “last and final” convention in Lagos.
It was all to solidify its commitment to its proposed merger with other opposition parties by passing resolutions approving the decisions of its leadership on the initiative.
National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande told the 4,761 delegates at the Onikan Stadium on Lagos Island that things must change.
Former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari said there was no alternative to the merger – if power must change hands from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .
ACN National Leader Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a stunning speech in which he said “things must change or we sink.”
Delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) approved the merger, the name of the proposed party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its constitution, manifesto, flag, logo and slogan. The event was witnessed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials.
In an emotional voice, Akande, who presided over the carnival-like convention, declared that the party was winding up to pave the way for the emergence of a more formidable platform capable of wresting power from the PDP in 2015.
He said: “This may be the last convention we are holding in the ACN. Yet, it marks the beginning of another journey to greatness and good governance.”
Echoing Akande, Tinubu, said: “For the good of Nigeria, this may be the last and final national convention of the ACN.”
“ We have come to the place where things must change or we shall sink. God forbid, we will not sink. For the nation to continue as it is, constitutes nothing less than an invitation to doom. Such a fate, we shall not accept. “The hour is late, and our chance for national progress reduces with each idle moment that we allow. The way Nigeria is governed must change, and change dramatically. This means the shape of politics must change. Nigeria must be a prosperous, secure and safe nation that helps weaker nations attain peace and stability.”
Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said with the approval of the merger, party faithful should start preparations for the inaugural convention of the APC in Abuja.
As from 7 am, delegates had thronged the venue, waving brooms, the symbol of the ACN, singing and dancing. Various banners carrying messages of felicitations, goodwill and solidarity welcomed the party leaders and members for the peaceful exercise.
At the convention organised by the 14-member committee chaired by ACN National Secretary Senator Lawan Shuaibu were Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos State), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Adams Oshiomhole and Amosun (Ogun), the Oyo State deputy governor, Pa Moses Adeyemo, his Lagos, Ogun and Osun counterparts – Mrs. Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Hon. Segun Adesegun and Mrs. Grace Laoye-Tomori — Senate Minority Leader Senator George Akume and former ACN presidential candidate Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The merger committee chairman, Chief Tom Ikimi, the party’s vice chairman, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Senator Chris Ngige, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Mr. Audu Ogbe, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo were there.
Also at the event were Senators Olabiyi Durojaye, Ajayi Boroffice, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Ayo Adeseun, Gbenga Kaka, Ganiyu Solomon, Gbenga Ashafa, Babafemi Ojudu, Akin Odunsi, Tony Adefuye, Bello Kanti and Abu Ibrahim.
House of Representatives members Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Hon. Sunday Abegunde and Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai were there.
So were Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Yemi Ikuforiji, his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Femi Omirin, ACN Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Pa Oluyole Olusi, Alhaji Salisu Buhu Gumari, Prince Abubakar Audu, Chief Lanre Rasak, Pastor Osagie Iyamu, Mr. Ademola Seriki, Chief Godwin Ezeemo, Prince Olu Adegboro, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) Mr. Funminiyi Afuye attended the ceremony.
Also there were Evangelist Segun Erinle, Anamoya Gomba, Meriki Ebinikomi, Pa Abiodun Sunmola, Hon. Ayo Adewale, Lowo Adebiyi, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Dr. Leke Pitan, Ademorin Kuye, Dino Melaye, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and ACN Women Leader Hajia Miriam Hafthan..
Akande explained that Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi was absent because he had travelled abroad. He also said that Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was not at the venue because he was bereaved. Fayemi’s deputy, Mrs Funmi Olayinka, died on April 6.
Prominent opposition figures, including former military Head of State and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) leader Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, CPC National Chairman Prince Tony Momoh, his All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) counterpart, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau and Alliance for Democracy (AD) National Chairman Chief Michael Koleoso were at the convention.
Expressing hope for the imminence of power shift, Gen. Buhari said: “We will ensure a hitch-free poll in 2015 for the transfer of power from the PDP to the APC.”
“The former Head of State added: “The most topical issue today is the merger. Time was against us in 2011, but this time around, we are building on the 2010 foundation. Merger is the solution. We should mobilise for victory and prevent rigging by the ruling party. We will sensitise our various constituencies.
“We are here to give solidarity, to declare that we have no alternative to the merger. The merger cannot be tinkered with. God willing, we will make it.”
The convention kicked off around 12.15 pm, with the rendition of the national anthem. Lagos State ACN Vice Chairman (West District), Cardinal James Odunmbaku and Alhaji Garuba Abari from Yobe State said the opening prayers.
Shortly before the main proceedings, the National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, moved a motion for amendment to the programmes and business of the day to permit the incorporation of a minute of silence for departed chieftains and speeches by certain party leaders. It was seconded by Dr. Abari and approved by the delegates.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of former Anambra State Deputy Governor Chudi Nwike, who was the party’s Southeast leader, and the Ekiti State deputy governor, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka.
However, the major highlights of the convention was the passing of a resolution for the expulsion of a chieftain from Kaduna State, Mohammed Soba, for anti-party activities, and four resolutions critical to the merger process. The motion for the expulsion was moved by former House of Representatives member from Imo State, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, seconded by the Lagos State ACN chairaman, Otunba Oladele Ajomale. Following the resolution, Banire said: “The member stands expelled from the ACN.”
The motion for the acceptance and approval of the merger of the party with the CPC, ANPP and a section of APGA, the ratification of its proposed name, the All progressives Congress (APC),and its constitution, logo, symbol and slogan was moved by Abubakar Kari, the Gombe State-born National Organisation Secretary. It was seconded by Mrs. Tonia Awam, a lawyer from Ebonyi State.
In the absence of a dissenting voice among the delegates, Banire declared that the merger had been approved, adding that the members should now imbibe the spirit of APC. Reiterating that the new party they would subscribe to is the APC, Banire shouted its acronym, “APC” and the delegates responded by chorusing: “C-h-a-n-g-e-e-e.”
The last motion for a resolution approving the steps the ACN leadership would take for the merger was also moved by Banire, who clarified that the party leadership would continue with the process, having got the authority.
Welcoming the delegates, Senator Shuaib, whose birthday coincided with the convention, described the event as a milestone in the history of the ACN, stressing that opposition leaders have elevated national interest above personal ego.
He said: “Nigerians have witnessed good and bad alliance in the past. Some alliances have facilitated corruption and rape on democracy. Merger is new to the INEC and Nigeria because it has not happened before. This convention is the first installment in the steps being taken to rescue a country that has been bastardized.”
Stressing that the new party has come to stay, Shuaib added: “The efforts of the merger leaders will not be in vain. Enemies will not succeed in truncating the merger.”
The National Youth Leader, Meriki, echoed the slogan of change, assuring that APC would make it happen in 2015. “We need a change and the change is here. We have to forge a new beginning. We will not miss it. We are going to make it,” he said.
Ogun State Deputy Governor Adesegun, who is a former Youth Leader of the party, said: “ACN youths will present candidates for elections in 2015.”
The Woman Leader, Hajia Miriam, hailed the ACN for giving political opportunities to women, assuring that women will not let the party down.
In his solidarity message, Koleoso congratulated the ACN leaders for their bold step, saying that the unification of like-minded progressive political parties will bring change in the right direction. “AD is already working in line of the due process to join the merger,” he said.
————————————————————————————————————————-
Posted in Nigerian Newspapers. A DisNaija.Com network.
Source: The Nation Newspaper
DisNaija.Com publishes regular posts on Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Online Nigeria Gist.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Your Opinion Counts. Be sure To Leave A Comment, If You Have Any.
Please Like, Share or Tweet. Your Support Is Appreciated.
•Deploy more personnel as army chief vows to wipe out terror group
•Security beefed up at N’Assembly
Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, is under a massive security cordon following threats of attacks by insurgents and the increasing wave of banditry in the contiguous states of Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.
There has been a wave of kidnappings in the outskirts of the federal capital, notably Pegi, Tuganmaje and Kuje among others, which the police have battled in recent times.
The security situation in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was heightened by the pronouncement of the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, that Boko Haram fighters who he said sacked 50 villages in the state and hoisted the terror group’s flag, were about two hours drive away from the FCT.
Security has also been beefed up at the National Assembly as operatives, yesterday, thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The deteriorating security situation nationwide prompted the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, to warn that the 2023 general election may not hold, demanding the declaration of a state of emergency as well as the convocation of a national conference.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, yesterday restated the Nigerian Army’s determination to annihilate Boko Haram.
But the Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Bello Masari, cautioned against declaring a state of emergency, saying doing so isn’t the solution to combat the security challenges facing the country.
The security of the nation’s airports was also in focus yesterday as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said there was no threat to them.
THISDAY’s investigations showed increased presence of troops, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and intelligence operatives at the three strategic entrances to the city notably, Keffi, Zuba and Gwagwalada.
More checkpoints were also mounted around Gwagwalada and Keffi.
THISDAY also observed increased intelligence deployment at the entrance and the borders of FCT with contiguous states.
Beyond the borders, there were more deployments and police patrols inside the city and increased intelligence deployments as well.
Security sources told THISDAY: “There are deployments here and there but they are routine. Alertness is key to a secure environment.”
It was also learnt that security agencies were involved in frenzied meetings throughout yesterday.
The meetings, coordinated by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff under the new joint operational strategy of the armed forces, were aimed at coordinating a joint response to possible threats of attack to the FCT.
“I understand the security teams have been meeting for some days now and if you look around you, you will notice that there are increasing patrols and numbers of security personnel. The threats are not been taken lightly,” a source said.
National Assembly workers, lawmakers and visitors also had a harrowing experience accessing the legislative complex due to heightened security in the area.
Security operatives thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja, impeding both human and vehicular traffic.
The Sergeant-at-arm of the National Assembly and other security agencies supervised the operations, leading to huge traffic build-up inside the complex.
Legislative staff, visitors and lawmakers were seen patiently waiting for their cars to be searched so that they could go ahead with the business of the day.
Some staff and visitors at some point got tired of waiting and were seen alighting from their cars to trek from the gate to the complex.
Meanwhile, the ONSA has said there is no threat to the nation’s airports.
A statement by the Head of Strategic Communication, Mr. Zachari Usman, said the reports of threats to the airports were an internal correspondence of security threat assessment misconstrued as security threat to the airports.
PDP Demands State of Emergency
In a related development, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday demanded the declaration of a state of emergency, warning that the 2023 general election might not hold if the federal government failed to tackle insecurity.
He called on the federal government to summon a national conference to address the spike in insecurity.
Secondus added that the national caucus of the party will meet today to discuss the state of the nation.
Addressing members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, Secondus said: “We are worried Abuja is not even safe. It is no longer politics. We got alert of plots to bomb and burn down our airports.
“We urge the federal government to declare a national state of emergency in security. There is the need to call a national conference to discuss the insecurity in the country.
“There may not be any election in 2023 in Nigeria due to insecurity. This government must listen to the people. The Buhari government should call a national confab to discuss security and state of the nation. It is no longer politics. This time we are not playing politics. Let’s keep politics aside and move the nation forward.”
He said the country had been grounded, regretting that there had been no matching response from the federal government.
Secondus said in the past, terrorism in the North was confined to the North-east, but with the report of Boko Haram occupying villages in Niger State, terrorism had spread to the North-central
“Herdsmen are also menacing in the West; gunmen causing havoc in the East; and the militants in the South; all killing, looting, raping, maiming and burning down homes. The situation is bad; Nigerians all over are living in fear,” he said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the problem of Nigeria was outside of the PDP headquarters, while pledging the support of the Senate to the declaration of state of emergency in security.
Abaribe said he deliberately decided not to speak on the floor of the Senate but to allow the APC senators to speak so as to avoid being accused of giving a partisan colouration to the issue of insecurity.
He stated that only electoral reforms would give victory to the opposition party in the 2023 general election and ensure a democratic defeat of the APC-led federal government.
Also, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, commended the NEC and the PDP leadership for their collective efforts at resolving the House leadership crisis.
The NEC meeting adopted the position of Secondus, calling on the federal government to convoke a national conference to discuss the state of insecurity in the country, according to a communiqué read by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan.
Army Chief Vows to Wipe Out Boko Haram
The army yesterday reiterated its commitment to wipe out Boko Haram.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, told reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State that Boko Haram had been defeated in many encounters and would continue to be defeated until it’s annihilated from Nigeria.
“We will take on Boko Haram decisively, and we are committed to the focus of the operations, which is the total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria,” he said.
The COAS, who was visiting the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri for the fifth time since his appointment four months ago, said the visit was to boost the morale of the troops, reassure them and listen to any issues affecting them.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Farouq Yahaya, lauded the visit, which he said had continued to boost the morale of the troops.
“We are honoured, we are grateful, we are encouraged by those visits. You provided us guidance, logistics and other things we required. We are most grateful for those visits,” Yahaya said.
State of Emergency Won’t Solve Security Challenges, Says Masari
Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Masari, has, however, said declaration of a state of emergency won’t solve the security challenges facing the nation.
Masari, who spoke yesterday with journalists after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at the State House, Abuja stated that he was against the recent call by the House of Representatives for the declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector as it would not solve the problem.
According to him, declaring a state of emergency will not achieve the desired effect as the security structure and personnel to be used to execute the emergency are already overstretched in a bid to safeguard lives and property.
Sourced From: THISDAYLIVE
Tribune Online
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 62 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 165,110. The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Friday. “55 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-21, Yobe-19, Ogun-6, Akwa Ibom-3, Kaduna-2, Plateau-2, FCT-1, Rivers-1.” YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE COVID-19: Nigeria Recorded […]
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Tribune Online
Sourced From: Tribune Online
The government said that no worker should stay back beyond 6:00 p.m. within premises of buildings undergoing construction.
The post Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Sourced From: Premium Times Nigeria
Kamaru Usman has raked in a mammoth £1.1million, about N584.2 million after his impressive knockout victory over Jorge Masvidal on Saturday night, Sportivation.com.ng reports.
The Nigerian Nightmare has been handsomely rewarded for his stunning performance and he was the best-paid fighter on the card which was witnessed by 15, 000 fans in Florida.
According to Daily Mail, Usman earned £538,000 to show up, £459,000 pay-per-view bonus, a £43,000 sponsorship bonus and a well deserved £35,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Jorge Masvidal also earned £358,000 to show, £186,000 in pay-per-view money and a £28,000 sponsorship bonus.
This is the biggest payday of Usman’s career so far and the Welterweight champion also benefited from the fact that Masvidal is also a top draw for the fans.
Kamaru Usman is a Nigerian-American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle wrestler and graduated folkstyle wrestler.
Sourced From: Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Military, Police Ring Abuja to Forestall Boko Haram Attack
UFC: Usman gets N584m after beating Masvidal
Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings
Buhari Will Win In 2019: US Institute
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has predicted that President Muhammadu Buhari will win the 2019 election. The organisation...
Why Buhari Deserves Second Term – Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said that President Muhammadu Buhari deserved second term election because,...
Atiku Presidential Campaign Council: PDP Releases List of Members
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday released the list of party members to handle the campaign team of the...
Obasanjo Forgives Atiku, Endorses Him For President
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday said he has reviewed his stance on not backing his former deputy for the...
Buhari, Atiku In Battle Of Integrity Over 2019 Poll
THE brickbats continued yesterday between President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and...