Internal wrangling in APC As 13 Governors Threatens To Leave Party, Insist Buni Returns As Chairman

 

Thirteen governors elected on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are set on a collision course with their remaining counterparts in the party as they insist that Yobe State Governor, Mai mala Buni retains his role as the Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

The governors also threatened to abandon the broom party, if the decision taken at the National Executive Council of APC in 2020 that Buni should head the party until the national convention is held, is not respected by President Muhammad Buhari and other members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF).

Internal wrangling in the party came to a boil on Monday with a faction of the APC governors claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari has named Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello as Buni’s replacement to head the CECPC.

Our reporter gathered that the 13 governors, who met in Abuja Monday night, contemplated leaving the APC for another political party as their future would be uncertain in their current party if what they described as “the ongoing illegality is allowed to stand”.

Another option on the table, which is being seriously weighed by the Governors is teaming up with the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) as three of them defected to the APC from PDP.

The governors are reportedly upset with the way their colleagues in the “cabal” are belittling them in the decision-making of the party after first losing out on the fixing of a date for APC’s national convention and are now facing further humiliation with the attempted imposition of Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, as the CECPC chairman.

One of the Governors from the northeast geo-political zone protested that, “The cabal formed by our other colleagues has suffocated the life out of APC. The party has been reduced to the equivalent of a drug-dealing gang where decisions are now based on who can manipulate President (Muhammadu) Buhari better.

“Even if APC governors were constituted into a kind of electoral college to make decisions for the party, which is not the case, there is no way seven is greater than thirteen. When you have only seven governors forcing their decision on thirteen governors of equal jurisdiction then you know there is a problem.

“So, what we are saying is that we are ready for them. We are not saying that Mai mala Buni should not stop being the Chairman of CECPC, but our point is that there must be due process. There is the proper way to go about it, not some character sneaking to the President to snitch in the dark of the night and then come out throwing the President’s name around.

“If they want us to fall out with them as fellow APC Governors then we are ready. But this thing about being dictatorial must stop. It is a democracy, and the APC must run as a democracy. Or else there is no example we are showing anybody as leaders”.

Meanwhile, the 13 governors had their various Attorneys General write legal opinions on the illegality of what happened at the party’s secretariat on Monday.

Though Governor Bello has maintained that he was only acting as Chairman, since Buni was yet to return from his Dubia medical leave.

But with the inauguration of state chapter’s chairmen and reception of zoning committee report by Bello on Monday, pundits pointed to the fact that he was playing a script written by the seven governors, on behalf of Buhari.

The Presidency is yet to make any official statement on the status of Governor Bello and the fate of Buni.

 

 

Bamise Ayanwole: Sanwo-Olu Reveals BRT Vehicle Involved In Murder Doesn’t Have In-built Camera

 

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday revealed that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that the late Oluwabamishe Ayanwole boarded doesn’t have an in-built camera.
The Lagos State Governor made the revelation while briefing newsmen at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan to commemorate International Women’s Day.

According to him, the particular bus is one of the locally-built ones brought in to augment those imported for the BRT service.

Governor Sanwo-Olu however assured that justice will be done on the matter and those responsible for the death of the 22-year-old fashion designer will pay for their actions.

“There were inbuilt cameras and trackers in buses procured abroad for BRT operations. But those acquired locally to shore up the BRT fleet did not have cameras.

“The particular bus in which the slain victim rode was one of the buses locally supplied,” a statement signed by Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, read.

Meanwhile, the driver of the bus, Omininikoron Nice, which Bamise boarded on February 26 has since been arrested and is in police custody.

The Lagos State Police Command said Nice was arrested in a hideout in Ogun State.

The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, made this known on Monday during a parade of the suspect at the command headquarters.

Alabi stated that Andrew was arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, shortly after the lifeless body of Bamise was found and identified.

The police boss stated that Bamise’s corpse was found lying on the Carter Bridge by Ogogoro community in the Lagos Island area of the state.

 

Buhari Fulfils 28-Year-Old Promise Abacha Made To Super Eagles In 1994

 

The Buhari-led federal government has approved the allocation of houses for 22 Super Eagles team members which was promised to them by General Sani Abacha in 1994.
Twenty-eight years after the promise was made by Abacha, Buhari has decided to fulfill it.

The president, represented by the Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Mr. Muhammed Abdullahi, stated this at Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the commissioning of the completed homes under the administration’s National Housing Programme initiative.

 

 

Abdullahi explained that the completion of the housing projects was the fulfillment of the promise of change made by the Buhari administration.

He praised Nasarawa State, for providing the land for the project, maintaining that the housing projects provided contracts for the Micro, Small, and Medium businessmen and women who provided employment for people through the engagement of skilled and unskilled workers thereby unleashing a value chain of economic activities that have made a positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He said: ‘These are some of the people our country remains committed to moving towards prosperity and away from poverty and we are already reaching them by providing opportunities for employment for those who were hitherto unemployed.’

 

Why women should not vote in 2023 – Akwa Ibom state First Lady

 

The First lady of Akwa Ibom State, Martha Udom Emmanuel on Tuesday advised Nigerian women to boycott the 2023 general elections if their demands are not accepted.

Society gazette reports that the first lady made this known while addressing protesters of gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political sphere, at the gate of the National Assembly in Abuja during the celebration of the 2022 International Women Day.

In her remarks, Mrs Udom Emmanuel said: “With my colleagues and all the women in Nigeria, we join our voice to say No Bad Governance .all we are asking for, is to give us 35% of party leadership. We are not asking much.

“We are asking the men that are meant to sign the bill to do it. We are not second class citizens; we are first class citizens as the men are.

“We have waited for them under rain and sun for them to recommit the bill and together as women we must get what we are here for.”

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

 

BREAKING: Ademola Adeleke wins Osun PDP Guber Primaries

 

Former Senator Ademola Adeleke was on Tuesday declared winner of the governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.

Adeleke who is an uncle to Music star, Davido, is set to represent the PDP in the keenly contested guber elections against the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The governorship election is scheduled to hold on July 16.

The Primaries held at the 10,000 capacity Oshogbo stadium was also contested by Dotun Babayemi. POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that Adeleke emerged the flagbearer of the party in 2018 but lost to Oyetola.

More to come….

 

Justice Must Be Done On Bamise Ayanwole’s Case – Speaker Obasa, Lawmakers

Justice Must Be Done On Bamise Ayanwole’s Case – Speaker Obasa, Lawmakers

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday promised that the legislative arm of the State Government must ensure justice in the case of the alleged murder of Bamise Ayanwole.

Obasa said this while addressing some protesters who stormed the House to urge the lawmakers to act on the case of the victim.

The 22-year-old was reportedly killed inside a Bus Rapid Transit vehicle on her way from the Lekki area of the State recently.

The protesters, who came to the Assembly with the immediate elder sister of the deceased, said it was painful that such an incident happened. They also called for more efforts by the government to ensure the security of lives and property.

Obasa, who said he and his colleagues were very concerned about the incident, sympathised with the family and friends of the victim.

While urging Nigerians not to preempt the police which is investigating the case, he said the House would continue to follow up to ensure justice is served appropriately.

“The erroneous belief that it would be swept under the carpet is unnecessary. The driver has been arrested and is in custody.

“We are watching and must ensure justice is done on the case. The Governor has spoken about it and I just want to appeal that we work together to get justice.

“We will do everything to make sure that justice is served. Justice must be served. And everybody in Lagos must be protected,” he told the protesters.

Earlier during plenary, the Speaker urged Nigeria, its citizens and leaders to use the opportunity of the International Women’s Day to address whatever is lacking in the push for equity for women.

Commending women for their resilience and importance, Obasa, however, expressed sadness that the women have become victims of heinous crimes.

“As a government, we must look inward to see the areas that are beneficial to the women. Women have become victims of violence and other crimes. What have we done for the emancipation of our women? How much of our women have we lost during child birth?

“We must encourage our women to be successful and live better,” he said.

He charged all the committees of the House to work for the benefit of women in the State.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Photos 1-3: Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, with his colleagues addressing protesters and relations of Bamise Ayanwole.

Lanre Teriba bill for American Tour …To perform at ICCS Summit 

Lanre Teriba bill for American Tour …To perform at ICCS Summit

For his unfailing talent and consistency, handsome gospel artist, Lanre Teriba who is better known Atorise, ranks among the high profile and long-standing gospel singers around. Aside release of albums, ceaseless weekly engagements, one other factor that has made the popular singer remained relevant, is knowing how to keep up with his fans around the world and that explains why he embarks on foreign tour annually.
Meanwhile, as the new year progresses, the Ogun state versatile singer is already in a mood to embark on a tour of the United State of America. The tour that will be kicking off May is tagged, Breakthrough. The tour is designed to make him perform across 21 cities in the United States of America.

The tour kicks off in May as Teriba headlines events in Houston, Texas to celebrate Memorial Day weekend. The award winning musician will continue to spread gospel of his music at the Summer 2022 African Pop-Up Festival in New York taking place from the 25th – 26th of June.

The Summer 2022 African Pop-Up Festival is one of several annual festivals including the African Restaurant Week “Food & Music” Festival produced by Akin Akinsanya in celebration of African music, food and culture across America.

Various promoters in America have also booked him to perform at concerts in Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia and many more cities.

Speaking on the tour, Teriba said he’s excited about the tour as he revealed he eagerly looks forward to commence the tour as he can’t wait to see his teeming fans in America.

“I must confess I am so happy about this particular tour. Of course, it is not my first time of doing my thing in the States but I am particularly happy the world is healing and opening up after the pandemic that practically brought the world to a halt. My heart genuinely goes out to lives that were lost during that period, but at the end, we still have to give glory to God for everything. That is why I look forward to seeing my fans throughout America like never before”. Lanre said.

“ I can also promise this tour is going to be a totally new experience”. He concluded.

It is anticipated that this tour will be record breaking amongst Nigerian musicians as Teriba will be among other international Gospel artists to perform at the International Cultural & Music Convention – ICMC night at the ICCS SUMMIT in Washington DC from the 26th of August – 28th of August hosted by All Christian Network.

On another note, amiable Teriba who has made several appearances as an actor in a number of movies, is currently up to a new thing. Although, details of the whole thing are still being jealously guided but it was learnt Lanre just wrapped up from a movie location where he was for some time. It was also learnt his role in the movie would definitely redefine him as an actor when the effort is finally released.

Bamise’s Murder: Police Parade BRT Driver, Expand Investigation

 

The BRT Driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, during the parade by police on Monday, March 7, 2022.

Police authorities in Lagos State have taken into custody the driver of the BRT Bus involved in the murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

The driver, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, and another accomplice were arrested by DSS operatives in Ososa, Odogbolu area of Ogun State on Monday night. They were eventually handed over to the police.

The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi while parading the suspect on Monday explained that following the arrest, the investigation will be expanded to bring everyone who is part of the crime to justice.

The CP assured the public and the family of the bereaved victim that justice will be served in the case.

Alabi told Channels Television that the preliminary response from the suspect has not been satisfactory, but it has been established that he is a prime suspect in the incident that led to the death of the victim.

Speaking on the allegations of sexual assault and missing body parts, the CP said police officers and family members of the victim were all at the mortuary, and there was no part of the victim’s body that was mutilated.

He added that the post-mortem process has been initiated and the result will clarify if there was any form of sexual abuse on the victim.

He warned criminals in the state to desist from evil acts or face the wrath of the law.

“No crime will go undetected, and criminals will not go unpunished. The command has strengthened its security architecture and repositioned officers and men towards providing adequate and sustainable security for all and sundry in the state. This, we are confident, will prevent future occurrence of this sad incident,” the CP explained.

Ayanwole went missing on Saturday, February 26, while returning to Ota from Ajah. She boarded a BRT bus with number 240257 going to Oshodi at about 7 p.m. at Chevron Bus-Stop.

Until her death, she worked as a fashion designer at Chevron Estate in Ajah, Lagos, but spent the weekends at Ota, Ogun state, with her sister.

Sadly, her body was found dumped by the roadside, and an unidentified man reportedly informed officials of Ebute Ero Police Station on Saturday evening.

Her body has since been deposited at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary, Yaba for autopsy.

 

‘What Is Nigeria Turning Into’ – Reactions As Diesel Sells For N625 Per Litre

 

Nigerians on social media have expressed displeasure over the current price of automotive gas oil, also known as diesel.
Naija News understands that the price of diesel has skyrocketed across the country with some filling stations now selling at N625 per litre.

According to TheCable, this is four percent higher than the N540/litre it sold last week — and about a 30 percent increase in the two weeks.

The development is coming amid fears that the United States and its European allies will ban imports of Russian crude.

Reacting to the development, some Nigerians lamented the hardship skyrocketed price would cause for the average Nigerian, while others blamed the government inability to make sustainable future plans.

 

One Instagram user, maestro_makeover wrote; “This is what happens when a country doesn’t plan for the future. If our refineries were all working perfectly, this wouldn’t affect us. It is well”
One the_kk_collections wrote; “Nothing in this country is working. Like nothing at all and it’s so sad
How are people expected to cope?”
liz_world25_ wrote; “Things are getting worse everyday… Nigeria my country … No wonder Nigerians in Ukraine 🇺🇦 doesn’t want to come home.”
One wrote; king_adonii wrote; ‘Nigeria is not ready for hyper inflation coming’
One majinfotek_ng wrote; ”Oh my God ! Father have your way! From food to gas to petrol now diesel”
It would be recalled that on Monday, March 7, global oil prices hit their highest level since 2008 at over $130 a barrel before pulling back to trade around $120 a barrel.

 

BRT: Sanwo-Olu Breaks Silence On Bamise’s Death, Promises Justice

 

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday expressed sadness over the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwole, who earlier was declared missing after boarding a Lagos Bus Rapid Transit.
Sanwo-Olu in a post on Instagram noted that the life of Lagosians is important to the government and it will not take the security of the people for granted.

He promised that no stones would be left unturned in the investigations and arrest of anyone involved in the death of Ayanwole.

The Governor of Lagos State vowed that justice will be served, adding that his prayer is with the family of the 22-year-old.

The statement reads, “Dear Lagosians, the life of every citizen of the state matters to us, and we do not take the security of our people for granted.

“We will, therefore, leave no stones unturned in the investigations and arrest of everyone found culpable in the kidnap and death of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

“The driver of the BRT bus involved in this unfortunate incident has been arrested, and the management of Lagos Bus Service Ltd has been directed to cooperate fully with security agencies in their investigations so that the full weight of the law is brought down on everyone involved in this ugly incident.

 

“To Oluwabamise’s family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, may the Almighty God console you. I hereby give you my word that JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED.

“To fellow Lagosians, I assure you that I am following all the investigations closely, and will ensure that Oluwabamise gets the justice she deserves.

“I also assure you all that the BRT services remain safe, despite this condemnable act.

 

“Once again, my sincere condolences to the Ayanwole family. May Oluwabamise’s soul Rest In Peace. Amen.”

This is coming after the fashion designer was declared dead by a relative to the deceased.

 

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