Femi Adesina Afraid Of Fani-Kayode Replacing Him – Omokri
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has claimed that the spokesman to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina is afraid that former minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode will take over his position.
This is coming after Fani-Kayode dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Omokri stated this in his reaction to the statement of the presidential aide that Buhari would teach world leaders how to manage their economy during a pandemic.
Adesina during an interview on Channels TV on Monday said his principal would teach world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, how to overcome economic recession during a pandemic.
He further stated that Buhari “would talk about security. He would talk about the girl child, SDGs, and so many things.”
Omokri in a post on his Twitter account wrote, “Femi Adesina, Buhari’s in-house clown, is afraid he is about to be replaced by Femi Fani-Kayode, hence he has stepped up his sycophancy, claiming ‘Buhari Will Teach World Leaders How To Manage Economy During Pandemic’. Is it before or after begging them for loans?”
It will be recalled that Buhari who departed the shores of Nigeria on Sunday, to participate in the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, which opened on September 14 will address other world leaders on Friday, 24th September.
Apart from the UN meeting, the President will also hold some high-level meetings and interactions while in the United States.
Fani-Kayode Handed 12 Conditions By APC Governors Before Being Integrated Into Party
The Director-General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Dr Salihu Moh Lukman, has listed tough conditions former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, must meet to be fully accepted and integrated into the ruling party.
Some of the conditions, according to him, include registration from his ward, identifying with the party chieftains in his state and more importantly demonstration of tolerance and respect for opinions of leaders and members of the party.
The PGF DG, in a statement he issued in Abuja, equally revealed that party members are genuinely and understandably angry with the red-carpet reception President Muhammadu Buhari gave to him last week Thursday.
The statement titled: ‘APC’s high-profile membership recruitment and issues for 2023’, read: “A major challenge of high-profile political party membership recruitment, like that of Fani-Kayode, is the issue of getting those recruited to be accountable. How can the party ensure that newly recruited high-profile members moderate themselves such that it is the party that control them and not the other way round?
“While it is easy to control people that are already constraint by legal provisions on account of statutory responsibilities such as governors and legislators, individuals like Fani-Kayode, who are only responsible to themselves, would be difficult to manage. It is therefore important that APC members prepare to engage Fani-Kayode to ensure that he is accountable to our leaders, our party organs and by extension, Nigerians.
“A reformed Fani-Kayode should be an accountable personality, both to the party and to Nigerians. On no account should Fani-Kayode ever imagine that he has come to APC to conduct himself uncontrollably. He must be accountable to our leadership and all our party structures.
“He must respect himself and abide by the provisions of the party constitution and its manifesto. To support him, copies of the APC constitution and manifesto must be made available to him immediately.
“There are also issues related to getting him to work with other party members especially in relation to addressing national challenges. The problem of managing Nigeria’s diversity, for instance, require respect and tolerance. That Fani-Kayode has joined APC and has made statements to the effect that he is committed to a united Nigeria must be demonstrated based on respect for all Nigerians irrespective of differences.
“A major test will be the extent to which Fani-Kayode is able to demonstrate tolerance and respect for opinions of leaders and members of the party. This doesn’t mean he shouldn’t disagree. But he must express his disagreement with utmost respect. On no account must he promote divisive campaigns, in whatever forms or manner. Doing so will suggest that he is still the old venomous Fani-Kayode.
“Once that become the case, party members must be ready to engage him including campaigns to discipline him as provided in the constitution of the APC. Therefore, his membership of the party must take root in his Ward in Osun State, and he must subordinate himself to his Ward leadership,” he noted in the statement.
Giving other conditions, he wrote: “For Fani-Kayode to talk of the unity of Nigeria at this time, shortly after he supported and promoted secessionist campaigns of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho is a remarkable departure. However, recognising such a departure shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that we should blindly trust Fani-Kayode.
“What is required in the circumstance is that our leaders must test the commitment of Fani-Kayode to reform himself. The first test is that Fani-Kayode should be reminded that politics is local. Coming from Osun State, his commitment to reform himself should start with getting him to integrate himself with APC leaders back in Osun State.
“At this early stage of his membership of APC, beyond the photo show with our dear President Buhari and the Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, Fani-Kayode should have a photo gallery with images of him uniting with Chief Bisi Akande, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor Gboyega Oyetola and other party leaders in his home state, Osun. In fact, part of this test would have been met had Governor Oyetola and Ogbeni Aregbesola, at the minimum, been part of the welcome reception at the Presidential Villa last Thursday. Had that happened, the raging controversy following the admission of Fani-Kayode into the party would have been minimised.
“The photo gallery should also cover images with leaders from the South-West. Fani-Kayode should take every step to reciprocate the gesture of our leaders by demonstrating that he is ready to reform himself. Some of the controversy he has already created makes it doubtful whether he want to reform himself at all. For instance, when he claimed that he facilitated the defection of some Governors that joined the APC from PDP, suggests that he is still his old venomous self.
“Only people with very small minds could make such statement and only gullible people can believe them. The claim that three additional Governors – Bauchi, Oyo and Enugu – are on their way to join the APC, also falls in the same category of small mind talking to gullible people. If Fani-Kayode truly want the party to succeed in recruiting anybody, including governors, he should quietly support the leadership. We have a very competent leadership that can handle that responsibility, which is why his admission into the party succeeded in the first place,” he wrote.
While frowning at the red-carpet reception given to him, Lukman in the statement reflected: “Almost every member of APC is angry that our leaders have brought someone like Fani-Kayode into our party. This is made worse by the red-carpet reception given to him, which he doesn’t deserve.
“But since it has happened, there is no need to cry over spilled milk. What is very clear is that our leaders, especially President Buhari have forgiven Fani-Kayode and embrace him as one of us,” the statement read.
“He is our Capo and we are ready to follow Him” – Akeredolu Declares Support For Tinubu
The Governor of Ondo state, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has said that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is hale and hearty.
Speaking in a recent interview on Arise TV, Akeredolu described Tinubu as the ‘Capo’ of the South-West and the South-South, adding that he was a leader everyone was ready to follow.
Akeredolu said; “I am not changing party. I move nowhere from APC. If I leave APC, I’m going back to my chambers”.
“Whatever APC decides, I will follow”
“We went to visit our national leader, I was there, because of a lot of rumours here and there, it was important we go to go and see for ourselves and i was there, i saw him myself, there’s nothing so alarming about his health that people are talking about.”
“So, we are praying he returns back on time. Because he is the Capo for us in South-West and South West.”
‘How Obaseki Paid Edo PDP Billions Before Re-Election, Facing Challenges As Party Leaders Push For Juicy Appointments
‘How Edo PDP Received Billions From Obaseki Before Re-election, Still Want To Dictate Cabinet Appointees’
As controversy continues to trail Governor Godwin Obaseki’s refusal to name his cabinet almost a year after his re-election, details have emerged on why the Edo State governor has chosen to bide his time.
Recall that following his disqualification during the screening of governorship aspirants for the 2020 governorship election over discrepancies in his certificate in All Progressives Congress (APC), Obaseki had defected the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Obaseki who was first elected in 2016 on the platform of the APC was reportedly pushed out of the party by the former National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
But since his swearing in for a second term on November 12, 2020, Obaseki is yet to appoint commissioners and other aides.
The Edo state Governor has only appointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff and a few aides.
This has however caused dissatisfaction among members of the PDP in Edo State who are expecting to be appointed into the Governor’s cabinet.
Sources within the now ruling party told Naija News on Friday night that PDP leaders failed to negotiate properly with Obaseki before giving him the party ticket.
While stating that the Edo governor allegedly paid billions to secure the party’s ticket in 2020, a source, who is an ‘old member’ of the PDP, stated that party leaders should have used that opportunity to negotiate for positions with Obaseki who was desperate at that time.
The source accused the Tony Aziegbemi-led PDP State Working Committee (SWC) and his predecessor of not negotiating political positions properly.
“When Obaseki dangled huge amount of money before them they forgot about negotiating positions before the election,” the source alleged.
“They are now expecting to hold Obaseki to ransom with appointments after they had collected the money.”
The source disclosed that Obaseki’s delay in naming his commissioners and aides is connected to PDP leaders’ push to get juicy appointments after allegedly receiving huge amount of money to hand over their guber ticket.
On if the delay in constituting the cabinet may be giving Obaseki a bad name, as many may see him as being too bossy, another source told Naija News that the governor “doesn’t care.”
“Members of the APC close to the governor had hinted on his character before his defection.
“Someone who clashed with a lot of people while looking for his second term ticket, what do you expect now that he has gotten it?” he asked.
The source revealed that some key men close to the governor who served during his first-time and were members of the APC are still active in running the administration.
According to the source, Governor Obaseki might make sure only those that defected with him to the PDP get all the juicy position when he finally decides to name his cabinet.
On if Obaseki may leave the PDP, the source stated that the governor is not plotting to leave the party but if he does the only losers will be the PDP.
“They have shown that all they care about is just the money. They would lose if Obaseki or Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu leaves the party,” he added.
Recall that reports had emerged on Monday claiming Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu had perfected plans to dump the PDP.
According to reports, marathon meetings were held outside the country last week between the Edo Deputy Governor and some party bigwigs in the country ahead of his planned defection
“Philip Shaibu is one man I admire as a political tactician and Maradona in the Edo political space. Quitting PDP may frustrate the developmental plans of the Obaseki’s administration due to his nuts and bolts experience as a voracious student of politics, as well as his sterling track record and pedigree as a fearless and charismatic lawmaker,” a source had to Vanguard.
According to the source, there are strong indications that the Deputy Governor may not join any other political party immediately after quitting the PDP.
But in an interview with NaijaNews, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Ebomhiana Musa, denied the report.
While admitting that Philip Shaibu travelled abroad for his vacation, Musa said his principal only spent time with his family.
According to him, the reports of his defection were only the figment of the authors imagination.
Confusion As 2023 Campaign poster of Yahaya Bello, Fani-Kayode emerges Online
Photographs of a 2023 Presidential Campaign poster of Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello and Ex-aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode have emerged online.
The images are coming a day after FFK defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Although its currently unclear the source of the images, they have since gone viral with many criticizing the pair. It was earlier reported that FFK’s defection has generated so much controversy because he was one of the major opposition figures in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Fani-Kayode, who gained a lot of popularity for his opposition work, faced serious backlash over his decision. Popular Islamic cleric, Shiekh Gumi described him as the ‘Judas of Oduduwa’ while his former friend now political foe, Deji Adeyanju described him as ‘Unstable’ and ‘Unprincipled’.
However, Bello has since indicated interest in contesting for the Nation’s top seat in 2023. He has even begun consultations and is set to face other top contenders for the position.
Presidency ‘Planning To Make Fani-Kayode Minister, Drop Corruption Charges’
President Muhammadu Buhari-led government is planning to drop the corruption charges against the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode following his defection to the All Progressives Congress.
According to Sahara Reporters, a source disclosed that the ruling party and the president are also planning to make Fani-Kayode a minister.
The source, while speaking on the defection of the former minister, said, “They are working on dropping corruption charges against Fani-Kayode and making him a minister.”
However, it was not stated the ministry which the Buhari administration is planning to give the former minister.
Naija News had earlier reported that Fani-Kayode on Thursday met with President Buhari and the Interim Chairman of the APC, and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode while giving the reason for dumping the Peoples Democratic Party said he joined the APC to help unite the country.
There are speculations that Fani-Kayode dumped the main opposition party for the ruling party because of his corruption cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that Fani-Kayode was arraigned in 2016 alongside a former Minister of State for Finance, Nenadi Usman; Danjuma Yusuf, and a firm, Joint Trust Dimensions Ltd over N4.9bn alleged fraud.
Fani-Kayode who was the spokesman of the Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential campaign organisation for the 2015 election was accused of conspiring with the others to, directly and indirectly, retain various sums which the EFCC claimed they ought to have reasonably known were proceeds of crime.
The anti-graft agency had accused them of conspiring among themselves to “indirectly retain the sum of N1,500,000,000.00, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: stealing.”
According to EFCC, they also retained N300 million, N400 million, and N800 million, all proceeds of corruption.
Fani-Kayode was accused of directly using part of the money at various times.
For instance, he allegedly spent N250,650,000.00 between March 20 and 25, 2015.
He was also accused of making a cash transaction of N24 million to one Olubode Oke, said to still be at large, on February 12, 2015 “to Paste Poster Co of 125, Lewis Street, Lagos Island”.
The duo was said to have made the transaction without going through any financial institution, an act the EFCC claimed was contrary to sections 1(a) and 16(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012, and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.
The former minister months later was rearrested and arraigned on five counts bordering on money laundering to the tune of N26 million.
According to the EFCC, Fani-Kayode allegedly received the sum of N26 million from the office of the former National Security Adviser (ONSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) in 2014.
There had been reports that political office holders join the ruling party to escape corruption charges levelled against them.
BREAKING: APC Promises Jonathan Presidential Ticket Ahead Of 2023 Election
The All Progressives Congress, APC has stated that they will allow Ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan contest for the 2023 Presidency if he becomes a member of the party.
This was revealed by the National Secretary, APC Caretaker, and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudoedehe during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Wednesday.
He made this comment while discussing speculations that Jonathan is considering to join the ruling party.
He added that the ex-president will also be granted a founding member status if he joins.
He also clarified that Jonathan would not get an automatic ticket as he will vie with other members of the party before getting the ticket.
“The last National Executive Council of the party actually gave a blanket approval to any individual that if you join APC today, it is as if you are a founding member of the party.”
“So, anyone who joins today has the same opportunity to run for any office in this party. It has always been so, so I am not speculating,” he said.
2023: Atiku will Only waste your Presidential Ticket – Group Warns PDP
A group known as the PDP Action 2023, has appealed to the party not to give its 2023 Presidential ticket to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Wednesday titled; “Atiku Should Not Waste PDP Ticket Again,” signed by the National Chairman of the Dr. Rufus Omeire, Atiku would ‘waste’ the ticket as he had no chances of winning the electoral exercise.
“The PDP Action 2023 warns once again, that to give Atiku Abubakar another chance as PDP Presidential Candidate is to ensure a clear defeat for PDP in 2023, and admonishes the former Vice-President of Nigeria not to deceive PDP members a second time.”
“In our last Press Statement, we frowned at Atiku for abandoning PDP members by running away to live in Dubai, after the elections, shielding himself from PDP members, only for him to resurface now that the Presidential primaries are at hand.”
“In his response, we are surprised Atiku claimed that his absence from Nigeria for so long was to acquire a Degree from Cambridge University.”
“On the contrary, the entire country is aware that he relocated to Dubai, where he even had his highly advertised COVID Vaccination even before the vaccine was available to ordinary Nigerians.”
“It is disingenuous for Atiku to claim that he was in school in Cambridge, London when he actually lived in Dubai. If he enrolled in University of Cambridge, for a part time course, he could have as well done the programme from Nigeria.”
Buhari Finally Reveals Type Of ‘Change’ He Promised Nigerians In 2015
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday expressed optimism that Nigerians will feel the impact of programmes and projects executed by his government when he would have left office in 2023.
The President, who spoke while inaugurating the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), disclosed that his “government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not”.
It will be recalled the Change was the campaign slogan of then Candidate Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election. For the 2019 polls, the ‘Change’ agenda of the President and his party gave way to ‘Next Level’.
Going by the above comment of the President, the section of Nigerians who feel betrayed or disappointed for not experiencing the promised Change will now understand that the “Change” they voted for in 2015 was meant to be a long-term phenomenon.
Buhari disclosed that both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered with the NSIA on strategic projects within the past four years.
According to him, “On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.
“On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.
“Although these projects and programmes have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come.”
Buhari, at the brief inauguration ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, tasked the board to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices were projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.
He restated his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians, adding that the appointment of the nine-man board was a call to duty, action and performance.
“As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.
“You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.
“Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.
“The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,’’ the President said.
The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth that may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.
He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully, stating that, “this is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.
“The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.
“We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,” he said.
The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.
While acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, Buhari said: “This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years“.
