Connect with us

Politics

Rivers APC Calls For Suspension Of Oshiomole, Umahi For Anti-party Activities

Published

on

The All Progressives Congress in Rivers State has called for the suspension of the former National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole and the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi for alleged “anti-party activities”.

The party accused the party stalwarts of being involved in anti-party activities when they visited Rivers State on the invitation of Governor Nyesom Wike to commission some projects.

The duo had at separate times when they commissioned the projects said they will not be campaigning for the APC governorship candidate in Rivers State.

Advertisement

On the 16th of November, 2022 Oshiomole while commissioning the Rumuepirikorm-Ada George Fly-over said: ‘‘I have seen the reason why Governor Wike used to win APC in Rivers State. Wike has very strong and energetic youths he is working with, which he used to win my party. Wike will you permit me to go with some of them from Rivers State to Edo State.’’

READ ALSO: Why I Assigned Questions To El-Rufai, Others At Chatham House – Tinubu

On the 22nd of November, 2022, Governor Umahi while commissioning the Akpabu-Omudioga-Egbeda road was quoted as saying ‘‘Governor Wike you have tried so much, the only day you will see me in Rivers State campaigning is the day we will come here for the Presidential Campaign, apart from that, you will not see me again because all other positions, you will win.’’

Advertisement

In a protest letter dated Nov.23 2022 and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Adamu Abdullahi, the Rivers State chairman of the APC, Emeka Beke said the party has become a laughing stock in the state following the activities of those he described as disgruntled party leaders whom anti-party activities run in their veins.

The APC state chairman said it was disheartening that any time these leaders of the party visit Rivers State, they openly make “scandalous remarks”, thereby demoralizing the spirited and concerted effort of APC members in Rivers State, all in an attempt to please Governor Wike.

In the letter, Beke called for sanctions against the two party leaders saying members of the party in Rivers State are no longer happy with the said anti-party activities.

Advertisement

The letter read in parts; “With respect to the complaints stated above, we demand as follows;

1. An unreserved public apology from H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi on a live television programme within seven days.

“2. A warning or alternatively suspension letter on H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi for anti-party activities.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: 2023: Why Atiku Wants To Sell Nigeria’s Refineries – PDP

“3. A directive attached with a sanction, that henceforth, anybody coming to Rivers State on the invitation of Governor Wike should stop talking trash and campaigning against candidates of APC in Rivers State.

“Conclusively Sir, we wish to let you know, that if this matter is not properly handled and our positions above granted and implemented, we will resort to taking our destinies by our hands. Remember, we are not restricted from visiting Edo and Ebonyi States to reply H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi while also romancing with the opposition”.

Advertisement

Politics

Court Declines Kachikwu’s Motion Against INEC, ADC Leaders

Published

on

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday declined to hear an application filed by the African Democratic Congress’ 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, against the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Senator David Mark-led leadership of the party.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling, refused to entertain the motion.

Kachikwu, through his counsel, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), had sought an order compelling INEC to withdraw the publication of Mark and Rauf Aregbesola’s names as national chairman and secretary of the ADC, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

Advertisement

INEC had recently recognised Mark, a former Senate President, and Aregbesola, a former Governor of Osun State, as the party’s national chairman and national secretary.

READ ALSO:Court Dismisses Suit Seeking Refund Of Rivers’ Monies Expended By Ibas

On July 7, Kachikwu and four others – Adikwu Elias, Etimbuk Umoh, Muhammed Khala, and Alaku Godwin William – filed an originating summons challenging the recognition of the duo.

Advertisement

The suit lists INEC, ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Mark, and Aregbesola as the first to fifth defendants.

When the matter was called on Friday, Akinlaja told the court that a motion dated September 19 had been filed. He argued that despite the pendency of the suit, INEC went ahead to recognise Mark and Aregbesola as party leaders.

The plaintiffs asked the court to set aside the recognition and publication of their names, describing it as a breach of the doctrine of lis pendens. They also sought an injunction restraining Nwosu, Mark, and Aregbesola from further relating with INEC as ADC’s national officers.

Advertisement

However, counsel for the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa (SAN), along with other defence lawyers, opposed the application.

READ ALSO:South African Court Finds Radical Politician Malema Guilty On Gun Charges

After hearing arguments, Justice Omotosho declined to entertain the motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1331/2025.

Advertisement

He said, “This court is not inclined to nullify anything at this stage, whether done before or now. This is a political case. I am not taking any interlocutory matter.”

The judge held that all processes filed by the parties, including preliminary objections, would be taken together with the substantive case.

Despite repeated pleas by Akinlaja for the motion to be heard, the court stood its ground.

Advertisement

Justice Omotosho also granted an application for joinder filed by Nkemakolam Ukandu, the ADC deputy national secretary, and ordered that his name be added as a defendant.

He directed the plaintiffs to file the amended processes within 48 working hours and gave the defence seven days to respond. The case was adjourned till October 23 for hearing.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

Fubara Sacks Commissioners, Others

Published

on

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked all commissioners and other public office holders serving in his administration.

The decision, according to a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday evening by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, takes immediate effect and followed the recent Supreme Court judgment.

The governor, during a valedictory session with his cabinet to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary at Government House, Port Harcourt, thanked the outgoing officials for their services and contributions to the state’s development over the past two years.

Advertisement

The statement read in part, “Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has thanked members of his cabinet for their services and contributions to the development of the state in the last two years.

READ ALSO:BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

The governor highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s Independence, and called on all Nigerians to work together with Mr President to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous country and a brighter future for all.

Advertisement

“Furthermore, the Governor has relieved all Commissioners and other public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment of their appointments with immediate effect.”

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to serve the state “with renewed vigour,” while expressing gratitude to Rivers people for their support and wishing Nigerians a happy Independence anniversary.

READ ALSO:Why I Refused To Challenge Emergency Rule – Fubara

Advertisement

Recall that the immediate past administrator of the state, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), upon assumption of office during the emergency rule imposed by President Bola Tinubu, suspended all commissioners, special advisers, and assistants appointed by Fubara. Ibas also dissolved boards and suspended heads of parastatals he met in office.

Since Ibas exited the state on September 18, the fate of Fubara’s appointees had remained uncertain. The Rivers State House of Assembly, at its first sitting after the lifting of the emergency rule, had called on the governor to submit a fresh list of commissioner-nominees for screening, alongside the 2025 budget for passage.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Politics

2027: Crisis Rocks Kaduna ADC Over Power Tussle

Published

on

The Kaduna State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is enmeshed in crisis as a fierce power struggle among leading figures threatens the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

ADC stalwart, Malam Salihu Lukman, raised the alarm on Wednesday, warning that the party may not make a meaningful impact at the polls if the internal rift persists.

In a statement, Lukman alleged that some party leaders have aligned with certain aspiring candidates for the 2027 elections to the exclusion of others.

Advertisement

He called on former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Malam Jaafaru Sani, Alhaji Bashir Saidu, and other opposition leaders in the state to halt what he described as “the madness” of candidates bent on hijacking party structures.

READ ALSO:Ex-Tinubu Campaign Coordinator Resigns From APC

According to him, “anybody who is not ready to work as part of a united opposition in Kaduna State is consciously or unconsciously working for the APC.”

Advertisement

Expressing concern over the infighting, Lukman said his efforts to mediate had largely failed.

“The fact that Senator Musa Bello is aggressively seeking to control structures of ADC in Zone 2 is a reflection of my failure, largely because I am associated with him.

“Senator Lawal Adamu (Mr. La) has avoided all my requests to meet him. I have met Malam Jaafaru Sani on this matter and had discussions with Malam Nasir. Sadly, we are not united, and the perception is that I am part of the problem.”

Advertisement

READ ALSO:Why APC Candidates Contested 2023 LG Election Despite Intimidation — State Chairman

Lukman stressed that he has no political ambition but remains committed to building a united front. “As a citizen from Kaduna State, I am willing to make every necessary sacrifice to move our state forward. Without sounding immodest, I made every sacrifice to contribute to forming the coalition and negotiating the agreement with ADC.

“May I therefore appeal to Malam Nasir and all our leaders to please seek to unite us. It is only if we are united in ADC that we can unite our people in the state to defeat the APC in 2027. We must bear in mind that it is not just about defeating APC but about producing a government controlled by our party based on collective leadership.

Advertisement

“We need to put an end to the era when we produce emperors as governors. Anything short of a government managed by collective leadership under ADC will be unacceptable.”

Continue Reading

Trending