Buhari explains travel, other decisions to APC NEC

President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to members of the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress, to continue to make sacrifices as his administration seeks to revive the nation’s economy.

Buhari said this while addressing members of the party’s NEC, at its formal NÉC meeting since the party assumed office on May 29, 2015.

According to the President, he was aware that a lot of them are under pressure from Nigerians especially with regards to the difficult economic situation.

He said, many Nigerians probably do not “Know that 27 out of our (36) states cannot pay basic salaries.”

The President expressed sadness that successive Peoples Democratic Party administrations  since 1999, failed to make provisions for times like these considering the volatility  of oil prices .

Buhari said his Foriegn travels were necessitated by the need to give a personal touch to making a case for the APC-led administration’s economic and other policies. “You need to present your economic policies personally to your partners and your neighbours personally.” He said.

On security, the President gave his administration a pass mark saying that the changes carried out by the administration especially the choice of new service chiefs, the procurement of soft and hardware and the boosting of the morale of troops has given the military a new sense of purpose.

Earlier, National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in his address of welcome, urged all members of the party to come together and support the President and the party to deliver on its promises to Nigerians.

Buhari explains travel, other decisions to APC NEC

Oyegun Aborts Oshiomhole"s Attempt To Smuggle 975 Delegates Into Edo Delegate List

The national chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun has turned down Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s request to add five delegates each from the one hundred and ninety two wards across the eighteen local government of the state.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

Earlier the state chairman of the party, Barrister Alsem Ojezua, made similar request in writing to the national chairman asking for permission or approval to alter the delegate list and was turned down.

Inside sources revealed that all the attempt is tailored towards the enthronement of Oshiomhole’s favourite candidate in the person Mr. Godwin Obaseki who has been rejected by the all powerful Benin Palace and the APC delegates who sees Mr. Obaseki’s candidacy as an extension of Oshiomhole’s tenure which failed to reward APC members with political appointments, rather defectors from the PDP were well rewarded with juicy positions.

FreePress is reliably informed that the Chief Oyegun told Governor Oshiomhole that the rules of any game cannot be altered at the middle of it.

Currently, governor Oshiomhole has become more desperate in his pursuit to install Mr. Obaseki as the governorship candidate of the party employing crude and uncivilised methods to achieve his purpose.

Last month the Edo South Senatorial Leader, Barrister Gentleman Amegor was not only said to have been suspended from the party by a group loyal to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, but was two week ago prevented from holding an Edo South Senatorial meeting in his residence by heavily armed thugs alleged to be sponsored by the governor.

Similarly, last week, Barrister Ken Imasuagbon who is a governorship hopeful of the APC was locked out from the Oredo party secretariat where delegates across the local government had Gathered to the addressed by him.

Supporters of other aspirants within the party are harassed and intimidated and, in some cases, political appointees perceived to be supporting other aspirants are either dismissed or sacked. Example are four commissioners, two local government chairmen, Martins Izevbijie and a host of others.

Political observers are of the view that this ugly trend of executive rascality if not checked portends great danger for the APC in Edo State and a threat to the peaceful conduct of the 2016 Edo governorship election.

Oyegun Aborts Oshiomhole"s Attempt To Smuggle 975 Delegates Into Edo Delegate List

Oyegun, denies seeking Supreme Court judges probe

The chairman of the governing All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, has denied demanding the investigation of Supreme Court judges for affirming the election victories of Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Abia State governors.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The three states are led by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

A statement by the APC’s national secretary, Mala Buni, said a Thursday report by Vanguard titled, “Oyegun Calls for Probe of Supreme Court Judges” was false.

“The party wishes to deny this report in the strongest terms,” the statement said.

“As much as he expressed ‘total astonishment’ over the ruling of the Supreme Court, the National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, never called for the investigation of Supreme Court judges.

“Indeed, a copy of the statement issued following Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s meeting with the APC delegation from Rivers State was widely circulated. At no time during the meeting or in the statement referred to did the National Chairman make such a call for the probe of Supreme Court Judges. What transpired at the meeting was correctly reported in other media outlets.

“Given that the author of the Vanguard report was not physically at the venue of this event, but relied on this statement, it is baffling that he gave this slant to the story,” it said.

The party said Mr. Odigie-Oyegun “has the highest regards for the judiciary”.

Oyegun, denies seeking Supreme Court judges probe

Political corruption, biggest threat to Nigeria’s development – Oyegun

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has identified political corruption as one of the biggest threats to democracy and sustainable development in Nigeria.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

Speaking at the end-of-year dinner of the Council of Retired Federal Permanent Secretaries (CORFEPS) in Abuja, the APC Chairman said the civil service can play an important role in curbing political corruption just as it has played roles in enabling it.

Oyegun, who spoke on “the role of Nigeria Civil Service in this era of change,” said the Civil Service remains the fulcrum for national development in this era of change.

According to him, public opinion about the civil service in the country is not a favourable one, adding that “the prevailing public opinion is that the Civil Service is a hotbed for corruption, ineptitude and mediocrity, hence the current commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to rid the nation of the scourge.

While saying that the generality of Nigerians misunderstand the philosophy and modus operandi of the Civil Service, Oyegun said it remains one of the most important institutions for national cohesion and development.

“I can confidently affirm that even at that time, the Service was often not appreciated by the generality of Nigerians who misunderstood our philosophy and modus operandi.

“Notwithstanding then, as at today, yet the Civil Service remains one of the most important institutions to national cohesion and development.

“His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari has made the fight against corruption a critical commitment of his administration, and events of the past few months have shown that he is resolute about this.

“This campaign has been well received by stakeholders who understand the crucial need to drastically reduce the level of corruption that is prevalent in this country if we must have any hope of achieving much needed development.

“Corruption, especially political corruption, is perhaps the biggest threat to sustainable development, especially in Nigeria today.

“Corruption has been, and continues to be, a destructive element in the governance of Nigeria and the perception of the country in the comity of nations. The negative effects of corruption on Nigeria’s growth are numerous.

“The civil service plays a key role in enabling political corruption and equally can play an important role in curbing political corruption.

“However, before it can effectively function as the formidable anti-corruption check that should be, the civil service must reform, self-regulate and wean itself of the bad eggs that have caused a justified negative public perception.

“The prevailing public perception of the civil service is that of a hotbed of corruption, ineptitude and mediocrity. For decades, Nigerians have represented the civil service by a host of negative stereotypes – the official who will not treat a file until his/her palms are greased; the permanent secretary under whose watch public funds were pilfered, etc.

“This notion in the national consciousness must be addressed by the civil service and in so doing; the service will not only effectively function as an anti-corruption machine but also attract public support in playing this crucial role.”

The APC National Chairman said in tackling the rot from within, organisations like the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will have to play a key role.

“The ICPC, by virtue of its mandate, is a critical stakeholder that must assist in strengthening public institutions to prevent and withstand corruption and has introduced several initiatives to tackle corruption in the public service.

“The Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Units (ACTUs), established by the ICPC in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), should serve as watchdogs and whistle-blowers.

“In several MDAs, annual internal audits specifically targeted at identifying arrears prone to corruption have reportedly been able to plug some loopholes in the management of the nation’s resources.

“On the external front, there is need for a renewed vigour by the judiciary and other stakeholders to have bad eggs weeded out of the service and punished for their crimes.

“These and more will eventually result in a civil service that can shrug off its negative public perception and act as a check on corruption,” he said.

Political corruption, biggest threat to Nigeria’s development – Oyegun

Oyegun, Dino Melaye others meet over ministerial screening

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the party’s candidate in the Kogi State governorship election, Abubakar Audu, and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Dino Melaye, on Monday met behind closed doors.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The agenda of the meeting which was held at the party’s headquarters, in Abuja, was not made public.

However, it was learnt that the forthcoming Kogi State governorship election and the screening of ministerial nominees scheduled to commence this week were discussed at the meeting.

It was also gathered that Audu who came moments after Dino, was in addition to seeking for the party’s support for his campaign efforts, also put in a word for the lawmaker who was his campaign manager, in 2011.

Melaye, a vocal supporter of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had in his interaction with the media last week, assured Nigerians that the screening of ministerial nominees sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari, would be “rigorous” adding that the era of “take a bow and go” was gone.

Some of the party leaders had interpreted this to mean that the Senate is preparing to either humiliate some of the nominees or make things difficult for them during the exercise.

In the light of the development, it was further learnt that Dino’s presence at the meeting was to further assure the party leadership that nothing of that sort was in the offing.

Another party source who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media, said the forthcoming Tribunal judgment over the Kogi West Senatorial District election was also discussed.

Melaye, who arrived at the party secretariat at about 3.10pm, was later joined by Abubakar Audu at Odigie-Oyegun’s office about an hour later. The meeting lasted for close to two hours.

It was gathered that the meeting was convened at the behest of the former Kogi State governor, who felt the need to reconcile his ally with the party leadership, against the backdrop of mutual suspicion among the party leadership.

The party source said, “The former governor was here to put in a word for Melaye, you know the tribunal matter is still there and judgment is only a few days away.

“Also note that some of our leaders are not taking the “threat” to make things difficult for our nominees lightly. For now, the party leadership cannot meet with the Senate President for obvious reasons.”

In response to reporters’ inquiries about the meeting, Melaye said it had nothing to do with his case at the tribunal.

He said, “What has the party got to go with the tribunal case? This is my party’s national secretariat and I can come here anytime. As for the election petition, God go win.”

He declined to respond to further questions before entering his waiting vehicle. Odigie-Oyegun also did not entertain questions from reporters as his security details shielded reporters away from him.

Oyegun, Dino Melaye others meet over ministerial screening

Niger Delta leaders tell Buhari, Oyegun, others to remove Oshiomhole

Top Niger Delta leaders on under the aegis of the Niger Delta People’s Movement (NDPM) Friday, advised Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to shun politics of witch hunting, imposition and urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stand firmly by bringing Sylva to power in December 2015.

Governor Oshiomhole

Meeting under the aegis of the Niger Delta People’s Movement (NDPM) in Port Harcourt, the leaders accused Governor Oshiomhole of conniving with some aspirants to sabotage Sylva’s efforts at the party’s governorship primary.

“We respectfully request the national leadership of the party to remove Adams Oshiomhole as the Chairman of the State’s Electoral Committee due to his inability to perform the duties required of him by the party.”

The leaders also pledged to support the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva for the state’s topmost political seat.

In a statement issued after the meeting by NDPM spokesperson, Mrs. Ibifuro Tatua, the leaders hinged their support for Sylva on his landmark achievements as former chief executive officer of the state.

According to them, “the next governor should be someone who can govern, transform and develop the state as well as save it from drift after 2015.”

“Bayelsa State requires in December 2015 the right leadership that will take it to the next level. Bayelsa needs a leadership that will provide the momentum for growth and prosperity.”

The leaders, while describing Sylva as a trusted hand, said “Sylva represents politics of development in Nigeria.”

“Sylva is the people’s choice. He is a bridge builder and a grassroots politician. His records in administration are excellent and clear testimonies of a committed leader. His vision, credibility and upright nature are attributes that appear most to people. He has over the years woven a network of contacts with key players of the Nigerian power game. He will propel Bayelsa State to higher planes of development” the statement said.

The forum urged the people not to support any aspirant that has been identified as part of the factors militating against the progress of the state.

“The time has come to make sacrifices. Let us bury our differences. Let us halt political jokers and opportunists from further sucking our blood and mortgaging our future. Let us mobilize to push Sylva in the interest of our state and the future” the statement said.

The group also called on APC leaders in the state to support Sylva.

“Let us ensure that this humble leader becomes our governor in December 2015” the leaders appealed.

The meeting to chart the way forward for Bayelsa State was attended by prominent citizens of the region.

Niger Delta leaders tell Buhari, Oyegun, others to remove Oshiomhole

We’re in the Dark over Ministerial Appointments, says APC leaders

Amidst mixed feelings trailing President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent perceived skewed appointments, some members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised the alarm that the party leaders are in the ‘’dark’’ over the president’s ongoing process to appoint his ministers this month.

The president had promised to appoint his ministers this month and by the nation’s constitution, he is expected to appoint a minister each from the 36 states of the federation.

And the presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, gave an indication on Thursday that Buhari would keep to his promise to inaugurate members of his cabinet this month.

‘’The president has not said anything contrary to his earlier statement to appoint his ministers this month. And barring any unforeseen circumstance, he will keep to his promise,” the presidential spokesman told THISDAY.

Although the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, told THISDAY in an exclusive interview recently that the leadership of his party would henceforth insist on ‘’party’s supremacy’’ and be fully involved in subsequent appointments by the president,  some leaders of the party however said there was nothing to suggest that the party is being carried along.

‘’We read in the newspapers like every other Nigerian that President Muhammadu Buhari promised to appoint his ministers this month of September. But we, the leaders of the party are in the dark over the process; the president is not talking to us,”  a member of the NWC of the party who pleaded anonymity told THISDAY last night.

The APC chieftain warned that the president may have difficulty getting his ministers confirmed by the Senate if leaders of the party are not carried along.

‘’I am sure the president knows the huge political implications of not carrying leaders of our party along in his ongoing efforts to appoint his ministers. I can tell you confidently that the ministerial list will not pass through the Senate,” the APC source added.

A former governor in one of the northern states and now senator also told THISDAY that ‘’the president would be signing the death warrant of the APC if he choses not to carry the party along in his appointment of minsters.

However, a presidential source told THISDAY that though President Buhari once indicated his desire to solely appoint his ministers, that position has since changed.

‘’Yes, the president once turned down the governors’ nominees for the ministerial positions. But I was in a meeting recently when governors and leaders of the APC met with the president and he promised to carry them along in the process,” the presidential source stated.

The source further told THISDAY that even though the governors and other party leaders would be allowed to nominate their candidates, ‘’the nomination will  finally be cleared by the president because there are many members of the APC who worked against the party during the last general election.’’

While reacting to the different criticisms that trailed Buhari’s appointments of his personal aides recently, Oyegun said: ‘’Even though we were marginally involved in those appointments, the party will henceforth be fully involved in  subsequent appointments. That is where the supremacy of the party will come to bear.

Nigerians should exercise a little patience. There will be board appointments, ministerial positions and a lot of other positions.’’

We’re in the Dark over Ministerial Appointments, says APC leaders

Oyegun to APC: Victory at polls brings greater responsibility

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has said the victory of the party in the last general election has placed greater burden on officials of the party to have a greater sense of commitment and responsibility in the discharge of their responsibilities.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

Oyegun, who spoke while addressing participants at a workshop for state auditors of the party, said APC victory at the polls has posed a bigger challenge to officials in their everyday dealings.

He said, “I want to remind you that the great victory even comes with a greater sense of commitment and responsibility, now that we are in government and in line with the party manifesto and change mantra.

“We have only started a journey of probity, transparency and sincerity of purpose. Our conduct at all times must be worthy of our aspiration and even our personal lives and most particularly the way we run the affairs of the party.

“I call it a journey because all of us must be involved and no one can be left behind in this new order of managing the affairs of our great but long suffering country. We must bear in mind that we are the change agents worthy of emulation.

“You will agree with me that our victory at the polls comes with more responsibility and exemplary leadership. We cannot emphasise that too much. The activities of our political party in fact is of keen interest to the general public and the international community, as you already know the theme of the work shop “financial management in a political party.

“Much as we are professionals that will want to do justice, I wish to inform you that this workshop is well packaged and keep you in line what is required of you as state auditors.”

Oyegun to APC: Victory at polls brings greater responsibility

Niger Delta leaders slam APC factional chairman, canvass support for Oyegun, Sylva

Niger Delta leaders has warned former factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Richard Kpodo against provocative statements, reminding the people to be careful of those working for the interest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The leaders also accused Kpodo and his associates of hatching evil motives aimed at dividing APC, destroying the solidarity and possibly provoking crises in the party.

In a statement issued on Sunday August 23, 2015 by the Director of Communications of the Niger Delta People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua, the leaders described as irresponsible the campaign of calumny by Kpodo.

The leaders who praised Chief John Odigie Oyegun for his honesty and bravery in the management of the party as well as his inclusive strategy, advised the national chairman of the party and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva to look away from Kpodo and his friends and get on with important matters.

“In any system, there are always destroyers. Oyegun and Sylva should look away from these destroyers. Kpodo and his co – travelers are just executing a carefully designed plan to discredit Sylva and destabilize the party to further their selfish ends” the leaders said.

On calls to oppose the leadership of Sylva in the state, the leaders not only described Kpodo’s views as a display of outright malice and envy against Sylva but said Kpodo and his associates do not mean well for the party and the state.

“This is callous. This is certainly a provocative act. Bayelsans must condemn the evil machinations of Kpodo, his highly contagious anointing to lie and the satanic grace to mislead the people”.

The leaders also thanked the people for the confidence reposed on Sylva.

“We thank the good and peace loving people of Bayelsa State who have refused to be hoodwinked by the tissues of lies and propaganda being woven and dished out by desperate politicians and their sponsors” the statement said.

“Bayelsans are sick and tired of leaders whose only interest in politics is their pockets and that of their crooked and fraudulent clique at the expense of the masses” the statement added

Niger Delta leaders slam APC factional chairman, canvass support for Oyegun, Sylva

Oyegun receives Timi Alaibe, others into APC

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital was brought to a standstill, yesterday, as thousands besieged the Samson Siasia Stadium to witness the formal declaration of over 70 leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by the embattled state Chairman, Col Sam Inokoba (rtd), and a  former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Timi Alaibe, for the All Progressives Congress APC.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

Others who dumped the PDP include the immediate past senator representing Bayelsa West, Heneiken Lokpobiri; former Acting Governors Nestor Binabo and Werinipre Seibarugu; Senator John Brambaifa; Senator Clever Ikisipo; a  former House of Representatives member, Dr. Stella Dorgu; a  former NDDC Chairman, Prof. Tarila Tebepah; and a  former Reps member – Christopher Enai.

They were received by the National Chairman of the APC,, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun at a carnival like rally dubbed Mega Rally held at the Samson Siasia Stadium.

Oyegun declared that with the quality of defectors into the APC, the ruling PDP, under the leadership of Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, had been decapitated.

The APC Chair  said the mass defection will go down as a milestone in the state political calendar as it marked the freedom of Bayelsans from bad governance and impunity.

While handing over the broom symbol of the party to the decampees, he said the APC was not a party for money sharing but “it is a party for prosperity.

In his speech, the leader of the state APC and former Governor Timipre Sylva said his joy was full due to the fact that the return of the decampees to the APC had reunited brothers and sisters.

Earlier,  Alaibe said the defection  showed the needed change in Bayelsa.

“This is common sense revolution. It is not change for the sake of it. We are changing from poverty to prosperity. We are changing from lies and deceit. We are changing from ‘Wayo’.

“A state as rich as Bayelsa can not tolerate poverty. It is not our portion that our streets show poverty. How can one provide oil and gas and not benefit from it. Change has come to Bayelsa.”

 

Oyegun receives Timi Alaibe, others into APC

Buhari congratulates Odigie-Oyegun at 76

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday felicitated with the National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on his 76th birthday.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said he joined the party chairman’s friends and political associates in celebrating his remarkable life of service.

The statement read in part, “On the happy occasion of Chief Oyegun’s 76th birthday, President Buhari joins members of the APC National Chairman’s family, his friends and political associates across the country in celebrating his very remarkable  life of  service to his people and country.

“The President commends the exemplary patriotism, selflessness and  dedication to the progress and well-being of Nigeria which Chief Odigie-Oyegun has demonstrated throughout his long and very successful career as a top civil servant and political leader.

“President Buhari also salutes Chief Oyegun’s integrity, wisdom, hard-work and visionary leadership which contributed, in no small measure, to the successful formation of the APC and the party’s historic victory in the last general elections.

“The President prays that Almighty God will grant the APC National Chairman continued good health and many more years of worthy contributions to national development.”

Buhari congratulates Odigie-Oyegun at 76

Police reopens forgery case against APC chair, Oyegun, others

The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has reopened criminal investigation case on allegations of forgery against the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun, and some leaders of the party in Delta State.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The renewed action of the IGP followed PREMIUM TIMES report on forgery of official documents, which falsely declared Christopher Anirah dead in order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) substitute him as the Sapele/Okpe/Uwvie Federal Constituency candidate of APC with Gibson Akporehe.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported how Fave Sewali, a deputy commissioner of police was transferred from his initial post at Edo State Police Command to Lagos for daring to invite Mr. Oyegun for questioning when Mr. Anirah (the person declared dead) petitioned the police.

Mr. Sewali’s transfer by IGP temporarily stalled investigation into the case.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the case has now been referred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja by the IGP for “thorough investigation before prosecution of the persons involved”.

A source at the police department, who preferred anonymity, said Mr. Anirah was invited to the FCID to give his statement, revealing that police had begun investigation into the matter and the APC national chairman was invited for questioning.

“You don’t worry, we working on the matter. When we conclude our investigation, the public will be told [about the outcome],” said the source.

When contacted for comment, Mr. Anirah also confirmed that he had honoured the invitation of the FCID to give statement.

Force Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojukwu, neither answered nor returned phone calls and text messages sent to him.

FAILED SETTLEMENT DEAL

PREMIUM TIMES can confirm a settlement plan was initiated by the governorship candidate of the party in Delta State, Emerhor Otega, to settle Mr. Anirah to withdraw his case.

The settlement plan included the condition that the APC would write INEC to state that the party was misled into declaring Mr. Anirah dead; payment of specified amount of money be made and that Mr. Anirah would cease to pursue the matter in court and withdraw it from the police.

Mr. Anirah however confirmed offer of settlement proposed by Mr. Otega but said the plan however failed as the parties could not agree on terms as the conditions were not “pleasant”.

Although the petitioner admitted collecting the sum of N2 million from Mr. Otega, he said the money was part of what was due to him as the candidate of the party not part of the settlement.

When contacted, Mr. Otega said he met with Mr. Anirah in order to broker the matter. “I have been having discussions with Anirah on a way to settle a matter that is purely a party affair! He agreed to terms of settlement which were reduced to writing. He accepted and collected part payment in advance in form of a cheque which he cleared.

“On the day of execution of the agreement, he reopened negotiations for a higher amount. We therefore suspended the discussion to allow him make up his mind as it was beginning to look like blackmail.

“I am involved because I am the leader of the party in Delta State and cannot allow anybody to drag the name of the party down. So we believe that we have responsibility to bring everybody to the table, put the matter behind us and move on as a party.

“The party does not owe him. If there was money for the constituency, another candidate must have collected the money. I volunteered from my own pocket to give him money,” Mr. Otega said

Police reopens forgery case against APC chair, Oyegun, others

Oyegun lauded over Gbajabiamila issue

By Alhaji Ganiyu Alao

Prominent politicians in the South-West geo-political zone on Sunday gave the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun a pat on the back for a job well done.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

They also praised him for cherishing the mood of the people and using the power of the office of the national chairman to promote the interests of the Yoruba people.

The leaders were happy with Yakubu Dogara’s acceptance of Femi Gbajabiamila as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and the contributions made by the national chairman of the party.

They described Oyegun as a transparently impartial father of all.

In a statement by the chairman of Yoruba Front (YF), Alhaji Ganiyu Alao at the end of an emergency meeting in Surulere, the leaders expressed profound satisfaction with John Odigie-Oyegun’s leadership for the matured way in which the House of Representatives issue was resolved in favour of both Gbajabiamila and the Yoruba nation.

They commended President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating open-mindedness in the running of the party and the country.

“We are happy with the recent development in the House of Representatives. It’s more about making the party work and where everybody’s voice matters “the leaders said.

They also said that the past should be regarded by all concerned as dead and buried.

The leaders while pledging to continue committing the national chairman to Allah to grant him wisdom, forbearance, understanding and objectivity in running the affairs of the party, implored President Muhammadu Buhari to continue to perform his duties with all moral and spiritual conviction.

They appealed to Nigerians to team up with President Buhari in the discharge of his onerous responsibilities.

Oyegun lauded over Gbajabiamila issue

APC Crisis: South-South politicians drum support for Oyegun

Irked by the gamut of accusations heaped on Chief John Oyegun, politicians and political office holders in the South-South geo-political zone Monday praised the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing him as a man of conviction who cannot be bought, no matter the price.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The call for Oyegun’s resignation drew fire from the leaders, describing it as ridiculous and unfortunate.

“All kinds of invectives have been hurled in the direction of the national chairman. Politicians behind this wicked agenda want to remain relevant in the political terrain” they said.

In a press statement issued in Port-Harcourt and signed by the National Chairman of Politicians and Political Office Holders in the South-South (PPOHSS) Chief Julius Ikuru, the leaders said Oyegun had served the party well and needed to be commended by all well-meaning people in the country.

Praising Oyegun for playing politics with integrity and honour, the leaders said there was no basis asking him to resign.

“Oyegun is an administrator of high repute, brilliance and excellence. He has dignity and integrity and he is a study in humility.”

They also advised those threatening the leadership of the party with fire and brimstone because of their narrow and private interests not to allow Nigeria to waste another four years.

“Politicians must play politics not as a bellicose contest but as a sport which must produce a winner. They must set aside their differences and harness their energies to the task of development”

“Oyegun has elevated party leadership to new heights. He deserves national gratitude and should be celebrated” the statement added.

Source: Henry Ovie Ebireri

Niger Delta leaders congratulate Sylva at 51

Niger Delta leaders on Monday congratulated former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva on the occasion of his 51st birthday.

In a press release by the Director of Communication of the Niger Delta People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua, the leaders described Sylva as a personification of selfless service to Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa State.

Commending the former governor for putting feelings first and looking at people as humans and responding to their needs with understanding regardless of their appearance, reputation or mood, the leaders said “We not only recognize Sylva’s immense contributions to the development of Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa but can boldly say that Sylva remains an outstanding leader in the history of Bayelsa State as no governor has ever provided development projects in the state the way he did”

The leader advised the former Bayelsa governor to disregard the recent criticism of him by Governor Seriake Dickson.

“Governor Seriake Dickson is the wrong person to raise issues of development and corruption against anybody”.

They also enjoined Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to build a united, virile and progressive nation

“Let us give President Muhammadu Buhari time to find lasting solution to the problems ravaging the country. He is committed to the growth and development of Nigeria” the leaders said.

The leaders while wishing Sylva good health and happiness, thanked him for providing purposeful leadership and promoting the interest of the Niger Delta region.

“Explore new opportunities for the people and organize the future of the state by strategizing on how to change the current managers” the leaders advised.

APC Crisis: South-South politicians drum support for Oyegun

APC Crisis: Oyegun’s exit isn’t a solution - Sen Alimikhena

Senator Francis Alimikhena, APC, Edo North is the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and a retired military officer. In this interview with Vanguard, Senator Alimikhena, who is in his first term in the Senate and the only APC senator from the South-South, speaks on topical issues affecting the Senate and his party.  Excerpts:

What should one expect from you as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate?

I am going to do the best I can for Edo North and Nigeria in general. As deputy chief whip, I will make sure that I make my office very attractive and robust and do what is right for all manner of people.

 

What are the issues stoking the crisis in your party?

Well, it is a leadership issue and at the same time, it is a family affair. You know in every family, there must be issue and it is good to resolve the issues among the family. It all goes down to misunderstanding. As I can say by my own perception,  misunderstanding and wrong direction are the causes of the wrangling.

 

There are calls from some quarters that the National chairman of your party, Chief John Odigie Oyegun should resign or be removed. What is your take on this?

I do not believe that he should resign because any decision taken rightly or wrongly is a collective responsibility. If they feel that Oyegun has not done well, it is not only Oyegun that should go, all the National Working Committee, NWC of the APC should go. But I don’t think he should go, it is just a matter of consensus.

When mistakes occur then they can be rectified because if you say one mistake occured here and you say the people that made that mistake should go, what of other people that will come? If they make similar mistakes, will they have to go? I don’t think that it is fair on him for anybody to clamour that they should go because of what has happened.

What is your agenda for the Senator Bukola Saraki led 8th Senate?

Well, I don’t have to set agenda for him because he is an agenda person. He can set good agenda that he believes can be good for the country. You should bear in mind that he was once a governor and he did well in Kwara State and this is his second term in the Senate. He should be able to know the agenda that is good for the country.

For instance, today he has set up two committees. There is the legislative committee which has not been done before in the Senate. And he also set up a finance committee to look at the finances of the Senate in a way to prune it down so that a lot of people talking about what goes to the Senate should be able to know. Information matters.

If they come up with a blueprint, then Nigerians will know what comes to the National Assembly and it is in the right direction that he has set up those two committees.

What do you expect from your colleagues and secondly, what is your take on the controversy concerning the huge allowance for lawmakers?

First and foremost, my colleagues and I expect that we should work in peace and harmony. It is when there is peace that there will be development. I don’t expect anybody to have any ulterior motive whereby you come to the Senate to fight. The Senate is not a place to fight, it is a place to make laws for the good of the country.

Wardrobe allowance

Like all these talk about  jumbo pay and the rest, I have not seen the jumbo pay. For instance they were talking about wardrobe allowance of about N6 million or thereabout. But we were told the wardrobe allowance is N42,000 and N42,000 cannot be a jumbo pay.

I have not seen the jumbo pay. Whether the jumbo pay will come tomorrow, it is only when I see it that I can comment on it.

Meanwhile what they read on the floor of the Senate to us is what I have just told you now. They said wardrobe allowance which the papers published as N6 million for every Senator is N42,000 and I don’t think that N42,000 is a thing that somebody should make noise about.

And if you calculate all these as you were told, the take home pay of a Senator is about 900thousand a month, so I don’t see the jumbo pay there. Maybe probably they calculated what you take in a year or added the furniture allowance which you receive once in four years.

And the 42thousand wardrobe allowance that they are talking about is paid once in a year.

So I have not seen any jumbo pay, maybe  the jumbo pay will come, I don’t know.

It is based on this thing that the Senate President set up a committee on finance to look at all the loopholes.

This Senate is not going to be an extravagant Senate and you should also bear in mind that this is change. The slogan of APC is change, change for the good and not change for the bad. The change from the wrong way of doing things to change to good things so that Nigerians will benefit. I don’t think the 8th Senate is insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.

 

APC Crisis: Oyegun’s exit isn’t a solution - Sen Alimikhena

We’ve won the battle, we must win the war – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has said all All Progressives Congress’ faithful must collectively come together to rise above the current crisis threatening to engulf the party.

APC leaders

Buhari made the call in Abuja on Friday at the first National Executive Council emergency meeting of the APC after its victory at the polls.

He said ‎party members should strive to win the war (National Assembly crisis) as they won the battle (general elections).

He said: ”APC has won the battle and lost the war which is a paradox of democracy and we shall see how we shall manage it.

”How do we manage it? We move forward.

“I have already appealed to you through the chairman, the leadership of the party, through the governors, through our lawmakers and the APC must not disappoint its constituency, the nation.

”We have had to convince our ‎individual constituencies that we are worthy of sacrifices they had made in staying awake days and nights, travelling all over the country and making sure the party emerged victorious.

”What subsequently happened is human and as human beings, we are not perfect but let our collective actions prove that we’ve won the election, the battle, and we will eventually win the war,” he said.

Buhari‎ further urged the party members to honour the platform through which they won the elections and gave a background of how he contested his present position and lost three times.

”Whoever wants to run for any elected office as a Nigerian must have a platform and that platform is the political party, hence the superiority of the party because that is our platform,” the president said.

He told the story of the party from the beginning when other parties came together to form APC, how INEC rejected their initial merger, how the first convention was planned and who was instrumental at the initial stage.

”I am going through all these (stories) because not all of us here participated in this and for you to reflect and thank the leadership of the party at various stages for going through all these which wasn’t easy.

”But God in his infinite mercies has paid us by giving us success, let us not throw this success to the wind.

“Let us as members of APC, ‎no matter our personal differences, get together and meet the mandate given to us by this country.

”This is my personal appeal and, in the name of God, whatever your personal interest is‎ and ambition, please keep it close to your heart and in your pocket.

”Let APC work and let this system work and let us have a government that will earn the respect of our constituencies.

”I appeal to you to please continue working together and please accept the superiority of the party….because I respect the superiority of the party,” he said.

The president congratulated the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, for leading the party to victory and acknowledged the presence of the president of the Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives.

Earlier, Odigie-Oyegun said it was unfortunate that the first NEC meeting was convened hurriedly but congratulated the members on the landslide victory at the polls.

”The main item on the agenda is the ratification of aspects of members of the Board of Trustees,” he said.

He lauded the character of the president and his deputy, saying APC became easily believable because of their integrity.

He said that ”APC governors have increased from 14 to 22 and we are still counting.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Buhari arrived at the party secretariat at 11:04am and left ‎at 12:40pm.

The governors of Sokoto, Kebbi, Plateau, Imo, Bauchi and Lagos ‎States were among dignitaries at the event.

Others were APC National Working Committee ‎members, state chairmen, former governors, senators and zonal leaders.

We’ve won the battle, we must win the war – Buhari

Oyegun the most distinguish chairman in Nigeria - APC

By Naija Center

Support for the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun mounted on Friday as prominent leaders of the party lauded his leadership qualities, describing him as “the most distinguished party chairman in the country”.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

They said that the national chairman created the framework that brought about the victory of many APC candidates in the general election.

“Oyegun supervised the turnaround of the party by increasing its finances, building the operations and implementing the best ground game effort.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Chairman of APC United Front, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, the leaders dismissed the view of those calling for the resignation of John Odigie- Oyegun.

“His contributions to the development of the APC, Edo State and the country are impossible to estimate. He kicked out the long –ruling PDP. He provided Nigerians with a visionary, dedicated and people-oriented leadership that is currently putting in place measures to liberate the nation from PDP’s rule of poverty and oppression” the statement said.

The leaders praised the national chairman for his strategic roles in the recruitment, retaining of members, campaign fund raising, internal party governance, influence in candidate selections and in the development and promulgation of party policy,

The leaders who also thanked Nigerians at home and abroad for the confidence reposed on Oyegun, praised him for the pragmatic steps taken to address the problems in the party.

“Oyegun is an honest and highly effective leader. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years. He is a fountain of quality advice, inspiration, encouragement and hope. He deserves the biggest thanks for being a team player and ensuring the growth of the party” the leaders added

Oyegun the most distinguish chairman in Nigeria - APC

Bribery allegation on Oyegun baseless - Edo APC

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed the allegation of bribery purportedly levelled against the National Chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, by some APC governors.

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

The State Publicity Secretary, Godwin Erhahon, who made this known in Benin on Wednesday, was reacting to a report over an allegation of misconduct against the national chairman in a national daily

According to the report‎, eight of the APC governors, including the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, had held a meeting with the national chairman where they expressed their displeasure for “collecting gifts from Senator Bukola Saraki before the NASS election, while pretending to be in support of the party’s decision to cede the Senate Presidency to Senator Ahmed Lawan.”

Although the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had refuted the claims, Erhahon said the state chapter of the party had assessed the outcome of the meeting, which, he said, did not bother on the said allegation.

He said, “That publication is a pigment of the imagination of the author. We in Edo have been able to read the statement of the governor and the national chairman and there was ‎no spelt allegation or call for resignation.

“In any case, who can bribe the national chairman and what for? The emergence of the current Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives was something that was not expected; it took everybody by surprise and the governor took his own position.

“Everybody is also aware that President‎ Mohammadu Buhari told everyone to calm down and ensure that the matter was not allowed to break the party. So at what level will bribery come in?”

On the zoning of other principal offices, including that of the Deputy Whip said to have been zoned to the South-South, favouring Senator Francis Alimikhena from Edo, Erhahon noted that the issue of what the national secretariat sent to the Senate had been overtaken by the current leadership of the upper chamber, adding that the “party should reason with the leadership of the National Assembly.”

He also urged the APC governors to cue behind the country’s president and seek peace in the party, rather than maintain rigid positions on the leadership in the National Assembly.

Bribery allegation on Oyegun baseless - Edo APC

Senators exchange blow over senate leaderships

An argument between two All Progressives Congress Senators, Kabiru Marafa and Tayo Alasoadura, degenerated into a physical combat on Tuesday as a last minute attempt by the party’s caucus in the Senate to select the principal officers   ended in a stalemate.

APC senators fighting   credit; Punch News

The meeting of the caucus   was convened in Abuja by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to unite members of his group, the Like Minds Senators and those loyal to Senator Ahmad Lawan, the Senate Unity Forum.

The meeting was also aimed at arriving at   a common position on the selection of principal officers.

Trouble was said to have started immediately after Saraki had delivered his speech   and urged his colleagues to dissolve into zonal caucuses to produce their representatives for the posts of Senate Leader, the Deputy Senate Leader, the Chief Whip and the Deputy Whip.

It was at that stage that Senator Suleiman Hunkunyi, got angry on hearing Saraki’s call on members to dissolve into zonal caucuses.

Hunkunyi   disagreed openly with Saraki on the issue and insisted that the meeting should rather ratify the names already sent to his (Saraki)   office by the APC leadership on Tuesday.

According to him, the party had forwarded a letter which recommended Senator Ahmad Lawan as Senate Leader; George Akume   as deputy leader; Olusola Adeyeye as Chief Whip; and Abu Ibrahim as deputy whip.

The action of the Kaduna State-born senator infuriated some of his colleagues in the Saraki camp, who disagreed with the list allegedly sent by the APC Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. They maintained that the Senate caucuses would determine their representatives.

During the   commotion,   Tayo Alasoadura, an APC senator   faulted the choice of Adeyeye and wondered why the party did not choose Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who, according to him, is also qualified for the position.

It was at that stage that Marafa, who felt that the Like Minds senators were trying to scuttle the party’s position ,   reacted angrily to the opinion expressed by Alasoadura.

Marafa pushed Alasoadura.

It took the intervention of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim and others to prevent Marafa and Alasoadura from further fighting each other.

Both Marafa and Alasoadura could not be reached for their comments but Ibrahim who was one of the senators that settled the quarrel, confirmed that the altercation was fallout of the disagreement during the meeting.

He, however, said that the matter was being amicably resolved.

The meeting ended abruptly with the APC senators dissolving into their various zonal caucuses to perfect the selection process. This also ended in a stalemate as of the time of filing this report.

However, one of our correspondents learnt that the pro-Saraki senators had produced a list containing the names of Senator Ali Ndume   as Senate Leader; Ahmed Sani – Yerima,   as deputy leader; Olusola Adeyeye   as Chief Whip; and Francis Alimikhena, as deputy whip.

Speaking with journalists,   Senator Abu Ibrahim said the aim of the meeting was to reconcile the Unity Forum and the Like Minds groups whose members had not met since the inauguration of the Eighth Senate.

He said, “One should expect this misunderstanding because the two groups are meeting today(Tuesday). The meeting should have been allowed to ratify the party’s position and it is absolutely wrong for some people to say we are responsible for that.

“The party has always been responsible for that since I have been coming to the Senate; this is the first time, ..It is always the party that gives the other positions.

“What some of us are saying is that we have no power to zone in that meeting, it’s the party that should take that responsibility. As far as I am concerned, this was never done.

“I was a principal officer in the last Senate; the party gave our names and that’s how I became a principal officer.

“This issue will be sorted out in the next 24 hours. The party needs to wield the big stick against anybody who has gone against its directive.

Also, Hunkuyi, who allegedly caused the commotion maintained that the leadership of the party should decide on who occupied the four positions in the Senate.

He said, “An attempt here to do otherwise is the cause of this rancour. We were just coming from the national headquarters of the party and we were aware that the leadership of the APC is doing all it can do to curb part of what should not have happened in this chamber now.

“We were coming from the national headquarters of the party. They are not aware. The meeting broke up without achieving its desired objectives. There is no way it can achieve any result.”

Senator Ibrahim Danbaba     said he did not hear exactly what Alasoadura said because “I just came around and met the rowdy situation.”

He said, “There were two groups before the election and we all agreed that now there should be no faction within the APC. You know we had the Like Minds and we had what you call the Unity Forum.

“Virtually most of us were around until around 11.30pm yesterday (Monday) when the former leader of the Unity Forum, Senator Barnabas Gemade came to say that there was need for the meeting to be postponed till today(Tuesday) and that was the reason why that meeting was put to 2pm today.

“On the floor of the Senate Chambers, the President of the Senate made an announcement to say that all the APC senators were supposed to meet at Room 301 by 2pm and in line with that arrangement that was made yesterday, and what was reinforced today on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, we all assembled for the meeting.

“About 40 of us were around. Until towards the tail end of the meeting, when the likes of Senator (Hunkuyi), who just finished making statements came into the meeting.”

“ But the APC insisted on Lawan as the majority leader; George Akume as his deputy and Adeyeye as chief whip.

It was gathered that the problem was compounded when the party dropped Alimikhena for a senator from the North-West, Abu Ibrahim.

Investigations showed that the North-West caucus had rejected the post of deputy chief whip and the choice of Ibrahim.

A senator, who spoke to one of our correspondents,   said, “Saraki’s proposal almost sail through, except for Lawan’s case.

“But the insistence of the party on having the principal officers from the Lawan group compounded the problem. The North-West has rejected chief whip.

“If Akume is picked as deputy senate leader, that means the senate president and deputy senate leaders are from the North-Central. The South-South has been dropped.”

Senators exchange blow over senate leaderships

NA Leadership: Odds Favour Saraki, Speakership Too Close to Call

• PDP adopts former Kwara gov, Dogara


• Osinbajo, Oyegun, APC govs fail to unite members

Chuks Okocha, Chuks Akunna, Omololu Ogunmade, Mohammed Bello and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

APC National Chairman, Odigie Oyegun

As the Eighth National Assembly is inaugurated tuesday, the odds are in favour of former Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki to clinch Senate presidency in a contest that is certain to alter the fortunes of the APC.

This is despite spirited attempts made monday by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Oyegun, and governors elected on the platform of APC to unite its members-elect behind Senator Ahmed Lawan for the Senate presidency and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the post of speaker in the House of Representatives.

However, Saraki looks set to coast to victory following the decision last night of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to back him. PDP also adopted Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Gbajabiamila’s main rival for the speakership, making the contest in the House too close to call.

An impasse over the leadership tussle in the federal legislature snowballed when APC conducted a straw poll on Saturday that threw up Lawan and Gbajabiamila as its choice for the posts of Senate president and Speaker, respectively.

But their emergence was rejected by Saraki, Dogara, and their supporters, who cried foul over APC’s attempt to foist its preferred candidates for the coveted posts in the National Assembly.

The situation has been made more precarious for APC with PDP’s emergence as the spoiler that may determine the outcome of the contest in both chambers of the National Assembly.

But in order to resolve the impasse that had ensued, the party and its governors made attempts to unite its members-elect behind its candidates for both posts.

Osinbajo, who yesterday was scheduled to hold a reconciliatory meeting with APC members-elect, at the last minute chose to stay away from the meeting to starve off the boycott of the meeting by Saraki, Dogara and their supporters.

Apparently, the veepee got wind of a plan to boycott the meeting by the groups loyal to both Saraki and Dogara, and decided to change plans to forestall an embarrassing situation.

Instead, it was the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun who represented Osinbajo at the meeting, which held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The meeting, though boycotted by most of the lawmakers, had about 60 members-elect in attendance.

Oyegun repeated the party’s appeal to APC lawmakers to toe the party’s line by voting for Lawan and Gbajabiamila for Senate president and speaker, respectively.

He urged the lawmakers to allow the party and the national interest override personal interests.

Shortly after Oyegun addressed the lawmakers, they left the venue in a buoyant mood at about 7 pm after it became obvious that Osinbajo was not going to make it to the meeting.

The absence of several APC members-elect was said to have been precipitated by a text message from Dogara informing all legislators loyal to him not to attend the meeting, as there were plans to arrest and detain them in order to shut them out until after the election.

The message read: “Information reaching us indicates that this purported meeting is a ploy to arrest and detain members until after tomorrow’s election. Members should therefore disregard the invitation.”

Speaking to reporters, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Parry Iriase, representing Owan Federal constituency of Edo State and supporter of Gbajabiamila, said that they had to leave because they still had a lot of things to tidy up before the inauguration of the House monday.

Iriase said the legislators had already met and conducted the straw poll, adding that the aim of the meeting was to ensure that members of APC went into the Assembly united.

“We have met at various levels and we have been meeting. The essence of this meeting was for the vice-president to address all the lawmakers, including those who are not happy with the straw poll.

“For those of us in the House of Representatives, we believe that out of the about 209 elected APC members, we have over 70 per cent of them on our side and we are confident that when we get to the house, we will muster enough members to get the position of speaker.”

Asked whether they will still meet with the vice-president, he said: “We were told that the vice-president was coming to address us, but we have waited and he is not here. We were told he is airborne and that he will come. But we have other things we need to iron out before tomorrow, so had to leave.

“Nigerians should expect a united APC at the end of tomorrow because we are a family and we believe that this is democracy in action. We are confident that things will work out well,” he said.

Similarly, former Yobe State Governor, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim said: “I don’t even know what is happening. We were told that the vice-president was coming to address us, but we have not seen him.”

Prior to the evening meeting with Oyegun at the International Conference Centre, Osinbajo was seen driving into APC’s national secretariat at about 4.50 pm to consult with Oyegun.

A party source said the veepee’s meeting with Oyegun was a prelude the meeting held with the party’s members-elect later in the evening.

Earlier, Oyegun had addressed journalists in his office where he appealed to the National Assembly members elected on the platform of the APC to respect the decisions of the party last Saturday over the choice of the leadership of the two chambers.

“I appeal to the party members at the National Assembly to please respect the views of the party and the decisions that they themselves took in selecting the persons they chose as presiding officers of the two chambers of the National Assembly: at the House level, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and in the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan.

“I want to make it clear that all the party did was to provide the platform for only the APC elected members to state their preferences for the key offices. This they have freely done by themselves in the presence of the party leadership, almost the entire NWC.

“But it seems some of the aspirants are not satisfied with the decisions they took. For me, I make an appeal that no individual interest should be allowed to override the overall interest of the members. I appeal that the party’s methods of doing things should be respected.

“We cannot impose anybody on you. All we did was just to provide a platform for them to do what they did. I appeal to them that the choice made in selecting their leaders should stand and I appeal to them to let peace reign. We are change agent. Therefore, this change should start with the conduct of the members themselves,” he said.

Oyegun stressed that as part of the party’s efforts to ensure amity among the members, Osibanjo would shortly address them in an hour’s time, but this did not happen.

He assured them that what was happening in the party was “one of the challenges we have faced and the APC had survived them all and this too shall come to pass”.

After the botched meeting that Osinbajo failed to attend, the horse-trading shifted to the governors of the APC, who met at an undisclosed location to arrive at a resolution of the impasse that had ensued.

The governors were initially scheduled to meet at the Imo State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, but changed the venue when they discovered that journalists were going to lay siege on the original venue.

Sources privy to their meeting, however, informed THISDAY that they were also unable to resolve the crisis that had torn its members-elect apart and resolved to go to the National Assembly in the hope that they could swing the elections to favour Lawan and Gbajabiamila.

However, it was learnt that Saraki at press time was not prepared to step down. Instead, THISDAY gathered that he spent the whole of yesterday lobbying PDP Senators-elect for their votes from an undisclosed location.

In his bid to achieve victory, it was learnt that Saraki had reached out to Senator Ike Ekeremadu with the intention of offering the post of Deputy Senate President to the PDP.

His efforts, THISDAY learnt, eventually yielded fruit, when a meeting of the PDP NWC, senators-elect of the opposition party and former Senate President David Mark, was held at his Apo residence at 10 pm monday.

Ostensibly, the meeting was meant to agree on a position that the PDP caucus would take on who to support for Senate presidency and speakership in the House.

At the end of the meeting, which stretched into the wee hours of this morning, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP Olisa Metuh, announced that the party had adopted Saraki and Dogara, and urged PDP members-elect to vote in accordance with the decision of the party.

NA Leadership: Odds Favour Saraki, Speakership Too Close to Call