Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has charged officers and men of Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, in the state to intensify surveillance in some local government areas bordering Borno State.
Buni gave the charge during the Nigerian Army Social Activities, NASA, on Saturday in Damaturu, the state capital.
The governor, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Security Matters, Brigadier General Dahiru Abdussalam (retd), also saluted the courage of the troops for restoring peace in the state.
“Though there are no known insurgent camps in the state, you should intensify surveillance and clearance operations in Yunusari, Geidam and Gujba local government areas bordering Borno State to check possible surprises by the insurgents.
“Similarly, all gaps in deployment should be filled to avoid providing opportunities to the insurgents to infiltrate the border communities,” Buni advised.
The governor pledged that the state government would continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies within the limit of its resources.
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Earlier in his remarks, the Commander, Sector 2, North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj Gen Lander Saraso explained that the Nigerian Army Social Activities is an annual event meant to strengthen social relationships among officers, soldiers, their families and friends through cultural displays, musical performances and other regimental activities.
According to him the event also marks the end of a tedious and eventful training year and heralds the beginning of another training year.
Maj Gen Saraso assured the government and people of Yobe State that the Nigerian Army would continue to be committed and responsive in discharging its constitutional duties in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya.
As Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of the scarcity of new Naira notes, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has directed the state-owned microfinance bank to open its branches in all 17 local government areas of the state.
Buni gave the directive in a statement on Saturday through his media aide, Mamman Mohammed, noting that the move is part of measures to ease the sufferings of rural dwellers by providing banking services to their doorstep.
Buni stressed that the lack of banks in most parts of the state had become a problem of grave concern. Hence government must provide solutions to people.
“The new cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria came with lots of challenges to our people in most parts of the state due to the lack of banks.
“Most local government areas do not have financial institutions and have to travel far distances with heavy risks to conduct financial transactions”, Gov. Buni said
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According to him, the situation is further compounded with the new cashless policy, and despite the government’s plea to the commercial banks to open branches, there have been no responses.
The governor then charged the management of the bank to prepare for the challenges that would come with the new branches while expressing the commitment of his administration to support the growth of the bank.
Reason for the meeting is still sketchy at the moment but it may not be unconnected to the ambition of the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, had a few days ago, raised the alarm alleging that some elements in the presidency are working against the former Lagos governor.
Those currently at the meeting are governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai; Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu; Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Zamfara State, Bello Matawale; Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Yobe State, Mai Bala-Buni; Niger State, Sani Bello; and Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
The Governors of Kogi and Yobe States, Yahaya Bello and Mai Mala Buni have commiserated with their colleague, Abdullahi Sule over the death of his son, Hassan Sule.
A statement by Buni’s Spokesman, Mamman Mohammed, said the governors were in Gudi, the country home of the governor to sympathize with him and his people over the death of his 36 years old son, Hassan.
They prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased shortcomings and to grant him eternal rest.
Buni and Bello in the statement also prayed Allah to grant Governor Sule, his family and the people of Nasarawa State the fortitude to bear the huge loss.
The Emir of Lafia, Sidi Bage Muhammad, who spoke on behalf of the family and people of Nasarawa State, thanked the two governors for identifying with their brother and colleague at this trying moment.
Hassan Sule died last Thursday and was buried in Gudi, Nasarawa State according to Islamic rites
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has signed into law bills establishing Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service and Yobe State Healthcare and Health-Related Facilities Inspection and Monitoring Agency.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by Gov. Buni’s spokesman Mamman Mohammed.
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According to the statement, the two laws are aimed at boosting healthcare delivery in matters relating to domestic and road traffic accidents and monitoring of healthcare facilities to provide the best standard practice.
It also said the Emergency Medical Ambulance Service law provides the opportunity for first aid treatment to victims from the scene of accidents before reaching medical facilities.
“Similarly, the Health Facility Inspection and Monitoring Agency empowers health authorities in the state to inspect and monitor services provided by all medical facilities in the state to eliminate substandard services and cutting corners in medical services.
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“The two laws will ensure that healthcare delivery is not compromised at any level in Yobe state”, the statement added.
Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has commended the Protocols Subcommittee, saying that they have instilled confidence in party members ahead of its national convention scheduled for March 26.
Receiving a briefing from the Chairman of the Subcommittee and Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the Vice Chairman and other members at his residence in Abuja on Saturday night, Buni noted that the committee has gingered hitherto pessimistic party members that the convention is tentatively holding on the slated day.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kano State and co-opted member of the committee, Malam Muhammad Garba, noted that Buni assured that the party is organising a convention with a global outlook which calls for concerted efforts by all members.
The chairman commended the committee which he said has been doing a great job in ensuring an organised convention of the party.
Buni said the subcommittee is second to the main Convention Planning Committee in view of its importance, which informed the appointment of Governor Ganduje to chair it, alongside other illustrious members who have track records of achievements in their respective endeavours.
He also charged the committee to work in synergy with other committees and particularly with the Protocol Office, State House, Abuja, in view of the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo would be attending the convention.
Earlier, the chairman of the Protocols Subcommittee, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had said that the process of recruiting young men and women to serve as protocol officers and ushers has been completed and they are now receiving training as part of the responsibilities of the committee.
He said the committee has also been working to come up with a programme of events for a successful convention of the party.
Ganduje also thanked the chairman of the CECPC for finding him and other members of the committee worthy to serve and therefore, promised to work with the main planning and other subcommittees to ensure that a successful convention is organised.
Other members of the committee are Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs; Senator Adeleke Mamora, former Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly and Minister of State for Health; Rep. Hafiz Kawu, Tarauni Federal Constituency; Head of Protocol unit of the APC; Abdullahi Shu’aibu, among others
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress’ Caretaker/Extraordinarily Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni, has refuted claims that he has reversed some actions taken by Niger State Governor, Muhammed Bello.
Governor Bello assumed the National Chairman position last week while Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State, was out of the country for medical treatment.
There had been insinuations that Bello had permanently replaced Buni on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari.
But the speculations have been put to rest after the President on Wednesday backed Buni’s continued role as the CECPC Chairman.
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Buni, in a statement on Thursday, reiterated that he had duly transmitted power to Governor Bello who acted on his authority while he was away.
“Therefore all activities that were done in my absence remain valid and binding,” Buni said.
“All party stakeholders and members are hereby advised to disregard the previous statement discarding the activities of the Committee under the leadership of the Acting Chairman.”
Buni also called for “support and understanding to move the party forward to a successful Convention slated for March 26th, 2022.”
A delayed convention What appeared to be a leadership tussle within the APC came as the party’s National Convention becomes imminent.
There had been speculations that Governor Buni was planning to postpone the convention for the umpteenth time.
The APC convention has been postponed more than once since Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State, was appointed caretaker Chairman.
On March 7, Governor Bello declared himself the acting National Chairman of the CECPC while Buni was away, raising tensions that the latter had been removed.
Amid heavy security at the APC seceteriat in Abuja, Bello swiftly swore in the party’s 36 State Chairmen, part of activities scheduled before the convention.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the APC, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe was forced to deny reports that he had resigned from his position.
He also alleged that there were plans to remove him from his position.
‘Just a game’ Reacting to the unravelling situation, Kogi State and APC Senator Smart Adeyemi told Channels Television his colleagues in the National Assembly were not aware that President Muhammadu Buhari had sanctioned Buni’s sack.
“As far as we are concerned in the Senate, we are not aware that Mr President gave a marching order to the acting Chairman to vacate his office,” Mr Adeyemi said.
He added that the controversy was generated by people who have “one interest or the other to protect.”
“It is just a game,” he said. “Mai Mala Buni performed excellently well, he brought in seasoned people, Governors, former Generals, statesmen, he brought them back to the APC. So today the APC is more formidable. In fact we owe him some level of gratitude.
“Buni came when there was crisis in the APC, when the APC was almost collapsing. And he has succeeded to put the party together. And consolidated the party, and we are cruising to victory.”
‘Due process’ Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma also noted that Buni could not have been removed without due process.
“APC is a very serious party,” he said, while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today. “Everything going on at the secretariat now are going on with the knowledge of Mai Mala Buni. And as soon as he comes back, he will also take over the realms of the party.”
To remove Buni, a meeting of the National Executive Committee must be convened, Uzodimma added.
“The right organ of the party to take and implement such decisions is the National Executive Committee. Have we summoned that committee? Because if we do, INEC will be invited to observe. And if they observe, whatever decision taken will be known to them.”
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‘No to backstabbing’ Last Saturday, President Buhari had appeared to wade into the controversy for the first time, although he did not, at the time, state his position on Buni’s status in the party.
The President had called for order in the APC.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, the President, who is in the United Kingdom for medical treatment, warned APC leaders and members to desist from name calling and backstabbing and avoid the fate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“They failed in 16 years in power and a failure as opposition,” the President said, as quoted in the statement.
“Yes, we are entitled to our own share of dissent and intra-party discord. These are common in all parties, left and right all over the world.
“But parties splintered by competing egos destine themselves to the worst possible fate,” the President warned.
“As the country prepares for the long run up to the 2023 presidential election, we all expect a robust debate on the issues that matter and what is going in the APC should be a reflection of this, not the infighting we are seeing. There must be no more distractions ahead of the convention to choose new leaders.”
He said the APC must remain focused on developing the nation.
“We didn’t start on the note of arrogance of power, nor see government as a vehicle for self-aggrandizement, to be held at all costs, but a vehicle to bring development to all without discrimination-political, ethnic or regional to our dear country made this success possible,” the President said.
“Given all that is at a stake, we can expect contests into offices as we are now faced with to be heated although candidates and their promoters for party offices are not so much debating policy differences but differences of management, personality, character, and suitability for the most important leadership roles in our country and therefore the continent.”
“We are here to discuss the issues going forward. We are now at the finishing line in the preparations for our convention
“We are putting heads together to achieve this task ahead. I want to emphasise that the March 26 (convection date) is sacrosanct.”
Buni, however, clarified that the visit was not a formal meeting of the CECPC.
“CECPC members just came to welcome me back to the country and wish me well after returning from a medical trip”, he clarified.
In his remark, Bello said he had acted as party chairman and that we made lots of progress towards the convention.
He mentioned the inauguration of State Chairmen, adoption of zoning formula for the convention and actions on some decisions CECPC took before Buni left Nigeria.
“I can tell you for free that in the last one week, we have ensured that we are good to go for the national convention”, Bello added.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, has denied allegations of collaborating with Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), Mai Mala Buni to undermine the national convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Kalu in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja said he had never planted division in the APC but called for peaceful resolutions of issues before the national convention.
The statement read, “I have read the unfortunate accusations levelled against me by Dr. Salihu Lukman, former Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), alleging that some party leaders are working with Mala Buni to undermine the APC national convention.
“He said there are other party leaders, including Sen. Uzor Kalu, who have actively supported Buni to undermine the decision to organize the national convention of the party.”
“It’s on this note that I consider it necessary to correct the wrong impressions Lukman must be making efforts to create.
“There has been no time I participated in any collaboration or collusion to ensure that attempts to organize the APC national convention are blocked.
“I was worried that the creation of factions which denied APC victory in so many states in previous elections may repeat itself.
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“I, therefore, called for a peaceful resolution of the crisis before holding the party convention in March.
“No peaceful and tactful leader would support a terrible scenario to reoccur.
“It’s important to note that I’ve always stood for and supported the party and Gov Buni who only happened to be the chairman of the party.”
Kalu further advised President Muhammadu Buhari to hear two sides of the story in this case threatening the harmony of APC and resolve issues.
“There’s always a danger with a single story and I encourage President Buhari to hear the two sides of the story so that the party can win together,’’ Kalu said.
Kalu added that Buni has done well for the APC and stabilized the ruling party despite challenges at the moment.
“Aside from serving as the chairman of the party, Buni is my old family friend and I can’t deny him because he is facing challenges today.
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“We’ve been friends for the past 25 years.
“It’s imperative to state that Buni has done very well for the party. His sterling leadership quality is what helped stabilise our great party across the six geopolitical zones, with high profile defections in our favour,’’ Kalu said.
Kalu admonished APC leaders to guard their utterances to avoid creating disharmony, adding that disagreement and quarrels are bound to exist.
“The APC is a very big party with several caucuses. We have the governors, National Assembly, businessmen, youths and women among other caucuses.
Amid the leadership crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of its national convention slated for March 26, 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have given a lifeline to the embattled Chairman of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the party, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
This came to the fore after the electoral umpire declared that it would stay away from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) slated for next Thursday since both Buni and his embattled caretaker secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe did not endorse it.
INEC had in a letter dated March 9, 2022, explained that the decision was because the notification for the NEC meeting did not comply with the Electoral Amendment Act 2022.
In the correspondence addressed to the CECPC and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC observed that it was absurd that the letter inviting it to monitor the exercise did not contain the signatures of Buni and Akpanudoedehe.
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It read: “Please refer to your letter Ref. APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/022/32, dated 8th March 2022.
“The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).
“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective offices.’
“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please accept the assurance of the Commission’s warm regards.”
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State, who had been acting as Caretaker Chairman of the party since last Monday, had sought to convene an emergency NEC to possibly ratify Buni’s sack as chairman of the caretaker committee just as Akpanudoedehe was believed to have been sidelined from the management of the party’s affairs since last Tuesday.
The development came barely 24 hours after a section of Buni’s supporters led by Mr. Tope Musbau under aegis of Solidarity Forum promised to mobilise 10 million supporters to usher the embattled caretaker committee chairman into the party’s secretariat on Monday next week to take his seat.
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But the spokesperson of the Bello-led caretaker committee, Mr. Ismaeel Ahmed, yesterday, insisted that both the national convention of the party and the NEC would hold as scheduled.
The Kano-born politician, who spoke when asked to react to INEC’s correspondence, said the issue relating to Buni’s status, as chairman of the caretaker committee, was not in contention.
He said: “The convention will hold on March 26. I am not only a youth leader or an interim spokesperson of the party, I am also a lawyer and we had served a notice to INEC for February 26 earlier and we served that notice on February 5. That was the required 21 days. If you are going to make any adjustment to that date, all you need is a letter making an adjustment to the date.
“We don’t need another 21 days and that letter was since written about two weeks ago immediately we realised that we couldn’t hold it on February 26. The moment the CECPC agreed on the March 26 date, that letter was written to INEC and they have accepted the letter.
“So, that is long gone. It is not an issue. The issue of the date of the Convention is not an issue, not in INEC, not certainly with us. That is settled. It is sacrosanct. We have complied with all the requirements and we have notified INEC as appropriately expected of us.”
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On the NEC meeting, he stated that notices had been sent out to stakeholders and elders of the party.
On Buni’s status, he said: “It is pretty simple. I don’t know why this is a complicated issue for a lot of people to understand. Since the inception of this CECPC on June 25, 2020, whenever the chairman is not around and Gov. Sani Bello is around, he acts on behalf of the chairman. He is our acting chairman and that has always been the case. That has never changed. And now, we have a convention on March 26; the chairman wrote a letter for his leave to go for medical treatment. Those are two emergencies. He has a medical emergency that cannot wait for the convention and we have a convention that cannot wait for him to be healthy.
“So, one has to leave for the other. The chairman transmitted a letter and Gov. Bello has been acting as appropriate. He is acting with the full authority of the CECPC and with the full authority of the stakeholders and leaders of the party and with the full consent and knowledge of Gov. Mai Mala Buni.
“If anybody has any issues with any of our decisions, you can take it to court. For now, we know we are doing it with the full backing of the law. There is no ambiguity in this.”
Nevertheless, a reliable source familiar with the crisis rocking the party confided in The Guardian yesterday that Buni was on his way to London to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.
The source said Buni initiated the meeting so as to plead with the president to use his good offices and allow him to remain in office to conduct the national convention as scheduled as a face-saving measure.
This is as the former director-general of the Progressive Governor’s Forum (PGF), yesterday, accused governors Hope Uzordinma (Imo), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Senators Orji Uzor Kalu and Akpanudoedehe of masterminding the crisis plaguing the party.
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Lukman in a statement titled ‘APC and Surrogate Politics of Timid Leaders’ stressed the need for disciplinary measures to be taken against the aforementioned party chieftains for allegedly bringing the party to disrepute in the eyes of Nigerians.
He called on INEC and all Nigerians committed to the democratic development of the country not to play into the self-serving scheming of Buni “and his associates of surrogate supporters and timid leaders” working to undermine decisions taken by the APC.
He stated: “All APC leaders and members must rise to the challenge of bringing His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, his surrogate supporters and associated timid leaders to account for the bad name they are giving the APC today. His Excellency Mai Mala Buni and Sen. James John Akpanuduedehe should explain why they failed to initiate implementation of decisions to hold the APC National Convention.
“Related to this, they should explain why they failed to bring to the notice of leaders of the party the Court injunction served on the party since November 18, 2021, restraining the party from organising the National Convention.
“There are known collaborators of His Excellency Mai Mala, who have colluded with him to ensure that all attempts to organise the APC National Convention are blocked. Three governors who are known and must also be called upon to account for their roles in undermining decisions to organise the APC National Convention are His Excellency Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and His Excellency Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.
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“There are other party leaders, including Sen. Uzor Kalu, who have actively supported His Excellency Mai Mala to undermine the decision to organise the national convention of the party. The March 17, 2022, APC NEC should initiate processes of a disciplinary hearing in line with provisions of the APC Constitution to sanction all these leaders if found guilty.
“Every step must be taken to ensure that APC emerges stronger, and no future leader of the party can attempt to undermine the decisions of the party. Unlike other parties, especially the PDP, who allowed individual leaders of their parties to undermine collective decisions, APC is working to strengthen its structures to ensure that internal democracy translates to collective leadership.”
Meanwhile, a coalition of youth groups in the party under the aegis of Alliance of Northern Progressive Youths (ANPY) has cautioned against imposition as the party prepares to elect its national chairman and other leaders at its March 26 convention.
Expressing confidence in the leadership of President Buhari, ANPY warned against the purported presidential endorsement of an aspirant, noting that such could destroy the ruling party.
The group declared support for the aspiration of former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Tanko Almakura, threatening that it would take over the party if he doesn’t emerge as the next national chairman.
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Addressing a press conference in Abuja, yesterday, ANPY advised the President and other top leaders of the party to embrace the call for the emergence of Almakura as the next national chairman to rescue the party from the crisis that has bedevilled it.
Leader of the coalition, Amina Lawi Wakawa, condemned the attempt to hide under the disguise of consensus arrangement to impose someone as the next chairman of the party, warning that such an attempt could produce disastrous consequences.
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“We, therefore, call on the leadership of APC to avoid the imposition of any candidate in the name of consensus or alleged Presidential endorsement. We believe President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of integrity who respect the provision of law and national interest and will not impose or support the imposition of any candidate in the party.
“APC as the ruling party must ensure internal party democracy with a view to deepening democratic culture in the country and the party should not entrust the leadership of the party in the hands of those who fought democracy and the party during its formative days in the country,” Wakawa said.
In what appears to be an open mockery of the ruling party following its protracted leadership crisis, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that INEC’s refusal to recognise the current leadership of the APC was a confirmation that the ruling party lacks the legitimacy and statutory requisites to participate in the 2023 general elections.
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The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said INEC’s position has confirmed that the APC was “a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in liquidation, preparatory to winding up, that cannot legally produce candidates for the elections.”
According to the PDP, “the decision by INEC is another unmistaken ‘red flag’ to intending aspirants on the platform of the APC in the 2023 general election that the APC has become defunct and cannot validly, legally and constitutionally field candidates in the 2023 general elections.”
The party said INEC’s letter to the APC, dated March 9, 2022, to the effect that APC’s NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2022, would not be recognised by the Commission due to invalid notice meant that any decision reached the meeting would be invalidated.
The opposition party also noted that INEC’s reference to the failure of the APC to give the required 21-day notice for its national convention confirmed the invalidity and unconstitutionality of any national convention conducted by the party’s CECPC.
“As it stands today, regardless of the boldface escapist excuses, the Sword of Damocles hangs precariously on the status of the contraption called CECPC and the APC itself. This signals an existential threat to the soulless, precipice-bound bunch of pretenders masquerading as a political party,” PDP said.
On its part, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused President Buhari and APC governors of running the affairs of the party like headmasters with no regard for constitutional and legal provisions by INEC, hence the many woes confronting it.
It said the crisis rocking the party was evidence of the ineptitude of the Buhari administration in all aspects of governance in Nigeria in the last seven years.
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In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the power tussle shaking the boat of APC, whose leader is said to be the President, has shown that the APC government could not competently run the affairs of the country going forward.
HURIWA faulted the appointment of Buni as caretaker chairman in the first instance and the subsequent appointment of Bello, noting that it was illegal for an elected governor to hold a very top position in any political party.
“The persistent crisis rocking the APC and the blatant violation of guidelines governing the affairs of political parties by the APC is condemnable. The party should learn from best practices in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.
“These abuses, if not rectified within seven working days, will be challenged in court by HURIWA so we get the court to make pronouncements on how political party administration should be for the sake of national security and national health,” HURIWA added.
In a related development, the newly appointed Chairman of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) in Ekiti State, Olayinka Dada, has urged Nigerians to work assiduously to dislodge the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections.
Dada noted that the two dominant political parties have shown clearly that they lack clear-cut ideas on how to build a prosperous nation.
In a statement yesterday, Dada said Nigerians were no longer comfortable with experimental policies, noting that there must be a road map to ensure steady growth.
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Dada said it was obvious that the political class has failed, adding that Nigerians could no longer entrust their destinies in the hands of political dealers.
He urged Nigerians to support the aspiration of former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso, describing him as a “man who can shoulder the responsibility of rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria.”
He said: “In 2023, the only option left for Nigerians is to exit non-performing politicians who have held the people hostage. No amount of old tricks can save the two-behemoth parties currently toying with the people. The people of Nigeria have resolved to free themselves in the unfortunate hands of incompetent and corrupt leaders.
“How can we continue with old narratives where the nation’s resources both human and material have become a curse rather than a blessing? How long shall Nigerians die of minor sicknesses due to a non-functional health care system? For how long shall education remain the exclusive right of the children of the rich? Why can’t the public schools function like those rich patronises in other countries? How can we explain that after 60 years of independence, Nigerians still live without stable electricity?
“Why are the economy shrinking and the security of lives and properties left for citizens while those saddled with protection of lives and properties look away and ask citizens to pray? Why are the refineries moribund and importation of petroleum products now an option?
“It has become clearer than ever that Nigerians deserve a compassionate leader whose antecedent is service driven.”
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said his Yobe State counterpart, Mai Mala Buni, tried to supplant the will of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, on Monday, declared that he’s the acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee. Buni had earlier served as the APC-CECPC chairman before Governor Bello’s declaration.
In a statement on Thursday, Akeredolu welcomed the Niger Governor’s leadership, just as he revealed that happenings within the APC in the last few months, especially under Buni’s leadership were a huge embarrassment.
The statement, which he personally signed, was titled ‘Buni, Pocket-filling Black Legs In Corridors Of Power Tried To Supplant President’s Will-Akeredolu.’
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It read in part, “Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is an unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.
“Nevertheless, the courage and determination, as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors, remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.”
Expressing belief in the leadership of Governor Bello, Akeredolu stated that he and other governors are for the Party, except for a few whom he described as “Yahoo Yahoo” governors.
He said, “Succinctly, aside from feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through. We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.
“None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in arm-twisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocket filling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November 2021) are despicable.
“Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention has been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting. But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it would stay away from the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC slated for next Thursday next week.
INEC’ in a correspondence letter dated March 9, 2022, explained that the decision was based on non-compliance to the electoral amendment Act 2022.
The correspondence addressed to the CECPC National Chairman, signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony observed that it was absurd that the letter inviting INEC to monitor the exercise did not contain the signatures of Buni and the caretaker secretary of the party, Sen John Akpanudoedehe.
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It reads” “Please refer to your letter Ref. APC/NHDQ/INEC/019/022/32, dated 8th March 2022.
“The Commission draws your attention to the fact that the notice for the meeting was not signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the CECPC contrary to the provision of the Article 1.1.3 of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Party Operations (2018).
“Furthermore, the APC is reminded of the provision in Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires ‘at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference, or meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any elective offices.’
“While hoping these issues are noted for compliance, please accept the assurance of the Commission’s warm regards”. The easiest way out of the legal quagmire was to get Gov. Buni to come back, ask him to convene a NEC meeting and then remove him and adopt Gov. Bello.
“But the fear is whether Buni will actually call for a NEC meeting if he is allowed to take charge of the CECPC now,” a source said.
“Unfortunately, the party is in a fix because you cannot invoke any doctrine of necessity on this issue and time is running. Article 25 (B) 1 of our constitution states that ‘the National Executive Committee shall meet every quarter and or at any time decided by the National Chairman or at the request made in writing by at least two-thirds of the members of the National Executive Committee provided that not less than fourteen (14) days notice is given for the meeting to be summoned.”
Governor Abubakar Bello who had been acting as caretaker chairman of the party since Monday this week had sought to convene an emergency NEC aimed among others to ratify the sack of Buni as Chairman of the caretaker committee just as Akpanudoedehe is believed to have been sidelined from the affairs of the party since Tuesday.
Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Umahi on Wednesday, insisted that Governor of Yobe State, Mr. Mai Mala Buni is the authentic Caretaker Committee Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
This is also as the Governor vowed to deal with the members of the PDP in Ebonyi State.
Umahi said that there was no crisis and tasked party members to dispel the rumour that the ruling APC is divided.
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He said, “do not be angry about the judgement, say thank you to PDP. It is a joke that was carried too far. And today, we will say to the PDP in Ebonyi State that enough is enough. Anybody that goes against the law of Ebonyi State, will get it very hot from today.
“You know, I have been concentrating on my work, and I said if they want to fight one year to the end of my tenure, I will fight, but I have seen that I can be doing my inspection, doing my work and also be fighting. So, the fight is set in Ebonyi State.
“If you want to destroy this government, if you want to destroy this State, let me tell you, you will not have your way from today. Let me tell Umuekumenyi, nobody is going to steal your mandates. The north and central senatorial zones have ruled for 8 years. The south is about doing 7yrs, it remains very small it will be 8 years.
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“I’m a man of justice, I will not allow another person from the south senatorial zone to come and take your position. I don’t want you to go against the law. The evil that people thought about your governor has promoted him.
“We are battle ready, this is not about the governor of Ebonyi State; Nigerians are fighting for us. I want to thank the national chairman of APC, and let me tell you that there is no division in APC. The chairman went on medical leave. And we were there when he asked the governor of Niger State, Mr. Bello to act for him.
“If there will be change, it will be notified. But for now, there is no change, and there is no crack. It is the PDP that is doing everything to destroy this country, and let me tell you, the attention of our party, APC has been drawn to all their antics, where they are misleading this country.
“We know very well, so many of them are very corrupt, carrying money up and down, but God is going to catch them, let me assure you, that there is no PDP in Ebonyi State. There can be PDP in Abuja, these are APC members.”
Mala-Buni said that the project, approved by the Federal Executive Council, on Wednesday, would tremendously contribute to solving water scarcity in Damaturu
Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe has commended the Federal government for approving N8 billion for the construction of a dam in Damaturu to boost water supply, according to Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, his Director General, Press and Media Affairs.
In a statement, in Damaturu, Mala-Buni said that the project, approved by the Federal Executive Council, on Wednesday, would tremendously contribute to solving water scarcity in Damaturu, the state capital and its environs, as well as complement the state government’s efforts of finding a lasting solution to the problem.
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“I want to specially appreciate president Muhammadu Buhari and the federal executive Council for considering and approving the completion of this very important project that would touch the lives of our people.
“This is another dividend of democracy extended to Yobe state by the President Muhammadu administration.
“It is important to us because, Damaturu has, over the years, increased in size and population, and is in need of a corresponding water supply.
“The state government has continuously been making efforts to improve water supply across the state to meet the water needs of the people” he said.
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Gov. Mala-Buni assured of the cooperation of the state government and people of the state in ensuring the successful completion of the project.
The governor further said a committee on the rehabilitation of water facilities had been constituted and supported with a massive intervention, which had improved water supply in all the major towns of the state.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has urged the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to extend the tenure of the Governor Mai Mala Buni led Caretaker Committee of the party to March 2021.
He made the request to the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) in a statement by his spokesperson, Kunle Oyewumi, on Monday.
Kalu, who is a former governor of Abia State, believes there is no need for a ‘fire brigade approach’ on the proposed convention scheduled for December.
“It is with deep patriotic concerns and the future growth of our great party that I am appealing to the National Executive Council to consider extending the tenure of Governor Mai Mala Buni led APC Caretaker Committee to March 2021, against the December proposed period.
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“This is to give the caretaker committee members the needed time to put things in order and hand over properly to new leadership in the end,” he said.
The lawmaker stressed the importance of winning the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, saying it was paramount to the party at the moment.
He was worried that the caretaker committee was not offering its best due to time constraints, adding that majority of the participants would be very busy with their national tasks during the December proposed period.
Kalu noted that lawmakers in the National Assembly and ministers would also be focused on budget preparation and defence and would not be in a better position to offer their best to the party.
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He said, “I don’t see any need of fire brigade approach for them to hand over to new leadership by December.
“The committee is expected to focus their attention on Edo State because the Edo State election will determine the strength of any new leadership.”
According to the former governor, holding the convention in December will also not give the party the desired results needed.
He stated that some of the ministers would also need to travel to their wards and make adequate preparations for the party’s congress.
The immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has explained why he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He gave the explanation in his letter of resignation dated July 24, 2020, and addressed to the Bogoro ‘C’ Ward Chairman of the PDP in Bauchi, his home-state.
Dogara revealed that one of the reasons for his exit from the PDP was what he described as the breakdown of governance in the state.
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He decried that such was happening under the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed whom he “helped install” as a governor in the 2019 general elections.
The former speaker also raised questions on issues relating to the alleged failure of governance in Bauchi.
President Muhammadu Buhari with APC Caretaker Committee Chairman and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, and Mr Yakubu Dogara at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on July 24, 2020.
He, however, stressed that he cannot successfully ask questions about those issues without being accused of disloyalty if he were to remain in the PDP.
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Dogara noted that he had taken up the responsibility of telling the truth to power in Bauchi under the administrations of former Governors Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abubakar
He believes abdicating the same duty under the present administration will make him become the most irresponsible and unprincipled politician in the state.
NASS Return, But Not As Speaker The former speaker announced his return to the APC about a year and six months after he joined the PDP for reasons he did not disclose as of the time.
He made the announcement while presiding over a plenary on January 29, 2019, at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.
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Following his exit from the APC, Dogara went ahead to contest for re-election as the lawmaker representing Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency on the platform of the PDP in the last elections.
Although he succeeded in his bid to return to the National Assembly, he was replaced by the former Leader of the House, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Speaker of the 9th Assembly.
A file photo of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara.
About a year and half later, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC and Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said Dogara had returned to the APC following a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday last week.
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The former speaker confirmed the statement of the Yobe State governor in the letter below:
24/07/2020
The Chairman
People’s Democratic Party,
Bogoro ‘C’ Ward,
Bogoro LGA,
Bauchi State.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION OF MY MEMBERSHIP OF THE PDP
Above subject matter refers.
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I write to intimate you of my decision to resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This became necessary because the same reasons why we fought hard in 2019 to effect changes in the Governance of our dear state are festering now.
I intend to bring these issues to the front burners once again as the fight to install decent and egalitarian government in our dear state continues.
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Specifically, I intend to ask questions about the following:
a) What has happened to LGA allocations since May 2019?
b) What happened to our campaign promise to conduct LGA elections within six months of the PDP government?
c) What happened to the N4.6 billion loan taken from a bank and paid directly into a private company’s account?
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d) Why are we segmenting salaries and why is payment of salaries of state workers outsourced to a private firm as consultants?
e) Why are contracts inflated, awarded and payment of mobilisation done in violation of extant rules on procurement?
f) Why are our highly revered Traditional Rulers and Elders treated with odium contrary to the guarantee we gave during the campaign that such will not happen under a PDP government?
Mr Chairman, you will agree with me that I cannot raise these issues and many more questions without a charge of disloyalty levelled against me if I were to remain a member of the PDP.
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I cannot also fail to raise these questions now, having raised similar ones during the administrations of Governors Isa Yuguda and Mohammed A. Abubakar. If I abdicate this responsibility on the altar of partisan loyalty, I will be the most irresponsible and unprincipled politician in Bauchi State.
Thus, by this letter, I have resigned my membership of the PDP to enable me keep faith with my principle of fighting for good governance in our Dear State.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is said to have officially decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The acting Chairman of the party, Mai Mala Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe State, disclosed this to Media (known to Noble Reporters Media) on Friday, after he and Dogara met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the villa.
He said the president has welcomed Mr Dogara into the fold as well as other former aggrieved members of the party.
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According to Mr Buni the reasons why Dogara left the APC do not exist anymore and this visit to President Buhari is in continuation of efforts to rebuild the party.
L-R: Governor Mai Buni, President Muhammadu Buahri and Yakubu Dogara at the Villa
The former Speaker said he would address the press on a later date.
In January 2019, Dogara announced his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, on Wednesday commiserated with the government and people of Borno, over the death of Dr Babagana Wakil, Chief of Staff to Gov. Babagana Zulum.
In a statement through his Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, and made available to Media in Damaturu, the governor described the death of the late COS as a painful loss to Zulum, the government and people of both Borno and Yobe.
According to him, Borno and Yobe remain one, saying, “every misfortune that affects one, affects the other”.
He said the deceased was a complete gentleman who lived a life of service to humanity.
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“Dr Babagana Wakil was a complete gentleman, a thorough breed, dedicated public officer and an accomplished administrator,” Buni said.
The governor prayed Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest.
He also prayed that God grants his family, government and the people of Borno, the fortitude to bear the pains of his demise.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has pardoned six prison inmates as part of his New Year gesture.
The announcement was made in a statement by Commissioner of Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego.
He said, “Governor Buni commends the people of the state for their resilience and the security agencies for their hard work on behalf of peace and security.
“The governor urged the people to continue to partner with the security agencies to ensure peace lasts across the state.
Governor Mai Mala Buni
“As part of celebrating the New Year, His Excellency Governor Buni has also granted pardon to six inmates who were convicted and are serving jail terms for various offences.
“The governor granted these pardons in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy as conferred on him by Section 212 (1) of the constitution of the country and based on the advice of the Prerogative of Mercy Advisory Council.”
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