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Concerns Over NEC, Caucus Meetings In APC As Ganduje’s Fate Splits Govs

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There are growing concerns in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the failure of the party’s national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to convene National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings.

Reports on Sunday claimed that the two organs of the party are key in fine-tuning and ratifying decisions of the National Working Committee (NWC), especially the NEC, which is its second highest decision-making organ.

Unlike the NWC, which is saddled with the day-to-day running of the party, the NEC ratifies NWC’s decisions on key issues, and where necessary, subjects them to the national convention, which is the highest organ, for final decisions.

The APC constitution provides that NEC meetings should be held quarterly to brainstorm and review developments in the party, with a view to ensuring its progress and stability.

Sources in the APC, however, said that aside from the national caucus and NEC meetings yet to be convened, the National Advisory Council of the party was also yet to be constituted despite being an advisory body of elders expected to serve as the conscience of the party, like the Board of Trustees (BoT) in other cases.

Findings revealed that since Ganduje was appointed as the APC helmsman at a NEC meeting held on August 3, 2023, only the NWC has been meeting, while all other organs have remained comatose.

Recall that from August last year till date, several members of the party have made efforts, including threats of legal action, to ensure that a NEC meeting is held, at least to ratify some key decisions reached by the NWC, but the efforts have so far yielded no results.

Sources said Ganduje was afraid of summoning the NEC for fear of being sacked, sequel to several protests against him.

However, another source close to the national chairman said the issue of convening the NEC and National Caucus meeting was not entirely Ganduje’s affair. The source said the former Kano State governor had reached out to the president on this, but was yet to receive a commitment concerning a potential date.

Recall that an alleged corruption case in Kano and a recent “purported” sack by executives from his ward and the litigation that followed had ignited protests against Ganduje within the party, with stakeholders calling for his head.

Analysts say that judging from the coalition of forces against Ganduje, it would take a miracle for him to survive the numerous onslaughts against him and complete his tenure.

Pundits have also argued that the only suspense subsisting in the episode is the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu factor.

Governors split over Ganduje’s fate

Sources told our correspondent yesterday that governors who are members of the party were divided over calls for Ganduje’s resignation, which is believed to be a major impediment to the NEC and National Caucus meetings.

It was gathered that while some governors are behind him, others who are not convinced about his emergence or his leadership are said to be holding back on launching an all-out war because they fear this might pit them against the president. Some of those in the latter group are said to have strategically stopped attending APC events.

Also, some of those in this group have also stayed off the APC national secretariat in Abuja.

The Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, has also been observed to have taken a back seat in recent times, as observers noted that unlike what was obtainable in the past, the forum has not been holding regular meetings.

Party leaders worry over state of affairs

On March 23, 2024, the APC national chairman, Ganduje, said President Tinubu had approved the NWC proposal to carry out a nationwide e-registration of members.

He disclosed this when he hosted some APC state chairmen at the headquarters of the party in Abuja.

Ganduje said, “The president has granted your requests, especially on political appointments. He is doing something about it. He also emphasised the importance of electronic registration, which we have been working on with the consultant and our committee at the headquarters, which has gone far.

“Now, we are going to the grassroots level. It (e-registration) will be connected across all the wards of the federation, but you need to oversee the recruitment of officials who will undertake the exercise.”

But some stakeholders of the APC said it was the responsibility of the NEC, not President Tinubu, to approve the e-registration of members nationwide.

Some members of various organs who spoke with our correspondent yesterday expressed displeasure over the issues, saying, “The APC has turned into a one-man show.”

A member of the National Caucus, who asked not to be named, told Daily Trust yesterday that Ganduje’s action was driving the party on the path of implosion.

The politician, who played a role in the formation of the APC, advised that if Ganduje is afraid of being sacked by the NEC, he should lobby majority of members on his side.

He also blamed President Tinubu, who anointed Ganduje, for not intervening in the interest of the party.

He said, “Tinubu borrowed this thing from Buhari, who never took the organs of the APC seriously. So, it appears to be infectious and the bug caught up with Tinubu and he acts alone.

“I am sure he just passes down instructions to the national chairman, who was handpicked. The real owners of the party are sidelined. Anyone who has a divergent view is not tolerated. So, we are in for autocracy. It is unfortunate.

“We have a national chairman who was appointed against the wishes of the North Central zone, which should replace Abdullahi Adamu.

“As it stands, it is like they are calling for implosion. This kind of thing is condemnable and should not be allowed to continue. The APC leadership is not ready to be questioned.”

Last week, a former national vice chairman (North West) of the APC, Salihu Mohammed Lukman said, “The NWC of the party has appropriated the powers of all organs, and in its name, the national chairman is taking discretionary decisions.

“With such reality, many of the decisions taken not only violate sections of the APC constitution but also undermine sections 221–229 of part Il of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended, as well as the Electoral Act 2022.”

Similarly, another chieftain of the APC who craved anonymity told our correspondent in a telephone interview that “what is happening now is the opposite of APC’s founding vision. Something needs to be done urgently to correct the anomaly.”

But reacting, the APC national publicity secretary, Felix Morka, a lawyer, said, “We have not scheduled NEC meeting yet. When we schedule it we will make an announcement. So, our members should be patient.”

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Politics

Jigawa governor loses mother, son within 24 hours

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6 hours ago

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December 26, 2024

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Jigawa governor loses mother, son within 24 hours
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Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa, has lost his 24-year-old son, Abdulwahab Namadi.

A statement by Hamisu Gumel, the governor’s spokesperson, said Abdulwahab died in a road accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa road on Thursday.

His death comes barely 24 hours after the governor’s mother died on Wednesday.

Gumel added that the late Abdulwahab was buried on Thursday evening in Kafin Hausa town according to Islamic rites.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him,” the statement reads.

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday,  December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road.

“The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24 year old,  late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.“

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Mahama lied to Ghanaians to win, but we’ll hold him accountable for his promises – NPP UK

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December 25, 2024

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Mahama lied to Ghanaians to win, but we’ll hold him accountable for his promises – NPP UK
——–
Kingsley Adumattah Agyapong, Chairman of the United Kingdom branch of the (NPP), also known as Wofa K, has served notice that they will hold President-elect John Dramani Mahama to the fire in ensuring that he delivers on his campaign promises.

“If Mahama fails to build on the growth we have achieved, the growth rate will drop, and the country will head back to the challenges and difficulties we complained about. Mahama should make sure that he will stabilize the cedi. He also promised to help reduce the price of kenkey. They promised not to scrap the free SHS. They promised to scrap E-Levy.

“They realized that a lot of Ghanaians were in the rural communities and lacked an understanding of these issues, and so when they went there to campaign, they peddled falsehoods so they could win their votes. They left the country in a terrible state with dumsor for almost five years in 2016.

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Xmas: Strong Nigerians should care for the weak, and the rich for the poor – Uzodimma

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December 25, 2024

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GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Xmas: Strong Nigerians should care for the weak, and the rich for the poor – Uzodimma

…Insists they should show love to those who can’t repay for deeds extended to them.

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has called on the Nigerian strongmen (and women) to make it a point of duty to care for the weak in their midst just as he urged the rich to show benevolence to the poor.

Speaking during the Christmas Church Service held at St. Lima of Rose Catholic Parish, Ozuh Omuma in Orlu Diocese, the home Church of the Governor, in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday (December 25), the Governor also insisted that the privileged Nigerians should take delight in showing love to the less privileged who may not have the capacity to repay them for their good deeds.

“Let us take advantage of the season to show love to our neighbours and people around us irrespective of religious, political party and ethnic coloration. Let love led us in Imo State, Communities, Local Governments and the country at large and when we do this, the Egyptians we saw yesterday we shall see no more.”

Governor Uzodimma’s advice coincided with the Christmas Service Homily by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, His Eminence Peter (Cardinal) Okpaleke, who reminded the Christian faithful, and all men of goodwill, that service to the people in whatever position they find themselves is akin to fulfilling the reason for the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind as Lord and Saviour by God.

The Governor thanked God for making it possible for Imolites in particular, and Nigerians in general, to witness another Christmas season, insisting that Christians should emulate the principles of love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ and strive to be their brothers’ keepers.

Governor Uzodimma who maintained that Christ’s birth was a demonstration of unparalleled love and compassion, noted that throughout his life’s journey Jesus Christ went about doing good because of the love he has for everyone regardless of their social status.

The Governor used the opportunity to regret the death of those who lost their lives at Ibadan, Abuja and Okija respectively during the occasion of the well intended charity work of giving to the less privileged that aligns with the Christmas season, also sympathised with their families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.

He however said that the incidents that unfortunately turned tragic should not deter people from doing good or engaging in acts of charity and compassion, even as he commended the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in ensuring that there is food security in Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated his determination to continue to work in the interest of the people by ensuring that all sectors that carter to their needs are given the proper attention they deserve, insisting that his 3R Shared Prosperity Government is already on top of the situation of making the welfare of the people its top priority as can be seen from the joyous mood of civil servants and pensioners this season.

Leveraging from the homily of His Eminence, the Governor said that the current hunger in Nigeria is also experienced all over the world due to the war in Ukraine and Russia and that of Palestine and Israel who are the major suppliers of food to the whole world including Nigeria.

The Governor said what is required of Nigerian citizens is to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his policies in agriculture and livestock production where he has budgeted large sums of money to ensure food security and sufficiency for Nigeria people.

“We should now join hands with Mr. President to produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

The Governor informed that his administration is focused on care for the people’s welfare through good roads, agriculture, healthcare and education and enjoined all to continue to support the 3R administration.

The Governor’s further remarks read: “It is with a profound sense of joy that I address the good people of Imo State on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.

“I give God all the glory for keeping us alive to witness another year of the commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For those who have departed before today, I pray for the repose of their souls.

“I also wish to use this opportunity to once more sympathize with those who lost their lives during the sharing of food in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. It is most unfortunate that these acts of charity turned tragic.

“But because it was a good cause that turned sour, we should not be deterred from doing good or engaging in acts of compassion, which is what Christmas represents in its entirety.

“Our Lord, Jesus Christ, agreed to be born for our salvation. That was an act of unparalleled love and compassion. All throughout His earthly journey, He went about doing good, performing miracles, healing the sick, offering hope to the hopeless, and feeding the hungry.

“When we celebrate Christmas, we are to emulate the virtues of love and compassion exemplified by Him, who came to the world to save mankind. We must be our brothers’ keepers by ensuring that the strong care for the weak. This is the message we should take home this Christmas: Let the strong show compassion to the weak and the rich benevolence to the poor.

“As a government, we shall continue to strengthen all the institutions of the state to ensure the well-being of the citizenry. The goal of our 3R administration is nothing but making life easier for the people.

“When we build roads and other infrastructure, we care for the people. When we intervene in health, education, agriculture, or social welfare, we do it for the people. I am happier today that our civil servants and pensioners are happy.

“The joy of the season is the love showered on us by God. This love, exemplified in His total submission to be our Redeemer, should be translated into our relationship with others. We should show that same love, especially to the less privileged who may never be able to repay us for our deeds.

“As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I urge all Imo people and, indeed, Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of our political or religious affiliation. We should appreciate the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in repositioning the economy, especially in ensuring food security in Nigeria.

“Let love lead us this Christmas. Let us shower love on our neighbours, our state, and our country.

“I wish all of us a love-filled Christmas.

“Happy Christmas, Imo people. Happy Christmas Christmas Nigerians.”

Earlier in his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke
said Christians should open their hearts to the divine heart of God following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who is sent for our Salvation.

He highlighted the hunger in the land that has led to the loss of lives and the problem of Nigeria compounded by insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

However, Cardinal Okpalaeke assuaged the peoples fear when he encouraged all that there are challenges everywhere and that the coming of Christ is the solution to all, noting that “whatever we do to our neighbour is done to Christ.”

Cardinal Okpaleke however urged the government to do more to meet the needs of the people by prioritising its programmes as doing so will be in sync with what the coming of Jesus Christ depicts.

He said that the Church will continue to pray for those in positions of authority to discharge their duties in ways that the love Jesus Christ brought to the world will not be in vain.

The Vice Chancellor K. O. Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Orlu, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie took the First reading, while Governor Uzodimma took the second reading.

Highlights of the Church Service were the administration of the Eucharist and display of cultural play by Ozuh Omuma Youths.

The Christmas Service was attended by all categories of persons – political, business, traditional, religious, educational – from Imo State and beyond, including the Service Chiefs.

Prominent among the attendees were the wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma with her children and other family members, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, members of the National Assembly (Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chike Okafor, Princes Miriam Onuoha, and Eugene Dibiagwu), Imo State APC Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere and his predecessor, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo and other National and State chieftains of the Party, the Minister of State (Finance) Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka, and former minister of Education, Rt. Hon. Good luck Opia.

Others were Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu and his spouse, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and his spouse, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Igariwey Igariwey and the current Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Co Chairman of Southern Traditional Council/ Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers/ Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze EC Okeke, Eze Oliver Ohanweh, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Henry Njoku, Chief Charles Amadi, and many others too numerous to mention.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
December 25, 2024.

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