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Amaechi Feudal Lord, Says Lulu-Briggs … Dumps APC, As Party Suffers Setback In States
Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Dumo Lulu-Briggs, has defected to Accord Party.
Lulu-Briggs, a former chieftain of the APC, who contested the last APC governorship primary, announced his decision to pursue his governorship ambition on another party’s platform in a statement titled: ‘Taking Leave of a Family,’ yesterday morning said “Hard decision because I formally joined you in April last year and you received me with warmth and love.
‘You made me feel at home, and we worked hard as a family to reposition the party and stabilise our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was then under tremendous pressure. We quickly rolled up our sleeves and labored behind our leader and with you.
“Inspired by the leader’s claim to equity, justice, and fair-play we inconvenienced ourselves to ensure success and our beloved All Progressives Congress became bigger and stronger. The claim by the leader that Rivers State should be governed at this time by someone of riverine extraction was believed to be a sincere and patriotic position. Hence we encouraged the membership to follow wholeheartedly.
“The facts are known, we took steps to protect the party from sliding into a personal estate, our leader in the APC by default becomes a feudal lord, then our state is doomed. I have nothing personal to lose or gain, but we have all to lose if in a democracy we allow the aberration of overlords, hence my decision. While we were together I enjoyed your comradeship and so find it hard to leave, yet, men of conscience would when necessary overlook personal sentiments and emotions.
“I am 100 percent Rivers just as you and so I trust that we shall keep our friendship and possibly realign if and when we feel the need. I bear no grudge or malice and I implore that you take none toward me, what is obvious is that I have to continue my quest to help liberate our state by advancing my vision on another platform,” he stated.
In Enugu State, aggrieved aspirants under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Enugu State, yesterday demanded a refund of the money they paid for nomination and expression of interest forms.
They made the demand before the Kano Governor, Umar Ganduje-led peace and reconciliation committee.
The committee met with the aspirants as part of its on going peace process across the country.
Mr. Ben Eche, who spoke on behalf of governorship aspirants, said the National Working Committee, NWC of the party committed fraud in Enugu State.
He told the committee that “the primary conducted in Enugu State was entirely faulty. The party knows that nothing was done.
“So, if it is talking about reconciliation, the first thing to do is to compile name of all the aspirants and send their money to them,
“Return our money and the local chapter of the party will now call us, if you don’t do the first one, the second one will be hard to accomplish.
“All these aspirants that contested have supporters. People are aggrieved; in fact, what the NWC did to us was wayo, they played us 419.”
While toeing same line, the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, who contested for Enugu West senatorial seat, said what happened in Enugu was unimaginable.
Okechukwu, represented by Barr. Onwusi said “People stayed somewhere, allocated votes to those they want.
“What happened in Enugu is a situation where you finish building a house, some people knocks and then you opened the door, they came in and started laying claim to the house. Nobody will allow that kind of thing.
“In fact, what the people believe here is that the election is between PDP and PDP. So, you can vote for any of the PDP you want.”
Meanwhile, a female House of Reps aspirant, Ginikar Tor lamented that she was deceived by the party.
“I was asked to step down, and I obeyed, but shockingly, the name that later appeared was not the person I was asked to step down for.
“They later they said I will deputize Ayogu Eze, but shortly thereafter, there was rumour that it has been changed, the rumour turned out to be true. Without consultation, they later gave it to a man, it is so painful.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress was still battling with crises in at least eight of its state chapters despite the expiry of the deadline for the replacement of candidates last Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, in its notice of the 2019 general elections released in January this year, gave political parties December 1 deadline to substitute their candidates for governorship and state assembly elections.
The deadline ended midnight last Saturday. Although many political parties met the October 7, 2018 deadline given to them to conclude their primaries, a lot of them were still battling with crises arising from the shadow elections.
Investigations by our correspondents across the country showed the APC was concerned about crises in states including Ogun, Delta, Imo, Zamfara, Oyo, Ebonyi, Katsina and Ondo.
A top official of the APC in Ogun State, who confided in our correspondent said that a faction of the party, led by an ex-governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, produced the governorship candidate, Mr Dapo Abiodun, but the executive council of the APC was firmly controlled by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
He said, “There is confusion in the party because many are still waiting to see how Abiodun will run his campaign without the backing of the state executive of the party. Also, can the state governor campaign against the governorship candidate of a party, where he is contesting a senatorial seat?”
According to the source, the situation has been worsened by the defection of Amosun’s preferred candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, from the APC to the Allied Peoples Movement.
In Oyo state, the Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, is the only aggrieved leading member in the party. Others such as a former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala had left the party to contest under the Action Democratic Party.
The minister told one of our correspondents that despite the crisis in the party, he believed the crisis could be resolved, adding the right thing must be done.
According to him, the only thing he needed from the peace committee set up by the party’s NWAC is restitution with justice, adding that reconciliation will follow.
Shittu stated, “You must ensure justice before you can talk of peace. No matter whose ox is gored even if the heaven will fall, you must ensure justice is done. And the heaven will not fall once justice is done. The analogy I wish to draw from it is when a thief takes your property and is caught and instead of him engaging in restitution, he is now calling for peace? Can there be peace without justice?”
Reacting to Shittu’s claim, the Director of Media, Research and Strategies of the party in the state, Dr AbdulAzeez Olatunde, said the fact that “he (Shittu) is a minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria is enough for him to humble himself and carry himself around with dignity.
No peace yet in Delta APC
In Delta State, efforts by the national leadership of the APC to reconcile aggrieved members have not yielded any positive result.
Our correspondent gathered that a faction led by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and Chief Hyacinth Enuha was still angry with the manner the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole was handling the crisis in the state chapter of the party.
It was learnt on good authority that the Emerhor faction lost out entirely in the last primaries of the party as Oshiomhole denied the group the opportunity of fielding any candidate.
Although, the Jones Erue-led faction, which enjoys Oshiomhole’s support, had set up a reconciliatory committee led by Chief Richard Odibo, nothing tangible had been achieved.
The faction led by Chief Cyril Ogodo, which also includes Emerhor and Enuha, has vowed to continue with its legal battle despite the threat by the APC NWC to sanction those who refused to withdraw their cases.
A statement issued at the end of a recent meeting of the Ogodo group charged the NWC “to come to equity with clean hands rather than threatening members who have legitimate rights to approach the courts.”
Ebonyi
The Ebonyi State Chapter of the APC said there was no aggrieved member who instituted a case other than one of the governorship aspirants, Prof Benard Odoh.
Speaking with one of our correspondents in Abakaliki , the state capital, the state Chairman of the party, Dr Eze Nwachukwu, said although the suit filed by Odoh was still in court, efforts were still being made to reconcile all aggrieved members of the party.
Legal action persists in Katsina
There is no open intra-party crisis in the Katsina APC, but a group within the state chapter of the party known as AKIDA whose members seem not to be satisfied with primaries filed a case recently at an Abuja High Court
Members of the group include Abubakar Isa and Garba Dankani. The two party chieftains nursed governorship ambitions and wanted to contest against Governor Aminu Masari, but they preferred direct primaries.
Nwosu, other Okorocha loyalists set to dump APC
In Imo State, despite the visit of the NWC peace committee to the state last Thursday, it was gathered that a former Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Uche Nwosu, would formally announce his defection to Democratic Peoples Party next week.
Nwosu is the preferred governorship candidate of the state governor, Rochas Okorocha, but the Oshiomhole-led NWC picked Senator Hope Uzodinma as the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the state.
The governor last Tuesday in a press conference hinted that all those denied tickets including his son-in-law, Nwosu, might join another party.
Ondo: Borofice, Olanusi yet to agree with Akeredolu
In Ondo State, the two groups in the state chapter of the APC have yet to agree on the harmonisation of the House of Assembly candidates’ list.
It was gathered that one of the two groups was loyal to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu while the other faction was loyal to the aggrieved leaders of the party, especially a serving senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Ajayi Boroffice and a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Ali Olanusi.
It was also learnt that each of the two factions presented a list of candidates to the national leadership for screening after which the list would later be sent to the INEC.
However, a source in the party told our correspondent that the two groups had not agreed on those that should be dropped from the two lists.
In Zamfara State, there are indications that the party may not field candidate during the 2019 governorship election as INEC is insisting that it did not meet the deadline for conducting primaries for gubernatorial poll.
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.