Category: Politics

The executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbotako Ward II, Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State, have announced the suspension of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, over alleged anti-party activities and insubordination.

The suspension notice was signed by several ward executive members including Omotoye Olusola, Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju, and Fabioye Ajoke.

Ibrahim’s suspension follows the recent APC governorship primary election in the state, in which he was unsuccessful.

The ward executives cited Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution as the basis for their decision, which was made during a meeting held on Monday, May 13, 2024.

The APC National Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had previously met with all the governorship aspirants in Abuja, urging them to support the party’s candidate and incumbent governor of the state, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. However, Senator Ibrahim proceeded to sue the governor and the APC, defying the party’s directives.

The letter, made available to journalists in Akure, reads:

“We, the members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward II in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, convened a meeting on Monday, May 13th, 2024. During our meeting, we deliberated extensively on various issues affecting the progress and development of our party, notably indiscipline and insubordination among some members.

“We have found Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s actions and activities to violate the party’s constitution, particularly his decision to sue the party as well as his anti-party activities. As such, we have resolved to take appropriate disciplinary action against him as outlined in the party’s constitution. Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim is hereby suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect for acts of insubordination and anti-party activities by Article 21, Section A of the APC Constitution.

“It is worth recalling that the National Party Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, met with all Ondo State governorship aspirants on April 25th, 2024, in Abuja. During the meeting, he urged them to cooperate with the party’s candidate and incumbent Governor of Ondo State, Honorable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Despite this, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso proceeded to sue the Governor and APC, blatantly disregarding party instructions.

“Additionally, he has engaged in anti-party activities by urging his supporters in Igbotako and Ondo State to join NNPP, claiming he will soon receive the gubernatorial ticket from them. Senator Jimoh has openly declared his intent to disrupt APC before leaving the party, as evidenced by his actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja and his derogatory remarks about APC in various media outlets.

“For emphasis, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Folorunso has been suspended from the All Progressives Congress (APC) with immediate effect, and he is hereby prohibited from participating in any APC activities nationwide.”

Five commissioners in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council. The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), Inime Aguma (Social Welfare), and Jacobson Nbina (Transport), all of whom are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

These resignations follow an earlier mass resignation of nine commissioners amidst a political crisis in the state, which saw temporary intervention from President Bola Tinubu.

The latest resignations come just 24 hours after Governor Fubara accused his predecessor, Wike, of leaving a significant debt burden for the state.

Each commissioner submitted their resignation letter through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

Prof. Chinedu Mmom’s resignation letter read: “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024. Unfortunately, my current workspace has become toxic, and no longer guarantees a favorable environment for achieving my set targets for the education sector in the state. There is loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve and wish your administration well.”

Austen Ben-Chioma, in his resignation letter, noted: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024. I appreciate Your Excellency for allowing me to be part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons. It was a privilege to serve in your administration, and I wish you all the best in your tenure.”

Dr. Gift Worlu’s resignation letter stated: “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing. This difficult decision is due to the toxic atmosphere characterizing our working relationship, especially the arbitrary decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State. I thank you for the opportunity to serve and wish you the best in steering the ship of state.”

Jacobson Nbina’s letter read: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Commissioner for Transport and member of Rivers State Executive Council with effect from May 15, 2024. It has been a privilege to serve, and I thank Your Excellency for the opportunity. I also thank President Tinubu for his interventions in the political crisis leading to a lack of trust and apathy.”

Previously, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, resigned after being reassigned by Fubara to less prominent positions.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Wahab Shittu, asserted that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has no legal authority to withhold local government funds in the state.

Last week, the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Local Government Areas of Nigeria (ALGON) accused Governor Fubara of withholding funds meant for the 23 local governments. ALGON stated that this action undermines the administration of the third tier of government, effectively crippling local government councils.

Shittu weighed in on the issue during Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s *Politics Today*. He emphasized that Fubara’s actions are unconstitutional.

“I can say for free that Governor Fubara of Rivers State has no constitutional powers to withhold local government funds. The local government tier of government is recognized by Section 7 of the Constitution,” Shittu said.

He elaborated that the constitution mandates democratically elected local government councils, requiring each state to enact a corresponding law to regulate their administration.

“The constitution recognizes the system of democratically elected local government council areas and mandates that each state provides a corresponding law. In the case of Lagos State, we have the Local Government Administration Law, which regulates the establishment, structure, finances, and other related aspects,” Shittu explained.

He concluded, “Clearly, Governor Fubara has no right under the law to withhold the funds of Ahoada Local Government or any other local government.”

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees member, Hon. Charles Idahosa, has resigned from the PDP in Edo State and rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), his former party.

At a press conference where he was welcomed back to the APC amid celebrations, Idahosa challenged Governor Godwin Obaseki to name those he claims were financially induced to join the APC.

Idahosa urged the APC in Edo State to unite and work diligently to ensure that Obaseki and his political protégé, Asue Ighodalo, do not win the upcoming September 21st governorship election.

Reacting to Obaseki’s allegations that defectors were paid and his claim that the PDP would win 80% of the votes, Idahosa expressed his strong opposition to Obaseki’s re-election.

“When he came to beg me like a weather-beaten chicken, how much did he give me? Anytime he goes to a religious gathering, he claims those leaving the PDP were given money. My greatest regret is not allowing Obaseki to resign after his first term. He came to me three times saying he wanted to resign, but I persuaded him to stay for the sake of Benin’s interests,” Idahosa said.

He further criticized Obaseki’s confidence, saying, “Obaseki is delusional to think he will win 80% of the votes. Where will he get the votes?”

Idahosa called on APC members to unite, stating, “This is not the time for division in the APC. We will return Edo to the APC.”

He also defended Senator Monday Okpebholo’s qualifications to be governor, comparing dismissing Okpebholo’s credentials to underestimating Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who, despite not having formal education, became the first black man to own a Boeing 747 and established a university.

Introducing Idahosa, Edo State APC Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, described him as a founding member returning from a sabbatical. He handed over Idahosa’s membership card, calling him “the doyen of Edo South politics.”

Former Deputy Governor and leader of Edo South APC, Dr. Pius Odubu, expressed his delight, stating, “It’s a good catch anytime, any day, to have our senior brother Hon. Charles Idahosa back.”

Philip Dasun, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State, has officially defected to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Dasun, formerly the Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly and a close ally of former Governor Simon Lalong, announced his departure from the APC in a letter addressed to the chairman of his Belnin Ward in Pankshin North.

In the letter dated May 13, 2024, obtained by our Correspondent in Jos on Monday, Dasun cited ideological alignment as his reason for joining the PDP.

He expressed his gratitude to the APC for the opportunities and experiences he had while with the party but emphasized that his political views and objectives had evolved.

Dasun’s letter reads in part, “I write to inform you of my decision to resign from my membership in the APC political party, effective immediately. I have decided to join the PDP, as I believe their ideologies align more closely with my own.

“I want to thank you and the other members of the APC for the opportunities and experiences I have had during my time with the party.

“I appreciate the support and guidance I have received, and I have greatly valued the chance to work alongside such dedicated individuals.

“However, after careful consideration, I have come to realise that my political views and goals have shifted. The PDP is a better fit for my personal and political values, and I believe that I can make a more significant impact by working within their organisation.

“I hope that you understand my decision to resign, and I wish you and the APC all the best in your future endeavours.”

Dasun’s defection marks a significant development in Plateau State politics and could have implications for the upcoming political landscape in the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set a deadline of May 20, 2024, for political parties to submit their lists of gubernatorial candidates for the forthcoming election in Ondo State.

This directive was issued during a crucial gathering at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, which brought together chairpersons and senior officials from various political parties.

Addressing the party representatives, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, underscored the significance of adhering to this deadline.

“I urge all political parties to finalize their candidates and submit their names by the stipulated deadline of May 20th, when our portal will close,” he emphasized.

This session, designated as the second quarterly meeting of 2024, assumes pivotal importance in the lead-up to the state elections, including the gubernatorial race in Edo State slated for September.

INEC has already concluded and published the roster of candidates and their running mates for the Edo election.

Among the notable attendees were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Julius Abure of the Labour Party (LP), and Shehu Gabam of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Professor Yakubu reiterated the necessity of strict adherence to electoral guidelines. “It is imperative that all participating parties fully comply with the electoral guidelines to ensure a smooth and transparent election process,” he stressed.

With the deadline drawing near, political parties are expected to intensify their preparations to meet INEC’s stipulations, setting the stage for what anticipates being a fiercely contested election.

Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, maintains that the legislators from the Rivers State House of Assembly who switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forfeited their positions in the legislative chamber.

Falana made this assertion during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, emphasizing that the lawmakers’ transition to the APC necessitates their removal from office.

Citing constitutional provisions, Falana explained, “Unless there is a demonstrated division within the political party that sponsored your election, you cannot retain your seat in any legislative body after defecting to another party.”

He further elaborated, “The essence is to prevent political maneuvering on the part of legislators.”

Falana highlighted a court order restraining the 25 defected lawmakers from representing themselves as legislators, as well as barring the speaker from claiming the title of the house’s speaker.

“It may be challenging to convince the court to allow them to continue serving in the legislative house unless they are willing to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate,” Falana remarked.

He referenced a precedent set by the Supreme Court in the case of Adetunde and the Labour Party, emphasizing that legislators cannot switch parties and retain their seats unless there is a proven national-level division within their original party.

The rift between Governor Fubara and his political mentor, Wike, escalated last year when the Assembly, largely comprising Wike’s supporters, attempted to impeach the governor.

Following this, 27 lawmakers aligned with Wike defected from the ruling PDP to the APC, led by Martin Amaewhule, citing internal divisions within the PDP as the primary reason for their defection.

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has sounded the alarm on the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, calling on elders and stakeholders of the party to intervene before it spirals into a national catastrophe.

Addressing the situation in Lagos on Friday, George emphasized the urgency of the matter, urging President Bola Tinubu to take seriously the threat posed by some lawmakers in the State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Asserting that Rivers State is a stronghold of the PDP, George stressed that indifference to the crisis is not an option, emphasizing the need for swift action.

He pointed out that PDP lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have forfeited their seats, dismissing their attempts to undermine Governor Fubara’s administration as futile.

“The people of Rivers State are loyal to the PDP. Any threats of impeachment against the governor are orchestrated by external forces and must be quelled. The consequences of inaction could be dire, as witnessed during the ‘Operation Wetie’ crisis that engulfed the First Republic,” George warned.

Calling upon the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to take decisive action, George urged swift resolution to prevent further escalation and preserve national peace and stability.

In a significant development, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction restraining the embattled Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and 24 other individuals from identifying themselves as members of the House.

Presided over by Hon. Justice Charles Wali, the court further prohibited the implicated lawmakers from convening or conducting meetings at the auditorium of the House of Assembly quarters, situated off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or any other location, to undertake or purportedly engage in the legislative affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly. This restriction is enforced as their legislative seats have been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

The lawsuit was initiated by the newly elected factional Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, along with two other lawmakers. The defendants in the suit include the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney-General of Rivers State, and the Honourable Chief Judge of Rivers State.

Further details on this development will be provided in due course.

Members of the South-West Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Supporters Movement, a faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly remove certain appointees allegedly plotting against him for personal gain.

In a press conference held in Lagos on Thursday, the group denounced what they termed a “satanic agenda” and urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to address the situation swiftly to prevent disloyal elements from undermining the party.

Additionally, they pledged to reveal individuals scheming to succeed Tinubu in the 2027 elections, expressing concern that some may be plotting his premature departure from office.

The group referenced allegations made by Jesutega Onokpasa, a former member of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, who claimed in a video clip that certain individuals around the president were orchestrating plans against him. While Onokpasa did not name names, the group inferred that those involved were pursuing their political ambitions at the expense of their official duties.

Femi Bode-Banjoko, speaking on behalf of the group, criticized the alleged appointees for neglecting their responsibilities and focusing instead on personal vendettas, thereby tarnishing the party’s image. He highlighted the contributions of former Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello to Tinubu’s presidential campaign and accused the unnamed individuals of alienating them.

Bode-Banjoko called on the president to dismiss incompetent and disloyal members of his cabinet and replace them with individuals capable of improving national security and other development indicators.

The group also warned against those allegedly seeking to harm the president, affirming their unwavering support for Tinubu and expressing confidence in his electoral success in 2027.

The statements made at the press conference underscore the tensions within the APC as factions vie for power and influence ahead of future elections.