Tag: Ayu

  • My Purported Suspension An Exercise In Futility – Ayu

    My Purported Suspension An Exercise In Futility – Ayu

    The embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, has described his purported suspension by executive members of his Ward, Igyorov Ward of Gboko Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state, as an exercise in futility.

    Ayu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Simon Imobo-Tswam, in Abuja on Thursday, said he had not been suspended.

    Ayu said his attention had been drawn to rumours that he had been suspended by the Executive Committee of his Ward.

    “We wish to state categorically and with all emphasis at our disposal thus, that “The PDP National Chairman, Ayu, has not been suspended by his Ward. Some members of the Exco are only being teleguided by political gamblers to cause mischief and nothing more.

    “For starters, Article 57(7) of the PDP Constitution as Amended in 2017, expressly prohibits any organ of the party or executive committee of the party at the Ward or State Level from taking any disciplinary measure against any member of the party’s National Executive Committee.

    “The purported suspension is, therefore, an exercise in futility as it derives its strength majorly from gross illiteracy, ignorance, gambling and desperation. It has only mischief, drama and propaganda value.”

    Ayu added that the so-called suspension letter was written by an illiterate and only given to the coerced members to sign somewhere in Makurdi.

    “This is why the original date is tippexed and 24 March imposed on it.

    “From what we know, the document itself is fraudulent as the signatures of the Ward Executives were forged or obtained under duress.

    “The chairman, his deputy and legal adviser didn’t sign the letter. The 14th person on the list didn’t sign too. “In fact, the same applies for Nos. 5, 8 and 16.

    “At the time they were supposed to be in Makurdi, the others coerced, intimidated and induced members of the Exco; they were actually in their villages, going about their normal businesses.”

    Ayu said till now, about nine members of the executives were still being held hostage in a location in Makurdi for obvious reasons.

    He added that, expectedly, their cell phones had been switched off, saying, “it is instructive.”

    He advised the general public to ignore rumours to the “heinous effect,” saying, “those behind the plot are only investing in expensive illusions.”

    Ayu was reported to have been suspended on Sunday by the ward executive for alleged anti-party activities, failure to pay his Annual Subscription Fees, and failure to vote during the just-concluded elections.

    The suspension reports also alleged that: “It was also discovered that most of his closest allies worked for the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and hence, the abysmal performance of the PDP in Igyorov Ward.

    “In view of the foregoing, we hereby pass a Vote of No Confidence on Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and suspend him as a member of our party with immediate effect. The suspension takes effect from 24 March 2023,” the letter had said.

  • Wike Shuns Atiku, Ayu, Invites Buhari, Bayero, Obi for Projects’ Inauguration

    Wike Shuns Atiku, Ayu, Invites Buhari, Bayero, Obi for Projects’ Inauguration

    As the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) festers, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has shunned the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and instead invited All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) chieftains as well as a major traditional ruler to commission some signature projects of his administration.

    According to a Rivers state document titled “Fourth Quarter 2022 Project Commissioning (Programme Schedule), the government invited President Muhammadu Buhari, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the Emir of Kano, HRM Aminu Ado Bayero, and former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole for the events.

    The dignitaries are expected from today November 14, to December 2 for the commissioning of the projects.

    HRM Ado Bayero, is expected today, November 14 to commission the ultra-modern Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Port Harcourt.

    According to the programme of activities, on Tuesday 15th of November, the chairman of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Professor Abba Hassan, will commission the Basic Clinical Building at the College of Medical Sciences in the Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt.

    On Wednesday, 15th of November Oshiomhole, a former chairman of APC and staunch supporter of Atiku’s main rival, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to commission the Rumuepirikom-Ada George Flyover in Obi-Akpor.

    Also, on Thursday 17th of November, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, will Commission the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo (Ikoku Flyover) in Port Harcourt.

    On Friday 18th of November, President Buhari is expected to commission the new campus of the Nigeria Law School, otherwise known as the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of Nigeria Law School, Port Harcourt.

    The Governor, who was recently given a Distinguished Award in Infrastructure by President Buhari, is scheduled to inaugurate over 16 finished projects from November 14 to December 2nd, including world-class, multi-billion naira health and educational initiatives.

    The newly finished Justice Mary Odili Judicial Institute and Federal Judicial Commission Liaison Office are slated to be inaugurated by the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kayode Ariwoola while the Police Intelligence Centre, Port Harcourt will be commissioned by the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba.

    At the time of filing this report, the stage was set for the commissioning of the ultra-modern Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Port Harcourt.

  • PDP crisis: Aggrieved Govs to sustain fight against Atiku, Ayu

    PDP crisis: Aggrieved Govs to sustain fight against Atiku, Ayu

    Aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday resolved to sustain their battle against the presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    They also resolved to sustain the tempo of agitation for the resignation of National Chairman Iyorchia Ayu, who enjoys the support of the flag bearer.

    The G5, which held a crucial meeting in Makurdi, capital of Benue State, is also trying to woo more aggrieved chieftains to its camp from the six geo-political zones to make its onslaught to acquire a national outlook.

    It was also gathered that the aggrieved governors are trying to mobilise their camps in their respective states to resist ‘divide and rule tactics’ allegedly employed by the presidential candidate to undermine and destabilise their structures.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his colleagues-Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) — are being hosted by Governor Sam Orton, who is flagging off campaigns for governorship and parliamentary elections in Makurdi today.

    They have insisted that Ayu, who hails from Benue, should quit, claiming that he had voluntarily promised to leave, if a northerner was picked as presidential candidate.

    A source said the five governors have resolved to be in one accord in their opposition to Atiku, who is unwilling to prevail on Ayu to quit as chairman.

    Although the five governors are also under pressure to have a rethink and make more sacrifices, they have resolved to fight on, following moves by Atiku to instigate some party chieftains against them in their states.

    The source, who is close to one of the governors, said it is too late for the G5 to discontinue their agitations for Ayu’s sack.

    He said:”G5 is also fighting to keep its camp intact and resisting moves by Atiku to polarise them. It may also be possible that the governors are receiving motivation from outside forces.

    “Part of their strategies is to attend fully any activity organised by any of them, particularly during the campaigns.”

    The source said the PDP had mismanaged the crisis by underating Wike and his colleagues.

    He added: ”The battle started long time ago. It started ahead of the convention for the election of the national chairman. Although Wike and his group supported Ayu, little did they guess that he is a staunch supporter of Atiku.

    “But, the challenge now is that if Ayu steps down, the five governors may invent another not to support Akitu.”

    Ortom, while giving his opening remarks at the cocktail organised for his colleague, said: “To hell with Atiku and any one supporting him.”

    Ortom asked Ayu to honour the agreement to step down.

    He said: “If you don’t honour agreement, you create problems. That’s why there are problem in the party today.

    ” Some people are blackmailing me for calling on Ayu to resign, Yes, because I can’t betray Governor Nyesome Wike. He was the one who supported Ayu to emerge as the National chairman. So, it would amount to betrayal if Ayu reneges on his promise and expect me to support him because he is a Benue man like me.”

    Ortom stressed that Wike has no problem with Benue people, but only fighting for equity and justice.

    He said 18 people were killed in Guma Local Government area last week by herdmen who were trying to take over Benue land, yet some people wanted him to keep quite.

    Ortom said: “At 62, I am ready to die. I have written my will. God has been good. My age mates are long dead. So, nobody should black mail me with Senate. Senate or no Senate, to hell with Atiku.”

  • Ayu Is A Chameleon

    Ayu Is A Chameleon

    By Aondowase Alex Torkuma

    Opposition parties and desperate politicians are known to employ various political gimmicks in the run-up to any election in the Country. Majority of these unscrupulous politicians would weep up sentiments, exploit divisions, security and economic challenges to elicit sympathy and public support. As preparations for the 2023 general elections gather momentum, these dishonest elements are at it again, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) already making comical and unwarranted statements. In an unusually recent outburst, Iyorchia Ayu National Chairman of the PDP, publicly accused the APC-led administration, of using Soldiers, the Police and the DSS to harass people in the South East. What a despicable attempt at inciting the public against these agencies and a cheap trick to sway sympathy for his party. But why drag these organizations into the gutters of dirty politicking. I am not bemused as such misguided statement coming from a stooge and an old cargo like Ayu, who can do anything for a penny to impress his paymasters, is not a surprise.

    Ayu could best be described as a Chameleon, as he switches from one party to another, changing every time, as situation warrants, all for his pecuniary interest. Otherwise, how can someone in his right state of mind stoop as low as exploiting the mindless bloodletting going on in the South East to seek cheap popularity. He makes it look as though the killing of Chief Bola Ige, Harry Marshall, Ogbonnaya Uche, Abigail and Barnabas Igwe, Ayo Daramola, Funsho Williams and Aminosari Dikibo all assassinated and thousands of lives lost during the sixteen (16) years of PDP should be forgotten. As Mr. Ayu grows older, he has either become senile or this is just another display of his political merchandise.

    One fact is that whatever situation Nigeria is in today, Ayu has played a role in it. He has remained in the saddle. While Ayu has been in government since Abacha’s regime, he could only be remembered for one thing, the politician that has been a member of all of the country’s major political parties and without any project/achievement to his name.

    Ayu was purely up to a destructive agenda at Owerri. He also stated that the PDP if elected next year would resolve the agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This raises more questions about whether Ayu and his co-travelers are not involved or sponsoring the happenings in the South East. Assuming not, how can he be so confident that his party will put an end to IPOB agitation? Is IPOB gratified by his party or a Biafra breakaway from Nigeria. Hope I am not alone with this suspicious feeling. When innocent Igbos were murdered in Oyigbo, Rivers, a PDP-controlled state, where was he? Is it possible that he is oblivious of these incidents due to absentmindedness or in his desire to placate his paymasters and for political mileage, he rather chose the particular bowl of blood shed to see? For jumping on the bandwagon perception of marginalization of the South East, Ayu should know that if the person speaking is unintelligent, those listening are not. In his narrow thought, he expects APC to fix in less than seven years what the PDP failed to do in sixteen years.

    It is noteworthy that these fabrications coming from people like Ayu is not surprising. Nigerians know history and will never forget him as the first person to sell out the Abiola-led movement which vehemently protested the annulment of June 12 election. He quickly jumped ship and accepted appointment as Minister of Education under General Abacha, despite persistently tagging Abacha a dictator. Ayu’s major job as Education Minister was campus to campus advocacy, rallying students against anti-government protesters. No wonder, there is no record of any achievement in his name. Ayu’s history of bootlicking and making dangerous political mistakes is not new. He was arrested and charged with terrorism as Atiku’s campaign manager for unduly recruiting Niger Delta militants to undermine Obasanjo’s Presidency. Amazingly, after rejoining the PDP, he was released and apparently that charge is no longer an issue. It is on record that Ayu admitted to receiving N345 million from the $2.5 billion funds for arms purchase in the PDP days, under the guise of consultation on difficult issues. Delicate and difficult issues indeed.

    Ayu had been sidelined in Nigeria’s politics and he is just trying to rehabilitate himself. Ayu has turned to a political prostitute and a lapdog/puppet controlled by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom to attack anyone who opposes their dirty politics. It is unfortunate that as National Chairman he allows Ortom to bankroll his nuisances instead of providing good governance to his own kinsmen in Benue. Very reprehensive of an old politician who, despite numerous top government portfolios held from the 1990s to present day, has left no single legacy in Benue State.

    Ayu and other kleptocrats alike, should understand that the days of deceiving voters by leveraging on ethno-religious sentiments, regional agitation and unfounded claims are over. Nigerians have had enough of such tricks. Nigeria’s security agencies should look into Ayu’s falsehood propaganda and these peddled claims. Perhaps, Ayu being the National Chairman of the major opposition party has either credible intelligence at his disposal or may just be playing a part of the dirty tactics his party would employ ahead of 2023 elections. One thing is clear though. These irate politicians should leave public institutions who have apolitical orientations out of their show of shame and brigandage. Nigeria depends on their neutrality to continue to grow.

    Aondowase Alex Torkuma, a public Affairs Analyst writes from Markurdi

  • 2023: PDP Will Rescue Nigeria, says Ayu party’s National Chairman

    2023: PDP Will Rescue Nigeria, says Ayu party’s National Chairman

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic party, PDP, Dr Iyorchia Ayu has declared that the party will recue Nigeria from the bondage of insecurity, underdevelopment which Nigerians are currently experiencing under the APC’s led Federal Government if it bounces back in 2023.

    Dr Ayu who made the declaration at Government House Makurdi at the weekend during a reception in his honour after emerging as PDP’s National Chairman, said the party is capable of rebuilding Nigeria.

    ” We are capable as a party to rebuild country. Nigeria is a great nation with abundant human and natural resources that we shouldn’t be crying of underdevelopment. I have come to join you to restore peace not just in Benue but Nigeria in general”.

    The former President of the Senate, assured that PDP will take over power with coherent agenda, expressing optimism that between March and April, 2022, APC will be wiped out of Nigeria. ” The level the country has gone down is imaginable”. 

    Continuing, the National Chairman contended that the party is on a rescue mission, even as he Implored leaders of the PDP to go and deliver their Wards. “You must go back to your Wards to make sure you deliver your Wards”, Ayu emphasized.

    He urged Nigerians not to lose hope, assuring better days are coming. ” Do not lose hope just because a small group of people have come to destroy Nigeria. Don’t be afraid of the Federal might, I have a very able team”.

    The PDP National Chairman appreciated God for making it possible for Nigerians to honor Benue. He thanked party’s stakeholders, Nigerians, the people of the state in particular for their support.

    Also speaking, the former Senate President, Sen. David Mark enjoined the people of the state to throw their support behind Dr Ayu. ” The level of responsibility is enormous, his success is our success.” He prayed God to give Ayu the wisdom to lead alright.
     
    In his remarks, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom described Ayu as a man of his words, adding that there would be transparency in nominating party’s candidates ahead of forthcoming general elections.

    ” Our plan is to get our candidates through consensus. There won’t be  imposition of candidates,” he assured. Ends