Connect with us

News

2019: Dogara, Lasun Absent At APC’s NEC Meeting …Party Heading For A Crash – Party Chieftain

Published

8 years ago

on

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and his Deputy, Suleiman Lasun were conspicuously absent from yesterday’s National Executive Committee meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two are currently the highest ranking members of the party in the legislature, following the decision of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to dump the party to join the opposition.
Saraki’s Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu is a member of the PDP.
Although the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole related their apologies to the meeting, party watchers note that Dogara and Lasun were among top party leaders who have at one point or another, voiced their displeasure with the happenings within the party.
Lasun was particularly unhappy with the direct method adopted for the Osun governorship primary, which he participated in and lost.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress, APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), yesterday adopted direct primary election to select its presidential candidate for the 2019 elections.
The party also adopted an indirect primary for other elective positions like the governorship position.
The party adopted processes during its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at its national secretariat in Abuja.
Disclosing the development to newsmen, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong said states must inform the National Working Committee NWC of the party if they wish to hold indirect primaries.
Those present at the meeting included the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and the national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu.
Others were governors and other party chieftains.
In a related development, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and immediate former Adviser to Governor Abubakar of Bauchi State on Special Duties, Alhaji Sani Mallam has stated that the party is heading for a crash ahead of the 2019 elections.
He stated that this would happen if the ruling party failed to conduct its primary election through the congress system.
Mallam told newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday that aggrieved APC supporters were waiting for the final outcome on the debate from yesterday’s NEC meeting after which they would decide whether to dump the party or stay.
He said, “We are patiently waiting to hear the final decision of APC’s NEC on the possibility of congress primary election which is being agitated for as the best way to producing credible candidates for the party come 2019, which most APC governors seem to kick against because of their personal interest.”
Mallam maintained that the APC as a party has placed itself under a litmus test on the possibility of surviving its internal challenges ahead of the 2019 election.
The party chieftain blamed APC’s woes on party leaders’ impunity and lack of internal democracy by the leaders whose personal interest is supreme
“The situation in APC currently is the same as that of a pregnant woman especially if the party refuses to agree on a congress primary. Should that be the case, APC supporters may definitely dump the party for the opposition,” he warned.
The APC chieftain, therefore, advised the party’s NWC and NEC to reconsider the demands of its members on congress primary or risk losing supporters at the 2019 elections.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

Published

5 days ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

Continue Reading

News

Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

Published

5 days ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
Continue Reading

News

Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

Published

5 days ago

on

May 29, 2026

By

The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending