Politics
‘I’m Still An Active APC Member’
Former National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Adams Oshiomhole, says he is still an active member of the party, in spite of his removal from office.
Oshiomhole said this when he spoke with newsmen on the sidelines of the fundraising and investiture of Mrs Victoria Unuoarumi as the 10th President of Rotary Club of Maitama, Abuja.
He said although an Appeal Court had voided his removal from office, he had chosen to sleep on his right on the matter.
“The court judgement was delivered on July 2, 2020 about two weeks after I was removed from office. I decided to make it public because I saw many commentaries suggesting that people were not aware that the case was dismissed. It was over a year that the case was dismissed.
“Initially I was not bothered, but when I saw the way commentators were talking on the issue, I realised that they were apparently not well informed that the case was dismissed.
“I said I should let the world know about it and we published it,” Oshiomhole who was also the chairman of the event said.
He said however, that he had no regret leaving as APC chairman.
“I have no regret leaving as APC chairman.
“Let me repeat what I said shortly after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC was dissolved, when I spoke with journalists then.
“I said then that regardless of the legality or illegality of the issue, I accepted what happened in good faith and I remain committed to doing whatever I can to support the party.
“Am still active in all APC activities and I don’t think that I needed to be a chairman to be of relevance.
“I didn’t join the party to become chairman, I joined in order to form an alternative platform capable of kicking PDP out of power and that objective was achieved.
“It doesn’t matter the way things have gone. The primary purpose was not for me to be APC chairman,” Oshiomhole said.
The former national chairman expressed optimism that Nigeria would hold a hitch-free general elections in 2023.
“I have hope for 2023. God will not forsake a nation of 200 million people in 2023, our democracy has come to stay, although it’s not perfect, a couple of things could be done to strengthen it.
“I believe that God in his infinite mercy will help Nigeria to sustain its democracy and guide us, as we move towards 2023 and the country will go forward.
“I want all of you to realise that I always make this point, because Nigeria is much bigger than the total sum of the problems bedevilling it. So am an optimist, “ he said.
Earlier in her acceptance speech, Unuoarumi promised to strive hard to take the club to the next level.
“I am indeed humbled and immensely grateful to all members of our great club for finding me worthy to serve them. It is with great joy and humility that I accept to serve as the 10th President of our great club.
“As a servant leader, I pledge to work with my fellow teammates and volunteers in selfless service to take our club to the next level,” she said.
The Tide source reports that some distinguished Nigerians were honoured at the event for their numerous contributions towards the development of the country.
They included Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, Dr Ramatu Aliyu, Minister for State for FCT, Dr Edwin Clark, Sen. Sani Ahmed, Chief Lawrence Ojemeni, former FCT Minister Aliyu Modibbo, Chief Sanni Felicia, Dr Joy Okoro and Mr Yusuf Ali.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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