Reps Minority Caucus Vows To Produce Speaker, Screen candidates

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May 9, 2023

The minority caucus of the House of the Representatives has reinstated it’s resolve to make it’s numerical superiority in the incoming Assembly count as it has set up a committee with the responsibility to screen and recommend candidates for leadership positions.

This disclosure was made in a statement in Abuja on Monday, jointly signed by Afam Victor Ogene, Dachung Bogos and Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, spokespersons of a bloc of the minority caucus, known as ‘Greater Majority’, who had earlier insisted that the speaker of the House would come from the minority caucus, as long as it has more members than the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

While Members-Elect from the opposition parties are 183, those of the APC are 177, so they reasoned that history beckons on them to constructively, and creatively, chart the path towards the deepening of the nation’s democracy.

The group among other things, blamed APC’s lack of a united front in the run up to the speakership election, as a motivating factor for it’s decision to go for the top job.

The APC has not been able to reach a consensus in the speakership race as several of it’s members are currently jostling for the position.

A statement by the group said further: “Consequently, and in keeping with it’s resolve in that regard, the “Greater Majority” of the 10th House of Representatives has put together an 11-man Committee – complemented by a chairman and secretary – charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for the Speakership and Deputy Speaker positions.”

The committee would be chaired by a long-standing member of the House of Representatives, the Nicholas Mutu, while another ranking member and caucus leader of the Labour Party, Ogene, has been appointed as Secretary.

Tinubu Can’t Impose House Speaker- APC Lawmaker

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 9, 2023

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The number number of lawmakers opposed to the quest of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to impose the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, is growing by the day.

The APC said on Monday that it has approved Tajudeen Abass from Kaduna State to be Speaker follwoing the approval from President elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The decision of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC appears not to go down with majority of the members who have vowed to worked against the party when it’s time to elect the Speaker.

The National Assembly is expected to be inaugurated on June 6. Less than a month to the inuaguration of the 10th NASS, some aggrieved lawmakers said they were not consulted by the party before reaching the decision, they are planning to chose their own Speaker next month.

According to Bashir Zubair Usman, an APC member from Kaduna State, the decision of the party has polarised many members, who are not happy that they were not consulted before deciding to pick Abass as Speaker.

He said the APC leadership are trying to lord Abass on the House, adding that the party is behaving as if the country is operating a military dictatorship.

Criticising the APC zoning arrangement, the lawmaker who spoke on TVC programme on Tuesday, said it was wrong to zone the position to an individual, noting that what should have been done is to zone the position to a specific zone, while members from that zone are allowed to chose from the same place who will lead them.

According to him, “this is not zoning. This is appointment. It’s against the wishes of thr lawmakers. The party must look carefully in order to give the government of Tinubu a direction.

” We are not in support of that. We call on the NWC to withdraw the statement, and allow us to chose our leaders. We are not under military regime. This is democracy. We are going to elect our leaders in shape Allah.”

Usman said the APC should avoid a repetition of 2015 when Yakubu Dogara emerged the speaker against the wishes of the party, adding that the party does not have the number to impose the leadership in the House of Representatives.

He said his group already have the number to produce the next Speaker.

Figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC show that APC has 177 members-elect, while opposition parties have 188 members-elect.

Meanwhile, watchers of the House are in doubt whether the opposition will be united when it’s time to elect the new speaker for Nigeria’s lower house.

Kaduna: CAN Bemoans Assault On Christians; As Bandits Abduct 40 Worshippers, Emir’s Nine Children

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 9, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has bemoaned the continued onslaught on Christians in Kaduna state noting that Christians in the State are embattled “species” who round the clock are either killed or kidnapped.

CAN disclosed that just last Sunday, no fewer than 40 worshippers were kidnapped at Bege Baptist Church, Madala, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

CAN chairman in Kaduna State, Rev. John Hayab, told newsmen that the incident happened at about 9.30 am when the worshippers were in the service in the church, which is along Buruku Baringi Road.

“The worshippers were in the Sunday service in the church when around 9:30 am they heard gunshots very close to the church. The gunmen attacked the church and went away with 40 worshippers.”

The CAN chairman explained that 15 of the kidnapped congregants managed to escape, while the bandits went away with the remaining 25.

“Along the way, somehow, 15 of the kidnapped persons returned, remaining the rest 25 who are presently in captivity without any word from their abductors.

“Efforts are being made to get in touch with the abductors concerning the remaining people; we pray that the abductors would be merciful to release the remaining 25 back to their families.”.

In another operation, Gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the palace of the Emir of Kagarko in the southern part of Kaduna State, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, and took away nine of his children, grandchildren and three others in the town.

Report said the gunmen stormed the area around 11:15 pm and headed straight to the Emir’s residence.

“They took away his youngest wife, nine children and grandchildren, but the wife escaped and returned back home.”

The gunmen also reportedly took three other persons, including a lady and injured one Audu Kwakulu of Ungwan Pah who is now at the hospital receiving treatment.

UBA: I Gave Elumelu $20m To Acquire Bank- Otedola

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 9, 2023

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For a long time, not many people knew that Femi Otedola was one of the progenitors of the United Bank for Africa, UBA, Africa’s Global Bank.

The Commercial Bank has been synonymous with one person, Tony Elumelu, the stylish Chairman of the bank.

But with the revelations coming out in the ongoing boardroom war between Otedola and Elumelu it is no longer a secet that the former once had a substantial interest in one of the major financial institutions in the country.

According to billionaire Otedola, he gave a whopping $20 million to Elumelu as a seed in investment in the Commercial Bank 18 years ago.

Recall that the former diesel mogul had recently tried to acquire a major stake in Transcorp, a company in which Elumelu is the Chairman and major shareholder, but was rebuffed.

Following the Transcorp saga, Otedola, who many suggested was planning to take over the company from Elumelu has come out with his own side of the story, describing his relationship with the banker as one that has been reeled with betrayal of sort.

Recall that Elumelu had recently described Otedola as ” a friend” while responding to the latter’s botched effort to acquire a substantial share in Transcorp.

But in his first direct response to what some have righly described as the battle for the soul of Transcorp, Otedola said his relationship with Elumelu started in 2015 when the latter approached him to invest in his bank.

He invested $20 million in the Commercial Bank based on Elumelu’s request, he explained.

Since then, according to Otedola, their relationship has not remained the same. He alleged that Elumelu has done everything on his part to attack his interests.

The businessman, in a statement on Tuesday expalined how his relationship with Elumelu turned to a topsy-turvy one after he provided the fund to acquire UBA.

Otedola said: “In 2005, while Tony was the Managing Director of Standard Trust Bank he approached me to get funds to acquire UBA. I enthusiastically gave him $20million, which was N2 billion at that time to buy the necessary shares in UBA for the acquisition.

“After a short period of time the share price moved up and I decided it was a good moment to sell and get out of the bank. However, Tony appealed to me to hold on to the shares as he was convinced that there were future prospects – so I kept the shares.

“I became Chairman of Transcorp Hotel in 2007 with a shareholding of 5% and unknowingly Tony gradually started buying shares quietly.

“By the following year in 2008 I went bankrupt in Nigeria. Tony proceeded to take my shares in UBA to service the interest on my loans and he also took over my shares in Africa Finance Corporation, where I was the largest shareholder.”

Those watching what is going on said Nigerians have not seen the end to the ongoing battle between the two businessmen in their quest to dominate the nation’s business sector. It is the beginning of could be an epic “business war.”

Elumelu Betrayed Me, Otedola Reveals In Ongoing Boardroom War

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 9, 2023

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Femi Otedola has revealed that his relationship with Tony Elumelu has been one of serial betrayal since they first met in 2005.

His aborted quest to take over Transcorp, recently, is seen as part of his effort to pay Elumelu back in his own coin, those watching the boardroom war between the two businessmen think.

Otedola, recently, bought over five percent of the shares of the conglomerate in his quest to become the second largest shareholder in the company.

His move led to suggestions that he was planning to depose Elumelu as the largest shareholder and Chairman.

In a statement Otedola released on Tuesday, the former diesel magnate claimed that he offered to buy the company for N250 billion, but his offer was rejected.

If he had been allowed to purchase the company, the businessman said, he has the potential to take the total value to N 2trillion instead of the current value of N40 billion.

Otedola’s revelation, according to those watching what is going on in the business community, is an indication that he’s unhappy with what transpired between him and Elumelu in their quest to take over the nation’s blue chip company.

Explaining his relationship with Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of United Bank of Africa, Otedola said the former had stabbed him on the back many times.

For instance, he said Elumelu eased him out of UBA as one of the major shareholders after he loaned the former $20 million to start the bank in 2005.

He said Elumelu also quietly bought his shares in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Transcorp Hotel, and others using proxies.

Here, in part, is Otedola ‘s statement which many say is a bombshell that will dominate discussion in the nation’s busy sector for a long time.

“In 2005, while Tony was the Managing Director of Standard Trust Bank, he approached me to get funds to acquire UBA. I enthusiastically gave him $20million, which was N2 billion at that time to buy the necessary shares in UBA for the acquisition.

“After a short period of time the share price moved up, and I decided it is was a good moment to sell and get out of the bank.

However, Tony appealed to me to hold on to the shares as he was convinced that there were future prospects – so I kept the shares.

“I became Chairman of Transcorp Hotel in 2007 with a shareholding of 5% and unknowingly, Tony gradually started buying shares quietly.

“By the following year in 2008, I went bankrupt in Nigeria. Tony proceeded to take my shares in UBA to service the interest on my loans and he also took over my shares in Africa Finance Corporation, where I was the largest shareholder.

“Shortly after, Albert Okumagba informed me that an American firm wanted to acquire my shares in Transcorp, which I then agreed to sell.

“However, this supposed American firm turned out to be Tony Elumelu. The revelation of this prompted me to resign as Chairman of the hotel.

“Years later in 2012, Tony said he wanted to see me so we met in my office where I had previously had a meeting with foreign investors who had not yet departed the premises. Curious to know, he asked what sort of meeting I had had and I disclosed that I wanted to go into the power business, specifically Ughelli Power Plant. Tony quietly went ahead to bid for Ughelli and he outbidded me by offering to buy the plant for $300million.

“And as some would say: the rest is history.

“Fast forward to the present…

“I offered to buy Transcorp Plc for N250 billion, but unfortunately, my offer was rejected. My goal was to maximize the company’s potential as a Nigerian conglomerate with a market cap of at least N2 trillion instead of the current N40 billion, but it seems some shareholders have a different vision.

“As a businessman, I believe in healthy competition and market dynamics. Two captains cannot man a ship, and I respect the majority shareholder’s decision to buy me out. This is the nature of the game.

“But let me be clear: my offer was made with the best intentions for Transcorp Plc and its shareholders. I saw an opportunity to unlock the company’s full potential and create value for everyone involved.

“It’s important for investors to understand that free entry and free exit are crucial to healthy markets. The scramble for shares after my acquisition is a testament to the value that Transcorp Plc can offer, and I hope the company continues to thrive under new leadership.

“My message to Transcorp Plc and its shareholders is this: I remain committed to the growth and success of Nigerian businesses, and I will always be looking for ways to create value for all stakeholders. Stakeholders are unfortunately always shortchanged by getting stipends while the owners and managers of the business live a jet set lifestyle, which is detrimental to the stakeholders.

“Thank you for the opportunity to engage in this exciting chapter of Transcorp’s history.”

Meanwhile, those that know Otedola, who is also the Chairman of Geregu Power, said he’s likely to relaunch his quest to take over Transcorp in the future.

“He’s not the type that chickens out easily. He will fight back soon,” said a close associate and Managing Director of a popular company in Lagos.

must have been part of his effort to pay Elumelu back in his own coin, those watching the boardroom war between the two businessmen said.

Otedola recently bought over five percent of the shares of the conglomerate in his quest to become the second largest shareholders in the company.

His move led to suggestion that he was planning to depose Elumelu as the largest shareholder and Chairman.

In a statement he released on Tuesday, the former diesel magnate claimed that he offered to buy the company for N250 billion, but his offer was rejected, he said.

If he had been allowed to purchase the company, the businessman said he has the potential to take the total value of the company to N 2trillion instead of the current value of N40 billion.

Otedola ‘s revelation, according to those watching what is going on in the business community, is an indication that he’s unhappy with what transpired between him and Elumelu in their quest to take over the nation’s blue chip company.

Explaining his relationship with Elumelu who is also the Chairman of United Bank of Africa, Otedola said the former had stabbed him on the back many times.

For instance, he said Elumelu eased him out of UBA as one of the major shareholders aftr he borrowed the former $20 million to start th3 bank in 2005.

He said Elumelu also silently bought his shares in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, Transcorp Hotel, and others using proxies.

Here is Otedola ‘s statement which many say is a bombshell that will dominate discussion Iin the nation’s busy sector for a long time.

The statement reads in part: “In 2005, while Tony was the Managing Director of Standard Trust Bank he approached me to get funds to acquire UBA. I enthusiastically gave him $20million, which was N2 billion at that time to buy the necessary shares in UBA for the acquisition.

” After a short period of time the share price moved up and I decided it is was a good moment to sell and get out of the bank. However, Tony appealed to me to hold on to the shares as he was convinced that there were future prospects – so I kept the shares.

“I became Chairman of Transcorp Hotel in 2007 with a shareholding of 5% and unknowingly Tony gradually started buying shares quietly.

“By the following year in 2008 I went bankrupt in Nigeria. Tony proceeded to take my shares in UBA to service the interest on my loans and he also took over my shares in Africa Finance Corporation, where I was the largest shareholder.

“Shortly after, Albert Okumagba informed me that an American firm wanted to acquire my shares in Transcorp, which I then agreed to sell. However, this supposed American firm turned out to be Tony Elumelu. The revelation of this prompted me to resign as Chairman of the hotel.

“Years later in 2012 Tony said he wanted to see me so we met in my office where I had previously had a meeting with foreign investors who had not yet departed the premises. Curious to know, he asked what sort of meeting I had had and I disclosed that I wanted to go into the power business, specifically Ughelli Power Plant. Tony quietly went ahead to bid for Ughelli and he outbidded me by offering to buy the plant for $300million.

“And as a some would say: the rest is history.

“Fast forward to the present…

“I offered to buy Transcorp Plc for N250 billion, but unfortunately, my offer was rejected. My goal was to maximize the company’s potential as a Nigerian conglomerate with a market cap of at least N2 trillion instead of the current N40 billion, but it seems some shareholders have a different vision.

“As a businessman, I believe in healthy competition and market dynamics. Two captains cannot man a ship, and I respect the majority shareholder’s decision to buy me out. This is the nature of the game.

“But let me be clear: my offer was made with the best intentions for Transcorp Plc and its shareholders. I saw an opportunity to unlock the company’s full potential and create value for everyone involved.

“It’s important for investors to understand that free entry and free exit are crucial to healthy markets. The scramble for shares after my acquisition is a testament to the value that Transcorp Plc can offer, and I hope the company continues to thrive under new leadership.

“My message to Transcorp Plc and its shareholders is this: I remain committed to the growth and success of Nigerian businesses, and I will always be looking for ways to create value for all stakeholders. Stakeholders are unfortunately always shortchanged by getting stipends while the owners and managers of the business live a jet set lifestyle, which is detrimental to the stakeholders. Thank you for the opportunity to engage in this exciting chapter of Transcorp’s history.”

Meanwhile, those that know Otedola, who is also the chairman of Geregu Power said he’s likely to relaunch his quest to take over Transcorp in the future.

“He’s not the type that chickens out easily. He will fight back soon,” said a close associate and Managing Director of popular company in Lagos.

APC National Working Committee Ratifies Zoning Arrangement Which Favours Akpabio As Senate President

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Despite rising opposition to Godswill Akpabio likely emergence as president of the tenth senate, the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has affirmed the zoning arrangement for the leadership of red chamber.

According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka on Monday, the the zoning arrangement reported to the NWC is as follows: Senate President – South South Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Deputy Senate President – North West-Senator Barau Jubrin (Kano).

Others are Speaker House of Representatives, North West – Hon. Abass Tajudeen (Kaduna), Deputy Speaker South East-Hon. Ben Kalu (Abia).

The announcement of the zoning arrangement according to Morka, followed a meeting on Monday by the NWC to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the President- Elect, Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders on the zoning arrangement for the 10th National Assembly.

He said the NWC called for further and better consultation with necessary stakeholders in order to assure the support of the aspirants to the National Assembly leadership positions and members of the Party nationwide.

The party urged its leaders, members and all Nigerians to continue to work for peace and progress of the country during and beyond the current period of leadership transition.

Among groups and members that have expressed their opposition to Akpabio as senate president are Arewa Consultative Forum, (ACF) senators elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and some south east newly elected senators.

Industrial Court Reverses Gov Obaseki’s Order Banning Union Activities In Tertiary Institutions

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The National Industrial Court, (NICN) sitting in Benin City, Edo state has reversed the decision by Governor Godwin Obaseki to ban union activities in state owned tertiary institutions.

Justice A. A. Adewemimo declared that the June 8, 2022 directive of the Edo State Government which suspended trade unions’ activities in state owned tertiary institutions in Edo State is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

This was contained in his judgement in suit No: NICN/BEN/41/2022 filed by Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) against the Governor of Edo State, Edo State Government and the Attorney General of Edo State as defendants.

Justice Adewemimo held that the suspension order of the state government was an infringement on the rights of members of SSANU, NAAT and NASU as guaranteed by the Constitution and Trade Union Act.

Consequently, the court declared the directive of the Edo State Government, which suspended trade unions’ activities in tertiary institutions in the State, as unconstitutional, illegal, null and void.

Obaseki had on June 8, 2022 directed the suspension of trade unions’ activities in Ambrose Alli University, (AAU) Ekpoma and other state-owned tertiary institutions. The suspension order affected the activities of SSANU, NAAT and NASU in the University.

Vexed by the order, SSANU, NAAT and NASU in a joint suit challenged the legality of the suspension, praying the court to declare that the decision of the Governor Godwin Obaseki to suspend the activities of the unions in the University was not in consonance with the provisions of the Trade Union Act, as amended and, therefore, illegal, unlawful and of no effect whatsoever.

They also prayed the court to declare the action of Governor Obaseki as interference in the affairs of trade unions in the university, even as the unions sought for an order of injunction restraining the governor and others in carrying out the suspension of union activities in the university.

Justice Adewemimo, in the judgment, granted all the prayers sought by SSANU, NAAT and NASU.Industrial Court Reverses Gov Obaseki’s Order Banning Union Activities In Tertiary Institutions

Medical Doctors Shut Down Teaching Hospital In Oyo Over Poor Conditions Of Service

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 8, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

It turned out to be a disappointment and frustration for patients and relations on Monday as Doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, (LAUTTH) Ogbomoso, Oyo State began an industrial action.

The industrial action which is over poor conditions of service, was called by the hospital’s chapter of the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in a statement by its Chairman, Dr Ayobami Alabi and Secretary, Dr Taiwo Alatishe.

According to the statement, the decision was based on a congress resolution arrived at, at the expiration of an ultimatum earlier issued.

The chapter’s MDCAN declared that it has critically observed the situation in the hospital and there was no definite assurance that issues in contention would soon be resolved either partly or wholly.

The association stated that it has made efforts in the past to safeguard the hospital from total collapse and to reposition it for better training, research, and services for which it was established.

It declared as unacceptable the continued non-payment of salaries of its members recently employed, and the “delay and difficulty in payment of 2016 to 2017 salary arrears by the management.”

The association added that some of the other issues in contention were shortage of manpower across the different cadres of doctors, including consultants, specialists across different fields, resident doctors, specialists in training and house officers.

“The prescribed ratio of doctors expected to function in a tertiary hospital is already distorted and highly eroded by this shortfall undermining quality training and service.

“The persistent inability of hospital management to employ doctors and other staff hinged on the excuse of paucity of funds, has led to failure in expanding the scope of training and services.

“There is also decadence in infrastructure, equipment and facilities which is making the hospital to operate below the optimal standard expected of a teaching hospital.”

It listed the poor conditions of service to include lack of basic facilities like offices for consultants and non-response from management in spite of years of appeal.

“The withdrawal of service is done to safeguard the hospital from total collapse and to reposition it for better training, research, and services for which it was established.

“The board of the hospital failed to respond appropriately and satisfactorily to all these challenges over the years despite our various engagements, tolerance and show of understanding.

“This treatment is anti-labour. It is also considered inhumane with the attending psychological and emotional trauma.”

The association further noted that it was becoming impracticable for the hospital’s management to provide basic amenities for effective service delivery.

The MDCAN appealed to the public, traditional rulers, critical stakeholders and the state government to come to the rescue of the teaching hospital to reposition it for better output.

“Justice Wiii Be Served”, Presidential Tribunal Chairman Assures, As Obi Storms Hearing Venue

By

The Source

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May 8, 2023

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Peter Obi at Presiential Election Petition Tribunal

The Presidential Election Tribunal hearing kicked off on Monday, May 8, exactly 73 days after the February 25th election and 69 days after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu declared the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, flag bearer Bola Ahmad Tinubu winner of the election in the wee hours of March 1st, 2023 amid the barrage of complaints from a cross-section of Nigerians including the foremost elder statesman former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi one of the four Presidential candidates that filed petitions was conspicuously present in court at the commencement of a hearing by a five-member Panel of Justices led by Justice Haruna Simon Tasmani, with Justices Stephen Adam, BM Ugo, Bolaji Yusuf, and AB Muhammad.

Before the case was adjourned to Wednesday, May 10, the counsels exchanged filing of applications on pre-hearing issues.

The presiding Justice Tasamani assured all the parties that Justice will be served.

The LP standard bearer was accompanied to the court by the National Chairman of the Party Bar Julius Abure and other National officers of the party as well as Senator-elect for Anambra Central Senator Victor Umeh.

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate is seeking that the court declare him as the proper winner of the February 25 Presidential election among other demands.

In their separate response, counsels to the President-Elect, Wole Olanikpekun; Atiku Abubakar, Chris Uche, Peter Obi, and Livy Uzoukwu, all assured the court of their full cooperation and support in ensuring a speedy hearing and determination of the case.

Senate Presidency: South-east Senators-elect Rise In Anger; Tackles Tinubu Over Akpabio

By

Akinwale Kasali

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May 8, 2023

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Ifeanyi Ubah and Orji Uzor Kalu and Izunaso

By Akinwale Kasali

Senators-elect from the South-east Region are angry. They are upset over what they say is glaringly that the incoming All Progressives Congress, APC, Federal Government, to be led by President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has no plans to accomodate their Zone in the leadership of Nigeria. The Senators-elect say that the Zone has gradually, but surely, been marginalised in the scheme of of leadership come May 29, 2023, the take-off date of the new Government.

What pains them most is the office of the Senate President which is slipping out of their hands. Not a few people, including majority of the Igbo, had thought that the APC, seeing the dicey situation in the country, would Zone the office to it – for balance, for fairness, for justice. They took it for granted.

So, about three of the Zone’s sons – Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, currently the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Osita Izunaso, newcomer, Engr. Dave Umahi- threw their hats in. They went lobbying every who-is-who, including President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Bola Tinubu to weigh in on their behalf.

While mum was the word from Buhari who has become a lame duck, not so from Tinubu. He dumped the South-east for the position and pitched his net with the South-south.

It was the Governor of Kano State, a close associate of Tinubu, who informed Nigerians that the immediate past Minister of the Niger Delta, who was a two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio, will be the Senate President. Aghast, many wondered how, and what had become of the South-east which took the office for granted as compensation for its long political marginalisation, especially, since 2015, under the APC Government.

They waited to see if Tinubu would debunk Ganduje’s statement.

But no.

Instead, one of their own, Umahi, stepped down for Akpabio and informed that President-elect, Tinubu, invited him and asked him to step down for Akpabio. Umahi then added: “Akpabio is my consensus candidate.”

Shocked, the Senators-elect from the Zone, across Party lines, including Kalu and Izunaso, except Umahi and four others, have risen in anger.

At a meeting in Abuja on Sunday, 6th May, 2023, they decried the brazen marginalisation of the South-east in the arrangement of political offices in the incoming Government. They bemoaned the fate of the Zone. They rejected the apparent endorsement of Akpabio by Tinubu and the APC leadership. They said, everything considered, the office should go to the South-east. They called on Tinubu to quickly correct the bewildering situation. And, among other reasons, decided that they would vote for any candidate from the Zone on the day of the inauguration of the National Assembly.

Following is full the text of the Communique read at the end of the meeting by its Convener, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, Anambra, of the Young Peoples Party, YPP.

“We have observed with dismay the antics of some persons with vested selfish interest, who have planted themselves around the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and have vowed to shut down the South-east from the Senate Presidency of the 10th Senate.

“Beyond ethnic and religious considerations, in the forthcoming 10th Senate, the South-east have been blessed with top ranking Senators, including members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who have the capacity, competence, influence, experience and political followership to pilot the affairs of the Red Chamber.

“It becomes imperative that the All Progressives Congress, APC, uphold the principle of electoral justice and equity which it preaches, founded on Zoning the seat of the Senate to the SouthEast Region.

“The President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should extend the same democratic opportunity he received from the outgoing administration which gave all aspirants equal opportunities to exercise their fundamental human rights during the APC Presidential Primaries.

“He should be conscious of the implication of zoning and choosing and endorsing a consensus candidate from the South-south without any regard for the South-east. Such a move will no doubt serve as a recipe for injustice which will culminate in restiveness.

“We implore the President Elect to be sensitive to the times in Nigeria and ensure that the country continues to thrive on equity, fairness and unity on the tripod of Nigeria that includes, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and otthe geo political Zones.

“The country is already divided among ethnic and religious lines due to the exclusion of the South-east Region which formed the major reasons the APC received the amount of votes from the South-east. The incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu must correct the anomalies by making sure that the South-east is given the opportunity to produce the next Senate President.

“With the sidelining of the South-east from producing the Presidential Candidates of the major political parties before the General Election, the only means in which the Region can be compensated and given a sense of belonging is by zoning the Senate Presidency to the region.

“This will restore confidence into the people of the South- east geo’political zone and indeed all Nigerians in the unity of the country.

“The APC must rise above primordial and political interest and shun the winner takes-all syndrome and pursue ethno-religious inclusivity and have a strong viral progressive, prosperous and equitable nation.

“Mr President-elect, how will every Igbo Man feel after experiencing and having evidence of total discrimination?

“The South- east has been denied to produce a President since 1966. The South-south has produced a President for six Years and also produced a Deputy Senate President in the outgoing administration.

“The only Zone in the South that has not been favoured is the South-east. The outcry of marginalization of the South-east and the entire Igbo must be addressed by the incoming administration other than aggravating it.

“The South-west has President, the North-east has Vice President. It is only just that the least position that can assuage the South east is by giving it a chance to be the Senate President in the 10th Senate.

“On this note, we have collectively resolved that we will support the South-east aspirant of the APC. We are committed, and we have expanded negotiations with all well-meaning Senators- elect to rally round the South-east to ensure that the peace and unity of the country prevails.

“We remain hopeful that together, we will achieve a harmonious 10th Senate deepening the democracy, fairness and unity for our dear country.

“The Comminique was signed by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator P.C Ndubueze, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Senator Okey Ezea”

Recall that President-elect, Tinubu, pointedly, excluded the Igbo from the membership of the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee.