news
APC Crisis: Tinubu, Akande boycott party’s NEC meeting
Some leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, including a former governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Tinubu, and the party’s former interim chairman, Bisi Akande, boycotted the party’s meeting Friday, raising concerns the party may be nowhere near resolving a leadership crisis that has nearly derailed its new government.
Messrs Tinubu and Akande, amongst the party’s most influential leaders, stayed away from the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, governors and federal lawmakers.
Top on the agenda of the meeting was the crisis rocking the party since the election of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara were elected to the two offices respectively, against the wish of the party.
The two leaders also discarded the party’s nominees for the remaining principal offices.
The crisis has polarised the APC, with a faction supporting Messrs Saraki and Dogara, and another backing the party’s leadership and Messrs. Tinubu.
Pressed on the absence of Messrs Tinubu and Akande, the spokesperson of the party, Lai Mohammed said invitation to the meeting was at the discretion of the national working committee of the APC, or its executive committee.
He said the leaders were not members of the party’s exco, as such, it was the discretion of the APC working committee to decide who to invite.
Mr. Mohammed did not provide clear answers when reminded by a reporter that identification tags for Mr. Tinubu had been seen at the venue of the meeting.
It was confirmed that Mr. Tinubu was in the country as of Friday.
Before the closed-door session of Friday’s meeting, Mr. Buhari appealed to APC members to respect the supremacy of the party and allow the “system to work”.
After the meeting, Mr. Mohammed said the NEC provided an enabling environment to look into ways of resolving the National Assembly “logjam”.
He said all sides had agreed that the party was supreme, and must be respected.
“Also, it is important to let you know that everybody in the party is united on two issues which are party supremacy and the need to ensure that this government deliver its campaign promises,” Mr. Mohammed said.
Asked if recognising the supremacy of the party implied that the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives would adopt the nominees of the party as principal officers, Mr. Mohammed said talks were continuing.
“The president said he believes in party supremacy, we have a problem on our hands and we must find the best means to resolve it. One thing I can assure you is that, this house (the APC) shall not fall,” he said.
Asked to comment on when to draw a line between party supremacy and the sanctity of the Nigerian Constitution in the selection of principal officers at the National Assembly, Mr. Mohammed said “the less said about this logjam the better it’ll be not for only this party but the whole nation”.
“It is for the interest of everyone who voted for change. I would not want to go into the nitty-gritty of what the resolution will be because as I speak for now I don’t know. When you talk about party’s supremacy, it is derived from the constitution,” he said.
The governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, who is also the chairman of the APC governors’ forum, said he was confident the crisis facing the party was almost over.
“Many people think that there will be problems between APC members at this meeting. But I am assuring Nigerians that we have met and discussed what affects all of us and we have understood ourselves,” he said. “We have also reiterated our support and loyalty to our leadership.”
premium times
news
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria
By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.
Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.
“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”
Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.
As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.
In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.
As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal
…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets
Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.
To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.
“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.
In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”
According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.
Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.
Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.
- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) honours Ugandan troops for contributions to Somalia’s stability December 23, 2024
- Agreement in principle reached on Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment December 23, 2024
- Siraj Finance PJSC signs an agreement with Azentio for iMAL core and digital financial services solution subscription optimization December 23, 2024
- European Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt December 23, 2024
- Visit of Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri to Mauritius (December 20-22, 2024) December 23, 2024
- Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia: Pastoral message for Advent, December 2024 December 22, 2024
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Applauds Egypt’s Milestone Achievement in Medicines and Vaccine Regulation December 22, 2024
- Viewing of State House Christmas Decorations Attracts Record Crowd December 22, 2024
- Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan hold 4th Tripartite Technical Boundary Committee Meeting in Kampala December 22, 2024
- Eritrea: Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare Activity Assessment Meeting December 22, 2024
- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) honours Ugandan troops for contributions to Somalia’s stability December 23, 2024
- Agreement in principle reached on Agreement between Japan and the Republic of Zambia for the Promotion and Protection of Investment December 23, 2024
- Siraj Finance PJSC signs an agreement with Azentio for iMAL core and digital financial services solution subscription optimization December 23, 2024
- European Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt December 23, 2024
- Visit of Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri to Mauritius (December 20-22, 2024) December 23, 2024
- Catholic Bishops Conference of Ethiopia: Pastoral message for Advent, December 2024 December 22, 2024
- The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Applauds Egypt’s Milestone Achievement in Medicines and Vaccine Regulation December 22, 2024
-
Entertainment6 months agoAkanke Amororo: The New Yoruba Movie Everyone Is Talking About + Why People Are Rushing To YouTube To See It
-
Politics7 months agoGov Fubara And One Year of His Signature in Rivers By Nath Odili
-
Business7 months agoFIRSTBANK WINS 2024 BEST SME BANK IN NIGERIA AND BEST SME BANK IN AFRICA BY ASIAN BANKER AWARDS
-
Business5 months agoPROFILE: JESSICA AMARACHI OKU BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
You must be logged in to post a comment Login