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APC National Convention hope dashed as committee secretary resigns
The Secretary of the National Convention Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ben Nwajumogu, has resigned his appointment.
He confirmed earlier speculations that he quit the job late on Friday at a news conference with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Nwajumogu cited domestic issues as the reasons for his decision explaining that although he was no longer the committe’s secretary, he remained a member of the 240-member panel.
In his place, the National Working Committee of the APC announced the appointment of the Chairman of the Board of Niger Delta Development Commission, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, as his replacement. The National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed this development in a telephone interview with SUNDAY PUNCH.
Abdullahi confirmed that the NWC had received and accepted Nwajumogu’s resignation and named Ndoma-Egba as his replacement.
However, findings by SUNDAY PUNCH revealed that Nwajumoga was asked to step down following pressure from the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.
A top-ranking party leader privy to what transpired behind the scenes told our correspondent in confidence that the governor “practically relocated to Abuja” to mount pressure on the party leaders and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
The source stated, “Rochas (Okorocha) was behind it. He went about calling for the man’s (Nwajumogu) removal. He went to the Vice President and came to our chairman to say the man is his problem.
“He put pressure on the VP and our chairman, insisting that the secretary, who he said had not hidden his dislike for him, should be removed. The governor even requested that he should be allowed to nominate someone else from Imo.
“The chairman put his feet down and said the position was not zoned to Imo State. Our chairman also insisted that the secretary be given a ‘dignified exit’ and be allowed to resign instead of an announcement of a replacement.
“The committee secretary agreed to step down in the interest of the party. That was how a quick search, which was done in consultation with relevant stakeholders, was carried out overnight and Senator Ndoma-Egba from Cross Rivers State was given the challenge.”
In response to a question as to whether, he was indeed asked to resign as part of an agreement to pacify Okorocha, Nwajumogu denied the charge.
He admitted that there was no love lost between him and the governor, saying it was nothing personal and that the governor had always threatened to leave the APC if things were not done his way.
Nwajumogu said, “I heard he threatened to leave the party if his position was not taken… This started more than two weeks ago and it is just a coincidence because I had made up my mind to leave.
“I am just hoping that now that I have left, my governor, Rochas Okorocha, returns to Imo and spend more time to attend to the various issues that he has created for himself.”
He said stakeholders of the APC in Imo State were opposed to Okorocha’s leadership style based on principles.
Nwajumogu stated, “Our opposition to that is something that is based on principle; based on the fact that 95 per cent of Imo citizens and indeed south-easterners are not happy with what is happening in Imo State.
“It is very clear today that this is no longer an Imo issue but a South-East issue. It is very clear now that the entire South-East has lost confidence in the leadership of Rochas Anayo Okorocha and all we are saying is that Nigerians should take note that we no longer have him as our leader.”
He also insisted that he left on his own volition because he took the decision to enable him to attend to his obligations to his family, adding that no one forced him to resign.
According to him, whatever decision a politician takes there are “political consequences.”
On his resignation, he stated, “Yesterday, I tendered my resignation as the Secretary of the APC Convention Planning Committee and the resignation was accepted last night by the national chairman of the party.
“The reason why I resigned primarily is that when I was appointed, the date for the national convention, as we were informed, was to be on May 14.
“Eventually, that date was moved to June 2 and there were hopes that the convention would hold between June 2 and 9. However, the date has now been moved to June 23 and it will conflict with my family activities and responsibilities.
“For example, two of my children are graduating from a university in England within this month and I have a responsibility to be there and I have some other jobs at hands too. So, I decided that since I won’t have the time for this convention, I should resign so that the position can be given to somebody who has the time.”
According to him, the committee has only received N13m from the party. This, according to him, was what was used to pay for hotel bills, office equipment for the secretariat and other activities so far carried out by the committee.
He described some media reports that he was sacked for misappropriation of funds as the handiwork of mischief makers.
In response to a question on controversies surrounding the membership of the committee, Nwajumogu said party stakeholders across board nominated some of the members of the committee.
He said, “We have a total of about 20 members for each committee and the committees are 12. That makes it 240 members. In that regard, the NWC sent about 108 people to the committee. We got nominations from different groups.
“The Buhari Support Organisation, the Buhari Campaign Organisation, the wife of the President and various interest groups in the APC, including the diaspora organisations, and of course, there is no way I will be a member and the Secretary of the National Convention Committee and I will not have nominees in the convention.
“I brought about 18 members of my own which was granted to me and approved by the national convention chairman. Some of my nominees are Yoruba, northerners and Igbo.
But Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the Chief Press Secretary to Okorocha, said the ex-convention secretary should look elsewhere for the reasons why he was removed.
He added, “What else would he (Nwajumogu) have said? He knows what removed him.
“They came from a political party that believes in manipulating everything; and certain offices require high level of decency. They are not meant for vampires.
“And if he insists that the governor did it, we won’t also regret that because the same governor took him to the Senate and he is today Eneke, the bird.”
Also speaking on the reasons behind Nwajumogu’s resignation, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said it was the ex-secretary’s personal decision which he said must be respected.
He said, “To the best of my knowledge, the reasons he gave were personal and the National Working Committee has appointed somebody else, Senator. Victor Ndoma-Egba.”
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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.
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