Politics

George-Ikoli makes final pleas to PDP leaders before gubernatorial primaries

Published

5 years ago

August 28, 2019

By Ifeoma ikem

Leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Anthony George-Ikoli has pushed unity as one of the main issues for the September 3, 2019 governorship primary in which 20 candidates will vie for the party’s flag.

‘’I think it is incumbent upon us as loyal party members to take stock of the current situation, strategically assess its potential fallout and devise a methodology of remediation by walking our way back from our intended goal to the current state of affairs. A situation where individual contestants are seemingly at loggerheads with the establishment to the extent that name calling in the media becomes the order of the day is certainly an avoidable display of our undergarments in the market square. A situation where tapes of internal conversations of party meetings whose purport is an undue skewing of the rules, are leaked into the public domain also adds to the current unsavoriness. There are even now murmurings of injunctive actions to threaten the legality of the nomination process by parties who feel there are manifest incongruities in the process of delegate selection not to mention the threat of spoilers who may want to scuttle the process even when they know they do not have the capacity to go the distance or the ability to provide leadership thereafter’’.

In a letter to PDP leaders in Nigeria, George-Ikoli clarified his position on the September 3, 2019 governorship primaries in Kogi and Bayelsa.

‘’My dear fellow party men and women of the People’s Democratic Party, today I write with quite a heavy heart at the unfolding events leading into our party’s primaries of the 3rd September 2019. It is my experience that the party primary season in a vibrant democracy and within an effervescent and ebullient political party like ours should be a season of intellectual contestation of ideas, a titanic battle of wits and a colorful cornucopia of contestants trying to outdo one another through the deployment of the best in political philosophy, strategy and tact. Sadly, the events leading to the primaries and the undue tension within the party and the state are indeed a cause for concern and urgent remediation’’.

The senior advocate of Nigeria criticized the All Progressives Congress for performing below expectation, painting the PDP as the face of development in Nigeria

‘’Bayelsa and indeed Kogi State in the forthcoming elections must not be the exceptions that buck the current trend of our resurgence, we must work assiduously to deliver victory to our party come November. A PDP leadership in Nigeria despite all its innate idiosyncrasies and shortcomings guarantees an inclusive Nigeria, a PDP leadership guarantees a prosperous Nigeria, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure our party is successful if not for ourselves alone, then for Nigeria’’.

He also questioned the loyalty of some of the aspirants

Already several statements between some of the key stakeholders and aspirants paints a picture of gloom, doom and falling skies – as if we are not all of the same party striving for the same goal of ensuring the PDP retains its rightful place in Bayelsa politics.

The legal celebrity advised the party to further assume its leadership role and work assiduously to calm all frayed nerves.

‘’The party should go over and beyond the assurances it has already provided of a level playing field to proactive engagement of all the stakeholders with the endgame of ensuring the party is united going into November and victory is secured thereafter’’.

Referring to the contributions of Dr Alex Ekwueme and others to the liberation of the country from the shackles of military rule, George-Ikoli appealed to stakeholders to resist the urge to return to the old ways.

‘’Borne out of the G34, a group formed and led by my late illustrious in-law Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme and others; the PDP was a creation of the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of military rule, a movement of national consensus, universal fairness and a platform of republican idealism. Sadly, for a time, a lot of the underlying ideals of the party suffered seemingly fatal erosion, the fallout of which was an untimely reversal of fortune at the center in 2015. Now that the party has reformed itself and refreshed its belief in those founding ethos and the people have shown renewed faith in us as the evidence of the 2019 elections where we were able to claw back several states bear eloquent testimony, it is incumbent upon us as stakeholders of the party to resist the urge to return to the old ways that led to our aforementioned demise. Already our leader, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has sounded a clear warning about the dangers that lie ahead if we do not conduct ourselves in a manner that promotes and is seen to promote the finest traditions of the PDP in our internal and external processes and in our individual and collective conduct’’.

He also appealed stakeholders within the party to put all personal differences aside and work towards a fair and transparent primary that leaves no one in doubt about the outcome, an outcome that ensures that all individual structures willingly collapse themselves into one homogenous unit that will ensure our party’s success at the elections.

‘’Our state is fighting its own contradictions, whilst on the one hand, the outgoing Seriake Dickson (Ofruma Pepe) restoration administration has scored significantly high marks in many areas, and there still exist a specter of apparent dislocation at the micro-level which the opposition will look to feed on in the coming elections. A major thrust of the Ikoli campaign has been our promise to ensure the linkage between the infrastructural achievements of the current government with the needs of the common man at the bottom of the pyramid whilst implementing measures that expand the economic base and potential of the state. Likewise, I take cognizance of the plans of other aspirants and the diligence in regard thereto but note that none of these plans will be realizable if our party falls into opposition after November’’.

Politics

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

Published

7 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

……Preaches All-inclusive Government

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

Ewekoro, 19th of November – The atmosphere was electric as Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay was inaugurated as the new chairman of Ewekoro Local Government in a ceremony marked by hope and celebration. In front of a gathered throng of enthusiastic supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries, Eskay articulated a bold vision for the future, promising to work hand-in-hand with the people to foster development and unity.

In his inaugural speech, Chairman Eskay expressed profound gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of Ewekoro. “This is not just my victory; it is a collective triumph for all of us,” he stated passionately. “Today, we embark on a journey to build a brighter future together, where every voice is heard, and every citizen plays a role in shaping our community.”

Hon. Eskay emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact their lives. “I believe that true leadership lies in collaboration,” he remarked. “My administration will prioritize transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with the people of Ewekoro.”

Central to his vision are initiatives aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure within the local government. Eskay underscored the importance of investing in the youth, assuring parents that his administration would work diligently to provide quality educational opportunities. “Our children are the future of Ewekoro, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive,” he affirmed.

In a direct appeal to political opponents, Hon. Eskay urged them to join his administration in pursuit of progress. “To those in the opposition, I extend an invitation to come aboard the winning team. Let us set aside our differences and work together for the greater good of Ewekoro,” he declared, emphasizing that unity is essential in addressing the challenges faced by the community.

The proposed initiatives received enthusiastic support from attendees, many of whom expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential. “Hon. Eskay has always been a man of the people, and we believe that he will lead us towards a prosperous future,” said a local business leader. “His commitment to inclusivity and community engagement gives us hope.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Hon. Eskay articulated a vision of Ewekoro as a model for local governance, where progress is made through collaboration and shared responsibility. “Together, we can transform Ewekoro into a thriving community that meets the needs of all its citizens,” he concluded.

With a clear mandate and a vision for inclusive governance, Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay embarks on his tenure with the support and hope of the people of Ewekoro, ready to lead them into a new era of development and unity. As the community looks forward to the changes ahead, they remain united in their commitment to building a brighter future together.

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.

Politics

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”