Politics

Kogi PDP primaries: Crisis rocks party as Ibrahim Idris imposes sons, aides as candidates

Published

6 years ago

August 22, 2018

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State is gradually driving itself into fresh crisis following sinister moves by a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to impose his family members and aides as candidates on the electorates.

News filtering out indicates that Alhaji Idris, who is also the leader of the party in Kogi State has perfected plans to install his sons, aide as the sole candidates to fly the flag of the party during the 2019 general elections. This is coming barely a few weeks to the PDP primaries, making any plans to hold the primaries a mere formality.

As it stands, mass defection is imminent in the state as the party leader has vowed to impose his son, Abubakar Idris as the governorship candidate and Mohammed Audu as Kogi East Senatorial District candidate of the party. Mohammed Audu is son of the late Abubakar Audu, another former governor of the state and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the November 2015 gubernatorial election in the state.

Another of Alhaji Idris’ son, Mohammed, is said to be vying for the House of Representatives again. Interestingly, Mohammed was a House of Reps member while the father was governor of the state. He (Mohammed) lost the primary election in his second attempt despite the fact his father was a sitting governor showing Alhaji Idris’ growing unpopularity.

Some respected stakeholders of the PDP in the state are already crying blue murder, describing Alhaji Idris’ moves as a wicked plot to run the party aground in that the rival All Progressives Congress is waiting in the wings to poach all the key leaders who are piqued by this new development. The sinister arrangement, according to them, is without regard or respect for other party stakeholders.

One of the party leaders who does not want his name mentioned said, “We are all aware of Alhaji Idris’ underground moves, but I can assure you it won’t stand. PDP is not a family business as such he cannot run the party as his own.”

“We will block any attempts to make the party a one-man business in Kogi State. If it succeeds, we will all move to another party where they consider us useful.”

“Alhaji Idris is one of those who destroyed the party this much. I think enough is enough.”

However, our reporter was informed that Alhaji Idris has sworn that he would withdraw all financial supports from the party if he does not have his way, and that is, seeing his candidates bear the party flags in the respective positions.

Recall that Mohammed Audu, who is being positioned to fly the Kogi East Senatorial District flag of the PDP was accused recently by the police of breeding political thugs alongside the senator representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye ahead of the 2019 general elections. Two political thugs paraded in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital by the Nigeria police had named Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu as their major sponsors.

An aggrieved party source said: “Can you imagine that, Mohammed Audu who is coming in to the party with a lot of baggage, that guy is not worth anything in Igalaland again. His father even kept him a bay when he was alive.”

“Mohammed has so many cases against him including that of gun running; Is that the kind of character the PDP should be romancing? I thought the leadership of the party have learnt their lessons from the last defeat and would need a breathe of fresh air to propel the fortunes of the party.” The source squealed.

Politics

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Edo LG Chairmen Reject Suspension, Urge Adherence to Court Judgments

By Ifeoma Ikem

Edo State local government chairmen have denounced their alleged suspension by the State House of Assembly as illegal, urging the governor and lawmakers to respect court rulings affirming their tenure and authority.

On December 17, reports emerged that the Assembly suspended all 18 council chairmen and their deputies following Governor Monday Okpebholo’s petition alleging gross misconduct and insubordination. The petition cited Section 10(1) of the Edo State Local Government Law (2000) as its basis.

However, the chairmen, through their legal counsel, Ogaga Ovrawah (SAN), contend that this provision had been declared unconstitutional in a judgment by the Edo State High Court in Suit No. B/257OS/2024. The court established the chairmen’s tenure as a three-year term commencing September 4, 2023.

The council leaders also referenced a Supreme Court judgment voiding state governors’ and assemblies’ authority to interfere with local government administration. They emphasized that their suspension contradicts existing judicial rulings and remains a legal nullity.

A recent interim order from the Edo High Court further restrained the government from obstructing the councils’ operations, assets, and funds. Despite being served notices of these judgments, the chairmen argue that the governor and assembly acted in defiance of the judiciary.

The embattled chairmen called for the governor to withdraw his request to the Assembly and for the lawmakers to rescind their resolution, warning of potential constitutional crises if the orders are ignored.

They urged security agencies to enforce court rulings, safeguard local government properties, and ensure the continuity of governance.

“The rule of law must prevail,” they stated, pledging to remain committed to their constitutional duties.

Politics

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Published

20 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kaduna Governor Uba Sani Restores Abacha Family Lands Revoked by El-Rufai

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has reinstated two parcels of land in Kaduna city to the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. The lands had been revoked two years earlier by former governor Nasir El-Rufai.

The reinstated properties include one at No. 9 Abakpa GRA, Kaduna, measuring 2,284 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 30575), and another at No. 1 Degel Road, Ungwan Rimi GRA, Kaduna, measuring 3,705 square meters (Certificate of Occupancy No. 11458).

Reuben Atabo (SAN), the Abacha family’s lawyer, disclosed that the lands were initially revoked in 2022 under Governor El-Rufai’s administration, citing contraventions of terms under the Land Use Act of 1978. The state government had published a notice on April 28, 2022, announcing the revocation of various plots, with Sani Abacha’s name listed as No. 34 among affected title holders.

In response, Atabo filed lawsuits at the Kaduna State High Court, seeking to address the embarrassment caused to the Abacha family name and pursue other claims.

Governor Uba Sani, in two letters dated December 10, 2024, reinstated the titles to the Abacha family through Mustapha Haruna, Deed Registrar, on behalf of the Director General of Kaduna Geographic Information Service (KADGIS). The letters, addressed to Mohammed Sani Abacha via the family’s legal counsel, required the title holders to pay outstanding ground rent fees.

The move marks a reversal of El-Rufai’s decision and restores ownership of the disputed lands to the Abacha family.

Politics

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Published

4 days ago

December 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kano Governor’s Aide Claims Fortification Against Arrest

Sanusi Bature, the Director General of Media and Communication to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has claimed he is fortified to resist police arrest. Bature made this declaration on Saturday while addressing attendees at the PR Nigeria Young Communication Fellowship in Kano.

The governor’s aide revealed that he spent five days taking refuge at the Kano State Government House to evade arrest by the police. He alleged that at least 40 officers from the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Team were deployed to Kano with the specific mandate of apprehending him.

Bature stated that he remained within the Government House due to the constitutional immunity it provides, which prevents law enforcement from effecting arrests within its premises without the governor’s permission.

“I obtained a court order restraining the police from arresting me,” he explained, adding that the document, though not yet served to the police, had circulated widely. “I’m confident they must have seen it,” he said.

Despite the looming threat of arrest, Bature insisted on attending the event, citing three key reasons.

“Firstly, I felt it was important to be part of this event, even if it meant being arrested,” he said.
“Secondly, the court order gives me some legal cover, and lastly, I ventured out with confidence because I am well fortified to resist arrest if it happens.”

According to Bature, the arrest attempt stemmed from a petition that he claimed was being handled directly by the Inspector General of Police. He, however, did not disclose the nature of the allegations against him.

While addressing the gathering, Bature reiterated his belief in his legal protections and expressed confidence in his ability to navigate the situation.

The episode highlights the ongoing tensions between political figures and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. It also raises questions about the use of immunity provisions and court orders to counteract police actions.