Senator Okorocha speaks on working against Igbo lawmakers in Reps Speakership race

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Senator Okorocha speaks on working against Igbo lawmakers in Reps Speakership race

 

Senator representing Imo West District in the National Assembly, Rochas Okorocha, has denied involvement in the intrigues that denied Southeast the House of Representatives speakership.

Recall that Emeka Nwajiuba, lawmaker for Ehime Mbano/Ihiteuboma/Obowo federal constituency, had accused the former governor of working against Igbo lawmakers in the speakership race. 

Reacting in a statement yesterday, Okorocha’s Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, not only denied the allegation but queried how Nwajiuba arrived at the conclusion.

The statement read: “Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba of the Accord Party (AP) has, for some days now, done a lot of publications in the media accusing the former governor of the state and the senator representing Imo West, Rochas Okorocha, of being responsible for the loss of the speakership of the House of Representatives by the Southeast.

“Nwajiuba, however, did not state how he arrived at that faulty conclusion, except his contention that the former governor did not allow primaries to take place for the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 election.

“He did not also explain how, because it was the national headquarters of the party that handled the primaries of APC in the state, both the one Ahmed Gulak truncated and the second exercise.”

The Senator said it was unimaginable for him to have supported Nwajiuba for position of House of Representatives’ Speaker.

“It would have been unimaginable to believe that the president would adopt a member of Accord Party for such position, no matter the relationship, and even when his matter is at the Appeal Court.

“So, accusing Rochas Okorocha of being behind his failure to succeed with his name-dropping strategy this time was just a cover-up,” the statement added.

 

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9th Assembly: Reps members speak on Gbajabiamila ‘buying’ votes with green cards

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9th Assembly: Reps members speak on Gbajabiamila ‘buying’ votes with green cards

A group of lawmakers have spoken up over accusation of vote buying against the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila

We reported that a House of Representatives group, G7, are seeking legal redress over alleged proof of vote-buying and gross impunity by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Sani Omolori.

Omolori, who supervised the June 11 election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives, is being accused of having condoned impunity among the lawmakers.

Making references to photographic images and video evidence being released to back up their claims, the group asserted that they are only embarking on a principled struggle, adding that while the members have no personal grudges against any person or political party, they will not condone any illegitimacy in the election of the person or persons who will lead the House of Representatives.

But, reacting, a House of Representatives member Khadijah Bukar Abba on Monday said that Gbajabiamila did not induce his colleagues financially to vote for him.

Abba, the acting spokesman of the House, spoke shortly after the inauguration of four adhoc committees by the Speaker on Monday.

Also Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, who stood in for the ad Committee Chairman, said Gbajabiamila had no reason to induce any lawmaker as he worked hard enough to deserve the seat.

Ihonvbere said: “For us, we have conducted a democratic election that was held and aired live. At the end, winners emerged and we all witnessed the losers congratulating the winner on the floor.

“To us as a House, everything is now in the past and we are focused on the serious legislative business we are are here to carry out, to make the House and the country better.

“As far as we are concerned, nobody received money, nobody was enticed to vote. As a matter of fact, no one campaigned intensely robust more than Gbajabiamila, and it went beyond the call of duty to explain what he has to offer.

“At times he went to parts of the country with over 120 lawmakers, with that kind of work, he needed to buy no vote”.

 

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Reps inauguration: How sacked member was ‘smuggled into Green Chambers’ – Imo group

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Reps inauguration: How sacked member was ‘smuggled into Green Chambers’ – Imo group

 

A rights Advocacy Group, the Abba Fourth Force (Abba4thForce) has condemned what it called the admission of a non-member into the Green Chambers of House of Representatives to participate in the election process of leaders of the 9th Assembly.

The group which addressed newsmen in Owerri, the Imo State capital maintained that two court orders from the Federal High Court (FHC/OW/CS/25/2019) and the Appeal Court (CA/OW/204M/2019) had sacked Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo of the APC and had ordered that a Certificate of Return be presented to Hon. Kingsley Echendu of the PDP in his place, as the duly elected member representing Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency at the House of Representatives.

The leader of the group, Njoku MacDonald Obinna expressed shock that in spite of the overwhelming judicial pronouncements on the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency seat, the management of the Green Chambers at the time, failed to do the needful.

He said this resulted into allowing the sacked Ozuruigbo into the Assembly for the inauguration of the House of Representatives.

He said: “For everyone who followed proceedings during the House of Representative’s inauguration, it was obvious that Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo name was missing from the roll call of Imo legislators. If not for the fact that he was seen wielding an oath of allegiance certificate, we would have ignored him because he was not listed in the roll call of members to be inaugurated.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly had all been served copies of rulings and we believed they had done the needful, so it was a rape of justice to have allowed Ozuruigbo to be smuggled into the Green Chambers in spite of the orders of court.”

He called on INEC to hasten the process and immediately present a Certificate of Return to the validly elected Hon. Kingsley Echendu in line with the order of courts.

Njoku stressed: “As a group, we frown at this development and as a people, the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency feels exploited and deprived of their choice of representative as duly expressed through the ballots.

“Nevertheless, we understand the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to be a lawyer of repute who would not be found promoting illegality; we also appreciate the chaotic nature of the proceedings that may have given room to the oversight that led to Ozuruigbo appearing in the chambers. It is our expectation that forthwith, such lacuna would be plugged by the new leadership of the House.”

He called on members of the Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba federal constituency to discountenance such unethical pranks by failed politicians as justice will soon be served.

 

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Okorocha finally sworn in as Senator

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Okorocha finally sworn in as Senator

 

The immediate past governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha has eventually been sworn in as Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.

The Senate President, Ahmed Lawan conducted the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the upper legislative chambers.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had issued Certificate of Return to Okorocha a few days ago.

INEC obeyed the directive of the court after its management meeting on Tuesday.

We reported on Friday that the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered INEC to issue Certificate of Return to Okorocha as the duly elected Senator representing Orlu, Imo West Senatorial district.

Justice Okon Abang ruled that the decision to deprive Okorocha of the certificate was “lawless”.

Abang held that only the returning officer of INEC had the constitutional authority to declare a winner.

 

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9th Assembly: Boroffice withdraws from Deputy Senate Presidency race

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9th Assembly: Boroffice withdraws from Deputy Senate Presidency race

 

Ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration of the National Assembly, front-line contender for the position of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, has withdrawn from the race.

In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi, stated that “in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari”, Senator Borofice steps down for another contender for the position.

It was gathered that the decision was rectified last night at the caucus meeting of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senators-elect.

A source however disclosed that the third-term senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District stepped down for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State.

The press statement issued on Monday read, “Some weeks ago, Distinguished Senator (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroffice, OON declared intention, through letters addressed to Senators-elect, to seek the office of Deputy Senate President. The intention to contest was anchored on the deep conviction that with his excellent public service record, rich legislative experience and personality, he has the best credentials for the position.

“Consequently, he embarked on extensive consultations with party leaders, senators-elect and political groups. Indeed, everybody that was consulted agreed that he is eminently qualified to seek the office of Deputy Senate President.

“Instructively, majority Senators-elect have assured the senator of their support and the prospect of victory is high.

“However, in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice has decided to withdraw from the race.

“For the support and solidarity, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice is grateful to Senators-elect. He is humbled by the warm embrace and great display of camaraderie.

“We appreciate the people of Ondo North senatorial district and our friends across the country for the prayers, support and goodwill messages.

“For the far-reaching endorsements, steadfastness and unflinching support, gratitude goes to all concerned political groups across the country especially, the APC Young Stakeholders group, the Women for Buhari and Osinbajo group, and the Ondo APC Youth League,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the stepping down of Borofice has reduced the number of aspirants jostling for the Deputy Senate President’s position.

Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Francis Alimikhena and Ovie Omo-Agege have shown interest in becoming the Deputy Senate President of the ninth Senate.

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9th Assembly: APC announces preferred candidate for Deputy Senate Presidency, Deputy Speakership

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9th Assembly: APC announces preferred candidate for Deputy Senate Presidency, Deputy Speakership

 

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege for the position of Deputy Senate President of the 9th National Assembly.

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC held in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu said that the meeting also endorsed Malam Muhammed Wase as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He added that the decision was taken after consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari, party stakeholders, and APC state governors.

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9th Senate: Fulani herdsmen endorse Sen. Ahmed Lawan

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9th Senate: Fulani herdsmen endorse Sen. Ahmed Lawan

 

Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has endorsed the candidature of Senator Ahmed Lawan as the next Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This was made known in a statement issued on Saturday in Damaturu by the National President of the Association, Khalil Mohammed Bello where he said the endorsement was based on Senator Lawan’s track of records and year’s of serving humanity.

“He (Senator Ahmed Lawan) has a genuine concern for the development of both livestock and arable farming in the country.

“For example in the year 2017, Dr. Ahmed Lawan spent millions of naira in procurement of animal vaccines and freely vaccinated 2 millions head of Cattle in Yobe State and he did same to help arable farmers in Yobe North Senatorial District.

“The free animal vaccination was the first of its kind in Yobe State done by an individual legislator”, the National President explained.

He added that, Senator Lawan has brought many physical developmental projects, such as provision of portable drinking water for both animals and human consumption and in addition to numerous empowerment projects to the people of his district.

According Bello the Association is confident that, as a former renowned Scholar, Senator Ahmed Lawan knew the value of education, hence will help towards formulating and total implementation of beautiful educational policies, that would promote education and bring to an end the intermittent strike in the nation’s Universities and other higher institutions.

“Having come form the Northeast part of the Country, where the esteemed seat of the Senate President is zoned, he knows the security challenges of the area, which are almost the same with that of the Northwest and some parts of the country for which if elected, he would cooperate with the Federal Government to find out immediate solution to it, so that peace and harmony would immediately flourish in our beloved Country.

“We are optimistic, that if he (Senator Lawan) has gotten the seat under reference, he will carry everybody along, so that Nigeria will once again be blessed with having a National Assembly, that will work hard towards solving the problems of security challenges that are hindering the development of our great country”, Bello said.

The President described Senator Ahmed Lawan as a person whose main concern is the development and unity of Nigeria, adding that he would surely create a good working relationship between the two chambers that would accelerate decision making process and execution of those decisions by the Federal Executive Council.

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64 Senators-elect endorse Ahmed Lawan unopposed Senate President

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64 Senators-elect endorse Ahmed Lawan unopposed Senate President

 

Ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration of the 9th National Assembly, Senators-elect on Saturday in Abuja endorsed Ahmed Lawan as unopposed to contest as Senate President.

The campaign group Chairman, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi from Kebbi, a second timer, explained that they proactively nominated Ahmed Lawan to avoid a repeat of what happened in 2015.

Secretary of the Campaign group, Senator Jibrin Barau called names of Senators that have so far endorsed Ahmed Lawan’s candidacy.

The roll call has APC Senators elect as 62, YPP 1 and PDP 1

Details later…….

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Speakership: Go to court – lawyers dare Gbajabiamila

POLITICS

Speakership: Go to court – lawyers dare Gbajabiamila

 

A group of lawyers has challenged Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, immediate past Majority Leader, House of Representatives, to go to court over criminal allegation levelled against him by some group ahead of the National Assembly speakership election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director-General of the Femi Gbajabiamila/Ahmed Wase Campaign Organisation, Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin, had on Wednesday threatened to sue leaders of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

According to Jibrin, the decision to sue CUPP leadership followed its criminal allegations against Gbajabiamila which were untrue.

Jibrin had insisted that Gbajabiamila had never been convicted nor served any court document hence he would participate in the Speakership election on June 11 in spite the campaign of calumny.

But the lawyers, under the auspices of Coalition of Public Interest Lawyers and Advocates (COPA), in a statement Friday, stressed that Gbajabiamila would have to first of all clear himself of the allegation before seeking to contest for the Speaker position.

The statement quoted Mr Pelumi Olajengbesi, leader of the group, as welcoming the lawmaker’s threat of going to court, noting that Nigerians would have the opportunity of knowing whether the allegation against him was true or false.

“We make bold to state that it is crystal clear that Femi Gbajabiamila lacks the moral mettle and sincerity to lead the House of Representatives as its Speaker.

“This is because the context of the press conference held on his behalf failed to address the substantive issue against him, and rather than express remorse, countered with baseless threats against the Nigerian people.

“COPA states categorically that it is in possession of all documents and evidences that establishes a clear case of fraudulent dishonesty and abuse of trust against Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The facts against Gbajiamila are, in fact, readily available to the public as they were established in a Court of Record with same being accessible to the public, and are attached herein for the avoidance of doubt.

“We have established correspondence with the Supreme Court of Georgia and we have documents of Disciplinary Case No. S06Y0829 and the family of the victim of Gbajiamila’s fraud, Hadyatou Barry and also Vesta with P. O. Box 23410 Nashville TN, 31202, the insurance company that paid the claim misappropriated by Femi Gbajabiamila.

“The entire defense raised in Femi Gbajabiamila’s behalf in the said press statement relied on a book whose thorough, unbiased reading ironically actually proves his guilt as the book acknowledges all the material facts establishing his guilt in fraudulently appropriating to himself money meant for the victim of a car accident,” the statement quoted Olajengbesi as saying.

The statement also quoted Olajengbesi as saying that no amount of half-truths and misdirection would stop them from getting to the root of the matter.

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BREAKING: Senator Goje withdraws from Senate Presidency race, endorses Lawan

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BREAKING: Senator Goje withdraws from Senate Presidency race, endorses Lawan

 

Senator Danjuma Goje has withdrawn from the 9th Senate Presidency election expected to hold on June 11.

According to Vanguard, the lawmaker also endorsed the Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, for the position.

This was disclosed by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, after their meeting behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Wednesday.

El-Rufai was accompanied by Senators Lawan, Goje and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, while briefing State House Correspondents on the latest development.

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9th Assembly: PDP Reps members speak on endorsing Gbajabiamila for Speakership

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9th Assembly: PDP Reps members speak on endorsing Gbajabiamila for Speakership

 

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the House of Representatives have debunked media reports that they had endorsed Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila or any other candidate for the speakership position for the incoming 9th National Assembly.

The House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor, in a statement on Thursday, described such reports as the handiwork of propagandists and mischief-makers, clarifying that PDP lawmakers had neither endorsed Gbajabiamila nor any other speakership candidate for that matter.

“In our Eid-el-Fitri message, we felicitated with all our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria, and emphasised the significance of worthy virtues, stating that our members may participate in meetings, strategy sessions and other activities of speakership aspirants to come back to the caucus with convincing assessments.

“While some publications disseminated accurate and objective report, few others fabricated a completely new angle with one even using a deliberately fictitious and grossly erroneous headline in a manner that suggests being used for the ruling party’s usual misinformation and propaganda.

“Contrary to what has been sensationally reported by some, at no time did we give our members a directive to vote for any APC speakership aspirant; I hereby categorically dissociate myself and the PDP House caucus from the false comments being attributed to us as participation in meetings should not be deliberately misinterpreted as a directive on voting,” Ogor said.

The minority leader pointed out that the PDP House caucus has remained solidly united although it has continued to grant audience to various speakership aspirants who are currently consulting them.

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Orji Kalu dares APC over 9th Assembly leadership

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Orji Kalu dares APC over 9th Assembly leadership

 

Former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, has insisted that he would run for the position of Deputy Senate President even if the All Progressives Congress (APC) opposes his ambition.

He said this when he appeared on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday.

“Let me be honest with you even if the party asks me not to run, I will run on the floor of the House, this is one position I have to run for because you cannot leave the Southeast alone, you can’t leave them behind,” Kalu said.

He further stressed that giving the Southeast a worthy position is in line with ensuring that the nation is ruled with equity.

“We are in the process of doing the right thing and the East will be given a place in the scheme of things. I am asking that the East should be given the Deputy Senate President.

“There is a high level of discussions about that and I’m sure that by partisan it would be a law in the House,” he added.

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9th Assembly: Secondus speaks on crisis in PDP over election of NASS leadership

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9th Assembly: Secondus speaks on crisis in PDP over election of NASS leadership

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said there was no crisis within its ranks or any form of division over the choice of the 9th National Assembly leadership by its members.

The PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, said members of the National Assembly would decide who led them without any interference.

A terse statement by Mr. Ike Abonyi, Special Adviser on Media to Secondus, said the National Working Committee (NWC) was not compelling any of its lawmakers in the choice of the new leadership.

He said, “It is incumbent on the lawmakers themselves to elect whoever they like. So, the national leadership of the party will not compel them to do otherwise.”

He said the party was resolute in contributing to nation-building and ensuring that Nigeria became a better place for all.

“Our members in the National Assembly will determine what happens and inform the NWC of their decision,” he said.

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9th Assembly: Arewa forum tells Senators, Reps how to elect next principal officers

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9th Assembly: Arewa forum tells Senators, Reps how to elect next principal officers

 

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has urged members of the incoming 9th National Assembly to elect leaders of their choice as principal officers.

ACF said members of the parliament should ensure that those to be elected meet the basic criteria.

The body stated this in a statement issued in Kaduna State and signed by its National Publicity, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu.

ACF stressed that member of the incoming National Assembly should be guided by the fact that “democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable.

“Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) therefore urges Senators and Members-elect that in exercising their rights to elect officers of their choice, certain attributes like legislative capacity and experience, amiability, track record of selfless service, integrity, compassion of the candidates and above all loyalty to their political parties, which manifestos are used for securing the electoral mandate needed for implementation, should guide them in making the best choice.

“Election of Principal Officers of the 9th National Assembly is the exclusive rights and prerogative of Senators and Members elect of the National Assembly. However, the political parties that provided the platform for them to be elected also have a role in choosing those to superintend over the affairs of the National Assembly for the purpose of ensuring good coordination with the Executive that are needed for delivering on the promise of democracy.

“More so democracy is a majority rule in which the political party with the electoral mandate is held accountable and the minority party is expected to be a viable alternative platform for the electorate, considering that democracy without a viable opposition is spurious.

“It should however be noted that multiparty democracy impels progress through change that comes with robust debates on issues of real concern to ordinary citizens.”

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