A former governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda, has formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), dumping the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN).
Salisu Ahmed Barau, a former commissioner for information in the state, said Yuguda joined the APC to continue to contribute to the development of the state.
Barau claimed Yuguda has moved to APC with 500,000 of registered members of the Yuguda Alheri political movement
He explained that Yuguda did not leave the GPN due to any indifference but out of his volition and after due consultation with all his supporters across the country, adding that some of his supporters and former aides have remained in other political parties.
“Immediately he left office in 2015, Isa Yuguda announced his decision to leave the PDP. He set up different committees for consultations after which the decision was arrived at for him to join the GPN and even went ahead to contest under the party. When it was yet another time for him to leave, he consulted us and we decided to join the APC.”
Yuguda,a former banker, who was governor of Bauchi, first on the platform of ANPP and later on PDP platform, joined the Green Party last year and has been its major financier.
He ran on the platform of the Green Party for the Bauchi south senate seat, but came third in the election held in August.
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to continue to be fair and just to women in terms of appointments and realisation of the 35 per cent affirmative action.
The president made the pledge on Thursday during an audience with the leadership of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that his administration would look into possible appointment of women ministers to replace those that left the cabinet recently.
He also said that soft loans would be made available to women for agricultural activities.
The president promised to address the deficit in women appointments by appointing more women into the cabinet following the demand by the NCWS for more women representation in the Federal cabinet.
“I have appreciated the subtle and timely threat you have made; I said timely because you waited until campaigns are about to start, you mobilised yourselves to come and threaten.
“I hope you are being very fair to me; I will leave you to the public to judge. You said I haven’t replaced the casualties from my council about the ladies.
I’m sure you are following up (Finance and Women Affairs).
“One applied to leave because I think she wants to be the governor of the state and one failed to meet the government requirement of declaring NYSC certificate.
“I replaced them with other ladies; so, I don’t know where I went wrong there?
“This deficit in women appointments I will look at it and the road is clear; election is coming perhaps I will get a few more advisers, ministers from the women.
“I thank you most sincerely for coming to see me.’’
On the rate of sexual violence and abuse in society, particularly at the Internally Displaced Persons’ camps (IDPs), the president said he had already directed the security agencies to immediately address the problem.
He said the security agencies had been directed to bring to book all those implicated in the dastardly acts.
“I have taken note of the observations you made on the abuse of women in the IDPs camps.
“I’m encouraging the police to be much more efficient and I think something is being done about it.’’
The president also pledged to ensure that women farmers benefit from Federal Government’s agricultural loans and other programmes to boost food production in the country.
He, therefore, advised the women to form themselves into cooperative societies to enable them benefit from such loans.
In her remarks, the President of the NCWS, Mrs Gloria Laraba, commended the Buhari-led administration for implementing laudable programmes that aim to uplift the quality of life of the citizens.
According to her, the Trader Moni programme is a worthwhile intervention to keep the spirit of entrepreneurship alive in local communities and help petty traders grow their micro businesses.
“We are pleased that these initiatives are beneficial to many of our women one way or another.
“This is because we are in the front-end of the concerned activities and will be impacted the most,’’ she said.
Laraba called on the president to encourage the Nigeria police to strengthen its investigation and prosecution of sexual violence through the creation of a new department to arrest the menace across the country.
She also urged the president to appoint more women as members of the Federal Cabinet to replace those that left recently.
The Inspector General of police, Idris Ibrahim has warned officers against laxity in the provision of adequate security as the nation prepares for the 2019 general elections.
Addressing the officers today, Thursday in Abuja, the police boss said that government and the People of Nigerian expect much from them in ensuring security and safety of all Nigerians throughout the Country “as we go into the 2019 General Election.
“Te Force will no longer tolerate laxity on the part of any Commissioner of police who fails to be proactive in dealing with crisis and other violent crimes in their Area of Responsibilities (AOR).
“We have to up our games of ensuring adequate security throughout the Country from now on to the election and beyond.”
The Inspector General announced that he had set up a Committee headed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations comprising the United Nations Organs, the ECOWAS and the Presidential Committee on Prohibition of Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESCOM) and other critical stakeholders for the destruction before the 2019 General Election of over Ten Thousand (10,000) illegal firearms and prohibited weapons and more than Twenty Six Thousand (26,000) illegal ammunition recovered in the mop-up operations of illegal firearms and prohibited weapons currently ongoing throughout the Country.
He congratulated and commended the newly promoted Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Assistant Inspectors General of Police and enjoined them to put in their best in their new dispositions.
He made it clear that the renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force in reducing crimes and criminalities in the Country to the barest is unwavering.
National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the call on the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole to resign or to be removed.
Asiwaju Tinubu, who spoke to news men shortly after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja today, Wednesday, insisted that Oshiomhole has so far not violated APC constitution or engaged in any anti-party activity that will warrant his resignation or removal from office.
“We all have to respect the party supremacy. You were all here when we had the Congress, we elected the new executives, we had the convention, the NEC was formed and we surrendered to avoid conflict, to avoid domination, to avoid abuses of power, we surrendered our rights, all rights to the National Working Committee headed by Adams Oshiomhole.
“That the National Working Committee should set up electoral bodies to supervise various state congresses and elections. ‘We signed off for it’.
“So, if it is not in our individual favour, so be it. We gave three options, consensus, where there is no consensus because if you are more than two or three and you cannot agree to one candidate, you go to the next level.
“The next level is the stakeholders’ delegates (system) and you have to be supervised by the National Working Committee of the party, national election committee of the party.
“That shows party supremacy or the freest option, the less cumbersome is to open direct primary, line up and count the number, 1,2,3. If you win, you win and if you fail, go home.”
Asiwaju Tinubu said that an appeal committee was set up by the party to look into grievances arising from the conduct of the party’s primaries, adding that the committee, which served as internal mechanism for conflict resolution, had performed its duties diligently
“It was there (appeal committee), you cannot turn round against that, and you cannot turn against all of that.
“No, Party is supreme, party must be respected, abuses will not do it and anger will not do it. It is party politics, somebody will win and somebody will lose, too bad.”
It would be recalled that Oshiomhole, had on October 21, in a statement by his press secretary, Simon Ebegbulem, alleged that conservatives within the party were ganging up to pass a vote of no-confidence on him.
He said in the statement that his sin was his refusal to allow continued impunity and circumvention of due process being perpetuated in some states.
The APC chairman added that he was not surprised by the gang up, as he never had the illusion that the process of reforming the party was going to be an easy one.
Former Presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, has been named as the running mate of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Leke Shittu, ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Former Governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, was also named as the candidate for Ogun East Senatorial district.
This followed acceptance of the candidates’ list of the PDP faction backed by the Senator representing Ogun East, Buruji Kashamu, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Dr. Abati and Daniel’s choice was contained in a statement personally signed by Kashamu, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Abeokuta on Wednesday, by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor.
He asked the public to disregard the statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan that INEC acted against the rule that only the national leadership of a party can submit candidates’ list to INEC.
He vowed that “this resolve to act with unchecked impunity shall be fully resisted in a fight to finish battle to strengthen our party’s internal democracy.”
The statement read: “Ignorantly, the National Chairman is unaware that where there is dispute resulting into a judicial resolution as in Ogun state matter, the State Chairman and Secretary could sign in place of National Chairman and Secretary when backed by validly subsisting court judgements. Whatever makes our National Chairman to be this resolute at challenging the constituted electoral regulatory body, INEC and also dwelling in nauseating impunity against Nigerian court judgements out of unexplainable desperation to install Ladi Adebutu as PDP Ogun governorship candidate should as well have forced him to create his own INEC and conduct elections inside his office.
“The PDP as a Nigerian creation by law is for all Nigerians by established regulations and national statue; nobody can as such intimidate us in our democracy.”
The federal government has indicated that, from November 1 2018, the service charge on all payment to its ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] would be borne by the payer.
In line with the global best practices and amidst dwindling revenues,
The federal government has approved a new Treasury Single Account (TSA) tariff model which mandates that the service charge on payment to its ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from tomorrow, November 1.
This fact came out at the recently concluded one-day stakeholder sensitization exercise on TSA e-Collection Charges held in Abuja yesterday, Tuesday, organized by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.
Under the new model, according to information emanating from the office the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, all funds collection into the TSA would require payers to bear the transaction cost.
The new model would replace the previous one in which the federal government bore the charges on all transactions to the service providers on behalf of payers.
In the previous tariff regime, the federal government owed the technology service providers and the participating deposit money banks up to two years in service charge.
In 2012, the pilot TSA scheme commenced using a unified structure of accounting for the 217 MDAs for accountability and transparency in public fund management.
In August 2015, the initiative was fully implemented and covered over 1000 MDAs after a presidential directive.
At commencement, all players, including all commercial banks, SystemSpecs and the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], agreed that a fee of 1% of funds collected is payable.
President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo and Chairman Nigerian Legion Brig. Gen. Adakole Akpa Rtd in a light mood during the event.
President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded Nigerian politicians that in every political contest, there must be a winner.
“There is the need for our political actors in particular to be decorous in their conduct and utterances in order not to fan the embers of disunity.
“We would have no country to lead if our acts of deliberate incitement lead to the disintegration of our dear nation. Let us put Nigeria first and realise that in every contest there must be one winner.”
President Buhari spoke today, Wednesday at the launch of Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem and fund raising at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said that the nation is appreciative of the gallantry and sacrifices of officers and men of the nation’s Armed Forces in the campaign against insurgency and other Internal Security operations.
“Their effort has led to the return of normalcy in affected parts of the Nation. Regrettably, the Boko Haram Terrorists have over the past two months heartlessly murdered two young and promising aid workers; Saifura Khorsa and Hauwa Liman. It is painful that this happened despite all the efforts of government to effect release of the two (2) victims.
“We condemn the callous and cowardly act in its entirety and call on all citizens and friends to forge a united front against this common enemy of our destiny. Once more, I extend the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Nigeria to the families and friends of these martyrs.
“Whilst the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists are being engaged by our Armed Forces, the task before the Government now is the resettlement and rehabilitation of our citizens affected by the war.
“The Federal and State Governments of affected states are involved in this very important task. In this regard, the Federal Government commend the Dangote Foundation for its partnership with Government in the rebuilding process in Borno State. We call on other Corporate organisations to borrow a leaf from this noble initiative as Government alone cannot satisfy all the needs, given her limited resources.
“We are aware that it is the business of Government to provide a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. A conducive environment is one which is devoid of security threats and criminality, where life is predictable.
“It is one in which citizens and foreigners are guaranteed freedom and returns on investment. On the other hand, an insecure environment stifles businesses and undermines growth and prosperity. For this reason, we owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women of the Armed Forces who have the responsibility of securing the Nation.
“I am happy businesses operating in Nigeria are beginning to give special consideration to members of the Armed Forces and veterans. Specifically, some airlines operating in Nigeria offer discounts to members of the Armed Forces.
“This gesture is commendable and in line with my call for recognition, consideration and appreciation of our Armed Forces. I urge more business ventures to chip in by assisting the Security Forces in whatever way they can.
“In particular we have consistently called for citizens and corporate participation in alleviating the suffering of widows and dependants of our fallen heroes. This is in order to complement the efforts of the Government and Services in this regard. I am pleased to note that several non-governmental organisations are rising up to the challenge.
“Elsewhere, a lot of charity organisations take up the task of catering for the welfare of veterans and members of the Armed Forces. We appreciate the organisations in Nigeria involved in this noble objective and call on others to get involved.
“To ensure that our veterans continue to share the comradeship that existed while in Service and that their welfare is adequately catered for, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Legion. I am happy to note that the Legion has acquitted itself well by attracting the interest of the private sector.
“The partnership of the Nigerian Legion with a private sector organisation; National Personal Assets Acquisition Scheme (NAPAAS) endorsed by the Ministry of Defence is now beginning to yield fruits in the area of provision of basic needs and mass transportation scheme. Other areas of collaboration are also envisaged in the partnership. It is hoped that this will open a whole new level of improvement in the living conditions of our veterans and their dependants.
“I am also happy to note that there is a Bill before the National Assembly to amend the Nigerian Legion Act to a proposed “Veterans Federation of Nigeria” Act to ensure proper welfare and health condition of military veterans. It is expected that the 8th National Assembly will give the Bill quick attention.
“As Grand Patron of the Nigerian Legion (Veterans), I wish to pledge my continued support and that of the Federal Government to the organisation. My appreciation goes to State Governors who are patrons in their respective states for the support they are giving to the Legion. I enjoin them not to relent but improve on this.
“In line with the provisions of the enabling Act, the Nigerian Legion established the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires. This outfit is involved in provision of security services to government, corporate and private entities.
“Before launching the Emblem, I wish to call on all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria to procure and wear the emblems with pride to identify with those who laid down their lives for peace and security of our fatherland. I encourage all to donate generously in support of our veterans and dependants of fallen heroes.”
Ever since the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its primary elections, a number of highly-placed individuals, including three governors, have been openly attacking the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole. Ordinarily, after the primary elections of any party where there will be victors and losers, grievances that may be expressed as personal attacks on the party leadership are not unusual.
But this time round, the major reason for the attacks on Oshiomhole is being shrouded in long-winded and often contradictory press statements purporting to be about the good of the APC. The real reason behind these attacks is what may be described as Oshiomhole’s original sin. But it is being carefully hidden to confuse the general public. This is what should concern all those who belong to or align themselves with the APC.
That the APC was in dire straits before the former labour leader took over the mantle of its leadership is a well-known fact. It is equally well known that some individuals had hijacked the party at various levels, especially in the states, to serve only their inordinate ambitions and greed. To demonstrate a prime example of an individual turning the party to a personal machine to further his inordinate ambition and greed, look no further than Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Until he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Saraki’s stranglehold on the APC in Kwara State was such that it was alleged that only he, singlehanded, decided who could contest for any elective position on the party’s platform. Indeed, this was also said to be the case in a number of states where the governors saw themselves as the party in toto, crushing any attempt at genuine internal democracy to the detriment of the party faithful.
This situation, quite naturally, led to murmurs and grumbles from party members. The discontent in the rank and file of the party was further aggravated when word filtered out that some of those governors who had hijacked the party were planning to impose their relatives as candidates for some elective positions and or even usurp the seats of popular incumbent senators for themselves or their handpicked candidates.
To checkmate this disturbing trend of events, the Oshiomhole-led national working committee of the APC came up with the concept of direct primaries. This was a strange idea to those who were used to riding roughshod over the interests of the party’s rank and file. They could not imagine allowing party members to actually choose who they want to represent them at various levels. And that was when the sponsored agitations began in some quarters.
A dogged fighter with a longstanding reputation of never giving up on a cause he believes to be just, Oshiomhole stood firm despite the agitations. He held on to the decision to hold the direct primaries and was rightly supported in this stance by President Muhammadu Buhari who is the national leader of the party.
As could be expected, for instance, the Saraki defection had far-reaching consequences and threatened the internal cohesion of the APC. In truth, if it were not for the concerted efforts made by Oshiomhole to checkmate Saraki’s plan to decimate the APC by leaving with a substantial number of senators from the party, the resulting crisis would have occupied the APC until the 2019 general elections would have come and gone to the party’s detriment.
It is to Oshiomhole’s eternal credit that he managed the situation well and stemmed what was threatening to become a mass exodus from the party. To do so not only required strategic foresight and wisdom, but some political deal-making that is the norm in democracies all over the world. Some of those political deals did not go down well with those who had enjoyed a past of singlehanded deciding everything in the party, particularly at the state level.
The idea of reaching a decision based on the interest of the party, rather than their personal interests was alien to them. And when all the issues are laid bare and examined critically without the blinding factor of emotion or personal sentiment, it is clear that every decision taken by Oshiomhole and the NWC he leads have been in the overall interest of the party. This, the world has a right to know, is Oshiomhole’s original sin.
To be clear, Oshiomhole’s original sin is that he places the interest of the APC as a party above all other considerations. To cite just one example, the interest of the party is why serving ministers could be disqualified from seeking elective office for not meeting the required criteria.
Therefore, whatever outcome may have occurred at the end of the APC primary elections in some places that some individuals, no matter how highly placed, may find unpalatable, it is unfair to pin the blame on Oshiomhole. Instead, they should blame their own inordinate ambition, greed, and desire to exclude party members from choosing their preferred candidates.
It is worth repeating that every decision that Oshiomhole has taken since becoming the APC national chairman has been in the overall interest of the party, without pandering to those who had previously hijacked the party. Again, this is Oshiomhole’s original sin, a sin that rightly makes him a saint in the eyes of the formerly oppressed rank and file members of the party who now have the genuine internal democracy they desired for so long. As such, it goes without saying that for these teeming party members, Oshiomhole’s original sin is no sin at all. Period!
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the embattled Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf to immediately proceed on administrative leave.
A statement by Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Olusegun Adekunle, also directed that the Administration Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), Mr. Ben Omogo, Director, should oversee the affairs of the scheme.
According to the statement, Professor Usman Yusuf’s leave is to ensure unfettered investigation by the Independent Fact-Finding Panel to be inaugurated on Friday.The panel, to be headed by Dr. Hassan Bukar, has Mrs. Jummai Idakwo, OSGF as the Secretary.
Members are Dr. Emmanuel Meribole , Director, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Adewale Owolo , Director, Audit, Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr. Shamsuddeen Bello, Deputy Director, Expenditure, OAGF.
Other members are Mr Ishaq Yahaya , Director, Certification & Compliance, Bureau of Public Procurement, and Dr Ekanem John Udoh, Director, Science, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
One of the terms of reference (TOR) of the panel are to investigate the alleged infractions listed by the NHIS Governing Council in its letter dated Oct. 18, 2018 and determine the extent of culpability or otherwise of the Executive Secretary with regards to the allegations.
It is mandated to make appropriate recommendations based on the findings from TOR I, identify, investigate and make recommendations with regards to issues that led to the unhealthy relationship between the board and the Chief Executive Officer.
The panel is further to Investigate and make recommendations on the extent of the involvement of staff Unions’ within the institution as to the current impasse between the Governing Board and Executive Secretary and to examine all governance challenges in the NHIS and make appropriate recommendations.
The president directed that with the establishment of this panel which has two weeks to report its findings, the earlier body set up by the Governing Council stood dissolved.
He added that the government recognised the importance of the scheme as a strong mechanism for the delivery of public healthcare and reassured Nigerians of the determination of the government determination to place high premium on public interest.
The president said that the Federal Government had found it necessary to restate that the objectives for he establishing Parastatals was in fulfillment of the need to deliver services to Nigerians faster and better.
He added that government had also considered it necessary to restate that the roles of Governing Boards and Councils were as prescribed by the statutes, guidelines and extant circulars.
He added that the position of chief executives of Parastatals was to ensure that policies of government as enunciated by boards and councils were implemented in accordance with their mandate.
“Government, has however, observed with deep concern, the growing tension between boards and chief executives and their attendant implications for governance.
“For the avoidance of doubt, government will neither tolerate acts of indiscipline from any appointee nor will it harbour any acts of corruption.
“Government will, however, ensure that due process is followed strictly in trying to maintain discipline and probity in public service,” the president said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked aspirants to various elective offices in the ruling Alll Progressives Congress (APC) who lost at the just concluded primaries not to lose hope but to remain faithful to the country.
He reminded them that there will be more opportunities to serve along the way.
The President, who spoke last night, Tuesday, at a dinner with the Aspirants Forum at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the primary motivation to contest elections should be to improve the country, and not for pecuniary reasons.
“We must maintain our faith in the country,” he told the coalition of party members who contested the primaries.
The President said that he contested presidential elections three times before coming to power in 2015, adding that providence will always pave the way for the just, committed and patient politician who wants to truly serve the country.
President Buhari told the aspirants that those who mismanaged the resources of the country are still very much around, with incredible wealth, warning the aspirants to be vigilant and circumspect in making choices as the future will only be salvaged by those who love the country.
“I spoke with the APC party chairman almost every other day, at least for an hour during the primaries. And sometimes, we met for two and half hours on ensuring internal democracy during the primaries,’’ the President said.
He pointed out that in spite of all efforts to appease everyone and give them a chance at the polls, some aspirants were still not treated fairly.
“I urge you to stay faithful if your objective is to serve the country. I came back to power in this “agbada,” to convince Nigerians to make sacrifices that the country needs now for a better future.”
In his remarks, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said the meeting was organised to address grievances and fallout from the APC primary elections across the country.
The minister said that it would be unfortunate to allow the grievances overshadow the challenges before the country, assuring the aspirants that the government would assuage their yearnings to serve the country.
Malami said that the aspirants should work collectively with the President in building the party and setting up a framework that would ensure healthier relationships and better internal democracy.
The leader of the APC Aspirants Forum, Yusuf Banki, said the network of 7,000 members will work to ensure President Buhari’s victory at the polls in 2019.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged to continue to be fair and just to women in terms of appointments and realisation of the 35 per cent affirmative action.
National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the call on the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole to resign or to be removed.
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked aspirants to various elective offices in the ruling Alll Progressives Congress (APC) who lost at the just concluded primaries not to lose hope but to remain faithful to the country.
APC: Internal Democracy And Oshiomhole’s Original Sin, By Femi Ayelabowo
Ever since the All Progressives Congress (APC) held its primary elections, a number of highly-placed individuals, including three governors, have been openly attacking the national chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole. Ordinarily, after the primary elections of any party where there will be victors and losers, grievances that may be expressed as personal attacks on the party leadership are not unusual.
But this time round, the major reason for the attacks on Oshiomhole is being shrouded in long-winded and often contradictory press statements purporting to be about the good of the APC. The real reason behind these attacks is what may be described as Oshiomhole’s original sin. But it is being carefully hidden to confuse the general public. This is what should concern all those who belong to or align themselves with the APC.
That the APC was in dire straits before the former labour leader took over the mantle of its leadership is a well-known fact. It is equally well known that some individuals had hijacked the party at various levels, especially in the states, to serve only their inordinate ambitions and greed. To demonstrate a prime example of an individual turning the party to a personal machine to further his inordinate ambition and greed, look no further than Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Until he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Saraki’s stranglehold on the APC in Kwara State was such that it was alleged that only he, singlehanded, decided who could contest for any elective position on the party’s platform. Indeed, this was also said to be the case in a number of states where the governors saw themselves as the party in toto, crushing any attempt at genuine internal democracy to the detriment of the party faithful.
This situation, quite naturally, led to murmurs and grumbles from party members. The discontent in the rank and file of the party was further aggravated when word filtered out that some of those governors who had hijacked the party were planning to impose their relatives as candidates for some elective positions and or even usurp the seats of popular incumbent senators for themselves or their handpicked candidates.
To checkmate this disturbing trend of events, the Oshiomhole-led national working committee of the APC came up with the concept of direct primaries. This was a strange idea to those who were used to riding roughshod over the interests of the party’s rank and file. They could not imagine allowing party members to actually choose who they want to represent them at various levels. And that was when the sponsored agitations began in some quarters.
A dogged fighter with a longstanding reputation of never giving up on a cause he believes to be just, Oshiomhole stood firm despite the agitations. He held on to the decision to hold the direct primaries and was rightly supported in this stance by President Muhammadu Buhari who is the national leader of the party.
As could be expected, for instance, the Saraki defection had far-reaching consequences and threatened the internal cohesion of the APC. In truth, if it were not for the concerted efforts made by Oshiomhole to checkmate Saraki’s plan to decimate the APC by leaving with a substantial number of senators from the party, the resulting crisis would have occupied the APC until the 2019 general elections would have come and gone to the party’s detriment.
It is to Oshiomhole’s eternal credit that he managed the situation well and stemmed what was threatening to become a mass exodus from the party. To do so not only required strategic foresight and wisdom, but some political deal-making that is the norm in democracies all over the world. Some of those political deals did not go down well with those who had enjoyed a past of singlehanded deciding everything in the party, particularly at the state level.
The idea of reaching a decision based on the interest of the party, rather than their personal interests was alien to them. And when all the issues are laid bare and examined critically without the blinding factor of emotion or personal sentiment, it is clear that every decision taken by Oshiomhole and the NWC he leads have been in the overall interest of the party. This, the world has a right to know, is Oshiomhole’s original sin.
To be clear, Oshiomhole’s original sin is that he places the interest of the APC as a party above all other considerations. To cite just one example, the interest of the party is why serving ministers could be disqualified from seeking elective office for not meeting the required criteria.
Therefore, whatever outcome may have occurred at the end of the APC primary elections in some places that some individuals, no matter how highly placed, may find unpalatable, it is unfair to pin the blame on Oshiomhole. Instead, they should blame their own inordinate ambition, greed, and desire to exclude party members from choosing their preferred candidates.
It is worth repeating that every decision that Oshiomhole has taken since becoming the APC national chairman has been in the overall interest of the party, without pandering to those who had previously hijacked the party. Again, this is Oshiomhole’s original sin, a sin that rightly makes him a saint in the eyes of the formerly oppressed rank and file members of the party who now have the genuine internal democracy they desired for so long. As such, it goes without saying that for these teeming party members, Oshiomhole’s original sin is no sin at all. Period!