May 12, 2018

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe says it will address the alleged marginalisation, imposition and disenfranchisement arising from congresses of the party across the state.

Alhaji Mohammed Lamin, the chieftain of the party and state Commissioner for Education, said this on Saturday at the local government congress in Damaturu.

He said that he received allegations of marginalisation and imposition recorded in the ward congresses in the state and in other states.

“This is an in-house problem, in every election there are bound to be winners, losers and complainants but, we will sort it out very soon to give everyone a sense of belonging in the party,’’ he said.

Lamin said that those who defected from other parties into APC would be accommodated.

“Entrants with genuine interest to build the party will be given full opportunities while those driven by destructive selfish ambitions will be effectively checked,’’ he warned.
The commissioner expressed appreciation with the peaceful conduct of the local government congress in Damaturu.

“We are happy that observations raised in the ward congress were taken care of and avoided in the local government congress.

He said that the party adopted affirmation of the officials and returned to office in line with provisions of the party guidelines.

In Nasarawa State, the APC delegates and critical stakeholders in Lafia Local Government Area, endorsed the current executive members for another term.

Alhaji Suleiman Wambai, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee for Lafia Local Government Area, announced this on Saturday in Lafia at a news conference.

Wambai said that after thorough investigation, the committee found out that the decision was taken in a good faith.

He said that the decision reflected the strong unity, maturity and understanding in the party, commending the delegates for acting maturely and cooperating as a one united family.

“As you can see, the APC family is a peaceful and united family; the congresses both last week and this week reflected the harmony and maturity,’’ he said.

He, however, cautioned the returning executive members to respect the confidence reposed in them by delegates by projecting the ideals of the party.

Malam Aliyu Bello, the Secretary of the party in the state who came to monitor the process, told newsmen that he was pleased with the resolve of party members.

Mr Ahmed Abubakar, a delegate in Lafia Local Government Area, confirmed the endorsement of the current executive members, observing that the decision was taken to foster unity among members.

In another development, the APC Local Government Congress in Rivers held in spite court injunction, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt had May 11 stopped the congress due to a motion on notice filed by Sen. Magnus Abbe (APC), representing Rivers South East Senatorial District in the senate.

The motion followed an alleged “controversial’’ ward congress held by the party on May 5 in the state.
NAN reports that APC went ahead with the congress on Saturday as party faithful in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area, gathered at Rumuodomaya Community Hall venue for the congress.

In Emohua Local Government Area, party members also gathered at Mgbuitanwo playground for the exercise.

Mr Dike Bekwele, an APC chieftain in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area, said the party was fully mobilised for the exercise.

Sen. Andrew Uchendu, the senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, however explained that the party’s national leadership was fully in support of the congress.

He urged party faithful to be peaceful and orderly during the exercise.

Mr Ejike John, the Chairman, Congress Organising Committee, Emohua Local Government Area, said that the task of his committee was to enthrone credible party leadership in a free and fair atmosphere.

He also urged the delegates to be peaceful and orderly during the exercise.