Politics

Monday’s protest, a display of desperation by opposition-APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has described Monday’s protest in Minna and Kano as a display of desperation by the opposition to portray the Federal Government as under-performing.

Mr Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

“Opposition parties have resorted to instigating unsuspecting young people to protest in the streets of some major cities.

“The protests in Minna and Kano on Monday were manifestations of this devious and unpatriotic plot. It was not coincidental that the protests happened simultaneously in both cities.
“It bears a bold stamp of an orchestrated and coordinated effort to instigate unrest and undermine the government.

“This mercenary opposition tactics is a clear threat to public peace and national security,” Morka said.
He added that while the APC recognised the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest, there was need for people to remain vigilant.

He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and not lend themselves to attempt by the opposition to promote social strife by its incendiary rhetoric and manipulative plots.
Morka assured that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was committed to doing everything possible to mitigate the transient pains and engage in important reforms for economic recovery and sustainability for all Nigerians.

“It behooves us as good citizens of our beloved country, to stand fast with our government in this noble stride.
“In due time, these policy reforms would yield enduring beneficial transformation of the material conditions of life in the country.
“We implore Nigerians to shun the guile and unpatriotic attempt by opposition elements to destabilise the country for their own base and parochial political gains,” Morka said. (NAN)

Politics

Kogi PDP suspends Dino Melaye

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended former Senator from the state, Dino Melaye from the party.

Melaye was suspended by the PDP exco in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1 following his refusal to honour a summon.

The Ward exco explained that Melaye was suspended for anti-party activities and alleged misconduct.

The resolution to suspend the former Kogi West senator was taken by the Ward party executive committee during a meeting in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1 on Friday to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against him.

It was signed by the Ward Chairman, Abayomi Osamika and Ward Yodson Dayo, Secretary.

The resolution reads: “Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to the party and his continued membership is no longer tenable.

“Therefore, the Ward party exco hereby suspends Dino Melaye from the Peoples Democratic party, effective and immediately.

“The suspension is in line with provisions of Article 59 (1) of the PDP constitution which empowers the Ward party excos to take disciplinary actions against erring members.”

Politics

Edo Assembly faults IGP over ban on state security outfit

The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday faulted the move by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ban the Edo State Security Network, ESSN, from polling units in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, who addressed journalists in Benin on Thursday said that the security network was established in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

Aiguobarueghian told newsmen in Benin that the security network would continue to protect the people regardless of the IGP’s pronouncement.

IGP had on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the activities of the security network till further notice.

The move, according to the IGP was to ensure transparency in the September 21 gubernatorial election.

Egbetokun, who warned the security network to stay off the polls, said the mandate to secure the election rested solely on the Police.

But Aiguobarueghian told reporters that only a court of law can order the suspension of the Edo security network.

Aiguobarueghian emphasised the importance of ESSN in the provision of security and helping to secure lives and property, especially in the rural areas of the state.

“The Edo State House of Assembly, pursuant to its function and powers as enshrined in Section 4 of the Constitution as amended, had the powers to legislate on maintenance of peace and order in the state.

“Edo State is among the 23 out of 36 states with an internal community police network established to provide security and order,” he said.

Politics

APC confirms participation in Kano LG polls

The Kano State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has confirmed its participation in the October 24 local government elections in the state.

The state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Abbas, made this confirmation on Thursday in Kano.

He said that the party would soon organise its primary elections to pave way for the emergence of candidates for the elections and expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the poll.

According to him, the party was mobilising its supporters to participate in the election across all the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure our teeming supporters participate in the election”, he said.

He emphasised that Kano State historically was a stronghold of progressive politics and that the party’s political machinery was in motion to secure victory.

The chairman stressed the importance of a level playing ground, urging the state’s independent electoral commission to ensure the smooth electoral process.

He restated the party’s commitment to free and fair elections.