How often do you help your wife????

RAMADAN KAREEM

RAMADHAN KAREEM

 Many waited and anticipated for this glorious month to come but not everyone sees its begining.
 Its not by our powers or might but Allah's love and mercies upon us.
 ALHAMDULILAH

For me to recognize Saraki as Senate President, he must… – Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has initiated
moves to reconcile aggrieved camps and bring
back peace in the party, following the national
assembly leadership elections.
However, the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola
Tinubu is not yielding to it until his conditions are
met.
Tinubu is reported to be upset by the elections of
Senator Bukola Saraki and Rep. Yakubu Dogara as
the senate president and the Speaker, House of
Representatives respectively against the party’s
official candidates, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Femi
Gbajabimila.
A competent party source told Vanguard in Abuja
that principal among the conditions is that both
Saraki and Dogara must tender and publish a full
page apology publicly using the national dailies.
The source added that an extended meeting of the
national leaders of the party with APC governors
involved had been slated for next week.
The meeting is scheduled to hold on Monday or
Tuesday.
“You don’t joke with the man (Tinubu). He said
they must make a
public apology to him using the newspapers. A
meeting that will involve all APC governors has
been scheduled to hold either on Monday or
Tuesday. Wait and see what will happen. They have
to do it”, the source told the paper.

NASS Election: Buhari backs APC, but says Saraki, Dogara’s emergence “Constitutional"

President Muhammadu Buhari

June 9

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the election of new leaders of the National Assembly, saying he supports those elected, yet he wished the party’s choices were respected.
The Senate on Tuesday elected Bukola Saraki as its president, defying the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which had presented Ahmed Lawan as its preferred candidate.
In the same vein, the House of Representatives elected Yakubu Dogara, against the wish of the party for Femi Gbajabiamila to be elected speaker.
The APC has rejected the elections and has vowed to sanction members who disobeyed its directives.
In a somewhat ambiguous response, Mr. Buhari merely said he “noted the outcome of the just-concluded election of leaders of the National Assembly”.
A statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina, said the president would rather that the process of electing the leaders as initiated and concluded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been followed.
Nonetheless, the president took the view that a constitutional process has somewhat occurred, the statement said.
“President Buhari had said in an earlier statement that he did not have any preferred candidate for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers elected,” the statement said.
“That sentiment still stands. Though he would have preferred the new leaders to have emerged through the process established by the party”.
The statement said the stability of our constitutional order and overall interest of the common man were uppermost on the president’s mind, as far as the National Assembly elections were concerned.
The president called on all the elected representatives of the people to focus on the enormous task of bringing enduring positive change to the lives of Nigerians.

Buhari And Fashola Strolling On The Streets Of Germany (Photos)

President Muhammadu Buhari with Former Governor Of Lagos, Mr Babatunde Fashola during their Visits to Munich, Germany for G7 Summit. Former governor of Lagos, Fashola was among the entourage who accompanied the president to present Nigeria's "wish list" to the world leaders at the one day event.

Buhari promises to work with Saraki, Dogara

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said he had noted the outcome of the elections of leaders of the National Assembly and stood by his earlier position that he would work with whoever the lawmakers elected as their leaders.

He said although he would have preferred that the process of electing the leaders as initiated and concluded by the All Progressives Congress was followed, he was of the view that constitutional process “has somewhat occurred.”

Buhari’s position was contained in a statement made available to journalists by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The statement read in part, “President Buhari had said in an earlier statement that he did not have any preferred candidate for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers elected.

“That sentiment still stands. Though he would have preferred the new leaders to have emerged through the process established by the party.”

Adesina said the stability of the nation’s constitutional order and overall interest of the common man were uppermost on the President’s mind, as far as the National Assembly elections were concerned.

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The presidential spokesman further quoted the President as calling on all “the elected representatives of the people” to focus on the enormous task of bringing enduring positive change to the lives of Nigerians.

Atiku congratulates Dogara, Saraki, preaches focus on national interest

Former Vice-President, Abubakar Atiku

A former Vice President,  Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated the newly elected leaders of the National Assembly, admonishing them to see their elections beyond the narrow interests of respective political parties.
 
The former Vice President, in a press statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, noted that with the elections of its presiding officers, the 8th National Assembly should swing to work and put the overall national interest beyond the personal political interests of its members.
 
 The Turaki Adamawa said with the election of its presiding officers, the 8th National Assembly has prepared the ground work for a full legislative business.

Atiku Abubakar, while congratulating the new leaders of the parliament on their election, reminded every member of both the Senate and the House of Representatives of their responsibilities to their constituents, which, he said, is to put national interest before their individual political interest.
 
Irrespective of the political mix through which the presiding officers emerged, he noted, the 8th National Assembly should never lose focus of its role as a partner in progress with the other arms of government, especially the executive arm.
 
“The Nigerian people look up to the new National Assembly to work with the executive arm in finding solutions to the problems of insecurity, poverty, illiteracy and joblessness in the country. Their election is indeed a call to duty, and it is a call for which they cannot afford to fail the nation,” Atiku added.

Newly elected Senate President Saraki pays courtesy visit to Atiku

Newly elected Senate President Saraki pays courtesy visit to Atiku

Newly elected Senate President Bukola Saraki paid a courtesy visit to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar this evening. Photo credit: Paul Ibe

Senate President, Sen. Dr. Bukola Saraki inaugural pictures

Senate President, Sen. Dr. Bukola Saraki inaugural pictures

Photos from the Swearing in of Senator Bukola Saraki as Senate President and Chairman of the 8th Assembly. More photos after the cut...

Picture of the day!! lolzzz

SENATE PRESIDENCY: Why I boycotted APC primary election – Bukola Saraki

Former governor of Kwara State and a major contender for the seat of
Senate President in the 8th Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki has explained
why he boycotted the mock primary election organised by the APC on
Saturday to elect the party’s candidate for the Senate Presidency.
Saraki explained his decision to boycott the primary in a statement signed
by Dino Melaye and Ahmed Sani.
The statement reads: “We the Senators-Elect of Like Minds today 6TH of
June 2015, on the invitation of our party, attended an interactive meeting
with selected 5 members from each group, the Unity Forum and the Like
Minds Group.
“Regrettably, the Unity Forum insisted on open ballot voting which we
discovered is different from the electoral process used to conduct the
earlier election with the House of Representatives members elect. To us,
this open ballot voting is primitive; undemocratic and against universal
electoral norms and practice.
“In the light of the
above, we the
Senators elect of Like
Minds hereby insist
on our position of
Open Secret voting
process which we
believe is in
consonance with the
provisions of the
electoral act, the
constitution of the
Federal Republic of
Nigeria, and the
universal electoral
values.
“As responsible citizens of Federal Republic of Nigeria, and leaders in our
own right, we have resolved and hereby state that we shall not be part of a
process that promotes undemocratic electoral process that may resort to
rancorous and uncivil situations which inhibits the rights of individuals to
vote for the candidate of their choice, as this process will further divide us
than unite members of our party.
“In conclusion we the Senators-Elect of Like Minds wish to state
categorically that we will participate only in the constitutional election
scheduled for Tuesday, the 9th of June 2015 in line with the rules of the
Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We by this press release invite the media to a joint press conference by
the 65 Senators-Elect of Like Minds drawn from across party lines on
Monday morning, the 8thof June 2015.”

Neymar, after the third goal

Congrats to Barca the king of Europe

Latest photos ; UCL

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Xavi ends Barca career in style

 Champions League

Xavi © Gallo Images

Xavi brought his glittering Barcelona career to a fitting and emotional end when he hoisted aloft the European Cup following a 3-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final on Saturday.

Considered one of the finest midfielders of all time, Xavi announced last month he was leaving after more than two decades with the club he joined at the age of 11 during which he has won 25 trophies including four Champions Leagues and eight La Liga titles.

He was welcomed with a huge roar by the Barca fans thronging one end of Berlin's Olympic Stadium when he replaced Andres Iniesta in the 78th minute of his 767th and final outing for Barca before he joins Qatari club Al Sadd.

Pulling on the captain's armband for the last time, the 35-year-old set a record of 151 appearances in Europe's elite club competition, one more than Real Madrid goalkeeper and close friend Iker Casillas.

"Not even in the best possible dream could I be so happy," Xavi told Spanish television. "There are no words, I can't ask for any more, to leave this way is perfect.

"There is already a feeling of nostalgia. Knowing that you won't play for this team again is tough."

Xavi, who is planning to go into coaching when he finally hangs up his boots, was also the tireless dynamo at the heart of a magnificent run for Spain.

He helped end a 44-year trophy drought at Euro 2008 and went on to lead La Roja to their first World Cup success in 2010 and another continental crown two years later.

Xavi was close to leaving Barca when they failed to win a major trophy last season and he decided to retire from internationals following Spain's first-round exit at the 2014 World Cup.

Barca coach Luis Enrique, a former teammate, persuaded him to stay on and he has made a vital contribution as the club became the first to win La Liga, the King's Cup and Champions League in the same season on two occasions.

Along with club mates Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique, Xavi has equalled former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf's record of four Champions League triumphs.

Neymar realises Champions League dream

Neymar © Gallo Images

Footba

Brazil star Neymar became the Champions League's joint top scorer on Saturday by scoring Barcelona's final goal in their 3-1 win over Juventus.

Neymar, who has scored 39 goals in all competitions this season, joins Lionel Messi and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as the competition's joint top-scorers with 10 goals in 2014/15.

The 23-year-old finished his second season at Barca with victory in his first Champions League final as the Catalan giants emulated their 2009 feat of winning the treble of European, league and cup titles.

It was Barcelona's fifth European crown and Neymar sealed the victory in the 97th minute when he fired home Pedro Rodriguez's final pass.

Before the match, Neymar described the Berlin final as the most important of his career and said he had dreamed of scoring in the Champions League's showcase finale as a child.

An early goal by Barca's Ivan Rakitic was cancelled out by Juventus' Spanish striker Alvaro Morata. Suarez put the game beyond the Italian champions with a 68th minute strike before Neymar added the third with the last kick of the game.

Between them Messi, Suarez and Neymar have scored a record 122 goals between them this season

N’Assembly leadership: APC peace moves flop

   

National Chairman, All Progressives Congress, John Odigie Oyegun

The All Progressives Congress on Saturday failed to resolve the crisis in the party over the election of the eighth National Assembly leadership.

Some APC lawmakers-elect, at a meeting with the leaders of the party on Saturday, opposed the election of the House Minority Leader, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, as the party’s sole candidate for the speakership of the lower chamber.

For the Senate, it was expected that the APC’s senate presidential candidate would also emerge through an election, but as of 6pm on Saturday, two hours after the poll was scheduled to take place, no explanation came from the party’s leadership.

SUNDAY PUNCH learnt that the election was scheduled to hold at 4pm at the International Conference Centre, but it was rescheduled when supporters of Senator Bukola Saraki, one of the aspirants, requested that it should be shifted to 6pm.

However, at 6pm, the same group requested that the poll be moved to 8pm, a move which was said to have angered Senator Ahmed Lawan’s supporters, who were eager for the election.

But, eventually when the meeting started at about 10pm, the pro-Saraki Senator-elect boycotted it.

The APC leadership had initially scheduled separate meetings with senators-elect and their counterparts for the House for Thursday.

The meetings were, however, shifted to Saturday (yesterday) because of the Senate valedictory session which was held on Thursday.

The PUNCH had reported on Thursday that the meetings were aimed at picking candidates for the senate presidency and the speakership of the House as part of efforts to resolve the crisis over the party’s candidates for the positions.

The eighth National Assembly will convene on Tuesday

House election

The APC has 213 out of the 360 members of the House of Representatives. The meeting of its leadership with the members-elect started at 10am.

Those who signed the attendance register at the meeting were 183, while the total number of votes cast was 161.

Gbajabiamila emerged victorious by polling 154 votes to defeat his opponent, Yakubu Dogara, who got three votes.

Four votes were declared invalid by the returning officer, the APC National Vice -Chairman, North-East, Babachir Lawan .

But signs that the exercise would not be peaceful emerged when Dogara and 18 of his supporters walked out of the venue when it became apparent that the party was going ahead with the election despite their protest against it.

Dogara’s supporters had before the commencement of the day’s business distributed slips quoting the comments of President Muhammadu Buhari in which he promised to work with whoever emerged because he had no preferred candidate.

As they stepped into the hall and settled down for business, the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, explained the need for the party to approach Tuesday’s election of the National Assembly leaders as a united house.

His explanation, which was designed to educate members about the party’s reason for getting involved, did not go down well with Dogara’s supporters who shouted, “no”, “no” intermittently.

The party’s national chairman, in consultation with members of the party’s National Working Committee present, asked all the contenders to sign an undertaking that they would abide by the decision reached after the meeting.

It was at this point that Dogara and his group walked out of the hall.

SUNDAY PUNCH later learnt that some members of the Dogara group returned and tried to get the party leadership to concede the position of Deputy Speaker to their group, a proposal the party leadership said came too late.

A party leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “At this point, it was too late because the group had through its earlier action exposed the party to ridicule in front of television cameras and reporters. We told them in no uncertain terms that they had crossed the Rubicon as such they should come and test their popularity and you saw the outcome.”

However, a member of the Dogara group, Abdulmumuni Jibrin, who spoke to journalists after they staged a walk-out, said the party leadership failed to see reason with their argument that the election of speaker was the business of members of the House not the party.

He said, “The election of the House Speaker is not an exclusivity of the APC, but include all members from all political parties.

“Initially, the chairman agreed to halt the process but one hour later the National Vice-Chairman (North), Senator Lawal Shuaibu came up and said the process must go on whether we liked it or not.

“Our position is that we are not a party to what they did and we maintain that the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot be conducted outside the chamber of the House and we are ready to participate in that process on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.”

After the group left, the party called for nominations Alhassan Ado Dogura representing Dogura Kiru Constituency of Kano State nominated Gbajabiamila. The nomination was seconded by Shuibu Philip from Edo State.

After Gbajabiamila was announced as the winner as the APC’s sole candidate for the position, the national chairman urged the minority leader to reach out to those who did not vote for him.

Odigie-Oyegun told the legislators, “Today, I am proud to be your national chairman. You have demonstrated maturity and you have told the world that you are capable of choosing those to lead you in a transparent manner.”

To Gbajabiamila, he said, “As you leave here, I urge you to reach out to those who did not vote for you just like our President did after our presidential primaries.”

He assured the members that the party would build upon the foundation of transparency in the conduct of its business and that it would consult with party members in the legislature in its decision-making process.

The party chairman reminded them of the task ahead and urged them to be prepared to support the party as it works hard to rebuild the nation whose institutions have been badly damaged by 16 years of misrule.

In his acceptance speech, Gbajabiamila expressed gratitude to his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him. He promised to run an all-inclusive administration when he eventually assumes office.

He said, “We have the numbers but the mandate I seek is one that involves all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives. I will be the Speaker for the whole House.”

Mohammed Mungono was elected as the party’s sole candidate for the position of Deputy Speaker as he ran unopposed.

The APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, who spoke to reporters before voting began for the party’s speakership candidate, explained the party’s position.

He said, “We are asking every member to sign an undertaking that whoever emerges they will support. I am absolutely sure that yes there may be passion but at the end we will come to an agreement in the interest of the party and the nation.”

He, however, declined to comment on the protest of the pro-Dogara group after the election. “I have nothing to tell you,” he said.

Senate

While the party’s leaders were expecting the senators-elect, those supporting Saraki were attending a retreat at the Jabi area of Abuja.

The pro-Saraki group, The Like Minds Senators, ended the retreat on Saturday with a pledge to further strengthen the ability of their members to pursue a people-oriented Eighth Senate.

The group, in a statement signed by a senator-elect, Dino Melaye, explained that the essence of the exercise was to position its members to hit the ground running upon the inauguration of the Senate on Tuesday.

Meeting with Senators

Attempts by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to forge a common front ahead of Tuesday’s election of Senate President failed on Saturday.

Supporters of Senator Bukola Saraki declined all entrities to attend a meeting organised by the National Working Committee of the party to select a consensus candidate.

Saraki’s supporters under the aegis of Like Mind Senators boycotted the primaries citing irreconcilable differences with the NWC over the method of voting.

His supporters had requested that the secret ballot system be adopted for the election, a request they said the NWC turned down.

The party’s NWC however said the open ballot system would be adopted for the process, a situation which was not agreeable to the Like Minds Senators.

Saraki, who later spoke to journalists, said, “As result of the inability of the APC leadership to guarantee the Senators of like minds the rights of secret ballot system, we are not participating at the election and this we made clear to the national chairman of our party.

“Whatever they do in the name of consensus, for the senate presidency election, we are not part of it.

“Members of my group are still meeting to come out with further action. But for now, we are not part of the consensus arrangement.”

Members of the Like Minds were still holding a meeting as at the time of going to press at 12 midnight.

However, supporters of Senator Ahmed Lawan who converged at the International Conference Centre, venue of the elections with the active support of the NWC went ahead with the process.

When the National Secretary of the Party, Mala Buni, who was the presiding officer called for nominations, Senator Barnabas Gemade nominated Senator Ahmed Lawan his nomination was seconded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Voting was still going on as of 12midnight.

Barcelona win fifth Champions League title

 

It was Barca’s fifth Champions League win overall.Barcelona claimed their third Champions League in six years as the brilliance of their attacking trident proved too much for the brave challenge of Juventus in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday, British Broadcasting Corporation reports.

In a thrilling spectacle, and with both Barcelona and Juventus attempting to claim a treble after winning domestic league and cup competitions, it was Luis Enrique’s side that eventually came out on top.

Barcelona started as if they would romp to a comfortable victory when Ivan Rakitic capped the sort of passing move that has become their symbol to put them ahead inside five minutes.

Juventus, always a danger after ending notions of an “El Clasico” final by beating Real Madrid in the last four, showed fierce resilience and with veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon defiant, held on for Alvaro Morata to scramble an equaliser before the hour.

Redemption time arrived for Suarez, the player who ended last summer’s World Cup in disgrace after biting Italy’s Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, in the 68th minute when he showed a predator’s touch to pounce after Buffon failed to hold Lionel Messi’s shot.

Juventus could not mount another recovery and Brazil superstar Neymar wrapped up the win in what he described as the biggest match of his life with the final kick of the game.

For all Barcelona’s brilliance, built around Neymar, Messi and Suarez, Juventus ran them every inch of a compelling encounter and were left with a hard luck story to tell as they were convinced they should have had a penalty when Paul Pogba tangled with Dani Alves seconds before Suarez scored.

In the end, however, Barcelona simply had that extra touch of fantasy that places them above the rest of Europe and Enrique’s side can put their names alongside those who brought the giant trophy back to Catalonia as they claimed their fifth triumph in the tournament.

As well as Suarez’s happier storyline, there were other sub-plots too as Neymar made up for his own World Cup heartbreak last summer, when he was injured before their 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-final.

And for 35-year-old Barcelona legend Xavi, he was able to say farewell after a glittering career with another Champions League win before a move to Al Sadd in Qatar. It was the perfect ending as Andres Iniesta handed him the armband.

This was a wonderful antidote to the sour taste left after a week of corruption allegations levelled at Fifa, the world game’s governing body.

Buhari Condoles With Ghana Over Fire, Flood Tragedies

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday commiserated with the government and people of Ghana over the dual tragedy of flooding and fire outbreak that claimed scores of lives in that country.
In a condolence message signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the president assured that Nigeria will stand by Ghana in its moment of grief and loss.
“In this moment of grief and loss, the government and people of Nigeria stand with the government and people of Ghana,” Shehu stated.
Buhari noted that the twin tragedies of flooding and fire outbreak that led to loss of several lives are painful and regrettable.
The President, however, noted that the flooding incident undoubtedly reminds leaders and governments in the West African sub-region of their responsibilities to the problem of global warming, among others.
He prayed that the souls of the deceased rest in eternal bliss and that their families and friends find fortitude to bear the losses

Fuel Scarcity Ends Next Week – FG, Marketers

The federal government and stakeholders in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry have pledged to end the lingering fuel crisis in the country next week.
This development was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Taiye Haruna after a meeting between officials of the ministry, its agencies and stakeholders in Abuja yesterday.
Haruna noted that having identified the factors hindering smooth supply and distribution of fuel, the stakeholders have adopted some measures to bring the situation under control and ensure that fuel queues disappear from pump stations by June 13, 2015.
To this end, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC) a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in conjunction with both major and independent marketers have been directed to significantly increase the supply of fuel to all retail outlets nationwide.
Also, the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have agreed to collaborate with the Lagos State government and security agencies to clear the logjam at Apapa which has seen trucks spending as much as ten days before loading petrol.
The meeting also agreed to set up a taskforce comprising the Department of Petroleum Resources, (DPR) and Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), to monitor loading and delivery of products and ensure that they are sold at government approved price.
Haruna assured Nigerians of adequate supply of petrol saying there is enough stock to last for at least twenty three days.

Superior Barca Prolong Buffon’s Champions League Trophy Wait

Neymar Jnr capped a wonderful evening for FC Barcelona, netting the third goal of yesterday evening’s party in Berlin, Germany, to prolong Juventus’ goalie, Gianluigi Buffon’s wait for a UEFA Champions League trophy and breaking Juve hearts in Torino and around the world to seal Barca’s fifth triumph in Europe.
Ivan Rakitic got Barcelona off to a perfect start with a fourth-minute goal, but Serie A champion Juventus hit back 10 minutes after half-time through Alvaro Morata.
Barca’s cutting edge striker Luis Suarez made it 2-1 on 68 minutes, before Neymar ensured UCL success with a third deep into stoppage-time.
Barca also became the second side to win a second treble. The win is also the club’s fourth in a decade.
It was clear that without Buffon, the Catalans would have embarrassed an ill-prepared Juve side who only had spirit but no tact to back up their hunger.
the night would have been over for the Italian champions after 15 minutes. That may sound ridiculous but such was the way Barcelona started – such was the fear in Juventus eyes early on – that only the goalkeeper stood between them and complete embarrassment.
It was a night where many looked for Messi who was below par – through no fault of his own. He was not the only one missing in action, though; Pirlo, Pogba, Xavi, Iniesta and a host of others were quite quiet.
Barca joined Liverpool and Bayern Munich as record winners of the trophy, but they earned it.Juve made sure of that.
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had praised Lionel Messi before the game as ‘an extra-terrestrial who plays with us humans’. He said he hoped that for one day he would return to earth and that was what Messi did.
For once, this game was not about him even though he had a hand in both Barcelona goals, scored by Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez. Messi played well but for once, it was a team performance that won this. It was team spirit as well as brilliance that got them through against the Italian champions.
It had seemed to begin with that Barcelona would cut loose when Rakitic put them ahead after four minutes and it took a heroic effort from Juventus just to stay in the game. They equalized early in the second half but Suarez got the winner Barcelona deserved.
So now the new era has begun.

APC picks Lawan , Gbajabiamila to lead Senate , House

 June 7, 2015
• Saraki supporters in disarray , boycott mock election
• ‘ Dogara stages walk -out with 15 supporters
• Akume, Monguno emerge candidates for
Dep Senate President , Dep Speaker
• Buhari’ s senators back LawanThe coast got clearer yesterday for Dr . Ahmed Lawan and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila to become Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively when the 8th National Assembly is inaugurated on Tuesday .
Their party , All Progres -sives Congress ( APC ) last night picked them as its official candidates for the two positions.
Lawan ( Yobe North ) will run with Mr. George Akume ( Benue North ) as Deputy Senate President .
He polled 32 votes out of the 33 cast at the mock election . One vote was invalid .
The 32 include the three from Katsina State, home state of President Muhammadu Buhari .
It was gathered that the Saraki camp had met at a different location in Abuja and decided to go for outright election on the floor of the Senate .
Yesterday’ s session was preceded by horse - trading with APC Senators -elect breaking into groups for consultations .
The intense lobbying delayed the session to allow some Senators - elect to make up their minds .
Although the meeting was scheduled to start by 8pm , proceeding could not start until 10 . 26pm when the APC National Chairman , Chief John Odigie- Oyegun arrived with members of the National Working Committee of the party .
At about 10. 40pm , the leaders of the party began to address the 33 Senators -elect present.
After waiting in vain for the Senators -elect loyal to Saraki, the National Working Committee of APC proceeded with the primaries at about 11. 16 pm when it called for nomination of candidates .
At exactly 11. 17pm , Chief Barnabas Gemade nominated Ahmed Lawan for the office of the president of the Senate.
It was seconded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu .
When the Chief Returning Officer, Mai Mala Buni( the National Secretary of APC ) called for nomination for the office of Deputy President , Senator Ajayi Borrofice ( Ondo North ) nominated Senator George Akume . He was seconded by Comrade Shehu Sani ( Kaduna Central) .
At about 11. 23pm , voting commenced with the Chief Returning Officer running through the list of 59 Senators -elect of the APC .
The National Vice Chairman ( North East ) , Engr . B . B . Lawal conducted the sorting and counting of votes.
Addressing newsmen on the outcome of the primary election , the Chief Returning Officer, Buni said the number accredited voters was 33, 32 voted for Lawan and one was invalid
“By the powers conferred on he by the NWC of the APC , Sen . Lawan, having satisfied the requirements , is hereby declared elected for the Office of the President of the Senate and George Akume for the Deputy President of the Senate . ”
Apart from Ahmed Lawan, some of the senators - elect in his camp at the ICC were Rabiu Kwankwanso, Bukar Abba Ibrahim , George Akume , Adamu Aliero, Ajayi Borrofice, Gemade Barnabas , Adamu Abdullahi, Jide Omoworare , Abu Ibrahim , Bayero Nafada, Gbenga Ashafa , Sola Adeyeye , Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, Suleiman Hunkuyi, Ahmed Barau Jibrin , and Isiaka Adeleke.
Others were Kabiru Gaya , Nazif Suleiman , Nafada Ibrahim , Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu , Shehu Sani , Solomon Olamilekan , Kabiru Marafa , Lanre Tejuoso , Fatai Buhari , Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu , Soji Akanbi , Bala Na’ Allah , Gbolahan Dada , Umaru Kurfi , Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako, and Mustapha Sani .
A Senator -elect from Katsina State, Mustapha Bukar , who left Abuja last night for Germany to attend to his health , wrote a letter to Oyegun expressing his full backing for Lawan.
In his acceptance speech , Lawan said his victory was not only for the Unity Forum that is in the vanguard of his campaign but for the entire senate.
“We need to bring together every APC Senator . This change cannot be a real change unless everybody is on board, ” he said and promised to be “ just, fair and equitable . ”
He also pledged to “ reach out to our colleagues who could not make it to this session so that the APC can be one family. ”
Lawan’ s rival for the position , Dr . Bukola Saraki and his supporters boycotted the process even after signing an agreement earlier in the day with the Lawan group to abide by the outcome of the election .
The decision of the party leadership to go ahead with the shadow election is said to have thrown the Saraki group otherwise known as Like Minds into disarray with some saying they should have participated in yesterday ’ s process and others insisting that they were right in boycotting it.
The group last night attributed its decision to stay away from the mock election to the adoption of the open ballot system for the process .
It said that option was primitive and undemocratic .
The Like Minds , in a statement said it “shall not be part of a process that promotes undemocratic electoral process that may resort to rancorous and uncivil situation which inhibits the rights of individuals to vote for their choice ,as this process will further divide us than unite members of our party . ”
Several PDP senators -elect are reportedly angry with Dr . Saraki for branding the 7th Senate as a failure and have vowed to vote against him on Tuesday .
The Lawan group on the other hand is confident about its chances on Tuesday.
Thirty- one APC senators -elect voted for Akume as the party ’ s Deputy Senate president candidate. Two votes were declared invalid .
It was preceded by the emergence of Mr. Gbajabiamila as the APC ’ s official candidate for the position of House ofReps Speaker.
After three hours of voting in the shadow election conducted for APC members interested in the position, Gbajabiamila ( Surulere 1, Lagos) , defeated Yakubu Dogara ( Bogoro/Dass /Tafawa Balewa , Bauchi State) by 154 votes to 3.
Four votes were invalid .
A shocked Dogara stormed out of the International Conference Centre venue of the shadow election with 19 of his supporters .
Spokesman for his group , Abdulmumin Jibrin said the shadow election has no place in the APC constitution.
But moment afterwards, three of them retraced their steps and joined the rest of their colleagues.
One hundred and eighty- three of the party ’ s 209 Reps -elect signed the attendance register at yesterday ’ s meeting , the APC National Secretary , Mallam Mai Mala Buni, said .
One hundred and sixty -one of the 183 voted at the straw poll, with about 22 others either abstaining or leaving the venue .
Alhaji Tahir Monguno ( Marte /Monguno/Nganzai , Borno State) scored 153 votes to emerge the sole candidate of the party for the position of Deputy Speaker.
Dogara was understood last night to be trying to negotiate with the leadership of APC for the Office of Deputy Speaker .
He was however told that his move came too late in the day and that he should have done that before the primaries .
It was also gathered that he was contemplating a parallel primary election last night .
Party sources said the APC opted for the shadow election after all efforts to agree on a consensus candidate for the Speaker failed .
The atmosphere at the venue was initially charged but the tension soon gave way in the face of the transparency method adopted by the party ’s leadership .
The primary election was conducted after a water -tight screening of members- elect.
Members- elect began arriving the ICC as early as 9am while voting by secret ballot started at 2. 26 pm .
Before the commencement of the poll, the APC National Chairman , Chief John Odigie -Oyegun appealed for calm .
He allowed some members to address the session after which nominations for the Office of the Speaker were invited.
Announcing the result , National Secretary Bunu said : ” By the powers conferred on me by the NWC of the APC as the Chief Returning Officer of the election , I certify that Femi Gbajabiamila, having scored the highest votes is declared sole candidate of the APC for the office of the Speaker of the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives” .
Congratulating the winners, the National Chairman of the party , Chief John Odigie -Oyegun said : “On behalf of the party and NWC , I congratulate the sole candidate of the office of speaker . The party wishes you well . More than anything else , I congratulate all of you. You have been exemplary. You have been patient .
“What is important today is that you ( incoming members ) have freely elected your leaders . This is what the APC stands for. This was done in the glare of cameras and everybody knew you were here. This is what this party stands for ; this is what we must do. Internal democracy must prevail.
“I thank you for the example that you have shown today. The party will work and interact with you closely at every stage . Not the point of dictating with you, but to be on the same page in all issues that affects the nation .
“I want to charge you that from the minute you leave this hall; you must reach out to all members of the APC . As Mr . President did , so you must do and stretch your hand of fellowship to the other side . Please , I am not setting anybody down. Most institutions today have suffered a lot of bashing.
“You must restore the confidence of the people in the House . It means sacrifice , leadership by example . We have cut down on waste . You have made us proud today and I am proud to be your chairman ” .
Responding after being declared the sole candidate for the Speaker, Gbajabiamila thanked members for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to lead them in the House as Minority leader and capping it with a mandate to be the Speaker when the 8th National Assembly is inaugurated .
He said though the APC had the strength to produce the Speaker alone , the position he is seeking will only be legitimate if elected by all members of the House irrespective of the parties they represent .
He said : “There are about 20 members of the APC that could not make it to Abuja and were not here. These members are part of my and Mongunu ’ s group . Do , if you really add those numbers to what has been done here today , it is sufficient for the APC members to , on their own win the election to the office of the Speaker .
“But I have said this countless number of times and I will say it again : this is not the mandate that I seek . Legally, yes , we need 181 members to be the speaker and APC can provide that . But that is not the mandate that we seek . It will be legal , but it will not be a legitimate mandate .
“Legitimacy is found only when we get the votes across board, from all members of the House of Representatives. That is a legitimate mandate . That is what I and Mongunu will be seeking when we get to the floor of the House ”
Spokesman for the Yakubu Dogara Consolidation Group, Abdulmumin Jibrin dismissed the shadow election as an ambush by the APC leadership .
Jibrin said while the pro - Dogara Reps were not being disrespectful to the leadership of the party , they were only insisting that the party should allow the next Speaker of the House to emerge on the floor of the House.
He said : “We stated it clearly that we will not participate in this election because it undermines the principle of the constitution of the APC . It undermines the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our position is one and only : the next Speaker of the House of Representatives should be decided on the floor of the House on Tuesday 9th of June, 2015. That is what the constitution provided and that is our own position”
Member elect for Soba Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, Barrister Mohammed Soba said they stood by the decision of the party to present a single candidate for the Speaker of the House .
He said the straw poll conducted by the party was not seeking to disqualify anybody who is interested from contesting .
Dismissing those who walked out of the meeting, he said : “ What we are trying to do here is legal. We want to go to the House with one candidate for the position of Speaker . Those that walked out are trying to team up with the PDP. That is why they are trying to stop the party from taking a position.
“We are not stopping anybody from contesting the Speakership when we get to the floor of the House . We are saying here is that we have only one candidate as a party and we will not support any other candidate when we get to the House. But anybody is free to contest .
“If you think you are popular, you go and contest . Many of those who walked out were former PDP members who joined the party . They have never been in the opposition before . So , I am not surprised by their action ” .
A top APC leader said last night that Dogara having realized the futility of his walk out ” attempted to renegotiate with APC leadership for the Office of Deputy Speaker . But we said we cannot promise you deputy .
“We told him he should have withdrawn from the race to allow for reconciliation , realignment of interests and a revisit of power sharing . It was too late in the day for Dogara. ”
It was learnt that Dogara and his supporters were planning a parallel primary election .
But a top APC leader said the party might wield the big stick if there was any such parallel shadow election .
The leader said : “The party will enforce discipline if any ambitious member misbehaves . ”