Politics

Defection: Saraki Speaks on his Senate Leadership if He Dumps APC

Published

7 years ago

July 29, 2018

President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has spoken on his status if he finally dumps the All Progressives Congress, APC for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
There are clear indications that the Kwara-born politician will be announcing his defection to the PDP in a matter of days.
The loyalists of the former Kwara Governor in the chamber are also battle ready to keep his presiding status, regardless of which party has the majority of members between the APC and the PDP in the National Assembly.
Saraki, who spoke with the Punch through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olayiyonu dismissed the call by members of the Parliamentary Support Group that he should quit as presiding officer once he defects from the ruling party.
The PSG is a group of APC senators supporting President Muhammadu Buhari.
Saraki noted that two-thirds of senators were needed to remove the Senate President.
He said, “We all know the process of electing and removing the Senate President. It is not that a party must determine who takes charge; every member of the Senate will have a vote in the election or removal of the Senate President.
“The constitution is clear on how the collection of those votes is done and what number is needed to elect or remove the Senate President.
“So, anybody who says anything outside those provisions is just deceiving themselves. The person is speaking in a vacuum.
“We are not bothered here. The Senate President is still attending to his official duties from home despite the recess. Everything is normal here. They are the ones who have reasons to be bothered.
“I say this without intending to insult any senator. I try not to respond to any senator but allow the senators to engage themselves.”

News

S’South Govenors Call For Rivers Emergency Rule Reversal

Published

9 hours ago

March 20, 2025

lagoslately

The South-South Governors’ Forum has called for the reversal of the state of emergency in Rivers State that was declared by President Bola Tinubu.

The statement issued on Thursday was signed by the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State in Yenagoa, the state capital.

It reads , “To reduce tensions and establish a foundation for enduring peace, we propose the Rescission of the State of Emergency.”

The forum also called for dialogue as a path forward and encouraged all parties to remain calm, uphold peace and the constitution of the country.

The forum noted the six-month state of emergency and suspension of two democratic institutions as recognised the president’s constitutional duty to maintain law and order in the country as well as their mandate to secure peace and stability in their states.

News

Rivers Assembly Moves to Impeach Governor Fubara and Deputy

Published

3 days ago

March 17, 2025

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, citing alleged gross misconduct.

According to a notice obtained by Port Harcourt Especially on Monday, March 17, 2025, the lawmakers asserted that the move aligns with the Nigerian Constitution.

“In compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws, we, the undersigned members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, hereby forward to you a Notice of Gross Misconduct by the Deputy Governor of Rivers State in the performance of the functions of her office,” the notice stated.

The development comes amid rising political tensions following recent remarks by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Wike had previously declared that Governor Fubara could be impeached if found guilty of an impeachable offense, emphasizing that impeachment is a constitutional process rather than a criminal act.

During a visit to Abalama on Saturday, Wike further escalated the situation by boasting that Fubara had already suffered two major political defeats, hinting at more to come. His comments have fueled speculations of a deepening rift between the former governor and his successor.

The impeachment proceedings are expected to heighten political uncertainty in Rivers State in the coming days.

News

“What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP.” – El-Rufai.

Published

6 days ago

March 15, 2025

lagoslately

“What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.

“I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue. When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him why are we together now,” Elrufai said.