While Ikot Ekpene APC Celebrates Godswill Akpabio defection from PDP, Governor Emmanuel Udom rallies the State PDP political base and removes detractors from his cabinet.

Ikot Ekpene APC Celebrates Godswill Akpabio defection from PDP as Governor Emmanuel Udom removes detractors from his cabinet.

ICMS,Inc Reports
By Tom Okure, Ph.D
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) political party of Nigeria rolled out a large welcome celebration today in Akwa Ibom State’s Ikot Ekpene township stadium to welcome Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is formally defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and joining the APC.

 


Senator Akpabio is defecting and carrying along with him many prominent Akwa Ibom State PDP chieftains to the APC. According to news media sources, the list of who is who among the defectors to APC include some members of the State House of Assembly and:

“former works commissioner in the state, Mr Don Etim, former senator Effiong Bob, Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kieran Akpan, former Speaker and House of Reps member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Mr Sam Ikon, respective House of Reps members from Abak and Essien Edim/Etim Ekpo/Ika, Mr Emmanuel Akpan and Mr Emmanuel Ekon, former Information Commissioner, Mr Aniekan Umanah, state House of Assembly members, Nse Ntuen, Usoro Akpanusoh, Aniekan Uko, Aniekan Bassey, Idongesit Ntekpere, Uduak Ududoh, Mark Esset, among others."

The full impact of Akpabio’s defection on the current governance structure in Akwa Ibom State and the competitiveness of PDP against the APC in the upcoming 2019 elections is unclear. One thing however is clear, and that is, the unleashing of anger, desperation, fear and political uneasiness among the political elite class in the state.

Senator Akpabio with a APC Chieftain Bola Tinubu after news
broke of his defection and acceptance into APC 

One can feel the sense of betrayal, confusion, suspicion and anger among the PDP political base across the state who for the first time in many years feel vulnerable and fear that the invasion of APC into the state political fabric has finally taken root. 

A jubilant crowd of both PDP and APC supporters welcomes Akpabio back to
Akwa Ibom State in Uyo upon on his return en route to Ikot Ekpene to
 announce his formal defection from PDP

Under the present circumstances, the existing PDP chieftains in the state have become alert, and everyone is advising Governor Udom to rid the PDP party hierarchy and the state government of all Akpabio’s moles embedded within the state governance structure prior to the next election.

Governor Emmanuel Udom Cleanses the State Executive Council of Detractors

In response to Akpabio’s defection, Emmanuel Udom's Akwa Ibom state government has taken some immediate decisive actions to rally his political support base, ensure loyalty among the remaining political leadership and eliminate any potential detractors within the current administration. The defection of Akpabio provides Udom with the unique opportunity to finally get rid of his political opponents in his government and the image that has trailed his political career as a political puppet of Senator Akpabio who was not elected by the masses but installed by Akpabio and beholden to him.

Immediately affected in the governance structure cleanup exercise by Udom are the removal from office and the State Executive Council with immediate effect of two prominent state commissioners.

Mr. Ibanga Akpabio dismissed as AKS Commissioner for
“gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules.” 

Mr. Ibanga Akpabio from Ikot Ekpene who is a younger brother of Senator Godswill Akpabio and Mr. Victor Antai from Oron. According to the State Government press release, their dismissal from office was necessary due to “gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules.” Mr. Ibanga Akpabio served as the State Commissioner for Labour, Productivity and Manpower Development.

Mr. Victor Antai also dismissed as AKS Commissioner for
“gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules."

Mr. Victor Antia served as the commissioner in charge of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Mr. Victor Antai is alleged to have welcomed Senator Akpabio in Ibom International Airport upon his return to the state following the news of Senator Akpabio’s defection from the PDP to the APC.

Akpabio in preparation for his formal defection from the PDP formally tendered his resignation as senate minority leader in the National Assembly. Akpabio's resignation has further fueled rumors about his political ambitions and intention, perhaps to take over the national assembly senates leadership under the banner of the APC. Senator Murray Bruce, one of Akpabio’s colleagues who represents Rivers state on Tuesday called Akpabio a traitor, and blamed him in part for the undemocratic siege of the National Assembly by the DSS.

Read more about Akpabios defection from PDP to APC

Senator Akpabio Officially Dumps PDP For APC

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State.

Ikot Ekpene Standstill for Akpabio

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The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC: The Case of Akwa Ibom State.

Commentary
ICMS,Inc Reports 
By Tom Okure, PhD

The Recycling of Nigerian Political heavy weights between the two major political parties PDP and APC is very puzzling and a unique Nigerian Phenomenon. The switching of major politicians between the two major parties has made news headlines over the past several weeks. The trend has finally spread to a very strong PDP dominated state in Akwa Ibom.

Senator Godswill Akpabio of PDP meeting with President Buhari of APC

Lately there has been an ongoing rumor that Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom state, is concluding arrangements to dump the PDP and consequently diminish the euphoric celebrations that recently took place at the PDP headquarters, over the defection of some heavy weight senators and three governors from the APC.

This morning, Propeller Newspapers states affirmatively that Senator Godswill Akpabio and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State is defecting to the current ruling party APC and has been issued his membership card. The newspaper also indicates that some other Ikot Ekpene politicians are joining Senator Akpabio to the APC.  A list of who is who among the alleged defectors are highlighted to include:

“former works commissioner in the state, Mr Don Etim, former senator Effiong Bob, Leader of the House, Mr Udo Kieran Akpan, former Speaker and House of Reps member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Mr Sam Ikon, respective House of Reps members from Abak and Essien Edim/Etim Ekpo/Ika, Mr Emmanuel Akpan and Mr Emmanuel Ekon, former Information Commissioner, Mr Aniekan Umanah, state House of Assembly members, Nse Ntuen, Usoro Akpanusoh, Aniekan Uko, Aniekan Bassey, Idongesit Ntekpere, Uduak Ududoh, Mark Esset, among others. At least 10 house members are said to be ready to defect to the APC with Akpabio”

Akpabio meets with Buhari in London

If the news of Akpabio’s defecting with a number of major political heavyweights to APC is true, what does this mean to the current governance structure in Akwa Ibom State? What is the impact of this change on the APC party in Akwa Ibom and even more important on the competitiveness of PDP against the APC in the upcoming 2019 elections? 

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Read more here:

BREAKING: Sen. Ita Enang confirms Akpabio’s exit from PDP
Breaking: Akpabio meets Buhari in London

Acceptance Statement by General Muhammadu Buhari, President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

"The Die is Cast"
Acceptance Statement by General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,

President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Written by Muhammadu Buhari April 1st, 2015

I am immensely grateful to God for this day and for this hour. I feel truly honoured and humbled that the Nigerian people have so clearly chosen me to lead them. The official announcement from INEC was the moment the vast majority of Nigerians had hoped and been waiting for. Today, history has been made, and change has finally come. Your votes have changed our national destiny for the good of all Nigerians . 

INEC has announced that I, Muhammadu Buhari, shall be your next president. My team and I shall faithfully serve you. There shall no longer be a ruling party again: APC will be your governing party. We shall faithfully serve you. We shall never rule over the people as if they were subservient to government.

Our long night has passed and the daylight of new democratic governance has broken across the land. This therefore is not a victory for one man or even one party. It is a victory for Nigeria and for all Nigerians. Millions of you have worked for this day. So many have risked life and livelihood; and others have died that we may witness this moment.

And it is with a very heavy heart that I report many deaths and injuries amidst the jubilations yesterday. We send our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives; and wish speedy recovery to those who suffered injuries. I appeal to all our supporters to celebrate this victory with prayers and reflection instead of wild jubilation.

May the souls of those who died rest in peace. Let us take a moment of silence to honour all of those whose sacrifices have brought us to this fine and historic hour. As the results of the election have shown, their labor has not been and will never be in vain. Democracy and the rule of law will be re-established in the land.

Let us put the past, especially the recent past, behind us. We must forget our old battles and past grievances—and learn to forge ahead. I assure you that our government is one that will listen to and embrace all.

I pledge myself and our in-coming administration to just and principled governance. There shall be no bias against or favouritism for any Nigerian based on ethnicity, religion, region, gender or social status. I pledge myself and the government to the rule of law, in which none shall be so above the law that they are not subject to its dictates, and none shall be so below it that they are not availed of its protection.

You shall be able to go to bed knowing that you are safe and that your constitutional rights remain in safe hands. You shall be able to voice your opinion without fear of reprisal or victimisation. My love and concern for this nation and what I desire for it extends to all, even to those who do not like us or our politics. You are all my people and I shall treat everyone of you as my own. I shall work for those who voted for me as well as those who voted against me and even for those who did not vote at all. We all live under one name as one nation: we are all Nigerians. 

 
Some unfortunate issues about my eligibility have been raised during the campaign. I wish to state that through devotion to this nation, everything I have learned and done has been to enable me to make the best possible contribution to public life. If I had judged myself incapable of governing I would never have sought to impose myself on it. I have served in various capacities and have always put in my best.

But despite the rancour of the elections, I extend a hand of friendship and conciliation to President Jonathan and his team. I hereby wish to state that I harbour no ill will against anyone.

Let me state clearly that President Jonathan has nothing to fear from me. Although we may not agree on the methods of governing the nation, he is a great Nigerian and still our president. He deserves our support and permanent respect by virtue of the office he has held. This is how an honourable nation treats its servants and conducts its affairs; and this is how Nigeria should be.

I look forward to meeting with President Jonathan in the days to come to discuss how our teams can make the transition of administrations as efficient as possible.

Here, I want to thank my party for selecting me as its candidate. I thank our party leaders and members for the steadfast contributions they made to bring our dream to fruition. I thank INEC, the police and all other government agencies for performing their tasks in a proper manner and for refusing to be induced to undermine the election and the democratic process.

I also wish to thank religious Leaders, traditional leaders, the media, labor unions, Civil Society organisations, organised private sector, youths and students for their roles in this election.

I give special thanks to President Obama and his timely intervention and support for peaceful and credible elections in Nigeria and for sending Secretary John Kerry and other United States officials. The European Union – especially the United Kingdom, France, Germany and other nations that were actively involved in ensuring the success of this election are equally appreciated. My sincere thanks to the United Nations Secretary General Mr Ban-Ki Moon. The Commonwealth, China, India and other Asian and Gulf states are also hereby appreciated. Finally our brothers in the African Union and ECOWAS have truly and clearly shown and demonstrate their commitment to our democratisation process. Former Presidents John Kuffour, Amos Sawyer, Bakili Muluzi and his team are well appreciated. I must also add my appreciation for the role played by civil societies, national and International observers, other world leaders in ensuring that Nigeria holds free and fair elections.

I assure all foreign governments that Nigeria will become a more forceful and constructive player in the global fight against terrorism and in other matters of collective concern, such as the fight against drugs, climate change, financial fraud, communicable diseases and other issues requiring global response. I want to assure our fellow African nations that Nigeria will now stand as a more constructive partner in advancing the matters of concern to our continent, particularly with regard to economic development and eradication of poverty.

Former head of state and president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General Yakubu Gowon, Alh. Shehu Shagari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan and General Abdulsalami Abubakar deserve commendations for their statesmanship and words of caution and counsel for peace during the tense moments of this electoral period.

Most of all, I thank the people of Nigeria for reposing their confidence in me at this trying moment. Our nation wrestles many challenges including insecurity, corruption, economic decline. I pledge to give you my best in tackling these problems.

The good people of Nigeria, your obligation does not end with casting your ballot. I seek your voice and input as we tackle these problems. This will not be a government democratic only in form. It will be a government democratic in substance and in how it interacts with its own people.

No doubt, this nation has suffered greatly in the recent past, and its staying power has been tested to its limits by crises, chief among which is insurgency of the Boko Haram. There is no doubt that in tackling the insurgency we have a tough and urgent job to do. But I assure you that Boko Haram will soon know the strength of our collective will and commitment to rid this nation of terror, and bring back peace and normalcy to all the affected areas. We shall spare no effort until we defeat terrorism.

Furthermore, we shall strongly battle another form of evil that is even worse than terrorism—the evil of corruption. Corruption attacks and seeks to destroy our national institutions and character. By misdirecting into selfish hands funds intended for the public purpose, corruption distorts the economy and worsens income inequality. It creates a class of unjustly-enriched people.

Such an illegal yet powerful force soon comes to undermine democracy because its conspirators have amassed so much money that they believe they can buy government. We shall end this threat to our economic development and democratic survival. I repeat that corruption will not be tolerated by this administration; and it shall no longer be allowed to stand as if it is a respected monument in this nation.
I ask you to join me in resolving these and the other challenges we face. Along the way, there will be victories but there may also be setbacks. Mistakes will be made. But we shall never take you for granted; so, be rest assured that our errors will be those of compassion and commitment not of wilful neglect and indifference.

We shall correct that which does not work and improve that which does. We shall not stop, stand or idle. We shall, if necessary crawl, walk and run to do the job you have elected us to do.

I realise that the expectation of our people today is as high as their commitment to change has been strong and their belief in us unshaken. While we pledge to begin doing our best without delay, we would like to appeal to them to appreciate the gravity of our situation, so that we become more realistic in our expectations.

We will govern for you and in your interests. Your vote was not wasted. This is not the first time Nigerians have cast their votes for us, and this is not the first time they have been counted; but this is the first time that the votes have been allowed to count. With the help of God, we pledge to do our utmost to bring forth the Nigeria you seek.

Thank you for your patience and attention.
General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR President-Elect, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Nigeria's Opposition Party APC Edges Towards Victory In The Presidential Elections

Incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan May Become The First Nigerian President In Office To Lose An Election.

Political Analysis and Comments
by Tom Okure, Ph.D
March 31, 2015

Former military ruler of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, who is 72 years old and says he is a born-again democrat is winning with a very clear margin according to INEC reported poll results.  Buhari pledges to clean up the corrupt politics that has engulfed Africa’s largest economy and its most populous country. 

On Monday March 30, 2015, Nigeria's independent electoral commission {INEC) released the polling results of eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as it began the collation and announcement of the presidential election's results.

Early poll results early today Tuesday March 31, 2015 indicated that Muhammadu Buhari is still leading with 8,520,436 in 10 states and Jonathan gathered 6,488,210 in 8 states and FCT.

Before we published this blog post, new confirmed polling results now reported from 30 of Nigeria’s states, plus the Federal Capital territory of Abuja, who have declared results, still indicate that Buhari is still leading incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, by 13,314,482 votes to 10,536,986.

If President Goodluck Jonathan loses to Buhari, he would be the first incumbent Nigerian president to lose an election

A Very Big Win For Nigeria's Young Democracy

Nigerian voters all over the country waited patiently on March 28 and 29, 2015 to exercise their civil right to vote. In some instances voters were forced to wait more than eight hours and endure harsh weather conditions including heavy tropical rain storms and the scorching sun.

They arrived in droves to the polling stations and included all kinds and types of voters, the young, the elderly, men, women, and mothers with children and some with babies strapped to their backs. It was Nigeria’s biggest and most exciting election held since the country gained independence. There were moments of high drama, technical glitches with voting equipment, shortage of ballot papers was reported in many parts of the country and some violence and tensions were also reported.

Notwithstanding who ends up as the declared winner in the presidential elections, one thing is clear, Nigerian democracy is the real winner of the exciting political campaign and voting season.

The video below (Attribution: Channels Television) shows INEC presentation of the results of eight states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 


More Election Results

Source: Nigerian Tribune
Date: March 31, 2015


As of 11.20 p.m., the results from 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had been presented by collation officers made up of vice chancellors in Nigerian universities.


The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, from the results released, won in 10 states, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Ogun, Ondo, Kwara, Oyo and Osun.

Buhari garnered massive votes from Katsina, his home state, Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa states.
The total figure for the 10 states is 8,520,436. Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, won in eight states of Abia, Anambra, Ekiti, Enugu, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Plateau and Imo, including the FCT.

The total figure for the PDP winning states is 6,488,210. President Jonathan was able to garner more votes from Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Imo states.

Signing out on Monday night, Professor Jega said the presentation of the results would continue today by 10.00 a.m.

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Nigeria Announces the Postponement of the Scheduled February 14, 2015 Presidential Elections

BREAKING NEWS

Nigeria Announces the Postponement of the Scheduled February 14, 2015 Presidential Elections

Commentary

by Tom Okure, PH.D

Date: February 7, 2015

The Nigerian government this Saturday, February 7, 2015 announced the postponement of the

INEC State Offices

scheduled February 14 presidential elections. The announcement comes amidst an increase in violence by a 5-year old Islamic insurgency called Boko Haram, a militant jihadist group that has seized about 30 villages and towns in the last year in northern Nigeria and is alleged by international security agencies to be able to go “toe-to-toe” with the Nigerian army.

The supporters of the two major political parties in Nigeria PDP and APC have been threatening violence should their candidate loose the presidential elections.  Political polling of the electorate and expert analysis of the campaigning status of the two major parties suggest a very close race. The PDP led government of President Jonathan has been in power since the end of military dictatorship in 1999. It will be recalled that about 800 people died as a consequence of rioting in the Muslim north soon after the current APC presidential candidate Buhari, a Muslim and former military dictator himself, lost his bid for the presidency in the 2011 elections to Jonathan, a Christian from the south.

The PDP party in Nigeria has been successful in wining every presidential election since the end of military rule. It has made significant strides in infrastructural development in many sectors of the economy but has been unable to contain the Boko Haram insurgency; and a seemingly growing and

INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega

out of control high level corruption among government officials.  Nigeria like many other oil dependent economies is also witnessing a rapid slowdown in growth as a result of falling world oil prices and a failure in foresight by Nigerian policy makers to build up sufficient foreign reserves to sustain the economy until world oil prices rebounds.

The United States and its western allies have voiced concern over the inability of Nigeria’s military to stop the insurgency in the Muslim north but have insisted that the elections should proceed on schedule. John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State while visiting Nigeria recently remarked that "one of the best ways to fight back against Boko Haram" was by holding a credible and peaceful election on time.

Other Relevant links

A postponement also will give electoral officials more time to deliver some 30 million voter cards. The commission had said the non-delivery of cards to nearly half of the 68.8 million registered voters was not a good reason to delay the vote….Read more

http://news.yahoo.com/nigeria-postponing-feb-14-vote-amid-boko-haram-100041293.html

Civil society leaders, organized in support of credible and transparent elections in Nigeria, otherwise called the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, reacted sharply blasting the security chiefs accusing them of fomenting a surreptitious coup against democracy. Read more….

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/176432-breaking-21-inec-resident-commissioners-reject-postponement-elections.html

INEC PRESS STATEMENT

On Thursday, February 5, 2015, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, was invited to brief the National Council of States (NCS) on the preparedness of INEC to conduct the 2015 general elections. He made a presentation titled “Preparations for the 2015 General Elections: Progress Report.’ The National Security Adviser (NSA) and Armed Services Chiefs also briefed the Council on the current security situation….Read more http://www.inecnigeria.org/?inecnews=inec-press-statement-2