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Actualization Of Renewed Hope Agenda Is My Priority, Says Reps Aspirant

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Actualization of the people-focused development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is paramount towards moving Nigeria forward and the National Assembly must play a critical role in this direction, an APC stalwart, Honourable Abdul Raheem Owokoniran has said.

He said their past struggles against military rule and contributions towards the formation of All Progressives Congress (APC) as a populist party will be further justified with policies and processes towards ensuring that every Nigerian lives a good life today with an assurance of a better living tomorrow and the National Assembly must effectively key into that.

Abdul Raheem stated shortly after collecting the APC nomination form for Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos state.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja, Abdul Raheem emphasized that in the struggle to represent the APC in the constituency once represented by Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, he is strongly towards ensuring politics without bitterness as he strives to bring together different groups under the progressive banner in the quest for a resounding victory in the February 3, 2024 election.

“I believe very much in the unity of purpose towards actualizing the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for the benefit of the people; it was tough for us in battling the military, forming the Alliance for Democracy and transforming from Action Congress of Nigeria, along with other legacy parties, to form APC but the best justification is the realization of our people-focused agenda for the current and future generations,” Abdul Raheem said.

Abdul Raheem Owokoniran had a stint at Sterling Asset Management a subsidiary of Sterling Bank and later in 2010, went on to work in the Freedom House office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and subsequently worked in the Rehoboth House Constituency Office of Senator Oluremi Tinubu for a number of years, where he gained further experience in populist service and deepened his progressive credentials under her tutelage.

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The Constituency Office of Senator Oluremi Tinubu offered him a great opportunity to further learn about the focus, human values, rigours, philanthropy, planning, maximisation of resources and other fundamental issues that are germane to populist leadership.

Abdul Raheem contested for Lagos House Assembly party primary in 2010 for the 2011 election and was belatedly prevailed upon to step down for Hon. Kabir Lawal – one of the contestants in the current race.

Again in 2014 primary for 2023 Lagos House Assembly election after rigorous campaigning, he was asked to step down but despite all these, he still maintains a credible reputation as an effective grassroots mobiliser for the APC in Surulere constituency.

Abdulraheem Owokoniran is not just a regular politician; he is an exceptional figure, representing the zenith of political excellence and carrying forward a significant family tradition in the field of politics. His passionate commitment to the people of Surulere, his uncompromising commitment to the progressive cause and his party, APC, his rich political contacts and experience at the very apex of Lagos State politics are all among factors that emphasize his unique and remarkable position as the leading contender for APC’s House of Reps ticket for Surulere 1 Federal constituency.

A thoroughbred politician, born into politics and nurtured in politics by his parents and top political icons in the essence of selfless leadership and progressive politics, Abdulraheem Owokoniran’s contributions to progressive politics predated the formation of the Alliance for Democracy and he has consistently worked for the electoral success of all the progressive parties led by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1999.

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The son of Alhaja Olaide Agaba, a prominent political heavyweight in Surulere and across Lagos, he has been actively involved in politics since the early 90s, with pragmatic political experience that traversed the Alliance for Democracy AD), Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Indeed, it is a known fact in Surulere Abdul Raheem was a strategic errand boy during the June 12 struggle in Surulere which was a focal point during that era; he began as an alert, trustworthy and dependable courier boy that passed on strategic messages across during the military struggle.

Again he was the youngest boy in Abuja Transcorp-Hilton hotel room when the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was formed; he was sent into the parked room that fateful rainy day on 9th September 1998 (after the debacle of Eagles Square) to observe and give feedback to the Justice Forum Women Leaders of which his mum was one of them.

Very actively involved in all electoral campaigns and political mobilization efforts across various levels since 1999, he is well educated, with an LLB and a Masters degree in Project Management from the UK.

However, he had been implored to sacrifice his political ambition in the past, thereby clearing an easy path for other party members and enhancing party cohesion.

Without doubt, having good education for his first and Master’s degrees helped prepare him for leadership in the digital age but this was further enriched with training in team and leadership skills development to boost his natural flairs for strategic thinking, management and problem-solving.

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Focused on humanitarian activities aimed at enabling others realize their God-given potentials, Abdul Raheem who loves politics, football and travelling was Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Works and Infrastructure from 2019 to 2023.

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Tinubu passes vote of confidence on APC leadership

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence in the ability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership to build the nation, and significantly contribute to Africa’s growth.

Tinubu said this on Tuesday while addressing the APC Caucus meeting at the State House in Abuja.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the Renewed Hope Manifesto of the APC.

“We can steer the future of this country and make a difference. I like what is happening around the world.

” It is teaching a lesson that we, particularly Nigeria is a great African country that can build and help Africa to grow,” he said.

He underscored the importance of achieving food sovereignty and not just food security to better reposition the country as the nation with the capacity to reposition the continent.

“I am a very happy man, the sunny side of this country is on the horizon. Things are getting better, the days of gloom are gone.

”We are looking at the brighter and the sunny side of our country and our people.

He reassured the party members of his resolve to deliver in spite of the misleading, baseless, and pessimistic assertions made by his critics.

Tinubu noted the challenges confronting Nigerians regarding some of the policies introduced by his administration.

He said the fuel subsidy would have wrecked the country and denied citizens the opportunities of benefiting from the well-intended government interventions.

“Our determination to deliver is unshaking in spite of the cacophony of misguided unfounded and gloomy claims on the stage of the nation made by our detractors.

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” They will continue to do it but we are extremely focused,” he said.

Tinubu appealed to the APC Caucus members to further bear with his administration

” Our strategic repositioning requires us to build on our success and project a forward looking agenda that resonate with the hopes and aspiration of Nigerians.

“I am here promising that we are doing that, I have a commitment to our manifesto progressive ideas and the believe.”

Tinubu commended the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for the successes recorded in various elections.

“I thank the chairman of our party, Thank you Mr Chairman ,you have earned accolades from various elections

“You are our pride, we have a hardworking individual that have led the party so well and the members of working committee.” President Tinubu added.

Also, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari (APC- Zamfara West) testified during the APC Caucus meeting that the security situation had significantly improved in Zamfara. (NAN)

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APC united, supportive of Tinubu’s government – Uzodinma

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Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) is united, stronger, focused and supportive of President Bola Tinubu led administration.

Uzodinma said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the party’s caucus meeting presided over by President Tinubu, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The governor debunked claims that the party operated as a one-man show, adding that the APC’s diverse representation across six geopolitical zones, including governors from various states at the meeting, underscored its inclusive nature.

He said the party’s structure, as outlined in its constitution, included multiple leadership positions and a hierarchical framework that ensured broad participation in decision-making processes.

“Our party is united, stronger, focused, and supportive of the government. We need to celebrate our own.

“The government is heavily supported by the APC, and from time to time, we must show that we are behind the government,” he said.

On internal party democracy, Uzodinma stated that APC was a very large political party with executives at all levels.

“We have our internal mechanism for selection. Why are we winning all these elections? It’s because we have demonstrated high capacity and respect for democracy,” he stated.

The governor said due to good leadership provided by Tinubu, the county was better off in terms of revenue generation which translated to more infrastructure, social change, and other economic dynamics.

According to him, APC is the party to beat and the envy of other political parties, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

He said the party had inaugurated the Progressive Institute, its intellectual arm, to conduct research, training for manpower development and to build the intellectual capacity of members.

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He said President Tinubu’s efforts in managing insecurity were also commended at the meeting.

“The President has done very well in terms of managing the insecurity in the country, as testified today by one of our members in Zamfara State, where there is relative peace.

“Now, people are going about their businesses. Farmers have gone back to their farms in the southeast,” Uzodinma said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting brought together key party leaders, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima and the President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, the APC National Chairman, Gov. Umar Bago of Niger, Sen. Aliyu Wamakko, Gov. Nasiru Idris of Kebbi, Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, among others, also attended the meeting. (NAN)

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Alleged disorderly conduct: Senate refers Natasha to Ethics Committee

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The Senate on Tuesday referred Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi) to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions over alleged disorderly conduct during a recent plenary session.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Neda Imaseun (LP, Edo), was mandated to turn in its findings in two weeks.

The upper chamber’s resolution was sequel to a voice vote after the lawmakers had revisited the controversy surrounding the recent altercation between Akpoti-Uduaghan and the senate leadership over seat allocation.

Coming under Order 1(b) and 10, the senate’s Spokesperson, Sen. Yemi Adaramodu, condemned what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the senate session on Feb. 20.

“From that Thursday, the media was awash with this issue and I had to work on mending the perception of the 10th senate.

“The senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions,” he said.

Adaramodu urged the senate leadership to enforce discipline, warning that ‘where there is sin, there must be penalty’.

“This chamber is not a place for theatrics or social media content creation. We are here to legislate, advocate for our constituents and provide oversight over MDAs, not to engage in media dramatisation,” he said.

Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo) also supported the motion, emphasising the importance of maintaining order and decorum in the senate.

Ibrahim urged all senators to respect the institution’s guiding rules, comparing the Standing Orders to the Bible and Quran for lawmakers.

Also, the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the disciplinary review, affirming the senate’s commitment to its rules and internal order.

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According to him, there is no one who does not have an opinion on this issue, but we are unified by our rules.

“Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Our integrity is non-negotiable,” he said.

Bamidele dismissed claims that the dispute was rooted in gender bias or discrimination, citing examples of senior senators who had accepted seat changes without protest.

Contributing, the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro, described the incident as “an avoidable drama” and apologised on behalf of Akpoti-Uduaghan.

He urged the senate to focus on its legislative responsibilities, while allowing the ethics committee to handle the matter.

Responding, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, directed the committee on ethics and privileges to review the entire incident and report back to the chamber in two weeks.

According to Akpabio, the senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, but that contributions must be made from their designated seats.

He said that lack of familiarity with the senate procedures might have contributed to the altercation.

“The first day she (Akpoti-Uduaghan) was sworn in, she stood up to contribute and I was worried if she had even read the rule book.

“There is nothing wrong with being vibrant but everything is wrong with disobeying procedures,” he said.

Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules, he underscored the need for senators to conduct themselves with decorum, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water or being disruptive during sittings.

“The rules empower the senate president to suspend a senator for infractions for, at least, 14 days. It’s not me who made the rules; it’s in the rule book,” Akpabio said. (NAN)

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