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APC may face challenges after Buhari’s exit in 2023 – Lawan

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Senate President, Ahmad Lawan
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…advices party leaders to divest powers to youths to sustain legacies

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may face challenges after the exit of President Muhammadu Buhari from office in 2023, except timely interventions are taken to avert same.

Lawan gave the warning on Monday night in a speech delivered to close the First Progressives Youth Conference 2021 which held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to him, the party must begin to plan ahead to sustain the goodwill and legacies of the present administration by ensuring that its leaders hand over power to competent youths in the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that by doing so, the party would be able to retain its appeal and nationalistic outlook beyond the 2023 general elections.

He said, “Whether we like it or not, the truth is, President Muhammadu Buhari remains the person with the bulk of the support we get across this country in APC.

“[And] when he leaves, he would still have some roles, but I daresay that it is after he leaves office that APC will face its challenge.

“Yes, we have to know our value then, and the value of APC presently is APC minus President Muhammadu Buhari. Whatever it is, that is the value of APC.

“So, we need to do a lot to build this party, and we need our youths more than ever before for them to continue with this legacy that this administration has established all over the country.

“That means we have to see our selves as brothers and sisters regardless of where we come from.”

The Senate President added that, “our tribe or even ethnic group, our religious persuasion should not matter when it comes to uniting this country.

“[And] as APC, the onus is on us to provide security and an economy that will bring growth and development to give people the kind of life that is meaningful.

“We can ask others to join us, but we are the ones to do it, so we need all hands on deck.”

He lamented that the plan of the APC to deliver on most of its promises to Nigerians was stalled in the first tenure of the President Buhari administration as a result of the feud between the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government.

“When we were voted in 2019 as leaders of the National Assembly, we were conscious of one thing, that our mandate that was given to us by Nigerians in 2015 had suffered disruption and dislocation.

“For four years (2015 to 2019), our government could not perform optimally because of the then crisis between the parliament – the National Assembly – and the Executive arm of government.

“So, APC had already lost four very important years. And, that was supposed to be the years that we should have convinced Nigerians that they took the right decision by voting out a PDP administration in 2015.

“What are our options? We are one party in different arms of government. Our policies are supposed to be the same. Our programmes and projects are supposed to be the same, whether you’re in the legislature or the executive.

“So long as you are APC, that is your programme and project, that is your government and you are bound to make it succeed.

“So, we took the conscious decision of working in harmony that our relationship must be characterized by consultation, coordination, partnership and mutual respect, that we must succeed in the second tenure (2019 – 2023).

“Otherwise, in 2023, many would like to see our backs if you can’t provide the services expected of you in your first four years.

“[And] you to change and do better, why would anybody give you eight years?

“So, we felt we have an obligation to Nigerians who voted for us, to our people in APC and to our country, that we must work in such a fashion and manner that government is able to deliver services to Nigerians.”

The Senate President further disclosed that the ongoing amendment to the 1999 constitution will accord priority to inclusion of youths in governance.

He explained that the aim was to ensure that power is divested to younger generation in a way that allows them to participate in the process.

“Power is not given by opposition. When were out of power or when we came in, another party was in control of the country – the PDP.

“There was no way the PDP could have given us power a la carte, but the people of Nigeria mobilized and, of course, that government was voted out.

“But when it is a family affair, and this is my position, power is given not taken. Imagine yourself and your children, you want them to be better than you.

“But when you say power will not be given, that family is dysfunctional. So, power is given and can be given. How I wish it would be given.

“I am with you and I am on your side. I am still on the side that we can give power to our youths.

“We should enable them, prepare them and tell them this is the way to go. You have seen us do it, and you can do better because of the energy and capacity that you have.

“These days, our youths have more capacities, what they may lack is that clout.

“So, we also have to mentor our youths, but we have to give them the opportunity to participate in governance.

“I really feel we can do better to have more youths and more women in our government and party positions.”

 

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EKSWAMA Board Congratulates Oyebanji, Hails Re-election as Endorsement of Good Governance

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The Chairman of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Prince Oladele Adeniyi, alongside other members of the board, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his resounding victory in the 2026 governorship election, describing his re-election as a clear endorsement of his people-oriented policies and remarkable developmental strides across the state.

 

 

 

In a congratulatory message, the board members said the outcome of the election reflects the confidence and trust the people of Ekiti State have in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership, vision, and commitment to the continued progress of the state.

 

 

 

They noted that the governor’s victory was well deserved, considering the significant achievements recorded under his administration in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and human capital development.

 

 

 

According to Prince Adeniyi and other board members, Governor Oyebanji’s inclusive style of governance, which places a premium on citizens’ welfare and promotes unity among political stakeholders, has earned him widespread acceptance and support across the state.

 

 

 

The board members also commended the people of Ekiti State for conducting themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and for demonstrating their commitment to continuity by re-electing the governor for a second term.

 

 

 

They further applauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, election observers, and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.

 

 

 

Expressing optimism about the governor’s second term, the board members said they were confident it would usher in greater development and accelerated growth for Ekiti State, particularly in the areas of environmental management, sanitation, and sustainable development.

 

 

 

They pledged their continued support and cooperation with the Oyebanji administration in its efforts to build a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly Ekiti, while reaffirming their commitment to advancing the objectives of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority.

 

 

The board also urged residents and political stakeholders to put the election behind them and work together in the interest of peace, unity, and the sustainable development of the state.

 

 

The EKSWAMA Board comprises its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Àjàyí; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Mr. Bayode Obasoyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

 

 

The board described Governor Oyebanji’s re-election as a victory not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but also for all Ekiti people who desire sustained progress, stability, and prosperity for the state.

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Ekiti HoS Congratulates Oyebanji on Re-election, Says Victory Well Deserved

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The Ekiti State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election, describing his victory at the polls as a reflection of the people’s confidence in his leadership and achievements.

 

Olomojobi, in a congratulatory statement issued made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti said the governor’s electoral success was not a fluke but a testament to his unwavering commitment to the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

 

She noted that Oyebanji’s leadership had consistently impacted lives positively and delivered on campaign promises, thereby earning him the trust and support of the people of the state.

 

The Head of Service commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers and strengthening the public service, which she described as the engine room for the implementation of government policies and programmes.

 

According to her, the Governor’s labour-friendly disposition has fostered industrial harmony across the state and created an enabling environment for development and progress.

 

Olomojobi assured the governor of the continued support and cooperation of the state workforce in his new term of office.

 

She said the civil service remained committed to working diligently with the administration to consolidate on existing achievements and advance the developmental aspirations of the state.

 

The Head of Service expressed optimism that Ekiti would record greater progress under Oyebanji’s leadership, adding that the public service would continue to partner with the government in delivering quality service to the people.

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Ekiti Has Spoken Loudly Through the Ballot, Says Ayodeji Ajayi

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A former member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and current Board Member of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on his re-election as Governor of Ekiti State.

 

 

Ajayi, who represented Ise/Orun Constituency in the State Assembly, described Governor Oyebanji’s victory in the just-concluded governorship election as a clear demonstration of the confidence and trust reposed in him by the people of the state.

 

 

In his congratulatory message, the former lawmaker said the governor’s victory was a reflection of the administration’s commitment to good governance, inclusive leadership and sustainable development across the state.

 

 

According to him, the outcome of the election signifies the appreciation of Ekiti people for the numerous developmental projects and people-oriented policies implemented by the Oyebanji administration since assuming office.

 

 

He noted that Governor Oyebanji has distinguished himself through prudent management of resources, improved infrastructure, support for workers and pensioners, as well as deliberate efforts to enhance economic growth and social welfare in the state.

 

 

Ajayi, commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct throughout the electoral process, describing the election as a triumph of democracy and the collective will of the electorate.

 

 

The EKSWAMA board member also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.

 

 

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would bring about greater development, accelerated economic growth and improved living standards for residents across the state.

 

 

“Your re-election is a testament to your exemplary leadership, dedication to service and unwavering commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.

 

The people have spoken through their votes and renewed their mandate because of the remarkable achievements recorded under your administration,” Ajayi stated.

 

 

He urged residents of the state to remain united and continue to support the governor in his efforts to build a more prosperous and inclusive Ekiti.

 

 

Ajayi, further called on political actors to put aside partisan differences and work together with the government in the interest of the state’s development, stressing that the election was over and that the focus should now be on delivering greater dividends of democracy to the people.

 

 

He prayed for divine wisdom, strength and guidance for Governor Oyebanji as he begins another term in office, expressing optimism that the administration would consolidate on its achievements and take Ekiti State to greater heights.

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