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Why Uzodimma May Handpick APC Candidates for LG Chairmanship, Councilorship positions

Published

4 months ago

August 28, 2024

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State prepares for the upcoming local government elections, Governor Hope Uzodimma faces a crucial decision: whether to allow party leaders to harmonize and select candidates or to personally handpick those who will represent the party in the chairmanship and councilorship races.

Several factors suggest that the governor may lean towards the latter, especially given the current political climate and the strategic considerations at play.

Governor Uzodimma has publicly warned APC aspirants against engaging in unethical practices, such as taking oaths or entering into allocation-sharing agreements with influential party leaders.

These practices, which have been rumored to be prevalent among some aspirants, pose a significant threat to the integrity of local governance.

By securing the support of powerful leaders through such means, these aspirants effectively become beholden to them, prioritizing the leaders’ interests over the needs of their constituencies.

The governor’s threat to disqualify any aspirant caught engaging in these practices is a strong stance, but it may not be enough if he allows the current leadership to produce candidates.

These leaders could easily program their chosen candidates to adhere to the allocation-sharing agreements or oath-bound loyalties, knowing that their positions are secure as long as Uzodimma’s influence pushes them to victory in the elections. In such a scenario, the governor’s warning becomes ineffective, and the true purpose of ensuring transparent and accountable governance is lost.

Maintaining Control Amidst Local Government Autonomy

The autonomy granted to local government chairmen across Nigeria has reshaped the power dynamics between state governors and local government officials.

With more control over their resources and administrative decisions, chairmen are less dependent on the state government, potentially limiting the governor’s influence at the grassroots level.

For Governor Uzodimma, allowing party leaders to select candidates for these powerful positions could result in a loss of control.

If leaders install their loyalists as chairmen and councillors, they could wield significant influence over local government affairs, potentially even outmaneuvering the governor himself.

These leaders could leverage their control to influence councillors to remove chairmen who do not toe their line, a feat the governor may find difficult to counter if he did not personally select the candidates.

By handpicking APC candidates, Governor Uzodimma can ensure that those elected are aligned with his administration’s goals and are not under the undue influence of party leaders with their own agendas.

This strategy would allow him to maintain a unified front within the party and ensure that local government officials remain accountable to the state government, thereby preserving his ability to govern effectively.

Balancing Power and Protecting Governance

Governor Uzodimma’s potential decision to handpick APC candidates is not just about maintaining control; it is also about balancing power within the party and the state.

The governor is keenly aware that the concentration of power in the hands of a few party leaders could destabilize the party and weaken the overall governance structure in Imo State.

By selecting candidates who are free from the influence of these leaders, the governor can prevent the rise of independent power centers that could challenge his authority and disrupt the administration’s efforts to deliver on its promises to the people.

Moreover, this approach would protect the integrity of local governance by ensuring that those elected are committed to serving their communities rather than advancing the interests of a select few.

However, allowing the aspirants to go to the field and conduct proper primaries might also ensure that the leaders do not manipulate the process and install their loyalists who might turn around tomorrow to work against Uzodimma.

It is worthy of note that once elected, Uzodimma would not have the power to unseat them and as they have their own allocation which comes directly to them, he would not be able to push them around.

Source: Issueshq.com

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Gov. Abiodun commiserates with Ondo gov. over death of SSG

Published

27 seconds ago

January 5, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the Governor and the people of Ondo State over the passing of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tayo Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi reportedly died on Saturday at a hospital in the state from the injuries he sustained in an accident while traveling from Akure to Ibadan, Oyo State, on December 17.

Abiodun, in a condolence letter he sent to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, described Oluwatuyi’s death as a great loss to the government and the state at large as he prayed for the repose of his soul.

He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the demise of Mr. Tayo Oluwatuyi, a consummate public servant, thoroughbred professional, and highly conscientious individual whose imprints and strides in and out of the government in Ondo State have been nothing short of phenomenal.

“The news of his death came as a rude shock, but, as in all situations, we recognize that whatever deep affection and love we had for him pales into insignificance when placed side by side with the love of Almighty God, who has chosen this Yuletide period to call him into His bosom, and whose will remains inviolate.

“He was a brilliant administrator and sagacious politician. He was an embodiment of virtues and a strong bridge between the political class and the career officers. His stabilizing role in government will be missed by all.

“On behalf of the Southern States’ governors, I want to sympathize with His Excellency, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the entire good people of Ondo State over the sudden demise of Oluwatuyi.

“I urge my brother, the State Executive Council, and the family and friends of the deceased to take consolation in the fact that the deceased lived a life of service for which he will be remembered for a long time to come.

“May God repose his soul and grant his immediate family the requisite fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

News

Gunmen abduct Nigerian Professor, Demand N10m Ransom

Published

7 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Professor John Ebeh, a senior lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Kogi State.

The assailants are reportedly demanding a N10 million ransom for his release.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers invaded the professor’s residence in Agbeji, a suburb of Anyigba, in Dekina Local Government Area, at about 7 p.m. on Thursday.

According to a neighbor who identified himself as Akpai, “The hoodlums operated in a commando manner. It was swift. We noticed a car trailing him furiously; we took it as one of his friends or colleagues, not until we started hearing gunshots around his gate.”

A family source disclosed that the professor was abducted just as he was about to enter his compound.

“Professor Ebeh was almost at the gate of his house at Agbeji, on his way from the town when the incident happened.

“He had even given out a signal to his people to open the gate of his house when some people emerged suddenly from their hideout and started shooting sporadically.

“Amidst the confusion, someone drove in furiously and blocked his car.

“Some masked people alighted from the vehicle and whisked him away at gunpoint.

“His abductors called the family on Friday night, demanding N10 million,” the source recounted.

University officials have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

However, one of Professor Ebeh’s colleagues expressed shock at the development, saying, “The kidnapping (of the professor) came to us as a shock. I have just visited his family to sympathize with them.”

News

Sad: Ondo SSG Is Dead

Published

7 hours ago

January 4, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Secretary to the Ondo State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, on Saturday died in an auto crash.

The SSG died in the crash which occurred while he was traveling from Akure, Ondo State capital, to Ibadan in Oyo State.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, stated that Oluwatuyi was hospitalised before he gave up the ghost.

“Hon. Oluwatuyi was a dedicated public servant whose unwavering commitment to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation had a significant impact on Ondo State.

“Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as they become available,” he added.