The All Progressives Congress in Ward 4, Sabo, Sagamu, on Thursday maintained that the ongoing suspension of former governor and Ogun East s...
The All Progressives Congress in Ward 4, Sabo, Sagamu, on Thursday maintained that the ongoing suspension of former governor and Ogun East senator, Gbenga Daniel, due to alleged actions against the party is still fully effective.
The party further claimed that the National Working Committee does not have the power to reverse the suspension, which was enforced by the ward executives in line with the party's constitution.
The Secretary for Ward 4, Aduroja Oluwole, along with the ward chairman, Adebayo Ismail, and other party members, made this statement during a press conference at the ward headquarters in Sabo, Sagamu, in response to the NWC's claim that Daniel is still a legitimate party member.
After receiving an inquiry from MJS Law Firm, headed by Prof. Yemi Oke (SAN), the APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, mentioned that the NWC had not yet discussed or made a well-considered choice regarding Daniel's suspension, stating, "until then, Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel continues to be a legitimate member of the party."
However, speaking to journalists on Thursday, Oluwole stated that although the NWC has the authority to suspend members, the party's constitution does not permit it to interfere with disciplinary measures carried out by executives at the ward, local government, state, or zonal levels.
He stated, "Although Article 21(5)(vii) of the Constitution empowers the National Working Committee to suspend wayward members, this authority does not automatically override that of the Executive Councils, nor does it make their decisions at any level subject to review by the National Working Committee."
Conversely, the exercise of disciplinary authority by any Executive Council, including the power to suspend, as seen in the case of Senator Gbenga Daniel, is only subject to appeal as specified in Article 21.4. Once more, despite the potential for repetition and for the sake of emphasis, there is no provision in Article 21(4) that places the decision to suspend the Senator under the review of the National Working Committee.
Oluwole characterized the instruction outlined in the National Secretary's letter as "unfounded and not supported by the party's constitution."
He stated, "The NWC is unable to issue any instruction to review, invalidate, annul, or overturn the legitimate suspension previously imposed on Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel by the relevant Party bodies in Ogun State."
Although it is acknowledged that Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel has not yet been removed from the party, the suspension, which is still valid under the party's rules, temporarily stops his rights, benefits, and responsibilities within the party.
As per Oluwole, the party's issues with Daniel originated from the previous general elections, where he is said to have acted against the party's interests and participated in actions harmful to the APC and its candidates.
He further alleged that Daniel tried to hinder justice during the election petition tribunal sessions.
The party said, “These and numerous others are the undisputed anti-party actions taken by the suspended senator. Hence, we restate that the suspension of Senator Otunba Olugbenga Daniel is still fully in place. We continue to pledge our support for maintaining discipline, equity, and proper procedures within our esteemed party.”
Daniel, via his representative, Steve Oliyide, has consistently rejected the claims of anti-party actions, labeling the suspension as politically driven by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Daniel claimed that Abiodun wishes to remove him from the party to pave the way for his bid for the Ogun East senatorial nomination in 2027.
He stated, "To address this challenge, there is no doubt, and let no one be misled, that this is all linked to the politics of 2027 and particularly the APC nomination for the Ogun East senatorial district."
He claimed that Abiodun's antagonism started after Daniel expressed interest in the senatorial election in 2022.
He remembered that Daniel, who was part of the PDP during the 2019 elections, helped gather backing for Abiodun's run for governor, playing a role in his win by a narrow difference of 19,000 votes.
Oliyide characterized the suspension as "a violation of due process and equitable hearing," casting doubt on the legality of suspending Daniel from Ward 4, given that he is registered in Isote Ward 12.
"What makes him eligible for suspension in a ward where he isn't even listed?" he asked.
Children in N'East suffering from hunger and violence, UNICEF expresses concern
Isah Ojo, Maiduguri
The UNICEF has expressed worry about the insufficient safeguarding of children in the North-East, cautioning that numerous children continue to encounter significant dangers including malnutrition, limited access to education, and gender-based violence.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Thursday at an event marking World Children’s Day 2025, Joseph Senesie, the Officer-in-Charge of the UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, urged increased focus on children's rights, particularly in the areas of protection and education.
Senesie mentioned that this year's theme, "My Day, My Rights," highlights the importance of ensuring children have the rights to life, survival, health, and education.
Children in North-East Nigeria encounter serious challenges related to malnutrition, lack of education, gender-based violence, and other protection issues," he stated. "The theme for this observance is a call to action to acknowledge and safeguard these rights.
A UNICEF representative emphasized current efforts, stating that over 250,000 children in Borno State received formal and informal basic education with UNICEF assistance in 2025.
He mentioned that approximately 1.2 million children between the ages of six months and five years received two annual doses of vitamin A supplements.
Furthermore, 86,000 women, girls, and boys in the state received support through services aimed at mitigating, preventing, and responding to gender-based violence this year," he stated. "UNICEF, with assistance from donors and the government, also equipped 33 schools and health centers with fundamental water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Senesie called on interested parties to increase their support for at-risk children, emphasizing that investing in their welfare is essential for the area's future security.
I call on us to take further action," he stated. "Safeguarding our children now is ensuring a secure tomorrow. We need to keep working together and assist those impacted by war, migration, and hardship.
He reiterated UNICEF's dedication to making sure that each child in the Northeast "survives, thrives, and reaches their full potential," collaborating with authorities and development partners.
At the gathering, Zuwaira Gambo, the Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, stated that the state government is dedicated to fully enforcing and safeguarding children's rights.
"The government of Borno State, led by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, is firmly dedicated to making sure that the rights of all children are not just written down but also safeguarded in practice," she stated.
As part of events commemorating the occasion, a 16-year-old student with visual impairment from Maiduguri Special School, Precious Joseph, temporarily took on the role of Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs for a day as part of a symbolic initiative led by UNICEF.
At the event held at the state secretariat, Precious thanked for the chance and mentioned her goal of pursuing a career in journalism.
She promised that, should she have the opportunity to hold a public position, she would focus on eliminating street begging and making sure that children with disabilities attend school.
"She expressed her gratitude to UNICEF and the Borno State government for creating a supportive atmosphere that allows children with disabilities to flourish," she said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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