Tag: Gbenga Daniel

My People Say I Must Lead Them To APC – Gbenga Daniel

 

 

A former Governor of Ogun State and Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Mr Gbenga Daniel, says he is considering a request by his supporters that he should lead them to the All Progressives Congress.

Daniel, who was Governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, said this on Sunday, one day after he announced his retirement from partisan politics.

He told journalists after a meeting with his supporters “from across” Ogun State that his supporters had made it clear to him that he could not quit politics right now, and that they want him to lead them to the APC.

He said, “You know that this process is about leading people and what we have done today is to call all of our people across the length and breathe of the state to subject our decision to a kind of plebiscite and, of course, you have seen what they have said.

READ ALSO: We’ll Run A Just, Truthful And Transparent Administration – Dapo Abiodun

“Basically, they said, well, they agree that I could resign from PDP. They said I must lead them to APC and they said I cannot retire from politics. That is the summary of what I heard and we have to now take a look at it.”

At the meeting which held at the Asoludero Court of the former governor in Sagamu, members of Daniel’s political group asked the former governor to lead them to the APC.

Daniel had earlier addressed the gathering of his loyalists and told them he was done with partisan politics, but members of his political family, and some top officials of the PDP, prevailed over him saying they are ready to pitch their tent with the ruling party.

They noted that Daniels’ influence, endorsement and support for APC’s Dapo Abiodun, had a great impact in deciding the governorship race in the state.

The former governor’s loyalists agreed that he can resign from the PDP, however, they noted that his political journey is far from over, insisting that he leads them to the APC.

Gbenga Daniel Quits Partisan Politics

 

A former Governor of Ogun State and Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Gbenga Daniel, has announced his resignation from partisan politics.

The announcement was made in a letter by Mr Daniel to the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, dated March 14, 2019.

According to him, the decision is based on the desire to immerse himself in some other vocations and to take on some new challenges.

Read Also: Tribunal Orders INEC To Allow PDP, Atiku Access All Electoral Materials

“My decision in this regard is entirely personal to me and having served in various capacities, including as Governor of Ogun State, I have resolved to immerse myself in some other vocations and take on some new challenges,” he said.

Despite some of the “troubled waters” which he said his party, the PDP ran into in the previous years, Mr Daniel said he had no regrets over any of his choices and decisions.

See the full statement below.

14th March, 2019
The National Chairman,
Peoples Democratic Party,
Wadata Plaza, Michael Okpara Street
Wuse Zone II, Abuja

Attention: Prince Uche Secondus
Mr. Chairman,
Resignation from Partisan Politics
This is to inform you of my intention to resign from active and partisan politics with effect from today, the 14th day of March, 2019.
My decision in this regard is entirely personal to me and having served in various capacities, including as Governor of Ogun State, I have resolved to immerse myself in some other vocations and take on some new challenges.

Preamble
My Political Journey so far

I joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Sunday, the 9th of September, 2001 at an event which was described as one of the most ceremonial political rallies in our recent political history in the South Western part of Nigeria.

We rose from that rally to create a highly robust and effective political campaign machinery which resulted in an electoral victory for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State in 2003; this movement and vibration affected the politics of the region positively with a victory in five (5) states of the South West.

2. I served as Governor of Ogun State for eight (8) years and our administration till today remains a point of reference in terms of physical, social, economic, educational and human capital development since the State was created in 1976.

3. Notwithstanding these widely acclaimed achievements however, our party, the Peoples Democratic Party ran into trouble waters towards the end of our administration (about the year 2009) which led to the sad loss in the election of 2011, and regrettably ten (10) years after the party has been unable to resolve those internal disputes and challenges.

4. Meanwhile, the PDP in Ogun State was confronted with a very difficult situation in matter of choice. Whereas the national leadership of our party, recognized one candidate for the 2019 election, by court pronouncements another candidate, and in compliance with those court orders, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognized was on the INEC list. The candidates recognized by INEC were not acceptable to the national leadership of the party.

Our situation was then compounded because the candidate which the court and INEC recognized and accepted as valid has also been expelled by the party. This was the dilemma we found ourselves as we approached the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

5. Going forward, we have responded to the yearnings of our people and joined others in emplacing an administration that we believe will better serve the interests of our people than what currently exists. The rest they say is now history.

6. I must say that looking back, I do not have any regrets over that patriotic choice and decision, especially as several of our citizens, leaders and stakeholders in the state and outside have commended that singular action. Many stakeholders within and outside Ogun State feel fulfilled, excited and grateful about our decision to join others in putting a stop to a regime that was believed to be against the collective and general welfare of our people.

7. Let me also add, that in the last few months, I have had one of the rare privileges of traveling round the entire length and breadth of our great country on at least two occasions; the first being during my campaigns to become the National Chairman of our great party, and later as the Director General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO).

8. I must sincerely admit that in the course of all these travels, I have built a network of contacts, of friends and associates in a mutually rewarding relationships which I cherished most and greatly too. I am therefore persuaded that I have fewer points to make and prove in my Political journeys in partisan politics.

9. My decision to quit partisan politics notwithstanding, I have decided to rejuvenate my charity based organization, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) which will literally continue to dispense succor to our people in need, address and assist in the areas of some of their health challenges; I also plan on resuscitation of the non-partisan Political Leadership Academy (POLA) which I established some years ago as a platform of political education to our citizens.

10. Without doubt, I will miss the company of my friends and associates and all those relationships I built in the course of the years all over the country..
While I crave for your kind understanding, accept assurances of my highest regards.
Yours faithfully,

Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FNAEng
Governor of Ogun State (2003-2011).

Cc:
His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar GCON
Chairman, Board of Trustees (PDP)

PDP Chieftain Gbenga Daniel Endorses APC’s Dapo Abiodun In Ogun

PDP Chieftain Gbenga Daniel Endorses APC’s Dapo Abiodun In Ogun
Gbenga Daniel and Dapo Abiodun

 

A former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Mr Daniel, who is also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared his support for Abiodun on Thursday.

He explained that he took action as a result of the judgement of a Federal High Court in Abeokuta, the state capital.

READ ALSO: Court Dismisses Ladi Adebutu’s Case Against Kashamu

The court had dismissed a suit filed by a factional governorship candidate recognised by the PDP national leadership, Ladi Adebutu, challenging the nomination of Senator Buruji Kashamu as the party’s flagbearer in Ogun.

In his reaction, the former governor said, “You would have noticed my studied silence in our local politics in recent times; I have busied myself with national politics having served the state for eight years.”

“I have also been very busy supporting the ambition of the son of our great philanthropist in Remo Land to become the next governor of our dear state. You, however, would have become aware of the court decision yesterday which did not favour him.

“Going forward, I have directed all our structures state-wide to cast all their votes on Saturday for Prince Dapo Abiodun, another bona fide Remo son, despite current party differences,” Daniel added.

Adebutu, on his part, endorsed the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adekunle Akinlade, who had defected from the APC to pursue his governorship ambition.

Both Akinlade and Adebutu are members of the House of Representatives, representing Egbado South/Ipokia and Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North federal constituencies respectively.

Buhari Has Failed To Deliver His Contract Of Job Creation – Gbenga Daniel

 

The Director General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation, Mr Gbenga Daniel, says President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to deliver his contract of job creation to Nigerians.

He said the president during the 2015 campaigns, had promised to provide about three million jobs but failed to do so.

According to him, President Buhari at the time, said if he failed to fulfil the promise, then Nigerians were at liberty to choose another leader

Mr Daniel said this during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics while explaining that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the best man for the job.

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He believes that the country is not working and Atiku has the capacity to get things working again.

He said, “Nigeria is not working and I want to start by quoting what the current president said in one of his tweets, specifically, I think this was sometime in March 2015 just before the election, he promised Nigerians Jobs, he said he was going to create additional jobs and he said and I quote, If I do not fulfil my promises, you have the power to decide who leads you and how they lead you.

“Part of what is key for us is provision of jobs and my submission is if the contract that Buhari had with the people is that he will create jobs, then he has failed to deliver that contract.

“Going forward, in Atiku Abubakar, we clearly have a better person, we clearly have someone who has better exposure to all the facets of this country.

“We have someone who is very much at home anywhere”.

Corruption Perception About Atiku Is Politically Motivated – Gbenga Daniel

 

A former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, believes the perception of corruption about Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is being fuelled by his political opponents in the country.

Mr Daniel who is the Director General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation said this in an interview on Channels Television’s political programme on Wednesday.

”Well, my opinion is that the issue of perception appears to have been over-flogged,” he stated during his appearance on Politics Today.

Mr Daniel added, ”By and large, I think as we move toward the real issues, people will begin to understand that these are just politically motivated issues.

“I have repeatedly said that it is not the Banana Republic; Nigeria as a people, we know our weaknesses, anything that is negative about our leaders, we are ready to believe it.”

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel.

 

The former governor stressed that despite the perception, Atiku was still able to emerge as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election.

He said, “I remember when we were running the campaign in the primaries and everybody kept confronting us on this perception and we brought it out in the open that indeed it is no more than perception, politically motivated perception which unfortunately appears not to have stopped.”

According to Mr Daniel, the corruption perception is irrelevant as far as they are concerned until when charges are pressed against the former vice president.

He also faulted the insinuations that Atiku was banned from entering the United States because of allegations of financial impropriety levelled against him.

The former governor said, “If you look at the newspapers in the last few days, we have read statement issued by the U.S. State Department that they have no issues or whatsoever with Atiku Abubakar.”

“And if I may chip this in, I can also confirm to you that in last few days, there have been signals from the American officials that he (Atiku) should indeed come forward and they will grant him a visa.”

Mr Daniel argued strongly that the PDP presidential candidate remained the only hope Nigerians have in the coming elections, noting that there is no other person more qualified for the seat of power than Atiku.

2019: Atiku Appoints Former Ogun Governor, Gbenga Daniel As Campaign DG

Gbenga Daniel, Peace, Nigerians

 

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, former Vice-President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has appointed former Ogun state governor, Gbenga Daniel as the Director-General of his campaign.

In a statement on Monday, the former VP charged Daniel with the responsibility of running his campaign while he (Abubakar) focuses on his nationwide campaign.

“I am pleased to officially notify you of the appointment of His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (“OGD” as he is popularly known), as the Director-General of the Atiku Campaign Organisation,” Atiku said.

Abukakar also expressed confidence in Daniel’s abilities to ensuring victory at the polls.

He added, “ I am in no doubt OGD is a very positive and welcome addition to our campaign and I look forward to working with him as he leads the campaign to victory come February 2019.”

Daniel served as governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011, after defeating an incumbent, Olusegun Osoba.

Southwest PDP Leaders Pass Vote Of Confidence On Makarfi

PDP, Ahmed Makarfi
Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Southwest leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have passed a vote of confidence on the Senator Ahmed Markarfi led Caretaker Committee of the party.

The leaders also promised to give all necessary support to the Committee in restoring the good virtues of the party.

The pledged was one out of the six-point communique issued at the end of the Southwest PDP meeting held on Monday in Ado Ekiti.

The leaders also reposed confidence on the leadership of the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose within the region.

In their opening remarks, Governor Fayose and the Southwest National Vice Chairman of the PDP, Eddie Olafeso, highlighted the purpose of the meeting.

At the end of the opening session, the meeting went into a closed door session after which the communique was read by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Kolapo Olusola.

The meeting was attended by some PDP leaders in southwest Nigeria, including former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Ebenezer Babatope and all State Chairmen of the party in the region.

Former Ogun Governor Urges Peace Among Nigerians

Gbenga Daniel, Peace, NigeriansFormer Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to offer special prayers for peace to reign in the country and the world at large.

Mr Daniel, who stated this in a Christmas message on Sunday, tasked both Christians and Muslim faithful to rededicate themselves to love, peace, unity, equity and justice, in order to further strengthen their spiritual confrontation of the ills plaguing the society.

According to him, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the fulfilment of God’s great love for humanity.

“We must remain committed to the worthy ideals of the season and spread the joy of God to others irrespective of their religion affiliations.

“Despite myriad of challenges facing us as a nation in poverty, diseases, crimes, violence and insurgency, our continued existence as a nation was a great testimony that God is still with Nigeria and will continue to protect us the more if we come closer to him.

“Celebrate the season with prudence and remember the less privileged as it is a season of humility, goodwill and selflessness as taught by the scriptures and must be observed with moderation and care for fellow citizens, as we join others in recognising the renewed hope and reaffirmation of God’s great love for the people of the world and Nigerians in particular,” the former governor said.

Ogun PDP Suspends Senator Buruji Kashamu

buruji kashamuThe Peoples Democratic (PDP) in Ogun state has suspended the Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district in the Senate, Buruji Kashamu and seven others, by a faction-led by Sikirulai Ogundele.

Also suspended were the factional state chairman, Bayo Dayo; Secretary, Semiu Shodipo, Mr. Pegba Otemolu, Mr Fatai Adeyanju, Mr. Segun Seriki, Daisi Akitan and Bowale Solaja.

In the notice of suspension signed by Sikirulai and the secretary, Olabode Bankole, dated November 24, 2016, the party alleged that the affected persons were suspended sequel to the report of a panel which was constituted in June, 2016 to investigate allegations of financial improprieties and anti-party activities.

However, in a swift reaction, Buruji Kashamu, asides denying the allegation of any financial impropriety leveled against him, also said that no one could suspend him.

Describing Sikirulai as an “interloper”, he said he spent his financial resources on the party, arguing that he was taken aback by the allegation of financial impropriety made against him.

In a press statement signed by his media aide, Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu said, “The alleged diversion of party funds is most laughable because it is common knowledge that I use my personal funds to keep the party float even when people like ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel and Ladi Adebutu left the PDP for Peoples Party of Nigeria and then for the Labour Party, until they returned to PDP in the build up to the 2015 general elections because of campaign funds.

“It is on record that Daniel superintended over the 2015 campaign funds in Ogun State. So, which other funds could a party in opposition possibly have?”

Sports Key To Economic Development – Gbenga Daniel

Gbenga-Daniel, SWAN, SportsFormer Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, has described sports as a veritable tool for economic development, just as he called on financially-muscled Nigerians to invest in sports.

Mr Daniel made the remarks in Sagamu while playing host to members of the National Executive Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) who were at his residence to pay him a courtesy visit.

He noted that sports can create employment, empowerment and above all, develop the society economically.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians who have the financial muscle, people like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Dr. Mike Adenuga and host of others to try as much as possible to invest in sports.

“I heard in the news some time ago that Alhaji Aliko Dangote wants to buy Arsenal Football Club. Well, he is a businessman, he must have seen the potential of making profit by acquiring the club but I want him to look inwards and consider having a Dangote Football Club in Nigeria.

“By doing this, there will be employment for some set of people and those depending on them for their daily needs will also benefit indirectly.

Profitable Ventures

“It is also funny when I hear people say that sports does not bring any kind of profit when invested in. I remember when we hosted the Gateway Games in 2006, I think we recorded about 92 million Naira profit after the competition.

“Therefore, it is important to note here that sports as much as I know is one of the most profitable ventures. Aside the economic value attached to sports, it also reduces social vices in the society because whenever any sporting event is taking place, the environment becomes friendly and devoid of any form of criminality,” he said.

In his address, SWAN President, Honour Sirawoo, stated that the former governor’s tremendous achievements in the sports sector while in office prompted the council to visit him.

“We are here today (Friday) to let you know that all what you did to develop sports in Ogun State and Nigeria at large when you were serving as governor did not go unnoticed. And that is the reason we are here tell you that you are recognised and highly appreciated for your efforts.”

Sirawoo went on to announce Mr Daniel as the association’s national patron.

He, however, hinted that the formal investiture would be held at a later date and at the convenience of the recipient.

PDP’s Former Governors In Reconciliatory Meeting

pdpThe leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has started a reconciliation process with former governors of the party with a view to regaining power in 2019.

National Chairman of the party, Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff, at a meeting with the former PDP governors said that the move is to foster unity among members.

Since its lost control of the centre in the general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been trying to rebuild its structures.

The party has embarked on series of reconciliatory meetings since its new chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sherif assumed office.

Some of those in attendance include Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Ibrahim Shema of Kastina State, Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State, and Gabriel Suswam of Benue State.

Members of the party’s National Working Committee were also at the meeting.

 

Channels TV CEO, John Momoh Bags IoD Entrepreneurial Award

John Momoh It was a friendly atmosphere as the Institute of Directors (IoD) marked the end of another successful year on Sunday, December 6 with the prestigious IoD dinner at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

As explained by the President/Chairman, Mr Samuel Yemi Akeju, it has been a busy year for members of the organisation who for one night every year, come together to honour service to the institute, and excellence in their various establishments.

The Guest of Honour, Chief Phillip Asiodu commended the Directors for keeping the institute alive, asking them to be contributors to the change they want to see in the country.

“We must reintegrate Nigeria amongst the best in the worlds,” he said, adding that Nigeria, with its natural and human resources as well as geographical position, has the potential to improve the lives of all black people globally.

The keynote address was by the former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel. He drew his address from his personal experience doing business in Nigeria which he said is dependent on government and vice versa.

“There is a particular level of synergy expected between government and the organised private sector in order to ensure a positive economic development.

“The duty of government is to provide enabling environment for private businesses so that they will prosper and catalyse the operating environment for a profitable and sustainable economic growth and development,” he said.

It was also an evening to honour outstanding members with prestigious awards in various categories. The recipients of the Honorary Fellowship Investiture, include Nigeria’s first female lawyer called to the bar, Mrs Folake Solanke, who seized the occasion to restate her belief in the Nigerian constitution.

The Chairman/CEO of Channels Television, Mr John Momoh, received the Entrepreneurial Award in acknowledgement of his contributions to the development of Nigeria from the private sector.

Other recipients are Apostle Fodalile for Good Governance, Mr Jacob Ajekigbe for Director Development and Nestle Nigeria for Corporate Governance.