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APC Europe asks Buhari to intervene, wants Buni Committee to conduct national convention, presidential primary
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee of Chairmen in Diaspora (Europe) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and allow the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee conduct the party’s national convention as well as presidential primary.
According to the group, the committee has followed international best practices and this must be adopted in charting the way forward for the APC ahead of the next general elections.
The APC committee chairmen in Europe made this known in a statement today in Sweden co-signed by its President, Dr. Maxwell Okolo and Secretary, Margrette Mark.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee of Chairmen in Diaspora (Europe), having reviewed recent developments in the party, has called for the adoption of international best practices in charting the way forward for the APC at this crucial time with the General Elections around the corner,” the statement said.
“We have keenly monitored the subversive efforts by persons that do not mean well for the party; these are the vested interests that have been creating the impression that our great party is irretrievably mired in crisis when the reverse is the case. These are also the ones that have not done much to encourage the APC Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee not to end its mandates until it has finished its assignment.
“Available indices prove that the Caretaker Committee, ably led by Governor Mai Mala Buni, has exceeded expectations in stabilizing the party and reconciling identified factions in the various state chapters. The Committee is also on the way to delivering what could turn out to be the best National Convention our great party has ever had, provided it does not rush to conclude its assignment.
“Since we have noticed that the Committee is keen on concluding and handing over to an elected Executive Committee, APC Committee of Chairmen (Europe) has found it pertinent to urgently appeal to Mr. President who is the leader of the party, the Caretaker Committee, APC Governors’ Forum, and all other stakeholders to prevail on the Committee to remain in office and properly finish its job”.
Having considered several factors, the group concluded that it is best the committee holds both the national convention and presidential primary simultaneously.
“In view of what we have observed about the Committee’s eagerness to round off its assignment, we have, as the chairmen of the various APC chapters in European countries, on behalf of overwhelming mandate of members of the party in the diaspora, taken time to review political party practices in our countries of sojourn and beyond and we can confidently report that the template we have suggested is in conformity with international best practices in conducting the affairs of a political party,” the statement added.
“The APC Committee of Chairmen (Europe) therefore urges that the National convention of our great party should hold simultaneously with the Presidential Primary of the party just as its done in other developed and democratic nations . A natural consequence of this arrangement is that there would be no time lapse between the convention and primary, which implies that there would be no room for the crises being resolved by the Committee to resurface.
“The party cannot afford the distraction of planning two major events that can be merged into one especially the General Elections being about one year away. We should be strategic to conserve resources and channel same into winning elections instead of dissipating them on hosting multiple events.
“In terms of logistics, scheduling the Presidential Primary and National Convention at the same time will also allow our members in Europe and the rest of the world to attend the national convention of the party and give room for all members to be represented. This will save us the hardship of duplicating travel resources and the challenges associated with international travel given the hurdles posed by the management of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
“It is also our belief that the APC in Nigeria, which incidentally is one of the largest political parties in the world must set the tone for others to follow. Only such commitment to long lasting internal reforms would give the party the moral high ground that would allow the party to provide the leadership it is providing in governance”.
The APC Diaspora chairmen, therefore, urged all APC stakeholders to “allow the international best practices being implemented by the Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee to prevail considering the immense benefits it presents to our great party”.
It also appealed that ” we must resist the temptation of being dragged into adopting approaches that have proven disastrous for other political parties in the past. The Caretaker Committee must therefore be allowed to conclude the task assigned to it”.
The APC Committee of Chairmen (Europe), however, urged Governor Mai Malam Buni and all the members of the Committee not to get tired of serving the party especially at this point that they are seen to be stabilizing the Party.
“They should note that their good efforts will amount to nullity should they hurriedly organize a National Convention that tears the party into pieces at the end of the day. History beckons on them and President Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s leader to ensure that APC adopts the template being suggested by us as the party’s leaders abroad,” the statement concluded.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
