AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS (AAC) STATEMENT ON THE KANO STATE GOVERNMENT’S BAN ON POLITICAL PROGRAMMING AND MEDIA RESTRICTIONS ON 8TH MAY, 2025

The African Action Congress (AAC) unequivocally condemns the recent decision by the Kano State Government to ban all live political programmes across media platforms in the state and to impose draconian restrictions on journalists and media professionals.

This action, as announced by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, and formalized in a directive signed by the Director of Special Duties, Sani Abba Yola, constitutes a grave violation of democratic principles, press freedom, and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression and access to information.

The AAC views this move as an authoritarian attempt to stifle political dissent, muzzle the press, and shield the government from public accountability. The prohibition of what the government terms “provocative questions” is a deliberately vague and subjective standard designed to intimidate journalists and suppress critical inquiry. Such language provides the government with unchecked discretion to silence any form of interrogation that challenges its narrative or exposes its failures.

Furthermore, the requirement that media guests sign undertakings not to make “abusive, defamatory, or culturally offensive remarks” is not only redundant—given existing defamation and hate speech laws—but also opens the door to censorship, as these terms are undefined and could be manipulated to target opposition voices or dissenting views.

It is deeply troubling that the state seeks to control not only what is said, but how it is said, going as far as to prohibit gestures deemed suggestive. This level of surveillance over speech and expression reflects a creeping authoritarianism that has no place in a democratic society.

The AAC strongly asserts that democracy thrives on free and open discourse. It is through robust political debate, public scrutiny, and freedom of the press that governments are held accountable and citizens are empowered to make informed decisions.

While the AAC acknowledges and appreciates the laudable infrastructural and developmental projects being undertaken by the Kano State Government, we emphasize that such achievements must not come at the expense of fundamental freedoms. Development and democracy must go hand in hand.
By banning live political programmes, the Kano State Government is effectively denying the people of the state their right to hear alternative political perspectives, critically assess governance, and participate meaningfully in public life.

This action represents a clear and dangerous erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms. It is reminiscent of repressive regimes that fear transparency and public engagement. The AAC calls on civil society organizations, professional bodies like the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), media houses, and all citizens of conscience to reject this undemocratic imposition and demand its immediate reversal.

We also call on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to resist being co-opted into enforcing these unconstitutional measures and to reaffirm its mandate to protect media freedom in Nigeria. The right to freedom of expression and press is enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and must not be traded away for political convenience.

The AAC reiterates its commitment to fighting for justice, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria. We will continue to resist all forms of political repression and stand with the people of Kano State and the Nigerian media in defending their right to speak freely and hold power to account.

Signed:
Abba Sharif Abdullahi
Chairman, Kano State Chapter
African Action Congress (AAC)

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

AAC Slams Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASIEC Over LG Autonomy Violations

The African Action Congress (AAC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), accusing them of working together to weaken the independence of local governments.

This comes despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that clearly supports the right of local governments to run their own affairs.

In a statement issued by AAC Lagos Chairman Ayoyinka Oni and signed by State Secretary Jedege Kehinde, the party condemned what it called a “calculated effort” by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and LASIEC to frustrate the implementation of genuine local government autonomy.

“This is a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court judgment which affirms the constitutional right of local governments to operate independently,” the statement read. “If no one else can govern a state where there’s an elected governor, why then should any person oversee local governments when there are elected chairmen?”

AAC pointed to the attempt by the Lagos State House of Assembly to pass a bill that would have empowered the governor to appoint Mayors to head Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

According to the statement, this move was thwarted only after a public backlash during a legislative hearing, where the AAC and other civic voices pushed back strongly.

The party also criticised the clandestine passage of a new Lagos State Electoral Law on January 9, 2025, which reportedly occurred while the House was on recess. Governor Sanwo-Olu signed the law the following day, prompting the AAC to decry what it described as a lack of transparency and public engagement.

“It is a big disappointment,” the AAC stated, recounting how the LASIEC Chair told the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) that the law had been passed and signed without public knowledge. “When asked for a copy, she said we should go and buy it—because she herself bought the copy she uses. Since when did laws become commodities for sale? These are documents that should be accessible to the public.”

AAC also denounced the introduction of administrative fees for candidates seeking to contest in the upcoming local government elections. The party argued that LASIEC’s decision, supported only by the APC, was both unconstitutional and exclusionary, noting that 18 other IPAC member parties had rejected the fees.

“LASIEC is not a revenue-generating agency. Budgetary allocations have already been made for the election. This move will only disenfranchise capable candidates who want to serve but cannot afford the cost,” the statement read.

Further expressing concerns over election security, the AAC questioned LASIEC’s readiness to prevent electoral violence—an issue that has plagued previous polls in Lagos.

“We will not accept elections engulfed with violence, malpractice, and partisanship. If LASIEC cannot assure a level playing ground, we will not hesitate to seek political and legal redress,” the party warned.

Additionally, the AAC criticised the state government’s continued recognition of LCDAs, which are not constitutionally backed, asserting that only the 20 constitutionally recognised local governments have legal standing.

“No state has the power to create new local governments outside the constitutional process. That is a national issue that requires constitutional amendment,” AAC said.

Calling on Lagosians to reject what it described as an “illegal arrangement,” the party rallied public support.

“We invite all well-meaning Lagosians to rise and reject this constitutional violation. We must liberate Lagos from those who refuse to allow it to grow,” the statement concluded.

AAC CONDEMNS AIYEDATIWA’S PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS, THREATENS MASS ACTION

AAC CONDEMNS AIYEDATIWA’S PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS, THREATENS MASS ACTION

The African Action Congress (AAC), has issued a strong warning to the Ondo State Government over the planned demolition of Alagbaka Government Quarters in Akure.

In a joint press statement with the Take It Back Movement Ondo Chapter, released today, Wednesday 16th of April 2024, they condemned what they described as a “prodigal and anti-people” move by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and threatened mass resistance if the demolition proceeds.

The statement, signed by Akinnusi Emola (AAC State Secretary), Comrade Patrick (TIB Coordinator Ondo Chapter) and Kunle Wizeman Ajayi (Former AAC Gubernatorial Candidate), accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of acting in bad faith by disguising the demolition under the pretense of renovations.

According to the statement, several buildings within the Alagbaka quarters — currently occupied by civil servants — have already been marked for demolition without proper consultation or consideration for the welfare of the occupants.

“The excuse of renovation is laughable and fake,” the statement read. “Even historic buildings like the T.A. Iwajomo House, which remains structurally sound and was built in honour of the state’s first Head of Service, have been marked for demolition. This only confirms the governor’s ulterior motives.”

The statement revealed further that the governor has already sold the earmarked buildings to a private developer, with promises of estate units being dangled before lawmakers and political allies as incentives. They described the move as corrupt, self-serving, and a betrayal of public trust.

In addition, they criticized the governor’s administration for its handling of security challenges and poverty in the state, describing Aiyedatiwa as a leader more interested in personal gain than in delivering good governance. They also accused him of using state institutions, including the police and the Attorney-General, to clamp down on dissent.

A seven-working-day ultimatum was issued to the governor to halt the demolition plan and publicly apologize to affected workers. The AAC and TIB warned that failure to comply would result in coordinated mass action.

“Civil servants and residents must stand united,” the statement urged. “If the governor wants to build a housing legacy, let him move to available lands in Oda, Isikan, and across the local governments — not demolish a legacy estate built by the visionary Adekunle Ajasin.”

The statement concluded with a note of solidarity to citizens of the state, decrying the recent surge in insecurity, violence, and kidnappings, which they say have worsened since Aiyedatiwa “imposed himself” as governor.

See the full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA MUST STOP THE PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS; OR FACE MASS ACTIONS FOR SUCH PRODIGAL ACTS!

The TakeItBack Movement (TIB) and the African Action Congress (AAC,) as well as well-meaning and concerned activists in Ondo State have been studying the situations at the Alagbaka Government Quarters, Akure for the past two weeks since the government has earmarked buildings that civil servants live in for demolition in the guise of some nonsensical and after-thought renovations.

Trying to appear unaware, the demolition is being fronted by aides of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa so that he would continue to appear naive, saintly, and innocent.

We are very sure that the demolition is being done by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as he has sold all the marked buildings to a developer whose identity is being hidden. Same Akotileta Governor has also promised all the members of the House of Assembly and the Speaker two units of the planned new estates each. Greedy politicians are also being lobbied with units.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa neither cares for the spare of insecurities and the level of mass poverty in Ondo State. He only cares about his pockets. This is why he never had a real manifesto during campaigns, and has been using the police through Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo to arrest critics for the so-called cyber stalking.

As a movement and a party, we have conducted serious opinions from the affected civil servants, as well as even Labour legends and current Leaders. It is clear that the excuse of renovations is laughable and fake. After all, the beautiful edifice that is the T.A Iwajomo House is still shining and has been marked too for demolitions. T.A Iwajomo was the first Head of Service in Ondo State, and workers built the house to honour him inside the Alagbaka Government Quarters. But prodigals now do no care!

With this press statement, we give Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seven working days to come public with apologies to the civil servants and workers living at the Alagbaka Government Quarters as many of them are now developing blood pressures with the sudden attacks on their accommodations as well as livelihoods. If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is interested in having a Housing Legacy, let him move to the plenty bushes in Oda, Isikan, and other places and build worthy housing estates for the people there. He should also do this in all Local Governments of the state. After all, the Alagbaka Government Quarters is a legacy of the great Adekunle Ajasin which was built within three years of his government then.

We call on all workers affected to keep faith, stand strong, and keep united as we will be taking up mass actions as the deadline approaches. There is no cause for lamenting. There is nothing good that can come from a governor who spent #775million to repair a short fence at the same Alagbaka other than sorrow, tears, and blood (in the words of Fela!)

We also use this opportunity to once again solidarize with Ondo State people over the killings, kidnappings, and violences that have marred the state since Lucky Aiyedatiwa imposed himself on us last year. The time to unite and fight so as to take our beloved Sunshine State back is now!!!

Signed,
Owolabi Patrick,
TIB Coordinator.

Akinnusi Emola,
AAC State Secretary.

Kunle Wizeman Ajayi,
Former AAC Gubernatorial Candidate.
16th April, 2025.

AAC CONDEMNS AIYEDATIWA’S PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS, THREATENS MASS ACTION

AAC CONDEMNS AIYEDATIWA’S PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS, THREATENS MASS ACTION

The African Action Congress (AAC), has issued a strong warning to the Ondo State Government over the planned demolition of Alagbaka Government Quarters in Akure.

In a joint press statement with the Take It Back Movement Ondo Chapter, released today, Wednesday 16th of April 2024, they condemned what they described as a “prodigal and anti-people” move by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and threatened mass resistance if the demolition proceeds.

The statement, signed by Akinnusi Emola (AAC State Secretary), Comrade Patrick (TIB Coordinator Ondo Chapter) and Kunle Wizeman Ajayi (Former AAC Gubernatorial Candidate), accused Governor Aiyedatiwa of acting in bad faith by disguising the demolition under the pretense of renovations.

According to the statement, several buildings within the Alagbaka quarters — currently occupied by civil servants — have already been marked for demolition without proper consultation or consideration for the welfare of the occupants.

“The excuse of renovation is laughable and fake,” the statement read. “Even historic buildings like the T.A. Iwajomo House, which remains structurally sound and was built in honour of the state’s first Head of Service, have been marked for demolition. This only confirms the governor’s ulterior motives.”

The statement revealed further that the governor has already sold the earmarked buildings to a private developer, with promises of estate units being dangled before lawmakers and political allies as incentives. They described the move as corrupt, self-serving, and a betrayal of public trust.

In addition, they criticized the governor’s administration for its handling of security challenges and poverty in the state, describing Aiyedatiwa as a leader more interested in personal gain than in delivering good governance. They also accused him of using state institutions, including the police and the Attorney-General, to clamp down on dissent.

A seven-working-day ultimatum was issued to the governor to halt the demolition plan and publicly apologize to affected workers. The AAC and TIB warned that failure to comply would result in coordinated mass action.

“Civil servants and residents must stand united,” the statement urged. “If the governor wants to build a housing legacy, let him move to available lands in Oda, Isikan, and across the local governments — not demolish a legacy estate built by the visionary Adekunle Ajasin.”

The statement concluded with a note of solidarity to citizens of the state, decrying the recent surge in insecurity, violence, and kidnappings, which they say have worsened since Aiyedatiwa “imposed himself” as governor.

See the full statement below:

PRESS STATEMENT

GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA MUST STOP THE PLANNED DEMOLITION OF ALAGBAKA GOVERNMENT QUARTERS; OR FACE MASS ACTIONS FOR SUCH PRODIGAL ACTS!

The TakeItBack Movement (TIB) and the African Action Congress (AAC,) as well as well-meaning and concerned activists in Ondo State have been studying the situations at the Alagbaka Government Quarters, Akure for the past two weeks since the government has earmarked buildings that civil servants live in for demolition in the guise of some nonsensical and after-thought renovations.

Trying to appear unaware, the demolition is being fronted by aides of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa so that he would continue to appear naive, saintly, and innocent.

We are very sure that the demolition is being done by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as he has sold all the marked buildings to a developer whose identity is being hidden. Same Akotileta Governor has also promised all the members of the House of Assembly and the Speaker two units of the planned new estates each. Greedy politicians are also being lobbied with units.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa neither cares for the spare of insecurities and the level of mass poverty in Ondo State. He only cares about his pockets. This is why he never had a real manifesto during campaigns, and has been using the police through Attorney-General Kayode Ajulo to arrest critics for the so-called cyber stalking.

As a movement and a party, we have conducted serious opinions from the affected civil servants, as well as even Labour legends and current Leaders. It is clear that the excuse of renovations is laughable and fake. After all, the beautiful edifice that is the T.A Iwajomo House is still shining and has been marked too for demolitions. T.A Iwajomo was the first Head of Service in Ondo State, and workers built the house to honour him inside the Alagbaka Government Quarters. But prodigals now do no care!

With this press statement, we give Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa seven working days to come public with apologies to the civil servants and workers living at the Alagbaka Government Quarters as many of them are now developing blood pressures with the sudden attacks on their accommodations as well as livelihoods. If Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is interested in having a Housing Legacy, let him move to the plenty bushes in Oda, Isikan, and other places and build worthy housing estates for the people there. He should also do this in all Local Governments of the state. After all, the Alagbaka Government Quarters is a legacy of the great Adekunle Ajasin which was built within three years of his government then.

We call on all workers affected to keep faith, stand strong, and keep united as we will be taking up mass actions as the deadline approaches. There is no cause for lamenting. There is nothing good that can come from a governor who spent #775million to repair a short fence at the same Alagbaka other than sorrow, tears, and blood (in the words of Fela!)

We also use this opportunity to once again solidarize with Ondo State people over the killings, kidnappings, and violences that have marred the state since Lucky Aiyedatiwa imposed himself on us last year. The time to unite and fight so as to take our beloved Sunshine State back is now!!!

Signed,
Owolabi Patrick,
TIB Coordinator.

Akinnusi Emola,
AAC State Secretary.

Kunle Wizeman Ajayi,
Former AAC Gubernatorial Candidate.
16th April, 2025.

PRESS STATEMENT: THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS, OGUN STATE DISTANCES ITSELF FROM THE IPAC ENDORSEMENT SEEKING TO RE-ELECT GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN

PRESS STATEMENT: THE AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS, OGUN STATE DISTANCES ITSELF FROM THE IPAC ENDORSEMENT SEEKING TO RE-ELECT GOVERNOR DAPO ABIODUN

Our attention has been drawn to a post believed to be a press release emanating from the intra-party advisory council (IPAC) in Ogun state, wherein some elements endorsed the Governor for re-election.

We want to state unequivocally that the African Action Congress (AAC) is not part of such charade, as a separate party or as a member of IPAC. Our party is distinct in ideology and principles and would not endorse a Governor that does not represent any pro-people agenda.

 

Dapo Abiodun is one Governor who should be apologizing to Ogun state citizens and not campaigning. This is why we find it ridiculous that an advisory council who should actually act as a constellation of major opposing voices, would have anything to do with meeting the Governor, let alone endorsing him for re-election.

 

From dishing out crumbs as governance and littering the states with half-completed projects yet launched , the “contract percentage” Governor has failed woefully to deliver good governance to the people and should not be rewarded with another term.

 

The AAC seizes this medium to restate its commitment to stay the course and to assure the good people of Ogun State that help is on the way. Our candidate remains the indefatigable Mr HARRISON ADEYEMI and we urge every electorate who is tired of the misgovernance of Mr Dapo’s 4 ruinous years to vote the AAC.

Liberty is on the ballot.

 

Signed:

Ogundimu Aishat

 

State Publicity Secretary,

African Action Congress

 

Adesina Afolabi

State Chairman,

African Action Congress.

 

2/3/2023

Why Sowore? Adeola Soetan writes

Why Sowore? Adeola Soetan writes

Why Sowore? She asked.

 

She asked me for my prefered presidential candidate

 

My reply: I voted for Obafemi Awolowo, I voted Gani Fawehinmi, so you should know my prefered candidate.

 

She said “so you are voting for Sowore, why? But he can’t win he doesn’t have money and he should just remain an activist.

 

My response: Well, I’m not a bandwagon voter, I don’t vote for who and who people think will win. That’s the height of idiocy. I don’t like to use my finger to do myself and start regretting it later like how many Nigerians are regretting now for voting Buhari and APC. They promised them better governance from the odd past but they make today worse than yesterday. Facts speak for themselves.

 

I’m voting Sowore mainly because he’s the only one who didn’t say he would remove a non existent petrol subsidy. You can’t talk of subsidy when all your refineries are consciously destroyed and a huge amount of your crude oil stolen on daily basis running into billions of Naira. Even candidate Buhari himself in 2015 said correctly that there’s no oil subsidy, he described it as fraud. He was right, as a former petroleum minister and former head of state, he’s well experienced to know that there was no oil subsidy in the real sense of it but subsidizing corruption and inefficiency in government and passing the yoke to poor Nigerians who are now paying over N300 per litre of petrol from the N87/litre .Buhari is like a sheep that flocks with dogs, feces will be its best meal.

 

The first major protest I participated as a student activist in Great Ife was against the so-called “oil subsidy” removal in 1988 during Babangida regime. Myself & Yinka Odumakin took the protest posters to UI and Ibadan Poly for mobilisation. The risk of entering back to the heavily militarized campus through the bushy sewage area was much to bear in the night. And since then every succesive looting government has been talking of oil subsidy removal to punish the people as stealing and inefficiency continues in government.

 

Sowore is the only candidate that publicly declared his assets. Others didn’t. You can’t fight corruption by hiding your own wealth, the source, your assets and liability should be known and verified. I think that’s a simple public morality aspiring public officers should observe if we are serious about fighting corruption.

 

She interjected: Sho you don’t know politics. Activism is different from politics..

 

I asked, please what is politics? Brigandage, looting, killing and maiming. Vote buying and selling, election rigging, unprincipled acts of political survival. So you don’t know that great politicians like Awolowo, Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Mallam Aminu Kano, Nelson Mandela, Nnamdi Azikwe were activists and politicians. Madam, pls go and read your political history very well. Stop joining arrogant political illiterates who always spew rubbish that activism is different from politics just because they have been made to see politics in the wrong image of their rogue leaders. Pro-human politics is an extension of public good driven activism.

 

I asked her: Pls tell me your own understanding of politics for my enlightenment.

“Sho, .leave me alone, you are too opinionated, na you Sabi”

 

I asked again: “so you can’t tell me your own understanding of what you people call” politics? ”

 

” Goodnight Sho, pls leave me alone… ”

 

Adeola Soetan

AAC party Lagos lambasts APC over mockery of lagos residents as flood epidemic ravages the state.

AAC party Lagos lambasts APC over mockery of lagos residents as flood epidemic ravages the state.

A press statement by the spokesman of the Lagos State Environment Commission, Kunle Adesina, said residents of areas like Ketu, Alapere, Agric, Owode onirin, Ajegunle, Alagbole, Kara, Isheri olowora, Araromi Otun orisha community, Agiliti, Maidan, Mile 12, Odo Ogun, Owode elede, Agboyi 1, Agboyi II, Agboyi III, located on the banks of Ogun River need to relocate to higher ground.

The AAC party condemns and rebukes the press statement issued by Kunle Adesina. The statement was written and signed by incomprehensible people who have no idea of the government’s responsibility in times like this. How can a warning about environmental hazard be announced to the people without taking mitigation and compensatory measures?

Where does Sanwo-Olu intend to relocate the poor working people living in the above areas? Has the Sanwo-Olu government made arrangements for their relocation? Is there a plan to deal with the economic hardships that the floods will bring to these people?

One expects such statements from Nigeria’s ruling elite without plans to stop the threat. A few days ago, we heard Bola Amed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the APC, aka the Architect of Lagos, aka Sanwo-Olu Landlord, refer to the problem of climate change, which is the main cause of the floods we are currently experiencing across Nigeria, as “preventing a church rat from eating the poisoned holy communion.” They do not care about mitigating climate change, nor do they care about the damage and economic hardship it is causing to ordinary and poor people.

The incompetent misrulers of APC are bereft of the simple idea that Climate change can affect the intensity and frequency of precipitation. Warmer oceans increase the amount of water that evaporates into the air. When more humid air moves over land or converges into a storm system, it can produce more intense precipitation, which becomes the heavier rain and storms causing the flood in Lagos!

In Lagos State, lack of intra city trains has caused lagosians to use more cars, which increases heat and makes the ocean warmer than usual. Failure of the Sanwo Olu led regime to collect, manage and recycle waste for economic purposes is directly responsible for blockage of the few and inadequate drainages in Lagos state. It is also important to also note that the lagos state government allowed their cronies to sell lands indiscriminately without the state having to first build roads and drainages before the lands are being approved for sale. The areas of Lagos in proximity to the ocean and rivers in Lagos are Etiosa and Ibeju Lekki LGA, it covers over 648km of land and almost a million residents yet the state government is yet to build one single drainage to control the floods.

Flooding is nothing new in Lagos. The Eko Atlantic project grew out of the “Great Wall of Lagos,” which was intended to protect the coastline of Victoria Island from erosion. However, the project only served to protect the properties and businesses of Nigeria’s ruling elite, while causing further environmental crises in working-class neighborhoods.

It is a shame that after eight years of rule by the so-called architect and landlord of Lagos, which he claims to be, and fourteen years of his puppets, there are still no policies and measures to protect the vulnerable residents of Lagos from flooding. They have left the poor working class of Lagos to the whims and caprices of bourdillon godfathers and their housemaids. Well, the irresponsibility of Sanwo-Olu is to be expected as his government is only there to serve the needs of his landlord and the 1% ruling class in Lagos.

That is why the AAC party, which is the only party today that stands up for the people, is calling on the people of Lagos and Nigeria to break away from the fascist neoliberals who put profit above our lives and welfare. The upcoming elections are another opportunity to pay them back in kind for all the misfortune and hardship they have brought upon us. It is time we take Lagos back from those who believe that Lagos belongs to them.

Osatohamen Ebhohon
PRO
African Action Congress Party, Lagos.

Press statement: AAC Oyo chapter set to unveil candidates ahead of elections

Press statement: AAC Oyo chapter set to unveil candidates ahead of elections

UNVEILING OUR PARTY CANDIDATES THAT ARE READY TO SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE GOOD PEOPLE OF OYO STATE.
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STATEMENT OF AFRICAN ACTION CONGRESS OYO STATE

It is now clear that the people of this country and this state automatically have come to realize the only alternative political party that is left to liberate them is the African Action Congress (AAC) party. For us, it is encouraging to see our people come to consciousness and are taking responsibility for their political affairs.

For so many years in Oyo State, the residents haven’t experienced good governance or the dividends of democracy and our political affairs have been grossly (mis)managed by those that do not have the interest of the common people at heart. The people of Oyo State have not been able to describe what they have really benefited from this democracy we pretend to practice as the political gladiators (so called) are continuously overriding the masses for their personal gains.

Sadly, none of our past and current governments have directly impacted the life of the people for the progress of our socio-political system and all they are known for are injustice, corruption and political imbalances.

To point out some of their mischievous acts; we could recall the year 2020 when the Federal Government released food items to various States Governors as palliatives to relieve the common people of the economic hardship caused by the pandemic, it was clear that the State Government only distributed the palliatives among their patronage network. In that same year when the #EndSars protest happened, many protesters lost their lives and till date no public prosecution has been made in that regard.

The African Action Congress as the alternative political party with the interest of the people at heart is here and ready to bring genuine democracy back to the people of Oyo State and the nation at large. It’s going to be an all-inclusive government.

Our party believes in collectiveness to get rid of these political marauders and to end their long reign of political businesses. In this vein, we urge all well meaning residents of Oyo State to join us in unveiling the party candidates on the 22nd of October 2022.

Signed:
COMRADE KAYODE BABAYOMI -CHAIRMAN AAC OYO

COMRADE
STATE SECRETARY AAC OYO