PNM Members

20/09/2014

20/09/2014

17th September, 2014

THE GENERAL PUBLIC
WE REJECT THE INDIGENISATION OF PARTY POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE OF EXCLUSION IN OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IBA AND OTO-AWORI LCDAs
We are compelled to write you in view of the politics of exclusion, injustices and political imbalance we have experienced over the years in Ojo Local Government, Iba and Oto-Awori Local Council Development Areas of Lagos State.
We are a pressure and sensitization group in the All Progressives Congress, (APC), and we stand for the emancipation of the politically oppressed and marginalised people they call Non-Indigenes or Strangers in Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As who constitute 85 percent (%) of the entire voting population of these areas, and mainly Yoruba speaking people, compared to the other 15 percent (%) including the natives and other tribes of Nigeria who are all residents.
In the present political arrangement of electing or selecting candidates for political offices, the self-styled “Indigenes” have constitute themselves as imposing authorities from the Zones, Wards and up to the Local Government levels on the premise that they are the land owners and so, the exclusive dividends and benefits of political participation are totally theirs, whereas they are few; but we have the voting population. We are at the heart of the party at all levels in terms of numerical strength and financial participation and contributions.

For the purpose of clarification and emphasis, we hereby present the followings:
OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
S/N OFFICE INDIGENES NON-INDIGENES
1. STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OJO CONSTITUENCY 1 YES NONE
2. OJO LOCAL GOVERNMENT CHAIRMAN YES NONE
3. OJO LOCAL GOVT. VICE-CHAIRPERSON NONE YES
4. SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT YES NONE
5. SECRETARY TO LOCAL EDUCATION DISTRICT (LED) YES NONE
6. COUNCILORS/ LEGISLATORS FOUR ONE
7. SUPERVISORY COUNCILORS/ SPECIAL ADVISERS EIGHT TWO
8. APEX LEADER/STATE OFFICER/ VICE-CHAIRMAN BADAGRY DIV. YES NONE

OTO-AWORI LCDA
S/N OFFICE INDIGENES NON-INDIGENES
1. COMMISSIONER FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT YES NONE
2. STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY OJO CONSTITUENCY 2 NONE YES
3. CHAIRMAN OTO-AWORI LCDA YES NONE
4. VICE- CHAIRMAN OTO-AWORI LCDA YES NONE
5. SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT YES NONE
6. COUNCILORS/ LEGISLATORS FIVE NONE
7. SUPERVISORY COUNCILORS/ SPECIAL ADVISERS TEN NONE
8. APEX LEADER YES NONE

IBA LCDA
S/N OFFICES INDIGENES NON-INDIGENES
1. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES YES NONE
2. SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT YES NONE
3. CHAIRMAN IBA LCDA YES NONE
4. VICE- CHAIRMAN IBA LCDA YES NONE
5. SECRETARY TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT NONE YES
6. COUNCILORS/ LEGISLATORS FOUR ONE
7. SUPERVISORY COUNCILORS/ SPECIAL ADVISERS EIGHT TWO
8. APEX LEADER YES NONE

To this end, we recognise that we cannot continue to be slaves in our own land- country, Nigeria. We refuse to be disenfranchised or used as foot-mats. How else could we describe a situation where we constitute the highest voting population, yet we are told we can vote but cannot be voted for?
We mean, how could we be constantly reminded that we are “Strangers” (Ajoji lasan-lasan) and that we should go to our various villages when it comes to reaping the dividends of governance after much efforts and activities in ensuring that our dear party is enthroned as the ruling party at all levels? This can only happen in a banana republic! Therefore, this call for a sober reflection, as these prodigious events cannot and will not continue to happen in our days!
A cursory look at some other local governments in Lagos State (Ajeromi L.G.A, Ifelodun LCDA, Apapa L.G.A, Amuwo odofin L.G.A, e.t.c) will reflect the contrary, as there are inter-relationships and mutual political benefits among all and sundry as well as key stakeholders in the polity. This has led to meaningful developments in these L.G.As because; politics of inclusion is the rule and practice rather than exemption.
Therefore, PNM stands for fair play and equitable distribution of resources, and political offices and benefits to the admiration of all. To achieve these, we hereby appeal that the party top hierarchy grant us the following prayers:
1. To solicit for pure and direct political primaries for selection of political office holders in Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As
2. To eradicate political marginalisation of Non-Awori speaking people
3. To encourage participation of ‘Non-Indigenes’ in the governance and control of Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As considering their numerical strength and voting power.
4. That there should be support and responsiveness to the aspirations of credible Awori and Non-Awori speaking persons aspiring for political positions.
5. That the corporate political existence of ‘Indigenes’ and ‘Non-indigenes’ must be redefined.
We shall be pleased if our request is favourably considered, and an interview scheduled, where we shall be pleased to render other information you may further desire.
Please, find leaflets, handbills and other information materials as attached.
Find also, attached list of the last meeting attendance of members where this resolution was taken.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

__________________________ __________________________
Prince R. Awobi-Ladega Com. Kareem Saheed Adeshina
Chairman Secretary

__________________________
Barr. Ayo-Ola A. Ibraheem
Legal Adviser

20/09/2014

You are welcome to the Progressive Noble Members (PNM), an organisation and pressure group established to advance the socio-political interests of Indigenes and Non-Indigenes of Ojo Local Government, Iba and Oto-Awori LCDA Chapters.

This association is located in Lagos State. It has the vision of becoming the preferred movement, since Non-Awori speaking Yoruba and Other tribes of the country who are residents of these areas constitute 85% voting population according to the National Population Commission data collated.

And by virtue of Federal Electoral Law, a Nigerian who has lived in a place for a period of six months and above has the right to vote and be voted for. Therefore, PNM feels it is an injustice on the part of Nigerians who have lived for a limited number of years in certain places, with their properties and investments to be regarded as strangers. Such views from natives translate to violation of their fundamental human rights.

However, PNM is not contending with traditional, cultural, land and heritable rights of Kings, Baale(s) and the Natives. This Movement believes in an egalitarian society; therefore it upholds the following values and principles:

* Equal Rights for Justice
* To solicit for pure political primaries for selection of political office holders in Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As
* To eradicate political marginalisation of Non-Awori speaking people
* To encourage participation of Non-Indigenes in the governance and control of Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As
* To promote honesty, integrity and professional political ethics for a new Nigeria.
* That there should be respect for the liberty, political freedom and rights of citizens
* That there should be support and responsiveness to the aspirations of credible Awori and Non-Awori speaking persons aspiring for political positions
* Incorporation of Non-Awori speaking Yoruba, South-South, Igbo and Arewas into Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.As corporate governance
* To resist all forms of political intimidation of Indigenes and Non-Indigene members of PNM
* To mount Pressure on Ojo, Iba and Oto-Awori L.G.A governments to provide social amenities, as to improve the standard of living of Indigenes and Non- Indigenes’ dominated areas and communities
* That the corporate existence of Indigenes and Non-indigenes must be redefined.
* The rights of Members of PNM will be pursued constitutionally and with vigour .

20/09/2014

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