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PDP Denies Anyim’s Exit From Party, Vows To Reclaim Ebonyi

July 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ebonyi State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has assured that its sojourn in the political wilderness of the State, will not last for long.

It has set 2027, as the dateline for its return to the main stage of the State’s power equation.

To this end, the Caretaker Committee of the Party said all machineries have been activated to rally members, woo new entrants and reposition for the battle ahead.

Steve Oruruo, Chairman of the PDP interim leadership, who spoke when he led members of the State Working Committee, SWC. on a visit to the state Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCD in Abakilki ,on Wednesday July ,5 ,added that consultations are ongoing to reconcile and bring back all aggrieved individuals and groups to the PDP fold.

He informed that, the Party in the State is guided and encouraged in its reconciliatory moves ,by the wider resolve of the National Working Committee NWC to reclaim the lost fortunes of the party.

This is even as he insisted that former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Anyim Pius Anyim remains a member of the Party.

The leadership of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC, in the state had on Tuesday July 2, hinted on the imminent defection of the former Senate President to the APC.

The Party said that Senator Anyim will be received in the APC on July 14..

“Much as I am aware that in politics, people reserve the right to leave and join any party of their choices ,I can also announce to you that ,as of today, Anyim Pius has not joined APC. So, I want to operate from the point of the known to the unknown ” Oruruo submitted.

The Ebonyi PDP interim Chairman noted that the party at all levels have resolved to come together, reposition,and reclaim the leadership of the county in the over all interest of the now pauperized majority of Nigerians .

“The leadership of the country requires closer reassessment .If you are looking for the best practices ,best leadership and qualitative governance that will beget productivity in politics ,it requires quality human beings as personnel.

“So in the Peoples Democratic Party PDP,from the National body ,there is a sense of reasoning ; there is a sense of rebirth that is encapsulated in the mood of the party .

“They want to revive the party ,and Ebonyi state is a case study .We have had issues of disagreement among the stakeholders of the party .The party is some how balkanized .

“It is fractionalized and that is the essence of creating this particular leadership to resolve all the issues and strengthen the party.

“Such discords ,skirmishes and other identified problems are what we want to resolve .We are determined ,focused and prepared .

“We want to create an enabling environment for the enthronement of fairness,rule of law and adherence to the dictates of the party” the PDP interim Chairman asserted.

For the records, in the 2023 Governorship Election, the former SGF, Senator Pius Anyim, worked for the APC Governorship Candidate, now the Governor, against his Party’s Governorship Candidate.

FG Denies Signing $150bn Agreement Promoting LGBTQ Rights With EU

James Orji

July 4, 2024

The federal government has refuted reports that the recent trade agreement it signed with the European Union, EU, has some conditions attached to it promoting LGBTQ rights.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration said the $150 billion Samoa Agreement, signed on July 1 in Abuja, the nation’s capital was purely an economic agreement.

LGBTQ which means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer has been outlawed in Nigeria.

Since the report of the agreement broke, not a few Nigerians have condemned the adminstration for allegdly entering an agreement which is against the country’s extant laws.

The government’s rebuttal was made by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, the Ministry which signed the agreement, according to reports.

Reacting to the issue, Bolaji Adebiyi, the spokesman to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu disclosed that the documents signed with the EU were strictly for economic development of the country.

Adebiyi said there was no place that LGBTQ righst were mentioned in the agreement, saying it would be wrong for anyone to imply that Nigeria had accepted those tendencies.

According to him, “The article does not represent the content of the Samoa Agreement signed by Nigeria.

The Articles 2.5 and 29.5 cited made no mention of LGBT rights but rather 29.5 guarantees ‘support [for] universal access to sexual and reproductive health commodities and health care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes.

“Article 2.5 states that: ‘The parties shall systematically promote a gender perspective and ensure that gender equality is mainstreamed across all policies’.

“I fail to see how these articles imply the protection of LGBT rights. Please, note that this is a negotiated agreement among the 27 EU countries and 79 OACPS, which is subject to domestic laws. All 27 EU countries and 74 of the 79 OACPS have signed. Nigeria was the 73rd to sign last Friday, 28th June, in Brussels.

“Following the controversy around the agreement, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning organised a stakeholders meeting in March in Abuja, comprising NGOs and religious bodies during which concerns were addressed.”

In January 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the bill that outlwed LGBTQ rights after it has been passd by the National Assembly.

Similarly, Kamarudeen Ogundele, who is the spokesman of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi (SAN), said he had no details of the signed agreement

“I am Still Your Governor, Stop Insulting Me,” – Aiyedatiwa Tells PDP Candidate, Ajayi

Ayodele Oni

July 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Agboola Ajayi, governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the November election in Ondo State and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa share some common traits in their political career.

Both served as Deputy to late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at different times. Ajayi served first during Akeredolu’s first term while Aiyedatiwa became his substitute when he lost face with late Akeredolu.

Both of them also survived impeachment plots spearheaded by the late Governor and executed by the State House of Assembly. This sent Ajayi out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) while Aiyedatiwa survived and emerged as late Akeredolu’s successor.

Now, fate has pitched these two political actors against each other as candidates of different political parties in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election. With ban on campaigns lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the camps of these two candidates are leaving now stone untouched to outsmart each.

First it was the issue of some members leaving APC for PDP that unfold what to expect from supporters of the two candidates as they proceed on their campaigns.

Ajayi again fired the salvo on Wednesday when he accused Aiyedatiwa’s administration of non performance and misgovernance. It was during his presentation by PDP leaders to the people as alternative to Aiyedatiwa.

Ajayi declared that “This is Ondo State and it belongs to all of us. So, if it is well governed, we will be safe. If it is not governed as expected, all of us will become the casualty of the bad government. That is exactly what we are experiencing in Ondo state now.

“I know in Ondo State, I know in Kiribo, Arogbo, Igbekebo, Oke-Agbe that our people aren’t having meals the way they should. Most of the communities that used to be economically vibrant cities have become dead.

“I am embarking on a journey that will transform Ondo State totally, a journey that will give us a state to be proud of. We will not give our people fish but we will teach them how to catch fish.

“I started politics at a very tender age as a ward chairman. I was one of those who went for Abiola’s convention in Jos. So, you should know that I started long ago. From there, I became secretary of the party, I became a councilor, I was also elected as a supporting chairman.

“From there, people elected me to represent Ilaje/Ese-Odo in the House of Representatives and with due respect to all members who must have represented that local government in that capacity, they have not been able to beat my record.

“So, the people of the state know us very well, they are going to choose wisely, I can assure you, they have already chosen me to lead the state in the coming election.

“I am going to make sure that we transform Ondo State to economic base where everybody will be busy in terms of commerce, economic activities and everything.”

As if waiting for opportunity to attack the PDP candidate, the Lucky Aiyedatiwa Campaign Organisation Foot Soldiers Independent Council (LACO-FSIC) described the statement credited to the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is incompetent, as the output of an empty mind.

Ajayi reportedly called the governor “incompetent” on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Akure, where he revisited the nullification of the 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by an Akure High Court.

But in a swift response, the Campaign Council through its State Director of Information, Mr. Kayode Fasua, stated that “Agboola Ajayi in saying that Governor Aiyedatiwa is incompetent, by not running around communities begging them not to go to court over the newly created LCDAs, presents Ajayi himself as an empty mind.”

According to the Council, Ajayi’s line of argument that Aiyedatiwa should have persuaded the litigants in the LCDAs’ suit not to seek redress in court presented him as too pedestrian to seek the office of Governor.

“Otherwise, why should Mr. Ajayi keep harping on the need for Governor Aiyedatiwa to have prevented aggrieved communities from going to court when an envisioned court verdict would never stop the state government from creating new LCDAs?

“What the court said in its judgement, in clear terms, is that the local councils were approved in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, and not within Ondo State territory, as required by law.

“Therefore, the state government can from there review the process, and come up with a decision that will appease all interests regarding the creation of new LCDAs.

“As such, Ajayi and his team are thus advised to desist from flocking media houses to make emotional outbursts on topics about which they lack adequate knowledge,” the LACO-FSIC appealed.

Besides, the Campaign Council expressed dismay at what it described as “the culture of brigandage which the PDP is bringing to the emerging governorship campaigns, especially in Akure, the state capital, where some leaders of the party have been breeding political thugs, harassing peace-loving APC supporters.

“They are herein reminded of the sad event of 1983, when senses took flight for evil to prevail, and many years after, Ondo State and indeed the entire country have been struggling to get out of the trauma caused by that political crisis.

“So, the Ondo State PDP should be guided, as there is a government in power, to maintain law and order, and will never allow miscreants to take over the state.

“Government will act within its powers to deal with such ugly situations as nobody will be allowed to put the state on fire.

“Again, the PDP candidate should mind his statements; being the candidate of a party does not give you the licence to keep insulting the executive governor of a state.

“Let Ajayi be reminded that nobody is above the law,” the Campaign Council warned.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Coach Waldrum Drops Onome Ebi, Ordega, Plumptre From 22-Super Falcons Squad

Akinwale Kasali

July 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

With less than 23 days to the commencement of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum has named his 22-players to hoist the Nation’s flag at the global showpiece.

Surprisingly, CSKA Moscow mercurial winger, Francesca Ordega was dropped from the squad, despite her outstanding performance in the Russia Female League, where she led her team to the League and Domestic Cup triumph.

Another Surprising omission from the team is Al-Ittihad Football Club of Saudi Arabia left back, Ashleigh Plumptre, who was impressive at the Olympics Qualifiers and performed brilliantly well at the 2023 Women FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The omission of 41-Year Old Onome Ebi was not surprising, as the Naija Ratels defender hasn’t been impressive since moving to the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL.

Waldrum named a 22-woman list made up of active players in their various clubs, top on the list are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Osinachi Ohale, forward Asisat Oshoala and 14 other players in his final list of Nigeria’s Super Falcons for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France.

There are also defenders Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie, midfielders Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne, and forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.

Squad members who are currently on holidays in Nigeria will join home-based players and team officials aboard an Air France flight from Abuja to Sevilla, Spain on Thursday night, with the rest of the playing body and technical team also arriving in Sevilla on Friday for a two-week training camp.

Nine-time African champions Nigeria, who are making their first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time since 2008 in China, will tackle Brazil, Spain and Japan, in that order, at this year’s tournament.

To qualify for the 12-team tournament, the Falcons edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana 1-0, with a strike from the penalty spot in Abuja by Ajibade separating Africa’s top two teams over two legs in the month of April.

Their first game, against Brazil, comes up at the Stade Bordeaux on 25th July, before confrontations with Spain (28th July) and Japan (31st July). The matches against Spain and Japan will hold at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, where the Super Eagles famously defeated tournament favourites Spain 3-2 in a memorable game at the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Oluwatosin Demehin (Stade de Reims, France); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Nicole Payne (Portland Thorns FC, USA); Chidinma Okeke (Mynavi Sendai Ladies, Japan)

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun (University of Pittsburgh, USA); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosengard, Sweden); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Jennifer Echegini (Juventus Ladies, Italy); Toni Payne (Sevilla FC, Spain)

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico Madrid FC, Spain); Esther Okoronkwo (Changchun FC, China); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville, USA); Chiwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Chinonyerem Macleans (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Alternate Players: Jumoke Alani (Nasarawa Amazons); Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals, USA); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Morufa Ademola (Rivers Angels).

Cholera Epidemic: WHO Donates Materials To Ondo

Ayodele Oni

July 4, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of intervention to curtail outbreak and spread of cholera epidemic, the World Health Organization (WHO), has donated Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) materials to the Ondo State Ministry of Health.

Speaking during the donation in Akure, Ondo State, Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Dele David, noted that the organization has always been at the forefront of preventing outbreaks and deaths in communities and among healthcare workers.

The WHO State Coordinator pointed out that the organization has always been sustaining the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) during and after epidemics for proper planning and informed decisions.

He also explained that WHO has been supporting pillars to develop action plans in case of any outbreak, adding that it has integrated with communities in the state to create awareness on diseases through community and media engagement.

Dr. David assured of WHO’s continued support to states in the country to ensure the highest sustainable level of health for all Nigerians through collaboration with both government and other partners in the health sector.

Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo, while receiving the materials, emphasized that the state had recorded two cases of cholera in March this year, stating that the state was able to curtail the outbreak in Okitipupa Local Government Area as a result of its preparedness to combat the disease.

He stated that the state was ready to combat any case of cholera as it has activated its surveillance in the 203 wards and the 18 Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner lauded the commitment of the Governor of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in providing an Emergency Preparedness Fund to tackle the scourge of cholera in the state within the shortest period of an outbreak.

Heavy Rainstorm Wreaks Havoc In Lagos, Renders Many Homeless

Akinwale Kasali

July 4, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The heavy rainstorm that Lagos, Oyo State, Ogun and its environs witnessed has wreaked havoc, and left many counting their losses.

The rain which started at dawn, Tuesday continued beyond mid-day, sacking many from their homes, as residents lament the loss of property and flooding of private and commercial homes.

Workers, mororists, commuters and even students writing their National Examination Council, NECO and promotion examinations were thrown into turmoil all day on Wednesday, as there was traffic gridlock on roads as a result of flood that has taken over the roads in most part of Lagos.

Investigations revealed that those living in Lagos Island and mainland were adversely affected by the heavy downpour.

On Ikorodu Road, there was traffic snarl, as most commuters were forced to return home, due to the impossible navigation to their respective destinations.

The heavy downpour, which began early Wednesday, caused water levels to rise rapidly, inundating homes, businesses, and major roads.

It caused flooding in the Iyana-Oworo area leading to the 3rd Mainland Bridge/Oshodi.

The flood rendered the road almost impassable causing heavy gridlock that has extended to the Berger area of the State.

Local authorities report that the worst-hit areas include Lekki, Victoria Island, and Ajah, where streets have turned into rivers and vehicles have been submerged.

“I’ve never seen anything like this in all my years living here,” said a resident of Lekki. “The water came in so fast; we barely had time to save any of our belongings.”

The flooding has raised concerns about the city’s infrastructure and drainage systems, long criticized for being inadequate to handle heavy rains. Experts are calling for urgent improvements to prevent future disasters.

In Ogun State and Oyo State, it was the same situation, as many residents are counting their losses. Commuters and motorists were stranded, while some houses and cars were flooded.

The Lagos State Government has called for calm after the downpour which began around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rain which caused heavy flooding has led to gridlock in many parts of the state especially Olopo Meji inward third Mainland, Ikeja, Lekki, Isheri Oshun and environs.

Reacting to the development, Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to avoid panic.

Wahab revealed that the flash flood is being caused by the high intensity of the long rain duration coupled with the current high tidal lagoon level.

He wrote, “The Olopo Meji inward 3rd Mainland situation is a flash flood that is due to the high intensity of the rain, long duration rain coupled with high tidal lagoon level at the moment. Be rest assured it would go away in about 1-2hour. As the high tidal level of the lagoon goes down, the rain/ storm water will be able to discharge into the lagoon.”

In a fresh update, the Commissioner wrote:

“The EFAG team from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources @LasgMOE were deployed to monitor/clear the flash flood at the Olopomeji section of Iyana Oworo.

“The road is now free from rainwater. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Abia To Shore Up Internally Generated Revenue Profile, Halts Talent Drain Through Sporting Engagements

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Enyimba International Stadium Aba, and Abia Warriors Stadium Umuahia, with a cumulative value of over N7 billion if properly harnessed and maximally utilized, have the potentials of substantially contributing to the internally generated revenue of the State.

This is even as the Abia state Government said it has resolved to upscale the number of activities that are being presently hosted by the two sporting facilities for the purposes of tapping deeply into the huge sporting potentials of the State as well as opening up the economy for maximum returns on investments.

These were the grains of the address by the duo of Sir Nwaobilo Ananaba, the Abia State Commissioner for Youths and Sports and Dike Dinmiri, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Fifty 1 Alliance, a sports and entertainment asset management outfit at a joint press conference held in Umuahia on Wednesday July 3 ,2024 to unveil the novel Abia state Football Super League.

To actualize the Super League which will be played at the two giant sporting arenas in the state- Enyimba International Stadium and Abia Warriors stadium, Sir Ananaba informed that the State Government has entered into a Public Private partnership with Fifty 1 Alliance .

He noted that in the last one year, the Abia State Government has collaborated with Fifty 1 Alliance to successfully develop Table Tennis and Basketball leagues ,as well as a Boxing Tournament in the State.

“To ensure the smooth running of the Super league ,an eight-member league Management Committee, LMC, comprising the Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development,as Chairman,and membership drawn from Fifty 1 Alliance ,Club owners and experienced Sports and football administrators will be inaugurated today ( Wednesday July 3).

“The Super League will comprise one division only, called the Superlig, and there will be no promotion or relegation so as to enhance the value of the clubs as an asset to its owners with potential upside resale value .

“The Super league will have nine teams, three teams from each of the three Senatorial Zones in the State, with 72 matches to be played across each season.

“The Super league will have a prize money in the region of N20 million and N25 million to be shared by the clubs according to their finishing positions, at the end of the season . Subject to other revenues. there is scope for increase in the value of the prize pot.” Ananaba stated

According to the Commissioner,the organization of the Super league ,which will be done at no cost to State Government, will nevertheless assist the State in reducing youth unemployment,

through engagements in sports and training in Sports business and media productions.

Other expected benefits listed include increase in internally generated revenue for the state, a balance development for the state with capacity to raise the GDP to at least %5 in the short term, and investment in and maintenance of the of the state’s sporting assets .

Sir Ananaba, equally noted that the League will maximize the utilization of existing sporting facilities ,such as the two stadia ,and the proposed Airport and New Stadium in the state.

“Prevention of talent drain, out of Abia state, and the use of revenues accruing from the Super league for the maintenance of existing sporting facilities, were also highlighted as part of the benefits.

Further explaining the rationale behind the conceptualization of the Super league. Dimiri said it is part of a wider plan to maximize the two stadia and other sporting facilities in the state for the twin purposes of harnessing the abundant talents in the state ,and shore up the revenue profile of the Government.

“The value of Enyimba International Stadium is about N 4.7 billion .That of Abia Warriors Stadium is over N 2.5 billion. That is a huge investment.

“But you discover that with the stadia mainly being used during home league matches involving Enyimba and Abia Warriors Football clubs ,the two huge facilities are only being used for 19 days out of 365 days in a year.

“That is not good for the socio- economic development of the state. With the Super league to be played at the two stadia ,we will be increasing activities ,and also increasing the revenue profile of the state.

“The Super league will also serve the purpose of discovering and marketing of talents, which will be equally a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

“It is in tandem with the policy trust of the amiable Governor of Abia. state Dr Alex Otti’s administration to create an enabling environment for our talented youths to express their sporting and entertainment talents for reward” Dimiri noted

Kano State Unable To Fill Its Quota In BUK – Vice Chancellor Laments

Suleiman Anyalewechi

July 4, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayero University Kano BUK, has expressed its readiness to partner with the Kano State Government in addressing the challenges facing the Education Sector in the State.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, who indicated this during a courtesy call on the State Commissioner of Education, Umar Haruna Doguwa, noted that the Institution is encouraged by the steps so far taken by the Government to halt the drift in the educational fortunes of the State, particularly, its recent declaration of State of Emergency in the system.

The Vice Chancellor who was in company with the Institution’s Management Team noted that the first sure step in remedying a situation is to diagnose the root causes both remote and immediate.

He stated that with the declaration of a State of Emergency, the State Government has demonstrated strong commitment to confronting the crisis in the educational system .

According to him, it is against this backdrop of display of political will, that the management of the BUK is desirous to lend a helping hand.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 3 2024, by the Director Public Enlightenment, of the Kano state Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, the BUK Vice Chancellor emphasised the urgent need for concerted efforts to arrest the ugly situation within the State Education Sector.

“If you can take your time to conduct research with a view to finding out the real problems of education in Kano. then the solutions will far out live your administration.

“So, something needs to be done, urgently, to arrest the situation. We are highly concerned when we conduct admission. Even though Kano is having the highest number of students at Bayero University, but during every admission process ,we don’t usually have the expected number due to lack of qualifications, Prof Abbas lamented.

“The way out of the quagmire is for the conduct of a holistic prognosis on the education sector with a view to finding out the core challenges.

“To this end, he promised that the BUK ,is ready to offer all the necessary assistance needed,adding that there are many ways the institution can come in ,besides research.

” Bayero University,has the capacity to provide extensive training to teachers in groups, and equip them with what they require to start facing the challenges of education in Kano.

Underscoring the importance of a vibrant and functional educational system to any society, Prof Abbas blamed the high rate of drugs addiction and other social vices in Kano on lack of quality education among the youths.

According to him, the long period of decay of the educational system has resulted in many youths finding indulgence in criminal activities ,more rewarding than educational pursuits.

In his remarks, Doguwa described the visit as timely going by the enormity of the crisis within the system.

“It is obvious ,the present administration inherited a near total collapsed education sector ,with dilapidated schools infrastructure and instructional materials ,which resulted in an unconducive learning environment.

“We have produced a documentary programme portraying the total neglect and decay of the education sector meaning that we have a lot to do in order to address all the challenges .

“This Government is now trying to see how the problems can be addressed ” the Commissioner stated.

He noted that the State Government will be amenable to collaborating with the BUK in finding a lasting solution to the worrisome situation.

Doguwa informed that the state Government will be interested in the establishment of a research team to conduct a thorough inquest into the challenges facing the education sector in the state.

“We Incorporate Citizens Input Into Law Making” – Reps Speaker, Abbas

Ayodele Oni

July 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has stated that the 10th House under his leadership has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in law-making and oversight processes.

He added that concerted efforts have been made to listen to the voices of constituents and reflect their aspirations in legislative activities.

A statement by media aide of the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi stated that Abbas spoke on Wednesday at the National Assembly when he unveiled the one-year scorecard of the 10th House of Representatives at the opening of a 3-day ‘Open Week’ celebration organized by the Green Chamber.

The event was also to celebrate 25 years of unbroken legislature in the history of the National Assembly.

The Speaker noted that the House has been implementing its Legislative Agenda, which it introduced in October, 2023 and ensured an inclusive and participatory legislature in the past one year.

The Speaker acknowledged the enormity of the challenges before the House flowing from the socioeconomic hardship confronting Nigerians.

He said the Green Chamber rose to the occasion by introducing a total of 1,351 bills, the highest number in any first session since 1999, with 89 of the bills passed.

He emphasized that the most critical aspects of citizen engagement is accountability, noting that “The 10th House of Representatives has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in lawmaking and oversight processes.

“We have made concerted efforts to listen to the voices of our constituents and reflect their aspirations in our legislative activities.

“Through town hall meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements, we have ensured that the legislative process remains inclusive and participatory.

“This approach not only enhances the quality of our laws but also ensures that our decisions are rooted in the genuine needs and desires of the Nigerian people. No chamber of the National Assembly has undertaken such an initiative.

“By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and readiness to be held accountable by the people we serve.

“Presenting our Scorecard publicly allows us to showcase our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and highlight our plans for the future.

“It reinforces the idea that the parliament is not just a body that makes laws but an institution that is responsible to its constituents for its actions and performance.

“This performance assessment was undertaken to evaluate how effectively the 10th House of Representatives has implemented its legislative agenda within its first session.

“The assessment serves several key purposes: (i) to gauge the level of preparedness and institutional capacity of the 10th House to deliver on its mandate amid challenging national circumstances, (ii) to assess the maturity of our democracy, which is largely dependent on the efficiency of the legislative arm of government, and (iii) to document the assessment report as a valuable resource in the growing literature of legislative activism.”

Osun: Governor Adeleke Suspends Aide For Diversion Of Rice

Ayodele Oni

July 3, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

For diverting palliatives meant for the people, Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has suspended his Senior Special Assistant on Civil Societies, Oluwaseun Adebisi.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday, the Governor ordered the suspension of Adebisi pending the outcome of investigation by a panel headed by the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye.

Adebisi was accused of diverting 70 bags of rice meant for civil societies in the State. He was also alleged to be the mastermind of the crisis rocking the State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYC).

In the the meantime, the Governor has warned the transport workers in the State against actions and activities capable of plunging the state into violence and lawlessness.

In a statement on Wednesday in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Transportation to again summon a reconciliatory meeting of all the warring groups within the transport sector.

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