LAHA Mourns Ezeife, As Governor Sanwo Olu Writes Lawmakers On Yoruba Week Celebration

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April 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has mourned and paid tribute to late former Governor of Old Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife, who was recently buried while the House was on recess.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa described the late politician as a Pan Nigerian who supported the Yorubas and the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, especially during the dark days of the Military reign and following the struggle for late MKO Abiola.

“We remember how he proudly stepped down for Olu Falae back then in 1999”, Obasa said.

In another development,

the Executive arm of the Lagos State Government has written the House of Assembly on its decision to set the last week of September every year for the celebration of the Yoruba culture.

The decision of the Government followed a resolution passed by the Lagos Assembly at a sitting held on September 19, 2023.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who signed the letter dated April 8, 2024, told the lawmakers that the State would start the plan ahead of the celebration.

“Sequel to the resolution of the House at its plenary of Tuesday, 19th September, 2023, on the activation of Yoruba cultural heritage and a special day to be assigned as Yoruba day, I have the directive to officially convey Mr. Governor’s approval for the last week of September as Yoruba Week,” a part of the letter, which was read by the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, stated.

Commending Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet for the decision, Speaker Obasa, described it as a good development.

He described the Yoruba culture and heritage as very important just as he stressed the need for its preservation.

The Speaker said the House is ready to support the executive to ensure the success of the planned Yoruba Week.

Ondo: No Fresh Governorship Primary For APC As Ganduje Presents Certificate Of Return To Gov Aiyedatiwa

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Ayodele Oni

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April 30, 2024

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Ganduje Presents Certificate Of Return To Gov Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The National Working Committee, (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may have foreclosed any possibility of a rerun Governorship primary election in Ondo State despite calls for it.

Nearly all aspirants that participated in the April 20 Governorship Primary Election of the Party rejected the outcome and called for a fresh election.

The Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, led the committee was accused of just compiling results of the election in the hotel room and declared them.

The NWC, through the National Chairman of the Party, Abdullahi Ganduje, said on Monday that it endorsed the outcome of the election and believed in continuity.

Ganduje, on Monday, presented Certificate of Return to the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as the Candidate of the APC in the November 16, 2024 Governorship Election.

The certificate was presented to the Governor at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja in the presence of members of the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the party.

Ganduje expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the primary and congratulated the Governor for emerging victorious.

Ganduje said he has been fascinated with the trajectory of Aiyedatiwa from Deputy Governor to Acting Governor and to Governor, adding that he will also remain Governor from February 24, 2025.

The National Chairman stressed that continuity is crucial and with Aiyedatiwa continuing as Governor, Ondo State will witness unprecedented development.

Responding, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the national leadership of the party for presiding over a successful electoral process that brought about his emergence as the governorship candidate.

The Governor saluted all the other aspirants who participated in the primary, appreciating them for being good sports men, urging them to join hands with him in uniting the party towards a good outing in the coming election.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy National Chairman, South, of the party, Emma Enekwu, said the NWC earlier in the day approved the report of the Primary Appeal Committee and subsequently adopted the outcome of the primary.

In his closing remarks, the State Chairman of the APC,

Engr. Ade Adetimehin, said all efforts will be put in to ensure that the party remains united ahead of the governorship election, adding that Ondo will remain a progressive State.

Reps Resume Tuesday At Newly Renovated Chamber

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Ayodele Oni

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April 30, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Members of the House of Representatives who are due to resume from Christmas and New Year holiday, on Tuesday are expected to commence legislative duties in the newly renovated chamber.

The lawmakers have been operating at the temporary chambers since 2022, when the renovation commenced.

The Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday inspected the renovated chambers of the House ahead of lawmakers’ resumption on Tuesday.

Speaker Abbas inspected the chambers in company with the immediate past Speaker and Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

A statement by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, stated that Gbajabiamila and Kalu led several principal officers and members of the House on the inspection, which was extended to the newly built National Assembly Library.

Speaker Abbas, who addressed journalists in the chambers, said he was delighted by its new look and the facilities installed in the building.

The Speaker disclosed that the quality of work done had erased the skepticism about the capacity of a local contractor handling the project.

He hailed Gbajabiamila for initiating the renovation project, as well as the construction of the NASS Library and the National Assembly Service Commission Complex.

Gbajabiamila also expressed satisfaction with the work done in the chambers, saying he would have loved the renovation to have been completed before he left the House to take his new appointment.

The Chief of Staff to the President, however, shared the credit with members of the 9th House, whom he said backed him on the projects.

Recall that the White House section of the complex, which houses the House and the Senate chambers, was constructed during the military regime of late General Sani Abacha. Since then, there was no major renovation on the two chambers.

However, during the 9th Assembly, Gbajabiamila initiated the renovation of the House Chambers, which was extended to the Senate chambers.

Suspended Senator Ningi May Be Pardoned By His Colleagues As Plenary Resumes Tuesday

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 29, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, the representing of Bauchi North Senatorial District may soon get a reprieve from his colleagues in the Senate.

Ningi was handed a three- month suspension by the Senate for alleging that the Upper Chamber “padded“ the 2024 Budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, gave the hint of a possible pardon of the embattled Senator at a media parley in Abuja, on Monday.

The padded amount alleged by Ningi to the 2024 Budget represents more than 10 per cent of the N28.78 trillion budget passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

Adaramodu also used the opportunity to state that the suspension of Senator Ningi was a decision taken by 108 out of the 109 Senators whose integrity was subjected to public ridicule.

Adaramodu said, “ Yes, there was an infraction occasioned by the actions of our respected colleague, Senator Abdul Ningi, which made the Senate in an open public session, where he was given the opportunity to defend himself and for Senators to talk on it, debated on it, then at the end of the day it was found that an infraction had really occurred.

“And 109 senators except Senator Ningi now decided that Senator Ningi would be given a light disciplinary declaration which gave him a three month suspension from parliamentary activities.

“So, it is only that 108 senators that took that action that can call Senator Ningi back.

“Yes, like I said, we have been on plenary break for about four weeks. So, when we resume tomorrow, as the case may be, he’s our colleague, if he makes a plea, then the senators will now look at it and then we take it on the merit of it.

“When we were not in the chamber, there have been so many insinuations, they have been a report that a letter has been written by the counsel to Senator Ningi compelling the Senate President to recall Senator Ningi within seven days.

“ And then when I was asked a question I said, it’s not a matter of Senator Ningi versus Senator Akpabio. It’s Senator Ningi versus the rest of the senators. So, it is not Senator Akpabio, though our president, that took the action unilaterally and solely to suspend Senator Ningi.

“So it could not behoove on him to be the one who will now answer questions on the actions of all the senators, that all the senators will ask questions on their own behalf by the time we resume the plenary.

“We will resume plenary tomorrow,

so if the matter comes up, either directly or indirectly, either voluntarily or involuntarily, then we sit down together in the chamber and then we look at it on its own merit and consider an action to be taken. That’s what is happening about Senator Ningi’s matter for now.”

High Profile Defections: PDP Is An Iroko Tree Grows Taller After Shedding Old Dried Leaves – Party Spokesman

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The Source

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April 29, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the rank of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, witnessing a continuous depletion, particularly in the South- east Region as a result of a gale of defections by a number of its high profile members, the Abia State Chapter of the Party has said it remains unfazed by the development.

This is even as it has likened the situation to an iroko that will grow taller after shedding its old leaves .

The Source reports that the fortunes of the main opposition party in the country, since early last week, suffered a huge reversal in Imo state following the exit of the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives the Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

His resignation from the party, after 26 years of association has since triggered an exodus of PDP followers in most parts of Imo state.

In March, the Abia Chapter of the Party lost some of its stalwarts ,including some erstwhile top government functionaries, in the immediate past Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s administration .

While Chief Ihedioha and his followers who left the PDP have continued to keep political watchers guessing on their next destination, their Abia colleagues on defection, found sanctuary in the ruling All Progressive Congress APC..

But in a statement issued on Monday April,29,2024 and made available to The Source, the Abia PDP Spokesperson, Abraham Amah, said in the tapestry of political dynamics,the party still stands tall as the proverbial Iroko tree -an emblem of strength, resilience,and enduring growth.

“Just as the Iroko sheds its leaves to make,way for new ,freshly green foliage ,the recent departure of some prominent figures from the party signals a vital phase of transformation and rebirth.

“The departure of these esteemed individuals, akin to the shedding of dry leaves ,is an essential process in the rejuvenation of our Party.

“This symbolic act paves the way for the emergence of a new era within the Abia PDP – one characterized by vitality, dynamism ,and a fresh perspective .It is a necessary step towards creating a reinvigorated political landscape that is free from the inertia of the past and embraces the promise of a brighter future.

“As we bid farewell to these stalwarts ,we do so with gratitude for their contributions and with a profound sense of optimism for what lies ahead .

“Their exit signifies not an end, but a new beginning-a chapter in which dormant energies are awakened and sleeping stakeholders are revitalized .It is time for introspection, renewal,and a collective commitment to building a stronger ,more inclusive party that truly represents the aspirations of the people” part of the PDP statement reads.

Breaking: Finidi George Appointed New Super Eagles Coach, NFF Dashes Amuneke’s Hope

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 29, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

After several weeks of speculations, the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, finally named former Super Eagles Winger, Finidi George, as the new Coach of the Super Eagles.

Many had thought that the NFF leadership would appoint another former Super Eagles Winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, as the Coach of the National side, but it dashed the hope of the former Barcelona Football Club player.

The NFF Board, in a statement, approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Committee to hand over the reins to the 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis forward.

George had guided the Super Eagles to its International Friendly matches against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali in March during which it lost to Mali 2-0 and defeated Ghana 2-1.

He was in the saddle as the Interim Coach, after he spent 20 months as an assistant to José Santos Peseiro, the Portuguese tactician’s departed following the Super Eagles’ impressive run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The NFF statement reads: “George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged as the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals”.

The statement also reflected on the illustrious playing career of George, highlighting his achievements, which include “gold, silver and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000 and 2002 AFCON tournaments.”

One of George’s most memorable moments came when he “assisted Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory) to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994,” the statement noted.

He will guide the Super Eagles in its forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against the Bafana Bafana South Africa and the Squirrels of Benin Republic in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, within the next five weeks.

“Now That Your Mission Has Failed, Return The N250m Kano Govt Gave You To Protest Against Ganduje” – APC North Central Urges Expelled Members

By

The Source

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April 29, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In what appears to be a curious and interesting twist to the protest march staged late last week by some “acclaimed elements” from the All Progressive Congress, APC North Central zone, demanding for the removal of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the party , the APC North Central Stakeholders on Monday April 29, 2024 thanked President Bola Tinubu for not being taken in by the “shameless” antics of those they described as “political merchants.”

This is just as they have advised the “self acclaimed North Cental hirelings to be honourable for once and return to the kano state Government the N250 million mobilisation fee collected for the ill fated adventure.”

In a statement jointly issued by Comrade Aodona Patrick and Malam Shehu Ibrahim, President and Secretary General respectively ,the Concerned APC North Central Stakeholders ,warned against the impersonation of the group by any unscrupulous individuals and or entities for the purposes of political mischiefs and blackmails .

To underscore the high level of embarrassment caused by the anti Ganduje protesters to the the group, the stakeholders said they have filed a petition against those that marched on the APC National Secretariat under its canopy.

The Source reports that late last week a purported APC North Central Stakeholders led by Mohammed Mahmud Saba had stormed the Abuja National Headquarters of the party, calling on Dr Ganduje to vacate his position as the National Chairman, while insisting that by virtue of the outcome of the party’s 2022 National Convention, the position was ceded to the North Central geo-political zone

“We wish to categorically, make it clear that those protesters calling for the resignation of Dr Ganduje as the National Chairman are not our members .

“They are disgraced members who were expelled over criminal activities .We are not surprised that they have taken this satanic craft to the next level .

“These days ,they blackmail reputable Nigerians for money and were recently contracted by the Kano state Government to rubbish Ganduje .

“However, their mission failed on arrival. Nigerians are fully aware of their sponsors .But the surprise for many is that as much as #250 million was earmarked for the futile project..

“Our findings revealed that the protesters were shortchanged by some desperate forces at the kano Government House who took advantage of their vulnerability

“When this was brought to our attention ,we asked them to return the funds Unfortunately, out of greed they used part of the money” the APC NorthCentral Group noted.

Father, Son Abducted Along Ondo/Edo Highway

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Ayodele Oni

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April 29, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

After a few weeks of inactivity, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers struck again in Ondo State on Monday. Two persons were their victims.

They are a father and son abducted along Ondo/Edo states highway.

The son, a student of the Navy School, Imeri, Ondo State was being returned to school by his father at the end of the second term break.

A social media influencer and youth advocate, Oluyemi Fasipe, disclosed this on his official X handle.

He wrote; ” Jethro Onose, an SS1 student of Navy School Imeri, and his father, Mr. Maliki Onose, have been kidnapped along the Edo/Ondo state route. Details are still sketchy, but the victims called to give a hint of their predicament.

There has been no reaction from the state police command or the Amotekun security corps.

Of recent, Amotekun Corps has been parading suspected kidnappers, terrorizing travellers along the Ondo/Edo states highways.

Governor Obaseki Increases Minimum Wage To N70,000

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 29, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Godwin Obaseki has put smiles on the faces of Edo State Government Workers. He has approved the increment of the minimum wage to N70,000.

The new wage comes into effect from Wednesday May 1, 2024.

Governor Obaseki made the announcement of the approval while commissioning the new Labour House in Benin, Edo State Capital on Monday.

The increment of the Workers Wage is coming at a time when the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has been on a round table discussion with the Federal Government calling for the increment of the wage to match the increasing national inflation and skyrocketing food inflation.

NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, are demanding for the sum of N615,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the country.

The inflation rate for March 2024 hit 33.2 per cent from 31.70 per cent in February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Food inflation also rose to 31.7 per cent in March from 30 per cent in February.

Political observers are of the opinion that Governor Obaseki approved the new minimum wage because of the forthcoming Edo State Governorship Election, so as for the electorates to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Kano Probe Panel Begins Investigation of Ganduje, As Commission Promises Not To Witch Hunt

By

The Source

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April 29, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

At its inaugural sitting Monday April 29,2024, the Chairman of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry instituted by the Governor of Kano State to carry out an inquest into the activities of the immediate past administration in the State, Justice Faruk Lawan Adamu has assured that all parties will be given a fair hearing.

This is even as he has stated that the Commission was not established to witch-hunt anybody .

In his inaugural speech, Justice Adamu said that the Panel is on a fact-finding mission ,adding that it will at the end of its work only make submissions and recommendations to the Government of Kano state .

Justice Adamu, however, warned that the Panel will not succumb to any primordial sentiments, noting that in the discharge of its assignment, the Commission will strictly be guided by diligence and fairness.

“I wish to emphasise that the Commission will remain committed to the principles of fairness, and honesty and will not be swayed by primordial interests of any kind.

“The Commission was not established to witch-hunt or prosecute anybody . Rather, it is on a fact-finding mission and at the end of our findings we will submit a set of recommendations to the State Government for possible implementation.

“I wish to assure all and sundry that the Commission will be just and give fair hearing to all the parties involved ,be it individuals ,Companies Agencies, or Entities .

In addition, I would like to call on any person that has any useful information or input that will assist the Commission in its assignment to send it in writing for verification after which he or she may be asked to appear before the Commission to testify in person . Note again the Commission is here to serve the interest of the public..

Finally I will like to appeal to the general public and the media in particular to give the Commission the utmost support and cooperation possible and also to avoid the temptation of politicizing the work of the Commission for doing so would be detrimental to the success of the fact finding mission of the Commission.” Justice Adamu stated

According to the Chairman, the terms of reference of the Commission which was established on April 4 by Governor Yusuf include to review the sales, disposal or allocation of all Government owned properties including schools, hospitals religious buildings, burial grounds, historical and cultural sites ,and other open spaces.

“To determine the individuals ,companies, agencies or entities to which such sales and or allocations were made.

The Commission is to, also, determine if any abuses were perpetrated in the process of such sales, disposal and/or allocation ,as well as identify the officials or persons responsible for such abuses .

“The panel, based on its findings is to make recommendations to the Government on how to recover such properties.

The Source reports that Governor Yusuf had on April 4 set up two panels of inquiries to examine alleged cases of misappropriation of Government properties ,and incidences of politically motivated killings in the kano between May 29 2015 and May 29 2023 ,a period that cover the two term tenure of his immediate predecessor in office and currently the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC ,Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje .

The limitations of the Commission’s assignment to only the era of Ganduje ,by the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP led Kano state Government, has however been drawing flakes and condemnation,with not s few describing such an exercise as a classical case of political persecution and witch hunting..

Much as the Commission,’s Chairman has assured of fairness and justice ,in the discharge their tasks such assurances are however invalidated by the exclusion of the era of Governor Yusuf’s Political godfather Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.