Home Blog Page 1151

Imo Govt, German Firm Sign Pact On Clean Environmental Management

May 12, 2024

The Government of Imo State and a German firm, Eastern Waste Management Company Limited, have entered into a pact on how to achieve a clean, hygienic and environmentally friendly State via proper waste gathering and recycling.

Beyond achieving a clean, hygienic and environmentally friendly Imo State, the Company has also committed to the creation of employment within the ecosystem.

The Imo State government and the German firm formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to seal the deal in the office of the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma in Owerri on Friday.

The Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu and the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Barr. Majority Emenike signed on behalf of the Imo State government while Njoku Cyril Uche and Agbi Isimeme, Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director respectively, signed for their German counterparts.

Addressing the audience prior the signing ceremony, Governor Uzodimma said that his government entered into the agreement with the Company “to ensure Imo people enjoy clean and hygienic environment, relying on the past performance of the Company in other States and even the pilot performance they carried out in some parts of the State recently.”

He explained that Imo State Government passed the Private Public Partnership (PPP), Law No 11 in 2018, “to enable government partner with private establishments to optimise values and utilisation of opportunities for the people.”

The Governor noted that government has a responsibility to identify partners that are known and have track records of performance and achievements and maintained that the Eastern Waste Management Company Limited has been brought to introduce cleanliness, hygiene to the Imo State environment and to facilitate job creation.

He emphasised that funding and the cost of keeping the environment clean in relation to lean resources of the State have made it necessary that government partners with companies and agencies in critical areas as to achieve result.

Governor Uzodimma said that the agreement had been vetted by the Attorney General of the State and that he has no hesitation in committing the government to the partnership.

He therefore urged the technical and financial partners to live up to the expectations “so that our people will get maximum benefit of the project.”

Earlier , the leader of the team, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Gerald Njoku informed that the Eastern Waste Management Company Limited has capacity in waste gathering and recycling as well as expertise in the areas of clean environment and eco-system management.

Reverend Njoku added that the activities of the firm Imo State will be broad-based because ‘they will bring in equipment that will burn and recycle waste using incinerators.”

“Their activities will, in addition, create jobs for the teaming unemployed youths who will be engaged in the various areas of the Company’s project.”

Wike Boasts, Mocks Court Order, Assures Rivers Assembly Members Loyal To Him “Nobody Can Remove You From Office”

The Source

May 12, 2024

By Charles Igbo

Apologises to Rivers people over his choice of successor, says he made a mistake; will be corrected at appropriate time

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, a Lawyer, has assured members of the Rivers House of Assembly loyal to him that nobody can remove them from office. Wike gave this assurance inspite of a Court order which restrained them from parading themselves as Rivers State Assembly members.

Wike, the immediate past Governor of the State spoke in Ogogbolo Rivers State on Saturday in his first reaction to the ruling on Friday by a Rivers State High Court, which asked the 27 Lawmakers loyal to Wike, including Speaker Martin Amaewhule, to stop parading themselves as Members of the Assembly.

The 27 Members had, on their own, resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party under which they were elected into office, for the All Progressives Congress, APC. They did so in the heat of the disagreement between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. However, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says that once one resigns from the Party under which one was elected, one automatically loses one’s seat in that office.

But Wike, in a seeming mockery of the Court, boasted and assured them nobody can remove them from office.

In continuation of his bitter disagreement with the Governor over what some people allege is his desire to control the Governor and run the State from Abuja, he told the people, without mentioning the Governor’s name, that he made a mistake in his choice (of successor). He, therefore, asked them to forgive him, and assured that the mistake he made will be corrected at the appropriate time.

Many people has since interpreted that to mean that the Governor will eventually be removed from office by Assembly members loyal to him.

The disagreement between Wike and Fubara became public when the 27 members of the Assembly were involved in an aborted move to impeach the Governor because of his differences with Wike.

The Governor rallied thousands of Rivers people, angry at what they saw as Wike’s overbearing interference in the State, and resisted the impeachment move. And, even though President Bola Tinubu had intervened to make peace between political godfather and son, the peace deal has not worked as the Assembly members seem to be all out to grind governance in the State to a halt, triggering a response at such times by the Governor. The result is the crisis in the House of Assembly which has produced three Speakers since inauguration.

“Account For The $300m Ogoni Oil Well Refund And Over Four Trillion Allocation You Wasted”, Secondus Fires Wike

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 11, 2024

Uche Secondus and Nyesom Wike and Fubara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Prince Uche Secondus, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Saturday May 11, in Abuja, called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and immediate past Governor of Rivers State to account to the people of the state the about $300 million he collected on be half of the state for the Ogoni Oil Well and cash refund made by the Saipem Oil and Gas Company .

Secondus also asserted that Wike’s unwarranted and selfish hounding of his predecessor in office, Governor Sim Fubara, and reckless utterances has continued to demean the image of Rivers state and its citizens.

This is even as he has warned that unless cautioned,Wike’s unrelenting quest to continue emasculating Governor Fubara and others who don’t agree with him is capable of disrupting the fragile peace of Rivers state.

The Former PDP National Chairman who, himself, was hounded out of office by the political abrasiveness of Wike, regretted that after using much of his eight-year reign to drive away both domestic and foreign investors through thoughtless and draconian policies, the FCT Minister is still bent on demarketing and stifling the State with his endless feud with Governor Fubara.

Secondus, therefore, urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately, call Wike to order so as to avoid plunging Rivers State into needless and avoidable political crisis.

The former PDP National Chairman blamed the ongoing political feud between Wike and Governor Fubara on the refusal of the later to open up the Treasury of the State for looting by political vampires .

“For the records, he ( Wike) should account for the three Hundred million dollars ,($300million ) he collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil Well and the cash refund made by the Saipem Oil and Gas Company and subsequently account for the over N4 trillion his administration realized mismanaged and squandered during his eight year tenure,” Secondus stated

According to the former PDP National Chairman, the only thing Wike has used his office in Abuja to attract to Rivers State and its people is crisis .

“Wike was Governor of Rivers state for eight years .and is now Minister of the FCT. As a Minister, what has he attracted in terms of Federal Projects to our dear state since he assumed office?

“Perhaps, misery, grief and anguish. As a Governor, he supervised the exit of investors from the State due to his draconian policies .

“He has, on many occasions, mentioned that he is capable of causing crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers state now.

“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as Governor, but did we breath down his neck? Instead ,what we get is disrespect and insults.

Wike claims that our revered Dr Odili made him, but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odilis without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so quickly” Prince Secondus noted.

PDP Tackles APC Over Rivers Assembly Crisis, Insists Decamped Lawmakers Have Lost Their Seats

Ayodele Oni

May 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to steer clear of Rivers state and perish the thought of taken over the state.

The Party insisted that the 26 former lawmakers in the state assembly lost their membership of that Rivers State Legislative House upon defection from the PDP.

The PDP in a statement by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary of the Party, on Saturday, said that the statement by the APC further exposed its hallucinating and manipulative plots to force itself into government in Rivers State against the will of the people.

The PDP said that it was indeed pathetic for the APC to think that the facts and true import of Section 109 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to the effect that the former lawmakers have since lost their seats can be muddled and lost in litigations and lengthy press statements.

It said; “Interestingly, in the failed bid to subvert the Constitution to give the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly a lifeline, the APC ended up admitting the clarity of the proviso of Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in voiding their seats upon their defection.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Section 109 (1)(g) of the Constitution is clear in providing that “a member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if – being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

“Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

The PDP added that the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, for reasons best known to them, wittingly vacated and summarily lost their seats, stressing that nothing in the proviso protects or allows them to retain their membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly after decamping from the political party upon which they were elected.

The Party noted that the former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have only themselves to blame for Constitutionally vacating their seats; a course which cannot be reversed or remedied, adding that they should admit their miscalculation and bear the inescapable consequences.

“This is especially so as the Supreme Court, in the case of Abegunde vs Ondo State House of Assembly and Others, has since clarified and affirmed the import of the proviso in Section 109(1)(g) in validating the automatic vacation of a seat by a member of a Legislative House who defected from the Party upon which he was elected into that House.

“The APC should come to terms that with the vacation of seats by the former lawmakers, the quorum of the Rivers State House of Assembly will be determined by the number of the remaining lawmakers as provided by law; until a bye-election is conducted to fill the vacancies now existing in the Rivers State House of Assembly as a result of the defection by the former members

Why Wike Owes The Odilis Public Apology – Secondus, Reveals Role He And Mrs Jonathan Played To Make Him Rivers Governor

The Source

May 11, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, of being the mastermind of the current charged political atmosphere in Rivers State.

Secondus, also, mocked Wike over his recent insults directed at a former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, The Honourable Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC rtd.

Commenting on the raging political crisis in the State, Secondus said Wike was behind it. He disclosed that Wike’s anger is hot because Governor Siminalayi Fubara has blocked every avenue from which Wike allegedly makes money from the State. He also revealed the roles he and former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan played in making Wike Governor.

Secondus also challenged Wike to account for the $300 million he allegedly collected from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the Ogoni Oil well as well as the cash refund made by Saipem Oil and Gas Company during his tenure as governor of Rivers State.

The former PDP national Chairman made these allegation against the backdrop of the FCT Minister’s incessant entangle with Fubara and the Government of Rivers State. He said the Wike had been demarketing Rivers State because Governor Fubara had blocked all loopholes that could allow him access to the revenues in the coffers of Rivers State.

For that, Secondus alleged that Wike had instructed his aides and political associates to continuously malign and sabotage the peace, progress, and prosperity of Rivers State by ceaselessly attacking Governor Fubara and other leaders of the state in the media.

He decried Wike’s media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers and described it as “unwarranted and diversionary.”

Secondus: “Wike has been Governor for eight years and is now Minister of the FCT. As Minister, what, has he (Wike) attracted in terms of Federal projects to our dear State since he assumed office? Perhaps misery, grief, and anguish. As Governor he had supervised the exit of investors from the state due to his draconian policies.

“He had on an occasion mentioned that he is capable of causing crisis and he is not far from the truth, as he is causing an unfathomable crisis in Rivers State.

“Mrs Patience Jonathan and I worked for his emergence as governor, have we ever breathed down his neck? Instead what we get is disrespect and insults.

“I can attest to Dr (Peter) Odili’s performance as Governor being the State PDP chairman then. I hasten to say, without any fear of contradiction, that he is the best Governor of Rivers State in this dispensation.

“Wike claims that our revered Dr Odili made him but in his characteristic manner, he publicly ridiculed the Odilis without any justification. He owes them an unreserved apology and he should do so publicly.

“These media attacks against the political leaders of Rivers State are unwarranted and diversionary.

“For the records you should account for the three hundred million dollars($300m) you collected from the NNPC for the Ogoni Oil well and the cash refund made by the Saipem oil and gas company and subsequently account for your eight-year tenure of over N4trillion realized, mismanaged and squandered. Rather than trying to cover your inadequacies through media attacks.

“These attacks, if not properly checked, might dovetail into a National crisis.

The former PDP National Chairman, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu “to sternly warn Wike to stop overheating the political atmosphere in Rivers State and to allow the Governor the freehand and liberty to work in the interest of the electorate in the State who voted him into office.”

He further said: “I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to stop overheating the Rivers State political atmosphere and allow Fubara to work. Whatever Wike thinks he is it must be stressed that Rivers people made him.”

Emefiele: New Day New Allegation

The Source

May 11, 2024

By Luke Onyekakeyah

The continued hounding of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the ground of purported fresh allegations underscores the disordered order of Nigeria and its Judicial system. That those persecuting Emefiele have no clear picture of the offence (s) he committed that warranted his arrest and detention but have to literally search the internet to dig out possible offenses to lay on his head is reprehensible and confounding. It’s like government wakes up to fresh allegations every other day.

The trend makes a mockery of the judicial system in Nigeria.

Elsewhere, the right thing to do is to charge Emefiele to Court and prosecute him accordingly or in the absence of any prosecutable charge release him, which would bring honour to the country as well as preserve his human rights. But none of these is happening. There seems to be a heightened desperation to nail Emefiele by all means possible and teach him a lesson of his life. Latest developments on the Emefiele saga seem to point to a predetermined dehumanising outcome.

For instance, the sudden and unexpected change of the case jurisdiction from Abuja to Lagos may be with ulterior motive, a political point job as it were.

Obviously, while Abuja portrays a pan Nigeria nationalistic outlook with a not my own’ mentality, Lagos is not like that but carries a Yoruba sectional interest that can easily be manipulated. It needs to be seen how Emefiele whose work base is in Abuja will be given fair trial in Lagos.The question is why transfer the case to Lagos? What is the reason?

The fresh allegation that Emefiele spent N17bn to print N748bn appears ludicrous. It looks like a high-powered propaganda and falsehood deliberately cooked with the sole aim of painting Emefiele black, a smear campaign as it were. This sort of allegation makes one wonder if the CBN is a one man business in which Emefiele had unlimited and unrestricted freedom to do whatever he likes.

The question is, was there no board of directors at the CBN that sat over such an important matter like currency printing to analyse the cost and expenses involved? Was President Buhari, under whose watch the transaction was executed not aware of what was going on? Did Emefiele single handedly conceive, contract, discuss and approve the transaction, as that was the only way he could have succeeded in ripping the CBN of the alleged sum. Otherwise, how did water enter into the coconut? Is there no due process that should be followed in a matter relating to currency printing? Was the board hypnotised not to know such sleeze? That is not the end.

There is yet another allegation that a staffer – a dispatch man – or so, testified that he collected the sum of $600,000 bribe for Emefiele.This appears spurious until it is proven. The nitty-gritty of the corrupt transaction needs to be proven. Since when did bribery become an open transaction that tphe Governor of the CBN would send a dispatch man to go and collect such a huge sum on his behalf? It is akin to many false witnesses appearing before Pilate to accuse Jesus all with the sole aim to crucify him. I am imagining how Emefiele would opt to send a dispatcher to go and collect bribe for him. It is laughable.

It is not surprising that as part of this heist, these allegations are being orchestrated by some affiliate media platforms that hype only the biased aspects against Emefiele. In the same vein, the Senate appears to be goaded to join the fray with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio making uncomplimentary statements against Emefiele.

The Senate President should be reminded that we are in a democracy with clear and distinct responsibility between the executive, legislature and judiciary. In a matter like this, the Senate is supposed to observe decorum and allow the courts to do their job. Therefore, Akpabio’s interference is totally ill-motivated and in bad taste.

Around the sane world, a person of Emefiele’s standing will be treated with some modicum of dignity. He would not be arrested on frivolous allegations. In places like China, Japan, Korea and elsewhere in Europe and America, before a man of Emefiele’s status is arrested, there would be air-tight and irrefutable allegations with concrete evidence to convict him in court. And without undue delay, he is arraigned in court and swiftly prosecuted and convicted or acquitted as the case may be. In the event that the allegations were unproven, he will be released forthwith without an attempt to tarnish his image because he is entitled to his human rights. There will be no witch-hunting or sentiment inspired blackmail.

But here in Nigeria,where law and order are turned on their head, there are human rights abuses as impunity and ethnic sentiments reign supreme.

Emefiele, an erstwhile Governor of the CBN was picked up since June 10, 2023. After nearly a year after, he is still being held without any charge preferred against him. Rather than let him go, he is being subjected to a most inhuman treatment like a common criminal.

I have stated without equivocation earlier that nobody is against the move by government to curb the corruption monster that has eaten the fabrics of the Nigerian society. We all support the fight. Therefore, it is absolutely in order to arrest a suspect after investigation has been conducted and it is established evidentially that the person has a case to answer. Having said that, I must reiterate that it is offensive, indeed loathsome to clamp down on anybody with arrest without readily having charge (s) to prefer against him or her as the Nigerian government is doing.

As it were, Emefiele has, since July 2023, been dragged from one court to another on frivolous charges bordering on arms possession in the first instance to a cocktail of seventeen spurious allegations listed by Mr. Jim Obazee, President Tinubu’s special investigator all to no avail. Both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have separately thoroughly investigated Emefiele and came out with nothing. The other day,news broke out that President Tinubu has contracted Deloitt consulting to still investigate Emefiele to the chargrin of bewildered Nigerians. While the outcome is being awaited, government is rolling out fresh allegations on which to arraign Emefiele. What is President Tinubu looking for? What does he want to do with Emefiele?

At this juncture, I would like to state that the trial of Emefiele is a trial of the CBN as an institution and Nigeria as a country. All the negative implications affect all of us.

To the best of my knowledge, Emefiele’s trial as Governor of CBN is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Because of the high honour and reverence the CBN governor commands, it is not common to arrest these personalities and put them on trial. The reason is simple – the CBN governor carries the aura of high integrity that supposedly insulates them from engaging in fraud or any untoward practices.

Unfortunately, changing times and bitter politics of hatred Have dragged all of us into the mud. The whole world is watching the Emefiele drama with consternation. After exposing the CBN to ridicule, many foreign investors will be afraid to come to Nigeria. For a man that presided over the affairs of the CBN to be treated like a common criminal says much about Nigeria. It sends a message to the world that nobody can be trusted in Nigeria. That is why there is no regard for any Nigerian outside the shores of this country. Not long ago, for instance, our reverred Professor Wole Soyinka was reportedly mistreated in Johannesburg in South Africa. Several other Nigerians have been subjected to humiliating and inhuman treatment at different airports around the world.

That reminds me of an encounter I had with an immigration officer at the JFK International Airport in New York. That was in 2007. I landed at the airport from Lagos and picked up my box. An immigration officer waved to me to come to his stand. I went. He opened my bag and saw my Bible which I usually carry when I am on such trip. Immediately he saw the Bible, he ordered me to follow him to his office. Once in the office, he emptied the contents of my bag on the floor and screened every item. I was totally embarrassed. He asked me what I do in Nigeria. I told him. He Googled my name and found it. I told him that I carry my Bible whenever I travelled. He said in Nigeria, everybody is a pastor and they are the criminals. When he was done, he asked me to repack my bag and leave. That is the extent we have made ourselves endangered species both at home and abroad. President Tinubu should help to redeem Nigeria’s battered image and not further drag it to mud through untoward actions.

Onyekakeyah, PhD, wrote from Owerri

Why We Occupied Rivers Legislative Complex – Police

The Source

May 11, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the festering crisis of confidence between the Executive and Legislative Arms of the Rivers State Government ,the police authorities have informed that the need to prevent the breach of peace necessitated their occupation of the state House of Assembly.

The Source reports that following tensions and anxiety that trailed the the ruling of a Rivers State High court on Friday May 10 2024 restraining the Speaker Martins Amaewule and 24 other legislators from further parading themselves as members of the Rivers state House of Assembly,and the subsequent announcement of the planned renovation of the Legislative Complex by Governor Sim Fubara, the police had drafted its men to take over the premises .

In a statement issued on Saturday May 11, by its spokesperson,Grace Iringe-Koko in Port Harcourt the state capital, the police Command insisted that its personnel are at the House of Assembly complex to uphold peace and not for the promotion of any vested political interests.

Furthermore, the police alluded to the recent unfolding political events as all the more propelling its occupation of the Legislative premises to avoid a break down of law and order.

“Our deployment in the area is solely aimed at ensuring peace and preventing any possible break down of law and order .

We assure the public that there is no cause for alarm and all individuals are encouraged to carry on with their lawful activities without fear.

Cooperation from the public is greatly appreciated as the police command strives to maintain a safe and secure environment for all”the Police statement noted.

PDP Condemns Endless Verification Of Abia Workforce; Says It is Dehumanizing

The Source

May 11, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The People Democratic Party PDP Abia state chapter has knocked the State Government over what it described as an ingenious attempt to subject the state workforce to an endless and gruelling verification exercises.

This is even as it has urged the Labour Party Dr Alex Otti led Government to adopt more modern and efficient methods of personnel management and accountability that do not unduly burden the workforce and disrupt their productivity.

In a statement issued by its spokesperson Abraham Amah on Saturday May 11,2024 and made available to the Source ,the PDP said it is disheartening for the Abia state Government to continue the imposition of burdensome verification exercises on the dedicated workforce of the Abia state without due consideration for the negative impacts and consequences on the workers and their families.

“The frequency of these exercises raises serious questions about the motives behind such actions and the lack of regard for the well being of the workers.

The Abia state Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party strongly condemns the recent attempts to subject Abia workers to a fifth verification exercise within a single year.

We view this action as not only punitive,but also burdensome,as it unnecessarily subjects the hardworking employees. of Abia state to undue stress and uncertainty.

The Abia PDP calls on the relevant authorities to immediately halt any further attempts to subject the workers to additional verification exercises and to engage in transparent dialogue with the workers representatives to address any legitimate concerns or issues .

It is imperative that the welfare and rights of the workers are prioritized and respected in all decision making processes .

There is the need for a more strategic and sustainable approach to workforce verification that consider the wellbeing and dignity of the workers.

The Abia PDP stands in solidarity with the workers of Abia state and will continue to advocate for their rights and interests . We call for a fair and just treatment of the workers and a more collaborative approach to governance that values the contributions of every worker towards the development of the state ” part of the PDP Statement reads.

President Tinubu, Gov Aiyedatiwa Extol Virtue Of Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasoranti @ 98

Ayodele Oni

May 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa have felicitated with leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on his 98th birthday.

President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele described Fasoranti as “a paragon of integrity and peerless leader with a natural agency for rallying minds to the cause of peace, unity, and development.”

The President affirmed that Pa Fasoranti, as the leader of the respected Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, has brought honour and dignity to the organization and has also honed its voice as a noble and trenchant mouthpiece of the people.

The President extolled the sacrifices and painstaking contributions of the elder statesman to the development of Nigeria as a veteran teacher, seasoned administrator, and exceptional politician.

He thanked Pa Fasoranti for his support and generous measure of wise counsel, assuring him that the beacon of truth, fairness, equity, peace, and unity will always be held up.

President Tinubu prayed to God Almighty to grant the elder statesman more years in excellent health, while wishing him joy and happiness on this momentous day and always.

In his birthday message to the elder statesman, Governor Aiyedatiwa described him as a symbol of integrity, statesmanship and patriotism.

The Governor said: “On behalf of the government and good people of Ondo State, I congratulate a distinguished elder statesman, one of the founding fathers of our State and the National Leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, OFR, on the occasion of his 98th birthday anniversary.

“Pa Fasoranti is a great leader and a rare symbol of integrity, statesmanship and patriotism.

“His virtues of contentment, sacrifice, devotion and loyalty have contributed in great deal to the longevity that God has blessed him with.

“Baba remains one of the most refined leaders that Nigeria has ever produced. His impeccable strength of character and his fidelity to the traits that have distinguished him from his peers for decades will remain a lesson to generations of leaders.

“Sir, on this special day, we honour your dedication, wisdom, and tireless efforts in promoting the welfare of our people and shaping our nation’s future. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us towards a brighter tomorrow.

“I am indeed delighted to join your family, friends and well-wishers from far and near to celebrate with you today and I pray for more strength, sound health and peace as you mark this milestone.”

Zamfara Assembly Decries Attempt To Negotiate With Bandits

Ayodele Oni

May 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have decried activities of some persons going around the state claiming that they were assigned by the federal government to negotiate with bandits.

The lawmakers vowed to resist the purported plan to negotiate with the bandits in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the assembly, Bello Madora.

According to the statement, calling for a peace accord and reconciliation with the bandits by some people would not solve the problem in any way.

“Those calling for a peace accord and reconciliation with bandits are only doing that for political and selfish interest.”

This followed a Notice of Public Importance, (NPI) presented by the Majority Whip, and member representing Anka, Honourable Rilwanu Marafa Nagambo.

Nagambo further stated that reports reaching members indicated that some unpatriotic people were going round the state, particularly areas that were most hit by the lingering security challenges, negotiating with bandits in the name of a peace accord aimed at achieving their political goals.

The Majority Whip therefore called on the lawmakers of the House to immediately draw the attention of both the state and the federal governments, as well as relevant security agencies to take serious action against such a group of people negotiating with bandits in the state.

In their separate contributions during the sitting, the lawmakers condemned such an attitude, describing it as sabotage to the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal’s effort in addressing insecurity affecting the state.

They stated that they were fully supporting the State government’s steps towards rejecting any negotiation with bandits whose nasty activities had made legitimate living difficult in the state.

According to the lawmakers, such people were also claiming that they were assigned by the federal government with the mission to negotiate with bandits.

After much deliberations, the Speaker, Bi’yaminu Ismail Moriki, said the House unanimously resolved to condemn the purported plans by some unpatriotic people who were trying to cause problems for Zamfara State government in the area of addressing insecurity.

According to him, the House decided to draw the attention of both the state and the federal governments, as well security agencies, to immediately take measures against such unpatriotic politicians.

1...1,1501,1511,152...2,953 Page 1,151 of 2,953