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Easter Celebrations: PDP Sues For Unity, Love For A Better Nigeria

March 31, 2024

Nigerian must not allow the current hardship in the country to weaken their faith in the country, the Peoples Democratic Pary, PDP, the main opposition party has said.

The PDP made the admonition in its message to Nigerians in the celebration of Easter, marking the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ.

Not a few Nigerians are complaining that this year’s celebration is one of the hardest for them due to the current economic crisis in the attending.

In the last few months, many Nigerians have suffered untold hardship as they manage to live from hand to mouth.

In spite of the situation, the party said Nigerians must not lose hope as the future will be better.

The party’s message was contained in a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary on Sunday.

The party said all efforts by political leaders in the country must be directed to bringing joy to Nigerians, as well as promoting peace, love and unity among the people.

PDP said: “Indeed, the coming of Easter, the celebration of the triumph of life over death serves as divine reassurance of the saving grace of God in the gift of Salvation to mankind and His willingness to bring succor in any adverse situation.

“We also call on leaders at all levels and spheres to renew the virtue of selfless service by directing their energies principally towards the wellbeing and happiness of the people.

“Against this backdrop, the PDP urges the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the high cost of food, petroleum products, other essential commodities and services so as to alleviate the suffering in the country.”

Easter: Ogene Charges Constituents To Emulate The Unconditional Love Of Christ

James Orji

March 31, 2024

Member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra state, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has changed his constituents to emulate the unconditional love of Christ, whose remarkable death and resurrection, Christians world over celebrate in Easter.

Hon. Ogene made this call in Awka, Anambra state, in an Easter message to commemorate the most important event in the Christian calendar.

He admonished the people to be their brothers’ keepers and always show good neighbourliness, in the true example of the teachings of Christ, who in the scripture encourages that “We love our neighbours as we love ourselves.

Ogene said further: “It is important as followers of Christ our Lord, to let love rule in all we do this period and beyond, in our relationships with one another in our communities.

“If we love one another, right from our individual families, there won’t be wickedness, rancour, jealousy and rivalry that often snowball into something sinister in the community.

“This is a precarious time of economic and security challenges in our society and our nation in general. But I’m convinced that if we apply the love of Christ in our conducts and decision making, our collective burdens as a people would become lighter.

“For instance, if we imbibe the love of Christ and practice it in the true sense of the injunction, criminality and other social vices would abet, since one that truly loves and obeys the teachings of our lord, would not hurt another or cause others pain and anguish as we currently experience in our society.

“Love also means that we share the little we have to assuage the sufferings of others in our neighborhood.

“Ogbaru remains a land of peace and conviviality and we all should put our hands together to make it a better place, through meaningful leadership and support base that will only prioritise the interest of the people and development of Ogbaruland.

“But we can only achieve that when we have sustainable peace and unity of purpose rooted in true love for one another and the overall good of Ogbaru.

“I wish the good people of Ogbaru, home and abroad, a happy Easter and peaceful and progressive future.

Rivers: Impeachment Hangs On Fubara As Crisis Worsens

James Orji

March 31, 2024

Governor Siminalayi of Rivers state is facing a fresh impeachment plot from some lawmakers in the state house of assembly.

The lawmakers issued a communique in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Saturday stating that they made the decision after the governor abandoned the terms of agreement reached with a former governor of the oil rich state, Nyesom Wike.

27 legislators who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, last year following the clash between Fubura and his predecessor are supporting the former governor.

Wike and his successor are currently in an endless struggle for the soul of the oil bearing state.

The magazine reports that last December, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brokered a truce between the feuding parties following a protracted political crisis that rocked the state late last year.

Recall that Governor Fubura rode on the crest of Wike to power in May last year, but the governor has chosen his own path not long after he came to office, a situation watchers of the state said has angered Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in the All Progressives’ Congress, APC, government.

The two political leaders are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The angry lawmakers said the bone of contention now borders on the refusal of the governor to present the 2024 budget to the assembly, as agreed with the president when the truce was brokered.

According to them, the governor is also in cahoots with some PDP leaders, who they described as ‘new arrivals’ in the state who advised him to jettisoned the pending agreement.

They are referring to a former National Chairman PDP, Uche Secondus, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Austin Opara, Senator Lee Maeba, Celestine Omehia, amongst others who have joined forces with the governor in his war against Wike.

Part of the communique issued by the lawmakers: “These new arrivals have just landed like hawks. They now want to grab what they spat on but need to be careful of their ranting and utterances against the institution of the legislature and the FCT Minister as they can derail the existing peace in the state.

“The FCT Minister is doing fabulously well in Abuja and should be commended. Rather than looking for advice for Mr. President who we believe knows them very well, should they not be calling on the Governor to learn to abide by the laws of Rivers State and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

“Should these new self-acclaimed advisers also not be advising the Governor to do the needful so that there can be a smooth transition from the current democratically elected Councils in the State to the next democratically elected Councils and avoid the challenges of attempting the opposite?

“What about advising the Governor to heed to the Peace Agreement he begged for, willingly signed, and has chosen not to abide by some of the terms?

“It is worthy of note that the notice of impeachment of the Governor was quickly withdrawn by members of the House in fulfillment of the terms of the agreement and out of immense respect for the person and office of the President of the Federal Republic and believing that there would be a u-turn in terms of unlawful actions of the Governor.

“The reverse is now the case as we see from the day to day activities of the State Governor being conducted outside the laws of Rivers State and the Constitution.

“To this day, Rivers State remains the only state without an Appropriation Law and the Governor recklessly abandons laws of the state. These new hawks in the scene and all those who are quick to refer to the Governor as ‘Mr. Innocent’ will not go and advise him.

“They prefer to hold talk shows, organize rallies, hold press conferences and announce that the House commenced impeachment proceedings against the Governor for no just cause but fail to ask the Governor if he has not been informed of the particulars of gross misconduct leveled against him or at least read them when they were filed in Court in response to his petition.

“They must not forget that the Rivers State House of Assembly has the mandate of the people and that we swore an oath of allegiance to the Constitution to do the needful including the Impeachment of the Governor as a last resort.

“So, if it becomes a last resort, in accordance with the law, we will not hesitate to do so, because no individual is bigger than Rivers State, including the Governor.

“We assure the good people of Rivers State that we remain undeterred in our service to our fatherland and no number of threats including those of violence against us just like they attacked the Speaker’s residence will make us abandon our constitutional mandate to make laws for the good governance of our dear State,” the lawmakers said.

Governor Fubara had recently vowed to complete his tenure no matter the plot of his political detractors.

Huge Debt Profile: Kaduna Can No Longer Pay Salaries, Laments Gov Sani

The Source

March 31, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has said that the State is heavily weighed down by paucity of funds largely occasioned by the huge debt profile inherited from the past administration.

The huge local and foreign debt portfolio of the state has made it impossible for it to meet its statutory obligations to the people, particularly the state’s workforce. The State can no longer pay, the Governor said.

At a town Hall meeting with stakeholders in Kaduna on Saturday March 30 2024 ,Governor Sani however, said despite the tight financial situation,his administration has so far resfrained from plunging the state into further debt.

According to him, the seriousness of the negative impact of the N85 billion and $587 million local and foreign debts inherited on the ability of the Government to discharge its statutory responsibilities is underscored by the fact that out of a total N10 billion accruing to the state from last month’s Federal Allocation, N7 billion went into debt servicing.

He lamented that the balance of N3 billion is far below the N5.2 billion monthly salary wage bills of the State. He added that as things are presently, he may not be able to pay workers’ salaries.

The Kaduna State Governor, lamented that owing to the astronomical rise in the exchange rate, the State is now condemned to paying almost triple the amount borrowed by his predecessor in office.

Governor Sani who said that the State, apart from the humongous debt profile, is also battling with about 115 Contractual liabilities, however, assured that the debt burden will not dampen his administration’s resolve to steer the State towards the path of sustainable growth and progress.

He said that the situation has been adequately assessed, and that the Government will sooner than later respond accordingly.

“Despite the huge debt burdens of 587 million Dollars, 85 billion Naira ,and 115 Contractual Liabilities, sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna state towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.

“It gladdens my heart to inform you that despite the huge inherited debt ,we have not borrowed a single kobo “

Defection Of LP Lawmakers: Party Heads To Court To Declare Seats Vacant, As Ogara Says Only Committed Members Will Get Tickets In 2027

The Source

March 31, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Come the 2027 General Elections, the Labour Party, LP, will only lend its platform to committed political actors.

In the days ahead, however, the Party will be approaching the Courts to seek the declaration of the seats of the defected members of the Enugu State House of Assembly vacant .

This much was made known on Saturday, March 30, 2024, by Hon Harrison Ogara, one of the LP members still flying the party’s flag at the State’s legislative chamber.

The member representing Igbo-Eze South State constituency who spoke against the backdrop of the defection of six of his former LP colleagues to the People Democratic Party PDP on Thursday, March 28, insisted that there is no crisis in the party as being claimed by the defectors.

According to him, the claim of crisis in the LP by his erstwhile party colleagues, is not only false, but also deceptive, as well as akin to” giving a dog a bad name to hang it”

Hon Ogara maintained the defected LP members were only goaded by some personal political interests ,which include, but not limited to their desire to support the state Governor, Peter Mbah.

“The truth is that they wanted to join the PDP.They wanted to abandon the vehicle that brought them to the House of Assembly.

They say that Governor Mba is performing . But you can still be in your party and still support him. For the past nine months ,we all have been working like a team not minding the party we come from.

I can support him from the Labour Party ,which is what I am doing.” Hon Ogara noted.

The Enugu State Lawmaker, said much as the defected members have the right to join ranks with any party of their choice, the LP, as a registered political party on which platform they rode to the House ,also reserves the right under existing extant laws to retrieve its mandate from them in the present circumstances.

” I believe that the Labour Party will approach the courts to declare the seats of the defectors vacant because section 51 of the 2022 electoral act provides that if you cross- carpet from your party to another as a legislator ,you automatically lose your seat ” Hon .Ogara stated .

Tension As Soldier Allegedly Kills Trader In Ondo

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has requested for the release of a soldier that allegedly stabbed a trader at the popular Oba market in Akure on Saturday.

The trader, a male whose identity could not be ascertained reportedly died on the spot following multiple injuries sustained.

Eye witness account explained that some unknown men in army uniform carried out the act after one of the soldiers mobilized his colleagues to forcefully recollect money he had paid for a service due to an argument.

The fracas led to the stabbing of one of the traders which led to his death.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the traders said the unknown soldier beat the trader and some members of his family mercilessly leading to the death of one of them.

Commercial activities at the Arakale axis of the market was brought to standstill as the aggrieved traders embarked on protest and attempted to retaliate.

Policemen from the A division were drafted to the scene to forestall a breakdown of law and order as the protesting traders mashed and block major road in the area.

The spokesperson of the state police command Funmilayo Odulami confirmed the incident saying that contact has been made with the army barracks along Ondo road in Akure so that the culprit can be released for questioning.

“Yes, the police can confirm the stabbing of a young man by a soldier, the command is in touch with the military authority so that the culprit(s) can be identified and arrested.”

Works Minister, Umahi Summons Contractor To Abuja Over Shoddy Job

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Minister for Works, Dave Umahi has expressed displeasure on the shoddy execution by contractor handling of the construction work on Akure/Ado Ekiti highway.

He has therefore ordered the contractor handling the project to report in Abuja for further briefing on the project.

The minister and a team from the ministry were in Ekiti state on Saturday to inspect ongoing work on some federal roads.

He commended Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji for his commitment to infrastructure upgrade in the state, even as he assured him of Federal Government’s plan to speed up the construction/ rehabilitation of roads in the state.

The Minister gave the commendation when he and the Ministry’s team, in company of the Governor undertook an inspection of some federal roads in the state.

He said Governor Oyebanji has made sufficed case for the roads as part of his shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

The Minister inspected the Akure- Ikere -Ado dualized road, the Ado- ABUAD- Ijan road that was recently awarded and visited the ABUAD Industrial Park Road, which is a model of concrete road construction.

Speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti shortly after the inspection, Umahi explained that the purpose of the visit was to asses the level of work done on some on-going roads projects in the state particularly Ado/Ijan road and Ado – Ikere – Akure road and to also assess the state of federal roads in the state.

Acknowledging that the roads are major corridor to other parts of the country, the Minister assured that his ministry will ensure timely completion of the roads for the benefit of citizens and economic development of the state.

He assured the people of the state that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the road infrastructure across the country and will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that the projects are completed within stipulated timeline.

“We came to look at some of the ongoing projects in Ekiti state, especially Ado- Ekiti to Ijan road. I don’t know it is a major corridor that evacuates a lot of commercial produce from Benin to Lokoja and the southern part of the country.

“The Governor is very desirous of this road and of course Chief Afe Babalola, we have looked at the roads and we are coming back, my team will give it all the desired attention, that’s what the Governor wants.”

In his remark, Governor Oyebanji, who appreciated the Minister for his visit, said the inspection was a testament to the fact that President Tinubu- led federal government was committed to development of sub-national.

He assured that his administration would continue to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that federal roads are brought to satisfactory standard that will enhance the quality of life for the citizens.

“Well, this speaks to alignment of vision between the state and the Federal Government, like the Minister said, it is one government and we believe in the development of our people.

“This is in response to request from Ekiti people to come and look at the state of things here and it’s so exciting and I must commend His Excellency for this swift response, that shows the level of commitment of Asiwaju’s administration to development of sub-national.”

Bode George Urges Tinubu To Fulfill His Promises To Nigerians

Akinwale Kasali

March 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Former National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has once again criticized the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for failing to fulfill his election campaign promise to Nigerians.

Chief George who has over the years been an antagonist of President Tinubu even before his 2023 Presidential Election triumph at the polls, said this during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to him, Tinubu needs to fulfill his promises before Nigerians can be encouraged to speak positively of their country.

He appealed to President Tinubu to address the sufferings of the masses and the economic woes of the nation.

He however urged Nigerians to pray for the nation despite what they are presently encountering in the country.

The elder statesman said that President Tinubu’s speech is very heart-warming but Nigerians would want him to translate what he said into giving hope to them.

He said, “Those are all appeals, what should follow is let there be some methodology economically, physically to ensure that you give hope to the people, especially young people who have no jobs, no future, no hope; that is what drives people in the opposite direction.

“And once there is abject poverty in the land, people will remain angry. I feel for our people and I want him (Tinubu) to translate what he has said which is quite heart-warming into giving the people a lot of hope.

“If there is no hope when you wake up in the morning, you don’t even know where you are going to go, you are not running for any job, you are not doing anything, to get a meal in a day was hell, people will resort in different directions,” he said.

George also appealed to President Tinubu to reduce the security tension in the country.

George was of the opinion that there is no way the 1999 Constitution would solve the issue of insecurity in the country.

According to him, the constitution should be revisited and the issue of establishing state police be taken seriously as it will complement the national police.

Obi Explains Absence At LP Convention, Says Abure Failed To Make Wide Consultation With Stakeholders

Akinwale Kasali

March 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Peter Obi, has faulted the National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure, who was “re-elected” into office at the Party’s National Convention on Wednesday for failing to carry major stakeholders of the Party along. He also accused him of failing to make wide consultation before embarking on the Convention.

The former Anambra State Governor said that there was need for the right thing to be done to salvage the party, but added that he is more passionate about building a new Nigeria than building a new Labour Party.

Obi was absent at the Convention and thus spiked speculations about the next move of the former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the 2019 Presidential Election.

Some Political observers had said that he was planning to leave the Party and strategize ahead of the 2027 Presidential Election.

But Obi, in explaining his absence at the Convention on X Space hosted by Parallel Facts said:

“We promised to build Nigeria, we did not promise to build a New Labour Party.”

He also threw his weight behind the call for a structure for the ‘OBIdient’ movement.

“It is the standard practice around the world where movements form themselves into blocs and are part of the political process,” he added.

Delay In Completion Forces FG To Shift Launch Date For Port Harcourt – Aba Train Service

Ayodele Oni

March 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Due to delay in its completion, the Federal Government has shifted the launch of the Port Harcourt-Aba train service to April from the initially planned start date of the end of March.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, disclosed this to journalists after inspecting the reconstructed railway tracks in Port Harcourt.

Alkali expressed disappointment over the delay and stressed that the contractor had given assurances of the project completion in April.

“This is my second time visit to Port Harcourt to inspect the progress of the Port Harcourt-Aba railway line since assuming office as the Minister of Transportation.

“The contractor initially committed to a March start date, but during track inspections, they made some observations necessitating the extension of the start date to April.

“The contractor has now committed to an April launch for the Port Harcourt to Aba railway services.”

Alkali pointed out that measures were also being taken to connect both Port Harcourt and Onne seaports to the Port Harcourt to Aba rail track.

“We are not satisfied over the failure of the contractor to deliver the work on the agreed deadline.

“The contractor promised delivery of the project by March, but if they can deliver it in April, then I think that we can manage that.

“We started with the 15 per cent component in fixing the Port Harcourt to Aba rail section, but we now, focussing on linking the line to Port Harcourt and Onne Ports.”

The minister assured President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects across the country.

On the Calabar-Enugu-Abuja gauge rail line awarded by the previous administration, Alkali mentioned ongoing efforts to finalize project financing.

“We are currently making all arrangements for the finances, and as soon as the finance is ready, the project will commence.

“We are dedicated to delivering all projects in all parts of the country.”

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