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Zamfara Assembly Decries Attempt To Negotiate With Bandits

By
Ayodele Oni
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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.

“Why I Honoured Awujale With GCON” – President Tinubu

By
The Source
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Bola Tinubu and Awujale Ijebuland

“Because Oba Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I therefore, on this special occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony, confer on him the second highest National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

“To ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies. This will be a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy”.

Following, President Bola Tinubu’s full speech as read on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima

Protocols

“We are here today to celebrate and rejoice with an outstanding and extraordinary monarch on the occasion of his 90th birthday anniversary.

“It also gladdens my heart to see the Awujale in his full glory and majesty attain this important milestone.

“I had planned to personally attend this epoch-making event as a mark of honour to our reverred royal father. I returned from my travel abroad to be part of this celebration. However, the exigencies and demands of state duty have both conspired to make it practically impossible to be here.

“Earlier, I sent a personally-signed tribute to Kabiyesi Awujale, underscoring his transcendental and preeminent status as a royal father not just in our country, but also as one of the most adored around the world.

“Kabiyesi Adetona deserves all the accolades we can accord him because he earned them.

“In the last  64 years, Kabiyesi had  served the people of Ijebuland with great wisdom and rare dedication. It is not surprising that his kingdom and people have continued to thrive.

“While we rejoice with Oba Adetona today, it is important to state that what we are celebrating is much more than this 90th birthday anniversary.

“In Oba Adetona, we are celebrating courage, dignity, honour and a life that is wholly committed to duty and service.

“In time of adversity, Oba Adetona showed strength and kingly character. He stood his ground and confronted injustice and oppression during our just struggle for the restoration of democratic rule in the land between 1993 and 1999. If democracy is blossoming in our country today, it is because patriarchs like Oba Adetona stood firmly on the side of the people.

“Motivated by higher and noble ideal to entrench democratic good governance in our country, Oba Adetona recognized the importance of expanding the frontier of knowledge with his endowment of a professorial chair at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State.

“It is appropriate that as part of activities marking this birthday anniversary, we are also inaugurating the Post-Graduate School on Policy and Governance Studies funded by Kabiyesi.

“Because Oba Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I therefore, on this special occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony, confer on him the second highest National Honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

“To ensure that the knowledge production and intellectual output of the Post-Graduate school benefit the entire country, the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies. This will be a fitting compliment to Kabiyesi’s educational legacy.

“I wish Kabiyesi Awujale more years of service to the people of Ijebuland and robust health on the throne.

“Many happy returns Kabiyesi.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”

Oba Adetona has by this become the first Traditional Ruler to be awarded Nigeria’s second highest National Honour – GCON.

Police Take Over Rivers House Of Assembly Members’ Quarters

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Police Special Squad

By Akinwale Kasali

At least 30 Police Operatives have taken over the quarters of Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This followed a letter written to the Inspector General of Police by the factional Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, to the effect that the Governor, Siminalaye Fubara, is planning to demolish the living quarters of the State Legislators.

Fubara had, on Thursday, paid an unscheduled visit to the Legislative quaters, and said he did so in order to assess the quarters and see where repairs could be effected. The Governor paid the visit on the heels of the election of a new Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo by three members of the Assembly loyal to him.

But Amaewhule in reaction to the Governor’s visit said it is a prelude to the demolition of the Legislative Quarters by the Governor. He said they did not complain to the Governor of any problem and that the quarters were built only two years ago and needed no repairs.

However, on Friday, a Rivers State High Court ordered Amaewhule and 24 other pro-Wike Legislators, to stop parading themselves as Members of the House of Assembly in an exparte motion filed by Oko-Jumbo and others. The ruling is a consequence of the defection of the Legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. The argument is that having dumped the Party under which they were elected, they should vacate their seats according to the constitution.

Friday evening, Police Operatives from the State Police Command, with about 25 Hilux vehicles, took over the Legislative Quarters, and blocked both the entrance and exit of the complex.

There is no doubt that the Police action is sequel upon Amaewhule’s call on the IGP, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, for protection against alleged threats by the Governor to demolish the complex.

Court Bars 24 Lawmakers Loyal To Wike From Parading Themselves As Rivers Assembly Lawmakers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Rivers State house of Assembly

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly is getting messier by the day. A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has barred Speaker, Martin Amaewhule and 24 others from parading themselves as Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This is coming two days after the lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, Rivers State Chapter, threatened to impeach the Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Honourable Justice Charles Wali gave this order on a case in suit number PHC/1512/CS/2024, filed by Victor Oko Jumbo ( the just elected Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly) Sokari Goodboy, Orubienimigha Timothy, all pro-Fubara members of the Assembly.

Wali, following the ex parte motion, and after hearing from Sammie A. Somiari, SAN with B. N. Owunabo, Esq, and others for the claimants/applicants, entered that Amaewhule and co should stop parading themselves as lawmakers.

It would be recalled that  Amaewhule and some other Lawmakers of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had defected to the APC, following the disagreement between Fubara and Wike.

The ruling read: “An Order of interim injunction is granted restraining the 1st to 25th Defendants from parading and holding out themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly and/or meeting/sitting at the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters located at off Aba Road, Port Harcourt, or any other place whatsoever to purport to carry out the legislative business of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“An order of interim injunction is, hereby, made restraining the 26th to 28th Defendants from dealing with, interfacing, accepting any resolutions, bills and/or howsoever interacting with the 1st to 25th Defendants in their purported capacities as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, their legislative seats having been declared vacant with effect from 13th December, 12023 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“It is further Ordered that this Order, the Motion on Notice and the writ and other processes, in this case, be served on the 1st to 25th defendants/respondents within seven (7) days from date by substituted means to wit: by pasting at the entrance gate of the Rivers State House of Assembly Legislative Quarters, Off Aba Road, Port Harcourt and for such service to be deemed good and proper.”

The court adjourned the Rivers lawmakers case till May 29 for Motion on Notice.

Following this development, Governor Fubara has ordered the immediate relocation of the House of Assembly’s sittings to the Rivers State Government House.

According to an executive order contained in a memo, Governor Fubara noted that the relocation was necessary due to the fire incident that happened at the House of Assembly Chambers months ago, leading to the ongoing renovation of the House of Assembly Chambers.

Anambra Transporters Storm Government House, Allege Extortion, Maltreatment

By
The Source
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Anambra Transporters

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Drivers operating under the  auspices of Transport  Company of Anambra state TRACAS on Friday May 10, 2024 grounded activities in many parts of Awka ,the Anambra state Capital ,following their peaceful protest march against alleged maltreatment and the extortionist tendencies by the management of TRACAS.

Presenting their protest letter to  Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the Government House Agu Awka ,the leader/Spokesman for the protesting drivers,Okwudiri Felix,said  the serial maltreatment and extortion of drivers particularly those plying   Lagos Abuja and other highways  have persisted despite contributing over #61 billion to the internally generated revenue profile of Anambra annually.

According to him ,the purpose of the protest is to draw attention to the ill treatment being melted out to the drivers by the authorities of TRACAS ,adding that they were forced to speak out to avoid having their legitimate businesses stifled by the insensitive attitude of the Management team of the transport company towards the drivers.

” Every driver that plies Lagos and Abuja highways pay loading fee of N15,000. We don’t know why the management want to  stifle us with multiple levies .

We are protesting to draw the  attention of the Governor to the ill treatment being melted out to us by the TRACAS management despite our contributions to the state revenue..

Recently ,the management directed that we should pay N45 000 for the Installation of  trackers in our vehicles for the purpose of monitoring us.

We accepted to have trackers in our vehicles ,but on the condition that the management should pay for the project and not the drivers. We also told them that the management should sign an undertaking to bear responsibility for anything that happen to our private vehicles as a result of the trackers.

At a stage the Anambra state House of Assembly Committee on Transport intervened . But after ,three days ,the management commenced the enforcement of the trackers directive.

They will stop us on the highway and insist on collecting N85,000 for the trackers and renewal permit . We are therefore crying out to the Governor to intervene before the management drives us out of business” the leader of the drivers stated.

Further Speaking,the Secretary of the drivers union Benjamin Ogbonnaya alleged that the management in 2019 collected the sum of N29,000 from each of them for the installation of speed limit device in their vehicles ” But up till today they have not installed any and they want to force us again to pay N45 ,000 for trackers.

We are not against the tracking devices, but they ( management) must pay for them”

But reacting to the allegations against TRACAS management, Managing Director,Chike Obiakor ,denied the maltreatment claims by the drivers, insisting that the idea of the trackers was borned of the need to check mate evasion of payments of loading fees by the drivers.

” We are trying to install trackers to monitor their (transporters ) movements and activities because they are not paying their loading fees at our parks and we are paying heavily for that” Obiakor stated.

However, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Professor Solo Chukwuluobe ,while commending the peaceful conduct of the protesting drivers assured that he relay he will.relay their  message to the Governor.

House Of Rep Member, Isa Dongoyaro, Is Dead

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Isa Dogonyaro is dead

By Akinwale Kasali

The House of Representatives has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Isa Dongoyaro, of Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, Jigawa State.

The 46-year old Lawmaker had been ill for a few days before succumbing to the cold hands of death.

The deceased contested for the seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Health.

His demise was confirmed through a statement released by the Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, who disclosed that  Dogonyaro was pronounced dead by medical experts at an Abuja hospital on Friday.

Fallout Of Ondo APC Gov Primary Election: Group Wants Senator Jimoh Ibrahim Suspended, Accused Of Working Against Party’s Interest

By
Ayodele Oni
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Jimoh Ibrahim

By Ayodele Oni

The Ondo Peoples Assembly (OPA) has accused Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and some supporters of Olusola Oke of undermining the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of Ondo state by their decisions to protest against the outcome of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Both Ibrahim and Oke contested in the primary and lost to incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The results of the election, declared by Kogi state Governor Usman Ododo indicated that  Aiyedatiwa polled 48,567 votes, defeating the other 15 aspirants with his closet Mayowa Akinfolarin that scored over 15,000 votes to place second.

Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator representing Ondo south at the red chamber is already in court to challenge the declaration of Aiyedatiwa as winner of the election.

OPA said in Akure on Friday that it condemned the continued attempts to undermine the democratic process and instigate crisis following the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary.

Its convener, Olufemi Lawson and the publicity Secretary, Kikelomo Isijola stated that “It is with deep dismay that we address the sustained attacks on the personality of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and some supporters of Chief Olusola Oke, who were among the losers of the primary

“The people of Ondo State are deeply displeased by the relentless efforts to discredit Governor Aiyedatiwa and the process, which has been adjudged by the APC and observers of the process, as free, fair and credible.

” It is indisputable, that Governor Aiyedatiwa emerged as the winner of the primary through a transparent and democratic process. It is therefore unacceptable that individuals would seek to undermine the will of the people and disrupt the peace and stability of our state.

“We commend the other aspirants who participated in the contest for their sportsmanship and for conceding victory to Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“Their exemplary behaviour is a testament to their commitment to the democratic ideals that we hold dear.

“We hereby call upon the leadership of the APC to take immediate and decisive action against Senator Jimoh Ibrahim for continuously publicly attacking the party, disrespecting the office of the governor of Ondo State, and undermining a democratic process conducted by the party.

“His actions are not only detrimental to the party but also to the entire state.

“It is evident that Senator Ibrahim is working with some desperate politicians in the opposition political party to distract the APC’s preparations for the Ondo State November 2024 governorship election, mirroring a role he previously played in 2016 while he was a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We reaffirm that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the incontrovertible choice and candidate of the people for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. We urge all well-meaning citizens to rally behind him as we strive to move our dear state forward”

Yahaya Bello Says He Is Afraid For His Life, Undertakes To Appear In Court June 13

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State
Yahaya Bello

By Adesina Soyooye

Embattled immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has agreed to appear in Court to face arraignment for alleged corruption charges against him.

His lead Counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed gave the undertaking on Friday, at a Federal High Court, Abuja, before the Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite.

The undertaking was after Justice Nwite refused to lift the warrant of arrest against Bello.

Nwite dismissed Bello’s request for the vacation on the grounds that the former governor is  in contempt of the Court by refusing to appear for arraignment.

Throwing Bello’s request out for lacking in  merit, the court said that “Bello cannot be in the comfort of his room and be dictating to a court of law where he is to be arraigned.”

The Judge also insisted  that the Federal High Court has  jurisdiction to hear the criminal charges against Bello, contrary to Bello’s claims. Nwite  held that the embattled Governor must make himself available for arraignment, his plea taken, before he can “proceed to make any application or request”

However, while giving an undertaking that Bello will be available for arraignment on June 13, his lead Counsel  said that the former Governor was not afraid to appear in court, but feared for the safety of his life in the hands of the EFCC.

He claimed that Bello went underground because his life has been under constant threats in Abuja.

Bello escaped from his Abuja residence on the day EFCC Operatives went to arrest. Thereafter, he failed to appear in Court on the day of his arraignment, forcing the Judge to issue a warrant of arrest against him.

Don Loses Position In Ondo University Over False Alarm

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Adolphus Loto

By Ayodele Oni

For allegedly attempting to cause breach of peace by making false claim against a staff in a petition, the senate of the University of Medical Sciences, (UNIMED) in Ondo state, has relieved Prof Adolphus Loto of the Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) of his position as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Clinical Services.

The Assistant registrar, public relations unit of the university, Temitope Oluwatayo,  in a statement on Friday, disclosed that Loto’s sack was confirmed on Thursday, May 9, 2024, after the adoption and ratification of the Senate decision by UNIMED’s Governing Council at its 22nd Statutory meeting.

The statement added that the decision of the Senate to sack Loto was predicated on his unbecoming conduct including frivolous, spurious and unsubstantiated allegations against the University Management.

It was gathered that the Governing Council had earlier referred Prof. Loto’s 13-page petition, as well as the responses of the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the Bursar to the Petitions Committee of Council appointed to investigate and make proper recommendations.

“The Petitions Committee of Council (PCC) found the allegations untrue, baseless, embarrassing to the University community and liable to bring the University to disrepute, given Prof. Loto’s position as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

“UNIMED Senate, on Monday, April 29, 2024, considered the report of the PCC and recommended the removal of Prof. Loto as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor by an overwhelming majority with 100% of the voters approving his removal as DVC Admin.

“The decision was premised on the fact that Prof. Loto made false claims against members of staff of the university, disclosed confidential and official information liable to cause a breach of peace in the university community.

“UNIMED Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Prof. Ayodele Arowojolu, while addressing the Council, noted that a unanimous decision of the Senate speaks volumes about the lack of confidence in Prof. Loto by his academic peers to remain in the office of DVC Admin.

“The Governing Council thereafter approved the resolution of the University Senate for the removal of Prof. Adolphus Odogun Loto as DVC.”

“We No Longer Want To Remain In Kitchen,”  Ondo Women Cry Out

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ondo Women Protest over Deputy Governorship

By Ayodele Oni

Womenfolk in Ondo state is doing every possible lobby to ensure a woman emerges as deputy governorship candidate during November election in the state.

The women vowed to resist the notion confining them to the ‘other room’ which they say is contradictory and unacceptable.

Since the return of civilian rule in 1999, the deputy governor slot has not been occupied by a woman unlike its neighbouring Ekiti state, which has allocated the slot for women during three regimes.

To this end, various women groups in the state converged on Akure, calling on governorship candidates of all political parties in the state to pick female running mates.

At the meeting, which was tagged “Agitation For Gender Balance and Inclusiveness In Governance,” the women deliberated on how they could get fair share of political offices, both elective and non-elective.

In a communique issued and signed by the convener, Mrs. Adebimpe Adeniyi, the women also called for a more gender-sensitive and all-inclusive government policies and programmes

It reads in parts: “Despite the immeasurable contributions of women to the restoration of democracy and national growth and development, Nigerian women have been relegated and reduced to the back seats in both elective and appointed positions.

“Since 1999, when Nigeria transitioned from military rule to democratic governance, women have yet to occupy up to 15 percent of elective positions in a country where the voting population of women is equal to, if not more than, men.

“We must, however, acknowledge that women have been nominated and elected as deputy governors in some states in Nigeria.

“In the South West, only Ondo state, which prides itself as the intellectual base of the region, is yet to provide an opportunity for a female deputy governor.

“After extensive deliberation during the Inaugural Meeting, we have resolved and demanded nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates of all the participating political parties in the 2024 Governorship Election of Ondo state.

“An increased budgetary allocation for the State Ministry of Women Affairs.

“The justifiable agitation and legitimate demand, particularly regarding the nomination of women as deputy governorship candidates from all participating political parties, will persist until it is met and complied with by all political parties in the state.

“Using the unique Yoruba word ‘Odatiwa’ for inclusiveness while simultaneously

“A complete and total abandonment of all forms of discrimination – cultural, religious, and traditional – against the girl child in Ondo state.

“A more gender-sensitive and all-inclusive government policies and programmes across all sectors.

“Full implementation of all gender balance-related legislations, including the National Gender Policy – Affirmative Action, by allotting 35 percent of appointments in the public sector to women.

“Free and quality healthcare services for pregnant women and children under age 0-6.”

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