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LAHA Lawmakers Scrutinize Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Nominees, Demand For Their Identities

November 22, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State House of Assembly has demanded that the identities of six new Commissioner-nominees sent to the House for screening and confirmation by Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu should be revealed.

The House during Plenary presided over by Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa received the letter sent by Governor Sanwo-Olu and was read to the House by the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, before the lawmakers, quoting the Governor as seeking the confirmation of a Commissioner-nominee and five nominees for the position of Special Advisers.

However, the letter only named the Commissioner-nominee as Abiodun Ogunleye, while the identities of the nominees for the position of Special Advisers were not mentioned. This forced the House to resolve to write the Governor for the remaining identities.

Obasa, while agreeing with the Lawmakers that names should be attached to the letter, said: “it is necessary for us to know who and who would become part of the cabinet.”

The Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, observed that the letter did not follow the usual procedure of revealing the identities of the nominees.

“Thus, the process of not mentioning the names seems like coming through the backdoor,” he said.

He was supported by his colleagues, Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Owolabi Ajani, who noted that the previous lists from the governor had details of the nominees and that this made the screening by the ad-hoc committee easy.

“But in this case, it is only the commissioner-nominee that had a name attached to it and this is surprising. Maybe we should also pass information to the governor that the names should be specified,” Ajomale said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has invited the state’s procurement agency over reports of alleged spendings by the Offices of the Governor and the Deputy Governor.

Obasa noted that the executive arm of government had made efforts to declare the story as untrue, it was necessary for the House to look into the issue so as the establish the facts behind the story.

“So we call on the committee in charge of procurement to invite the agency and others mentioned and do a thorough job on this in order to establish facts concerning the publications,” the Speaker said.

Ondo Police Moves To Douse Tension Over Continued Absence Of Gov Akeredolu

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

As tension continues to build up in Ondo State over the whereabouts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the State Police Command has assured of its readiness to curtail any form of violence.

Various groups have planned protest march against the continued absence of Akeredolu from the state for close to five months, while those loyal to government are also threatening to take to the streets.

Groups and opposition parties in the state have insisted that the Governor must show up in the state or address the people, insisting that his present abode, Ibadan, on Oyo state is not an extension of Ondo Government House.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police stated that “The attention of the Police in Ondo State has been drawn through intelligence reports that some political elements are bent on disrupting the peace of the State through concerted efforts and mobilization of unsuspecting youths of the State.”

The statement, signed by Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, revealed that “Specific reports revealed that sponsors seek to cause mayhem with a view to embarrass the State for certain selfish ends.

“The State Police Command therefore, warn such elements within the State to retrace their steps or be made to face the wrath of the law, while assuring the law abiding citizens of their safety as they approach the yuletide season.”

Why FG Revoked Licences Of Defaulting Mineral Firms

Ayodele Oni

November 22, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

For defaulting to pay renewal fees, the Federal Government has revoked 1,633 minerals titles previously given to non-complying mining companies.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the licenses of these mineral title holders were revoked due to failure to pay mandatory annual service fees of N1,500 per cadastral unit.

He said, “The Mining Cadastre Office has recommended the revocation of 1,633 mineral titles as follows: Exploration Licence, 536; Quarry Licence, 279; Small Scale Mining Licence, 787 and Mining Lease, 31.

In line with the powers conferred on me by the NMMA 2007, Section 5 (a), I have approved the revocation of the 1,633 titles.”

How Austin Ilom, A Bank Staff, Was Killed By Kidnappers

The Source

November 21, 2023

By Gideon Njoku

“He asked for water to drink, but before it was brought, he died

This is the sad end of Austin Ilom, a vibrant, good looking young man. A banker.

Ilom, a staff of Suleja branch of a second generation bank (name withheld by us), was about, three weeks ago, kidnapped from his Kubwa, Abuja, residence.

According to a post by a friend and/or a colleague of his who simply identified herself as Oby, Ilom’s kidnappers asked for a whopping sum of N50m in exchange for his release.

In her post on Whatsaap, she disclosed that his work place couldn’t help, allegedly, because, the young man, whom she described as one of the bank’s best marketers, was not kidnapped from his office while on duty, but from his residence.

She also alleged that Ilom’s brother-in-law, a serving Senator (name withheld by us), was not of much help either. He said he would wait for the bank to first contribute. According to the post, he finally contributed the sum of “N3m, only”

But, devastated and frantic, Ilom’s colleagues and friends, struggled to garner the sum of N11.5m to help in his release.

The amount of money garnered was sent to the kidnappers, who asked them to go and bring the balance. But days later, they called, and asked them to pick Ilom from a spot.

They went.

However, it was an exhausted and almost dead Ilom whose physical state shocked them. They rushed him to the hospital. On arrival, he asked for water to drink. It was no use. Before the water was brought to him, he took his last breath. And, thus ended his life. Another waste. Another young Nigerian wasted in a country which is steadily becoming the graveyard of its subjects – especially, the young. It is an everyday business.

Following is Oby’s post, slightly edited to remove a couple of names – his Senator-brother-in-law and the bank’s

“Sad end of a young man.

“This is a bank staff of Suleja branch that was kidnapped 3 weeks ago from his house in Kubwa.

“They asked for 50m ransom, the bank refused to help because he was kidnapped at home and not on duty. His brother in -law is a serving Senator. He only said that he won’t do anything until bank brings their own contribution for his release. He ended up bringing only 3m. His friends and colleagues in the office raised 11.5m in total.

“Kidnappers collected the 11m and asked them to go and get the balance, days later kidnappers called that they should come and pick him.

“They went and picked a half dead man. Shortly after he got to Bwari hospital, he asked for water, before they brought him the water, he gave up.

“Best marketing staff in Suleja branch.

Such a sad end of Austin Ilom.”

I have lost count of people I know, who were involved in one RANSOM contribution or the other for kidnappers to release their friend, family or colleagues.

– Oby.”

Ondo’s Fourth University In Pipeline As Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Is Set To Be Upgraded

Ayodele Oni

November 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, an Ondo State Government- owned institution, Owo, has been proposed as Ondo State University, Owo.

If it eventually comes true, it will become the fourth University to be fully owned by the Ondo State Government.

Already in existence are Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, and Ondo State University of Medical Science, Ondo.

Secretary to the state government, Princess Oladunni Odu disclosed this at a meeting on Tuesday in Akure, with stakeholders of the Polytechnic, as well as High Chiefs from Owo and Isuada communities.

The new University is expected to admit students during the 2024/2025 academic session.

Under the new arrangement, the current Polytechnic education system will be co-exist with the new University structure until it is gradually phased out.

Present at the meeting are the polytechnic Governing Council, management team, Deans of Faculties, High Chiefs representing, Owo, Isuada and Ondo State senior government officials headed by Odu.

“Sack Super Eagles’ Coach, Peseiro Now”, Fans, Stakeholders Urge NFF

Akinwale Kasali

November 21, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Soccer fans, football enthusiasts and stakeholders have urged the Ibrahim Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to swing into action and sack Portuguese Coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro for the shambolic display of the team in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against the Crocodiles of Lesotho and the Warriors of Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles had played a 1-1 draw with the Southern African duo of Lesotho and Zimbabwe at the Godswill Obot Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and at Butare Stadium in Rwanda.

The Super Eagles came from a goal behind on both occasions to secure a draw.

A Group under the aegis of Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, PFAN, is championing the call for Peseiro’s sack. He has called on the NFF President, Gusau, to sack the gaffer with immediate effect.

PFAN said if the nation wants to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and not allow a repeat of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup debacle to reoccur, Paseiro must be sacked.

At the moment, Nigeria is languishing on the third position which may still see it go down the radar further depending on the outcome of the matches of other Teams in the Group, behind the Bafana Bafana of South Africa who have recorded a victory in their first match and could be on six points if they win their second match in the qualifiers.

There is a possibility of the Coach Hugo Broos led South Africa team would take a four-point lead against Nigeria if they win, putting the Super Eagles in a difficult situation.

Peseiro had blamed Nigeria’s poor result on fatigue, saying the players were tired after the long journey to Rwanda. “Our first half was very bad, second half was much better but we lacked energy to push for a win,” Peseiro was quoted to have said after the game.

However, the Chairman of PFAN Task Force, Harrison Jalla, disagreed with Peseiro. He said: “The Coach is a misfit and he is only looking for where to put the blame. The NFF has to sack him now.”

Reminded of a similar step taken against former coach Gernot Rohr, a few months to the last AFCON in Cameroon, where the Eagles crashed out in the Round of 16, Jalla said: “It is more honourable for us to fumble with our local coach than spend about $70,000 monthly on a foreign coach and get bad results. If the NFF fails to sack Peseiro now, another disaster awaits the Super Eagles at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

“We need to take the bull by the horn before it is too late. As it is now, our qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on the line. Again, this poor result by the Super Eagles speaks volume about the quality of leadership we have at the NFF.

“There is urgent need for well-meaning Nigerians to break the monopoly of the racket going on in the NFF. We can’t continue to pick the NFF president from one constituency, which is the weakest. I have said it several times that it is suicidal to leave the decision of who becomes the NFF president in the hands of the states’ FA Chairmen. Just that constituency alone and the FCT have 37 votes out of 44 votes”.

“We need equal representation in the NFF, and that is the only way the private sector can come in.

“Our Football is going down under the watch of Ibrahim Gusau, and Nigerians need to act fast. Gusau has to go as quickly as possible.”

Just as PFAN is lamenting the poor performance of Nigeria under Peseiro, so are Soccer fans and enthusiasts who are baffled that a foreign coach who is collecting such huge sum will be underperforming at the big stage, joined the bandwagon in calling for his immediate sack.

The Nigerian Football Fans are annoyed that Peseiro has continued to stick with Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus Goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho despite his poor performances so far.

Soccer fans are saying that Uzoho has let Nigerians down on numerous occasions yet he keeps getting invites to feature in crucial games for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Uzoho’s howler (failing to punch away a long-range shot from Thomas Partey) against Ghana was one of the reasons the Super Eagles didn’t participate at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Last month, during an international friendly with Saudi Arabia, Francis Uzoho produced another stinker, diverting a shot into his own net.

In the last seven games that Francis Uzoho, a reserve goalkeeper for his Cyprus-based team, manned the post for Nigeria, he conceded on all seven occasions.

Many Nigerians have urged the Super Eagles Coaching Crew to find a better alternative (even from the Nigerian Professional Football League) to replace Uzoho as the Super Eagles’ number one shot-stopper.

As regards the call for the sack of Peseiro, Nigerians took to the Social Media to air their views.

Read the reaction below;

@Sauce_999331 wrote: “Sack the coach.. use AFCON as preparation to qualify for the World Cup.

My 2 cents!

Terrible situation our football administrators got us in’

@preciousekeke: “If pesiero survives a sack letter after this dismal outing then the NFF should tell us what he has against them.”

@gagnatbiz: “We are not doing it again o. We want a better performance with a win at the end. Not all this draw and “let’s do it again”.

Wake up!!!”

@Mvolgap: xUseless NFF do you shameful people need people to tell you to sack this coach and this goal keeper,not every player needs to invited into the national team just like the late Steven keishe said.”

@isibor266:”The entire team and coaching crew should be disbanded. This is a shame and waste of scarce resources.”

@yoboydonchichi: “You can never do anything again. Please, drop this slogan after another disgraceful result against Zimbabwe. With a failure like Jose Peseiro as coach, Nigeria can never achieve anything in football.”

Presidency Slams Obasanjo Over Comments, Blames Him On Nation’s Democracy Current State

Akinwale Kasali

November 21, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

Former President Olusegeun Obasanjo has come under the hammer of the Federal Government over his comment that Nigeria is not matured for Western Democratic Style.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, who signed the statement which strongly criticised the former President, described Obasanjo as architect of Nation’s current state.

Onanuga noted that the democracy the country currently practises dates back to direct inputs by Obasanjo when he led the country first, as Military Head of State from 1976 – 1979, and as civilian President from 1999 – 2007.

In his words, “ “Obasanjo ought to know that he brought this thing (American-style democracy) into Nigeria. He was the one who made us adopt it in 1979. He must have seen it as expensive and unsuitable when he governed us for eight years and even wanted an extension for another four years.

“So, the way he is sounding, it is like the man is getting wiser after leaving office,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency further blamed Obasanjo for a poorly copied model during his tenure as Head of State and, later, President.

It criticised him for not advocating a better system despite his current views, saying, “If he believes in what he is saying now, he ought to be an advocate of the need to go back to the Parliamentary System.”

Onanuga added, “We were practicing the Parliamentary Democracy the British left for us. Then, the military struck in 1966. And when we were going to return to democracy, instead of going back to what we were practicing before, Parliamentary Democracy, which was not expensive, it was this same Obasanjo who accepted the recommendation of the Constitutional Assembly at that time that recommended this American-style democracy.”

The Presidency, also, slammed Obasanjo’s implementation of the Presidential system. It said: “Obasanjo also knew that he copied this Presidential system very wrongly. He copied the form and structure. But he didn’t copy the spirit of it.

“Something that should have been under him in 1999 to 2007, he even made attempts to modify the constitution,” Onanuga remarked.

Obasanjo had criticised Western democracy, suggesting it had not delivered good governance and development in Africa.

He called for a re-examination and moderation of democracy to better suit African nations, citing the Western model’s disregard for African history and complexities.

He proposed an “Afro democracy” tailored to the Continent’s unique needs.

Palliatives Committee, Not Me, Spent N7.3 Billion, Fund Released As Subsidy By FG – Gov Akeredolu

Ayodele Oni

November 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Government has clarified media report that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu spent N7.3billion in three months on ‘contingency’ without House Of Assembly approval, saying the fund, was meant for subsidy palliatives.

A statement on Tuesday by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, explained that the funds were allocated to address unforseen expenses.

This was the same period Akeredolu was battling ill-health while his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was battling to escape impeachment move by the House of Assembly.

The Government statement reads : “We have read the report published in news platform claiming that the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, CON, spent N7.3billion in three months, while he was on medical vacation.

“In response to the concerns raised across various social media platforms, we wish to provide clarification for the sake of transparency and accountability, which are values synonymous with the Akeredolu-led administration.

“It is important to state unequivocally that the referenced N7.3 billion constituted the cumulative amount of palliative funds received from the Federal Government.

“These funds were allocated under the contingency sub-heading to address unforeseen expenses not initially budgeted for, but deemed necessary during the fiscal year.

“While the original contingency fund in the 2023 budget was N1,069,000,000.00, the additional N7 billion represents funds received from the Federal Government labeled as “Infrastructure Support Fund,” specifically for palliatives meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

“In accordance with the Ondo State Public Finance Management Law 2017, the establishment of a Contingency Fund is outlined in Part five, subsection (i) and (ii).

“It states: ‘A contingency Fund is hereby established. (ii) The contingency Fund may be utilized for making money available to meet emergency expenditure (other than statutory expenditure) which is not provided for in the Appropriation Law for the current year.

“And which although otherwise failing to be met out of the consolidated Revenue Fund or Capital Expenditure and Development Fund cannot without serious injury to the public interest be postponed until a Supplementary Appropriation Law providing for it can be enacted.’

“Contingency funds are designed to address emergency expenditures not provided for in the current year’s Appropriation Law, but crucial to the public interest and requiring immediate attention.

“Governor Akeredolu did not personally spend the N7.3billion; rather, these funds were appropriately utilized for palliatives.

“The funds were released to the state by the Federal Government as part of the efforts to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal nationwide.

“Our administration remains committed to the highest standards of financial responsibility. Any claim of impropriety is unfounded.

“We encourage the public to rely on accurate information and refrain from being swayed by sensational claims lacking factual basis.

“The Palliative Committee will, in due course, avail members of the public the details of the expenditure of the palliative fund.”

Rivers Assembly Crisis Thickens, As Two Factions Hold Separate Plenary, Police Block Complex

Ayodele Oni

November 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The political turmoil in Rivers state is far from being over despite assurances by the two Principal actors in the crisis, former Governor Nyesom Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara to ceasefire.

On Tuesday, tension rose as police took over the control of the State House of Assembly complex as the two factions of the Legislature flexed muscles.

Legislators from both sides of the conflict reportedly met separately at different places.

The entrance of the Assembly complex was guarded by four police vehicles, and traffic along the Moscow Road axis of the Assembly was restricted.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier, (APC) was also seen moving back and forth on the road where the complex is located, and many armed officers were stationed at important locations.

The motive for the security increase was not clear, but it was reported that some lawmakers met on Tuesday.

The 25 lawmakers led by House Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, loyal to Wike, met early on Tuesday.

The lawmakers reportedly discussed two issues related to the end of the strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria.

They also urged the State Commissioner for Police, Olatunji Disu, to investigate the blast at the Assembly that destroyed the hallowed Chamber and several property.

Also, the other Lawmakers led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, expressed their support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

After a meeting on Tuesday, they praised the Governor for his developmental strides and efforts to keep the State peaceful.

Ehie, in a statement signed by Legislative Aide, Ken Uchendu, said it takes a visionary leader to drive the development for the welfare of the people of the State

The faction decided to continue to give the Governor the necessary backing to achieve his consolidation and continuity agenda for the benefit of the State.

The lawmakers also denounced the attack on Ehie’s residence on Sunday night and the arson of the House of Assembly.

The Lawmakers appealed to the Governor to start the repair works as soon as possible.

“Moreover, the House stressed the need for the Inspector General of Police, and other related Security Agencies in the State to investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Crisis started in the House of Assembly when Lawmakers loyal to Wike, FCT Minister, made a move to impeach the Governor, allegedly, on the instruction of Wike.

For the records, Wike is Fubara’s political godfather. He, it was who imposed him, singlehandedly, almost, on the State as the Governor.

With additional reports by Akinwale Kasali

Nigeria Customs Service Impounds PMS, Parboiled Rice As Smugglers Escape

Ayodele Oni

November 21, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Area Comptroller, of Nigeria Custom Service, (NCS) for Adamawa/Taraba Command, Salisu Abdullahi, has disclosed that some items including 15,449 litres of Premium Motor Spirit have been impounded.

According to him, a cumulative Duty Value at N13m, has been paid into Federal Government coffer.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the official X handle of the NCS on Tuesday.

Other seized items include 19 cartons of foreign insecticide and 26 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice.

The Comptroller said most of the product had been disposed off in accordance with the extant laws and the accrued proceeds remitted into the Federation Account.

Abdullahi said the fraction of the PMS remaining on the ground will also be auctioned.

He added that the command did not apprehend any of the smugglers as they all took to their heels, but promised to clamp down on all smugglers, maintaining that the nation cannot afford to allow saboteurs to take over the economy.

The comptroller called on Nigerians, stakeholders and all relevant security agencies at the Command’s frontiers to continue collaborating with the Customs in the battle against the menace of smuggling.

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