Home Blog Page 836

Ramadan Fast: Kano To Feed 91,000 Daily

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Breaking of Ramadan Fast in Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Government on Monday, March 3, 2025, officially kicked-started the 2025 Ramadan feeding programme with no fewer than 91,000  beneficiaries targeted daily.

The Source reports that the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, had, on Saturday, March 1,2025, informed that about N8 billion has been earmarked for the 2025 Ramadan feeding programme across the 44 Local Councils of the State

At the occasion of the formal commencement of the distribution of 1,250 dates donated by the authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the poor and vulnerable sects in the State, Governor Yusuf explained that the increased budgetary allocation for this year’s feeding programme was necessitated by an equally increasing number of people that require assistance.

The Source reports that the Kano State Government had spent about N5 billion on the Ramadan feeding gesture in 2024.

Governor Yusuf noted that the peaceful and commercial nature of Kano has come with it an explosion in population which, in turn, has increased the pressure on the Government as well as existing infrastructural facilities.

At the official flag-off of the 2025 feeding programme at Dandali Centre, in Fagge Local Council on Monday, the State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, informed that the programme will be on for the next 27 days.

While expressing satisfaction with the smooth take-off of the programme, the Deputy Governor, who is at the head of the Committee in charge of the gesture, enjoined all those involved in its implementation to ensure timely quality and efficient service delivery.

He, particularly, tasked the official food vendors to be intentional about the quality of meals to be delivered at all the service centres.

There will be no fewer than 91 service centres ,to serve about 1000 persons, each, across the State.

The Source further reports that 2024’s programme was heavily overshadowed by allegations of provisions of low quality meals, diversions and official corrupt practices.

The Programme, according to the Deputy Governor, is aimed at providing a measure of relief to the poor and vulnerable during the Ramadan period.

The food vendors are to prepare and deliver 91,000 plates of quality meals to the designated 91 food centres in the 44 local council of the sta3te.

The Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, and his Religious Affairs counterpart, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal, are among other top Government officials that will serve on the implementation Committee.

Police Moves To End Sit-At-Home Order In Anambra State

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
CP Ikioye Orutugu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Command, on Monday, March 3, 2025, unveiled a new strategy aimed at breaking the circle of Sit-at -home order in the state.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, is leading the new anti-sit-at-home  initiative, which is said to be advocacy and people  oriented.

The Source reports that the five states of the South East have been subjected to the observation of sit-at-home every Monday,since 2021, following the arrest, and rendition of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya .

The sit-at-home  order was  declared by IPOB  in the  South East region to register its  displeasure with what it perceives as the unjust  arrest , detention and trial of its leader on trumped up charges.

The Federal Government has been prosecuting Kanu on charges bordering on alleged terrorism.

Since the commencement of the seemingly endless trial, the five South Eastern States have been made to suffer complete lock down every Monday.

The development has, however, negatively impacted the socio-economic lives of the region, resulting in monumental set back for the people.

A statement from the Anambra police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu  Ikenga, SP, on Monday, said the State Commissioner of Police, is deeply concerned about the devastating effects  the illegal action is  having on the social and economic growth of the state.

Ikenga informed that the new CP has emphasized the imperativeness of educating residents on the negative impacts of the sit-at-home order on the over all development of the state.

To this end, the CP is said to have opted for an advocacy-driven approach towards resolving the impasse.

“This is part of the strategy under the new leadership of the Anambra state Police Command, to address the public’s attitude toward ideologies based on crime .

This includes attacks on unsuspecting members of the public, security personnel, kidnapping of individuals, destruction of of public infrastructures, and other criminal activities”, Ikenga noted.

According to the statement, CP Orutugu is of the strong view that  Anambra, as a state, is endowed with huge potentials human and material, and, therefore, need an enabling peaceful environment for all to flourish.

The statement noted  the Command’s readiness and unwavering commitment towards providing adequate security framework in the State to enable residents  engage in their lawful activities without fear and or intimidation.

The police spokesman further noted that the Command has put in place all necessary machineries  to work in concert with community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to resolve the underlying issues driving the sit-at-home order .

The Command also expressed the optimism that the new approach to be spearheaded by an advocacy committee ,will lead to the final resolution of the situation.

Edo Election Tribunal Reserves Ruling As Parties Adopt Written Addresses

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
INEC Tenders BVAS Used in Edo Election

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Monday, March ,3, 2025, has reserved judgment  in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate in the September 21, 2024 off-circle gubernatorial election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressive Congress, APC, winner of the polls conducted in the 18 local councils of the Edo state .

But dissatisfied with the outcome,  Ighodalo and the PDP approached the Tribunal seeking a reversal.

In their petition, the PDP and its candidate had alleged massive manipulation of electoral figures by its rival APC, as well as incidences of over voting.

The PDP specifically, alleged, that the electoral figures announced by INEC in many polling units, far outnumbered those of the accredited voters.

The Party averred that  the manipulation was carried out in complete favour of the APC.

The Justice Wilfred Kpochi- led panel at Monday’s session informed that all the parties will be communicated on the date for judgment.

Earlier, all the parties were given time to formally adopt their written addresses.

Adetunji Oyeyibo, SAN ,Kalu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney General, and Minister of Justice, and Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, adopted their various written addresses on behalf of the PDP, INEC and APC respectively.

Expectedly, Ikpeazu urged the Court to dismiss the petition filed by the PDP, against his client, Governor  Okpebholo, insisting that it was anchored on a watery ground.

He described the petition as well as the efforts of the petitioner’s counsel as not more than a mere academic exercise.

Earlier, Agabi had argued that his client, the INEC, conducted the polls in substantial compliance with all the extant laws contrary to the  position of the  PDP and its candidate.

Agabi ,therefore, submitted that there is no sufficient grounds to grant the reliefs being sought by the  petitioners among which is the cancelation of the said polls.

PDP Says Insecurity Worsens In Edo Under Gov Okpebholo

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Monday Okpebholo - Governor of Edo State
Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State.

By Ayodele Oni

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), in Edo State has bemoaned the escalating insecurity in the State. It accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of being only interested in the welfare of godfathers and  band of thugs.

PDP spokesman in the State, Chris Osa Nehikhare, in a statement on Monday pointed out that the situation has prompted residents and business owners to live in fear.

“Edo State is now a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal gangs, who operate with impunity, taking advantage of the deteriorating security situation, as residents and business owners continue to live in constant fear

“The recent release of the abducted National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Prince Eniola Olajuni, after spending 12 days in captivity in Ibilo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, highlights how emboldened criminal elements have become in our dear Edo State, while the Okpebholo administration appears dazed.

“His administration is only interested in the welfare of the godfathers and his band of thugs. In the past few weeks, at least 22 Edo people have been brutally killed, including Batemue Philip Ebo, Christopher Bello, and Victor Ogedengbe. Several others have been injured, and properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed.

“The ongoing bloodbath was even acknowledged via a statement by Senator Okpebholo himself, who is obviously overwhelmed by the challenges of governance and lacking any strategic plan to contain the worsening insecurity and prevent future occurrences.

“The case of Ojajuni, who was abducted on Monday, February 17, 2025, on his way to Abuja for a meeting and was released last weekend after being held in captivity for about 12 days in Ibilo, Edo State, is one of the many cases that have placed the State as the new capital of kidnapping and violent crimes in Nigeria.

“Kidnappers and other criminals now see Edo as the weakest link in the country, with security in a state of total collapse. Edo State is in chaos, the people are under siege, and the Chief Security Officer of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, appears confused and completely incapable of managing the escalating insecurity.

“Despite receiving N750 million monthly in security votes, nearly double the amount available to the immediate past administration of His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Senator Okpebholo has left Edo in a state of paralysis, with residents living in constant fear and instead of utilizing these funds to tackle the worsening security crisis, he continues to squander them on godfathers, thugs, extravagance and needless jamborees.

“While these criminals are emboldened, the State’s security apparatus is also said to be weak. Senator Okpebholo is said to have crippled the State’s Security Vigilante Network which helped in tackling insecurity in the local communities.

“The fact that the kidnap victim was held in Edo throughout these horrible 12 days of his captivity before he was eventually released within the State, further proves that Edo has become a safe haven for kidnappers.

“This further shows how porous our bushes have become in the last few months of Senator Okpebholo’s government, having crippled the vigilante and forest guards that helped the government in tackling insecurity, especially at the grassroots.

“In reality, Edo needs help fast and rather than focusing on tackling insecurity, Senator Okpebholo has been busy with his political survival, junketing different States across the country, from Abuja to Lagos, Imo to Akwa Ibom, and beyond, seeking political godfathers to help him influence tribunal judges to uphold the flawed and manipulated 2024 governorship election that brought him into office.

“We want to remind Senator Okpebholo that his first responsibility, no matter how bereft of integrity his mandate is, is to protect the lives and property of Edo people, and on this, he has woefully failed.

“Edo people are however optimistic and are eagerly awaiting the judiciary to correct the injustice of September 21, 2024, and return the stolen mandate to the PDP and Asue Ighodalo, whom they overwhelmingly voted for in the last governorship election so that the State can return to the path of security, peace and progress.”

BREAKING: Obasa Officially Re-appointed  LAHA Speaker

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has officially been reappointed as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in a significant political development in the history of Lagos State since the advent of democracy since 1999.

His reappointment comes on the heels of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda’s resignation, which took effect immediately, following the intervention of the Presidency, the Governor Advisory Council, GAC and stakeholders in the Lagos Political landscape.

Meranda stepped down from her position, though the reasons for her resignation is the pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Lagos State.

Her departure marks a pivotal shift in the Assembly ’s leadership dynamics.

Obasa’s return is seen as a continuation of his previous tenure during which he was recognized for his leadership and legislative initiatives.

Details Later….

Jandor Dumps  PDP, Next Destination Unknown

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Olajide Adediran - Jandor

By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party’s, Governorship Candidate in the 2023 Election in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran, Popular as Jandor, has dumped the.

The departure of Jandor from the PDP is surprising as he never gave an inkling of leaving the Party.

He made the announcement of his departure from the PDP at a Press Conference at his Ikeja, Lagos office, on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Jandor came a very distant third at the 2023 Governorship Election in Lagos behind winner, All Progressives Congress, APC, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu, the incumbent and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party.

Announcing his dumping of the PDP, Jandor said, “We will consult widely with everybody and then take the decision to collapse our structure to another platform.

“What is majority on the ground now is that we have left the Peoples Democratic Party,” Jandor stated.

He didn’t mention the Party he is defecting to, rather, he said consultation is ongoing to know the Party he would collapse his structure to.

Jandor also failed to disclose the reason for his leaving the PDP.

It would be recalled that Jandor was a strong member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and led the Lagos4Lagos Movement, advocating for internal democracy within the party.

Following his political ambition, with the possibility of getting the ticket in APC looking impossible, he joined the PDP in January 2022, and secured the party’s Gubernatorial ticket for the 2023 election.

No doubt, the dumping of the PDP by Jandor further marks another shift in the evolving political landscape of Lagos State. It highlights the ongoing realignments within its political sphere.

It is, however, a big blow to the PDP, as it has  again lost another strong in the Party.

LAHA Crisis: Meranda: “I’m Not A Quitter” ●Renominated Dep. Speaker, Obasa, Speaker● Majority Leader Removed●

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mudashiru Obasa and Mojisola Meranda

By Akinwale Kasali

Mojisola Meranda, the shortest reigning Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly has been re-nominated as Deputy Speaker after she resigned as Speaker. She was on the seat for 46 days, only.

The impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa was also renominated as Speaker.

As she handed in her resignation letter, a teary Meranda thanked her colleagues equally teary colleagues for their support. She explained why she resigned.

Her words at the Plenary which she presided: “I didn’t take this decision lightly. I am not a quitter. I took this decision to save the House from further embarrassment. I am making a personal sacrifice by stepping down as Speaker.”

Her downcast colleagues commended her, especially, her leadership style and, more especially, for bringing peace to the House.

Hon. Temitope Adedeji, the Lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency was also removed as the Majority Leader of the House.

His removal as one of the Principal Officers of the Assembly is due to the resignation of Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as Speaker.

Following Obasa’s impeachment as Speaker on January 13th, 2025, with the enthronement of Hon. Meranda as Speaker, there was restructuring in the House, leading to the appointment and elevation of Hon. Adedeji as Majority Leader.

With Obasa returning as Speaker, Adedeji stands removed.

There is speculation that the Majority Leader position will be ceded to  Ifako Ijaiye 2 Constituency.

Hon. Desmond Elliot could not hold back tears over the resignation of Meranda, as he wept profusely, and was seen being consoled by other Lawmakers.

Details Later……

BREAKING: Meranda, In Tears,  Resigns As Speaker LAHA … Lawmakers Also Shed Tears

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mojisola Lasbat Meranda

By Akinwale Kasali

Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has, officially, resigned from her position as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

She resigned from her position following the intervention by the Presidency, who prevailed on her to return to her previous position as Deputy Speaker.

As she formally signed her resignation Letter, tears rolled down her cheeks, as her historic moment and adventure as Speaker finally came to end.

The Lawmakers who pledged allegiance to  Meranda could not also hold back tears following her resignation.

Details Later…..

Senate Unaware Of Se3ual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio – Spokesman … Afenifere Urges Caution

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Yemi Adaramodu - Senate Spokesman

By Ayodele Oni

Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Senate Committee to conduct proper investigation into the allegation leveled against its president, Godswill Akpabio.

This is just as the Senate clarified that there is no allegation or report before it which calls for any investigation, except that of breach of order.

Yemi Adaramodu, spokesman of the Senate, explained on Monday that the Senate is yet to receive any complaint bordering on se3ual harassment from any member.

Afenifere, in a statement signed by its National Organizing Secretary, Kole Omololu, and made available to journalists on Monday, advised that Akpabio should not be made to suffer unjustly over unfounded allegation.

It expressed suspicion in the timing of the allegation, noting that Senator Natasha decided to disclose the allegation when a punitive measure was taken against her at the Senate.

Afenifere insisted that Senator Akpabio could not be traded off on grounds of “unproven allegations,” considering his contributions to political stability and democratic governance in the country.

The statement reads in parts: “For we in Afenifere note and appreciate the political stability engendered by the calm, thoughtful and patriotic leadership of the National Assembly by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

“He has been most instrumental in engineering one of the few eras in the history of democratic governance in Nigeria where we have enjoyed Executive/Legislative synergy.

“We are hopeful that such a committed patriot will not be sacrificed on the altar of unproven allegations by an accuser.

Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio
Natasha Akpoti and Godswill Akpabio

“Of course, the allegations should be investigated by a Senate Committee. But we cannot help but notice that they were made after the Senate President’s act of just discipline against Senator Natasha Akpoti.

“Hopefully, this is not a knee-jerk reaction made in a highly emotional state by the disciplined party.

“That being the case, the nation has to be careful in assessing these allegations, as they may or may not result from animosity toward that disciplinary measure.

“But whatever the case, Afenifere, without passing any judgment on the accuser and her accusations, based on his history and credibility, extends the right hand of fellowship to Senator Godswill Akpabio and commends him for being a steady hand during these times of political, economic, and social reforms of the Renewed Hope agenda.”

Senate spokesman, while reacting to the allegation on Monday pointed out that “There is no allegation before the Senate. There is none from anyone, for that matter. We do not entertain allegations based solely on television broadcasts or social media.

“Nobody has lodged any allegation with anyone in the Senate. The only matter currently at hand is a breach of the Standing Orders, which has been referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions. I do not believe there are any other petitions or complaints before the committee.

“Unless someone brings up a new issue, it will be dealt with accordingly. For now, there is nothing other than the matter we have referred to the committee.”

Rivers House Of Assembly, Gives Fubara 48 hours Ultimatum To Re-present 2025  Budget

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Fubara Presents Budget
File Photo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi  & Ayodele Oni

  • Rejects Administrative Heads to lead Councils till Election ●Proceeds on a two-month vacation from Friday.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara was right when, in his state-wide broadcast on Sunday, in reaction to the Supreme Court ruling of his Government’s case with majority members of the House of Assembly, he told the people that: “Difficult times are with us again.”

Indeed, for Governor Fubara, there is no breathing space.

In their first day of resumption, Monday, based on the Supreme Court judgments which confirmed  Martin Amaewhule as the Speaker, and his group as still members of the House of Assembly, they  issued a 48 hour ultimatum to  Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

There was no discussion or consideration of, perhaps, the Governor’s engagements prior to their resumption. It is an ultimatum.

The Assembly, also, faulted Governor Siminalayi’s directive to Administrative Heads to take over the reigns of governance at the Local Governments.

The Source Supreme Court had, on Friday, February 28, 2025 ruled among other things to  recognize  the 27 pro-Wike defected law makers as authentic members of the legislative body, with an order for the Governor to re-present to them ,the 2025 budget which  four member House led by Victor Oko-Jumbo had considered and passed into law.

The Court also annulled the October 6 2024 Local Government Election held in Rivers State during which the Governor’s loyalists swept the polls. On that in his broadcast, the Governor had ordered the sacked Chairnen to handover to Administrative Head of the Councils on Monday, pending when a new Election will be organised.

It will be recalled that the four member House of Assembly, had late December, 2024, passed the state’s N1. 1 trillion fiscal estimate for the year 2025.

The bill was signed into law on January 2, 2025 by Governor Fubara.

The Supreme Court also ruled to halt further remittance of Federal Statutory revenue to Rivers State until the re-presentation of the budget to the Assembly led by Speaker Amaewfule.

At plenary on Monday ,the House, in a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Dumle Maol, reminded  Governor Fubara of  the Supreme Court’s pronouncement and the need for him to obey the order .

“That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit number : SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of statutory Federal Allocations to the Rivers state Government, and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State, pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the Constitution as amended .

“That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours” the Assembly stated.

The Assembly, also, noted that the directives for Administrative Heads to take over the Local Councils is not in  consonance with constitutional provisions.

In a state wide broadcast on Sunday, March 2, 2025, Governor Fubara directed the local officials, to vacate office, and allow Administrative Heads to hold the forte until new election is held.

But the Lawmakers are insisting that both the Supreme Court verdict and extant constitutional provisions are against the administration of the Local Governments by any other persons outside of duly democratically elected officials .

The House equally announced its intentions to proceed on a long, overdue recess by Friday this week, having been working for the  past two years without a break.

1...835836837...3,072Page 836 of 3,072