Home Blog Page 850

“Next Time Akpabio Harasses Any Woman, He Must Get Ready. Enough Is Enough” – Oby Ezekwesili

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Oby Ezekwesili and Godswill Akpabio

By Adesina Soyooye

“But for the Judiciary, how would Akpabio become Senate President”

From Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister for Education, comes a warning to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. “Next time Mr Akpabio harasses any woman, well-elected, unlike him, and representing  her constituency, @ the National Assembly or any woman at all anywhere in this country, he must get ready. Enough is enough”.

Ezekwesili’s anger stems from the altercation between Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate during plenary a couple of days ago.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had protested her being reassigned to another chair without the courtesy of telling her. It escalated when she tried to make a contribution, but the Senate President would not let her, and insisted she would not be allowed to contribute from where she was because it was a breach of the Senate protocol. When she made to clarify, Akpabio ordered that she be “kicked” out of the Senate Chambers. That forced Akpoti-Uduaghan to talk back, explain herself, and tell Akpabio that she was not afraid of him.

She explained that she had always been on the receiving end of Akpabio’s condescending manner of speaking, and disclosed that the Senate President has been deliberately side-lining her and denying her of her privileges, including official trips.

The altercation, and what not a few people now see as a deliberate humiliation of women by Akpabio, has since taken the centre stage  of public discourse.

On Monday, Ezekwesili weighed in, and sent a notice to Akpabio that he would not come out smelling of roses next time he harasses any woman anywhere in the country, especially, those better qualified and well-elected than him.

Mrs Ezekwesili reminded Akpabio that for the untidiness at the Judiciary that saw him to the Senate, there was no way he could have been presiding over the Senate.

He wondered why Akpabio was always picking on female Senators, and told him to be ready next time because “enough is enough”.

Mrs Ezekwesili: “I tweeted last year that if not for the rottenness of our Judiciary,  Nigerians would not have an @Senator_Akpabio presiding over the upper house of our @nassnigeria-the Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate.

“This statement has been given proof by Mr Akpabio in the nearly  two years of his ‘leadership’ of the Senate.

“One issue stands out. Mr Akpabio implicitly thinks that his even more accomplished female colleagues must be humiliated in order for his ego to be assuaged.

“Is it not a shame that one day it is @NatashaAkpoti, another day, @Iretikindibe, and yet another day @NatashaAkpoti that are at the receiving end of the appalling misconduct of the topmost officer of our Legislature?

“And we wonder why Nigeria shamefully places at the lowest neighbourhood of the ranking  of countries on Women in public leadership,  specifically at 4 4%.

“I encourage the women in public leadership to never ever lose their voice. Continue to stand strong in your commitment to citizens and prove that representation matters.

“All aspects of data do in fact show that representation matters a lot.

“Next time Mr Akpabio harasses any woman well-elected unlike him and representing her constituency @ the National Assembly or any woman at all anywhere in the country, he must get ready. Enough is enough.”

El-Rufai: “PDP Not An Option For Me, Never

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

By Adesina Soyooye

For those, especially, members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, looking forward to a return of Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, to the Party, the thought has better be perished.

In recent times, El-Rufai has been going round, meeting with politicians across the Country, especially in the North, with the aim of engineering a solid coalition to deny President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, a second term in office.

He has, particularly, met a couple of times with Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 Election. He and Atiku, also, together paid a condolence visit to the family of late Ijaw Leader, Chief Edwin Clark. And, a couple of days ago, El- Rufai had, to the surprise of a number of Nigerians, reminded of Atiku’s contributions to the growth of the economic sector of Nigeria when he was Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo. El-Rufai  said Nigerians are not given enough credit to Atiku in that regard.

Since the President Bola Tinubu Government, El-Rufai has been given a space. He is not in the inner circle. Something strange to him. During the Governments of both Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, he was in the “very inner” circle. But now, he is in the cold. He couldn’t even get clearance at the Senate for a Ministerial appointment he had been nominated to.

On Monday, in an interview with Arise Television, he blamed it on Tinubu who he said ordered his non-clearance after the President had asked him to prepare to take over the problematic Ministry of Power and deal with the electricity mafia.

He noted in the interview that the APC had left him, and hinted that he would consider another platform if there is no change in the APC to continue his “progressive politics.”

Many had thought he would go back to the PDP, his original political party, under which he was the very powerful Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

But El-Rufai says perish the thought. He told his interviewer, Charles Aniagolu, that on no condition would he go to the PDP. Never, he said. According to him, PDP is worse than it was when he decamped to the APC. His visit to politicians across political parties, he said, meant nothing. He said he is free to visit friends who are not of the Political  Party with him.

El-Rufai: “It should be clear that the fact that I am in the APC doesn’t mean that I cannot visit a friend of mine who is in the PDP or SDP. So, anytime I visit anyone that is not in APC, they say ‘oh, he’s thinking of leaving the party’.

“I don’t know where I will end up if the APC doesn’t come back to where we started. But one thing I can tell you for sure is that PDP is not a party I will go to, ever. I have thought about that. I’ve decided that long ago, and nothing has changed. In fact, if anything, PDP has gotten worse. Rule out PDP.”

NSA Ribadu Positioning Self For 2031 Presidential Seat – El-Rufai

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Nasir El-Rufai and Nuhu Ribadu

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has  revealed that National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, is positioning himself to run for the office of the President in 2031 under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

El-Rufai, who said this in an interview Monday, February 24, with Arise Television’s Charles Aniagolu, alleged that Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, has embarked on a mission to destroy others in a bid to pick the plum job in 2031.

Even though El-Rufai mentioned nobody Ribadu has so destroyed, except him, El-Rufai,  speculations have been rife that he may have provided the security report cited by the Senate in refusing to clear El-Rufai when President Bola Tinubu forwarded his name as a Ministerial Nominee.

However, El-Rufai had, in the same interview, accused President Tinubu of ordering the Senate to dump him after, he, Tinubu, had promised him the position of Minister for Power, and cajoled him into appearing before the Senate for screening.

However, in the Arise interview, El-Rufai accused Ribadu of conniving with his predecessor in office, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, to destroy him and position Ribadu as Tinubu’s successor in 2031.

El-Rufai’s allegation against Ribadu is not all that surprising. Nor is that of Sani. He and his successor Sani, who was his Media Adviser before he pushed him to Senate, have been having a running battle.

And, in recent weeks, Ribadu and El-Rufai, who were very close friends, and worked closely during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, have  shown there is suddenly no love lost between them, with El-Rufai, having the upper hand in tearing at Ribadu.

While Ribadu has not given any hint of a future Presidential ambition, if he does, it wouldn’t be the first time.

Soon after he was removed as the very effective pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and retired from the  Nigerian Police, Ribadu surprisingly plunged into Politics, and was “head-hunted” by the then leader  of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, now President Bola Tinubu, to fly the now defunct Party’s Presidential ticket in 2011. He was, however, defeated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Ribadu had, also, ran for the Governorship seat of his State, Adamawa, but failed.

In 2023, President Buhari reaffirmed his confidence in Ribadu when he appointed him as the National Security Adviser.

The retired Police Officer is aged 64 years now. If he does run in 2031, it would be at the age of 71 years.

“Tinubu, Never My Friend,  Ordered Senate To Reject My Ministerial  Nomination – El-Rufai

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Bola Tinubu and Nasir El-Rufai

By Adesina Soyooye

“Hints on dumping APC, says Party has left him”

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, has revealed how he was betrayed by President Bola Tinubu and humiliated out of his Ministerial nomination.

Recall that President Tinubu had forwarded El-Rufai’s name as one of his  Ministerial Nominees. But in a move that shocked not a few people, especially, given the role El-Rufai played in the emergence of Tinubu as President in 2023, the Senate rejected his nomination citing security reports.

But in an interview Monday evening with Arise Television’s  Charles Aniagolu,  El-Rufai revealed that his rejection by the Senate was ordered by President Tinubu.

Ironically, El-Rufai disclosed that it was President Tinubu that goaded him into accepting the nomination and appearing before the Senate for screening. He said Tinubu already offered to him the position of Minister for Power even before his nomination. He said Tinubu told him to come on board so that they would “join hands to defeat the electricity mafia.”

El-Rufai said it was the challenge that they would defeat the mafia that made him accept the nomination but Tinubu changed his mind,  ordered the Senate not to clear him over spurious security reports, and dumped him.

El-Rufai: “What is the security issue? Where is the report? Has anyone released the report? There were other nominees with controversial issues that were cleared because the President made the call. The President simply changed his mind.”

El-Rufai also hinted he would dump the All Progressives Congress, APC, and added that the Party has left him. The option left for him, he said is to use another platform in pursuit of what he called his “progressive politics”.

He also made it clear that he would likely not support Tinubu’s second term in 2027. According to El-Rufai, President Tinubu “was never his friend, was never close to him” and in 2027, would consult widely before he would make a decision on whose Presidential aspiration to support.

In the run up to the APC Presidential Primaries in 2023, when it seemed a little obvious that President Muhammadu Buhari was not in support of a Southern Candidate, and by extention, Tinubu, it was El-Rufai who led a delegation of APC Northern Governors to meet Buhari in the Presidential Villa to insist that power should, and must shift to the South.

Days earlier, then National Chairman of the APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu had, after a meeting with Buhari in the Villa, came out to announce that the immediate past Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, was the Party’s consensus Candidate.

However, Tinubu gave them a bloody nose at the Presidential Primaries by easily picking the ticket.

Over 14 Million Nigerians Hooked  On Hard Substances –  Marwa, NDLEA Boss

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Buba Marwa - NDLEA

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Chairman of the National Drug Law  Enforcement Agency NDLEA Brigadier General Buba Marwa rtd, has decried the rising rate of consumption of illegal substances among Nigerians.

This is even as he informed that the South West geo-political zone tops the list of people involved in the use of illegal drugs in the Country.

Speaking at the occasion of an awareness campaign against drug abuse, organized by the National Orientation Agency, NOA, for North-west region in Kaduna on Monday February 24, 2025, General Marwa, also, called on parents, guardians and all relevant stakeholders to join hands to  rid the country of the ugly menace of drug abuse and trafficking.

The initiative which was also supported by the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, is targeted at mitigating drug abuse in the North-west region, which was hitherto considered an epicenter of drug abuse and trafficking.

However, according to the NDLEA Chairman, available statistics have shown that the South-west region tops the chart in the consumption of  hard substances in the country.

The South-south, South-east, North- west and North- central follow respectively in that order after the South-west.

The NDLEA boss while expressing deep appreciation

to the organizers of the sensitization programme harped on the imperativeness of halting the devastating activities of illegal drug trafficking and consumption in the country.

He particularly sued for a robust collaboration between the Government,and other stakeholders to ensure the eradication of drug abuse and trafficking in our societies.

“This effort (the awareness campaign) is a testament to your commitment to building a society free from the devastating consequences of substance abuse.

“Like many other nations, Nigeria is grappling with the tragic consequences of drug abuse, particularly among its youth.

“The 2018 National Drug use Survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC revealed an alarming reality: 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15–64 use psychoactive substances.

Even more disturbing is the fact that one in four drug users in Nigeria is female ,while one in five suffers from drug use disorder.

A close look at the North West geo-political zone ,comprising Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States presents an even more concerning picture.

With an estimated 25 million.people in 2016 ,this zone remain the most populous in Nigeria .The Survey estimated that 12 percent of the region’s population approximately three million people are drug users.

The most commonly abused substances include cannabis ,followed by the non-medical use of opioids such as tramadol ,codeine,and morphine ,as well as cough syrups containing codeine or dextromethorphaMarwa stated.

Further speaking,the NDLEA chairman informed that ,Kano the most densely populated ,ranks the highest among the seven North West states in hard substances abuse.

Jigawa state ,with about % 7.0.users , is said to rank the lowest .

” These figures are  deeply troubling and underscore the urgent need for collective actions to combat drug abuse and its devastating consequences.

“The North-west like other regions of Nigeria has seen a surge in drug related crimes, addiction and social decay. Drug use is not merely a law enforcement issue, it is a public health crisis, a social problem and an economic burden.

“Its effects ripple through families, school, workplaces and communities, leading to health crises, lost productivity, financial strain and increased security threats.

“There is a strong link between drug abuse and criminal activities such as banditry, terrorism kidnappings, and murder.

However, beyond the crime statistics, we must recognize the human cost of this epidemic addiction, broken homes, lost opportunities, mental health crises, preventable deaths and an overburdened healthcare” General Marwa, noted.

Consequently, he stated  that the enormity of drug -induced crises are such that demand concerted efforts from law enforcement agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, the media and the entire community to handle.

He emphasized the need for Governors and other relevant authorities to complement the efforts of the agency in the fight against drug abuse, through the building of more rehabilitation centres.

“We call on Governors in the zone (North West) to please build at least three rehabilitation centres in their States, one in each Senatorial District because of the enormity and consequences of this menace (drug abuse) on  the socio-economic well being of our citizens and the security of everyone if left to fester.

General Marwa reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the NDLEA in combating drug abuse and other drug related crimes.

“We, therefore, urge State Governments, law makers, local authorities and private stakeholders to partner with us to ensure long-lasting solutions”, the NDLEA Chairman stated

NNPP Suspends Senator, 3 House Of Reps Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Senator Abdulrahman Suleiman Kawu Sumaila

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Kano State Chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples party, NNPP, on Monday, February 24, 2025, wielded the big stick against four  Members of the National Assembly from the State.

Senator Abdulraham Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South District ,Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo representing Rogo Federal Constituency, Hon Abdullahi Rurum representing Rano/Kibya Federal  Constituency and Hon Ali Maadakin ,Dala Federal Constituency, were suspended indefinitely by the party leadership, citing gross anti-party activities as a major reason.

The Source reports that the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, had, last weekend, given a strong inkling about the possible defection to the party of some Federal Lawmakers from the State.

The State Chairman of the NNPP, Hashimu Dungurawa, who revealed the development to journalists on Monday informed that the party has been compelled to take  disciplinary actions against the suspended Federal legislators in order  to preserve party loyalty and discipline.

According to Dungurawa, the party is highly disappointed with the conducts of the affected National Assembly members who he said were given complimentary tickets during the 2023 general elections.

However, despite enjoying such rare privilege ,the suspended members he noted, have continued to go against the party’s interests.

The  suspended members, the party chairman added, have never shown appreciation for the honour and privilege accorded them by the party .

Dungurawa, further accused them of being apathetic to issues concerning the NNPP, but will, at the slightest opportunity, jump at invitations extended by opposition parties.

Specifically, the NNPP alleged that information at the party’s disposal have indicated  that the   suspended members in recent times have been attending meetings and functions put together by the APC and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril Barau.

Conversely ,they have tactically avoided any gathering involving their political platform and its leaders, Dungurawa alleged.

The NNPP Chairman expressed serious concern over the attitude of the four  National Assembly Members despite the special treatment from the party both before and after the 2023 polls .

How Danjuma’s Refusal To Succeed Murtala Mohammed Threw Up Obasanjo – Babangida

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida

By Adesina Soyooye 

Former Military Head of State and former Civilian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is a lucky man, a man of destiny. God used a couple of people to shape his destiny. And what a destiny he shaped for him.

To become Nigeria’s Head of State, He used Lt General Theophilus Danjuma to make it possible. And to become Nigeria’s President, He “inadvertently” used Late General Sani Abacha, who jailed him, innocently, for a coup plot he was not even aware it.

Obasanjo became Head of State after Major General 

Murtala Mohammed was killed in a bloody coup. Obasanjo was his second-in-command but was of the same rank with Danjuma.

According to former President, Ibrahim Babangida in his autobiography, A Journey In Service, which he presented on February 20, 2025, when the Head of State was killed the choice of a successor was between Obasanjo and Danjuma. Being the second-in-command, the expectation was that Obasanjo would step in, but he refused, and instead opted  to resign. He wanted Danjuma to become the Head of State. But Danjuma rejected, and insisted on Obasanjo.

Babangida the sub-title “The Murtala Muhammed Years” narrated: “The Supreme Military Council met the following day to discuss the succession plan but the council was divided over the choice of Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma, both of whom, at the time, were Lieutenant-Generals and most senior military officer.IBB disclosed that though the pendulum of the SMC swung in Danjuma’s direction, he rejected the offer and suggested that Obasanjo, who was Murtala’s deputy and a ‘senior’ Lieutenant-General, should succeed Murtala.According to him, Obasanjo, instead, opted to retire from the Army to pave the way for Danjuma’s ascension as Head of State, but such move led to a stalemate as Danjuma rejected the suggestion, insisting that Obasanjo 

should succeed the late Head of State.

“The next day, the SMC met in Lagos to pick a successor to General Muhammed. We knew it would be either General Obasanjo or General Danjuma since, as Lieutenant-Generals, they were the most senior. As I recall, the pendulum swung in favour of General Danjuma at the start of the deliberations. Everyone present, including Obasanjo, thought Danjuma should take over.

“But somehow, Danjuma cast his lot with Obasanjo, insisting that as Muhammed’s deputy and a ‘senior’ Lieutenant-General, Obasanjo should succeed Murtala Muhammed. Obasanjo refused and offered, if I recall accurately, to retire from the Army to enable Danjuma to emerge as Head of State. There appeared to be a momentary stalemate. But that soon faded away. Faced with the insistence of Danjuma, everyone caved in, and Obasanjo accepted the challenge to succeed Murtala.“With the question of the Head of State settled, the choice of substantive Deputy to Obasanjo and Chief of Staff (Supreme Headquarters) had to be resolved. I don’t recall that it was tabled before the SMC. But I suspect that General Danjuma, as Chief of Army Staff and ‘de facto’ deputy to Obasanjo during those early days, decided, presumably after consultations, to name Lt-Col. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. And in an exercise that would have rattled a few within the military, especially those senior to him, Yar’Adua was promptly promoted to Brigadier and, subsequently, Major-General.

”The elder stateman also narrated how he disarmed late Dimka and other mutineers who had taken over the Radio House, adding that in the ensuing gunfight, Dimka escaped but his aide-de-camp, 2nd Lt Garba, was killed among other casualties.

“Meanwhile, I returned to General Danjuma to give him a report of my encounter with Dimka. Danjuma was furious. He ordered me back to the Radio House with a reiteration of his earlier instructions to ‘flush Dimka out of place immediately.

“I returned to Radio House with Chris Ugokwe, better equipped and prepared. By now, we had been joined by, among others, Mike Otuwa, James Ojokojo, John Shagaya and Jack Iketubosin.

“But first, I had to reach out to my friend and classmate, Sani Sami, who commanded the Brigade of Guards, to handle a difficult assignment. The Brigade of Guards’ barracks provided easy access to the Radio House. But again, I had to be careful since I wasn’t sure whether the Brigade was still loyal to the government.

“Sani Sami and I consulted and agreed that there should be minimum destruction. And that we would do what we were taught as cadets in situations involving a civilian population to ensure that civilians got out of the way and didn’t get injured.

“Once that was done, we moved in, cordoned off the area and engaged the mutineers in a gun battle. There were casualties in the ensuing armed confrontation, including Dimka’s ADC, 2nd Lt Garba. Also, one of the other vital plotters, Major Ibrahim Rabo, was arrested by Major Yomi Williams as he tried to escape and was promptly taken to the Bonny camp for interrogation. But, somehow, Dimka, quite inexplicably to this day, managed to escape from the scene unharmed.”

“Later that evening, the Federal government announced that the coup attempt had been quashed and declared seven days of national mourning in Murtala’s honour. The next day, February 14, General Muhammed was buried in Kano at a ceremony witnessed by thousands of mourners and members of the SMC, including Major-General Bisalla, who would later be implicated in the coup attempt.

“The national outpouring of grief and support following the assassination of Murtala was unprecedented. In his short six months in office, Murtala Muhammed had become a folk hero, endearing himself to many. Angry, grief-stricken students of the Universities of Ibadan, Benin and Lagos held violent street demonstrations in protest against his killers.

“Organised Labour movements, civil society organisations and even market women issued statements of solidarity for the Murtala Muhammed administration. Afterwards, the GOC of the 1 Division in Kaduna, Major-General Alani Akinrinade, issued a strong statement of support from Lagos for Murtala, and virtually all other military installations in the country followed suit by disassociating themselves from the coup.”

Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa, At Inauguration, Dumps “Redeemed Agenda” Programme Of Successor, Births “Our Ease”

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa Inauguration

By Ayodele Oni

Lucky Aiyedatiwa has taken oath of office as the seventh democratically elected Governor of Ondo state. His deputy, Olayide Adelami was also inaugurated at a colourful ceremony.

The ceremony, which took place in Akure on Monday was attended by governors from the south west, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional rulers and leaders of industry.

 In his inaugural speech, Aiyedatiwa paid  glowing tributes to the founding fathers and former Governors of the state, who have contributed immensely to its growth and development over the past 49 years of its creation. 

He specifically recognized and thanked late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for allowing him to serve as his deputy.

“We must not forget this courageous and personable leader who literally emptied himself in the service of Ondo State and Nigeria as his legacy continues to inspire us to continue to build upon the foundations he laid. 

“I am particularly indebted to him for choosing me as his Deputy and for his public and undisguised prophetic declaration at about this time, on this same podium, four years ago, when he was being sworn-in for his second term as Governor and my humble self then as Deputy Governor. 

“That declaration must be appreciated for setting the tone for me as his successor to the office of Governor.  I must say that I am deeply pained that this great leader who saw tomorrow is not here with us to witness and servour this auspicious occasion which marks the fulfilment of what God spoke through him.”

The governor assured the people of the state not to let them down as the administration will touch their life in all aspects.

“We like to assure you that the overwhelming renewed mandate you have freely given to us has further placed on us a huge burden of leadership and we promise never to rest on our oars. 

“We make a solemn pledge this day that we shall lead and govern with the fear of God and utmost dedication to the progress of the State. We will prioritise the welfare of our people, particularly the most vulnerable among us – the poor, the sick and the marginalised.

“My dear people of the Sunshine State, today, with a heart full of gratitude we have accepted on oath with all humility and sense of responsibility to be your Governor and Deputy Governor. We are in a hurry to justify this fresh mandate entrusted to us.  

“In the next four years, we will work with interested investors and our development partners in ensuring that our Port Ondo becomes a reality.  We will also facilitate investors to explore our large deposits of bitumen for local use and export purposes, thereby generating huge revenue to the State. 

 “This has been the vision and goals of our founding fathers.  There is no doubt that this would not be an easy task but we are prepared to frontally confront these challenges and succeed.

“From this day, our State will transit from the REDEEMED AGENDA of the last four years to a new Development Policy Thrust, O’DATIWA O’ DIRORUN, which was our electioneering campaign mantra to the people and which literally translates to “OUR EASE”. 

“This 7-point pillar shall propel our development agenda for the next four years as carefully designed to drive sustainable development and improve quality of life for our citizens.”

To the opposition political parties, the governor stated that “I ike to appeal to our friends in the opposition parties to join hands with our administration to develop the Sunshine State. 

‘We have no need for unnecessary political distractions which are costing us time, resources and energies that could be redirected and gainfully utilised for accelerated development of the State. There is room enough for all.”

LAHA Speaker, Meranda May Resign Due To Regional Representation In State Leadership

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mojisola Meranda - Speaker Lagos State

By Akinwale Kasali

Speculations are rife that the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda may resign her position, paving way for either Hon. David Setonji or Hon. Wale Rauf.

It was gathered that over the weekend, the former All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and members of the Governor Advisory Council, GAC, met, with principal officers in the Assembly, intervening in the crisis in the Assembly, urging Meranda to step down and return to her former position as Deputy Speaker.

Reason behind the appeal for Meranda to resign is for regional representation in State Leadership.

Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Speaker Meranda are both from Lagos Central, leaving Lagos West without any top leadership position.

Given that the embattled and impeached former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa hails from Lagos West, stakeholders have recommended that the next Speaker be chosen from the district.

This gives room for either Setonji and Rauf to fill the vacuum.

Setonji is currently the Chief Whip of the House and has served as a lawmaker since 2015. Hon Rauf has been in the House since 2019.

This development has, however, led to birckbats among the Lawmakers, who, 36 out 40 of them had declared their loyalty and support for Meranda.

The discussion was said to have ended in a deadlock over the weekend, with another meeting scheduled for this week.

It would be recalled that the rumour of Miranda’s would be resignation was at the front burner last week, but she vehemently denied the news, saying that at no time had she contemplated resigning from her position.

Ogene Trains, Empowers Youths On ICT

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Ogene Trains and Empowers Youths

Afam Ogene, member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has taken another significant step in empowering youths in his constituency, as 50 youths from Ogbaru, Anambra State, have benefited from an information and communication technology, ICT), training and empowerment programme.

The ICT training, which took place at Ruchem Hotel, Iyiowa-Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, on Sunday, February 23, 2025, marks the fourth phase of the lawmaker’s human capital development programme over the past five months. Previous phases included training in solar energy technology, clean cooking, and fishery.

To further support their development, each participant received a laptop computer and a cash gift, enabling them to deepen their ICT knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic ecosystem.

Participants in the previous phases were also given starter packs and cash support to pursue their aspirations in their fields of training.

Victor Ogene
Ogene Empowers 50 Youths On ICT

Many of the elated beneficiaries praised Hon. Ogene’s commitment to youth and human capital development in the Constituency.

According to Miss Amuche Okolonkwo and Chidinma Anyaoha, the lawmaker’s consistency in facilitating these life changing training programmes is a testament to his intentionality in changing the narrative in Ogbaru.

Okolonkwo: “I’m very grateful and happy with the kind of representation that Hon. Afam Ogene is providing for us in Ogbaru. I have read about the previous training programmes and was very pleased to have been nominated to be part of this ICT programme. I was totally speechless when we were empowered with laptops and money. It has always been my dream to own a laptop, so I’m in cloud nine now with this coming to reality. May God bless our Rep member.”

Hon. Ogene had earlier said that the training and empowerment programme was part of his economic development strategy in Ogbaru Federal Constituency.

The Rep member, who is also the chairman, House of Representative Committee on Renewable Energy expressed gratitude to his friend, High Chief Mac-Chris Ndubuisi, Ikenga Umuawulu, for his support for Ogbaru Federal Constituency. Hon. Ogene: “Our aim is not just to give our people fish, but to also teach them how to fish. We will continue to facilitate skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities for our people that will help them thrive in life. Apart from university education, which we also support with access and opportunities for our people, we also thought it wise to incorporate some economic enhancing soft skills in addition to useful skills in evolving technologies which we started last year with the training in solar energy for our youths.

“We will continue to do our best in this regard in addition to some physical projects – some of which are already ongoing – which we have facilitated for the good and development of our people,” Hon. Ogene disclosed.

1...849850851...3,073Page 850 of 3,073