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Strong Nigerians Should Care For The Weak, And The Rich For The Poor – Uzodimma

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The Source
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Governor Hope Uzodimma at Christmas Thanksgiving Service
R-L: Wife of the Governor of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs.) Uzodimma, the husband, Governor Hope Uzodimma, husband of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chief Chukwuma Ekomaru and the wife, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and others during the Governor's Christmas Thanksgiving Service at St. Lima The Rose Catholic Parish, Ozuh, Omuma, Oru East Local Government Area ... Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on the Nigerian strongmen and women to make it a point of duty to care for the weak in their midst just as he urged the rich to show benevolence to the poor.

Speaking during the Christmas Church Service held at St. Lima of Rose Catholic Parish, Ozuh Omuma in Orlu Diocese, the home Church of the Governor, in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State on Wednesday (December 25), the Governor also insisted that the privileged Nigerians should take delight in showing love to the less privileged who may not have the capacity to repay them for their good deeds.

“Let us take advantage of the season to show love to our neighbours and people around us irrespective of religious, political party and ethnic coloration. Let love led us in Imo State, Communities, Local Governments  and the country at large and when we do this, the Egyptians we saw yesterday we shall see no more.”

Governor Uzodimma’s advice coincided with the Christmas Service Homily by the Bishop of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese, His Eminence Peter (Cardinal) Okpaleke, who reminded the Christian faithful, and all men of goodwill, that service to the people in whatever position they find themselves is akin to fulfilling the reason for the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind as Lord and Saviour by God.

The Governor thanked God for making it possible for Imolites in particular, and Nigerians in general, to witness another Christmas season, insisting that Christians should emulate the principles of love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Christ and strive to be their brothers’ keepers.

Governor Uzodimma who maintained that Christ’s birth was a demonstration of unparalleled love and compassion, noted that throughout his life’s journey Jesus Christ went about doing good because of the love he has for everyone regardless of their social status.

The Governor used the opportunity to regret the death of those who lost their lives at Ibadan, Abuja and Okija respectively during the occasion of the well intended charity work of giving to the less privileged that aligns with the Christmas season, also sympathised with their families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the deceased.

He however said that the incidents that unfortunately turned tragic should not deter people from doing good or engaging in acts of charity and compassion, even as he commended the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in ensuring that there is food security in Nigeria.

The Governor reiterated his determination to continue to work in the interest of the people by ensuring that all sectors that carter to their needs are given the proper attention they deserve, insisting that his 3R Shared Prosperity Government is already on top of the situation of making the welfare of the people its top priority as can be seen from the joyous mood of civil servants and pensioners this season.

Leveraging from the homily of His Eminence, the Governor said that the current hunger in Nigeria is also experienced all over the world due to the war in Ukraine and Russia and that of Palestine and Israel who are the major suppliers of food to the whole world  including Nigeria.

The Governor said what is required of Nigerian citizens is to join hands with  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his policies in agriculture and livestock production where he has budgeted large sums of money to ensure food security and sufficiency for Nigeria people.

“We should now join hands with Mr. President to produce what we eat and eat what we produce.”

The Governor informed that his administration is focused on care for the people’s welfare through good roads, agriculture, healthcare and education and enjoined all to continue to support the 3R administration.

The Governor’s further remarks read: “It is with a profound sense of joy that I address the good people of Imo State on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebration.

“I give God all the glory for keeping us alive to witness another year of the commemoration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For those who have departed before today, I pray for the repose of their souls.

“I also wish to use this opportunity to once more sympathize with those who lost their lives during the sharing of food in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija. It is most unfortunate that these acts of charity turned tragic.

“But because it was a good cause that turned sour, we should not be deterred from doing good or engaging in acts of compassion, which is what Christmas represents in its entirety.

“Our Lord, Jesus Christ, agreed to be born for our salvation. That was an act of unparalleled love and compassion. All throughout His earthly journey, He went about doing good, performing miracles, healing the sick, offering hope to the hopeless, and feeding the hungry.

“When we celebrate Christmas, we are to emulate the virtues of love and compassion exemplified by Him, who came to the world to save mankind. We must be our brothers’ keepers by ensuring that the strong care for the weak. This is the message we should take home this Christmas: Let the strong show compassion to the weak and the rich benevolence to the poor.

“As a government, we shall continue to strengthen all the institutions of the state to ensure the well-being of the citizenry. The goal of our 3R administration is nothing but making life easier for the people.

“When we build roads and other infrastructure, we care for the people. When we intervene in health, education, agriculture, or social welfare, we do it for the people. I am happier today that our civil servants and pensioners are happy.

“The joy of the season is the love showered on us by God. This love, exemplified in His total submission to be our Redeemer, should be translated into our relationship with others. We should show that same love, especially to the less privileged who may never be able to repay us for our deeds.

“As we celebrate this year’s Christmas, I urge all Imo people and, indeed, Nigerians to show love to one another irrespective of our political or religious affiliation. We should appreciate the efforts of the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in repositioning the economy, especially in ensuring food security in Nigeria.

“Let love lead us this Christmas. Let us shower love on our neighbours, our state, and our country.

“I wish all of us a love-filled Christmas.

“Happy Christmas, Imo people. Happy Christmas Christmas Nigerians.”

Earlier in his homily, Cardinal Okpalaeke

said Christians should open their hearts to the divine heart of God following the footsteps of Jesus Christ who is sent for our Salvation.

He highlighted the hunger in the land that has led to the loss of lives and the problem of Nigeria compounded by insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

However, Cardinal Okpalaeke assuaged the peoples fear when he encouraged all that there are challenges everywhere and that the coming of Christ is the solution to all, noting that “whatever we do to our neighbour is done to Christ.”

Cardinal Okpaleke however urged the government to do more to meet the needs of the people by prioritising its programmes as doing so will be in sync with what the coming of Jesus Christ depicts.

He said that the Church will continue to pray for those in positions of authority to discharge their duties in ways that the love Jesus Christ brought to the world will not be in vain.

The Vice Chancellor K. O. Mbadiwe University, Ideato, Orlu, Prof. Ikechukwu Dozie took the First reading, while  Governor Uzodimma took the second reading.

Highlights of the Church Service were the administration of the Eucharist and display of cultural play by Ozuh Omuma Youths.

The Christmas Service was attended by all categories of persons – political, business, traditional, religious, educational – from Imo State and beyond, including the Service Chiefs.

Prominent among the attendees were the wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma with her children and other family members, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chike Olemgbe, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, members of the National Assembly (Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chike Okafor, Princess Miriam Onuoha, and Eugene Dibiagwu), Imo State APC Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere and his predecessor, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo and other National and State chieftains of the Party, the Minister of State (Finance) Dr. Doris Anite-Uzoka, and former minister of Education, Rt. Hon. Good luck Opia.

Others were Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu and his spouse, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and his spouse, members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Igariwey Igariwey and the current Secretary General, Ambassador Okey Emuchay, Co Chairman of Southern Traditional Council/ Imo State Elders Council, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers/ Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze EC Okeke, Eze Oliver Ohanweh, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Henry Njoku, Chief Charles Amadi, and many others too numerous to mention.

Gunmen Abduct Anambra State Lawmaker

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Honourable Justice Azuka

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police Authorities on Wednesday December 25, 2024, assured that, efforts are underway to rescue, unhurt, kidnapped Anambra state House of Assembly member.

Honourable Justice Azuka, the Lawmaker representing Onitsha North State Constituency, was reportedly  abducted  at about 9.00 pm on Tuesday December 24, by some gun men.

He was heading home when he was suddenly attacked and abducted along Ugwunapampa Road .

The Source reports that the Labour Party, LP, Legislator, was only recently inaugurated after a long drawn legal tussle to reclaim his mandate at the courts.

He had challenged the electoral victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate Douglas Egbuna in the 2023 general elections .

A statement from its spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga ,informed that the State Police Command is presently working on leads to ensure the safe rescue and arrest of those responsible.

“The Anambra State Police Command has activated operational plans for the possible rescue and arrest of the kidnappers of Mr Justice Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North constituency.

The report of the incident indicates that on December 24, 2024, at about 9.20pm, while returning home along Ugwunapampa Road, he was abducted by unidentified persons.

The Command is working on leads to ensure his rescue and the arrest. of those responsible. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses”, Ikenga stated.

Two dead, Eight Rescued In Foiled Kidnap Attempt In Katsina

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Gunmen - Kidnappers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Katsina State Police Command on Wednesday December 25, 2024, announced the rescue of no fewer than eight victims in a foiled kidnapped attempt .

This is even as they informed that operatives are hot on the heels of the fleeing bandits

Two out of the four injured victims of the abduction attempt, however, lost their lives while receiving medical attention, the police said.

A statement from the Command spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, noted that “some suspected banditry elements on Tuesday December, 24, ambushed and attacked a commercial bus in Kwanar Makera on  Katsina-Magama Jibia road, in Jibia Local Government of the state .

“However, the timely intervention of the operatives of the Jibia police formation, according to Sadiq led to a confrontation with the hoodlums.

“The fierce gun battle resulted in the thwarting of the plans of the attackers to abduct the ten passengers in the bus.”

Four of the rescued victims, the police said, sustained serious injuries.

Unfortunately, however two succumbed to death at the hospital where they were taken to for medical attention.

The Police Spokesman, noted that “concerted efforts are underway ,to track down the fleeing bandits.

“Full scale investigations have also been launched to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident,the police statement further stated .

“The State Police Commissioner CP, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, has lauded the gallantry exhibited by operatives in foiling the kidnap attempt .

“He urged them to maintain their high level of vigilance in the fight against crimes and criminal activities.

“CP Musa, however, appealed to the members of the public to always volunteer credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to assist in their efforts to properly secure the State”.

“It Is Yahoo 419 Lecture” Late Gov Akeredoku’s Widow, Betty, Rubbishes  Ondo Govt Over Planned Lecture In Honour Of Husband

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Wife of the late former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has dissociated family of late husband from a planned public lecture in honour of her deceased husband.

He condemned plans by the Ondo State government to organise a memorial lecture in honour of her husband, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

The former Ondo First Lady in a statement tagged: “Re: Purported Aketi lecture by Ondo State government”,  posted on her verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, described the proposed memorial lecture as a “yahoo #419 lecture.

She accused the Ondo State Government of using her husband’s name for personal gain emphasizing that the State Government did not carry the family along for the lecture.

According to her, neither she nor her family was informed about it. “Lucky can’t be serious! Which legacy? My foot! This is not for Aketi because I and my family are not aware. Damn it!” she wrote.

She pointed out that the memorial lecture was an insidious propaganda, saying: “You and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved.

“Now you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o!.”

Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu alleged that the plan was an attempt to undermine her husband’s legacy.

“Lucky, you are preoccupied with rubbishing Aketi’s legacy; you can’t succeed, anyway. Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy. Your minions are scared to get close otherwise they lose their appointments.”

The State Government has, however,  insisted that the lecture will hold as scheduled despite opposition by the late former Governor’s wife.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, posted on his Facebook handle, “Please, join us on Friday as we honour our former governor”.

Adeniyan also posted the flier of the event.

Jingle of the lecture has been aired on broadcast media and circulated on social media platforms.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu died on the 27th of December, 2023, after unsuccessful battle with illness. Immediately after his death, his estranged deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa was sworn-in.

Govs Aiyedatiwa, Adeleke Preach Love, Kindness To Ondo, Osun People

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke and Lucky  Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State, Governor,  Lucky  Aiyedatiwa,  and his Osun state counterpart, Ademola Adeleke have reminded the people of virtues of Christmas celebration, urging the people to spread the virtues of love, kindness, and generosity.

Governor Aiyedatiwa in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, congratulated them on witnessing another Christmas celebrations, urging them to embrace modesty during the Yuletide season.

“Christmas is not just a day; it is a frame of mind. A good conscience is a continual Christmas. Our celebration must embody the virtues and principles of Christ, for Jesus Christ is the reason for this season.

“This season is a testament to divine goodwill towards mankind, unfolding the great plan of redemption, worship, and praise to the Almighty God for His benevolence,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude for the blessings God has poured over Ondo State to overcome many challenges.

On a reflection on the past year, the Governor thanked the people of the State for their support for his administration which clocks one year this week.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State extended warm felicitations to Christians on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebrations, urging them to emulate the values of compassion and tolerance exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke described the birth of Christ as a pivotal moment in human history, highlighting the enduring power of love to transform humanity.

“Unity and togetherness remain the core messages of Christ’s life,” the Governor noted, calling on Christians, especially in Osun, to reflect on the spiritual essence of the season by fostering harmony and spreading love within their communities.

Governor Adeleke stated that “I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Christian faithful as we celebrate Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ symbolises the immense power of love and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion.

“Amidst the festivities, I encourage us to reflect on the renewal that Christ’s birth signifies by engaging in actions that unite rather than divide, build rather than destroy, and promote peace over conflict.

“It is my earnest appeal that we extend kindness to the vulnerable and the less privileged, ensuring that the spirit of Christmas—love and generosity—transcends all boundaries. At a time like this, no one should be left to fend for themselves.”

Governor Adeleke highlighted his administration’s commitment to alleviating the economic burden on the people of the state.

Hello emphasised that the recent implementation of the new minimum wage for workers and pensioners was aimed at ensuring a joyous celebration for many families.

“Workers across Osun State are already receiving credit alerts reflecting the implementation of the new minimum wage, while the approved welfare package for pensioners is being disbursed.

“This underscores our administration’s dedication to enabling families to celebrate Christmas without hindrance.

“Additionally, significant investments have been made in upgrading the state’s road infrastructure, facilitating seamless movement for residents. We remain steadfast in our commitment to implementing initiatives that positively impact the lives of Osun people.”

As the year draws to a close, Governor Adeleke expressed hope for a peaceful celebration and a prosperous 2025. He assured residents of continued investments in developmental projects, pledging to prioritise the well-being of Osun people to foster progress in the coming year.

LASG Seals Coca-Cola, Guinness, FrieslandCampina Factories For Non Compliance With Regulations

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government through its agency, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, LASWARCO, has sealed FrieslandCampina, makers of Peak , Milk, Coca-Cola and Guinness Nigeria Plc Factories for extracting large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes without proper authorisation and compliance with regulations.

Olowu Babatunde, Director, Technical Services, LASWARCO, made this known during an enforcement on Tuesday in Lagos. He stressed that LASWARCO had been engaging with these companies for over seven years to encourage compliance but efforts have been met with limited success.

“We operate a law that empowers us to regulate most of these heavy abstractors in Lagos State.

“Abstractors are individuals or entities that extract large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes.

“So, these companies that we have sealed, basically three of them – Coca-Cola, FreislandCampina and Guinness, abstract water in large quantities.

“And we have been engaging them over time. At least, I have been here for more than seven years now. We’ve been engaging these companies for more than seven years now.

“Some, either they do partial compliance, or some don’t comply at all. So, now that we started implementation of our regulation, we now compel them to fulfill all their regulatory demands,” he said.

The enforcement was a follow-up of a news briefing on unregulated groundwater abstraction by Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner, Ministry of  Environment and Water Resources, held on Monday.

Wahab noted that the Environmental Management Protection Law 2017 empowered LASWARCO to regulate groundwater activities and impose penalties for unauthorised abstraction.

He said that unregulated groundwater extraction could lead to serious environmental consequences, including land subsidence and groundwater contamination.

The Commissioner said in 2020, the government offered a 75 per cent waiver on groundwater abstraction fees, but compliance was low.

This, he said, necessitated LASWARCO to now initiate enforcement actions against defaulters.

He said that letters were issued to non-compliant organisations with a 72-hour ultimatum to comply and penalties would be imposed on those who continued to operate without authorisation.

Christmas: Gov Fubara Gives Civil Servants, Pensioners N100,000 Bonus

By
Ayodele Oni
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Siminalayi Fubara
Governor Siminalayi Fubara

By Ayodele Oni

Civil servants and pensioners in Rivers State received with joy, the announcement by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for a Christmas bonus of N100,000 each.

A statement on Tuesday by the Head of Service, George Nwaeke, revealed the governor’s gestures to them.

The statement states that “I wish to inform the general public that the

Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS in the spirit of the yuletide has approved the sum of N100,000 for civil servants, public servants and pensioners in Rivers State, to enable them have a fulfilled Christmas celebration.

“The 2024 Christmas bonus will go to workers in the different Ministries, Departments, And Agencies as well as the pensioners both in the civil and public service.

“His Excellency, who gave this approval on Monday 23rd of December 2024, has directed its immediate implementation to enable the civil servants have a wonderful yuletide celebration.

“I wish to state that this is the second time within the administration of his Excellency  Governor Siminalayi Fubara that civil servants in the state will be receiving Christmas bonuses, to the tune of one hundred thousand naira, an amount which is above the value of the nation’s minimum wage,

and the first time that pensioners are being included.

“The one hundred thousand Naira Christmas bonus for Both Civil and public servants as well as pensioners is part of Governor Fubara’s “Rivers First mantra” aimed at securing the well-being and happiness of Rivers people across the various sectors of the Economy.”

Niger: Murder Suspect Dies In Police Cell

By
Ayodele Oni
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Fatiyah Abdulhakeem died in Police Cell

By Ayodele Oni

An 18-year-old suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, who allegedly killed a retired Permanent Secretary in Niger State, Adamu Jagaba, has died while in Police detention.

Circumstances of Abdulhakeem’s death, which happened last Thursday remain uncertain.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the death of the suspect in a statement on Tuesday.

Abdulhakeem, a panel beater, of was recently paraded by the Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmama, as being the principal suspect in the killing of the late Permanent Secretary, Adamu Jagaba.

Jagaba was attacked and stabbed to death at his block industry near PDP Secretariat in Minna.

While narrating his involvement in the murder case, during the police parade, Abdulhakeem said he was contracted by some workers of the deceased to kill him.

According to the statement, “On 19/12/2024 at about 5pm, the suspect, Fatiyah Abdulhakeem, complained of severe stomach pains and cough.

“He was taken to the general hospital, Minna for medical attention but unfortunately, he later d!ed while receiving treatment.

“The corpse was deposited at the hospital morgue while awaiting postmortem result for further action.”

Children, Women Shielding Illegal Oil Refining Camps From Destruction – Gov Diri

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Duoye Diri

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Bayelsa state Governor Douye Diri, on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, accused oil thieves and other criminal elements sabotaging oil installations in the Niger Delta region of using women and children to evade the destruction of their illegal  operational sites.

This is just as he charged Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers and community leaders in Bayelsa to rise up to the occasion by assisting in the efforts at halting the inglorious activities of illegal oil refiners .

Governor Diri who spoke  at a meeting with  members of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Council Chairmen  expressed deep concern over the trend of using women ,children and other vulnerable groups as human shields at illegal oil refining camps

The state Governor, lamented that the renewed efforts at fighting oil thefts and shore up the crude production capacity of the country, have been severely hampered by the use of these vulnerable members of the society to evade the destruction of the illegal sites by the military.

“The report I received recently is that at illegal bunkering sites, they now have children and women which is a new  dimension I have never heard before.

“Some times when the military are authorized to destroy those camps ( illegal oil refining sites ) and when they get there on reconnaissance ,they ( military) will discover that children and women are used to shield those places.

“So ,we all have to work together. in our domains to educate our people. There was a situation where the military moved in to destroy illegal oil refining sites ,only to discover that children and women were there and so had to withdraw”, the Governor noted.

He, therefore, urged the traditional rulers and Local Government leaderships to set machineries in motion to sensitize their subjects on the need to refrain from sabotaging oil production activities as well as aiding and abating illegal refining of  petroleum products.

Governor Diri specifically, singled out Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Councils as the epicentre of the illegal oil refining operations.

He enjoined the Traditional Rulers and council chairmen to be providing him with  regular information on the activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals in their respective domains.

Battle For Lagos: “Drop Your Gov Ambition, Respect Sanwo-Olu”, Tinubu Warns Obasa

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Obasa and Sanwo Olu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly scolded Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly over his governorship ambition and alleged disrespect for Governor Bbajide Sanwo-olu.

Obasa, according to Vanguard was, on Tuesday tongue-lashed by the president during a meeting with the governor, Obasa and the Governorship Advisory Council, GAC, a body constituted by the ruleing All Progressives Congress, APC, to advise the state government.

The ruling APC chairman in the state, Cornelius Ojelabi also attended the crucial meeting.

According to the report, Tinubu was said to have also expressed his displeasure with the state Speaker over his rumoured governorship ambition, which watchers of events insist has set the state on a tailspin.

The magazine has reported that Obasa is one of those who have shown interest in Governor Sanwo-olu’s job, apart from Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son whose ambition to become governor has recently become a public item.

Recall that Obasa recently said none of those who have occupied the Alausa Government House, as the state seat of power is called, is more qualified than him.

President Tinubu, according to sources who attended the meeting was not pleased with the manner Obasa was prosecuting his reported governorship ambition, he also berated him for his alleged disrespect for Governor Sanwo Olu at the very crucial meeting.

A source, who confirmed Obasa’s presence at the Ikoyi meeting held behind closed doors said it lasted for several hours.

According to the source, Tinubu and the GAC, led by its Chairman, Pa Tajudeen Olusi, were able to reach a truce between Sanwo-Olu and Obasa, in order to allow peace reign in the state.

Several members of the council, and Sanwo-Olu with Obasa, were given the opportunity to speak on the issue before Mr. President addressed the gathering expressing his displeasure with Obasa but called for a way forward.

They accused Obasa of making statements likely to disintegrate and put the party into disrepute if he continues to speak carelessly about his gubernatorial ambition in 2027.

Recall that earlier, Tinubu had issued a stern warning to the Speaker over his alleged disrespect towards Governor Sanwo-Olu and the esteemed office of the governor.

The warning came during a meeting with the leadership of GAC, in Lagos over the weekend. Olusi visited the president shortly after his return to Lagos for the end-of-year break.

The meeting, meant to be a political gathering, turned into a platform for the GAC to address growing concerns about Obasa’s perceived disregard for the governor.

Olusi according to the report, opened the discussion, citing several instances where Obasa allegedly undermined the governor’s authority, a situation he described as unacceptable and detrimental to the state’s political stability.

Highlighting the importance of respecting the office of the governor, Olusi was said to have reminded the president of how the position was upheld during Tinubu’s tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.

In his remarks, Tinubu, visibly displeased with the allegations against the speaker, criticized Obasa for what he described as poor political management and lack of respect for Governor Sanwo-Olu.

The president particularly cited a recent move, by the Assembly under Obasa’s leadership, to push for a bill enabling them to sack the chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, labeling it as “a huge joke.”

The magazine reported that Governor Sanwo-Olu has been having it rough with the Obasa-led Assembly since he was re-elected for a second term in office.

Analysts cite, for instance, the refusal by the Assembly to confirm some commissioner and Special Adviser nominees by Governor Sanwo-olu, last year, as the peak of the entrenched battle between the governor and the Speaker.

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