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Osun@33: Gov Adeleke Tasks Indigenes On Development

August 27, 2024

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke has charged the people of the state to remain focus and be steadfast in the development of the state.

In a state wide broadcast to mark 33 years of creation of the state, the governor lauded the forefathers that fought for the creation of the state for their relentless efforts.

He stated that “My fellow citizens, as we mark this 33rd anniversary, let us renew our pledge to contribute to the development of our state.

“Let us embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and community that have defined us as a people. Together, we can ensure that the Osun of tomorrow is even greater than the Osun of today.

“As your Governor, I am committed to leading this charge with transparency, dedication, and accountability.

“As we all know that governance is a collective responsibility, I call on all of you—our traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs—to continue to play your part in the development of our state. Together, we can make Osun a model of excellence and progress.

“Today, let us renew our commitment to the vision that inspired the creation of Osun State. Let us continue to work towards a future where every citizen can thrive, where opportunities abound, and where the legacy of our founding fathers remains strong.

“In the face of challenges, we must remain steadfast. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Our strength lies in our unity, our diversity, and our shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Osun State.

“On this 33rd anniversary, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of our founding fathers. Osun State is our home, and it is our collective duty to ensure it continues to thrive.

“Good people of the State, in the 33 years since our state’s creation, we have faced both triumphs and challenges, but we have also made significant strides.

“Our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.

33 years ago, the dream of a state that could stand tall and independent within the Nigerian federation became a reality. The creation of Osun State in 1991 was not merely a political event, but the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of our people.

“It was the result of years of unwavering commitment and sacrifice by those who believed that our unique cultural heritage, resources, and potential deserved recognition and development.”

N70,000 Minimum Wage: Kano Seeks N99b Supplementary Budget

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 27, 2024

Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 approached the State House of Assembly seeking a N99 billion approval for the remaining part of the 2024 fiscal year.

According to the letter of which was read during plenary by the Speaker, Ismail Falgore, the Governor noted that out of the sum, a total of N33 billion will be used to service personnel cost.

Similarly, N30 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while the sum of N34 billion has been set aside for overhead and administrative purposes.

Governor Yusuf said that his move is in line with the provisions of sections 122 ( A and B) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

The primary and collected objective for seeking the supplementary budget, the Governor insisted, is to executive some priority projects that have the potentials to impact the lives of the people.

In an interactive session with the Media, after the presentation of the request letter to the State Lawmakers, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Matters, Musa Shanono, stated that the total budget of the State for 2024, after adding the supplementary request will come to N 569,559 816, 357.84.

Further breaking down the purposes, the Commissioner informed that a substantial part of the money, under personnel cost, will be dedicated to the payments of the N70,000 minimum wage recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The State is said to be determined to accord the minimum wage brokered by the umbrella body of the organized workforce – the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, a priority attention.

Shanono,also, stated that part of the supplementary appropriation will be used to consolidate on the infrastructural renewal projects of the state Government, particularly in the health and education sectors.

The State Legislators are set to give an accelerated consideration to the supplementary appropriation.

“Don’t Visit Your Personal And Administrative Deficits On Innocent Sokoto Citizens” – PDP To Gov Aliyu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 27, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

For allegedly masterminding the circulation of a video clip showing Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu having a torrid time holding down his audience in English Language, at a public function, Shafi’u Umar Tureta, an aide to the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, has been arrested by the State police Command.

Also arrested were several other Peoples Democratic Party PDP followers, believed to be working in concert with Tureta. Currently, Tambuwal’s Aide has been remanded in prison custody by a Sokoto State High Court.

They were also said to be behind the circulation of another viral video that captured guests feting the Governor’s wife with currencies of different hues at her birthday party a few months back.

The Source reports that the video showing the Governor’s wife being sprayed cash, had surfaced in the wake of the controversy sparked by the arrest and subsequent jailing of transgender social media influencer, Bobrisky.

But the PDP has rejected such orchestrated moves by the State police Command. The Party insists that Governor Aliyu is hounding its members.

In a statement issued by the Sokoto State PDP Publicity Secretary, Hassan Sahabi Sannyinawal, the opposition party admonished the Governor to purge his house of fifth columnists.

According to the statement, the Party stated that information available to it has revealed that Tureta and other PDP members were arrested on the orders of Governor Aliyu.

The Party noted that the arrested persons are being accused of sharing video clips of the Governor struggling to address his audience in English language at an event and another showing the Governor’s wife being sprayed cash at her birthday party .

However, the PDP is of the conviction that the said video clips must have been recorded first by members of the Governor’s inner circle before finding their way to the public domain.

According to the PDP spokesperson, it is the responsibility of the Governor’s aides to censor the videos and prevent them from being made public.

“Our party supporters and media personnel are not responsible for the Governor’s personal and administrative deficits and shortcomings .

“We advise, therefore, that he should endeavour to deal with his failures in constructive and proactive ways instead of visiting his frustration on innocent citizens.

“The PDP wishes to caution the Sokoto State Government about its fast worsening human rights record occasioned by its notoriety for harassment and assault on dissenting opinion.

“We hereby counsel Governor Ahmed Aliyu to turn his energy towards improving the dismal performance of his regime ,rather than the desperate struggle to stifle freedom of expression in the state”, part of the PDP statement reads.

Local Council Polls: Gov Soludo Seals LP, APGA Offices As APC Shuns Exercise

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 27, 2024

Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the September 28 2024 Local Council Election in Anambra, the State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, has gone for the broke.

In one fell swoop, the Governor who had earlier promised a level playing ground for all parties in the election, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, allegedly directed the sealing of Labour Party, LP, Anambra State head office.

The headquarters of the factional All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, led by Court proclaimed National Chairman Edozie Njoku, was also sealed by a combined team of Security Agents and Government officials.

The Source reports that Chief Njoku had, last month, been declared as the rightful National Chairman of APGA by a Court of Appeal, Abuja.

Subsequently, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC officially recognized him as the authentic leader of the Party.

But Soludo, who is the only Governor elected on the party’s platform, has refused to accept Njoku as APGA National Chairman.

In the last few weeks, the two have been locked in an intractable battle over the screening of APGA aspirants for the forthcoming Local Council Elections.

While Chief Njoku has insisted on his faction conducting the exercise, Governor Soludo will not tolerate such development.

The APGA headquarters located at the Udoka Estate in Awka, the Anambra State Capital was said to have been sealed in the wee of hours of Tuesday.

Chief Njoku who has acknowledged the development, however, promised to respond fully after consulting with other party National officers in Abuja.

“It is true. I got the information this morning that the Party Office in Awka has been sealed by a Government Agency. So, I am consulting with our National officers.

It is after the consultation that we will decide on the next line of action to take”, the APGA National Chairman stated.

But reacting to the development, the LP Secretary in the State, Okoli Akirika, while confirming the sealing of the state Secretariat, regretted that such a far reaching action was taken without engaging the officials both through notices and/or warning letters.

He informed that some agents of the State Government, in concert with Security Operatives, stormed the party office, ordered everybody in sight out, and sealed it up.

“It is rather unfortunate, bizarre and brazen that the Anambra state Government is fruitlessly seeking to truncate statutorily emplaced procedure for the selection of Local Government Chairmen and Councilors in the deviously convoluted Council election, is now mindlessly resorting to underhand, illegal and obnoxious intimidation.

“While appealing to the teeming Labour Party members, supporters, sympathisers, stakeholders and Ndi Anambra in general to remain calm, the State Leadership of our great Party shall, as law abiding Anambrarians have recourse to due process to contain and checkmate this unprovoked and untrammeled illegality” the LP stated.

In the main, the state Government has continued to claim ignorance of the fate that befell the two opposition parties.

Dr Obi Ogbolu, Governor Soludo’s Aide on Political Matters, while speaking emphatically denied any knowledge about any sealed Party offices.

“Iam not aware of any attempt to seal party offices in the state, except that someone called to complain that they have been asked to leave their office.

“When asked where I was told at the Udoka Estate, on enquiry, the Housing Development Corporation said that before now, it had served warning notices to the landlord concerning the conversion of the place to commercial purposes without official approval.

In essence, the Housing Development Corporation said the residential building was converted to commercial purposes. But I am not aware that the place is a party Secretariat”, Ogbolu noted.

The Source further reports that the All Progressive Congress, APC, last week, served notice of its imminent boycott of the Local Council Elections, citing lack of sincerity on the part of Governor Soludo’s administration as a major reason.

The Party had maintained that, it has no intentions to confer legitimacy on an exercise primed to be mired by manipulations.

The Council polls is coming over a decade since the last exercise was conducted in 2014 under the administration of Peter Obi.

Former Governor Willie Obiano ran the Councils throughout his eight years with appointed Caretaker Officials.

Governor Sulodo, before now, had maintained the tradition.

NEMA Receives Deported Nigerians From Libya

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), has announced the repatriation of a new batch of 171 Nigerians from Libya.

NEMA said the returnees were received on Tuesday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Cargo Terminal, Ikeja, Lagos.

The agency, on its X handle explained that the returnees were brought into the country on a Al-Buraq aircraft Boeing 737-500 with registration no: 5A-DMG.

According to the agency, “The repatriated Nigerians are 41 female adults, 115 male adults, one female child, six male children, four female infants and four male infants. No medical case was recorded.

“The NEMA Lagos Territorial Office LTO officers along with other stakeholders such as Nigeria Immigration Service, (IOM), Port Health, Federal Airport Authority(FAAN), NAPTIP and NCFRMI, were on ground to provide basic humanitarian support for the returnees upon their arrival.

“In addition to the reception given, the returnees are expected to undergo basic business skill training, counseling and necessary medical assistance at the Transit Camp in Lagos as part of the reintegration programme before their release to their various destinations by IOM.

“Those That Want To Truncate Civil Rule Have Not Experienced Military Regime – COAS, Lagbaja

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has observed that those calling on the military to take over governance in Nigeria have never experienced undemocratic government.

The COAS re affirmed that the Nigerian Army will resist all calls for undemocratic intervention in governance by the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He declared that “Thanks, But No Thanks” the Nigerian Army will not allow itself to be use to undemocratically sail some interests to power and not poised to lose the new prestige it has painstakingly built in the past 25 years.”

General Lagbaja stated this during his opening remarks at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff combined second and third quarters conference 2024, on Tuesday, at Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs Hall, Uyo.

General Lagbaja while reacting to pertinent issue that came up during the recent August 1–10 End Bad Governance Protest said the call was coming from young Nigerians who never experienced the Nigeria extensive military rule and the converted struggles by heroes and heroines of the current democratic dispensation to get the nation on its current part.

“As the Service that received the most image bashing as a fallout of previous military interventions in Nigeria, the Nigerian Army remains secure, and united.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in sustaining the ongoing efforts to ensure maximum revenue accrues to the Federal Government for the benefit of the generality of Nigerians.”

He noted that since the Nigerian Army’s senior hierarchy last met in April for the First Quarter Conference, the country has witnessed a new set of security challenges.

“Aside from the known threats of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, illegal mining, and farmer/herder crises, the recent protests in the Country, which were primarily driven by discontent over economic issues and government policies, resulted in significant unrest and, in some cases, violence.

“This situation reminded us that, as an Armed Force, we must not only focus on physical security and defence of the nation, but that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges.

“This situation reminded us that, as an Armed Force, we must not only focus on physical security and defence of the nation but that food and social security issues can snowball into physical security challenges.

“The protest that was held between 1 and 10 August this year was largely driven by provocative and inciting social media traffic. Although it was professionally managed by the Nigeria Police Force supported by the military and other security agencies. The challenge that it posed is a pointer to the fact that the military must always remain professional.

“It is obvious that some of the protest organisers hold contrary opinions from the government on how the security forces managed the situation.

“However, I believe it was carefully handled, and I commend our commanders and troops for conducting themselves in the most professional manner as they worked with the Nigeria Police and civil authorities to effectively control the situation.”. He continued.

Lt. Lagbaja, however, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and the destruction of public facilities, as well as looting witnessed in some states.

He mentioned that investigations are instituted into the actions of both the protesters and security forces, even as he condoled with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives during the protests.

He stressed that as a creation of the Nigerian Constitution, the Nigerian Army recognizes citizens’ right to air their grievances but believes such should only occur within the confines of the law.

“Evidently, the situation that led to the protest seems to have settled, but the Nigerian Army understands that the issue of food security will remain on the front burner of our national security policy and discussions for a while.”

LP Crisis: No Leadership Vacuum, Abure Replies Gov Otti

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 27, 2024

The National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP, Julius Abure has rejected the call by the Abia state governor, Alex Otti on him and other members of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, to step down.

The Abia governor had during a recent meeting with the LP chairman demanded the dissolution of the leadership structure of the party from the national to the ward level.

During the meeting, Otti informed Abure his intention to convene a NEC meeting on Saturday August 31 where the current leadership will be dissolved.

But in a communique issued by the Abure-led NEC on Tuesday, the party said there is no “vacuum’ in the leadership of the party, saying its tenure has yet to expire, having been recently elected.

According to the party due process was followed during its national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra state on March 27, 2024 where the current NEC members were elected.

The communique read in part: “The national leadership hereby states unequivocally that there is no vacuum in the leadership of our Party.

” Conscious of the fact that the tenure of the executives was to last till June 2024, the National Convention of the Party was held in March 27, 2024 at Nnewi, Anambra State at which the Governor of Abia State was ably represented by his deputy governor who also doubled as the Chairman of the Convention Committee.

” It must be noted that most of the government functionaries from Abia State including the Deputy Governor, Commissioners, Chief of Staff and indeed all the Labour Party State Assembly members led by the Speaker of the House, Senior Special Assistants and other aides of the governor, were present at that Convention.

” It must be stressed that under the Laws of the land which include the following: the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, the Labour Party Constitution and indeed, all other laws of the land were adhered to in convening that Convention.

“Article 14 of the Labour Party Constitution provides that it is only the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the Party who can convene the meetings of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee and National Convention or any other national meeting of the Party.

“In the exercise of that power therefore, on the 20th of December, 2023, the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the Party issued notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the convening of the National Convention of the Party that was scheduled to hold in March 2024.

” It must be noted that Section 82(1) of 2022 Electoral Act provides as follows

“Every registered Political Party shall give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for “merger” and electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act.

“It was in fulfilment of this provision that the National Chairman and the National Secretary of the Party issued notice to INEC on the 4th of December 2023.”

Food Support: Nigerian Army Farms Set To Release 100 Thousand Metric Tonnes Of Rice

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of its food support programme, the Nigerian Army is set to release one hundred thousands metric tonnes of rice into the market at highly subsidize rate to support government efforts.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja disclosed this on Tuesday, at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024 in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The COAS revealed that Nigerian Army would review its agricultural policy to better position its Farms and Ranches to significantly boost crop production.

General Lagbaja noted that the Nigerian Army understands that the issue of food security will remain on the front burner of national security and discussion for awhile.

He said the Army Headquarters is reviewing some proposals for partnership with Ministries, departments and agencies of government and reputable private organisations on how best to collaborate to resolve food crisis in the country.

“Relatedly, Nigerian Army troops currently provide security cover for farmers in physical farming communities in the North East, North West, and North Central Zones.”

He noted that this is with a view to preventing the devastating consequences of a purse on stop food production in those regions, for the entire country food supply chain.

To key into the president’s drive for food security, the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) was established by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. TY Buratai and the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa was the pioneer Managing Director tasked with security and general integrity of Nigeria.

The Nigerian Army is holistically supporting the presidents’ drive into agriculture, food security, and to add to the GDP of Nigeria. Also the army will benefit by getting internally-generated revenue, employment opportunities, and so on.

Ekiti Govt To Construct 200 Bed Space Capacity Hostel For Military Command School, Votes Fund

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

In fulfilment of its Memorandum of Understanding, (MoU) with the Nigeria Army, Ekiti state government is to construct a 200 bed space capacity hostel at the Command Secondary School, Is an Ekiti.

The MoU, which was entered into during the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi entailed that the state would provide structures, manpower for the take off of the school.

At its weekly executive council meeting in Ado Ekiti, the state government ratified the awards of N329,474,681.08 contract for the construction of the hostel.

The commissioner for information, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement on Tuesday, explained that the project, which is expected to be completed in 12 weeks, is to guarantee continuous full boarding facility in the School and facilitate academic resumption.

The commissioner disclosed that executive council also approved a sum of N700,973,716.86 to comprehensively renovate and remodel the State House of Assembly Complex and the Assembly Service Commission building.

“Given its deteriorated state, it became exigent to undertake a comprehensive renovation and remodeling of the buildings to ensure the structures are restored to a modern and functional state, conducive for effective discharge of legislative duties and administrative functions.”

He added that the contract has been awarded through Direct Procurement in line with section 42b of the Ekiti State Public Procurement (Re-Enactment Law, 2020) and is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

The exco in a demonstration of its dedication to ensuring the state’s roads are well-maintained and motorable, aligning with its infrastructure development agenda, approved contract for the rehabilitation of some inner roads in the state capital.

According to the commissioner, rehabilitation of the roads is expected to alleviate traffic congestion within the city, boost socio-economic activities in the area, and enhance the security and quality of life for residents and property owners along the road.

To boost food production, the council also ratified the sum of N177,937,500.00 as part payment to clear 325 hectares of land for some youths from Ikere, Emure, Moba, Ido-Osi and Ekiti West Local Governments in the State to support ‘Youths In Agriculture’ initiative at their respective Local Governments level.

“Through targeted initiatives, the administration aims to empower farmers in the State by collaborating with interested local government areas to boost production along the value chain.

“A sum of N355,875,000.00 had earlier been approved for the project in the partnership between the State and the affected Local Governments.

“However, given the urgency to plant crops before the end of the farming season and in a demonstration of unwavering resolve and commitment to transforming the agriculture sector, a private company was directly engaged for the land clearing project.

“This will be in a venture that will be supervised by both the Ministry of Local Government and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in collaboration with the affected LGAs.”

Kebbi, Kogi Celebrate 33 Years Of Creation

Ayodele Oni

August 27, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has thanked the people of the State for their unalloyed support for his administration urging them to sustain the tempo for rapid development of the State.

He made this known while rejoicing with the people of the state on the attainment of 33 years of statehood.

Kebbi State was created on August 27, 1991 during the reign of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida as president.

Also in Kogi State, created same time with Kebbi, the people were urged to be patient as they are in safe hand with the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Governor Idris particularly

appreciated the traditional rulers in Kebbi state for their fatherly advice, support and consistent preaching for sustainable peace across the state.

The Governor appealed to the royal fathers not to relent in their efforts to foster unity, peace and development of the State.

He gave kudos to previous civil and military administrations of the state for their contributions that culminated to the growth and development of Kebbi State, “without which we wouldn’t have been where we are today.

“I want to use this medium to appreciate our former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida who in his own wisdom find it imperative to carve out Kebbi State out of old Sokoto State.

“There is no doubt that people of Kebbi State are now reaping the fruits of this wisdom, therefore, we are much grateful. We wish you long life, good health and God’s guidance.”

While preaching to the people to sustain the prevailing peace across the state, the governor clamoured for more support and cooperation to enable the present administration take the dividends of democracy to the door steps of electorate.

Idris reiterated his readiness to redouble efforts in executing more developmental projects across the state to give citizenry a sense of belonging.

In Kogi State, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Monday Anyebe stated this in a congratulatory message to the State Governor, Ahmed Ododo and the people of the state on the anniversary of Kogi at 33.

Anyebe commended the past leaders from military administration to date for the efforts to make the state stand tall among others in the country.

The Commissioner described the contribution of past leaders as impressive especially the growth and development of the state.

Anyebe commended the present administration of Governor Ododo for his fatherly roles and commitment to the progress and growth of the State.

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