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Category: Politics

  • Fubara appoints administrators to take over LGAs in Rivers

    Fubara appoints administrators to take over Rivers LGAs

    Fubara

    By Desmond Ejibas

    Port Harcourt, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has directed Heads of Administration in the 23 Local Government Areas(LGAs), to assume leadership of the councils.

    Fubara gave the directive in a state-wide broadcast in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, following the expiration of the tenure of the 23 LG chairmen at midnight on Monday.

    He emphasised that the transfer of power to the administrators was critical to ensuring the continuity of governance in the LGAs.

    “The heads of administration are directed to immediately take charge of the councils and provide leadership in their respective LGAs.

    “They must do this with renewed vigour and readiness to serve, while awaiting further directives as we navigate towards even greater accomplishments together.

    “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must be upheld and law and order must be maintained as we continue to strive to provide leadership and direction for our people.”

    Fubara praised the former chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors for their dedicated service during their tenures, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the development of their LGAs.

    The governor reassured the public that his administration would persist in delivering infrastructure, quality healthcare services, education and enhanced welfare packages for the residents and workers of the state.

    Meanwhile, the 23 local government chairmen, who are believed to be loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after June 17, citing a law enacted by 27 “pro-Wike lawmakers” extending their tenure by six months.

    The state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, has consistently insisted that the chairmen would not relinquish their positions, and dared Fubara to force them out.

    He warned that any attempt to remove them from office would be resisted.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the pro-Wike legislators had amended the Local Government Law to extend the tenure of elected chairmen and councillors by six months, if elections were not conducted before the end of their term.

    But the state High Court later barred the assemblymen from parading themselves as members of Rivers State House of Assembly after they defected from the PDP to the APC.

    The court also nullified laws passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led factional assembly and declared their seats vacant after they openly defected to the opposition APC in December.

    Subsequently, the 27 lawmakers took the matter to the Court of Appeal which would decide the fate of the embattled legislators and LG chairmen on June 20.

    However, there was palpable fear on Monday as some angry youths reportedly stormed some of the LG council secretariates, calling for the ousting of the council chairmen.

    The youths invaded Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema and Andoni LGA offices, and locked the gates, insisting that the outgoing chairmen must vacate office.

    In Degema, the protesters chanted war songs and appeared battle ready to stop the chairman from remaining in office after his tenure.

    In Asri Toru LGA, hordes of youth took over the council’s headquarters, issuing threats against the chairman and challenging him to show up on Wednesday after the Eid-el Kabir holidays.

    At Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor LGAs offices, heightened security presence deterred protesters with seven police patrol vans and armed personnel guarding the council offices to avert chaos.

    Meanwhile, Mr Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, has assured newsmen that steps had been taken to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    He said that the police were aware of an attempted invasion of the council offices and had deployed personnel to forestall any chaos.

    “We are aware of the crises and court orders, but we urge restraint till June 20 (when the Appeal Court will deliver judgment on the LG tussle).

    “We expect everyone to await the decision of the court. No one should take the laws into his or her hands.

    “We have deployed operatives to various strategic locations to uphold order and ensure public safety. So, we are performing our duties,” emphasised.

    Disu warned against defying the law and advised parents to deter their children and wards from unlawful actions. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    DES/ETS

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  • Rotational presidency not priority now- Tanko

     

    Dr Yunus Tanko

    Rotational presidency not priority now-Tanko

    Tenure

    By Adeyemi Adeleye

    Lagos, June 18 , 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Yunusa Tanko, the Chief Spokesperson, Peter Obi/ Datti Baba-Ahmed Presidential Campaign Council for 2023, says  reforming the electoral process  is much more needed now  than the proposed single- tenure rotational  presidency, to deepen democracy.

    Tanko, also a former National Chairman of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP), said this in an with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

     

    Tanko said reforming the electoral process would guarantee the emergence of credible leaders across all levels of government.

     

    According to him,  deepening  democracy to guarantee emergence of credible leaders should be one of the key things to consider in the ongoing process of amending the constitution.

    “These( single tenure of six years and  rotational presidency) are things that will be decided by the Nigerian people when the time comes.

    “They are not  things that should be at the front burner of  discussions now

    “This is because what we need actually at the moment is for us to have an electoral reform that would dovetail into credible elections.

    “Once we have that, we shall be talking about tenure of office,” Tanko said.

    He said that the National Assembly should not focus on  tenure of office but deepening the electoral process to promote democracy.

    “Let us reform the electoral system to  make it clean and clear so that we can have credible elections,” he said.

    Also speaking with NAN  , Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said that  rotational presidency and single term of six years for the president and governors were good ideas.

     

    He ,however,said  rotational presidency might not be consistent with  democratic principles.

     

    Yerima, also  a rights activist, said: “it is good, the only problem I have with it is the rotational aspect of it. We must allow it to be democratic.

    “He who has the number should take it, and he who does not produce the number should be patient and wait for his time.

    “However, this is not really our problem, but it is good. One term for any leader to rule and get away..”

    NAN reports that a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors was brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.

    The bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.

    The 35 legislators, under the auspices of Reformed-minded Legislators, said both proposals  would lead to  reduction in the cost of governance.

    The spokesman for the group, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, added that the move would unite the country and ensure  seamless power transition and promote the development of  the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

     

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Fubara directs LG Heads of administration to oversee councils 

    Fubara directs LG Heads of administration to oversee councils
    Office
    By Precious Akutamadu
    Port Harcourt, June, 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers, on Tuesday, directed the Heads of Local Government Administration (HLGAS) to immediately take charge of their councils.
    He said this followed the expiration of the tenure of the 23 local government chairmen on June, 17.
    Fubara gave the directive in a statewide broadcast at Government House in Port Harcourt.
    He commended the dedicated services of the outgoing elected local government chairmen and councillors whose tenure expired after three years of service.
    The governor, on behalf of the state, thanked them for their commitment in serving the state.
    Fubara congratulated them on the completion of their tenure and wished them well in their future endeavours.
    The governor said that he would continue to provide leadership and direction to the people, to ensure that the constitution of the federal republic was upheld, and  law and order maintained.
    “I hereby direct heads of local government administration to continue to provide leadership in their respective LGAs,”he said.
    He directed the heads of LGAs to immediately take charge of the councils with renewed vigor and readiness to serve.
    Fubara urged them to wait for other directives as the state navigated toward greater accomplishments.
    He assured Rivers people that his administration would continue to provide infrastructure development, sound health care delivery,  quality education and undiluted welfare service packages to the people.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PA/SOA
    ==========
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • 10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    Budget

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Ifure  Ifure, Country Representative, Centre for International and Strategy Studies, says the 10th House of Representatives has revolutionised Nigeria’s budgetary process with fresh ideas and innovations.

    He said the House replaced the traditional closed-door approach with a transparent open door method after one year in office.

    Ifure disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja in his appraisal of the 10th House of Representatives after one year in office.

    “These days, budget proposals are now subjected to public debates, inputs, and suggestions from members of the public”, he told NAN.

    He said that Rep.  Kabiru Bichi, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation  and his colleagues mplemented a cutting-edge system that harnessed the power of technology and data analytics to optimise resource allocation.

    He further said such innovations in appropriations were well thought out approaches and should be commended.

    “I have the privilege of acknowledging a truly remarkable achievement, one that will go down in history as a testament to the power of innovation and leadership.

    “Their innovation, which has revolutionised the way our nation allocates resources, is a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, determination and expertise come together“, he said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/KUA

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne

  • FCT: Southern leaders urge Wike to ignore distractors

    FCT: Southern leaders urge Wike to ignore distractors

    Leaders
    By Naomi Sharang
    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Some leaders from the southern Nigeria have advised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to ignore political distractors bent on frustrating his efforts to transform the area.

    The group gave the advice on Monday, while addressing newsmen in Abuja under the auspices of the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria.

    It said that the appointment of Wike by President Bola Tinubu was one of the best decisions of the administration.

    The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Raphael Okorie, said that the minister had achieved in nine months, what former ministers could not in eight years.

    Okorie appealed to Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu, saying that he was striving to fix the economy, restore security and bring relief to Nigerians.

    “Wike has done a lot in just nine months.

    “We know that there are people who want to distract him from replicating his sterling performance in Rivers.

    “He is not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers. He is busy with developing Abuja,” the group said.

    It furthet said that Wike had transformed the FCT, adding that it was strongly behind him and praying for him to succeed as minister.

    Okorie said that the group had taken time to assess the performance of the administration of President Tinubu and Wike, adding that both were poised to urgently deliver the dividend of the Renewed Hope Agenda as promised.

    According to him, from the rapid infrastructure development to  stabilising the economy, there is no doubt that Nigeria is on the part of recovery.

    “Here, thereto, we micromanaged the value of the naira against other currencies of the world,” he said.

    He further contended that the country’s infrastructure development became stunted before the inception of Tinubu’s administration.

    Okorie said that the international community could not invest in Nigeria “because of inconsistent policies and over interference by the government in the affairs of the private sector.

    “Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was completely eroded, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) were near zero.

    “Today, we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira and FDI is growing by the day.

    “The private sector is getting the required support to grow and produce what we consume.

    “Local content is being seriously encouraged and the government has opened its doors to all Nigerians to build an all-inclusive country, where no Nigerian is shortchanged by those that have invaded to destroy our dear nation.

    “Our praises also go to Mr Project, Nyesom Wike for proving the president is right in appointing him as the minister of the nation’s capital,” he said.

    He said that the minister had succeeded in bringing insecurity, which was a major challenge in Abuja, under control within the six months of his appointment.

    “Today, the entire territory is relatively safe.

    “We are not there yet, but with Wike in charge, we are optimistic that FCT will be completely safe soon,” Okorie said.

    He appealed to the president to ignore those that were plotting to have Wike removed as FCT minister, and urged Tinubu to continue to support him.

    “We also call on residents of the FCT to join hands and support Wike to succeed,” Okorie said. (NAN)(wwww.nannnews.ng)

    NNL/FON/USO
    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Sam Oditah

  • CSOs back shippers council regulatory bill

    CSOs back shippers council regulatory bill

    Bill

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024(NAN) The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria for Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance (CCSGNPATG) have thrown their weight behind the proposed Nigeria Shippers Council Regulatory Agency.

    Mr Monday Ndubisi, the leader of the coalition which comprises 45 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), said this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.

    He hailed the Committee on Shipping Services for its inclusivity and commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola for getting it right with the Shipping Council Regulatory bill.

    Ndubisi commended the committee for giving stakeholders the platform to make inputs to the bill at a public hearing.

    “The legislation aims at empowering the Nigerian Shippers Council to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

    “The Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act, and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and related matter has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    “This bill will bring much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector while strengthening the Shippers Council’s regulatory powers,” he said.

    Ndubuisi further added that it would also reduce costs, increase competition, and improve service delivery.

    He said that the passage of the bill would have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy and the lives of citizens.

    “Our coalition is pleased to note that 99 per cent of the opinions expressed at the public hearing are in favour of the bill as presented.

    “We also note that a few amendments were suggested, which the House Committee on Shipping Services, ably led Rep. Abdulsamad Dansuki, has promised to take note of,’’ he said.

    He said that such an accommodating disposition was what the electorates expected of the lawmakers, adding that they are looking forward to the House to sustain this trend. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/FAK/COF
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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Christiana Fadare

  • Lawmaker seeks establishment of entrepreneur university in Lagos

    Lawmaker seeks establishment of entrepreneur university in Lagos

    University

    By Florence Onuegbu

    Lagos, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Mr Paul Kalejaiye, House of Representatives member representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency, has called for the establishment of Entrepreneur University in Lagos State.

    Kalejaiye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, that he, in collaboration with his colleague, Mr Babajimi Benson, representing Ikorodu Constituency, had succeeded in raising the Bill at the House.

    ”We have moved a Bill asking for an establishment of an entrepreneur university in Lagos, to be sited in Ikorodu.

    ‘‘We have already done the first reading of the Bill, it is going to the second,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that there was the need for the university, owing to the populous nature of Lagos State and the necessity for another federal university.

    ”We have only one federal university in Lagos, and considering the population; considering the heterogeneous nature of Lagos; there is a need for us to have a second university.

    ”We are not just looking for a university for university’s sake, we are looking at a specialised university, which will be an entrepreneur university.

    ‘‘This is where the people can learn skills, where people can learn things that will make them to be employable,” he said.

    According to him, a lot of graduates are unemployable, hence, the need for them to undergo re-entrepreneurship training, re-convertibility training.

    He said that nowadays, nobody spoke about how many degrees one had, as what was being talked about was how productive someone is, and what innovations one could bring into the system.

    Kalejaiye said that he had been concerned about things that would bring development to Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency, hence, had moved three motions (Bills), toward effecting positively on the constituents.

    He said that one of his major concerns was the abandoned Federal Government Press in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, which was established in 1975.

    According to him, the federal press was where bulletins, newsletters, gazettes are printed, when Lagos State was Federal Capital Territory.

    ”Since the Federal Government relocated to Abuja, the press has become very moribund.

    ‘‘The Federal Ministry of Information no longer carry out such exercises in that press, that press, more or less turned into an event centre where ceremonies and whatever take place.

    ”So, I succeeded in moving a motion on the floor of the House, asking for its convertibility into a skill and acquisition centre for the youths of our people.

    ”That have been passed and it is on that process as I speak with you, so I have been concerned about those things that will bring development to the area,” Kalejaiye said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FON/FAK/VIV
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    Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi/Vivian Ihechu

  • Eid-el Kabir: ADP urges Muslims to keep praying

    Prayer

    By Diana Omueza

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has enjoined the Muslim faithful to continually pray for the country and its leaders for better governance.

    Mr Yabagi Sani, the National Chairman of the party, said this on Monday to felicitate the Muslim faithful on Eid-el Kabir.

    Sani said that prayer should be the only way to commit the hearts and will of every leader to do right and deliver on mandates.

    “I urge us not to limit these acts of charity, love, and sacrifice to the celebration only, but to let it be a culture to imbibe now and forever.

    “Let it be that we have energised ourselves for more and greater work of goodness for humanity and our God.

    “I urge us to pray for a better tomorrow and may our prayers bring succour and healing in our land.

    “Let us continually pray for our leaders and our dear country for peace, love, understanding and prosperity,” he said.

    He advised the Muslim faithful to remember the act of sacrifice in all their activities and ensure to exhibit same virtue to their fellow humans.

    Sani prayed for God’s blessings, peace and prosperity for all the Muslim faithful, citizens and wisdom and guidance for the country’s leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    DOM/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • Soludo hails Muslims for contributing to peaceful development in Anambra

     

     

     

     

     

    Muslims

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 17, 2024(NAN) Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Monday commended the Muslim community for their valuable contributions to the peaceful development enjoyed in the state.

    Soludo gave the commendation in his Sallah message in Awka, to felicitate with Muslim faithful on the celebration of the 2024 Eid-el Kabir.

    He said the Muslim community also contributed to enriching diversity of the state’s collective social fabric.

    “I felicitate with the  Muslim faithful in Anambra and across Nigeria on the happy occasion of Eid-el Kabir which holds profound significance in the Islamic faith as it commemorates the enduring faith, obedience, and devotion to Almighty Allah.

    “As our Muslim brothers and sisters observe this sacred event through acts of charity and communal prayers, it is a time for us to reflect on these universal values that bind humanity together.

    “In this spirit of unity, I urge Muslim faithful to continue their support and prayers for Anambra government and Nigeria, in order to advance the collective progress, security and the well-being of every citizen.

    “My administration will continue to foster an environment of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths in Anambra,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/CHOM/VIV

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • 2023 House of Assembly candidates seek end to factions in Abia APC

    2023 House of Assembly candidates seek end to factions in Abia APC

    Reconciliation

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The 24 members of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2023 Abia State House of Assembly election have demanded an end to the factions in the party.

    Mr Anderson Akaliro, the only elected APC lawmaker in the House of Assembly and the leader of the group, led the candidates on a reconciliation mission to Abuja, according to a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting.

    This is contained in the group’s communiqué at the end of a reconciliation meeting tagged `Abia APC Crisis Peace Initiative“ anchored by Mr Anderson Akaliro, the only APC lawmaker in Abia State House of Assembly.

    Akaliro who signed the communiqué said urged the national leadership of APC to, as a matter of urgency, convoke a meeting of all leaders and stakeholders of the party to resolve the impasse.

    The meeting, he said, should include the zonal leadership and the 2023 House of Assembly, Abia APC lawmakers in the National Assembly, to get their commitment to a peace accord.

    “All factions within the rank and file of the party should be resolved and all factions should fall back into the party as one indivisible unit.

    “We are aware of the forthcoming Congress, and we employ the party leadership to commit to ensuring that all interest groups are duly represented in the state, LGA, and ward party positions’’, he said.

    This, according to him, will be a prelude to free and fair party primaries in 2026.

    He, therefore, called on all gladiators in the crisis to sheath their sword and embrace peace and unity in APC in Abia State.

    “We want peace in the Abia APC because there are multiple factions, which is the reason why we lost the election.

    “24 of us contested for the State Assembly election and 23 lost; the faction challenge contributed to our loss. We only have one person as an APC member who won the election” he said in the communiqué.

    He said issues responsible for the factions, including imposition of candidates, greed, and pride anchored on personality clashes of interests were not good for the progress of the party.

    He appealed to President Bola Tinubu as the leader of the party and the National Chairman to call all stakeholders, including Assembly candidates, and Abia APC lawmakers in the two chambers of National Assembly for truce.

    “The facade of unity is but a veil over the fissures that have led to our collective losses in political contests, and it is time for introspection and action.”

    “The potential within our ranks is immense, with leaders of influence and respect.

    “It is our firm belief that through reconciliation and unity, the APC in Abia State will emerge stronger and victorious in future electoral endeavors’’. Akaliro said.

    He said the influx of new members into the party was a clarion call for reconciliation and to establish a harmonious environment that would foster alignment and bolster the spirit of togetherness. (NAN)www.nannews.ng

    ODF/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne