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Category: Politics

  • Suspended ex-Lagos PDP chairman dumps party for APC

    Suspended ex-Lagos PDP Chairman says dumping party for APC
    Adewale
    By Adekunle Williams
    Lagos, June 16, 2024 (NAN) A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and former Chairman of the party   in Lagos  State ,Chief  Segun Adewale ,says he is dumping his party to join the All Progressives Congress(APC).
    Adewale ,popularly known as Aeroland, said this at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PDP in Alimosho Local Government Area of the state had last week  suspended Adewale indefinitely.
    Adewale, whose political base is Alimosho, was suspended for allegedly causing disaffection in PDP and tarnishing the party’s image.
    The ex-PDP chairman, before his suspension, had earlier attributed the failure of the party to win elections in the state since 1999 to corruption and disunity among party members.
    Speaking at the news conference,Adewale said that he was not moving to APC  to contest election in  2027, but  contribute to  President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
    “I am not contesting election in 2027, but going to the ruling party to support the president. My next move is to go to Abuja and prostrate to Tinubu”,he said.
    Reacting to his suspension, Adewale said his reported suspension by PDP in Alimosho LGA was orchestrated by those fighting him  for exposing how they  mismanaged campaign funds during the  2023 election.
    Adewale said  his suspension had no effect as his ward had absolute confidence in him and had distanced itself from the reported suspension.
    Adewale said it was laughable that” these same elements being used would act unconstitutionally by suspending me  from the party when they do not have such powers”.
    He said: “Instead of my party LGA to take up Bode George and his gang, they  alleged  that I was the one that stole the money meant for electioneering,money that  was not given to me in the first place.
    “They said because of that, I should be suspended and I told them to come to my ward to suspend me so I can join the APC.
    “What am I even doing in the party?I spent millions during elections, but at the end of the day ,it isn’t worth it.
    “I am not even in PDP anymore because I have seen it all and I would not have stayed in PDP till now, but for Atiku Abubakar that begged me to contest in 2023.”he said.
    Adewale noted that he was going to APC to protect his business and  the political structure he had built over the years.
    He said a particular  bank called him that he was politically exposed ,adding  what that meant was that   he could not  even go to the bank to borrow money just because he was affiliated to PDP.
    Adewale said the people he supported during the last elections in PDP  had moved to the ruling party, becoming  commissioners and lawmakers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/BHB
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Eid-el-Kabir:Akpabio felicitates Muslim faithful 

    Eid-el-Kabir:Akpabio felicitates Muslim faithful

    Felicitation

    By Kingsley Okoye

    Abuja, June 15,2024(NAN)President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid- el-Kabir celebration.

    Akpabio, in a congratulatory message on Saturday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity,Mr Eseme Eyiboh,  said Eid-el-Kabir signified sacrifice and joy.

    He advised Nigerians to make the necessary sacrifices for a better tomorrow, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was not oblivious of the challenges faced by Nigerians.

    Eyiboh quoted Akpabio as saying  that the tough reforms by the government were necessary to secure Nigeria for today and tomorrow.

    “On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North- West Senatorial District, the Senate and the entire 10th National Assembly, I congratulate our Muslim faithful on the occasion of the important feast of Eid-el-Kabir.

    “May Allah grant you a joyous and peaceful celebration,”he said.

    Akpabio said that the government was not unaware of the difficulties experienced by Nigerians as a result of its reforms.

    He added, ”But these reforms are never to punish Nigerians but are meant to correct the mistakes of the past and make the country better and greater for the benefit of all.

    “Even as you celebrate this all important feast of Eid-el-Kabir, we feel the pains of those of you who are struggling to meet up with their expected needs, we appeal to you to be patient as the good days are not far away.

    “I want to appeal to you not to despair despite the inconveniences you are experiencing.

    “Hard times, they say never last forever and your sacrifices can never be in vain as the government of President Tinubu is in a hurry to make life enjoyable for every Nigerian.”

    The senate president assured that the 10th National Assembly under his leadership would work assiduously in collaboration with  Tinubu by providing the required legislative interventions for growth of the nation and benefit of all Nigerians.

    Akpabio also congratulated Tinubu for celebrating the second Eid-el-Kabir in office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

    He prayed that God continue to bless him with wisdom and strength to deliver on his promises to Nigerians.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    KC/JAN/BRM

    =≈=========

    Edited by Joan Nwagwu/Bashir Rabe Mnai

  • Sallah: Jandor seeks prayers to end current economic hardship

    Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor)

     

    Sallah: Jandor seeks prayers to end current economic hardship

    Sallah
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Governorship candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) has urged Muslims to intensify prayers to end the current economic hardship in the country.

    Adediran made the call in his congratulatory message by his spokesman, Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, to Muslims on Saturday on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    He urged Nigerians, especially Lagos residents, to remain steadfast in faith that the current hardship would be short-lived.

    Congratulating the Muslim Ummah in the state on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, Adediran said that the essence of the celebration was about obedience and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah.

    He said: “The unwavering trust exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim by his willingness to sacrifice his son as a show of total respect to God is an assurance to all Lagos residents that whosoever put his trust in God will not be put to shame.

    “The good people of Lagos State must remain steadfast in their faith and hope in God that the much anticipated breath of fresh air in will soon become a reality.

    “As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, I enjoin all the Lagos State Muslim Ummah to keep praying and trusting God that the current economic hardship will be short-lived.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AYO/IKU
    Edited by Tayo Ikujuni

     

     

  • Lagos Assembly resolves to support vulnerable boy-child mentorship 

    Lagos Assembly resolves to support vulnerable boy-child mentorship
    Boy-child
    By Adekunle Williams
    Ikeja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to support the boy-child mentorship programme of the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu.
    The assembly made this  known in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr Eromosele Ebhomele, in Lagos on Saturday.
    According to Ebhomele, the assembly made the resolution at a special plenary session  on Friday evening when the governor’s wife  led some boys to the assembly.
    He said that the governor’s wife came to the assembly with the Wife of the state Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, adding that they were received by the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, and other legislators.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that the boys, under the aegis of  Lagos State Boy Child Initiative, were selected from public and private schools as well as orphanages and correctional facilities in the state.
    Ebhomele quoted the speaker as saying that there was need to give attention to the well-being of vulnerable boy-children to make them happy, healthy and have a sense of belonging.
    “I want you to resolve to be true leaders of tomorrow. To do this, you must say no to crime. A criminal can never be a leader.
    “Try to be good children and students. You have learnt from my colleagues and I today. We all started as youths. All it takes is to be a good boy and a law-abiding citizen.
    “In the next 25 years, let us hear the impact of this visit from you,” Ebhomele quoted the speaker as saying.
    Ebhomele also quoted the speaker as saying that the Lagos State Child’s Right Law adequately protected children in the state.

    According to him, the speaker emphasised the importance of adequate equipment of  the boy-child by parents, guardians and teachers for maximum impact.

     

     

    Ebhomele also quoted the governor’s wife as saying that the initiative was aimed, among others things, to mentor boys and  raise awareness about their rights.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    WAC/OJI/IGO
    ============
    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/
    Ijeoma Popoola

  • RSHA By-election: No automatic ticket for defecting APC lawmakers—Group

    RSHA By-election: No automatic ticket for defecting APC lawmakers—Group

    By-election

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress Reform Group (APCRG) has urged the party’s leadership to avoid giving automatic tickets to the defecting Rivers State House of Assembly members when INEC conducts by-elections for the vacant seats.

    Mr. Moses Eguono, the National President of APCRG, a pressure group in the party, said this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

    The group hailed the Appeal Court’s refused to reinstate Mr Martins Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected to APC.

    He described the ruling, which refused to reverse the removal of the former lawmakers, as a resounding victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the principles of political integrity.

    He urged the APC to be prepared to field candidates into the seats as soon as INEC indicates intention to conduct a by-election to fill the vacant positions.

    Eguono, however, urged that only credible candidates who align with the party’s principles and philosophy would be considered to fly the flag of the APC.

    “Our candidates will be selected based on their alignment with our party’s principles and philosophy.

    “We will choose candidates who share our vision for a better Rivers State and a greater Nigeria”, he said.

    “We warmly welcome the Appeal Court’s decision to uphold the Federal Court’s verdict. It was a resounding judgment and a victory for democracy, the rule of law, and the principles of political integrity.

    “We hail the judiciary for saving our democracy from political opportunism and destabilisation.

    “The judiciary has once again demonstrated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring that our democracy remains robust,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannewe.ng)

    ODF/KUA

    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Sallah: Abbas congratulates Muslims, urges more sacrifice by Nigerians

    Sallah: Abbas congratulates Muslims, urges more sacrifice by Nigerians

    Sacrifice

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 15, 2024(NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has congratulated Muslims as they mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    Mr Musa Krishi, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity quoted the Speaker as saying this in a statement to commemorate the Muslim festival.

    Abbas said the celebration was about total submission to higher authority, sacrifice, and charity.

    He urged Nigerians to imbibe these virtues in their daily lives.

    The Speaker said the celebration was significant to Muslims, as it reminds the people of the supremacy of Allah and the importance of sacrifice.

    He urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to use this period for sober reflection and be their brothers keeper at all times.

    Abbas also called on Nigerians to continue praying for their leaders, while urging them to be supportive and cooperative for a better Nigeria.

    The Speaker, who wished Muslims happy celebrations, prayed to Allah to accept their sacrifices. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/KUA

    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Court decision on Rivers Assembly excites NGO 

    Court
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 15, 2024 (NAN)  National Vanguard for Rule of Law (NVRL),  an NGO, has described the Appeal Court’s refusal to reverse the removal of Mr Martins Amaewhule and 26 others as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly as a triumph for judicial integrity.
    The Coordinator of  NVRL Comr. Johnson Babatunde,  said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja that the ruling had resurrected hope in the judiciary.
    He called on Nigerians to support judges who gave sound judgments and to continue to deliver sound judgments to make Nigeria a better place.
    “It is our belief that our judges will deliver sound judgments in the other cases on the political crisis in Rivers State and other cases across the country.”
    He urged judges to continue to deliver judgments that would give Nigerians hope in the judiciary.
    He added that justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done, as the court remained the last hope of the common man.
    It would be recalled that Amaewhule, the factional speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and others, had approached the Appellate Court seeking to vacate the interlocutory injunction of a high court sitting in Port Harcourt.
    The interlocutory injunction empowered Oko-Jumbo to keep on with the leadership of the state assembly.
    Justice Charles Wali of the State High Court had ordered Amaewhule and 24 others to stop parading themselves as speakers and lawmakers in the legislative arm of the state.
    In a ruling that was delivered virtually on June 14, the Appellate Court said giving a verdict reversing the decision of a Federal High Court that declared their seats vacant would amount to pre-judging the appeal currently before it.
    Johnson, however said that, if the prayer to reverse the restraining order on the 26 members was granted, they would have used it perpetrate work against the government and people of Rivers State.
    “With justices like those of the Port Harcourt Division of the Court of Appeal still in the temple of justice, it is our conviction that hope is not lost in the Nigerian judiciary.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/IAA
    =======
    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Reps committee probes appointments of NASRDA, RMRDC DGs

    Reps committee probes appointments of NASRDA, RMRDC DGs

     


    Investigation

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN)The House of Representatives on Friday unveiled plans to investigate the appointments of Director General of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof. Martins Ike-Muonso.

    The committee will also investigate the appointment of the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Dr Mathew Adepoju.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Olaide .

    The committee chairman said that a six-member panel headed by Rep. Abiodun Akinlade had been inaugurated to carry out the probe.

    He said both DGs were recently appointed by the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnanji.

    “The panel is to look at the procedure of the appointments qualification and the compliance with the relevant laws and regulations that established both agencies.

    “The panel is to invite the Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, the Secretary to the Federal Government, Head of Service and both DGs amongst others.

    “The panel has two weeks to within which to submit its report,” he said.

    The chairman promised that the assignment will be free and fair saying that the aim is not to witch hunt anyone but to put the records straight. (NAN)

    EOO/SH

    =======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Ezekwesili, Nweke Jr, others canvass decentralisation of power to LGs

    Democracy

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN)A former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has called for the decentralisation of power from the Federal to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) for speedy development of the country.

    Ezekwesili made the call at a virtual democracy dialogue on LGA administration organised by Fix Politics Initiative as part of activities to mark the 2024 Democracy Day on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ezekwesili, who is the founder of Fix Politics Initiative, a citizen-led movement operating in Nigeria and other African countries, called for an overhaul of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

    She said that the amendment alone could not birth the desired Nigeria, adding that other structural challenges affecting the nation’s democracy and governance should be done as well.

    “We believe that foundationally, we have to correct these structural defects by making sure that the local government system is at the centre of the kind of constitutional changes that we are looking forward for.

    “We are an organisation that has put our voice out there to say that, tinkering with the 1999 Constitution on the margins will not deliver the new Nigeria we all want; we all want a Nigeria that works for all of us.

    “A Nigeria that works for all of us has to be designed by the people and where do you often find the real people, it is at the local communities.

    “And so placing them at the centre of the design of a Nigerian project that works is fundamental; the Nigerian project will only work to the extent that the people are at the heart of it,” she said.

    On his part, a former Minister of Information, Mr Frank Nweke Jr, said that citizens must continue to be reminded of their collective responsibilities to ensure good governance.

    Nweke, who is the Chairman, Fix Politic Initiative, said citizens should not only vote, but support compatriots in government and jointly hold government accountable.

    He said that citizens must understand the various roles and responsibilities of all the tiers of governments in the country to effectively track their performance.

    Mr Oluwasesan Dayini, from Ebobobaiku Local Government Development Authority in Lagos, said that much attention should be paid to LGAs to make the people feel the impact of democracy.

    He said that no state could function without LGAs in spite that current challenges of poor funding, limited administrative freedom among others being faced by the third tier of government in the country.

    Dayini said that citizens should, however, call for accountability by tracking budgetary provisions, saying that it is more effective than waiting for anti-graft agencies.

    A political activist, Ms Aisha Yesufu, said that there was the need for reorientation of the citizens to make the democracy work better.

    She said the ordinary people including children should be allowed to be part of the decision-making process.

    The activist said that in schools and religious gatherings, children should not be asked to shut up but make their contributions count based on their ability and understanding.

    “By getting the children involved early, when they grow up, they will be able to effectively engage government and will not be intimidated or be blackmailed to keep mute for fear of being regarded as disrespectful,’’ she said.

    Yesufu said that asking government officials questions did not amount to antagonism, but should be regarded as efforts to ensure good governance.

    Other discussants which include, Ms Ngozi Iwere, a social activist, Mr Saseme Akume, a public affairs speaker, Mr Sam Amadi, a policy strategist and Mr Seun Onigbinde all called for capacity building for citizens and government officials.

    They called for an access to data for citizens to track performances and a Constitution that allows LGA to function effectively among others.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that discussants at the dialogue tasked citizens on inclusive participation in governance especially at the LGA level.(NAN)

     

    EOO/FEO/CJ/

    =========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu  and Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Artificial intelligence pivotal to electoral development of youths – FG

    Artificial intelligence pivotal to electoral development of youths – FG
    AI
    By Perpetua Onuegbu
    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Youths Development, Dr Jamila  Ibrahim says artificial intelligence is pivotal to electoral development of youths.

    Ibrahim said this at the unveiling of Naija Elections, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, developed by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Abuja on Thursday.
    According to her, the naija electoral AI tool herald a new era in which every Nigerians can participate meaningfully in our electoral process.
    “In an era where technology and information are pivotal to ensuring our young people have the tools and knowledge to engage in the democratic process actively is essential.
    “This platform will empower our youths by giving them easy access to accurate real time electoral information enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in electoral processes.
    “This could not have come at a more appropriate time than when we are celebrating 25 years uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
    ” As we inaugurate this platform today, I wish to emphasis the government’s determination to deploy technology that will enhance our democratic processes,” Ibrahim said.
    Speaking also at the launch, Mr  Bukola  Idowu, Executive Director, KDI, said the  tool would facilitate easy access to the Nigerian election ecosystem by youths.
    “The tool  is going to combat misinformation and disinformation, enhance voter education and electoral knowledge .
    “Every information on Niaja elections is from the official sources that is, the Constitution and INEC.
    “What we have done is that we give  you information that you can rely on and you can actually use the platform without signing in you just log on to the address and it  does not store an individual’s data.”
    Speaking more on the features he said it had the three major Nigerian languages- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.
    He  was optimistic that it would have up to 150 languages before the next election in 2027.
    In her remarks, Cynthia Rowe, Development  Director, FCDO said ”for a country that is as large and diverse as Nigeria a well informed electorate is pivotal.”
    According to her, an educated voter is better equipped  to make informed political choices and engage in the democratic process in a way that is meaningful.
    According to her, technology is bridging digital gaps in business, education , security that ensures much better efficiency.
    “As we celebrate this launch it’s important that we  look at the broader context, democracy around the world is all facing exceptional challenges of  misinformation and disinformation, which encourages scepticism.
    “And, it is  important we know  that our collective efforts in putting forward correct information using platforms like this,  we are also strengthening democracy in Nigeria and contributing to global efforts on democratic values.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the App is developed by Nigerians and  built to supply any kind of electoral information that concerns Nigeria and can be accessed by logging on to www.naijaelections.ng.
    KDI is an independent non-profit and Non-governmental Organisation that inspires citizens-led-democratic development anchored on principles of participation, data -driven, advocacy,  strong institutions, gender equality and public policies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    PUO/IAA
    =========

    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola