Hardship: Fashola urges Lagos Assembly to review tenancy law
Review
By Adekunle Williams
Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The former governor of Lagos State has urged the state House of Assembly to review the state’s tenancy law to compel landlords in the state to collect six months rents.
Mr Babatunde Fashola made this known to newsmen at a Gala Night in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly in Lagos Wednesday night.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Tenancy Law was signed by Fashola in August 2011 to enable landlords in the state to collect one year rent from new tenants.
Fashola, however, said that due to the present economic challenges, the assembly should review the tenancy law to protect tenants from shylock landlords.
“We are using this law to protect landlords and citizens from shylock landlords.
“I remembered that this House once started by reducing the tenancy agreement from three years to one year which had its impact.
“At this time of economic challenges and cost of living issue, I think we can go back to the tenancy agreement where landlords should be compelled to collect three months to six months’ rent. This will help in no small way,” he said.
Fashion noted that skits and videos abound where landlords knock at people’s doors and parents would hide and tell their children to tell the landlord that they are not at home.
He urged the legislators to look into the tenancy rate issue.
On the issue of Federation, Fashola, the former minister of works, said Nigeria has levels of government exercising different forms of responsibilities.
“The National Assembly cannot make laws for landlords and tenants and on rent control because it is the jurisdiction of each state,” he said.(NAN)
Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Uche Nwosu, says Nigeria is on the path to manifest her greatness in all spheres of development.
Nwosu, Chief of Staff to former Imo Governor, Sen. Rochas Okorocha, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said Nigeria’s journey to greatness was demonstrated in the 25 years of sustained democratic rule.
He said this had ultimately returned political power to the people, redefined leadership, restored hope and set the country on the path of rapid growth and development.
Nwosu, while acknowledging some challenges facing the country, called for a united action by stakeholders in the Nigerian project, to realise the dreams of the founding fathers.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the entire nation on the 25 years of unbroken democratic rule, expressing optimism of a brighter future for all and sundry.
He urged Nigerians to have confidence in the present administration to deliver the expected dividends of democracy.
Nwosu said that Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democratic rule was a testament to the resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment of the Nigerian people to the principles of democracy and freedom.
“I call on Nigerians to embrace unity, love and respect for one another and to deepen their engagement in participatory democracy.
“We should guard against antidemocratic tendencies and ensure that our democratic values and culture are firmly entrenched at all levels of society.
“As we celebrate this historic day, let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought valiantly for the democracy we are enjoying,” Nwosu said.
Nwosu, also the President Ugwumba Leadership Centre for Africa, said June 12 was not just a date but symbolised Nigerians’ collective struggle for justice, equity and the rule of law.
“It is also a symbol of Nigerians’ aspirations for unity, hope, better standard of living, and true democratic practices, which the country is working toward.
“It is a reminder of the power of the people’s voice and the strength of our democratic institutions,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a Nigeria where democracy thrived, where the citizens enjoyed their fundamental rights and the future brighter for generations to come.
“All hands must be on deck in sustaining democracy to ensure the struggle of our founding fathers and heroes’ of democracy, including late Chief MKO Abiola, was not in vain,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Anniversary: Katsina Assembly passes 15 bills in 1 year
By Abbas Bamalli
Katsina, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Katsina State House of Assembly said it has passed 15 bills out of the 20 it received since the inauguration of the 8th Assembly on June 13, 2023.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the assembly, Malam Aminu Magaji-Idris, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina on Thursday.
According to him, the remaining five bills have scaled second reading before the assembly and they were also at the Committees’ level.
Magaji-Idris said, “the 8th legislature is celebrating a major milestone, marking one year since its inception in 2023.
“Within this short period, the assembly has achieved remarkable success, passing 15 bills, with over 150 motions aimed at driving development in the state.”
According to him, some of the notable bills passed included the Katsina State Geographic Information Service Bill, 2023, Katsina State Development Management Board Bill, 2023, and the Establishment of Katsina State Community Watch Corps Bill, 2023.
Others were the Katsina State Revenue Administration (Codification and Consolidation) Law, Katsina State Supplementary Appropriation Bill No. 1, 2023, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2023.
He said that the assembly had also passed bills establishing the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Katsina State Irrigation Authority, and the Katsina State Rural Access Road Agency.
“Additionally, the assembly has amended existing laws, including the Katsina State District Court (Amendment) Law, 2023, and the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (Amendment) Law, 2024,” he said.
According to the chief press secretary, these legislative achievements demonstrate the assembly’s commitment to improving the lives of the citizens.
He vowed that the assembly would continue to work towards achieving its goals, adding that the people of the state should expect even more remarkable achievements in the years to come.
Magaji-Idris explained that the achievements were testaments to the dedication of the leader of the assembly, Alhaji Nasir Yahaya, assisted by the other lawmakers.
“Under the guidance of the speaker, the assembly has worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of bills that benefit the citizens of Katsina State,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lokoja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to the democratic ideals of unity, peace and development.
The governor made the call in his democracy day message to the people of Kogi on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Ododo said that there was need for resilience in Nigeria’s journey to ensure justice for all her citizens as the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect among the people.
“This is why my administration is committed to building a state where every voice is heard, every person is valued, and every community thrives as beneficiaries of the dividends of democracy.
“Luckily, we have made significant strides in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance and ensuring active participation of all in the democratic process.
“Our administration remains committed to transparency, accountability and the continuous improvement of the welfare of our people,” he said.
He said that the Democracy Day was an auspicious opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the resilience, strength and unwavering spirit of heroes who made sacrifices to install and sustain democracy in the country.
“As we celebrate Democracy Day and 25 years of uninterrupted civil rule in Nigeria, we salute the courage and determination of those who paved the way for the democratic governance we enjoy today.
“We must continue to honour their memory and uphold the principles for which they stood by ensuring that citizens continue to enjoy the freedom of choices and access to justice and rule of law as enshrined in democratic principles.
“Our people must be empowered to have decent lives by making our resources work in their interest and giving them opportunities to participate in economic activities at all levels,” Ododo said.
According to him, democracy is a continuous journey that requires the participation, vigilance and dedication of every citizen.
Ododo promised to continue to sustain his consultation with all stakeholders to ensure an all- inclusive governance in Kogi. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/ETS
Leaders of The Patriots at late MKO Abiola ‘s tomb at his residence in Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday
Slow growth rate of Nigeria’s democracy, worrisome- Yerima
Democracy
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, says the snail speed at which Nigeria’s democracy is growing is “worrisome”.
Yerima, a Human Rights Activist, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
The youth leader and member of The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought, spoke when the group visited the residence of late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.
The group, led by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, went to Abiola’s tomb to pray and to lay wreaths on the occasion of the 2024 anniversary of June 12.
Speaking on 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, Yerima said: “We are still far away from the dreams of our founding fathers.
“We still have a long way to go. That is my worry now,” he said.
Yerima said that Nigeria, at almost 64 years after independence, still needed more work before it could be said to be a country everyone would be proud of. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Members of The Patriots at the tomb of Chief MKO Abiola on Wednesday in Lagos paying tribute
Renewed Hope -Gen.Nwachukwu optimistic Tinubu will deliver
Tinubu
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A former Minister of Foreign Affairs,retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu , says he is optimistic that President Bola Tinubu will deliver on his Renewed Hope Agenda to the people.
Nwachukwu, one of the leaders of The Patriots, an eminent group of leaders of thought, spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.
He spoke when the Patriots visited the residence of late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled June 12 1993 Presidential Election, to pay tribute on the occasion of the 2024 anniversary of June 12.
The group, led by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nation, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, went to Abiola’s tomb to pray and lay wreath.
Speaking to NAN, Nwachukwu, who said that it was too early to pass comments on the administration of Tinubu, said with the support of the people, the President could deliver his promised hope.
“He (Tinubu) came telling us that we should look for renewed hope, and I am holding him down to giving Nigerians that renewed hope.
“With his background over the years as a democratic, I have no doubt in my mind that he should be able to do that with the support of the people,” the retired military general said.
Speaking on the 25th Anniversary of uninterrupted democracy in the country, Nwachukwu said that Nigerian democracy started well but unfortunately down the line, the nation missed the mark.
According to him, Nigeria needs to facilitate a process to birth ta people’s constitution that will provide a platform for sustainable growth and development.
Nwachukwu said: “That is why we are all asking today, give us a new constitution that we can call people’s constitution.
“A constitution which every ethnic nationality would have a say in producing, based on the values we all share.
“A constitution that will ensure that whoever gets into power at all levels -local government, state and federal – must holds those ideals and values, and stand in them.”
Noting that the current democracy was faced with challenges , Nwachukwu said that the nation also needed electoral reforms.
“We must therefore be able to ensure we have an electoral process, handled by decent people who understand their responsibility to the people.
“We need people who will ensure when people vote for X or Y, whoever they preferred should be pronounced the winner and the true representative of the people,” he said.
He urged the people to make their representatives accountable to them.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/BHB
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Young Professional Forum (NYPF) has put forward a series of detailed recommendations for the National Youth Policy to pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for Nigerian youth.
The forum in a communique issued after its meeting and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, noted the crucial role a comprehensive policy reform can play in shaping a brighter future reform were call to action for lasting positive change.
The proposed changes were carefully reviewed by some NYPF executive members, Chairperson Zaliha Lawal, Barrister Mayor Ndukaku, Dr Ekemini Udo and Media Consultant, Ere-ebi Agedah Imisi.
The forum stated that the policy recommendations have been forwarded to the Ministry of Youth as the recommendations include
“Education and Talent Development, STEM Education Enhancement and Early STEM Education”.
Others recommendations were for Health and Well-being as well as Ensuring Participation and Inclusiveness.
Highlighting the critical role of education and skills, the NYPF suggested a multipronged approach involving vocational training and education, aimed at elevating the status of vocational education to eliminate existing stigmas.
The forum said that the approach would increase the number of highly skilled workers, transforming Nigeria from a consumer-driven nation to a manufacturing hub and innovation-led economy.
“It will tackle youth unemployment by fostering entrepreneurship and providing incentives for businesses that hire young people.
“It will emulate successful aspects of the Chinese economic model to build a robust manufacturing sector.”
For the STEM Education Enhancement, it said it would position Nigeria as a global leader in innovation and technology through scholarships and Incentives.
“Early STEM education will encourage activities at secondary school levels and foster early interest and proficiency in STEM subjects to develop essential skills and passion from a young age.
“It will also help implement successful strategies from China and Singapore to build a strong STEM foundation, while the health and Well-being emphasises the importance of health and well-being among young Nigerians, proposing.
“It will enhance Physical and Mental Health and address the rising rates of drug and substance abuse among the youth.
“It will enhance access to comprehensive healthcare services to ensure a supportive environment for overall well-being.
“To ensure participation and inclusiveness, governments must promote participation, inclusiveness, and equitable opportunities for all youth.
“Furthermore, the National Youth Policy should guide leaders to consciously address barriers to meaningful youth engagement in civil and political affairs,”
This, the forum said would also enhance opportunities for the constructive involvement of all youth in community and social development, political processes and governance.
The NYPF is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering young professionals across Nigeria through advocacy, policy recommendations, and capacity-building initiatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos Assembly passed 300 bills, 2000 resolutions in 25 years – Speaker
Democracy
By Adekunle Williams
Ikeja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed 300 bills and 2,000 resolutions since the return of democratic dispensation in 1999.
The Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, disclosed this at a programme to commemorate 25 years of unbroken democratic governance on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly and had the theme: Building a Brighter Future: A journey of Hope and Aspirations.
Obasa said some of the bills and resolutions were historic.
The Speaker said the bills were those that eventually became laws ,which had impacted residents greatly as well as people outside of the state.
“Particularly worthy of mention are the Financial Autonomy law, Neighbourhood Safety Agency law, Regulation Approval law, and the Local Government Administration law, which created 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAS).
“This is in addition to the existing 20 local government reas in the state for the purpose of bringing government closer to the teeming Lagosians.
“The law also creates a four-year tenure for elected officials of the local government councils, making Lagos the first state in Nigeria to do so.
“Also, there are the Traffic Sector Reform law which created the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) system and the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) law.
“Our BRT law became a prototype design for many other states in Nigeria and some West African countries like Ghana and the Gambia.
“As a matter of fact, most of our laws, including our House Rules, have become models for other State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria,” he said.
The Speaker added that in the area of education, the Assembly had enacted the Lagos State University of Science and Technology law, which converted the old Lagos State Polytechnic to a full university.
He noted that one of the beauties of law was that it would eliminate the discrimination against polytechnic graduates in the labour market .
Obasa explained that the Lagos State College of Education was upgraded to Lagos State University of Education through an enabling law, thereby increasing the number of universities established by the state to three.
The Speaker said in a bid to proffer solutions to the security challenges facing tbe country, the Assembly pioneered the agitation for the creation of state police .
He said due to constitutional constraints, an abridged form of security outfits called the Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency was created to assist the police in maintaining law and order and enhance community policing in the state.
Obasa recalled that the very first session of the Assembly was headed by Mr Oladosu Osinowo (Ikorodu Urban II constituency) between October, 1979 and September, 1983.
He said Osinowo laid the foundation for the vibrancy of the House as well as the brilliant leadership for which the Assembly was revered.
The Speaker noted that at the time Osinowo was Speaker, Alhaji Lateef Jakande was the governor of the state and that his administration built the Assembly complex.
He said the second Lagos Legislative Assembly was headed by Mr Oladimeji Longe (itire-Ikate constituency) between October, 1983 and December, 1983 while Mr Shakirudeen Kinyomi (Ojo I constituency) was the Speaker in the third Legislative Assembly .
The speaker said since Fourth Legislative Assembly, led by Dr Olorunnibe Mamora (Kosofe I constituency) ,was inaugurated by the then governor of the state and now President Bola Tinubu on the June 2, 1999.
“The Assembly has enjoyed relative stability in its leadership with only four Presiding Officers in 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.
“This has, in no doubt, enhanced innovation, competence and capacity. Mamora led the House between June 1999 to June 2003, followed by Mr Jokotola Pelumi (Epe II), who led between June 2003 and December 2005.
“Then, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji (Epe I) took the mantle and led between December 2005 and June 2015.
“In addition, I am the current and longest serving legislator and Speaker in Nigeria, I was first elected Speaker in June 2015, I was re-elected in 2019 and again returned in 2023,” he said.
The Speaker said the Assembly avowed commitment to excellence in all its ramifications had made the state the bride of all since 1999.
Obasa said the Assembly had lived by its creed, reflecting positively on the constituents who had put their hopes on it as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism for prompt, fair and effective dispensation of justice. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Democracy: APC assures better days ahead for Nigerians
APC
By Emmanuel Mogbede
Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) says the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is on course, with better days ahead for Nigerians.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, while congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of 2024 Democracy Day.
“We remember and celebrate our illustrious patriots whose conviction and sacrifices bequeathed to us the democracy that we celebrate today.
“Following protracted military rule, civilian democracy was restored to our dear nation in 1999, and has now endured for 25 years, uninterrupted.
“With strident hope for a future of democratic consolidation and prosperity for our people, all Nigerians must take pride in this remarkable achievement,” Morka said.
He said that embedded in the idea of political democracy, was the intrinsic and instrumental value of the sovereign power that it bestowed on citizens to choose who governed them.
Morka said that it also granted citizens the power to hold those they elected into political offices accountable, through periodic elections and other constitutionally enshrined mechanisms.
“However, like with every human device and agency, democracy is not without its imperfections and challenges; our country has had its fair share of setbacks, pain and disappointments.
“These are inevitable and inescapable by-products of democratic construction, but importantly, it has set us irreversibly on course, to build a strong, vibrant and resilient nation.
“Democracy provides us the opportunity of essential freedom to harness our finest human and material resources, under the participatory authority of our people, for beneficial and sustainable governance,” he said.
Morka described President Tinubu as a veteran advocate, a defender of democracy and an exemplary progressive and visionary leader, whose contributions to the enthronement of democracy and nation building were simply monumental.
He said that in just over one year in office, the Tinubu-led administration had made impressive gains, revamping infrastructure to support the massive expansion of the Nigerian economy.
Morka said that the administration had also implemented multi-sector reforms to remove age-long debilitating policy distortions and contradictions in the economy.
He said that the administration had tackled insecurity, revitalised the country’s security architecture and channeled resources to important social investments.
Morka said that it also focused on poverty alleviation initiatives and initiated constructive engagements with relevant stakeholders, aimed at achieving better wages and living standards for citizens.
“Tinubu’s bold target of building a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria in a few short years received amplified validation by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“With its recent forecast that Nigeria’s economy would be nearly $2 trillion by 2029, there can be no better indication that the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is right on course, and that our best days are ahead.
“Being a clear-sighted democrat, President Tinubu is fully conscious of the existential challenges confronting our good people,
particularly, the unintended economic hardship of necessary policies that he has enacted to reset our economy for sustainable growth and development,” the APC spokesman said.
He said that Tinubu, like others before him, could have taken the easy and convenient road, doing more of the same, while the nation’s economic challenges persisted.
Morka said that demonstrating courage, Tinubu decided to walk the difficult path and tackle those challenges at their roots.
“He remains steadfast and committed to delivering a better, safer, stronger and more prosperous country; while taking deliberate and necessary measures to mitigate transient reform attendant hardships,” he said.
Morka thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support for the Tinubu-led administration and the APC.
He expressed confidence that the democracy being celebrated would usher in an era of economic freedom and secure a brighter future for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations, and Chairman, The Patriots with other members of the groups at the tomb of late Chief MKO Abiola on Wednesday to pay tributesyaoku
Anyanoku
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations on Wednesday, led some eminent leaders in the Patriots and pro-democracy activists to the tomb of the late Chief MKO Abiola to pay tributes.
Anyaoku, in company of retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof. Anthony Kila, Mr Wale Okunniyi and others, eulogised the patriotism of Abiola and his strong belief in the welfare of the people.
“It is a great pleasure and honour for us to be here to remember the late Bashorun MKO.
“I had the privilege of visiting him two times during his detention. Our conversation lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, he showed me he was a true Nigerian patriot.
“He (Abiola) was a clearly undisputable winner of the election that was annulled.
“The man who would have been our president lies here. We recognise his contributions to the development of our country.
“I was indescribably shock about his death. He died when people were looking forward to seeing him released.
“He was a great leader that Nigeria never had. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.
Anyaoku said that Abiola was a true leader of all sections of the country, a democrat who believed in democracy, urging all to continue to struggle for democracy.
“I believe it is only through a new people’s democratically made constitution that we will be able to live up to the hopes and to the belief represented by Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.
Also speaking, Nwachukwu, who served twice as Foreign Minister of Nigeria during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and as a senator, said that Abiola had a huge passion for the people.
“When I met him, he was talking about repatriation of millions of people taken into slavery.
“He was a people’s man. He ran and won, but unfortunately that election was annulled.
“Nigeria is crying for redemption, it is crying for growth, the only way we can have it is to have a people’s constitution. May his soul Rest In Peace,” Nwachukwu said.
Dr Yinusa Tanko, the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organisation, said that late Abiola was a true epitome of the struggle for democracy
“Here lies a true democrat, epitome of our true struggles. When we voted him, it was not about region or tribe, but for a true democracy.
“The youth of Nigeria spoke that he was their choice for a better Nigeria. The Nigerian youth have resurrected and are demanding better government,” Tanko, representing the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, said.
Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said that Abiola was a symbol of unity.
“It is unfortunate that this is not the kind of country Abiola died for. We gathered here to reflect on what he stood for.
“The county is in dire need for help. We must assemble and see what we can do.
“I felt strongly that these are moments we need to make this struggle more popular.
“We still have a long way to go. We need to do better so that we can immortalise this great man,” Yerima, a human right activist said.
Prof. Anthony Kila, one of the eminent leaders in the Patriots, said that the group came to recognise Abiola and many who toiled for democracy in Nigeria.
“Everything started from this man, we convened to rededicate our commitment to democracy and struggle for a more perfect nation,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Wale Okunniyi, another leader of the Patriots and Convener, June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, said that the group would not relent in fighting for a democracy that would work for the mass majority of Nigeria.
Okunniyi urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate a process of national dialogue and consultation that would give birth to a democratic constitution.
Mrs Lola Abiola-Edewor, the first child of the late Abiola commended the Patriots and all pro-democracy activists for efforts to keep alive the memory and ideals of his father.
“I am saying thank you for keeping faith and remembering him with love and passion, and for leaving everything you are doing to be here. I thank you all.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that MKO was all about hope,” Abiola-Edewor said.
She urged Nigerians to continually pray for their leaders to be able to fulfill all promises of hope.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AYO/FON/KAY
