Category: Politics

Plateau electoral body begins preparation for LG elections 

Preparation

By Peter Amine

Jos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC), says it has commenced preparations for the conduct of local government elections.

PLASIEC Chairman, Mr Planji Cishak, made the disclosure on Thursday in Jos, when he briefed newsmen on the activities of the commission.

Cishak, who assumed office one week ago, along with his commissioners, said that the commission had already commenced immediate actions and readiness checks.

The chairman stated that PLASIEC identifying administrative and operational gaps and weaknesses, as well developing and implementing policies that would pave the way for free, fair, and credible elections at the grassroots.

He assured the people that the goal was to establish a level playing field that would instill confidence in the electoral process across all political parties in Plateau.

According to him, the commission will issue notice of election as soon as the checks are completed.

“As an electoral umpire, our mandate is unequivocal: to fortify the electoral framework from the ward level up to the local government through credible election processes.

“Under my watch, PLASIEC is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every Plateau citizen exercises their democratic right to vote for local leaders.

“We are dedicated to nurturing democratic leadership structures at the local level, rewriting the narrative of local government elections in the state and Nigeria through transparency, fairness, professionalism, and inclusivity.

“In pursuit of our mission to uphold democratic ideals in Plateau State, PLASIEC intends to forge a robust partnership with media practitioners, political parties, security agencies, and development partners,” he said.

Cishak called on all citizens of Plateau to join the commission on the journey to rebuild, retool, and reorganise the institution above individuals and narrow interests, so that everyone would be proud of PLASIEC.

The chairman added that his vision at PLASIEC was to contribute to the growth of democratic ideals in Plateau and positively impact democracy in Nigeria.

He maintained that the commission’s mission was to conduct credible local government elections in Plateau in accordance with established rules, guidelines, and global best practices. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

PAT/DOR
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Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

Contractor
By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has summoned AGIP Oil Company to appear before it on June 26,  over  alleged N80 million owed to De Cooon Services Ltd.

Rep. Michael Etaba, Chairman of the Committee expressed displeasure over non-payment and  non-appearance of AGIP oil at its investigative hearing in Abuja on Thursday.

De Coon is an indigenous company, run by Prof Nelson Onubogu, the managing director and chief executive officer of the company.

He said that not paying an indigenous company for a job well done and patronising foreigners for the same job was unfortunate.

The committee added that the act was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors, adding that it would not augur well to drive Nigeria out of business while encouraging foreigners.

He stated that it was high time Nigerians began to take themselves seriously.

Speaking on the issue, a member of the committee, Rep. Matthew Nwogwu, said that the non-appearance of AGIP was disrespectful.

“It’s unfortunate that people who are supposed to be accountable to Nigerians are not.

“When a committee like this is mandated by the constitution to handle issues concerning the lives of Nigerians, it summons an organisation but the refusal should call for worry.

“I don’t know who is protecting who but no one is above the law; the only people who have immunity are the governor and President.

Onubogu, in his response, said the invitation was well advertised in the media, adding that AGIP deliberately shunned the public hearing.

He said  the matter started more than five years ago, adding that a situation where a Nigerian company is being strangled by an Italian firm was unfortunate.

According to him, they owe my company over 80 million dollars paid by NNPCL. The NNPCL has paid the money but it was diverted out of Nigeria.

“AGIP Oil Company used some cronies to take this money out of Nigeria, and they refused to pay the Nigerian company.

“AGIP took all my cancelled contracts and gave them to my own staff while they were working for me.

“All I am saying here is that AGIP should pay my money; AGIP should be mandated by the NNPCL to pay my money.

He, however, said that he would not settle for anything other than to get his full money.

“I don’t believe in middle ground; the right thing should be done; they are owing me, and they should pay my money and restore all my contracts as awarded to me.

“There are rules and regulations for terminating and awarding contracts.”

He said he was ready for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, provided AGIP obeyed, adding that no one could tell him to forgo his money.

Onubogu said that he believed that justice must be done in the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ODF/CHOM/SH

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

Jigawa Assembly lifts suspension of 4 council chairmen

Suspension
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Jigawa State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension of four  council chairmen and told them to resume their official duties.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected chairmen are Bappa Shinge of Auyo Local Government Area (LGA), Bala Usman-Chamo of Dutse LGA, Ahmed Rufa’i of Gumel LGA and Shehu Sule-Udi of Ringim LGA.

The chairmen were suspended by the House on March 6, over alleged misconduct, negligence and injudicious use of public funds found by its Committee on Local Government during its oversight visit to the their respective LGAs.

The House then set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the suspended council chairmen.

Mr Aminu Zakari, the Acting Chairman of the  committee, while presenting its report, listed 11 findings/observations during its investigation.

Zakari said that the committee carried out a careful review of documents before it, including a consultant’s report on each of the four local governments.

He said it also considered the documents submitted by the suspended council chairmen in defence of the accusations against them and their pleas.

Zakari said that the committee came up with 11 recommendations.

He said that one of the recommendations was to issue a stern warning to the affected chairmen to desist from any act unethical or unbecoming of holder of the office in both administrative and financial dealings.

“That this Honourable House should graciously consider the pleas of the suspended council chairmen.

“That the suspension placed against the following council chairmen: Bappa Shinge -Auyo LG, Bala Usman-Chamo – Dutse LG, Ahmed Rufa’i – Gumel and Shehu Sule-Udi -Ringim LG, be lifted and that they should resume their duties as the chairmen of their respective LGs,” Zakari said.

Consequent upon the resolution of the Assembly through voting, the Speaker, Mr Haruna Aliyu, recalled the four chairmen to resume office with immediate effect.

Reacting on behalf of the chairmen, Usman-Chamo of Dutse LG commended the lawmakers for the gesture.

He thanked their supporters and well wishers for their solidarity.

Usman-Chamo, who was the state’s ALGON chairman before his suspension, added: “Not only four of us, but all 27 LGs will continue to do our best in serving our people”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MNB/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Ododo signs 7 bills into law

Bills

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo on Thursday signed seven bills into law with a charge to the residents to embrace the new laws and be law abiding to move Kogi forward.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seven bills signed into law include: A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and for other matters connected therewith, 2024.

A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024.

A Law to establish the Kogi Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024.

A Law to Establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and other matters connected therewith, 2024 and Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024.

The Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024 and the Kogi State Urban Planning Law, 2024.

Ododo, who signed the bills in his office at the Government House, Lokoja, described the laws as people’s laws.

He explained that his assent to the bills were in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability and fear of God.

“I believe that the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi State as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people.

“These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts. All the laws have direct bearing in the lives of our people and this is the reason why we are here.

“Let it be known that under my administration, nobody is above the law.

“This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state,” Ododo assured.

He, however, urge the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TYC/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Ondo 2024: I will support Aiyedatiwa despite my grievances – Olusola Oke

Election
By Segun Giwa
Akure, June 20, 2023 (NAN) Chief Olusola Oke, an aspirant in the April 20 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Ondo State, has promised to support the party’s candidate for the Nov. 16 election, despite his grievances.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State emerged as the candidate of the party in the primary, which had 15 other aspirants.

Oke, who disclosed this while playing host to Aiyedatiwa on Thursday in Akure, said he decided not to challenge the outcome of the primary in court due to his respect for the party.

“I will not gain anything if I go to court, win, and the party does not have a candidate, so I will prefer APC to be in power.

“Especially, when the candidate is my brother from the same ward in Ilaje Local Government, it is better than to have the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Agboola Ajayi, win the election.

“Alhough, I had planned to contest and win and invite the governor to come and support me, but it did not work out as I planned, because God knows best.

“You recall that we met twice after the primary, if I wanted to fight, there are several ways to fight.

“We would have gone to court and we will not have a candidate like the Zamfara case, if my prayers are granted.

“I am not an emergency politician who will go out to hire crowds, I have aspired to be governor four times,” he said.

Oke advised the governor not to treat members of the party who did not support him in the primary as outcasts.

“Call your people to order so that we can win together. Let me remind you that people are not smiling because of our party policies.

“You promised me in the next government after winning that deserving members will be included,” he said.

Reacting, Aiyedatiwa, who commended Oke for his stance and support, said “all that transpired was part of the democratic process.”

According to him, there are no camps in APC in the state, promising to treat all members equally and with equity.

The governor said Oke had demonstrated “uncommon interest and maturity with his gesture for following up his words with actions.

“I have not been offended in anyway, even in my ward, some did not support me.

“If we had that in our family, what about the whole state. What you have done is democratic. I endorse all that was said by you.

“In any political gathering, there are three interests; personal interest, community interest and party interest. Without your party being in government, you can hardly fulfil the interests.

“You won’t be an outcast in our party and I thank you for believing in me,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
GSD/AYO/IKU
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Tayo Ikujuni

Education

By EricJames Ochigbo

Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has urged all stakeholders to prioritise investment in education to safeguard the future of Africa.

Abbas made the call on Thursday in Abuja, at the 2024 Day of the African Child celebration, organised by the Project Hope Alive, an NGO interested in child development.

Abbas, represented by his Special Assistant on Youth Matters, Mr Lamir Umar, said that the children are the future of the continent.

“Education for all, is empowerment for all Africans, it is also an investment in the future we so yearn for, for the Africa we always strive to develop.

“Children are the compass of this historic continent; therefore, investing in their education will no doubt bring immense return today and tomorrow.

“Let me use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to consider education as a necessity, as a collective input to continue building an Africa we will be proud of,” he said.

In his remarks, the President of Project Hope Alive, Amb. Chibuzo Okereke, said that the initiative to celebrate Day of the African Child commenced in 2016.

He said that education was an enabler, a stimulator and a fundamental human right that should be enjoyed by all.

Okereke, however, said that as a result of social inequality, there was a need to speaker for the vulnerable if they must have access to education.

“So for us, we are advocating for inclusive quality and relevant education, especially for children, just in line with the African Union declarations and framework and most of the countries of Africa, including Nigeria, sign into the Child Right Act.

“The aspirations of the Act is so that no child should be left behind, 2024 is the year of education in the African Union.

“So it should reflect even in the country’s budget, it should reflect even in policy directions of government of countries in Africa,” he said.

Okereke called for proper data bank of children on the continent to ensure proper education was delivered to them especially those with disabilities.

He said that with proper data, Nigeria should be able to take education to all out-of-school children wherever they might be, saying that retired teachers could play a role in teaching in communities.

Okereke said that there was gap that needed be closed in the education system, suggesting that corporate organisation should consider investing in education as part of the Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR).

The president announced a cash donation of N100,000 and other items like books, school bags, water bottles, writing materials among others to Junior Secondary School Jabi I, which hosted the ceremony.

Other stakeholders at the event also donated cash to the school to support indigent students, while others offered scholarships for some orphans in the school.

In her remarks, the Principal of the school, Dr Grace Onyeanusi, commended the organisers for choosing to mark the day in the school.

Onyeanusi appreciated Project Hope Alive and its partners for the donations and items donated to the school for the children.

She said a lot were being done to support the students saying that the schools believed in education for all.

The principle pledged to continue to reach out to the speaker and other stakeholders to support the school execute with some critical projects in the school.

Miss Jimo Nazirah, a JSS 2b student in an interview with NAN, said that she was happy to be in school.

She urged all stakeholders to do all it took and ensured every child, not just in Africa but in the entire world have access to education.

Guests at the event were treated to a variety of cultural dance display by the students, spoken words, and debates among others. (NAN)

EOO/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

PRP urges FG to develop people-oriented agric, manufacturing policies

Policies
By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has urged the Federal Government to develop and put in place realistic and people-oriented agricultural and manufacturing policies to improve the Nigerian economy.

The National Chairman of the party, Malam Falalu Bello, made the call in a news statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, the National Economic Management team of the government should consider a massive reduction in the cost of governance and reduction in waste to get the country out of its economic crisis.

“We urge this team, as a matter of urgency, to develop and get in place, a realistic and people oriented agricultural and manufacturing policies.

“We need to make agriculture an economically profitable activity as done before the IMF/World Bank visited this nation with their ‘No subsidy to agriculture’ mantra,” he said.

Bello decried the level of inflation, which he said, was “inching up to 40 per cent and rising poverty level was exacerbating”.

“Unemployment and under employment levels are increasing because of low capacity utilisation and factory closures.

“Their is also the closure of over 300 companies by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on account of unreasonable increase in electricity tariff.

“More companies are folding up. We urge the government to do something to address this situation,” he said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

NNL/AYO/SH

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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza

Lagos APC executive dies in Mecca,party mourns

Death
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos chapter of  All Progressives Congress (APC)  has described the death of its former Welfare Secretary, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, as unfortunate and shocking.

Bankole, one of the Lagos APC women leaders from Epe Division, died while performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Publicity Secretary of the party in the state , Mr Seye Oladejo, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday  that late Bankole was a committed member of the party.

“Her death is most shocking and unfortunate. She was a committed and experienced party leader.

“The deceased  was a proven mobiliser and inspiration for women participation in politics. May her precious soul in peace,” Oladejo said.

NAN reports that the Chairman of Epe Local Government ,Ms Surah Animashaun, had  on Thursday confirmed Bankole’s death .

Animashaun, in a statement , said that the deceased was hale and hearty before leaving the country for Hajj pilgrimage.

She said: “it is with a heavy heart, and a deep sense of grief that I received the news of the death of Alhaja Ramota Bankole.

“It is a sad day indeed as I received the news that she died in the holy land of Mecca while on holy pilgrimage.

“I extend my condolences to the Bankole family, APC members and the  entire people of Epe on the unfortunate demise of our dear sister and mummy”.

NAN learnt the deceased celebrated her 60th birthday recently.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AYO/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Abia Govt. warns against impersonation in disability commission

Impersonation

By Leonard Okachie

Umuahia, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Abia State Government has warned that it would deploy appropriate sanction on anyone found impersonating the state in the guise of the Chairman of Abia State Disability Commission.

Mr David Anyaele, Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, gave the warning during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an individual has been parading himself as the Chairman of the commission.

NAN further reports that the immediate past Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had appointed Mr Eldad Monu, a person with disability, as chairman of the commission.

Ikpeazu had in May 2023, sworn in Monu alongside the governing board representing various disability clusters.

Reacting, Anyaele said that the incident had come to the notice of the government, while stressing that it was taking steps to investigate the activities of the alleged impersonator.

He said that Gov. Alex Otti had on his assumption of office one year ago, announced the dissolution of all boards of ministries, parastatals and agencies of government pending reconstitution.

Anyaele said that the governor, had during last month’s media chat, made it exclusively clear that he was taking steps to reconstitute the other board of ministries, parastatals and agencies, after the ones he already put in place.

He described the person’s action as “an affront, act of deceit and impersonation.”

According to him, many national and international organisations have been falsely and fraudulently led to funding his activities under the guise of representing the Disability Commission.

“The public is advised to report any entreaties, requests or demands by this impersonator or any other person acting on his behalf, using the Disability Commission as a cover, to the State Government, for appropriate action,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LEO/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru