Politics
Fubara, An Asset To Rivers State – Cookey – Gam
The ambition of the governorship standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Amaopusenibo Siminialayi Fubara, has continued to gain support of Rivers people from all walks of life.
Speaking with The Tide recently in Port Harcourt, the state capital, the Chairman of Opobo /Nkoro Local Government Council, Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam said that the PDP governorship hopeful remained an asset that Rivers people should be proud of.
Dr Cookey- Gam expressed the confidence that the candidate, if given “the opportunity, will bring vibrancy to every sector of the State economy as a detribalised leader, adding that “he is full of wisdom, vision and energy.”
According to the Council boss:, “We perceive a united Rivers State where unity, love and prosperity will thrive under his leadership as governor. The man, Fubara, who is before the electorate will bring vibrancy to all sectors of the State’s economy”.
He urged the electorate in the three senatorial districts of the State to do the needful when the issue of who will be the next governor is being addressed.
The LG boss applauded the tenacity of Amaopusenibo Fubara whom he described as a man of compassion, wisdom, vision and courage who does not pay attention to unnecessary distractions and controversies.
“We all know him as a democrat full of capacity and focus. He should continue in what he is doing. He doesn’t need to be bothered about the noise everywhere in the State.
“ Let him continue his consultation to all the nooks and crannies of the State, especially to all the aspirants and stakeholders across the State”, he said.
The Chairman of Council said that to have Amaopusenibo Fubara as governor next year is to ensure total socio-economic development in the oil -rich State, noting that the economic transformation agenda of his government when voted to power will be result -oriented,
He listed his thematic and cardinal agenda to include, life and health, vocational training, education and infrastructure, roads construction, food production and security, housing for the people, transportation and information.
Cookey-Gam maintained that boosting the internally generated revenue(IGR) of the State and job creation for Rivers peoples, especially the youths and the vulunerable persons remain Amaopusenibo Fubara’s cardinal objective, if given the mandate as governor next year.
He, however, stressed that the gubernatorial candidate has also pledged that seaports, railways and other ailing infrastructures in the state will be made to work by his administration.
By: Bethel Toby
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire incident at its office in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a post on its official X handle, yesterday, the Commission stated that about 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, and other items were destroyed by the inferno.
According to the post, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, confirmed the incident in a report.
The report explained that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
“The store’s section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
“Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” INEC stated.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has impeached Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker.
Rt Hon. Obasa, who is serving his third term as Speaker, was removed from his position over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
The 52-year-old lawmaker, who represents Agege State Constituency I, became Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.
Rt Hon. Mojisola Meranda, the Deputy Speaker, was subsequently elected to lead the House.
Rt Hon. Meranda, who took her oath of office immediately, would serve as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State legislature.
Speaking to journalists after Rt Hon. Obasa’s impeachment last Monday, a member of the House said the decision was unanimous.
The legislator also confirmed that all principal positions and standing committees in the Assembly have been dissolved
“It is just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant. Change is inevitable,” the member said.
“The members of the parliament, today, have decided to change the leadership of the House. And the constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings.
“So, members of the House felt we have had enough of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; and today, we have unanimously agreed that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda becomes the Speaker.
“It was a resolution concurred to by all members of the parliament and so be it. Honourable Fatai Adebola is Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“And as we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved. All standing committees stand dissolved”, he added.
In 2023, the Assembly faced public backlash after rejecting 17 out of 39 commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
At the time, Rt Hon. Obasa denied any rift with the governor, although the issue prompted a meeting with the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
More recently, the Rt Hon. Obasa-led Assembly proposed a bill to restructure local governance in the state.
The bill sought to replace the existing 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created in 2003 by Bola Tinubu, former governor of the state, with democratically elected local governments, recognising only 20 LGAs as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.
However, in a statement seen as a counter, Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC chairman in Lagos State, insisted that elections would still hold in the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in 2025.
Rt Hon. Obasa was impeached following a motion moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed.
Hon. Saheed, in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Rt Hon. Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting them against one another, amongst others.
He mentioned that Rt Hon. Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.
He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.
Subsequently, Rt Hon. Meranda emerged as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.
In a related development, the House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko. He was replaced with Mr. Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk of the House.
Later, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, while speaking with newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers, explained why the members changed the leadership of the House.
According to him, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.
“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.
“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”
He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.
The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.
-
Featured7 hours agoRSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day
-
News5 hours agoReps To Prioritise 2025 Budget, Tax Reform Bills -Speaker
-
Politics10 hours ago
Senate Decries MDAs’ Remittances To Federation Account In 2024
-
Politics7 hours agoSupport For Tinubu: It’s About Good Governance, Not Politics – Oborevwori
-
Business8 hours ago
RSG Targets 24hrs Power Supply Through IPP
-
Sports5 hours ago
Organisers Increase Prize Money For ECOWAS Marathon
-
Business7 hours ago
Nigeria’s Power Generation Stagnates At 4,500MW
-
News5 hours ago
Rivers Dep Gov Bags Award