Politics
Ex-INC Boss, Others Root For CTC Chair Ahead LG Polls
A former president of the Ijaw National Congress ( INC), Professor Atuboyedia Obianime; Pro-Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka and the Women leader of the Simplified Movement in Okrika Local Government Area, Opuerembo Bertha Dede, have all endorsed the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Okrika local government council, Princess Ibiene Ogan, to run for the office of the substantive chairman of council in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
They made their views known while speaking at the second phase empowerment programme of the local government council.
Professor Obianime lauded the caretaker committee chairman for showing exceptional qualities, adding that it was the first time since the creation of the local government area that Okrika people were feeling the impact of good governance.
He said it was his wish that Princess Ogan would be allowed to come back as substantive chairman in the forthcoming local government elections.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, said the caretaker committee chairman had shown capacity in the administration of the council.
“I’m glad that I endorsed her candidature and I’m very proud to say that she has not disappointed me.
“She has done marvellously in terms of empowerment, and as you can see, I’m very glad. I’m also requesting her not to rest on her oars, she should rather do better”, he said.
Chief Amiesimaka, who called on the people of Okrika to interrogate other candidates before voting for them, expressed surprise that some of those who had gone to him for endorsement did not even know the functions of local government councils.
“Some of them came to me to lobby for endorsement in the forthcoming election and I asked them one question, what are the statutory responsibilities of local government chairman? Most of them don’t have a clue.
“It should nolonger be business as usual. I have asked the people to ask questions, look at the candidate”, he said.
He said the empowerment initiatives will act as a stimulant to rejig the private sector, adding that this will make many people to be self dependent instead of depending on the government every time.
Chief Amiesimaka also described Governor Fubara as an exceptional leader, stressing that the Governor had identified with the people.
“He is the people’s governor. The governor is sensitive to the plight of the ordinary people and as we all know, this is not just a political statement, it’s the reality”, he said.
In her remarks, the Women Leader of the Simplified Movement in Okrika Local Government Àrea, Opuerembo Bertha Dede, said the caretaker committee chairman had demonstrated a unique leadership style that was missing since the creation of the local government area.
She said the people, not just the women, will be happy if the state Governor will consider bringing Princess Ogan back as Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area.
“Tody, we are here for empowerment, our CTC chairman is empowering her people. I’m so happy for what she is doing because it has not been done in the local government.
“Since all the time Chairmen have been leading, I have not seen this progress but when this lady came, so many things are changing.
“If the Governor will return her back, we will be so happy”, she said.
Opuerembo Dede enumerated some of the achievements of the caretaker chairman to include constant power supply, provision of water, empowerment of the women folk and regular cleaning of drainages, amongst others.
Meanwhile, Princess Ogan has described the second phase empowerment programme as another phase in her administration’s attempt to economically empower the people.
John Bibor & Idris Marvellous
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.
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