Politics
Rivers Workers Get N400m Xmas Bonus
Activities in Government House revolved around
political campaigns last week. Earlier in the week, the All Progressives Congress (APC) kicked-off its presidential campaigns in the South-South. Already, the campaign led by the presidential hopeful of the party, Gen Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) has covered the whole of the South-South and has entered into the South-East.
On Monday last week, Governor Chibuike Amaechi arrived the state with top APC chieftains. He informed news reporters on arriving Port Harcourt International Airport that all was set for the take-off of the campaigns slated for the 40,000 capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka-Stadium on Tuesday.
Before the commencement of the campaign on Tuesday, Gen Buhari and other top chieftains of the party led by Governor Chibuike Ameachi briefed the house on the campaign organogram and plans. Top on the list is Gen Buhari as chairman, the party’s vice presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as alternate chairman, while the National Party chairman, Chief Oyegun is to serve as the deputy chairman of the campaign. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was named the Vice Chairman. Some state governors were selected to be zonal cordinators.
At the campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Governor Amaechi informed the huge crowd that time has come for them to choose the right leaders. He berated the opposition for orchestrating violence on APC members from Khana and Akuku-Toru local government areas on their way to the stadium.
On his part, Gen Buhari assured of an equitable and peaceful country if voted into power on February 2015. He promised better economic policies and progammes that will move the country forward.
On Wednesday, the APC presidential campaign train went to Tai in Ogoni land where they were received by chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, HRM G. N. Giniwa. Governor Amaechi who doubles as the Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation called on the Ogonis not to be intimidated by the use of military during the elections, but to come out and defend their votes.
On his part, Gen Buhari assured the Ogonis of his determination to fight corruption to a standstill if he wins the presidential elections.
But before the Wednesday’s visit to Tai, Buhari and other top members of the APC presidential campaign train paid a sympathy visit to party members who were attacked by hoodlums on Tuesday morning.
The victims were taken to the Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Port Harcourt where they were being treated of different degrees of gunshot wounds.
On Wednesday, last week, the State Government fulfilled its promise to victims of Mile Market fire disaster in 2013 and that of New Layout Market last year. Represented by Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Dickson Umunakwe, Governor Amaechi doled out the sum of N300 million to Mile I Market Traders and N50 million to New Market Traders.
Governor Amaechi charged the victims to set up a committee to ensure that the money gets to the right people and warned against short changing people.
On Thursday, Governor Amaechi was represented at the 2015 New Year Prayer and Dedication of the State Civil Service by the Head of Service, Mr. LongJohn. The governor had announced a Christmas gift of N400 million to the Civil Servants. Also, Chairman of the State Civil Service Committee, Sir Ngo Martins – Yellow used the occasion to charge civil servants for a more dedicated service, while disclosing the approval of nine new permanent secretaries in the service.
The APC Presidential Campaign train moved into the South-East as it berthed at Owam on Thursday and Aba on Friday. However, the campaign is expected to take a break on Sunday as Gen. Buhari and other APC chieftains moved to Enugu on Saturday to round off South East campaigns.
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.
-
Niger Delta12 hours ago
Yenagoa Becoming Modern City Under Our Stewardship – Diri
-
News9 hours ago
Monarch Assures Government, Residents Of Continuous Peace In Woji
-
News15 hours ago
We Need Additional N20bn To Pay Families Of Deceased Military Personnel -Minister
-
Politics11 hours ago
Good Governance: Clark Urges NGF Suspension
-
Business12 hours ago
Azman Airline Dismisses Aircraft Sale Alegations
-
Sports10 hours ago
NNL Fines Sporting Supreme, Kada Warriors FCs Over Unruly Conduct
-
Niger Delta12 hours agoMOSIEND Hails RSG Over Asari’s Chieftaincy Recognition
-
News9 hours agoAFRD: Let’s Celebrate Gallantry Of Soldiers More While Alive Than In Death -Fubara …As Rivers Honours Fallen Heroes, Members Of Armed Forces With Thanksgiving