Politics
Princewill Canvasses Issue-Based Campaign
The governorship flag
bearer of the Labour Party (LP) in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill has condemned the campaigns of character assassination going on in the country, saying the best form of campaign is issue-based.
Princewill assured the people of the state that if voted to serve as the governor of the state, he will embark on a ‘uniform development’ in all the sectors, while also providing public transportation and health system to achieve an effective and efficient services for the people.
The Labour Party candidate who stated this on Monday at a parley with journalists in Port Harcourt also presented his running mate, Barrister Ken Saronwiyo, noting that his deputy is an active politician, born in 1950, in Bien Gwara, in Khana local government area of the state,
According to him, “I am not satisfied with the campaigns that are going on, so much character assassination. There is no issue- based campaign. Personally, I debate, let every governorship aspirant come out for debate, to tell the electorates what they have for them.”.
He explained that Labour Party has only one point agenda, which is job creation, adding that unemployment is one of the remote causes of social vices in the country.
“As I speak to you, Labour Party has the capacity to create jobs, through the business environment and not just to employ people in the government sector,
Princewill who contested under the Action Congress (AC) party in 2007 said he was out to win and return peace to Rivers State, stressing that his party, Labour, has a perfect combination of candidates without trace of cult related history.
He also said that one of the best ways to boost the economy of the state is to decentralise Port Harcourt.
“ We need to decentralise some of ministries to other local government areas and diversify our economy”, he said.
He declared his that he is in support for President Goodluck Jonathan reelection.
“I support Jonathan 100 percent because he is doing well, I don’t think we need change now”, he stated.
Speaking, at the event after being introduced as the running mate, Barrister Saronwiyo expressed confidence that Labour party is going to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state, stating that the party has all the credentials and potentials to turn the state round.
According to him, he left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) because the leadership violated the constitutional provision of power rotation.
“ I am a lawyer, I don’t like to stay in a place where things are not done right” he said.
Tonye Orabere
Sir Gabriel Toby (left) former Deputy Governor of Rivers State addressing newsmen after a meeting of Opobo/Nkoro patriot in Port Harcourt. With him are Hon Maclean Uranta, former chairman of the LGA and Senibo Hillary Obomanu.
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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