Politics

Insecurity: Party Stalwart Calls On Political Leaders To Save Nigeria

Published

4 years ago

May 12, 2021

Businessman and presidential candidate of People’s Trust (PT) at the 2019 general elections, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on political leaders and other stakeholders to unite and save Nigeria from imminent collapse.

In a statement he personally signed, Olawepo-Hashim said that more than ever before, now is the time for political leaders in the country, irrespective of their political or ideological leanings, to put heads together in order to agree on a workable agenda to stabilize our bleeding nation.

Olawepo-Hashim who reiterated his belief in a united and indivisible Nigeria, said: “It was unfortunate many are still carrying on as if it is business as usual, while IT IS NOT!”

“The nation is on fire and we must put it out Right Now! Nigeria’s political leaders across political lines in government and out of government must urgently arrive at a consensus to secure the country and return it to a path of peace and unity so as to give hope to the citizens who desperately need to be assured that their father land can still work for them,” he said.

The business mogul stated, “The challenges confronting Nigeria are larger than any particular party in government or in opposition, they are bigger than any group’s interest or ambition, they require the goodwill of all patriots to resolve, and our best collective wisdom as a people.

“On our own part, we recommended a six-point agenda as a pathway to security and peace in our land. Please permit me to restate them.

“Establish a Defence Co-operation Agreement (DCA) with a friendly nation to halt the enemy’s advance. Those who are fighting Nigeria are from all over the world, the enemy is multinational in its composition.”

“We must put our house in order by resolving internal wrangling through dialogue, fairness, and justice.”

“We must have a broad-based cabinet that can inspire hope, efficiency, and national unity.”

“We must immediately create the framework for States and Local Governments to have their own police.”

“All states should have concurrent jurisdiction over mineral resources within their state and pay taxes to the Federal purse.”

“We must decentralize electricity generation, transmission via local grid and distribution. This should be on the concurrent list,” he said.

He said “ time is running out for orderly resolution of the issues giving leadership on a road-map for peace and security at this critical time is the least we owe pur people who have suffered too much deprivation.”

Every leader, he stressed, must stand up to be counted.

Politics

Fire Razes INEC Office In Delta, Destroys 706 Ballot Boxes, Others

Published

10 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

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.

Politics

Obasa Impeachment: Lagos Assembly Gets First Female Speaker

Published

12 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

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.

Politics

Lagos Lawmakers List Ex-Speaker’s Many ‘Sins’

Published

12 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have listed perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high handedness and inciting members against each other as some of the ‘sins’ over which Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker of the state legislature.

Recall that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, impeached the embattled Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege State Constituency 1, over alleged financial misappropriation.

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.