Politics
David-West Carpets Jonathan, PDP Over Rivers Stadium Seizure
A former Minister of
Petroleum Resources, Professor Tam David-West has condemned the seizure of Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Centre Complex in Igwuruta, Port Harcourt by soldiers believed to be acting on the directives of the Federal Government.
Prof. David-West made the condemnation in Port Harcourt on Saturday, while addressing newsmen on the invasion of the state owned stadium by federal troops.
He called on President Goodluck Jonathan to withdraw the soldiers immediately.
The former minister said the seizure of the stadium was a dangerous trend that might eventually drive the country to chaos, while also describing the action of the President as impunity of the highest order.
He said, “I am advising President Jonathan to withdraw soldiers from the stadium to avoid confrontation and problem. We need peace in the country, and not war. What PDP is doing is a plot to cause confusion to justify shift of date of the elections.
The sports complex was last Saturday seized by a troop of soldiers in readiness for President Jonathan’s campaign rally billed for this Wednesday.
Rivers State Government had earlier denied the PDP the use of the stadium on the excuse that “the stadium is still under construction, and as works resumed in the site, it is unsafe environment for use at this time”.
The State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, however flayed the resolve of the PDP leaders to unlawfully break into the sport complex without authorization, saying it was an invitation to anarchy and a plot by the PDP led federal government to justify its earlier call for postponement of the next month’s election.
She called on Nigerians and Security agencies to call PDP leaders to order for peace to prevail in the state.
The PDP Chairman in Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah had earlier said the state government’s refusal to allow the party to use the stadium amounted to impunity.
Meanwhile, the State Government has condemned last Saturday’s bombing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial rally venue at Okrika, the country home of the First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan by some unknown gunmen. The incident forced the APC to postpone its governorship rally scheduled to hold last Saturday at Okrika.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner for Information, and Communication, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, described the activities of the hoodlum as the handiwork of the PDP in the state.
She, called on the security agencies to investigate the incident with a view to bringing those behind the APC attack to justice.
Enoch Epelle
Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Dr Dakuku Peterside (middle) upholding his running mate, Asita O. Asita. With them is Federal House of Representatives candidate, Bonny/Degema Constituency, Hon. Aye Pepple , during the APC governorship rally in Bonny, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
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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