Politics
Council Boss Tasks Tinubu On N’Delta Dev, Hails Fubara, Others
Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council of Rivers State, Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam, has called on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently reorganize the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and its affiliate agencies for greater efficiency, productivity and more purposeful service delivery.
While exchanging views with journalists, recently, in Port Harcourt, Dr Cookey-Gam appealed to the Federal Government to come to the rescue of the people of the Niger Delta region by providing up to date infrastructural facilities such as roads, qualitative and affordable housing, constant power supply, efficient and affordable healthcare, as well as functional educational institutions and agricultural programmes to ease hunger, poverty and unemployment in the area.
He stressed that the deplorable condition of federal roads in the region had been the major cause of many avoidable accidents and deaths, adding that the situation was not only insensitive but a less than commensurate reward for the huge contributions of the region to the economy of the country.
Dr Cookey Gam also drew the attention of the Federal Government to the prevalence of preventable and treatable diseases and opportunistic infections leading to needles loss of lives due to the shortage of functional hospitals and the total collapse of existing ones.
He urged the President and his team, including political leaders at all levels to step up measures to provide adequate security for the people as well as empowerment for the Youths in the region to guarantee quality education and self-reliance in order to eradicate illiteracy and curtail its attendant social and economic crises.
Dr Cookey-Gam maintained that the Niger Delta people deserved a better deal than they had gotten from the central government over the years and expressed the hope that the administration of President Tinubu will correct the age long injustice, deprivation and marginalisation the people have endured.
The local government boss implored the President and relevant governmental agencies to give listening ears to the yearnings and aspirations of the people in their quest to change the ugly developmental narrative of the badly impacted region.
Meanwhile, Dr Enyiada Cookey-Gam, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima; Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara; his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu; Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Senator Barinada Mpigi; member representing Andoni/Opobo/ Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr Awaji Inombek Abiante and member representing Opobo/Nkoro State Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha on their assumption of office, describing their emergence as the will of God and the people.
Dr Cookey-Gam urged them to do their best in order to build better bridges of development for the people in the next four years and assured them of his administration’s support in their quest to build a better state and nation.
By: Bethel Toby
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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