FEATURES
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, under scrutiny as investigations into his administration’s financial activities intensify.
The anti-graft agency is reportedly examining transactions and contracts awarded during Obaseki’s eight-year tenure as governor.
Obaseki, who concluded his term on November 12, had previously alleged that the EFCC intended to arrest him immediately after he left office.
Recall that Edo State’s new governor, Monday Okpebholo, had set up a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to review Obaseki’s administration.
Earlier, on November 2, the EFCC detained five senior officials from Obaseki’s government, including the Accountant General, Julius Anelu, over substantial withdrawals from the state treasury within a short timeframe.
Despite these developments, Obaseki has expressed his readiness to face any probe, stating on November 8 that he has no fears about the EFCC’s investigations and is prepared to account for his time in office.
However, EFCC insiders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed to The PUNCH that while investigations are ongoing, no direct link to irregularities has been established against the former governor.
“An investigation into his administration has started, but he won’t be invited until we reach an advanced stage. So far, many transactions are not directly tied to him, as he delegated responsibilities to others. Our team is pursuing leads on contracts and other transactions under his tenure,” a source explained.
Another source revealed that Obaseki, like all former governors, is automatically placed on the EFCC’s watch list to ensure they remain within reach during investigations.
“All former governors are monitored by the EFCC, regardless of active investigations. This prevents them from leaving the country while cases are ongoing,” the source added.
The lawmaker representing Abia South in the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed that Nigeria would have been a better place for all had Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election, won.
Abaribe asserted that the nepotism prevalent under President Bola Tinubu’s administration would not have been present under Obi’s government.
The lawmaker stated these on Monday on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Abaribe raised concerns regarding the President’s alleged nepotism, specifically questioning Tinubu’s decision to appoint four ministers exclusively from Ogun State, while many other states are represented by only one minister.
He also pointed out that while former President Muhammadu Buhari exhibited nepotism tendencies, the situation worsened under President Tinubu, as Buhari’s actions went largely unchallenged except by him.
Abaribe emphasized that instead of relying on presidents to treat the Southeast fairly, it is crucial for the people of the region to take initiative in revitalizing their communities, making them more livable and united.
He remarked that aside from Obasanjo and Jonathan, no other president has adequately served the interests of the people, and it is no longer viable for them to wait for such fairness.
“If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today.
“Number one, he would not be as nepotistic as this government, he won’t, it’s not in him. That is just who we are, we feel for the other people,” Abaribe said.
The Convener of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Edwin Clark, has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s silence on the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, particularly the status of former Speaker Martins Amaewhule and 27 other pro-Wike lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly.
In a statement released on Monday, the elder statesman insisted that the lawmakers, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), had lost their seats by law.
Clark accused the lawmakers of perjury, citing conflicting claims in separate court documents filed after their defection on December 11, 2023.
According to him, the failure of Amaewhule and the others to declare their defection in an earlier case before Justice Omotosho against the leadership of the National Assembly rendered the suit invalid.
He added that in a subsequent case filed on December 13, 2024, before Justice Donatus Okorowo, the lawmakers openly admitted their defection to the APC, which further highlighted the inconsistencies in their legal arguments.
The elder statesman argued that by law, lawmakers who defect from the party on which they were elected automatically lose their seats unless they can prove a division or crisis within their original party.
He said, “Now that the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and his 27 colleagues have confirmed in a court of law that they defected from the PDP to the APC, they have automatically lost their seats as of December 11, 2023, and are therefore disqualified from bringing any court action on behalf of the Rivers State House of Assembly and its members.
“Not disclosing their defection to Justice Omotosho’s court shows clearly that the case in Justice Omotosho’s court is null and void and of no effect. Therefore, the judgment allegedly given by Justice Omotosho in suit no: FHC/ABJ/1613/2023 is null and void, and it was a judgment obtained by fraud.
“Similarly, the three-man panel that sat on Justice Omotosho’s case did not preside over any valid judgment to be reviewed or supervised by the Court of Appeal, because the case was dead long ago. Therefore, they resorted to using unnecessary and insulting language against the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, which is tactless and uncalled for.”
Clark also alleged that the FCT Minister and the lawmakers were doing everything possible to undermine Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, adding that President Tinubu had failed to call Wike to order.
He criticised Wike for having no respect for the Constitution, stating that Nigerians would one day ask the President why he allowed the Minister to breach the Constitution on several occasions.
“He (Wike) wants to bring down the government of Siminalayi Fubara at all costs and without justification. Everybody in Nigeria heard him threatening the government of Siminalayi Fubara, an innocent governor, and the impression is being given that some people are above the law, including the former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, and his 27 colleagues.”
“Mr. President has been called several times to call his Minister to order because a Minister cannot disobey the Constitution of Nigeria, yet Mr. President looks on.”
“We have respectfully appealed to President Bola Tinubu on several occasions to call Nyesom Wike to order or prevent him from breaching the Constitution of Nigeria, but unfortunately, Mr. President has failed to carry out his duty as the number one citizen of this country.”
“Nyesom Wike, who is a serving Minister in President Bola Tinubu’s government, has no regard or respect for the Constitution of Nigeria. Mr. President may one day be asked by patriotic Nigerians why he allowed Nyesom Wike to breach the Constitution of Nigeria on several occasions,” the statement said.
We Challenge You To Provide Evidence – NBA Dares EFCC Chairman Over Lawyers Financial Fraud Allegation
AFOLABI
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to take legal action against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, over claims that lawyers aid the illicit financial flows to offshore accounts.
Olukoyede had earlier alleged that it was impossible for major financial fraud to occur without lawyers’ involvement.
He stated that lawyers prioritize personal gain over national interest, particularly in cases like the P&ID scam and the Mambilla Power Project.
Reacting, the NBA, represented by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, (SAN) argued that the EFCC boss lacked sufficient evidence to back his claim.
He berated Olukoyede for painting the legal profession in a bad light.
Osigwe challenged the EFCC chairman to provide evidence or forever hold his peace.
He said, “We challenge the EFCC Chairman to come up with empirical evidence and if he can not, he should never make such a statement again.
“Unfortunately, he is one of us. He is a lawyer. We had earlier drawn his attention to the fact that many men and women who make the investigation and prosecution of cases by the EFCC worthwhile are lawyers.
“Is he then suggesting that his lawyers are aiding money laundering and financing of terrorism?
“It is common in Nigeria for people to make hasty generalizations, yet, very few lawyers, to my knowledge, have been prosecuted by the EFCC for aiding money laundering.
“If for example, he has evidence of many lawyers who have aided money laundering and who are standing trial or who may have been convicted or who had pleaded guilty, then, one could say that he has evidence.
“It is unfortunate that such a statement was made and I am sure that with the benefit of hindsight, he would not have made the statement.
“In the absence of evidence, such a statement should never be made. We are proud members of the legal profession and we must draw the line in performing our professional duties and aiding the commission of crime. We do not do that.
“There may be a few bad eggs but that does not represent the picture or the majority of lawyers who toil to build up a reputation of integrity and professionalism.
“The EFCC Chairman should not for whatever reason soil that image by portraying all of us as aiders of money laundering.
“If that happens again, we will take legal action to protect the image of the legal profession.”
GDP Growth Shows Tinubu’s Reforms Are On Track, $1 Trillion Economy Possible By 2030 – Presidency
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has expressed delight with the latest Gross Domestic Product report by the National Bureau of Statistics, which shows an improvement in Nigeria’s economic outlook.
A statement on Monday, signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the positive performance shows that the reforms embarked upon by the President are bearing goof fruits.
Naija News reports that the NBS, in its latest report released on Monday, disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46%. The growth showed an increase in economic performance from Q2 GDP of 3.19% and higher growth from 2023 Q3 GDP of 2.54%.
Reacting, Dare conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance to Nigerians of better economic output as the economy continues to expand following the newly released third quarter Gross Domestic Product report by the National Bureau of Statistics.
He added that the growth in GDP shows that President Tinubu’s quest for a more robust boost in the economy and, by extension, a better standard of living for all Nigerians is on course.
The media aide noted that President Tinubu remains committed to actualizing a $1 trillion economy for Nigeria by 2030.
“The 3.46% growth indicates Nigeria is recovering from the reforms’ unintended effects.
“President Tinubu said his administration has not and will never forget his promise of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He assured that once the economy is rebased by early 2025 to capture its dynamism and record significant changes that have occurred in different sectors, the country will be on its way to shared prosperity.
“The latest GDP growth in the third quarter is driven by key sectors such as Agriculture, Transport, Education, Health, Real Estate, Finance and Insurance, ICT, Trade, and Manufacturing.
“This performance once again shows that the reforms embarked upon by the Tinubu administration to reposition the economy and ensure better fiscal management are beginning to yield fruits,” the statement reads.
Dare also explained further that Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms are intended to benefit the entire nation by ensuring more equitable distribution of the country’s wealth.
“The proposed tax reforms also indicate the administration’s resolve to reduce the tax burden on small businesses and spread prosperity to the poor. The new Tax regime seeks to promote equity by reducing what is known as the headquarters effect—a situation where states where company headquarters are based get more benefits because their taxes for the whole nation are remitted—in favour of spatial and demographic equity.
“President Tinubu said, “I am excited by the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics that our economy grew in the third quarter more than last quarter and even beyond projected estimates. While I welcome this development, the latest figure also shows the much work that needs to be done. We won’t rest until Nigerians feel the positive impacts in their pockets and experience a better living standard. My administration remains committed to the welfare of our people.”
“The top contributing sectors to GDP in Q3 2024 are Agriculture 28.65%, ICT 16.35%, Trade 14.78%, Manufacturing 8.21%, Crude Oil 5.57%, Finance & Insurance 5.51% and Real Estate 5.43%,” the statement concluded.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, said on Monday that the investigation launched by the Federal Government to identify civil servants still receiving salaries after relocating abroad is ongoing.
While denying claims that the process has been abandoned, the HoS stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring those who have moved abroad in search of better opportunities are no longer benefiting from the system.
Walson-Jack made the statement at an event in Abuja marking her 100 days in office and a review of her tenure in the civil service.
This development comes five months after President Bola Tinubu ordered that civil servants who continue to receive government salaries after relocating abroad must refund the money.
The president also instructed that supervisors and department heads responsible for enabling such fraudulent practices be held accountable.
Walson-Jack confirmed that the investigation is still underway, and they are using the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to track workers’ movements.
She said, “You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably.
“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad.”
She added, “Some progress has been made, and we will continue to monitor the situation until it is fully addressed.”
Walson-Jack also thanked her staff for their tremendous support and praised the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ for making her first 100 days in office a smooth experience.
“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she stated.
While thanking President Tinubu for appointing her to the position, the former permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Education also assured that her office is working closely with the Federal Civil Service Commission to tackle the issue of job racketeering within the service.
“I know that the Federal Civil Service Commission is responsible for recruitment, but we are fully supporting that responsibility. Regarding job racketeering, we will do everything we can to eliminate it,” she said.
“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she added.
An unidentified American woman has narrated how two Nigerian internet fraudsters popularly known as “Yahoo boys” duped her of a huge sum of money in romance scams.
The not-so-little above 50-year-old woman also declared her love for Nigerian men, describing them as the “sexiest and most handsome men on this planet” despite her heartbreaking experiences.
In a viral video on Sunday, the woman spoke about how she met one of the scammers in 2020 on TikTok.
She displayed the young Nigerian’s picture and the one he used for his unsuspecting victims, adding that she got to know about his real identity and his girlfriend whom he is planning to get married to after he mistakenly dialled her contact with his Nigerian line.
“Back in 2020, I met this man, I was with him for ten months, and I got sick of him because he was always demanding money. He always wanted more and more, so I decided to say enough was enough because one day he made a mistake and called me from a Nigerian phone number, and he was trying to play it off that it was his friend’s number.
“So when I was finally done that I didn’t want to have anything to do with him again, he opened up to me. Now, he is about to get married to his Nigerian girlfriend (showed their picture).
“May God bless them and hopefully they have a long life together. God will bless their relationship. I also congratulated him. And I hope everything goes well for him,” she said.
Narrating her second experience, she asserted that it was with a young boy who played smart on her with another identity but later opened up that he did that to help his sick mother who later survived because he could foot the hospital bills.
The white woman said, “This second was a little different. He was more polite and considered my feelings, but then after a year with him, he decided to come out and tell me the truth that he was a young Nigerian boy trying to put himself through school and his mother was very sick. And he kept thanking me because I saved his mother’s life.”
“That one doesn’t hurt me much because I know that the money went for good. The other guy, that’s not good because I used to see videos of him throwing money around and spending it on Nigerian hook-up girls. I’m over it. I will bounce back one day.
“I still have love for the Nigerian people, the men are the sexiest and most handsome men on this planet. I pray that nothing like this ever happen to me again because now I know all those secrets. They destroyed my life financially. Please be safe in that country because I know that a lot of the people there are struggiling. But you have to remember that a lot of American women are struggling too because it is difficult being a woman here and struggling too especially when you don’t have partner.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has always cracked down on internet fraudsters across the states of the federation.
On May 2023, EFCC’s chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that the Commission secured 3175 convictions and recovered over N156 billion between May 29, 2023, and May 29, 2024, when President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
He stated this in Abuja at the launch of the Zero Tolerance Club at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda said the EFCC also recovered $43,835,214.24, £25,365.00, €186,947.10, ₹51,360.00, C$3,750.00, A$740.00, ¥74,754.00, R35,000.00, 42,390.00 UAE Dirhams, 247.00 Riyals and 21,580, 867631 Crypto Currency.
Speaking further, the chairman stated that though the EFCC put up impressive performance within the year, the involvement of youths in internet fraud continued to pose serious concerns to every stakeholder in the anti-graft war.
“In spite of this commendable performance, the commission is deeply worried about the increasing involvement of young people, including students, in cybercrime, popularly called Yahoo Yahoo. Hundreds of suspects are arrested monthly, with many of them ending up in jail,” he said.
Media
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has rescued a driver after a 40-foot loaded container fell on a Toyota Camry with the registration number LSR 293 HJ at Mile 2, enroute to Apapa.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, and shared on X.com on Monday.
According to the statement, a joint rescue team comprising LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency rescued the victim alive and rushed him to the hospital for immediate medical attention.
The statement read, “In a distressing incident, a 40-foot loaded container fell onto a Toyota Camry, registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa.
“Through the swift and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the driver of the vehicle was rescued alive.
“The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.
“Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.
“Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container. Efforts to evacuate the fallen container are ongoing, while LASTMA officers continue to manage the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.”
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stressed the importance of truck drivers and owners properly securing containers.
He warned that negligence in this regard poses a serious danger to lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols.
United States President-elect, Donald Trump, is reportedly planning to sign an executive order that would remove all transgender members from the country’s military.
Daily Mail reports that the development has raised concerns within the LGBTQ+ community.
The development is coming amid moves by the US Congress to stop first transgender lawmaker from using female restrooms and bathrooms in her new workplace.
According to the report, state officials had stated that transgender personnel would be discharged on medical grounds, deeming them “unfit” to serve.
DAILY POST recalls that during Trump’s first administration, he introduced a similar policy that prohibited transgender individuals from joining the Armed Forces.
He, however, allowed those already enlisted to remain in their roles.
President Joe Biden later overturned the military ban in his first week as President in 2021 after Trump left office.
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46%.
The growth showed an increase in economic performance from Q2 GDP of 3.19% and higher growth from 2023 Q3 GDP of 2.54%.
“Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3.46% (year-on-year) in real terms in the third
quarter of 2024. This growth rate is higher than the 2.54% recorded in the third quarter of 2023 and
higher than the second quarter of 2024 growth of 3.19%,” it read.
According to the report released on Monday, the Q3 GDP growth was mainly driven by the service sector.
“The performance of the GDP in the third quarter of 2024 was driven mainly by the Services sector, which recorded a growth of 5.19% and contributed 53.58% to the aggregate GDP. The agriculture sector grew by 1.14%, from the growth of 1.30% recorded in the third quarter of 2023.
“The growth of the industry sector was 2.18%, an improvement from 0.46% recorded in the third quarter of 2023. In terms of share of the GDP, the services sector contributed more to the aggregate GDP in the third quarter of 2024 compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023.
“In the quarter under review, aggregate GDP at basic price stood at ₦71,131,091.07 million in nominal terms. This performance is higher when compared to the third quarter of 2023, which recorded aggregate GDP of ₦60,658,600.37 million, indicating a year-on-year nominal growth of 17.26%,” it stated.
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The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has revealed an aspirant gave $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates during the 2022 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential primary.
Speaking on the Key to Keys podcast show, Momodu expressed regret over spending nearly N50 million to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form, describing the primary as heavily monetised.
He also stated he would not contest for any party’s presidential ticket unless adopted as a consensus candidate.
He said, “No, experience is the best teacher, and I have come to realise that there are powers you can describe as principalities that control Nigeria.
“Unless a major political party decides to adopt me through a consensus that Dele Momodu is best suited to change and lead Nigeria, then I can consider it.
“But if I have to pick my money to go and buy a presidential nomination form of about N100 million and the last one I spent about N50 million buying the form. This could have gotten me a property and it was a waste, nobody voted for me – not even one vote because everything was monetized.
“There was one of the candidates who paid as high as $30,000 per delegate and we had 774 delegates, so how do you compete with them? They have stolen the country blind and doing all kinds of deals to make money, especially those in the oil-rich areas.
“It’s not easy and that’s why you can’t compete with them – that’s why they insult Nigerians anyhow because of the amount of money available to them in raw cash. There is no country in the world where people control raw cash like Nigeria.
“The bulk of their money is not in any bank so they are not traceable. If today you ask some politicians that look you need $500 million to become a President, they will find it. So people like us where will I start from? I’m not bothered.”
Former Kogi Central Senator, Dino Melaye has slammed acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum.
Speaking on Monday, Melaye said Damagum and his paymasters will soon be taught elementary politics 101.
Melaye stated that Damagum has yet to learn the lessons from past primary elections held in Port Harcourt and Abuja.
Posting on X, Melaye wrote: “Damagum, his paymasters will be taught elementary politics 101. The lessons of Port Harcourt and Abuja presidential primaries have not been learnt. It is too early to determine the day at noon. Senator Dino Melaye.”
The PDP has been embroiled in a leadership crisis since the removal of the former acting National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
Recently, a faction of the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) suspended Damagum, alongside the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade.
However, the Abuja Federal High Court restrained the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) from removing Damagum as the party’s acting National Chairman.
The court ordered that no other person must be recognized as the PDP National Chairman except Damagum until the party’s national convention, scheduled for December next year.
Why I Decided to Launch My Own Ministry After Leaving Winners Chapel - Bishop Abioye (Video)
AFOLABI
Bishop David Abioye has explained why he's setting up his own ministry after leaving the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel.
This is coming just after retirement from office as Vice President of Living Faith Church worldwide.
The revered cleric unveiled plans for a new spiritual platform titled Hour of Revival. The maiden edition of the Hour of Revival took place on Saturday at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja, drawing a large crowd of participants from diverse backgrounds.
Addressing the attendees, Bishop Abioye emphasized that the initiative was a divine directive.
Bishop Abioye further clarified that the revival platform is not his personal project but an ordained mission by God.
He called on participants to embrace personal revival as a pathway to corporate revival, expressing his hope that everyone in attendance would be transformed into fire-catchers and fire-spreaders.
The Hour of Revival, which is open to both saved and unsaved individuals, serves as an interdenominational prayer platform to rekindle spiritual fire and inspire personal and collective renewal.
Media
I Will Leave Office a Free Man, Without Being Afraid of EFCC – Governor Hope Uzodinma Declares
AFOLABI
The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has confidently asserted that he will conclude his term as a free individual, without fear of being targeted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other entity.
Uzodinma stated this following the Feast of Christ the King Mass at the Government House Chapel in Owerri.
Speaking on speculations regarding his years in office as a Governor, Uzodimma urged anyone possessing evidence of misconduct to come forward.
“I will leave office a free man, sleep with my two eyes closed without being afraid of anybody, including the EFCC,” he said.
The governor asserted that he has upheld all commitments made to the citizens of Imo.
He conveyed confidence in the legacy of prosperity, infrastructure, and dignity that his administration is creating for the state.
This declaration comes in the wake of the EFCC’s apprehension of former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa on charges of misappropriating funds amounting to ₦1.3 trillion.
Meanwhile, the Imo State House of Assembly’s recent vote of confidence in Governor Hope Uzodinma has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with many questioning its necessity and relevance.
The legislators passed the motion on November 19, citing the governor’s “outstanding achievements,” but critics argue the lawmakers should focus on addressing pressing state issues rather than praising the executive arm.
Speaking to the Daily Post, retired principal Osondu Hyacinth Eriaja expressed dissatisfaction, saying, “I don’t think passing a vote of confidence is one of the legislative functions of lawmakers. They have much to do rather than reducing their duties to mere praise-singing.
“The governor, no doubt, has aides who can showcase what he has done to the public. Imo, lawmakers should allow the executive arm of government to praise itself. The Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, and other aides are there to trumpet his activities.
“The lawmakers should focus on delivering effective laws that will address present challenges facing the state—such as bad rural roads and insecurity—and not act as the mouthpiece of the executive branch.”
Meanwhile, some residents, like Ugochukwu Akagha, defended the lawmakers, stating it is within their rights to commend the governor while still fulfilling their legislative duties.
“Doing so will not make them deviate from their primary responsibility of law-making,” he said.
Other citizens, however, urged the Assembly to prioritize urgent issues such as the state’s poor road network and ongoing security concerns, particularly with the festive season approaching.