Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday named the Chairman and members of the Special Committees of the Senate.
Here is the full list of the newly constituted committees and chairmen:
*Appropriation Committee
Chairman – Senator Solomon Adeola
Vice Chairman – Senator Ali Ndume
*Committee on Media and Public Affairs
Chairman – Senator Adaramodu Adeyemi Raphael
Vice Chairman – Senator Salisu Shuaibu Afolabi
*Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions
Chairman – Senator Okechukwu Ezea
Vice Chairman – Senator Khalid Mustapha
*Committee in Public Accounts
Chairman – Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada
Vice Chairman – Senator Onyeka Peter Nwebonyi
*Committee on National Security and Intelligence
Chairman – Senator Shehu Umar
Vice Chairman – Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
*Committee on Legislative Compliance
Chairman – Senator Garba Musa Maidoki
Vice Chairman – Senator Ede Dafinone
*Committee on Rules and Business
Chairman- Senator Titus Zam
Vice Chairman – Senator Opeyemi Bamidele
*Committee on Senate Services
Chairman – Senator Sunday Karimi
Vice Chairman – Senator Williams Jona
Femi Adesina, a former aide to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, has knocked Matthew Kukah, Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese over recent critical comments of the immediate past government.
Speaking on Monday at the 60th anniversary of the call to the bar of legal luminary Afe Babalola, SAN, in Ado Ekiti, Kukah had said corruption became its ugliest under Buhari.
“We have seen the worst phase of corruption in Nigeria. Femi Falana, my friend here, will speak about that because he has published a series of articles talking about what happened under the Buhari administration.
“They were not the ones who caused corruption but I think in the last administration, we saw the ugliest phase of corruption whether in moral terms, financial terms, and other terms,” he said.
Citing Daura, Buhari’s hometown in Katsina State as an example, Kukah said while in power, many leaders develop their communities at the expense of others.
“Most leaders have only limited development to their home town which according to him, does not project democracy. I must say that Daura, in Kastina has enjoyed development over time owing to the fact that it is the hometown of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari. It is disheartening to even know that even Kastina, the state as a whole, is not even close to development despite Daura being parts of its domain. This does not speak well of our democracy.”
Reacting, Adesina in a tweet on Tuesday morning, said Kukah was pained because Buhari didn’t “patronize” him like he benefited from past leaders.
“Who listens to that Bishop again. He’s still pained that he got no under-the-cassock patronage from Buhari, unlike in the past. As e dey pain them, e dey sweet us,” he tweeted.
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday urged the Senate to confirm his nominees for appointment as Service Chiefs.
Tinubu’s letter of request was read at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the floor during plenary.
The Service Chiefs for screening and confirmation by the Senate include Major General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff; Major Taoreed Lagbaja as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshall Hassan Abubakar as Chief of Air Staff.
Akpabio said since the relevant Standing Committees of the Senate are not in place yet, the Service Chiefs would be screened by the Committee of the Whole of the Senate.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday asked universities to suspend the implementation of the recent increase in fees, which it said is capable of causing students to drop out of school.
The House also asked the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately review the new fees regime in Federal Government Colleges and revert to the old regime.
It said the Federal Government should take immediate steps to adequately fund the education sector by increasing budgetary provisions to ensure that Nigerian students have access to quality and affordable basic and senior secondary education.
The House also resolved to investigate the increase of fees by all Federal Universities and the hike in school fees for students of Federal Government Colleges across the Country with a view to finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the education sector.
This followed two separate motions by Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki on the need to suspend the Implementation of Increase in tuition fees by federal universities and the need to reverse the recent hike of school fees in Unity Secondary Schools in Nigeria by Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi and Hon. Kama Nkemkanma.
Madaki said because of poor funding of tertiary education and rising inflation, federal universities increased tuition fees from 100% to 200% while hostel fees were increased from 50% to 100%.
He listed some of the universities that increased their fees to include Bayero University, Kano (BUK), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; the University of Uyo; University of Maiduguri; Michael Okpara
University of Agriculture, Umudike and Federal University, Dutse, among others.
Presenting the motion on increase in fees for unity schools, Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, said unity schools were established to promote national unity and provide quality as well as affordable education to students from different parts, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
[PRESS RELEASE] We Sue For Continued Loyalty, Support and Commitment to the Development of Ondo State
Admin1. Once again, it has become imperative to address you, the good people of Ondo State and to appreciate you all for your consistent support and solidarity to the State Government, especially at this time.
2. The attention of the State Government has been drawn to some orchestrated falsehoods, insinuations and negative write-ups, particularly in the print and social media with a view to causing disharmony and disaffection within the polity. These tactics of faceless writers and agent provocateurs, are intended to fan the embers of discord, tarnish the hard earned reputations of individuals in government circles and distract government attention in order to take political advantage in any manner to please their own selfish political whims and caprices.
3. I like to urge the general public, to as usual, ignore these unfortunate lies and subterfuge as the antics of desperate political gladiators across political divides. We assure you that we will not allow this to derail the focus and developmental policies of our administration which Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has consistently pursued in the last six and a half years. Although, some of the commentators expressed genuine concerns as stakeholders based on the provisions of the Constitution. Such constructive expressions are noted by the government. This is not to say that we have been hitherto oblivious of the dictates of the law.
4. You are well aware of the message of Mr Governor to the people of Ondo State in which he thanked the people of Ondo State and other critical stakeholders for their support and loyalty to the State Government. Mr Governor appreciates your prayers and good wishes for himself and the State, across board. He is in high spirit, recuperating and being expected back in office to continue with his laudable service to the State, as soon as he is certified medically fit by his Doctors. I have been in touch with him, the latest being on Sunday, 9th July, 2023, when he expressed appreciation to me and other State Executive Council Members for holding the fort while he is away. I like to also join Mr Governor to express our profound appreciation to you all for your unending show of love, solidarity and prayers for the number one citizen of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, who is always leading from the front and making life more meaningful to our people. We should remain in this attitude of prayers and solidarity for the good of ourselves, Mr Governor and the State at large.
5. Consequent upon the need to have more rest and in furtherance to his respect for and commitment to the rule of law, Mr Governor has transmitted power to my office as Acting Governor in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). We therefore assure the people of Ondo State that there is no gap in governance. The government of Ondo State is on course, construction works are going on across the State and other official activities are also running well in line with standard practices. The security and welfare of the people being the primary constitutional mandate of government is enjoying top priority. The State Government will not at any time renege on this important obligation to the people. We urge you all to continue to be law-abiding, peaceful and endeavour to pursue your legitimate businesses and activities unhindered.
6. It is important to reiterate to our people that the State Government is as well not oblivious of the hardship and inconveniences attendant to the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. Apart from the measures being contemplated by the State Government, our administration is also into collaboration with the Federal Government, through the National Economic Council, headed by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, GCON, with a view to birthing enduring palliative measures to remedy the excruciating effects of the policy, within available resources. The State Government, organized labour leaders and critical segments of the State are collaborating well in this direction for the good of the public workers and the entire citizenry of Ondo State.
7. Furthermore, we empathize with our citizens in towns and communities across the State on the recent effects of flooding during this raining season. We have not only visited some of the affected locations for on the spot assessment, Government is also taking positive steps towards providing palliatives to the victims. Besides, we have instructed the appropriate agencies and deployed equipment to embark on channelization at the State Capital and other affected Local Government Areas.
8. We crave for more cooperation and support from the good people of the State as well as ask for more restraints and circumspections on the part of groups and individuals whose actions and unwarranted vituperations in social circles and the media are capable of robbing off negatively on the image of the State. We owe ourselves and the founding fathers of Ondo State a duty to stick to the path of honour and continue to pursue only those high ideals and virtues which promote the unity of purpose, decency and dignity for which our Sunshine State is widely respected at home and abroad.
9. Thank you all.
Signed
Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
Acting Governor of Ondo State
11th July, 2023
Family Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Tuesday ordered that a skit maker Maruf Abdullahi, aka ”Trinity Guy” be remanded in Agodi correction centre for allegedly sexually exploiting a 10-year old girl.
The Magistrate, Mrs P. O. Adetuyibi ordered Abdullahi, 31, Isiaka Ahmed, 40, and his wife Rofiat Ahmed, 29, parents of the child should continue to be remanded in Agodi.
Adetuyibi adjourned the matter until Aug. 3, for mention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the police charged Abdullahi , alongside the parents of the victim with conspiracy and sexual abuse/exploitation.
Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Oluwakemi Arowosaye told the court that Abdullahi, Ahmed, and his wife Rofiat allegedly conspired together to wit sexual abuse.
Arowosaye said ‘Trinity” on Dec. 17, 2022, was alleged to have sexually abused and sexually exploited 10-year- old girl at Kuola area, Ibadan.
The offence, the police said, contravened the provisions of Section 35 (1) and punishable under Section 35 (2) of the Oyo State Child Right’s Law 2006.
She said it also contravenes the provisions of section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
(NAN)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has vowed to prosecute drug hawkers nationwide, saying such drugs are dangerous to the health.
The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known at the launch of NAFDAC Media Sensitisation Workshop On Dangers of Drug Hawking in Abuja on Tuesday.
Adeyeye also reiterated the agency’s readiness to increase surveillance on those using artificial methods in ripening of fruits, and to further prosecute them if caught.
She, however, solicited the cooperation of law enforcement agencies to help in the surveillance to rid the country of dangerous practices.
She said “several national dailies and organisations have raised concern about these dangerous practice drug hawking and ripening of fruits with calcium carbide.
“This workshop is also a fulfilment of my promise to collaborate with the media to continue to raise awareness about bleaching creams.
“The menace of drug hawking poses serious challenge to the nation; drug hawkers are merchants of death who go around with drugs full of poison, prescribing to gullible patients.
“Drug hawkers are major distributors of narcotics. They constitute serious threat to national security. Any drug hawker arrested will be prosecuted, we want to put an end to the menace.”
The NAFDAC boss, who also decried the use of carbide to ripen fruits, said that the practice may have effect on the skin.
She added that “fruits ripen with chemicals may also make it to lose colour, taste and the natural aroma, and can cause serious health hazards such as kidney and liver failure. The director-general said the agency is confident in winning the war against the hydra-headed problem.
(NAN)
unmen have abducted a Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike.
The priest was reportedly kidnapped on Monday.
He was kidnapped with three other persons whose names could not be ascertained.
He is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area.
Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Father Mathew Opoke confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said that Azubuike was kidnapped close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
Opoke noted the kidnappers have established contact amd demanded undisclosed amount of ransom.
The statement reads: “Kindly pray for the unconditional release of Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Azubuike who was abducted yesterday being Monday, 10th of July, 2023 close to his parish on his way back from pastoral duties.
“Fr. Joseph is the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Mgbaleze Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebony State.
“He was abducted alongside three other people.
“The abductors are making financial demands but with your prayers, we are going to have them back unconditionally.”
Ebonyi Police spokesperson Onome Onovwakpoyeya could not be reached for comments.
She did not pick calls or respond to messages sent to her as of the time of filing this report.
[PRESS RELEASE] Prof. Osinbajo’s Leadership Extraordinary, Fosters Unity And Inclusivity, Empowering Individuals To Reach Their Full Potential - Abiodun
AdminGovernor Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON, has commended the immediate past Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, describing him as one who inspires, unites and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
He made this known during a public thanksgiving and appreciation reception organised by the Ikenne Development Association held in honour of Prof. Osinbajo in his hometown, Ikenne Ogun State, over the weekend.
According to the Governor, “Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s ability to inspire and unite people is truly extraordinary. He has fostered an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His leadership style has not only brought about tangible results but has also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the good people of Ogun State.”
While citing the great sons and daughters of Ogun State, Abiodun referenced the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, and noted how Prof. Osinbajo carries on the legacy and ideals of the former leader of the Western Region.
He mentioned that “years after his (Awolowo) demise, his ideals and belief in the entrenchment of good governance have continued to inspire us to strive for excellence. In furtherance of his legacy and ideology, Prof. Osinbajo has not only distinguished himself in his calling but also raised the bar in good governance.
The Governor went on further to state that the government and people of Ogun “are all proud that Professor Osinbajo has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Nation, Nigeria.
“Personally, I take it as an utmost pride to be a brother, a mentee to this exemplary leader, and erudite Professor. His virtues of accountability, transparency, and commitment to the entrenchment of the rules of law are worthy of emulation.”
The well-attended event had the presence of the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Governor of Bayelsa State, Duoye Diri; the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha as well as the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi,
Others include former Governors such as Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State; Donald Duke of Cross River State; Otunba Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State and immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. Also in attendance were the Alakenne of Ikenne land, Oba Onakade, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Wale Babalakin, SAN, Segun Awolowo, amongst others.
Below are the full remarks of the Governor:
KEYNOTE ADDRESS OF THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE PUBLIC THANKSGIVING AND APPRECIATION RECEPTION ORGANISED BY THE IKENNE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THE IMMEDIATE PAST VICE PRESIDENT, PROF. YEMI OSINBAJO (SAN, GCON) HELD IN IKENNE, OGUN STATE ON SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2023
PROTOCOLS
Today, we gathered here for a momentous occasion of recognition of one of our own, the immediate past Vice President, His Excellency, Professor Yemi Adeleke Osinbajo (SAN), GCON, for his extraordinary leadership, remarkable accomplishments, and unwavering dedication to the service of our great country.
On behalf of the Government and the entire people of Ogun State, I thank God for the strength and wisdom given him, through which he was able to sail through the storming waters of politics in a diverse and heterogeneous country like Nigeria.
Indeed, one of the things that put Ogun State on the world map is the trail-blazing records that the sons and daughters of our dear State have set in different fields of human endeavour. Among numerous others, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, GCFR, stands tall in governance and public administration.
Years after his demise, his ideals and belief in the entrenchment of good governance have continued to inspire us to strive for excellence. In furtherance of his legacy and ideology, Prof. Osinbajo has not only distinguished himself in his calling but also raised the bar in good governance.
Our own Prof. whom we are well pleased with, as we all know is a prodigious intellect who attended Igbobi College and studied Law at the University of Lagos and has a Masters from the prestigious London School of Economics.
He lectured at the University of Lagos where he rose to be a Professor of Law and an authority in Constitutional Law. He served as an Adviser to the Attorney General of the Federation between 1988 - 1992 and was later appointed as the Attorney General of Lagos State under our current President Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
He later was chosen to be the running mate alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, an election which saw him become the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 - 2023. He was focused, loyal, and dedicated to his principal and demonstrated that his antecedents adequately prepared him for the assignment. He is an embodiment of Omoluabi ethos.
Without sounding immodest, we are all proud that Professor Osinbajo has exhibited an unwavering commitment to the socio-economic and political development of our dear Nation, Nigeria.
Personally, I take it as the utmost pride to be a brother, a mentee to this exemplary leader, and erudite Professor. His virtues of accountability, transparency, and commitment to the entrenchment of the rules of law are worthy of emulation.
You served with dignity integrity and utmost character Congratulations! The government and people of Ogun State are very proud of you.
We must, therefore thank the Almighty God and commend his immediate family members, the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), colleagues, and associates in the legal profession for their maximum support in the course of discharging his duties.
In the same vein, I commend the Board of Trustees, the Executive Committee of the Ikenne Development Association, and all those who have contributed in one way or another to this thanksgiving and appreciation reception for the son of the soil.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us not only celebrate his achievements, but also reflect on the impact they have had on our lives in Ogun State in particular, and in Nigeria as a whole.
This event is not just a welcome back home, it is our way of saying “thank you” for representing us well at the national level. One of the lessons we all have to learn from this exemplary leader is the transient nature of power. We all have to understand that an office is never permanent. What is permanent is the legacy we leave behind and how it impacts the lives of those who trusted you to lead them into a better future for their collective dream. Your Excellency, your legacies span from Borno to Bayelsa from Ebonyi to the Southwest
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let us emulate Prof. Osinbajo by using the opportunity of where we are today to diligently serve the people. We must appreciate the fact that the same people we left behind while going into public office will still be the same people we will return to meet after our service.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s ability to inspire and unite people is truly extraordinary. He has fostered an inclusive and collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. His leadership style has not only brought about tangible results but has also nurtured a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the good people of Ogun State.
On a personal note, Your Excellency, I want to thank you for the unwavering support you gave me in 2018-2019 in the course of my journey. Oke Mosan. I remain very grateful.
As a government, I want to reassure the good people of Ogun State of our unwavering commitment to continue to serve you. We are direct descendants of the forbears of good governance in Ogun State. We recognize the personal sacrifices made by our forefathers, and we shall strive to sustain their ideals and principles as our guiding light for us and for many generations to come.
Therefore, we will not only build on the tradition of Chief Awolowo and the heritage of Chief Bisi Onabanjo, Chief Olusegun Osoba but also continue to nurture the exemplary leadership of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. We will continue to metamorphose from the embryonic status of a wildness of sorts into the envy of many with an array of developmental strides and strategic advancements.
We appreciate the fact that leading a State of this magnitude is no small feat. It requires passion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to our collective goals. It, therefore, goes without saying that the success of our first term in office remains a testimony to our commitment.
I do not need to bore you with the list of our achievements; our victory at the last general election is enough of a testament to our people’s belief in our administration. The election has come and gone, and Ogun East remains one entity.
Our soil will never be a front for discord and disunity. We will never be forgiven by our founding fathers if we trade off their sweat for our personal benefits. As an administration that believes in an inclusive government, we are open to necessary and constructive criticism aimed at moving Ogun State forward. I enjoin you all to continue to be committed to the "Building Our Future Together" agenda of this administration.
Permit me also to remind you that Ogun State is not owned by any individual or group. It does not belong to Dapo Abiodun either. I am just a custodian of the mandate of the people. Ogun State belongs to us all, and the impact of our collective contribution will reflect on our collective aspiration to build upon the foundation of our forefathers. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has contributed his quota to this development, which is why we are gathered here today to celebrate his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the service of people in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
Now that you are back at home, we will continue to tap into your wealth of experience, especially in matters relating to good governance. Before I end this address, let me commend the efforts of the various Community Development Associations for promoting peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development at the grassroots level. I wish to extol the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the Ikenne community and its environs, which has made it possible for us all to organise and share in the joy of this colourful ceremony.
Once again, let me congratulate, in a very special way, our own legal Amazon, God’s servant, exemplary leader, and mentor, Prof. Yemi Oluleke Osinbajo, SAN, GCON.
I wish you the best in all your future endeavours.
I thank you all for listening, and God bless.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON
Governor of Ogun State
Released by:
Media Office of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Vice President (2015-2023)
11th July 2023
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
Immediate Past Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN attends the 2023 Presidential Inauguration, departs Abuja and arrives home. 29th May, 2023. Photos; Tolani Alli
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
Immediate Past Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON and his wife Mrs Oludolapo Osinbajo attend the Public Thanksgiving and Appreciation Reception by the Ikenne Development Association in Ikenne, Ogun State. 9th July, 2023.
The Special Adviser on Youths to the Kebbi State Governor, Babangida Sarki, has been sacked for allegedly posting inherent materials on his WhatsApp status.
Naija News gathered that the state governor, Nasiru Idris dismissed Sarki from his position for posting homosexual pornography on his WhatsApp status on Sunday.
The governor, in a statement issued by spokesman Ahmd Idris, said the act “trampled on the moral and social ethos of Kebbi society.”
The governor’s spokesman noted that Idris frowned at the act and would not tolerate it from anyone.
He said “The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasiru Idris, Kauran Gwandu, has relieved his Special Adviser on Youths, of his appointment.
“The sacking of the S.A. was a sequel to an indecent posting he made on his WhatsApp status.
“The governor, who was enraged by the obnoxious development said the aide trampled on the moral and social ethos of the Kebbi society, which is largely Islamic.
“The Kauran Gwandu vowed that his administration would not condone any of such acts that denigrate the morality and integrity of the people of the state.
“The governor also cautioned other public officers against making such heinous postings in their social media handles and other public fora.”
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Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on Monday, faulted the salaries paid to members of the National Assembly.
The former president noted that the salaries received by the members were not based on the recommendations of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission.
He lamented that most of those supposed to operationalise the Nigerian constitution were the ones undermining the country’s democracy.
Obasanjo said, “By the Nigerian Constitution, the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission are supposed to fix the salaries and emoluments of the members of the National Assembly, but they set the constitution aside and decided to fix their salaries”.
The former president spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, during a lecture titled, ‘The future of constitutional democracy in Nigeria: Imperative of a new constitutional order’ delivered by Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah.
It was part of activities marking the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the call to bar of the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
Obasanjo said citizens were meant to enjoy democracy, which he said could only be strengthened if the players respected and implemented the constitution to the letter.
He said, “Democracy doesn’t mean anything to any man who is hungry, whose life is in danger, or whose property is being destroyed.”
A joyful Afe Babalola (SAN), who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries on the occasion, friends and family members, reiterated that the 1999 constitution could not produce good governance in the country, because of its flaws which he said could only be remedied by coming up with a new constitution for the country.
Babalola made a case for better pay packages for the country’s judges, saying as it was at present, SANs could not be attracted to the bench with the poor remuneration of the judges.
Kukah had in his lecture made a case for men of integrity in the judiciary, particularly at the Supreme Court.
The bishop, who called on the Federal Government to avoid sentiments in the process of the country’s democratic journey, said upholding the provisions of democracy required selfless service which should not be sentimentally driven to foster development.
He frowned at leaders who limited development to their hometowns, saying, “This does not project democracy. This does not speak well of our democracy.
“Nigeria needs to grow democratically and developed politically. Every federal institution must reflect what Nigeria should reflect all over the country. The country should stop reinforcing inequality. There must be sanctions and consequences for those who go against our democracy and the constitution of the land for us to have a better society.”
In his remarks, a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), called on President Bola Tinubu to show leadership and fight corruption. He said, “Corruption has taken a dangerous dimension, the president should lead the anti-corruption crusade so that this country can take its rightful place in the comity of nations.”
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who described Afe Babalola as a gift to Ekiti State, said the SAN created the platform for him and others before him to become governors, going by the role he played in the creation of the state.
Oyebanji said, “If we don’t have this state, I and all others that have been governors of this state will not have a platform. So, on behalf of myself and all the governors before me, I say thank you, sir.”
An influential socio-political activist, Shehu Sani suggests that President Bola Tinubu’s future rests not just in the hands of the courts, but with divine intervention.
If Tinubu loses his Presidential election petition, Sani warns that only God can protect him from criticism from an unnamed “emperor” in Kaduna State.
Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, used Twitter to voice his observations about the precarious position Tinubu may find himself in.
He explained that if Tinubu’s victory in the presidential election is upheld by the courts, the opposition will likely either congratulate him or criticize the ruling and move on.
However, if the court rules against Tinubu, Sani implied that a harsh fate awaits the President.
As per Sani’s tweet, “If the Court favours Tinubu and his victory is affirmed, the opposition may Congratulate him or Condemn the ruling and move on.
“If the Court ruled against Tinubu and he lost the Presidency, only God will save him from the mouth of the ex-Kaduna emperor and his next Book “How we made him and he betrayed Us”.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi and the flagbearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar are challenging the victory of Tinubu in the election held on the 25th of February, 2023.
Tinubu was declared the winner of the electoral process by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Following the confession by former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, that he worked against the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, a member of the party’s National Executive Committee, Timothy Osadolor, has said the leadership of the PDP will address the issue very soon.
Fayose had, on Sunday while featuring on Channels TV’s ‘Politics Today’, declared that: “I worked against him (Atiku) hundred per cent.
“Nigeria is bigger than the PDP, the APC and even Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) himself…I am not a man that will hide my action. I never worked for the PDP during the last election. I am not a liar and a pretender. I did not work for the PDP.”
Although, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and his deputy, Ibrahim Abdullahi, were not available for comment, Osadolor, who doubles as the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, described Fayose as shameless.
He said, “The confirmation by former Governor Fayose that he did anti-party activities without shame or remorse is only to convince those who did not know better.
“For those of us that know better, seeing Governor Fayose confess, like a wizard, his acts of indiscipline, sabotage and anti-party did not come as a surprise. Were he a man with a moral compass, he would toe the honourable path of resignation after this confession.
“Will the PDP be able to address him? Yes, the party will be speaking soon.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has given reasons why President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial list is being delayed.
According to him, the delay in the unveiling of the President’s ministers and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies was because Tinubu was carrying out an extensive consultation before making an official announcement.
Naija News reported on Monday that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held a crucial meeting with State chairmen from across Nigeria.
But it was gathered that Adamu and the National Working Committee called the meeting.
The meeting, which commenced at about 1:45 pm on Monday, had Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori, Borno Chairman, leading the other 31 Chairmen.
This online news platform understands that at the meeting, the APC national chairman told party chieftains not to be too expectant about the President’s ministerial list, even though loyal members would make Tinubu’s cabinet.
Adamu said Tinubu could not appoint everybody as a minister; therefore, their expectations should not be high.
Adamu said, “Every APC member has an inherent right to hope to get some patronage. We cannot all be ministers of the government. We cannot all end up as board members, directors of parastatals, and MDAs across the country.
“President has just started. He is doing his extensive consultations before coming up with his nominees for ministers. The nomination of the ministers will come first. They will go through their screening until they are pronounced after they have been submitted before Mr President. He will formally appoint his ministers and swear them in. Only then will he disclose each of them to the country to know which minister is going to which ministry and how many ministries we are going to have.
“After that is done, the ministers will assume office, make a comprehensive report, starting from all the ministries and MDAs under them, before we know what vacancies exist for chief executives, directors and part-time directors.
“These are some of the exercises that will take place in the next two months. It cannot happen by next week. But certainly, that is what we should be expecting.
“But we do expect some patronage from the government that we are forming. It is our hope and prayers that Mr President will come along with us in that regard and strengthen the relationship of the party in the states and at the national level will enjoy some level of patronage in the new government.
“Those are the key issues that we do hope to share with you in the course of this meeting.”
The APC national chairman, also condemned the kidnapping of Ekiti APC Chairman, Paul Omotosho.
He also prayed for the quick recovery of ailing Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.