The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Badagry residents barricade Sanwo-Olu’s office

    Residents of communities linked by Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Wednesday protested at the office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    They demanded removal of checkpoints and beginning of palliative work on the road.

    The residents lamented that the promises made by the governor during the campaign have not been fulfilled 60 days after assuming office.

    The protesters, who carried placards bearing inscriptions such as: “Remember, Badagry is still part of Lagos”, “Badagry road deserves more attention”, “Good road is not a luxury for necessity” and others, vowed to continue their protest until the government yielded to their demands.

    The protesters led by the President, Society for Human Advancement and Creativity Organisation, Akande Mark, and Fix Lagos-Badagry Expressway Mass Movement, led by Sewanu Michael, barricaded the entrance to the governor’s office at Alausa.

    Read Also: Appoint our constituent commissioner, youths urge Sanwo-Olu

    In a letter containing their demands, presented to Sanwo-Olu, the protesters demanded that for them not to cause any mayhem on the road, the governor should immediately order removal of illegal checkpoints on the road.

    According to them, “these checkpoints have become an eyesore and a disgrace to the nation, compared to other neighbouring countries.”

    They also demanded that the governor should immediately commence palliative work on the road, while major reconstruction continues, adding: “We request a strong commitment from the government on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road.

    “That the government should desist from engaging in double standard attention on issues relating to Badagry as against other parts of Lagos and remove all impediments obstructing the reconstruction of the road.”

    Addressing the protesters, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr. Hundeyin Kolawole, political director, Office of Civic Engagement, assured the protesters that their demands would be addressed.

    House of Assembly Speaker Mudasiru Obasa, who was represented by Gbolahan Yishau, said the House would deliberate on the issues raised by the protesters at plenary.

  • Reps: We’ll take over Bauchi Assembly if…

    The House of Representatives has told the Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed to reverse his proclamation of 17 June, 2019 and 20 June, 2019 within a month or risk the National Assembly take over the Bauchi Assembly.

    This was sequel to the submission and consideration of the report of the Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Crisis Surrounding the Inauguration of 9th Bauchi State House of Assembly and the Circumstances that led to the Emergence of Two Presiding Officers:

    The report was laid by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar,who headed the committee, and was considered in the committee of the Whole.

    In line with the committee’s recommendations, The House condemned “the unfortunate incidents that led to the purported elections of two different Members-Elect as Speakers of the 9th Bauchi State House of Assembly, either by the group of 11 Members-Elect , or the group of 18 Members-Elect without following due process and proper legislative practice

    Read Also: Assembly members in Edo, Bauchi undemocratic, says APC

    The lawmakers urged “the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, in the interest and well-being of the people of Bauchi State, to withdraw the letters of Proclamation of 17 June, 2019 and 20 June, 2019; and reissue a new Proclamation Letter for Holding of the First Session of the 9th Bauchi State House of Assembly,.”

    The proclamation according the lawmakers, should be ” publicized in National Dailies and Broadcast Media, with specific Date, Time and Venue for the inauguration.”

    The lawmaker also resolved to “notify the Bauchi State Government that failure to comply with Prayer (ii) above, within a period of one month, the House of Representatives shall invoke the provisions of Section 11 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

    Section11 of the constitution states in part: “the National Assembly may make laws for the federation or any part therefore with respect to the maintenance and securing of public safety and Public order and providing, maintaining and securing of such supplies and service as may be designed by the National Assembly as essential supplies and services. ”

    Also, in line with recommendations, the resolutions are to be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence..

  • Ajimobi lauds Buhari on Dare’s ministerial nomination

    Immediate past Oyo Governor Senator Abiola Ajimobi has lauded the choice of Dr. Sunday Dare as ministerial nominee from Oyo State by President Mohammadu Buhari.

    He also commended the President on the ministerial nominees, describing them as “quality choice”, considering their experience and pedigree.

    Speaking on the choice of Dare, the former governor described him as an eminently qualified individual who has contributed immensely to the fortunes of the party and the country.

    “We are happy and proud that such a quality person is nominated from Oyo State. As one of the back room organizers and engine room of the APC, he has contributed immensely to the fortunes of the party in the State and at the National levels. His political exposure and participation at the party’s highest hierarchy will prove him in good stead in the task ahead. I can confidently say that such a highly cerebral nominee will contribute further to the fortunes of the party in Oyo State.”

    Read Also: Ministerial screening: Abaribe commends Mamora for rejecting Buhari’s offer

    Ajimobi therefore called on APC members in the State to rally round Dare for him to succeed in the task ahead.

    He said: “He is equipped with the necessary experience and skills that will prove invaluable as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The APC Leader also extended warm felicitation to the other nominees from the South West. He described them as accomplished and competent personage, that have contributed immensely in various ways to their states, the party and the country.

    He urged them to see their nomination as a national assignment towards raising the bar of governance and moving the country to the next level in line with President Buhari’s developmental agenda.

  • Drama in Senate over confirmation of ministerial nominees

    The commencement of the screening of the 43 ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari for confirmation was not without drama on Wednesday.

    The policy of “bow and go” which the Upper Chamber adopted as privilege to former Senators, members of the House of Representatives and members of State House of Assembly, almost threw spanner to the works.

    Uproar practically erupted in the chamber over the application of the “bow and go” policy but for the tact handling of the ensuing rumbling by senators in the chamber.

    Although the chamber resolved to ask former members of parliament in the list of nominees to take a “bow and go”, extending the privilege to members of the State House of Assembly did not go down well with some senators.

    Opposition to the extension of the contentious policy to former House of Assembly members drew what some senators described as ‘harsh words” from the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

    The screening of a former minister of Transportation, Chief Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, brought to the fore deep dissatisfaction some senators had for the policy especially extending it to former House of Assembly members.

    The confirmation hearing started smoothly around 11.11 am when Senators took their seats.

    Senate Leader, Abdullahi Yahaya read the names of the nominees as listed in the Order Paper and moved that the Senate dissolve into the committee of the whole to consider the request of President Buhari to confirm the nominees for appointment as ministers of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

    The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Philip Aduda fired the first salvo when he complained bitterly that the FCT was not accommodated in the ministerial nominees list.

    Aduda prayed Lawan to appeal to President Buhari to do the needful by nominating FCT indigene as one of his ministers.

    Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) said that the President has a constitutional duty to accommodate FCT in his list of ministers since the capital territory ought to be treated as a state.

    The nominee from Abia State, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, was the first to be admitted into the chamber for screening and confirmation.

    Ogah told the lawmakers that the way to grow the economy of the country was by building critical infrastructure in the country.

    He also said that dependency on oil alone was not the way to go to grow the economy.

    Ogah noted that necessary enabling environment should be created for the private sector to operate.

    For modular refineries to work, the would be minister said that there was need to guarantee constant supply of crude and well as proper financing.

    He said: “The best thing we can do as a nation is to ensure that our refineries work. The quantity of refined crude we import into the country is impacting on our foreign exchange. We must make our refineries to work. If there are those who do not want it to work, should show them the way out.”

    On job creation, he said that it was not the responsibility of government to create job but to create the enabling environment for the private sector to create job.

    He also said that the introduction of the Single Treasury Account (TSA) almost crippled some banks but for the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria which came to the aide of the banks.

    Senator George Akume (Benue State) as a former senator was asked to take a bow and go.

    Senator Emmanuel Oker-Jev, who defeated Akume in the February senatorial election, moved that the former Benue Governor should take a bow and go.

    Oker-Jev reminded the chamber that Akume spent eight years as governor and 12 years as Senator.

    He said that he was mandated by two other senators from Benue State to request the Senate to allow Akume to take a bow and go.

    Lawan said that the tradition of asking former senators and members of the House of Representatives to take a bow and go subsists.

    He said that Akume should be accorded the privilege.

    Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege also said that the privilege of allowing former MPs to take a bow and go should be sustained in perpetuity.

    Former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was also asked to take a bow and go.

    Before he was asked to take a bow and go, Akpabio promised to continue with his uncommon quality service to the country.

    Before the former Akwa Ibom governor left the chamber, Senate President asked Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to say something.

    Abaribe started by complaining that the policy of “bow and go” has created problem between his head and heart.

    Read Also: Senate suspends ministerial screening

    The Abia South Senator noted that if the policy was not there, he would have made Akpabio to sweat.

    While wishing Akpabio well in his appointment, Abaribe asked the Akwa Ibom nominee to go to the Villa to work in an uncommon way.

    On his own, Senate Leader, Yahaya reminded Akpabio how he led the opposition when he was in PDP to walk out during the screening of Amaechi for ministerial slot four years ago.

    The chamber was thrown into a bout of laughter.

    Yahaya asked Akpabio what he would have done if Abaribe led the opposition to stage a walk as he was being screened.

    The Kebbe Senator told Akpabio that he did not need to answer his question.

    AKpabio told reporters that he would work with President Buhari to lift the country out of poverty.

    He said: “I will not change. I will serve in an uncommon zeal.”

    On his pending case at the tribunal, Akpabio said that he is expecting good news from the tribunal so that APC will be stronger.

    He however added that it was the party that ran election and should decide what happens if the tribunal rules in his favour.

    It was the turn of Hon. Emeka Nwajiuba, to be asked to take a bow and go.

    Nwajiuba is a serving member of the House of Representatives.

    The Imo State ministerial nominee, a close confidant of President Buhari, told the Senate that he knew about his nomination only on Tuesday after the announcement by the Senate.

    What happened four years ago when the screening and confirmation of former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi became problematic, almost repeated itself yesterday.

    The Chamber appeared charged even before Amaechi was admitted into the chamber.

    Immediately the former Rivers State Governor came into the chamber, Senate President reminded senators about the subsisting policy of ‘bow and go”

    Lawan re-emphasised that they also agreed that the policy would be extended to former members of House of Assembly.

    Amaechi was given the floor to address the senators.

    He informed the senators that he was Speaker River State House of Assembly for 8 years, governor for 8 years and minister of Transportation for four years.

    Amaechi said that he was privileged to be re-nominated for screening and confirmation.

    Lawan said: “We have agreed on a policy on how we go about the screening. I just want to reiterate the policy that we will extend the privilege to members of the legislature.

    “The procedure we have adopted is to ask the two leaders in the House, the Senate Leader and Senate Minority Leader to speak on our behalf and then I round off.”

    The Senate Minority Leader, Abaribe, took the floor:

    He said: “Let me say that I will have some discussion with you (Lawan) after but I have also had a discussion with the Rivers caucus and they claimed they don’t have a discussion with me.

    “I don’t know whether you can let a member of the Rivers caucus confirm whether I had a discussion with them or not.”

    Senate president cut in: “This policy was adopted consciously and overwhelmingly that we don’t shift the goalposts. We stick with it and I know that few of us will have some reservation but this is democracy.

    “So Minority Leader I want to believe that this Senate will not change on it. I want to advise that if you have anything to say to convey the general idea of what you should ordinarily say I will advise that you do so,” Lawan said.
    Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje raised a Point of Order (Order 3 rule 2)

    “Nomination of senators to serve as presiding officers and appointment of principal officers of the Senate or any parliamentary delegation shall be in accordance with and determined by ranking of senators, the following order shall apply

    a) Senators that are returning based on the number of times that they have been elected.

    b) Senators who have been members of the members of the House of Representatives.

    c) Senators who have been elected for the first time.

    “Our order here does not recognize the State House of Assembly. When I came to this Senate, I raised the issue having been in the House of Assembly but they said the order of the Senate does not recognize House of Assembly. I don’t know if we are changing this rule. If we are changing this rule

    Ameachi as a former governor is my friend but this rule does not recognize House of Assembly,” Goje posited.

    The Senate President agreed that it is not in the rule book “but we can regulate ourselves even without things in the rule.”

    What followed was loud murmuring in the chamber.

    Lawan insisted they adopted the policy extend the privilege to the House of Assembly.

    He added that it was not adopted to favour Amaechi.

    “We are not doing it for him,” he said

    Lawan continued: “He (Amaechi) is going to benefit from this not because we came out with this policy to support him. The present nominee is going to be a beneficiary by chance. We are not doing it for him.

    “Any nominee who passed through the State Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate will benefit.”

    Lawan called the Minority Leader to make his remarks.

    Abaribe said: “If you recalled, I had said I will like we have a discussion after, it is with regards to this.

    “Now that we know that Amaechi has his DNA in PDP, the Rivers State caucus has asked me to tell you to recognise that you are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which included Rivers State.

    “That you should help to maintain security in the state, that the railway of Nigeria should be done in Nigeria before you go outside Nigeria; that the question of the Eastern corridor of the railway should be considered the way other corridors were considered.”

    With Abaribe’s comments and the comments of the Senate Leader, Yahaya that the North West railway corridor should be done (because we have not seen anything) Amaechi was left off the hook to take a bow and go.

    But that was not the end of the matter. The Senator representing Rivers East, Senator George Thompson Sekibo attempted to revive the issue.

    Sekibo was shot down by Senate President.

    Lawan sternly asked Sekibo to abandon his Point of Order “because I am going to rule against you.”

    The Senate President reminded Sekibo that he did not discuss his Point of Order with him (Lawan).

    Sekibo withdrew his Point of Order.

    Apart from Ogah, Akume, Akpabio, Nwajiuba and Amaechi, other nominees also screened included Ogbannaya Onu,(Ebony) Senator Adeleke Mamowora (Lagos), Arch Olamilekan Adegbite,(Ogun) Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) and Sharon Ikeazor from Anambra State.

    Lawan said that the screening will continue today with the consideration of the nomination about ten nominees.

  • National Diaspora Day: Obaseki hails FG’s declaration

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the Federal Government’s declaration of July 25 as National Diaspora Day, urging the diaspora community to contribute more to the nation’s development.

    Obaseki said the declaration is a recognition of the immense contribution of Nigerians in the diaspora to the growth and development of their home country.

    According to the governor, “Nigerians in the diaspora have contributed immensely to the growth and advancement of our country and I am delighted that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has set aside July 25 each year to celebrate them.”

    He added: “Most of these Nigerians abroad have distinguished themselves in their resident countries taking the lead in science and technology, governance, education, innovation, medicine and other areas.”

    Obaseki urged Nigerians in the diaspora to close ranks and join the nation’s efforts at tackling illegal migration and human trafficking, amongst other challenges.

    Read Also: We’re tackling insecurity, human trafficking with quality education, says Obaseki

    “Over the years, the nation’s diaspora community has transformed into a pool of experts from where successive governments have been drawing personnel in tackling some of our social, political and economic problems.”

    He described as apt the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘The Power of the Nigerian Diaspora for National Development,’ and advised the diaspora community “to take advantage of the National Diaspora Day by mobilising resources towards the actualisation of our development aspirations.”

    The Federal Government on Tuesday announced that it has set aside July 25 of every year as national diaspora day in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora towards national development.

    The announcement was made in Abuja by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).

    The NIDCOM Media Coordinator, Abdul-rahman Balogun, explained that the commission planned to host the 2019 National Diaspora Day celebrations in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa and the Nigerians in Diaspora Alumni Network.

  • Police begin bush clearing to curb kidnapping in Edo

    The Edo State Police Command has commenced the clearing and bulldozing of section of the forest along the Benin-Lagos highway with a view to curbing incessant kidnappings on the road.

    About five bulldozers were on site on Wednesday clearing the forest.

    The forest is to be cleared 50 metres inside between Ovia River and Okada junction.

    Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army joined in the operation.

    The purpose, according to the State Commissioner of Police, Danmallam Abubakar, is to take the battle to the kidnappers’ den in the forest.

    The Police Commissioner, and Edo Commander of the NSCDC, Ayela Makinde, took a walk through the route suspected to be used by kidnappers.

    Some live ammunition and expended ammunition were recovered under a shade closed to the highway believed to be he hiding spot of the kidnappers.

    Some wrappers of suspected victims were recovered.

    Abubakar assured the contractors that adequate security would be provided during the period of clearing the bushes.

    Read Also: RUGA will not happen in Edo – Obaseki

    He said the height of the grasses provided an easy cover for the kidnappers to hide.

    “You can see that from these spots they can see our men but we cannot see them. This road must be kept safe and we will not allow kidnappers to remain.

    “The battle line has been drawn. We want to be seeing the kidnappers.

    “We are experiencing pocket of attacks along this road. This spot is one of the black spots. After our meeting with Governor Obaseki, we discussed that the hoodlums were taking advantage of the forest.

    “We requested for bulldozers to clear the forest at least 50 metres inside. We are sure that by the time we finished the clearing, they will meet their waterloo.

    “They operate guerilla style. We have foiled their operations severely. That is why we have huge traffic flow on this road. We do not want what is happening elsewhere to happen here. This road is very strategic. It is gateway to the South-South and South East. We are always on this road to give the public confidence.

    “We have made a lot arrest and recovered arms. We have charged many to court and others are under investigation.”

  • NOUN awards scholarship to ten women from Kano, Imo

    The National Open Universities of Nigeria (NOUN) has awarded full scholarship to ten women from Kano and Imo state to study various degree programmes, Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, has said.

    The vice-chancellor said the scholarships were awarded to five women from Kano and five from Imo state.

    He also said 539 inmates were studying for various degree programmes at the university.

    He disclosed these during the inauguration of the African Centre on Technology, Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) – a unit of the institution in Abuja on Monday.

    Prof. Abdalla said the scholarship would be extended to women from other regions of the country. He said the purpose of the full scholarship was to encourage women to study and empower themselves in the society.

    “We will move the scholarship programme to the South West and other parts of the country,” he said.

    Read Also: JAMB UTME: Lagos inmate scores 246, set for NOUN

    The vice-chancellor also said the World Bank has earmarked $ 8 million for the commencement of the centre.

    Earlier, Director of the centre, Prof. Grace Jokhtan, said the centre would focus on development of digital tools and solutions, skills in software development and mobile-based applications.

    She said the university was looking to develop digital experts that would drive economic growth and transformation in the West African Sub-region.

    “The centre will also focus on research on digital policies and its main streaming in the public sector as well as building capacity with a focus on development of 21st century skills to produce digital experts’ development of cyber security tools,” she said.

    Also, President, Commonwealth of Learning, Vancouver, Canada, Prof. Asha Kanwar, said the CoL would continue to use technology to expand learning in Nigeria and other 52 member countries.

    “Nigeria is a very active member of the Commonwealth and provides both financial and intellectual support and we have enjoyed the cooperation of several institutions in Nigeria which NOUN is one of them.

    “We share with NOUN the common goal of promoting quality education for all with the use of technology for education and we have seen NOUN grown from its early beginning to become one of the key mega universities in the Commonwealth.

    “NOUN is the leader in Open and distance learning in the region and it is one of the regional centres of the Commonwealth and has played a major role in developing courses in advanced ICT skills,” she said.

  • Nigeria far from SDGs target on water, sanitation, says WaterAid

    Nigeria is still a long way from achieving the promise of Sustainable Development Goal six and ensuring clean water and sanitation for all, interim Country Director, WaterAid Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, has said. But Mere believes that with collaboration, the country can make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation.

    The WaterAid chief said Nigeria loses about N1.7 billion of its gross domestic product (GDP) to poor sanitation and hygiene yearly.

    She also said about 60, 000 children under five die yearly in Nigeria due to poor levels of access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

    Mere stated these during the public unveiling of Keep Your Promises, a four year campaign meant to hold elected officials accountable in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The campaign which is being implemented by WaterAid in collaboration with other civil society groups, calls on elected leaders to deliver on their water and sanitation commitments during the last general elections.

    Mere said: “The situation for sanitation is getting worse. Not only did Nigeria not meet the Millennium Development Goal for sanitation but it currently has no hope of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals as the proportion of people without a toilet is steadily increasing.

    “At current rates of progress in Nigeria, we are still a long way, and in fact off-track, from achieving the promise of Sustainable Development Goal 6 and ensuring clean water and sanitation for all. But together, we can make clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation.

    “Every year, nearly 60, 000 Nigerian children die before they start school from diseases linked to dirty water, poor sanitation and hygiene. And of those who survive, repeated bouts of diarrhea leads to malnutrition and often stunting.

    Read Also: Water pollution persists in Niger community

    “Over 10 million of Nigerian children are stunted, meaning their life chances are forever changed. For those who get to school, half will not have a toilet to use and when they get sick, one in three Nigeria’s healthcare facilities do not have clean water or adequate sanitation facilities, meaning that many women and babies continue to die needlessly in childbirth.

    The country director said the 2019 general elections gave the organisation the opportunity to change some of these realities with the vote4wash campaign.

    The WaterAid chief said the organisation gained the commitment of 120 candidates across the country to prioritise WASH if voted into power.

    Mere said: “Nigerians have a huge role to play in the success of this campaign and in WASH governance in the country. We must hold our government accountable and demand for our rights to water and sanitation. When elected public officials and institutions are held accountable and governance is transparent, it increases the likelihood that these institutions and public officials will deliver on their mandate.

    “Today, marks the beginning of a 4-year electoral advocacy campaign which aims to amplify the voices of citizens to demand for transparent and accountable governance in the WASH sector and allow close engagement with elected officials to translate their commitments to realistic and sustainable actions.

    “WaterAid is calling on all elected officials to work towards changing the narrative on water and sanitation services in Nigeria, by ensuring increased investment in the WASH sector and focusing on providing both public and institutional WASH facilities to cater to the needs of Nigerians, most especially for the poorest and marginalised who suffer most from a lack of access to these facilities and services.

    “We will support citizens to engage the media and other accountability platforms to keep demanding for accountable governance and improved wash service provision from these officials over their tenure in office, the country director said.”

  • Obaseki’s proclamation letter in order-Benin elders

    The Committee of Bénin Elders has declared support for Governor Godwin Obaseki, saying the proclamation he issued for the inauguration of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly remained effective.

    It said the inauguration of members is the responsibility of the Clerk of the House and any dispute arising from inauguration could be resolved by resort to the judiciary in line with proper democratic practice.

    Some members of the Bénin Elders that signed a statement to journalists in Bénin City include: Prof. Emmanuel Emovon, Prof. Dennis Agbonlahor, Justice I Aluyi, Justice J.O Olubor, Prof. Union EDEBIRI amongst others.

    The Bénin Elders said the ongoing political crisis was an unfortunate distraction, which should be resolved amicably such that it does not disturb peace and development of the state.

    They vowed to ensure the ongoing developmental stride of Governor Obaseki is sustained.

    According to them: “We are aware the present Governor and his immediate predecessor in a reciprocal manner helped each other into office at different times with a mandate to develop Edo State.

    “The predecessor played his part well and his successor is in the meantime doing the same.

    Read Also: Darkness can’t overcome light, says Obaseki’s wife

    “We therefore opine that the Governor should be given a peaceful atmosphere to develop the state and he has not deviated from that sacred mandate.

    “We need to put it on record that the governor Mr Godwin Obaseki has been performing creditably in terms of infrastructural development, education advancement , economic advancement and maintenance of peace across the state since assumption of office.

    “We are aware that the governor has issued a proclamation and forwarded the same to the clerk of the house . Under the relevant provision of the constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), such proclamation once made remains effective.

    “The circumstance, the committee feels that the intervention by the house of representative at this stage is premature and unwarranted.

    “This is more so when it is clear from the express wording of section 105 of the constitution that any intervention in the affairs of any state house of assembly should be by the joint action of the two House of National Assembly”.

  • DPR seals five filling stations in Edo

    The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Edo State has sealed up five filling stations for under dispensation of fuel and other offences.

    It also sealed up gas stations that were built without approval.

    Operations Controller Maynard Oriafoh, who led the team, also educated attendants on the use of fire extinguishers.

    Petrol stations that were sealed included MRS Petrol Station on Mission Road; Petrol Vadez on New Lagos Road; St Talye Oil and Gas and Oando Petrol Station on Benin-Lagos road.

    Read Also: DPR seals filling stations for dispensing excess products to customers in P’Harcourt

    Oriafoh said the action was to ensure the public is not cheated. He added that owners of the sealed stations would pay necessary fines before their businesses were reopened.

    He said: “This is part of our general operations to ensure the public get what they pay for. We have been going out in the last two weeks; we have visited more than 10 today and we sealed up five for various offences.

    “Last week, we sealed up gas stations for various offences.”