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  • Greater Lagos fiesta thrills fun lovers

    Greater Lagos fiesta thrills fun lovers

    The annual end-of-the-year entertainment event by the Lagos State Government ended this morning with a bang.

    Organsed by the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, the “Greater Lagos Fiesta” kicled off December  29 in Epe, Agege, Ikorodu, and Badagry amid a large turn out.

     The ministry’s Director, Public Affairs, Seriki Omowunmi, said the three-day event   saw attendees mark the New Year at all the locations, including Sol Beach, Oniru.

    At the Badagry venue of the event on Friday, Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Solomon Bonu, expressed satisfaction with the huge turnout of fun lovers, saying that Badegry venue had always been known large turn out of attendees.

      He said the  governor approved the hosting of the event as a way of bringing Lagos youths together for entertainment, fun, and relaxation.

     The yearly event, according to him, also provides a platform for the discovery of talents and exposure for indigenous artists, comedians, and entertainers to further showcase their talents in each of the divisions of the State.

    Read Also: Spectacle trails Greater Lagos Fiesta

     He said: “Not only will the Greater Lagos Fiesta be a hub of musical brilliance, it will also be a platform to celebrate the vibrant culture and traditions of Lagos State. From traditional dances to captivating art displays, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of these Lagos residents.”

       In Ikorodu, the council chairman of Igbogbo Bayeku, Sesan Daisi, declared the entertainment show open on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with a promise that Lagosians will enjoy more dividends of democracy and more developmental projects in the year 2024.

     He said this year’s edition of the event is a remarkable celebration of culture, music, and entertainment, as  upcoming artists, indigenous entertainers, and A-List artists like Davido, Kizz Daniel, Flavour, Olamide, Teni, Mayorkun, Seyi Vibez, Spyro,Shallipopi and many others are expected to continue to provide entertainment for Lagosians throughout the event.

     Earlier in the day, the event kicked off in Agege Stadium venue under Ikeja Division with Children’s Corner where participants were engaged in different fun activities including face painting, dancing competitions, and games, the Children’s Corners were observed in all other locations including Epe, Badagry, and Ikorodu.

     In Epe, there were live performances by the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture troupe, and some indigenous artists and entertainers were witnessed by a large crowd of fun lovers across the entire Epe division. The event continued yesterday with a lineup of sensational performances from renowned artists, both local and international.

    It is fair to say the Greater Lagos Fiesta guaranteed an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all genres.

  • Governors, Speakers, Atiku, others optimistic of better Nigeria

    Governors, Speakers, Atiku, others optimistic of better Nigeria

    • Nigerians admonished to have hope

    Governors, Speakers of state Houses of Assembly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other prominent Nigerians yesterday congratulated Nigerians for seeing the end of 2023 and admonished them to have hope in a fruitful 2024 which begins today.

     Also, the United Nations which described   2023 as” the hottest year on record,” advised that  “2024 must be a year for rebuilding trust and restoring hope.”

     The governors that sent out New Year messages to residents of their states were AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Peter Mbah (Enugu) and Hycinth Alia(Benue).

     The other Nigerians, who felicitated with Nigerians included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Senator representing  Lagos East Senatoral District, Adetokunbo Abiru and Bishop of  Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese  Williams Aladekugbe. 

     In his message to the people of Kwara State and other Nigerians, AbdulRazaq beseeched God to guide and protect them.

     He said that this year would be more fulfilling  for Kwarans as his administration would  “continue to deliver on its core mandate of ensuring safety of lives and properties.”

     AbdulRazaq, who is also the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum(NGF), used the opportunity to call on all Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

     The reforms, according to him, aim to “build a more resilient economy that would  give  everyone a fair shot in life.”

     In Lagos,   Sanwo-Olu,  urged Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents,  to be hopeful and to continue to live in peace and harmony. 

    He also charged them to remain hopeful of greater prosperity that would be recorded in the country and Lagos in particular.

    Read Also: Tinubu: I won’t stop working for better Nigeria

     This, he said, is because his administration and the Federal Government would continue to tackle the challenges facing the state and the nation.

     “I wish every Lagosian a Happy and Prosperous New Year. We are thankful to God for the grace to see the New Year and we welcome 2024 with hope and faith. 2023 was a year of great strides for us in Lagos. It was indeed a significant year for our administration.

     “We are happy and grateful to Lagos residents for coming out in large numbers to re-elect us for another four years. We will not disappoint you,”  said in a statement his Chief Press Secretary  Gboyega Akosile.

     “I want to assure millions of Lagos residents that 2024 is the year we will act with speed to deliver more good governance and dividends of democracy that you voted us in for. As your governor, I promise to continue to provide leadership that will usher in greater opportunities and a more prosperous life for Lagosians.

     “We will work for Lagos better and faster this year and the remaining years of our second term in office to accelerate developments across the identified areas in our THEMES+ agenda,” he added.

      Sanwo-Olu’s counterpart in Ogun State, Abiodun promised that his state would witness unprecedented infrastructure development this year.

     He  called on the people   to embrace “this year  with  renewed hope as his administration is working hard to make life bearable for them.”

     Abiodun said: “In 2023, we faced numerous challenges, but together we were resolute, focused, and we emerged united and stronger. I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to you, the good citizens and residents of Ogun State, for your unwavering support, cooperation, resilience, and unflinching loyalty.”

      Enugu State Governor   Mbah, who said he was optimistic of a “bright 2024 for Nigeria,” urged the people to keep hope alive.

     Like AbdulRazaq, he assured that the gains of some 2023 economic policies of the Tinubu administration would begin to trickle in this year.

     Mbah also assured the people of positive economic growth in the year, given his various projects, policies, and laws.

    He said: “It is not in doubt that 2023 was a very difficult year for Nigerians, especially given the temporary hardships occasioned by some hard, but inevitable, policies of the Federal Government, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates.

     “But I am very confident that the gales of inflation, unemployment, and general high cost of living will abate in the coming years.

     “The onus is, however, on us, as leaders, at every stratum of government, to intensify efforts and initiatives to not only mitigate the immediate hardships but also take advantage of the economic policies to put the nation on the path of prosperity.”

    Governor   Alia, who felicitated Benue State residents on the New Year, went a step further to grant amnesty to 12 inmates of the Makurdi Correctional Centre.

       Alia advised the pardoned persons to leverage the skills they acquired in the centre and become good citizens.

     House of Assembly  Speakers under the aegis of  Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, said Nigerians needed to begin this new year with a high spirit and hope.

     “It is expedient for us to be positive-minded this new year.

     “I want to advise that we look beyond the various crises currently facing the nation. Let’s express the belief that the best will happen to us soon. We should be optimistic that we will get through the problems,” the speakers said through their Chairman, Adebo Ogundoyin.

     Ogundoyin, who is also the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said it was by God’s grace that “we lived to witness a New Year despite the unpleasant situation in terms of socioeconomic conditions” that last year visited on all.”

    He added:  “We should see this new year as another opportunity for all of us to contribute our quota and strive for a better Nigeria.

     “A positive attitude to life boosts one’s confidence level and rekindles one’s hope about a brighter future.”

    • Atiku to Nigerians:   well-thought vision needed

    Former Vice-President Abubakar said that only a well-thought-out vision would pull Nigeria out of its current challenges.

     Listing the challenges faced by Nigerian households and the exit of some companies from Nigeria, the Adamawa State-born politician, noted that there is  “ample time”  for the APC  government to address them.

    He said: “The past year was a challenging year, but the lessons that we took away from it are what should prepare us for the future that the New Year holds.

     “I believe that one of the reasons the Almighty created time and season is for us to take stock of our realities and effect necessary amends.

     “Certainly, many families and businesses already know the intensity of the trying times that we are currently going through – though we could have taken a completely different pathway, had the government been smarter with their policy prescriptions.

    To walk back from these throes of adversities will require a well-thought vision of National Planning that will deliberately make the common people of Nigeria the centrepiece of our development.

     “The Year 2024 is still new on its canvas; and so, there is ample time for the current government to champion a pathway to addressing the acute hardship that Nigerians are going through.

     “The government must show a clear direction of its policy projections and desist from the subsisting behaviour of groping in the dark.”

    • Egbetokun  calls for love, tolerance

      IGP Egbetokun, who emphasised the importance of collective efforts in   building a harmonious society,  urged communities to strengthen the bonds that “unite us.”

     He said in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer,   Olumuyiwa Adejobi, that by “embracing love and tolerance…we can overcome differences and work together towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”

  • Major leap coming for mining, says Alake

    Major leap coming for mining, says Alake

    The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, has said the Nigerian mining sector will experience a major leap this year.

    The minister said his ministry would contribute substantially to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, said the minister announced this in his New Year message to Nigerians.

    Alake reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s vision of diversifying the economy through renewed focus on solid minerals is on course, asserting that reforms in the sector will yield tremendous results in the new year.

    He said: “I felicitate Nigerians for making it through 2023 into Year 2024. It is pertinent that we collectively look forward to the horizon of the new year, with Renewed Hope, especially because it signposts the first fiscal year of the Tinubu administration.

    “On our part in the Solid Minerals Development Ministry, we will be consolidating on reforms that commenced with our ambitious Seven-Point Agenda, on assumption of office, four months ago. Nigerians are assured that an efficient governance structure that will transform the opaque nature of the mining sector will crystallise in the new year.

    Read Also: Mining to experience major leap in 2024, says Alake

    “It will be recalled that we had revoked 1,633 mining licences of those that defaulted in the payment of annual service fees last year. More revocation is in the offing for other categories of defaulters in 2024.

    “Our plans to tackle the menace of insecurity in mining areas alongside the activities of illegal miners through a rejigged security architecture is well on course.

    “In a short while, we will see the result of months of engagement with heads of security agencies, as we are poised to rout those plundering Nigeria’s mineral resources.”

    Commenting on mineral exploration, Alake said: “Efforts on exploration of critical minerals, which started last year with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German firm, GeoScan GmbH, for the deployment of proprietary technology to explore minerals up to 10,000m under the earth will be ramped up with renewed vigour by the Federal Government.

    “This is crucial for the development of the sector as it will lead to the generation of big geo-data required for global players to make informed decisions about investing in the industry.”

    The minister urged Nigerians to keep faith with the Tinubu administration, stressing that reforms in the mining sector and other areas would jumpstart the real sector and lead to immense jobs and prosperity for all Nigerians.

    “We are prioritising value addition for prospective investors in the mining sector. The era of just carting away our resources is over. We want to see practical plans to develop these raw materials into finished products or plans to add value to host communities before we even license new operators.

    “This is pertinent so that the mining sector can lead the way in industrialisation, create massive jobs for our teeming young population, and contribute substantially to economic development in the new year,” Alake added.

  • Labour to demand living wage, implementation of signed agreements from Fed Govt

    Labour to demand living wage, implementation of signed agreements from Fed Govt

    • Our expectations in 2024, by ASUU, NANS

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has restated its commitment towards ensuring that the nation’s workers get a living this year.

    NLC President Joe Ajaero said this yesterday in his New Year message to Nigerians.

    It promised to engage the Federal Government to ensure that the agreements it reached with labour in the last negotiations, especially the October 2 agreement, were implemented.

    The congress said it was “highly insensitive of the Federal Government to allow its citizens to go hungry during the Yuletide season by denying them the benefit of their hard-earned December 2023 salary”.

    The statement said: “To this end, NLC will be committed in 2024 towards ensuring that a living wage becomes possible for all Nigerian workers by working with others to secure a National Minimum Wage that approximates to the dictates of the various parameters that make incomes humane and grants access to basic necessities of life for the average worker.

    “We will recommit to building workplaces that guarantee the rights and privileges of workers while building the basis for continuous wealth creation for our nation. All actions that will, therefore, ensure that decent work gaps are reduced to their barest minimum will be encouraged.

    “We will, therefore, strengthen our collaboration with the Federal Ninistry of Labour, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC), using the tripartite process to regulate the industrial relations space and ensure that the reviewed labour administration laws are forwarded to the National Assembly for passage into law.

    Read Also: 2024 budget: Prioritise welfare, security of Nigerians, Labour Party tells FG

    “From every indication, 2024 will be an interesting year; interesting because it will witness a period where all that has been taken away from workers will be restored. Any private sector employer or agency of government that is, therefore, owing any Nigerian worker anywhere should be ready to pay up in 2024…”

    Also, key education stakeholders have said government at national and sub-national levels must give more attention and show sincere commitment to the development of the education sector to make necessary impact this year.

    The stakeholders spoke against the backdrop of events that shaped the sector in the outgone year, and their expectations in the new year.

    The National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday that no significant change was recorded in the sector last year.

    “Honestly, I will say nothing significant actually changed in the entire sector during the year under review. It is practically nothing close to what we want, especially as it concerns budgetary allocation.

    “It is not different from what we used to have in the past eight years. It is not getting any better. Just look at the amount that was allocated to the sector this year. Does it show we seriously want transformation?

    “The budget proposed, which was 8.8 per cent, still fell short of the global education agency, UNESCO’s recommended 26 per cent expenditure on the sector,” he said.

    Also, The Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr. Akinteye Afeez, told NAN that education did not fare well last year as it ought to have done.

    The NAN chief said the sector remained the same, grappling with many avoidable challenges.

    “Education has not done any better than we used to have it. There is still no remarkable improvement in the sector as a whole. It has not changed from what obtained in previous years.

    “We just hope the policies of government, as promised in 2024, will kick-start in earnest. Example is the CNG buses promised by the Federal Government, bursaries, and increment in the education budget.

    “We hope we have also really said goodbye to ASUU strikes and hope for better years ahead. But as far as we are concerned, education in the year under review did not fare well,” Afeez said.

  • Tinubu felicitates Kaduna Governor Sani at 53

    Tinubu felicitates Kaduna Governor Sani at 53

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on yesterday’s celebration of his 53rd birthday.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, reads: “President Bola Tinubu sends his felicitations to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State as he marks his 53rd birthday.

    “President Tinubu celebrates the accomplished engineer and politician whose leadership odyssey has been one of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the people.

    “The President commends the governor for his devotion to the nation, from his early years as a pro-democracy activist, promoting the pristine elements of democracy, good governance, and national unity.

    Read Also: Tinubu felicitates Kaduna gov Uba Sani at 53

    “President Tinubu extols the brilliance and excellence of the governor who is both a mechanical engineer of high repute and renowned finance expert, recalling his efforts as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, and now as governor.

    “The President thanks the governor for his unwavering support while wishing him many more years in good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria.”

  • Akeredolu spoke truth to power, say Akure NBA, Cross River indigenes

    Akeredolu spoke truth to power, say Akure NBA, Cross River indigenes

    The Ondo Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Association of Cross River State indigenes in Ondo State have said the late Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was never afraid to speak truth to power.

    The former governor died last Wednesday at 67.

    A statement by its Chairman, Banjo Ayenakin, described the late Akeredolu’s contribution to the legal profession as remarkable, especially when he was the NBA President.

    The association said the deceased was an active voice for the masses and a crusader of human rights who used the instrumentality of the law to fight injustice and entrench fairness, equity, and the rule of law.

    It noted that as Ondo State governor, the late Akeredolu stood tall among his colleagues across the states and spoke truth to power.

    The statement said: “It’s a sad pill to take and we come to the reality that a frontline leader of the Bar and the Generalissimo of Amotekun Security Network is gone.

    “His contribution to the legal profession was too profoundly remarkable to mention when he was the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

    Read Also: Akeredolu: Nigeria lost a great man – First Lady

    “He singlehandedly led the struggle of local policing in the state at the risk of his second term ticket and midwifed the birth of Amotekun Security Network that has now brought relative peace and tranquility to the Southwest.

    “We cannot but reminisce on his doggedness, resoluteness, and strong passion for achieving our nascent democracy and true federalism.

    “We are, however, consoled by the fact that death is inevitable; it is a debt we must all pay in this sinful world. Aketi has played his part.”

    Also, the Association of Cross River State indigenes in Ondo State described the late governor as a leader whose activities and programme protected the interest of all persons living in the Sunshine State.

    In a tribute by its President, David Ebriku, the association condoled with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the people of the state.

    He said: “Akeredolu provided leadership, not only for the Southwest but for the entire Southern part of the country, when it became most imperative for courage to speak.

    “As a leader, he provided the needed leadership capacity for his followers to tread. He spoke in support of power shift to the South. He stood firm to set the Amotekun Corps.”

  • Niger secured more than 1mn hectares of land for farming – Bago

    Niger secured more than 1mn hectares of land for farming – Bago

    The Niger state governor, Umar Bago, on Sunday, December 31, said his state has secured more than 100 hectares of land in the state, which would be prepared for agriculture uses.

    Governor Bago spoke to journalists in Lagos after meeting President Bola Tinubu at his residence, saying he met him to pay Christmas homage to and commiserate with him over the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, last week.

    Speaking on the priority placed on agriculture in the 2024 Budget, the governor said he hope to have gotten not less than 250,000 hectares of the total expanse ready for cultivation before the start of the rainy season.

    “Yes, definitely food security is a priority in this government and we have just told the President that we are very, very much ready in 2024 From January 1 to hit the ground running. 

    “We have secured over a million hectares of land. I will start preparing this land and I’m sure before the next rainy season, I would have over 250,000 hectares prepared and I will also inform him about the irrigation investment we have put in irrigation. 

    “In Niger State we’re very ready to do as a leading state in rice paddy want to improve the rice production and cotton production. We’re also very, very ready for that. 

    “We’re also very prepared to do a lot of maize, you know, because the demand for maize by especially poultry farmers is high and so many other initiatives that we brought forward. 

    “You know, Niger state is also a leading state in production of sesame’s, which you know very well, and we’ve told Mr. President, exactly what we’re about to do.”

    Speaking on the massacre in Plateau State, Bago described it as very unfortunate, noting there is a need for states in the North-central, which have all had their share of a similar experience, to meet and discuss on situation.

    “Yeah, it’s quite unfortunate, you know. Niger, state and other states in north central have also been victims of this kind of carnage. What happened in Plateau is very unfortunate. And we are hoping that it does not repeat itself. 

    “We have just decided on Tuesday, we’ll go and pay a condolence visit to commiserate with the people of Plateau state on this issue. Other issues are not issues for camera. There are strategic issues that we must discuss on them. 

    “But the most important is that we need to start discussion. When we start talking to each other as a people you know, we need to discuss so we need to  bring out people, voices to be heard. You know, a lot of these issues are just centric.”

  • 2024: APC assures Nigerians of more prosperous future

    2024: APC assures Nigerians of more prosperous future

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Nigerians that the New Year would be a season of crystalization of hope for a more prosperous future for the country.

    This assurance was contained in a New Year goodwill message by the party’s national publicity secretary, Felix Morka in Abuja late Sunday night.

    The statement reads: “Our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) joins all Nigerians to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2024, a year for the crystallization of hope for a more prosperous future for our country. 

    “We salute our compatriots for their support, resilience and commitment to building a stronger and safer country during the preceding year 2023. We thank them for all the patriotic sacrifices made for the peace and unity of our country, and for its economic stabilization and progress.”

    The party further assured Nigerians the hat APC administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains resolute in its commitment to making good its electoral promises to create and expand access to economic opportunities,  service delivery, and security and usher in balanced and sustainable development.

    “We thank Nigerians for their massive support in the general off-season elections of 2023. We do not take that for granted. Rather, we take it as a challenge to double our efforts, at the party and administration levels, to justify the confidence reposed in our Party. 

    “President Tinubu and all executive and legislative officials elected on our platform will continue to strive to put people first and above other political considerations and exigencies. 

    “We owe a debt of gratitude to President Tinubu for his forthright and inspiring leadership of our Party. We appreciate the National Assembly leadership, the APC Legislative Caucus, the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party, our strategic and development partners, and the press for their leadership and support in the outgoing year. 

    “On behalf of the National Chairman, Dr  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party, we wish all Nigerians a happy and very prosperous New Year.

    “May God continue to bless our country and us all.”

  • Economy: Tantita pledges collaboration with Army

    Economy: Tantita pledges collaboration with Army

    Private security firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian Army in order to boost the nation’s economy.

    Tantita’s Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, gave the assurance at the West African Social Activities otherwise known as WASA at the Effurun Barracks in Uvwie council area of Delta state, Sunday, December 31.

    “We will continue to strengthen our collaboration. We will continue to look more into how our works and partnerships are going to help the country’s economy. Because the country needs us like anything, if not before, even more than that by now.

    “And we will continue to seek for their unequivocal support. We will continue to share a lot with them and then, we expect them to also collaborate with other military arms so that we can all work towards making Nigeria a better country, ” Enisuoh stated. 

    The Commander, 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Sanusi Aliyu, in his speech attributed the achievements in the fight against crude oil theft and other crimes, particularly in the Niger Delta region, on collaboration with sister agencies.

    He called for continuous collaboration with other security agencies.

    “The professional and military competence of our troops are proving to be veritable recipe for operational successes in the field.

    “The series of gains recorded by this Brigade against illicit oil bunkering activities and economic sabotage in our areas of responsibility underpins these assertions.

    “In this regard, the WASA is geared towards positive reflection on the closing year in order to refuel for the coming year,” Brigadier-General Aliyu asserted.

    The WASA which witnessed feasting with the civilian public, family and friends, is usually celebrated by the Nigerian Army to mark the end of an administrative year.

  • BREAKING: Fubara’s ally Ehie resigns as factional speaker, quits Rivers Assembly

    BREAKING: Fubara’s ally Ehie resigns as factional speaker, quits Rivers Assembly

    A factional speaker of the Rivers state Assembly, Edison Ehie, has resigned his position.

    Ehie, in a letter he personally addressed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also quit his membership of the Rivers 10th House of Assembly representing Ahoada East Constituency 3.

    The former lawmaker, whose removal as the leader of the House by the speaker Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly triggered chains of political reactions and suspicions,  dated his letter December 29.

    Ehie titled his letter, “Notice of Resignation as Speaker and Member Representing Ahoada-East Constituency II in the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.

    The letter said: “This is to formally notify you of my voluntary resignation as Speaker and member of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly representing Ahoada-East Constituency II with effect from the date of this letter.

    “I wish to deeply appreciate my colleagues and the people of my Constituency for the rare opportunity to serve and hope to continue to give my utmost best in service to Rivers State subsequently”.

    Ehie had declared himself the speaker same day he was removed as the House leader following ensuing brawl between Governor Siminialayi Fubara and the Amaewhule-led House.

    The dispute between Fubara and the House culminated in bombing the hallowed chamber and issuing an impeachment notice to the governor, who later responded by demolishing the hallowed chamber of the assembly in Port Harcourt.

    But the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led to the signing of the eight-point resolution by Fubara and the lawmakers.

    As part of the agreement, the lawmakers withdrew their impeachment notice while Fubara paid all their withheld entitlements.

    It was gathered that after the peace deal, Ehie fought back because no time in the resolutions recognised him and gave him soft landing.

    Sources said some promises had been made to Ehie, who was seen as the only weak link in permanently resolving the dispute.

    Fo instance, Ehie had obtained a court order that recognised him as the Speaker in a case he instituted against the lawmakers.

    It was before the Ehie-led House of Assembly that the governor presented the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill  and later signed same after passage, though the peace deal required him to re-present the Bill to the Amaewhule-led Assembly 

    Ehie’s resignation was said to have facilitated the process of ending all disputes and fulfilling the other items in the peace document.