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Tag: Speaker

  • I’ll promote good governance, says Lagos Speaker

    I’ll promote good governance, says Lagos Speaker

    •Ikuforiji declares governorship ambition

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and an All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant Adeyemi Ikuforiji has said his vision for the state was to consolidate and promote the legacy of good governance that Lagos is known for.

    Ikuforiji spoke yesterday at the official declaration of his governorship ambition at the Blue Roof, LTV 8 Ikeja, Lagos.

    At the event were member of the House of Representatives from Epe, Lanre Odubote, members of the House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker and Majority Leader, Kolawole Taiwo and Dayo Adeyeye, among others.

    The Speaker said the time has come to re-articulate the vision of the founding fathers of Lagos, and “re-energise the people of this great city”.

    “My dear people of Lagos, I believe that the time has come for us to consolidate the gains of good governance … and take Lagos even further.

    “I intend to build on the achievements of Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola to make Lagos a truly global city.”

    Ikuforiji said if he emerges the party candidate and governor, Lagos would become a global city that all will be proud of.

    He said: “I will work hard to make Lagos the African Alpha City, one that will link the African economy to the world economy. Lagos will constitute the heartbeat of the continent in the 21st Century.

    “I believe that our state has all it takes to seize this role. I am convinced that we can make it happen for Lagos under my leadership.

    “I will ensure that even to the most politically aloof resident, politics will be attractive and no longer perceived as a dirty game characterised by nepotism.

    “My government will combine the populist approach of Lateef Jakande, the financial ingenuity of Tinubu and the vigour of Fashola for Lagos.

    “I am in this race to make a difference; my conscience tells me this is the best time to do the will of God for Lagos. I am well placed to lead this new phase in the history of Lagos.

    “I have the training, the required experience- the vision, the leadership qualities as shown in the last nine years as Speaker.

    “I have suffered all sorts of attempts at distractions. I have triumphed over trumped-up charges, and even survived an assassination attempt. But through it all, I have remained committed to the ideals of Lagos.”

    He promised to bring about major turn around in major sectors of the economy through a 10-point cardinal programme, which connects all critical areas and provides a synergy between these sectors.

    Ikuforiji highlighted areas such as education, health, energy, agriculture, tourism, transportation etc.

    “Within the first 18 months of my government, our hospitals will be upgraded to world class standard. Our schools will be restored to their former glory and I will not rest until the State University is one of the top 500 universities in the world.”

    His wife, Mayowa, said he has a good vision for the state. “I am sure that Adeyemi, my husband, will deliver because he wants to do for you in other sectors what he did for education by ensuring increased allocation.

  • Lawmakers sue Ondo Speaker, others

    Lawmakers sue Ondo Speaker, others

    Two lawmakers in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olugbenga Edema and Fola Olasehinde-Vicente, have sued the Speaker, Princess Jumoke Akindele, the Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    This followed alleged plans by the Assembly to suspend them and declare their seats vacant for defecting from the Labour Party (LP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The suit was filed at the Federal High Court, Akure, by a lawyer , Charles Titiloye.

    They are praying the court to declare that their seats are not vacant and that INEC cannot conduct by- elections in Ilaje Constituency II and Ose Constituency.

    The lawmaker urged the court to declare that the steps being taken by the Speaker and the Assembly to suspend them before the completion of their tenure were unconstitutional and illegal.

    They sought the court’s protection to continue to attend proceedings and perform the functions of their offices until the expiration of their tenure.

    Titiloye said the Speaker and other PDP lawmakers who precipitated division in LP before joining PDP could not preside in judgment against their colleagues, who joined APC.

    The lawyer said: “Their hands are soiled with the same allegation of defection. We will not allow them to use their majority to undermine the rights of the minority APC lawmakers.”

  • Ex-Kwara deputy speaker dies at 62

    Former Kwara State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Hajia H.B. Badmus is dead. She was 62.

    Hajia Badmus was the deputy speaker from 2003 to 2007. She died in her Offa country home and has been buried according to Islamic rites.

    House of Assembly Speaker Razak Atunwa described her death as “a great loss to Kwarans”.

    Atunwa said the deceased was a honest, committed, caring and excellent parliamentarian, who contributed significantly to the state’s growth.

    He urged the late Hajia Badmus’ family to take solace in the fact that she lived a life worthy of emulation.

  • Communities condemn damaging report on Speaker

    Communities condemn damaging report on Speaker

    MEMBERS of autonomous communities of Umuihi, Ihinna, Amakohia and Amainyinta of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, have condemned the publications in the dailies about the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu by Whoba’s family.

    The Chairman and Secretary of the Umuihi-Ihinna Consultative Assembly, Mr. Vincent Uba and Ovuike Uche respectively, in conjunction with Amakohia and Amainyinta autonomous communities, told reporters in Lagos that such report is inimical to the development of their communities.

    They said Uwajumogu and Whoba families are relations having come from Umuihi and Ihinna communities respectively, adding that their differences, if any, shouldn’t be settled in the public, especially on the pages of newspapers.

    Uba said: “The publication raised weighty issues not only against the person of Mr. Speaker but issues of serious concern to the well-being, development and peace-loving people of Umuihi, Ihinna, Amakohia and Amainyinta autonomous communities in general.

    “Incidentally, the people involved are great families of our communities, and given the many challenges these communities have experienced in recent times, the assembly believes that the issues raised in the said publications are indeed very fundamental to be ignored. We recall with pride, generous contributions of these families, which the Speaker is working hard to improve upon.

    “The assembly embarked on frantic efforts aimed at unraveling the veracity or otherwise of the allegations/issues raised by Whoba’s family by sending a fact-finding delegation to the two traditional rulers of the communities concerned. From the delegation’s findings, His Royal Highness (HRH), Eze Lawrence Ihekweme (Nna 1 of Ihinna) said although the demolished gate/pillar, which is the issue in contention, was built by the late Prince Whoba Ogo but the land on which the gate/pillar was erected on, forms part of the road under construction by Imo State Government that will link the three markets of Amakohia, Umuihi and Ihinna communities with Ekeikpa Market in Amainyi community, therefore not Whoba’s family’s property.”

    They said Eze Ihekweme expressed shock at the action of Whoba family because they are direct beneficiary of the road construction, saying that prior to the construction of the road; their house couldn’t be easily accessed because of bad road. He frowned at the action of Whoba’s family, saying they could have consulted him before going to the press to embarrass the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and prominent son of the land.

    The assembly also gathered that the demolished gate/pillar was too old and dilapidated and narrow and didn’t allow free flow of vehicular movement. It therefore, didn’t add economic/social or cultural values to the communities as the publication indicated.

    The assembly also said contrary to reports, no member of Whoba’s family was shot by any policeman, even as there was no attempt or threat to life of any member of the family. The communities also absolved the Speaker of harbouring tugs or militia group.

    In view of the observations by the assembly and the findings of the fact-finding delegation, the assembly said: “It regrets the actions of Whoba’s family, which is not only damaging on the person of Mr. Speaker but could also have the effect of slowing down developmental projects which our communities have long been yearning for.

    “We also found the allegations not only spurious and vexatious but also unwarranted. We regretted that Whoba’s family misconstrued the Imo State road construction project, notwithstanding the fact that the said project cuts across the Speaker’s communities.

    “While recognising constitutional right of parties to freedom of expression, the assembly believes that the embarrassment inherent in the publications could have been avoided if adequate consultations, proper channels and due processes were adopted by Whoba’s family.”

    The group advised Whoba’s family to refrain from actions that smears or likely to cause damage to the image and reputation of not only the Speaker but members of the community in general. It urged Whoba’s family to retract the publications by apologising to the Speaker in the dailies that carried the publications, apologise to HRH Eze Ihekweme for boycotting him and rushing to the press, apologise to the entire Umuihi, Amainyinta, Amakohia and Ihinna autonomous communities on whose land the gate/pillar was built.

    “We also implore Whoba’s family to join the partnership that advances development of our communities, which we know can go a long way towards uplifting our people.

    We endorse Mr. Speaker’s developmental projects in our communities, his commitment not only to our communities but also to Okigwe Senatorial District and Imo State in general,” the group added.

  • The bickering Edo Speaker and Rep

    Edo State House of Assembly Speaker Uyi Igbe has had enough of playing at the home front. After eight years at the  State Assembly, Uyi wants to move up.  His target next year is to become a member of the National Assembly. He is aiming for a seat at the House of Representatives. His obstacle against realizing this dream is the lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Razaq Bello-Osagie. They are both seeking the All Progressive Congress (APC) ticket for the same office. This has spoilt the relationship between the two men. As a matter of fact, they have started calling each other names.  Both men now seldom greet each other at public functions.

    Igbe stirred the hornet nest last weekend during his formal declaration to contest for the seat, which Bello-Osagie is seeking a second ticket.  Igbe had made a veiled reference to projects facilitated by Bello-Osagie as projects executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Igbe said those who have represented the constituency at the lower chamber of the National Assembly failed to attract federal projects and were laying claim to projects executed by the NDDC.

    According to him, “I have noticed with dismay that nothing really has happened in Oredo Federal Constituency and we want to attempt to change that. I think is time for us to do something about it to engage the federal government.’’

    Bello-Osagie fired back, saying the only project he facilitated from the NDDC was the construction of a four blocks of 16 classrooms at Eyeanugie Primary School because of the poor state of the school.

    He cautioned Edo speaker against engaging in campaign of calumny and said it was regrettable that the Speaker does not understand the workings of government.

    His words:  “It is how much you are able to do, the skill you are able to put in the process to attract more, that makes you a better representative. People cannot use their own yardstick as a basis for measuring the performance of other people. If Hon. Uyi Igbe believes his own score card would be used in assessing me, I think that would be a misnomer. I have delivered on my promise, I do not know about him.

    “The people gave me this mandate. I appreciate this mandate and the least I can do is to see how much I can attract from Abuja to my constituency because politics is about the up lifting of our people and the development of our environment.”

    He took reporters on tour of some other projects facilitated by him and they included and ICT centre at Imaguero College, a 1.15 MVA Electricity Injection Sub-station and a health centre at Umegbe village, solar powered street lights and boreholes across the 12 wards of Oredo.

    Umegbe is among the over 42 villages in metropolitan Oredo Local Government that lacked access to basic social amenities such as school, health centre, electricity and good road. Bello-Osagie said he was moved to build the health centre after the head of Umegbe community died while being taken to Benin Central hospital for minor ailment.

    He said:  “The community has a plethora of problems, water, road and electricity. I was told of how a community head died while being taken to the hospital. I had to build a health centre for them. Following to the needs assessment, we discovered that electricity is a big problem here. We have been working with it for the past two years with the relevant MDA which is the Federal Ministry of Power and I am happy to report that the contract has since been awarded. Work started a couple of weeks ago.

    “The intention of the project is to improve the distribution and of course to enhance power in this area. What we are doing is to find out what they are doing. I go to visit projects I facilitated. I go at night to see if the solar power street lights are working.”

    For the speaker, he can tell all that to the marines. It sure is getting interesting and the last word has certainly not been heard about this matter. These men’s fight may not stop even after a winner has emerged.

    For now, our last word is: let the best man get the job. And please, no violence.

  •  Abia Speaker empowers constituents

     Abia Speaker empowers constituents

    The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu has given empowerment items to some members of Ohafia North State Constituency and some individuals from the 17 local government areas of Abia State. He said the gesture was borne out of his desire to appreciate members of his constituents for the trust they reposed in him to represent them at the State House of Assembly.

    During the event, Hon. Chukwu distributed gift items worth millions of Naira to over 200 beneficiaries.

    Various political stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party faithful thronged the play ground of Etitiama Primary School, Nkporo, venue of the event in their numbers in solidarity with the Speaker who donated vehicles and other items of empowerment worth over N50 million.

    The Speaker said the efforts of the state government had to be complemented through genuine contributions by individuals, even as he revealed that the gesture was his contribution in that regard.

    He said Governor Orji’s administration lays emphasis on entrenching good governance and delivery of democratic benefits for the common good of the people.

    “What is happening today is borne out of a sincere commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for posterity as well as complementing the efforts of the state governor to empower our people and make them self-reliant. It is gratifying to note that the administration of Governor Orji has aggressively tackled the issue of unemployment of Abia youths through empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes,” he said.

    Hon. Chukwu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, even as he appealed to those who were not accommodated in the programme to be patient as they will be taken care of in the next phase of the programme.

    The Speaker said there are some ongoing road projects in his constituency which he said the governor has graciously promised to come and inaugurate before the end of his tenure in May, 2015.

    He reeled off the projects to include Abiriba –Etitiama-Nkporo and Abiriba –Ndi Ebe Abam roads, adding that he had completed construction and renovation of classroom blocks and staff quarters in some secondary schools in the constituency.

    Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries at the event included 53 vehicles; 32 Q-link motorcycles, four bicycles, three giant electricity generating sets, 10 computer sets, 30 sewing machines, 50 small electricity generating sets, 10 weaving machines, 20 hair dressing kits, four vulcanising machines, four deep freezers, 10 sets of garri processing machines, 20 barbing kits, four grinding machines and  a complete set of modern disc jockey equipment and 3,000 customised printed wrappers.

    To ensure that he met the health needs of his people, a medical test session for malaria, hypertension and diabetes screening, among other health conditions, were also conducted to complement Governor Orji’s giant strides in providing quality healthcare for the people.

    While inaugurating a modern skill acquisition centre built and equipped at Abiriba by Hon. Chukwu where people will be trained in various skills and trades, Governor Orji praised Hon Chukwu for his people-oriented programmes and urged other lawmakers to emulate him.

    Though the event chaired by the PDP National Vice-Chairman, Southeast, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) was meant to appreciate the electorate for their support for Hon. Chukwu who is serving his third tenure as lawmaker and three years as Speaker of the 5th Abia Assembly, some party officials and leading politicians from the 17 local government areas soon turned it into a carnival-like event as they stormed the venue with their supporters.

    Some of those who attended the event expressed their gratitude to the Speaker for his benevolence, describing him as “the people’s lawmaker.”

    According to them, Chukwu has been too generous in attending to the needs of the people of his constituency.

    One of the beneficiaries, Orji Francis who received a Volkswagen Passat car said: “Hon. Oko Chukwu has been a source of blessing to the people of Ohafia North State Constituency and Abia State. He has been attending to the needs of his constituents without making noise about it.

    “Before today, I have received a lot of assistance from him. He is a good man who takes pleasure in alleviating the suffering of his people. Only God can reward his love for the people.”

    Hon. David Iro, PDP Youth Leader in Ohafia Local Government Area, who is among the six beneficiaries of SUV vehicles, said he had worked with Hon. Chukwu over the years, describing him as a benevolent person.

    Hon. Iro, who was former Councillor and Leader of the Ohafia Legislative Council, said Chukwu’s philanthropy accounts for why the constituency has re-elected him thrice and has vowed to support him for a higher office in 2015.

    He said: “Mr. Speaker has been secretly empowering his constituents over the years. Before today’s empowerment programme, he had donated many cars, gave scholarship to indigent students, paid medical bills and provided housing for the less-privileged without blowing his trumpet.

    “A few years ago, he sponsored about six of us to the local government as elected councillors. He has assisted a lot of people to secure employment and admission into tertiary institutions across the federation. This is why he has been re-elected thrice. Oko Chukwu is the people’s lawmaker. The people are already calling on him to seek a higher office in 2015.”

    He added that the Speaker had set a precedent which will be difficult to surpass. He urged other lawmakers to emulate his example.

    While addressing reporters, at the event which he described as monumental, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Obasi Okibeh Onwukah had said the empowerment programme has become a regular event through which the Speaker appreciates his constituents and people of the state for their support, adding that the items were not distributed based on party affiliation but on the basis of reaching out to the people of his constituency and state no matter their party inclinations.

    In attendance at the were Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji; his deputy, Chief Emeka Ananaba; members of the state executive council; members of the state Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo Okere; State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Emma Nwaka; his deputy, Chief Allen Nwachukwu,  among others.

    Other top party personalities present were the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon; former state chairman, Abia PDP and BoT member, Chief Tony Ukasanya,; Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe; Special Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai; the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Arua Arunsi; member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency; Hon. Uzo Azubuike and Deputy Chief of Staff, Abia Government House, Chief Charles Ogbonna.

    Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor, Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma; Chief Marc Wabara; Ambassador Okey Emuchay; and former Speaker , Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Parliament, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa,   Chief Bourdex David Onuoha, one of the leading aspirants for the Abia North Senatorial zone who was represented by one of his aides, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Eberechi Dick; Enachioken of Abiriba, Eze Kalu Ogbu and other monarchs from across the state; Leader of the Ukwa Ngwa Ethnic Nationality, Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and former boss of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Chief Chuku Wachuku.

  • Ikuforiji and history as the Speaker turns 56

    Ikuforiji and history as the Speaker turns 56

    For the  longest serving Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, who turns 56 on Saturday, 24th August, 2014, he indeed is a man of history.

    Born  in the ancient fishing town of Épe, in the old Épe Division of Lagos State, which now  falls into the Lagos East Senatorial District of the state, Ikuforiji is making history in Yorubaland, (comprising of the old Western Region ), as the longest serving House Speaker, having been head of a state Assembly for three terms and indeed one of the very few such nationwide.

    After having his elementary education in his native Épe town, he proceeded to Épe Grammar School for his secondary education and came out on top when the result of his West African School Certificate was released in 1975, thus  making  history as the only student, out of the pack of over a hundred final year students in his set, to receive a ‘Grade One’ pass in the whole division, having had distinctions in all the subjects that he sat for in the examination.

    And as was the practice at the time, he was offered automatic scholarship to study abroad by the Lagos State Government.

    A lover of self development, Ikuforiji soon found himself in Romania where he earned his Bachelor and Master’s of Science Degrees in Economic Planning and Cyber metrics.

    While  schooling abroad, Ikuforiji had shown great skills in his ability to lead others as he was twice elected as the Secretary-General of the National Union of Nigerian Students  and President, National Union of Nigerian Students in Romania between 1980 and 1981.

    As a patriot, Ikuforiji immediately returned home to undergo the mandatory one year National Youth Serving Scheme. His place of primary assignment was the Federal Housing Corporation where he served diligently.

    Back home, Ikuforiji proofed himself as an expert at multi task as he found time to take active part in the political activities around him. Between 1982 and 1983, he was able to squeeze time out of his busy schedule to be the Secretary-General of the defunct Unity Part of Nigeria (UPN) in his Épe Ward 4 and later as an active member of the then Social Democratic Party in 1989.

    Ikuforiji  then registered for his Master of Public Administration programme ,  (MBA) at the University of Lagos  and finished it in record time.

    He was immediately hired by the then Afribank of Nigeria, Plc , (now Keystone Bank.), where he proofed his worth as a future leader.

    After serving for some time at Afribank, Ikuforiji soon set up his own outfit but soon travelled out to the United States of America where he  lectured briefly at Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina.

    The Lagos State Speaker however succumbed to pressures on him to return home  and take active part in the politics of his state by those who believed in his ability to positively impact the lives of Lagosians,

    And having cut his political teeth much earlier as a grassroots politician, he was elected as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2003.

    Die to his sterling leadership qualities, coupled with the special favour of the Almighty, Ikuforiji  was unanimously elected by his 39 other colleagues as the Right Honouravle Speaker on the 29th of December, 2005.

    Since his assumption of the Speakership of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2005, when the former governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, held sway,  up till the present moment when Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN.) presides, enormous pro-people and pro-development accomplishments have been recorded across the state.

    As the nation’s economic capital, the enormous peace that has prevailed in Lagos State since 2005 is what one can trace to the unique cooperation that has existed between the executive and the legislative arm of government.

    With the pro-active nature of the Lagos State House of Assembly under  the leadership of Ikuforiji, essential legislations to move the state forward are passed without delay. This has indeed helped the state to emerge as a mega city, (the sixth such in the whole world).

    And going by general public opinion expressed from time to time, the Lagos State House of Assembly  is seen, locally and internationally as the best state legislature in Nigeria, due largely to  the high quality of it’s leadership and  members.

    As a most responsive and people-focused legislature, several legislations have been passed from time to time , such that continues to make Lagos State the most peaceful, accommodating and economically viable one for all.

    Some of the numerous legislations that were passed by the Ikuforiji-led Assembly , which have greatly transformed Lagos State include: Creation of New Local Government Areas  (Amendment) Law, 2005; Lagos State  Number Plate Production Authority Law, 2006; Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority Law, 2007; Lagos State Signage  and Advertisement (Amendment)  Law 2007;  Lagos State’s Citizens’ Mediation Centre Law, 2007; Lagos StateSecurity Trust Fund Law, 2007.

    It is on record for instance that the Lagos State House of Assembly under Ikuforiji remains the only such that has full  financial autonomy today.  And in terms of training and retraining of it’s elected legislators and staff members, the leadership of Ikuforiji has continued to attach utmost importance to the issue of training  due to his strong belief that only such can bring out the best from affected officials of state.

    In the area of infrastructural renewal, a visit to the Lagos Assembly complex shows that it remained the most transformed State Assembly complex in the country.  Apart from having  commissioned it’s ultra modern and e-compliant Assembly Chamber some two years ago, the shortage of office  spaces for legislators, their aides and other staff members have since become a thing of the past as the Assembly now has a functional 5- storey office.

    complex. And the twin wing of the 5-storey complex is nearing completion.

    Asked to comment on the relationship existing between the Lagos Assembly and the Executive arm of the state government in a recent interview, the Épe born Speaker declared: “ I want to reassure Lagosians that they have  no reason whatsoever to fear the cordial relationship between the legislature  and the executive in Lagos. If anything, they should celebrate it. There is none in the country that can compare with the Lagos House of Assembly in the entire federation. It is independent, it is autonomous, in its thinking and in its actions, and it serves the interest of the over 20 million Lagosians to the best of its interest and to the best of its knowledge.”

    Asked to also comment on his intention to vie for the position of the state chief executive come 2015, Ikuforiji declared: “ For me, I know  God crowns . When it is time, the Almighty will shine the light on who will take Lagos  to a higher pedestal . My prayer is that the Almighty will choose  the next governor without creating any rancor among our people. “

    And on his trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the Lagos State Number Three Citizen believes that : “ I’m not going to die on the Cross because I’m not Jesus. I know my destiny will be fulfilled. And I know the court will eventually come, judge and make  its  own ruling in our favour by the grace of the Almighty. “

    A Muslim, the highly cerebral  Lagos State Speaker, is  a bundle of courage, perseverance, vision,  stickler for excellence,  a strong believer in human capital development, and lover of good governance. He is happily married to Pastor (Mrs.) Mayowa Ikuforiji and blessed with children.

     

    —Adebayo is the Chief Press Secretary to  Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly.

  • Saraki, Kwara Speaker call for prayers

    Saraki, Kwara Speaker call for prayers

    Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki urged Nigerians yesterday to pray for the peace and stability of the country ahead of next year’s general elections.

    Dr Saraki made the call in his Eid-el-Fitri message to Nigerians.

    Also, Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Razak Atunwa urged Muslims to live in peace.

    Such virtues, he said, are the hallmarks of Ramadan and the ingredients needed to make the nation great.

    Saraki, the senator representing Kwara Central, said: “Ahead of 2015, I want to use this annual occasion to implore Nigerians not to give up in the quest for a better nation. Let’s not give in for a leadership based on sympathy and the monetary value we stand to gain but on the ground of competence and a strong will to take Nigeria to a greater height.

    “Let’s ensure we stay very united and indivisible by religious, ethnic, moral or political lines, because unity is a strong weapon for a better nation.

    “Even as I urge Islamic leaders – from the Emirs to Sheiks and Imams – to further emphasise the core themes of Islam to their followers after Ramadan. I also urge us to let our fervent prayers for Nigeria exceed Ramadan season. Let’s continue to pray for peace, restoration and stability in Nigeria, particularly as 2015 is approaching.

    “The holy month of Ramadan affords us the golden opportunity of renewal in thoughts and deeds towards our creator and humanity by prioritising core themes of Islam, which include peace, boundless love for one another, sincerity, holiness and respect for humanity.

    “Importantly, the aforementioned themes should not end with the month of Ramadan. They should be effortlessly demonstrated after Ramadan to ameliorate Nigeria’s plight and make her into a better society where her current challenges of insecurity, disrespect for rule of law, corruption among others will become things of the past.”

    The Speaker, in a statement by his media aide, Abdulrahman Sanni, urged Muslims to “use the occasion for sober reflection on issues aggravating ethno-religious and political skirmishes, insurgence, intolerant, nepotism and other factors threatening the stability and cooperate existence of a united Nigeria”.

    Atunwa counselled that as the nation prepares for another round of general elections, politicians must avoid a do-or-die politics to further strengthen the nation’s hard-won democracy.

  • Jonathan meets Nasarawa Speaker

    Jonathan meets Nasarawa Speaker

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday met with the Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Musa Mohammed, and the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The Nasarawa House of Assembly dominated by the PDP with 20 members to All Progressives Congress (APC’s) four members have been pushing for the impeachment of Governor Tanko Al-Makura (APC).

    There have been street protests by some youths in the state, following the Assembly’s impeachment move.

    The lawmakers listed 16 charges of gross abuse of public office against the governor.

    Speaking with reporters after the meeting with the President, Speaker Mohammed, who was accompanied by some principal officers of the House, declined to give details of the meeting.

    He said: “It is a private visit. I don’t have the mandate of the Assembly to brief the press.

    “The Chairman of the  Committee on Information has the mandate to speak to the press on anything concerning impeachment.”

    Secondus, who emerged from the President’s office, a few minutes later, also declined to give details of the discussion at the meeting.

    “It’s consultation. I can’t say whatever now. We are consulting,” he stated.

    Governor Al-Makura told his supporters to resist any attempt to remove him from office by the lawmakers.

    The governor spoke at the Government House in Lafia, when some protesters visited him.

    “The resistance is based on the fact that the present government in the state was democratically put in place by the Nasarawa electorate through a transparent election.

    He added: “The APC administration in the state is transparent and adherence to due process.

    What happened yesterday at the House of Assembly was a true violation of rule of law and APC is set to march on them, and when it starts to march on the plot against APC by the frustrated PDPmembers, the world would come to know the true situation.”

    APC Chairman in the North Central Zone Zakari Edeh said theAssembly is plotting to impeach the governor because “they are afraid of meeting the governor at the poll during the 2015 governorship race.”

    He urged the people to collectively resolve not to allow the assembly ruin the state as according to him, “the arrangement Al-Makura had with Nasarawa electorate was to complete his tenure and add another four years.”

  • Oyo Speaker: no plan to impeach governor

    Oyo Speaker: no plan to impeach governor

    Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Monsurat Sunmonu has denied reports that some members of the Assembly planned to impeach Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    Sunmonu, who spoke with our correspondent on telephone yesterday, said rather than promoting unfounded “anti-progress” reports, Nigerians should be praying for the Assembly for working hard to achieve peace and prosperity of the state in the last three years.

    The Speaker said at no time did members of the Assembly meet to discuss the alleged impeachment.

    “Instead of believing these lies, the good people of Nigeria should be praying for us to continue to work for the peace and progress of Oyo State. We have been discharging our duties by the grace of God and we believe God to help us till the end,” she said.