Category: Politics

On Thursday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun allocated farmlands to 26 members of the state House of Assembly. This initiative is part of his efforts to ensure food security and support the federal government’s agricultural resurgence initiative.

Abiodun presented the letters of allocation to the lawmakers during the first anniversary celebration of the 10th legislature at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He emphasized that the gesture was aimed at involving them in transforming Ogun State into the nation’s food basket.

He said, “I recall promising to allocate agricultural land to all Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Today, I am pleased to present these allocation letters to the speaker and the 26 members of the House of Assembly. I hope you will take this opportunity to grow what you eat and eat what you grow, contributing to our goal of making Ogun State the breadbasket of the nation.”

Governor Abiodun praised the Assembly members for their commitment to democracy, good governance, and citizen welfare. He acknowledged their dedication to legislative excellence, which has significantly contributed to the state’s progress and development. Over the past year, the lawmakers have passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving residents’ lives. Their tireless efforts, integrity, and collaboration with the executive branch have made Ogun one of the best states in the country.

Abiodun stated, “Each of us, whether in the Executive or Legislative branch, has a rare opportunity to lead and serve the people who have placed their hopes and aspirations on our ability to deliver the dividends of democracy. We must decide which side of the divide we want to be on and how we wish to be remembered.”

He assured the lawmakers of his administration’s commitment to working closely with them on key initiatives that would further drive the state’s development. He pledged to prioritize investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology to keep Ogun State competitive and prosperous. “Together, we have a great task ahead. The expectations of our people are vast. We must strive to create an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” he noted.

Earlier, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide described the past year as turbulent and filled with tension but noted that their commitment to providing purposeful representation helped them navigate through the challenges. He lauded Governor Abiodun for the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex, including the addition of 24 new toilets and restored water supply in the legislators’ offices.

Elemide assured the governor of the Assembly’s cooperation in enacting laws that would fast-track the state’s socio-economic development. He emphasized that members would be guided by the interests of their constituents.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo on Thursday in Lokoja signed seven bills into law with a charge to the people of the state to embrace the new laws in order to move Kogi forward.

Among the bills are: A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission Law 2014 and for other matters connected therewith, 2024; A release signed by the Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi  State Governor, Ismailia Isah said others are: A Law to repeal and Re-enact the Kogi State Scholarship Board Edict, 1998 and other matters connected therewith, 2024;

A Law to establish the Kogi State Electricity Market and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission to Regulate Electricity Generation, Transmission, System Operation Distribution, Supply and Promote Access to Electricity in the State.

This according to the bill could be achieved through increased Private Sector Investments or Public Private Partnership in Grid, Multi-Grid  and other Off-grid Electricity Option using Renewable and Non-renewable Fuel Sources in the State and other Purposes Connected Therewith, 2024;

Others are, “A Law to Establish the Kogi State Anti Corruption Agency and other matters connected therewith, 2024.” Kogi State Commodity Exchange, Export Promotion and Market Development Agency Law, 2024; The Kogi State Information Technology Development Agency Law, 2024 and the Kogi State Urban Planning Law, 2024.

In his remarks, Governor Ododo described the laws as  people’s laws , stressing that the assent to the bills are in line with his promise to lead with transparency, accountability and fear of God.

The Governor noted that the new set of laws will serve as catalyst for the rapid social and economic development of Kogi State as they deal directly with critical aspects of the lives of the people. These laws combined together can be referred to as the people’s Acts. All the laws have direct bearing in the lives of our people and this the reason why we are here.

“Let it be known that under my administration, no body is above the law.” This is in line with my promise to lead with the fear of God and to ensure that our resources work for the people of the state”, Governor Ododo assured.

The Governor enjoined the people of the state, especially those in positions of authority to embrace the new laws and be familiar with their provisions.

The Edo State Working Committee (SWC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and South-South Vice Chairman Dan Orbih for alleged anti-party activities. The committee also upheld the expulsion of former House of Representatives member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama by Ward 2, Oredo Local Government.

The decisions were made during the SWC meeting in Benin, attended by Edo PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi and seven other members, including Tony Anenih Jr., who participated virtually.

Aziegbemi explained that the trio’s actions demonstrated their departure from the party’s principles, making their expulsion necessary. He assured that the party’s prospects in the September 21 governorship election would not be affected by these expulsions.

Aziegbemi stated, “Dan Orbih was expelled for encouraging PDP members to join the opposition and accepting a governing council appointment without consulting the party. Shaibu donated vehicles to the APC and disrespected PDP leaders. Ogbeide-Ihama donated his building to the APC for campaign purposes, currently displaying their candidate’s billboard.”

The SWC’s decision follows Shaibu’s public declaration of support for the APC in the upcoming governorship election, criticizing PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo. Orbih leads the Edo PDP Legacy Group, which opposes Governor Godwin Obaseki’s influence in the party.

Ogbeide-Ihama’s expulsion sparked controversy, with the PDP leadership in Oredo Local Government Area condemning the action as unauthorized. Local PDP Chairman Oduwa Igbinosun and Ward 2 Secretary Mr. Jesuobo Obadigie declared the expulsion null and void, maintaining Ogbeide-Ihama’s prominent role in the party.

Ward 2 PDP Chairman Prince Elemah confirmed he did not sign any expulsion document, affirming Ogbeide-Ihama’s status as a party leader and member. The local executives warned against divisive actions that could harm party unity ahead of the September election.

Rivers State witnessed intensified turmoil on Tuesday as youths loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara clashed with supporters of former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The violent confrontations led to the death of a police officer and escalated tensions over the tenure of 23 local government chairmen.**

Youths Dislodge Local Government Chairmen

The conflict centered around the expiration of the three-year terms of the 23 local government chairmen on Monday. Despite their terms ending, the chairmen, citing the Local Government Amendment Law 2024, refused to vacate their offices. This law, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, allowed them to remain in office for an additional six months due to the state’s failure to conduct local government elections.

Fatal Clashes in Eberi-Omuma

The most serious incident occurred at Eberi-Omuma in the Omuma Local Government Area, where a policeman and a member of the local vigilante group were killed during clashes. The police officer was reportedly killed in retaliation after allegedly shooting the vigilante member. The state police confirmed the deaths and announced an investigation into the causes.

Protests and Police Intervention

In response to the unrest, police took control of all 23 council secretariats to prevent further violence. Youths in various local government areas, including Port Harcourt City, Kalabari-speaking areas, and Obio/Akpor, occupied council secretariats, preventing chairmen from accessing their offices. They were enforcing Governor Fubara’s directive for heads of local government administrations to assume control from Wednesday.

Tensions in Port Harcourt and Beyond

In Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, outgoing chairman Allwell Ihunda narrowly escaped an assault by protesting Ijaw youths. The confrontation escalated with security forces firing into the air to disperse the crowd. Similar protests occurred in other local government areas, including Emuoha, Eleme, and Obio/Akpor, where council secretariats were occupied and properties damaged.

Official Reactions

Governor Fubara, in a state-wide broadcast, condemned the actions of the chairmen and insisted on the enforcement of his directives. He assured the public that the law would be upheld and called for peace. Meanwhile, outgoing chairmen and their supporters, particularly those aligned with Nyesom Wike, continued to resist, leading to ongoing tensions and violence.

The Rivers State Police Command has vowed to maintain order and protect public infrastructure, urging all parties to remain peaceful and abide by the law. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for further developments in this political and legal standoff.

Allwell Ihunda, Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State chapter, narrowly escaped harm when protesting youths chased him along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Ihunda, the outgoing Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, was heading to the council secretariat with his aides and security details when the incident unfolded.

Upon arriving at the council entrance, Ihunda encountered a group of youths who immediately began shouting and chasing him. The situation quickly escalated as the youths tried to apprehend Ihunda, forcing him to run back to his vehicle. His security details intervened, firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

Ihunda managed to jump into a black SUV, accompanied by his aides, and sped away while the youths continued their pursuit, still shooting into the air. A white van, presumably carrying other aides of the outgoing chairman, followed closely behind. The youths hurled abuses at Ihunda, with some shouting, “That is him, Allwell. Chase him. Who is he? Look at him, Mayor is running. Chase him. Are you mad? God punish you.”

Despite attempts by some of his security details to calm the situation, the youths remained defiant, questioning, “Why is he running?”

This incident comes after the state ALGON declared their refusal to vacate office following the expiration of their tenure on June 17. The LG chairmen, elected under former Governor Nyesom Wike’s administration, cited a local government amendment law by the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly, which extends their tenure by six months due to Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s failure to conduct local government elections.

The Amaewhule-led 27 lawmakers, loyal to the FCT minister, have been at odds with Fubara, exacerbating the political crisis in the state. Fubara, who survived an impeachment attempt last year, directed the heads of local government administration to assume control of council affairs starting Wednesday, June 19, pending further directives.

The Senate has announced that President Bola Tinubu will submit the 2024 supplementary budget to legislators for approval following their resumption in July.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu informed The PUNCH that the supplementary budget, estimated at N6.6 trillion and still being finalized by the executive, will be sent to the National Assembly after their July 2 resumption.

Adaramodu stated, “The budget will be sent once we resume after the Sallah recess. I believe the bill and other important executive communications will be sent to the National Assembly when we resume in July.”

When asked about the budget size, especially considering the supplementary budget would fund part of the coastal road, he confirmed, “The budget size is N6.6 trillion.”

He elaborated that the supplementary budget would focus on four key transformational projects. He explained, “The supplementary budget emerged when Mr. President presented a memo to the Federal Executive Council. In the memo, he mentioned inheriting the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, which is managed by the National Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority.”

Adaramodu highlighted the identified projects: “The projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, the proposed Sokoto-Badagri Road, completion of all ongoing railway projects lacking counterpart funding, and rehabilitation and expansion of dams and irrigation schemes to boost production. Additionally, more funds will support CNG and LNG initiatives.”

He further noted, “The three roads, dams and irrigation, and railways are what Mr. President has designated as priority infrastructure items. This is what he has directed the ministry to include in the supplementary appropriation bill.”

Adaramodu concluded by mentioning that the ministry has yet to finalize and submit the supplementary appropriation draft to the Federal Executive Council. “Many people, including the leadership of the National Assembly and several members, have approached the ministry, inquiring about the renewed hope in the supplementary appropriation.”

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has called on Nigerians to have faith in the government’s economic reforms, assuring them that their sacrifices will yield positive results.

In a video shared by AIT on Monday, Governor Sani encouraged citizens to trust the efforts of both state and national governments to revitalize the economy.

Expressing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, Governor Sani assured the nation that “there will be light at the end of the tunnel,” emphasizing that the sacrifices made by Nigerians will lead to a better future.

Governor Sani stated, “I want to use this opportunity to call on our people to have faith in our government, both at the state and national levels.

“Here in Kaduna State, we have been working towards revitalizing the economy, especially in rural areas, through massive investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and socio-economic support for small businesses and smallholder farmers.”

He acknowledged the support and sacrifices of Nigerians, saying, “I am also aware that many people in this country are making significant sacrifices in supporting our government and our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I want to assure our people that certainly there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

“We know what Mr. President is doing at the national level, we know the efforts he is making, and I have no doubt in my mind that everything will improve in this country, and the sacrifices people are making will not be in vain.”