Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, shared reflections on the recent deaths of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba. Obi emphasized that the passing of these prominent figures serves as a reminder for political officeholders and public servants to remain committed to good works. Expressing his closeness to Akeredolu during their interactions, Obi highlighted the importance of serving with dedication. He offered prayers for eternal rest for both Akeredolu and Na’Abba, extending condolences to their families and the people of Ondo and Kano states, respectively. Obi concluded by acknowledging the profound impact of their deaths, urging those still serving to reflect on the transient nature of life and strive for positive contributions.
Category: Politics
Nasarawa Women Persist in Protest Over Governorship Election Dispute
In Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, women continued their protest, expressing dissatisfaction with the handling of the governorship election dispute involving David Ombugadu, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate. Despite the Tribunal declaring Ombugadu the winner, Governor Abdullahi Sule appealed to the Court of Appeal and was reinstated as the winner. The protesting women emphasized the importance of upholding democracy through fair representation based on popular votes. They decried the insecurity affecting residents’ access to farmlands and appealed to the Supreme Court for justice. The women also called for intervention from President Bola Tinubu and the international community to address the matter and protect democracy in the state. The peaceful protests, ongoing since March, aim to restore what they believe to be their mandate.
National Assembly Set to Approve 2024 Budget Within the Week
The National Assembly has given assurance that the 2024 national budget will be passed into law this week, according to Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate. On Monday, Senator Bamidele revealed that all National Assembly committees had completed their hearings and submitted reports to the Committee on Appropriations.
He emphasized that the National Assembly is set to pass the 2024 budget and subsequently forward it to President Bola Tinubu for assent. Senator Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu’s administration as it works towards restructuring the country.
Despite the prevailing challenges, he expressed optimism that Nigeria would soon enter an era of economic growth through the implementation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Stressing the importance of peaceful coexistence among ethnic groups, Senator Bamidele cautioned that development progress is hindered in an atmosphere of ethnic disharmony.
He stated, “All Nigerians, whether in urban centers or remote villages, will begin to experience the benefits of economic programs initiated by President Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda. Despite the current challenges, Nigeria will soon witness an economic boom, for which all Nigerians will give thanks to God Almighty. The time is not far off; it will commence with the implementation of the 2024 appropriation, set to be passed into law by the National Assembly this week.”
Senator Bamidele also outlined the legislative schedule, noting that after the Christmas holiday, the National Assembly would reconvene on December 29 to deliberate on the Committee on Appropriations’ report. He assured that the National Assembly remains committed to the tradition of a January-December budget cycle, aiming to deepen budget governance for a more prosperous Nigeria.
Ex Gov Emmanuel urges youths to remain hopeful of a better Nigeria
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has called on Nigerians not to lose hope in the country inspite of her economic challenges.
Emmanuel, who gave this counsel as a guest lecturer at the 5th Convocation Ceremony of the Mountain Top University in Ogun State, said Nigerians must challenge their minds to rise above the myriads of challenges facing the world today.
He charged students to take time out to have a vision for their lives, insisting that one must have a mental picture of what future he would want to create.
“The world we are living in today is characterized by very high pace and scale of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
“It is important to note that no nation is immune from the challenges of this present day.
“Many are losing hope because of the enormity of the unresolved issues being faced on daily basis. Many are filled with fear at the uncertainty of what the future holds.But hope is the one attribute we must never lose.” Emmanuel advised.
Speaking on the topic,”Optimizing your potentials in a challenging future” the former Governor said that, “you can hold onto a vision of what is yet to come, you can boost your chances at achieving your dreams and being successful.”
He recounted how he conceptualized the idea of a state-owned airline for Akwa Ibom,
even before assumption of office in 2015.In addition to the Ibom Airline which is presently considered one of the best in Africa, Emmanuel recounted how he also followed his vision of transforming the state into a financial, economic and technological hub.
Highlighting that no one could progress beyond his mindset,Emmanuel urged people to embrace a growth mindset, “accept that all you know about any particular subject matter is not all that exists and be open to engage with and accept superior information.”
“Your life will ultimately be a representation of your belief system, your philosophies and your ideology. No one can make progress beyond his mindset.”
He cautioned youths against mediocrity, explaining that being of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance would take no one far.
“Become a person known for excellence. The challenge of gender, racial, ethnic or whatever biases only count at the average quality level, when you become excellent at whatever you do, these biases become absolutely irrelevant.
“Excellence puts you above all biases. Be so good at what you do that you become almost indispensable.” Emmanuel said.
Meanwhile, the Management of the University has described the former Governor as a highly respected statesman, who does not play a ‘do or die’ politics.
In his citation read by the University orator, Dr Chinyere Mbaka , the University lauded Emmanuel on his leadership style of not interfering with the affairs of his State, since exiting office in May 2023.
“He has kept his promise to the people in Akwa Ibom, since handing over the affairs of the State into the hands of his successor, Pastor Umo Eno, and has assumed his rightful place as an Elder Statesman in the country.” It said.
Kogi Assembly Deputy Speaker -Enema Resigns, Nwuchola Steps in
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Deputy Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Enema Paul on Thursday resigned due to his failing health.
Rt Hon Enema Paul who tendered his resignation letter on the floor of the House during plenary sitting in Lokoja praised Gov Yahaya Bello in glowing language for the love he has for him.
He disclosed that the sickness started in 2011 and he had through the permission and assistance of Gov Bello had travelled abroad to seek healing and surgery abroad but the illness was still on.
He added that now he felt weaker daily and concluded that he should look for solution at the hospital abroad. Rt Hon Paul therefore sought for permission to travel abroad for treatment.
Thereafter the representative of Ajaokuta state constituency ,Hon Abu Jibrin nominated the representative of Ibaji state constituency ,Hon Ojoma Comfort Nwuchiola as Deputy speaker while the representative of Kabba/Bunu state constituency ,Hon Seyi Bello seconded the nomination.
The Clerk of the House ,Mr Chogudo, thereafter administered the oath of office on her.
After her oath of office the new Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Comfort Nwuchola thanked the state, Gov Bello, the Speaker, Rt Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf for providing the enabling environment in which the nomination took place.
Alia’s Govt Positively Impacts Benue Citizens, Says Works and Housing Commissioner
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Commissioner, Ministry of Works and Housing, Benue State, Engr Tiza Imojime, has disclosed that the the Governor Alia led administration has impacted positively the lives of Benue citizens within six months.
Engr Imojime, who made this disclosure while fielding questions from Journalists in Makurdi, maintained that the state’s history is being rewritten since the coming on board of Rev Fr Alia as Governor, expressing optimism that more dividence of democracy would be taken to the door steps of the Benue people.
” We are witnessing history being rewritten before our own very eyes and I think it is a thing of joy. I think Benue State has gotten it right this time through the leadership of, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.
Where we are sitting, the Ministry of Works is a place that used to be the pride of the Middle Belt some time past. The entire North Central used to come here to attend to their vehicles. We had one of the best mechanical plants here among others, all of these have become a thing of the past.”
According to the Commissioner, the Governor has approved construction of 16 township roads within Makurdi town, pointing out that plans were underway by government to address the challenges in the area of housing to enable civil servants get houses at affordable rates.
He stressed that Governor Alia intends to reposition Benue State to attract investors who will come and invest in the state, tackle insecurity and provide infrastructure for development to thrive, averring that present administration welcomes people who associate with Benue State from a place of value.
BREAKING: Supreme Court Upholds Peter Mbah’s Victory as Enugu State Governor
In a decisive ruling on Friday, the Supreme Court affirmed Peter Mbah as the duly elected governor of Enugu State. The unanimous decision, delivered by a five-member panel of justices, dismissed the appeal lodged by the Labour Party and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga. The appeal contested the outcome of the governorship election held on March 18, 2023.
Further details to follow.
National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Commends Tinubu for Transport Fare Reduction
By Daniel Edu
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the approval of a transport fare reduction during the 2023 Yuletide season. The commendation was conveyed by Mr. Pedro Obi, the President of NANS, in a statement issued in Enugu on Wednesday.
The Federal Government, through the Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee on the Presidential Intervention on Public Transportation, Dele Alake, had announced plans to subsidize luxury bus fares during the festive holidays. The initiative aims to ease transportation for citizens traveling during the holiday season.
Mr. Obi commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, describing the decision as a proactive step toward alleviating the financial burdens faced by travelers. He acknowledged that the transport discount would ease financial strain and make it more feasible for Nigerians to reunite with loved ones and participate in holiday festivities.
While expressing gratitude for the thoughtful gesture, NANS, in its advocacy for students’ welfare, urged President Tinubu to consider extending the generosity further to students across the nation. Mr. Obi suggested that, recognizing the financial challenges faced by students, President Tinubu could alleviate the burden by offering free transport to students with valid student identity cards.
NANS emphasized the importance of supporting the educational pursuits of Nigerian students and believed that extending the transport discount to students would significantly ease their financial challenges, enabling them to travel home without undue constraints. The association reiterated its commitment to advocating for the welfare and interests of Nigerian students, looking forward to further positive actions prioritizing the well-being of students and youths in the nation.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee, had earlier announced Tinubu’s approval of a 50% cut in land transportation fares from December 21 to January 4, 2024, covering Christmas and New Year celebrations. Additionally, zero fares for train transportation were approved in all states across the Federation within the same period as part of the presidential initiative to provide relief to the masses.
Dele Momodu Calls for Action Against Nyesom Wike, Alleging Sabotage
By Daniel Edu
Dele Momodu, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged the party’s leadership to take disciplinary action against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for his perceived actions against the party.
During his tenure as the Governor of Rivers State, Wike allegedly worked against the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and supported President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. Despite openly aligning with Tinubu, Wike maintained his affiliation with the PDP, asserting that the party leadership lacked the authority to penalize him for his perceived deviations.
Wike even accepted a ministerial position in Tinubu’s government, contrary to the party’s stance. Recently, 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, loyal to Wike, defected from the PDP to the APC, further intensifying the political turmoil in the state.
In an interview on Arise News, Dele Momodu expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the PDP leadership cannot afford to tolerate Wike’s actions any longer and must put an end to his disruptive behavior.
Momodu, acknowledging that he lacks the power to enforce sanctions, emphasized that if given the authority, he would have taken action against Wike sooner. Despite the apparent discord, Momodu suggested that the PDP leadership likely has its reasons for not taking immediate punitive measures against Wike, leaving room for speculation on the party’s internal dynamics.
Labour & Employment Minister, Simon Lalong Resigns; Set to Join Senate
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong, has officially resigned to take his seat in the Senate representing Plateau South Senatorial District. Lalong submitted his resignation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing the Court of Appeal’s declaration of his victory and the need to contribute to the Renewed Hope agenda. Lalong expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and promised continued support in his new role. The Senator-elect will be sworn in on December 20, 2023.
