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Tag: Lawmaker

  • PDP drags Lawmaker to Court for  Forgery

    PDP drags Lawmaker to Court for  Forgery

    By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo

    The People Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom has sent a petition to the Police, against Mr. Michael Enyong, a member of the House of Representatives, accusing him of forgery and demanding for his prosecution. 

    A two-page petition signed by Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, Counsel to the PDP obtained by newsmen in Uyo yesterday stated that Enyong: “deliberately conspired with four others including Dr. Idongesit Henry, Mr Samuel Effanga, Mr. Monday Sampson and Dr. Ubong Ufot to forge the result of the Governorship primaries of the PDP held in Uyo on the 25th May, 2022.

    According to the petition, in forging the said result, Enyong also “forged the signatures of the Principal Officers of the Party including that of Senator (Dr.) Iyochia Ayu, National Chairman of PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary, Umaru Bature, National Organizing Secretary as well as the signatures of the Returning Officer and the Electoral Officer.

    It said the authentic Electoral Committee for the state was chaired by Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State, with Dr. Kabiru Usman, Mamman Usman, Stephen Asya, Barr. Karen Njoku, Mariam Baba and Barr. Edward  Odubesan as members.

    It said that, “Mr. Enyong and his cohorts mischievously circulated forged documents both within Akwa Ibom State and outside claiming that he (Mr. Enyong) was the winner of the PDP Governorship Primary Election held on the 25th May, 2022 in Akwa Ibom State. 

    “He (Mr. Enyong) also used the same forged documents to obtain Judgement of a competent Court of Law.” The petition said.

    Attached to the petition were copies of the letter that appointed the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee, the Authentic Result of the  PDP Governorship Primary Election held on May 25, 2022 and a copy of the forged result used by Mr. Enyong to obtain a court judgement. 

    The PDP therefore demanded that, “Hon. Michael Enyong be promptly  apprehended and prosecuted alongside his cohorts for this heinous crime.”

    It would be recalled that Enyong conducted a separate governorship primary for himself inside his own residence in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, while the official PDP Primary was ongoing at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

  • Lawmaker Sponsors Football Academy Tryout for 24 Constituents

    Lawmaker Sponsors Football Academy Tryout for 24 Constituents

    Member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has sponsored a football Academy Tryout for 24 players from various football clubs in Oluyole, Oyo State.  

    Speaking in Ibadan, on Tuesday, Akande-Sadipe, who represents Oluyole Federal Constituency, said that the tryout was held at Beyond the Limit Football Academy in Ogun State, next door to the Remo Stars Stadium. 

    According to her, the players performed well and were given ample playing time, adding that it is part of her contributions towards enhanced football and socio economic growth of families within Oluyole Federal Constituency. 

    The Lawmaker said further that the management of the academy may consider four of the players for admission in  future.

    She identified the players as: Babatunde Usman, Sodiq Adekola, Alaba Adenuga and Roqeeb Rahmon.

    She said, “They may be considered for further scholarship opportunities in line with the age requirements for admission”.

    The lawmaker in her words, said: “this was a great opportunity for our boys and we look forward to future outings at ‘Beyond the Limit’. The next one is being planned for May 2023. During my tour of the facility, I thought I was in America. The facility is State of the art. So proud of the person behind ‘Beyond the Limit’ and his team. What they have been able to put together is so valuable for the children who have been able to get in”.

    The parents of the selected players also thanked the Member, House of Representatives for her support.

  • Lawmaker Commissions Seven Transformers, Five Boreholes, School Projects in Oluyole

    Lawmaker Commissions Seven Transformers, Five Boreholes, School Projects in Oluyole

    The Member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has commissioned seven transformers, five boreholes and seven school projects for the people of her constituency.

    A statement by the Federal Lawmaker’s Media aide, Olamilekan Olusada on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, indicated that the commissioning started on Thursday at different locations in Oluyole Federal constituency.

    According to the statement, the lawmaker commissioned solar powered boreholes, located at Temidire – Agbamu; Ile – Baale Omiyale; Alagba olomi; Ajisola and Seko areas of Oluyole.

    Rep Akande-Sadipe also commissioned transformers located at Ajofeebo; Oorelope Isale-Alfa; Kolajo; Olomi; Idi-Ayunre Police Station and Alata. The transformers are of 500/32 Kva capacity each.

    The school projects commissioned are located at Ajofeebo, Agbamu, Ifesowapo, Boluwaji and Olonde areas of Oluyole.

    Likewise, the newly commissioned 3-6 classrooms per block, are equipped with modern instructional materials, comfortable desks and chairs, replacing dilapidated structures.

    Talking at the borehole locations, Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe said provision of water was a fulfilment of her commitment to the well-being of her constituency.

    Akande-Sadipe also said the development gladdens her heart, adding that she has been able to provide safe water to her constituency, while she has also facilitated electricity and quality education in Oluyole.

    “The 5,000 litres solar powered boreholes throughout the wards of Oluyole Federal constituency, is a significant milestone for our local government ” the Rep member said.

    “The provision of 500/33KVA transformers being commissioned today in different locations, is one of our major campaign pillars.  Many  of these communities have lived without electricity for years and I pray this will definitely provide relief to our people,” she said.

    She added that provision of solar powered street lights would improve security in communities at night and promote small-scale businesses.

    “Several of these communities have also benefited from the last batch of 100 solar street lights facilitated by me”, she said.

    “This is just the start of the commissioning; there are many more to visit in the coming weeks”, added her media aide.

    Appreciating the Lawmaker through official letters, the beneficiary communities applauded the unprecedented feats of Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.

    They equally commended her gesture, saying Akande-Sadipe’s resolve to ensure qualitative  education for children was highly commendable.

    The letters also indicated that they have never experienced such widespread dividend of Democracy in the history of Oluyole.

    The commissioning ceremonies were attended by Traditional rulers, top clerics, political leaders, and community leaders in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

  • El-Rufai: Why I can’t function as Lawmaker

    El-Rufai: Why I can’t function as Lawmaker

    Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has said he would never retire to the National Assembly because he does not have the patience and diligence needed to implement legislative functions.

    El-Rufai said this on Monday in his remarks at the second edition of the “Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

    The governor said, “The legislature is one branch of government I know I can never function. The hardwork needed to convince people to support even your motion is something some of us have no patience for.

    “You know management in the executive is very straightforward; it is very hierarchical and once you are a governor, your word is almost law. But in the legislature, everybody is equal and there is no management that is more difficult than managing your equals.”

    El-Rufai added that managing colleagues in the same political arena is a Herculean task unlike the executive arm when he is superior and can hire and fire at wills.

    “I don’t envy Mr Speaker and the Senate president at all because their job perhaps is the hardest job in this country. Managing equals is difficult.

    “For the executive, you can hire and fire. I know that many of our colleague governors are retiring to the Senate. But I can assure you that I will never retire to the legislature because I don’t think I can function there,” he said.

    El-Rufai commended the leadership of the 9th National Assembly under Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for passing “groundbreaking laws which have had positive impacts on the nation”.

  • Gunmen Kill Lawmaker, Cousin in Benue State

    Gunmen Kill Lawmaker, Cousin in Benue State

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    A Legislator representing Orokam Ward Three in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, Mr Paul Ojile and his Cousin have been allegedly beheaded by herdsmen in the area.

    Findings by Day Break indicated that the incident occurred when hunters engaged in searching for a community member who was alleged to have been kidnapped by suspected herders.

    Piqued by the dasterdly act, the angry youths of the area blocked the major high way in the area for several hours, causing traffic rule.

    Confirming the killings, the Chairman, Ogbadibo Local Government Area, Mr Samuel Onuh described the heinous act as unacceptable, explaining that the Victims were among the local hunters who had joined the Vigilant Group and some Police Operatives to rescue the man who was earlier kidnapped by suspected herdsmen.

    The Chairman, Implored the Federal Government to address the security challenge in the area to enable the people go about their normal businesses.

    When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer Benue State Command, ASP Sewuese Anene opined that two of the kidnappers have been apprehended, stressing that the kidnapped were rescued and have since been reunited with their families.

  • Lawmaker Escapes Gunmen Attack In Plateau

    Lawmaker Escapes Gunmen Attack In Plateau

    Newly elected member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Musa Agah Avia escaped an ambush by gunmen on Tuesday night.

    In a statement signed by the National Secretary of Irigwe Development Association, Danjuma Dickson Auta, the lawmaker alongside his wife and children as well as his personal assistant and driver were ambushed along twin hill in Miango chiefdom of Bassa local government area of Plateau State.

    Although they all escaped unhurt the car was battered with gunshot bullets as the driver against all odds bravely manoeuvred the vehicle amidst the sporadic shooting by the attackers.

    The statement added that two others who were on a motorcycle and ahead of the lawmaker’s vehicle ran into the ambush and were killed by the attackers.

    Security agencies are yet to react to the incident which occurred near the spot where some people were killed recently during a festival ceremony in the chiefdom.

  • Yuletide: Lawmaker Donates Food items, Gifts to Constituents, Widows

    Yuletide: Lawmaker Donates Food items, Gifts to Constituents, Widows

    The Lawmaker representing Afijio State Constituency, Hon Seyi Adisa has donated food items to members of his constituency, including widows.

    Adisa, distributed the items on Monday, at his constituency office, with members of his constituency in attendance.

    Hon. Adisa, who oversaw the distribution of the items, stated it was part of the end-of-the-year activities aimed at supporting families.

    The lawmaker was also joined by his wife, Mrs. Tolu Adisa, who gave out special packages to a separate set of One-hundred widows.

    He used the opportunity to assure the people of more dividends coming in the new year, adding that his office intends to embark on more people-oriented projects that will improve the standard of living in the constituency.

  • BREAKING: Bandits kill Lawmaker, kidnap many others along Kaduna-Zaria road

    BREAKING: Bandits kill Lawmaker, kidnap many others along Kaduna-Zaria road

    Notorious Armed Bandits have killed a Kaduna State Lawmaker, Riliwanu Gadagau, along the Kaduna-Zaria Highway.

    Gadagau represents Giwa Constituency of Kaduna State and was the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development in the Assembly.

    He was reported to have been killed on Monday night by bandits who attacked travellers along the road. His body was was later discovered on Wednesday morning.

    According to reports from Channels Television, a relative of the late lawmaker confirmed the killing, stating that his body was found near Mawai, a village just about 13 kilometres from the Kaduna State capital.

    Another traveller, one Sani Dogara was also reportedly killed by the bandits. He was said to be among over 30 travellers abducted by the bandits who laid a siege on the road.

    Although the Kaduna State Police Command is yet to react to the incident, sources revealed that the attack by the bandits on the Kaduna-Zaria highway lasted more than two hours.

    Confirming the incident, the Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Zailani, described the death of the lawmaker as devastating.

    In a statement on Wednesday, he revealed that Gadagau died during the attack by bandits along the highway and his body was recovered two days later.

    “This is tragic and painful. We are in deep grief over this sad incident,” said Zailani who condoled with the lawmaker’s family and members of the Assembly over the incident.

    “Our prayers at this time, go to his immediate family. Honourable Gadagau was a young and dynamic lawmaker, who had a passion for his constituency, state and Nigeria. We will miss his vibrant contributions.”

    “Our hearts also go out to those kidnapped in the same operation, believing that they would be rescued by security operatives as soon as possible.”

  • Lawmaker, Akande-Sadipe Empowers Constituents, Trains Hundreds in Vocational Skills

    Lawmaker, Akande-Sadipe Empowers Constituents, Trains Hundreds in Vocational Skills

    No fewer than three hundred (300) small scale entrepreneurs have benefitted from vocational training, while 15 cars, 35 laptops and over One Hundred and Sixty-five (165) vocational equipment were distributed by the lawmaker representing Oluyole Federal constituency, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe on Sunday, November 21, 2021 in Ibadan.

    The lawmaker facilitated several vocational skills and economic enhancement programmes, which commenced on November 15, 2021, for members of her constituency.

    The programs included indigenous fabric production (Tie and Dye) practical in Abeokuta; Aso oke production in Oyo town and Aquatic Agriculture fish rearing with value-adding marketing options in Ibadan city.

    The training was facilitated by the lawmaker in conjunction with the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

    The week-long training ended on Sunday, with empowerment of the participants and others by Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe with cash grants, and various tools for economic engagement worth over N300M, to boost the economic growth of her constituents.

    During her remarks at the event, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe mentioned that this was the 15th program of its kind that she has delivered to her people since she was elected into the National Assembly in 2019.

    The empowerment materials distributed included 15 vehicles, 40 horizontal freezers, 35 laptops, 47 grinding machines, 45 sewing machines among others.

    Akande-Sadipe, who Chairs, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs said that the present leadership at the House is committed to making laws that will help reduce the poverty rate in Nigeria.

    She said, “My primary function is to make laws for my constituency, but because of the state of our nation, I have prioritized empowerment in my constituency as a key responsibility, still within my WWREEEP campaign promises.

    “The present crop of leaders at the 9th Assembly is unrepentantly committed to our constituencies. We honestly are working on ways to lift the majority of Nigerians out of poverty and this is why we promulgate laws that will affect every stratum in Nigeria”.

    She added that “this empowerment programme is in fulfilment of my electoral promises during the 2019 general elections. I am poised to do more, as a lawmaker representing this constituency”.

    Akande-Sadipe hinted that as a member of the House of Representatives, in addition to her core legislative responsibilities, making laws through bills, bringing the plight of the people to the fore by the way of motions and petitions, she has facilitated many projects within her constituency such as construction and renovation of blocks of classrooms, provision of solar lights, provision of transformers, provision of borehole water, rehabilitation of roads among others.

    “I am still vehemently focused on facilitating the rehabilitation of key road construction projects. To mention a few, I have facilitated repairs on Odo-Ona Elewe Idi-Iroko Olugbemi Adewole (Liberty Academy) Road, Ayegun Oleyo-bare Abeokuta Road and Olomi Olojuoro-ita Egba-ijebu Igbo Road and will continue to lobby the appropriate agencies, FERMA and the Ministry of Works and Housing on these roads.

    She added, “I believe so much in empowerment, and this is why at every given opportunity, I collaborate with relevant agencies to empower my people in a bid to add more value to their socio economic well-being.

    Akande-Sadipe implored the beneficiaries to ensure that the materials are used for income potential, urging them to use the items for long term economic gain and not to sell the empowerment items allotted but to use it and multiply wealth

    While the Lawmaker thanked all Agencies, who collaborated with her in ensuring her constituents are happy, she also eulogized party leaders for supporting her.

    The Deputy Chairman, Oyo State All Progressive Congress, Honourable Adegboyega Adeyemo, said, “this has been a good decision for the residents of Oluyole Constituency to give us a chance to represent them in 2019. He continued, Sadipe has already surpassed all legislators in Oyo state, she is the best I have seen. Oyo APC will do everything to support Sadipe in 2023 because she has done more than enough to achieve this”

    A beneficiary, Basiru Adewale said, “Honourable Sadipe’s empowerment has been one of the best things the people of Oluyole Constituency have enjoyed. She is the best, no doubt. I advise other political leaders to emulate the woman’s virtue and values. We can all achieve more”.

    Highlight of the event was a raffle draw, where a constituent won a 7 seater Opel that can be used for both personal use and income generation.

  • PIB: NNPC now accountable for bill – Lawmaker

    PIB: NNPC now accountable for bill – Lawmaker

    Kingsley Ujuma, representing APC, Imo at the House of Reps says the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) will now be accountable for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB),

    Ujuma who is also a member of the Petroleum Industry Bill Committee said this while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, following the passage of the PIB on July 1, by the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    He said the NNPC would now be a limited liability company whose profits would be accrued to the country and subsequently moved to the Federation Account.

    Ujuma said the bill would galvanise all assets, including the economic and security inherent therein which would bring effective production, transparency and good governance to the country.

    “Today, with the passage of the bill, we are talking about an oil sector that is organised with governance policy and profitability and viability,’’ Ujuma said.

    He said 99 percent of lawmakers voted for the passage and agreed with the content of the recommendation of the PIB committee.

    “This bill has been in the cooler over a decade because of disagreement over grey areas. It got to a point where there were too many vested interests and that could not help the passage,” he said.

    For the host communities, the lawmaker said the bill, if assented to, would give power to them to participate in their own resources.