Politics
Abiodun: Ogun, FG working to put infrastructure in Tongeji Island
Abiodun: Ogun, FG working to put infrastructure in Tongeji Island
…mulls establishment of Naval Base in Ogun
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed the state was collaborating with the Federal Government put in place infrastructure in Tongegi Island in order to make the residents of the oil rich island feel development as Nigerians.
Abiodun disclosed this when he received the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Yakub Wambai, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, on Wednesday.
The governor, while informing Wambai his desire to visit the Island to see things for himself, said that he had on several occasion discussed the issue of the island with the president and other relevant authorities on the need to make the people feel the presence of government in the area.
“I have discussed with Mr. President the condition of the people on the island when he came here to commission some of our projects. I have also discussed with the National Security Adviser and other relevant stakeholders on the need for Nigeria to make a strong presence in the island especially with the activities of our neighbouring country.
“Though the island can only be accessed through the water, I will visit the Island very soon to see things for myself and I would like you to make the trip with me”, Abiodun told the Naval Chief.
He, however, reiterated his request for the setting up of a Naval Base at the Olokola seaport, adding that the Nigerian Air force and the Customs Service have indicated interest to establish their presence at the state’s Cargo Airport, which according to him is undergoing construction with the first phase ready for commissioning on the second quarter of this year.
“Very soon, we will be announcing the commencement of our sea port, to that extent, you will be receiving a letter requesting for a full Naval Base in Ogun State and we will do everything to support the establishment of that base. Because if we are creating a port, it is also important for us to ensure that we have significant naval presence,” he noted
He explained that Ogun being the industrial hub of the country and the closest to Lagos, the nation’s economic capital, the state is poised to face security challenges.
He praised the inter-agency cooperation and collaboration with his administration which he said had engendered peace and security.
While pledging to give the Navy the necessary support, Abiodun said the reactivation of OP MESA, establishment of the Amotekun Corps, has assisted bringing about peace across the state.
According to him, operation of the OP MESA has been expanded to deal with ritual killings, cyber crimes, cultism, kidnapping and oil bunkering.
Earlier, Admiral Wambai said apart from assessing the condition of the Navy Secondary School in Abeokuta, his visit was to also look at ways security could be improved, taking into consideration recent happenings in the country.
The Flag Officer Commanding who had earlier inaugurated the observation post and embarked on familiarization tour of the school, disclosed that the visit was his first since he assumed duty.
“Nigerian Navy Secondary School Abeokuta has been very wonderful; it has produced a lot of talents for Nigeria and produced excellent results. We are here to make sure that the standard which they are known for is maintained or even taken to the next level.
“The school so far is doing very well, it has been able to leave up to its billing, the infrastructure I have seen can be compared to most other secondary schools, even better than some and we will continue to do the best we can. The Navy as it were, will continue to put in its utmost best to make sure that whatever school it has, will continue to maintain very high standard both in character and learning,” he said.
Wamabai, however, commended the management of the school led by Commander Jacinta Asetubo and charged the school’s Steel Band and other students to balance their character with learning.
He called for continued support from the state government, saying his officers and men stationed in the state were ever ready to contribute to the peace and security of the state.
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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