Connect with us

Politics

AMBODE: LAGOS SPEAKER, OBASA, ASSEMBLY AGREE TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO

Published

on

…Lawmakers Plead For Time As Court Adjourns Till Nov 20

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday agreed to halt proceedings in the probe of former Governor of the State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, over procurement of 820 buses for public transportation.

Ambode had instituted a suit against the Assembly, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa and others, to contest the constitutionality of the probe, accusing them of bias and misrepresentation of facts.

When the matter came up in court on Wednesday morning, Ambode’s lawyer, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), informed the court of his pending application for interlocutory injunction, saying that same had been served on the defendants. 

In response, a team of lawyers of the defendants led by Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo and included Mrs. Adegbite and Ms. Olayemi Johnson confirmed service of the application, but pleaded for time since the processes were served at about 6pm on Tuesday

They specifically requested for two weeks to respond but the date they suggested was not convenient for the court. 

Responding, Oyetibo did not object to the application of the defendants for adjournment but urged the Court to direct parties to maintain status quo. In her response, the presiding Judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya, said “it goes without saying” and called on Mrs. Osinowo for her response who also agreed that status quo would be maintained by the Defendants.

The court then adjourned the matter to November 20 2019 for the hearing of the motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

With the ruling, the former Governor cannot be summoned to appear again before the House probe panel as both parties have agreed to maintain status quo till the new hearing date.

According to his statement of claim before the court, Ambode had said contrary to deliberate misrepresentation of facts by the lawmakers, the procurement of the 820 buses was well captured in the 2018 Appropriation Law which was duly approved by the House.

“In section 1 of the Bill, the 1st Defendant (House of Assembly) authorized  the total Budget for the year 2018 to be One Trillion, Forty Six Billion, One Hundred and Twenty One Million, One Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Naira (N1,046,121,181,680.00) comprising the sum of Three Hundred and Forty Seven Billion, Thirty-Eighty Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Eight-Hundred and Seventy-Two Naira (N347,038,938,872.00) only and Six Hundred and Ninety-Nine Billion, Eighty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Naira (N699,082,242,808.00) only as the Recurrent and Capital Expenditures respectively.

“Part of the items authorized by the Bill under Capital Expenditure was: “LAGBUS Public Transport Infrastructure (MEPB); Part financing of 820 buses” which was item 8 under schedule 1- Part C of the Bill,” the former Governor averred.

He added that having prescribed the manner of withdrawal of funds in sections 3 and 4 of the 2018 Appropriation Law, it was unconstitutional for the House to attach another condition in section 9 of the law for further approval to be sought before incurring any expenditure on the purchase of the buses. 

Highlighting the specific breach of his constitutional rights to fair hearing by the House, the former Governor said on August 27, 2019 during proceedings of the Assembly, some lawmakers thoroughly vilified and disparaged him as having purchased the buses without budgetary approval and that the procurement was a waste of public funds, while at the end of the proceedings, the House resolved to constitute an Ad Hoc Committee to probe the procurement.

He said it was surprising that the very lawmakers who contributed actively in vilifying, disparaging and denigrating him constituted the bulk of the members of the Committee, which was a clear derogation of his right to fair hearing.

Ambode added that in continuation of deliberate misrepresentation of facts of the issue, the House falsely claimed that an invitation had been extended to him to appear before the Committee but that he failed to honour the said invitation.

“The Claimant states that no letter of invitation was delivered to him before the 4th and 5th Defendants made the false allegation against the Claimant which was widely reported by various national Newspapers in the country.”

He added that the House Committee and indeed the entire members of the House had already adjudged him as having committed wastage of public fund by the procurement of the buses in question and had also already determined that the procurement was done by him as opposed to the State Government.

He said it was obvious that the lawmakers were totally biased against him having regard to their pronouncements on the floor of the House by reason of which he believes that his right to fair hearing as guaranteed by the Constitution had been seriously compromised by the defendants.  

He is, therefore, seeking among others, the court’s declaration that the power of the House to pass a resolution under section 128(1) of the Constitution to cause an inquiry into his conduct as Governor is subject to right to fair hearing as guaranteed by section 36(1) of the Constitution.

He also wants a declaration that the Resolution of the House setting up a 9-Man Committee comprising of the 4th-12th Defendants to investigate all transactions in respect of the 820 Buses said by the defendants to have been procured by him derogates from his right as guaranteed by section 36(1) of the Constitution and therefore is unconstitutional, null and void.

He is therefore, among others seeking: 

“AN INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents and or representatives from compelling the Claimant, in any manner whatsoever, to appear before the Defendants pursuant to the Resolution passed by the Defendants on 27th August 2019 or any other Resolution passed in respect of the subject matter of this Suit.

“AN INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants whether by themselves, their servants, agents and or representatives from representing or continue to represent to the Public that the Claimant, AKINWUNMI AMBODE, procured 820 buses in breach of budgetary approval.”

Politics

A New Nigeria Beckons – says Dr. Badru …Urges Support For Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu | By Olabode Adeyeri

Published

on

A New Nigeria Beckons – says Dr. Badru …Urges Support For Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu | By Olabode Adeyeri

A New Nigeria Beckons – says Dr. Badru
…Urges Support For Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu | By Olabode Adeyeri

 

 

 

Dr. Enitan Dolapo Badru, Honourable Member Of The Federal House Of Representatives, Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 and Chairman, House Committee on Industry has sent Congratulatory message to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCON), as he takes mantle of leadership as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While addressing Newsmen in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT), Abuja, Dr. Badru reassured Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that there would be a Paradigm shift in the country for social and economic Prosperity.

 

 

 

A New Nigeria Beckons – says Dr. Badru
…Urges Support For Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu | By Olabode Adeyeri

 

 

He described Tinubu as the Best Leader Nigeria needs to further develop the country amidst its numerous challenges.

The Federal Lawmaker stated that a New Nigeria in which every Sector of the economy works is achievable in Tinubu’s Presidency.

Speaking further, he said: “Tinubu is a Public Administrator par Excellence, Advocate of Good Governance and Development Enthusiast. I am very optimistic that through his policies and social Intervention Programmes, the Citizenry’s standard of living would improve.

Dr. Badru reiterated that Tinubu’s administration would ensure Security of lives and properties of Nigerians, Promote Trade and commerce cum industrial Development and build a stronger bilateral relations with other countries of the world.

“As a Nationalist and Detribalised Nigerian, President Tinubu would unite the different ethnic groups across the country, promote internal-ethinc relations and religious harmony”, he said.

Dr. Badru recalled how Tinubu, through his purposeful leadership and unrelenting effort as the Governor of Lagos State between 1999 -2007 designed a Development Plan and embarked on social, economic and physical transformation of the state.

In the same vein, Dr. Badru felicitated the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as he is Sworn-In for a second Term.

He however urged Nigerians across the country and overseas and Lagos residents to support the Tinubu-Shettima and Sanwo-Olu-Hamzat Administrations.

“I believe strongly that with your Team, you would replicate the Lagos Template in Nigeria for the advancement of our dear country”, Dr. Badru charged Tinubu.

“On your Historic Swearing-In as the President of the most populous country in Africa, I join millions of Nigerians and the Progressives family across the world to celebrate with you”, Dr. Badru concluded.

For Advert, Event Coverage, PR, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Pls., Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News

Continue Reading

Politics

Segun Showunmi Condoles Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, Described him as a man of all-round knowledge

Published

on

Segun Showunmi Condoles Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, Described him as a man of all-round knowledge

Segun Showunmi Condoles Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, Described him as a man of all-round knowledge

 

 

 

Raymond Alegho Anthony Dokpesi. (25 October 1951 – 29 May 2023)

 

 

 

Ezomo my man, my thinking partner, all-round knowledge on many levels, in diverse fields, the energy of many horsepowers, detailed like an eagle, full of life, relatable across age grades, scratch that, ageless, if there was any true pan Nigerian it was my man high chief!

 

Segun Showunmi Condoles Raymond Alegho Dokpesi, Described him as a man of all-round knowledge

 

 

 

There was no limit to what his mind can grasp and whatever he could imagine he could build, an unusual ability to work late into the night and still be the first to be ready first thing in the morning, an administrator who keeps impeccable records.

 

 

 

 

 

A process thinker with the gift to compartmentalize idea lines in such a way that you had to marvel at where he gets the energy!

 

 

 

Restlessly unstoppable, always on the go.
A man of the strong Christian faith of the catholic order.

 

 

 

 

A lover of family, Oko Tosin, Baba Homto, Paddy Raymond Jnr. Aburo Oyofo, my man we understood each other and the mutual respect was never broken haaa, what a day to pass, what an enigma, really Raymond Alegho Anthony Dokpesi you are gone as in dead!

 

 

 

 

Who will rally those young people you provide a platform for, those you have ears for their rants and all, who will think up the next agenda for them, like they say who can understand death, nay who can understand life, I supposed neither is meant to be fully understood! Just live life and leave life, and my man Ezomo lived it his way and he had left it in his way, I can see the cheeky smile on your face. Rest now.

 

 

 

 

They will find a way to carry on, your family, your associates, your beloved Daar Communication, and your beloved PDP, Nigeria, yes we will surely miss the irreplaceable High Chief! Ezomo my man, may your soul be welcomed into the higher realms by your ancestors and all guardians of the realms.

Otunba Segun Showunmi

Continue Reading

Politics

#inauguration# Peter Obi Cries Out

Published

on

#inauguration# Peter Obi Cries Out

#inauguration# Peter Obi Cries Out

 

 

 

The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party candidate in the February 25, 2023 election Mr. Peter Obi has raised alarm on plots by his political opponents to blackmail and tarnish his image in the coming months.

 

 

#inauguration# Peter Obi Cries Out

 

 

 

 

In a statement, he issued early this morning but which Daily Independent got a few minutes ago, Obi said he has got the wind of the plot but it will not deter him from pursuing the good of a new Nigeria

 

 

 

While calling for calm, Obi said this is a time for deep reflection for all Nigerians.

 

 

 

 

He said “It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments.

 

 

 

 

 

“We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He called for respect for the judiciary and reminded Nigerians that “judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason, I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves”.

 

 

 

 

 

Obi said Nigerians expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself”.

Continue Reading

Trending