Politics
Amotekun: Ekiti Monarchs laud recruitment process
Traditional rulers in Ekiti State on Thursday lauded the state government’s approach to the recruitment of personnels into the State Amotekun Corps with an assurance to support the security outfit in achieving its goal of tackling kidnapping, cattle rustling, robbery and other nefarious activities in the State.
Speaking during a sensitisation meeting of the governing board of Amotekun in Ikole, Oye and Ilejemeje Local Governments areas the Chairman of the Traditional Council of Oye Local Government and the immediate past Chairman of Traditional Council in the State, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, said the engagement of traditional rulers in the recruitment exercise was a repeat of history that guarantee the victory of Ekiti people during the intra tribal “Kiriji” war of 1877.
Oba Ademolaju assured that traditional rulers in Yoruba land would give adequate support that would make Amotekun achieve the purpose of its establishment.
The Monarch said; “When we talk of security and now that the contact is being made through the Obas; history is only repeating itself. It has happened in the year 1877, during the intra tribal “kiriji” war. We gathered people like this and got them donated to the Central Army of Ekiti and they faced Ibadan and they conquered them.
“Giving Obas the free hand in the selection of these people who are going to help now is just a repeat of what actually happened then and by this extension, surely success is ours.
“Yoruba Obas will support the Amotekun to achieve success.we will empower them like we empowered the people that fought “kiriji” war.”
Also, the Obanla of Ijesha Isu, Oba Gabriel Oso, who spoke on behalf of the monarchs in Ikole Local Government explained that the traditional rulers were ready to abide with the rules that guide the recommendation of applicants for recruitment into the security outfit.
This, the Monarch said was necessary for the security outfit to achieve the desired goal of recruiting personnel of impeccable character.
Supporting the justification for the establishment of the corps, Oba Oso explained that the need to complement efforts of the established security agencies in the country necessitated the establishment of an indigenous security outfit that would curb insecurity at the grassroots and secure the lives of the people in the State.
According to him: “The traditional rulers are more than prepared to take the requirements of the group, abide with them and supply them the needed requirements.
“Essentially if the powers that be can not provide us the required security, there is no sin in giving ourselves that security, it is not against the law, so we are prepared to follow what the group has said in order to achieve the desired goals of giving our people the required security.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Amotekun Board, Mr Akin Aregbesola said the visit was to sensitize the monarchs on the procedures guiding the recruitment process, their roles in recommending applicants to the board and the operations of the Amotekun corps.
Speaking on the recruitment process, the Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Brigadier-General, Joe Komolafe (Rtd) disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure that all the local governments in the State had equal representation in the outfit.
The Corps Commandant noted that the recruitment exercise is gender sensitive, making it accessible to both male and female between the age of 18 and 60 years.
Clarifying that being a member of hunter’s association, vigilante groups and Odua people’s congress does not guarantee automatic employment into the outfit, Brig-Gen Komolafe (Rtd) explained, however that members of such organisations with proven record of integrity stand better chances than other applicants who are inexperienced in native security matters.
He described Amotekun as an home grown outfit in the Southwest, designed to gather intelligence and pass it to appropriate quarters as at when due, for it to be timely acted upon.
Komolafe added that the outfit would operate to address the security challenges that is peculiar to the Southwest region of the country.
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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