Politics

Anambra: Senate sends delegation to condole tanker fire victims

Published

5 years ago

November 7, 2019

…to investigate company, security agencies over revenues in Lagos ports

The Senate on Thursday resolved to send a delegation to commiserate with the victims and people of Anambra State over the recent tanker fire incident which claimed scores of lives.

The upper chamber while reacting to the incident through a motion considered on the floor, urged the Federal Government through the Nigeria Fire Service to provide firefighting equipment in all major markets across the country.

One of the sponsors of the motion, Senator Stella Oduah (PDP, Anambra North) lamented the incident which claimed many lives, especially that of a woman and her child after 16 years of childlessness.

The lawmaker noted that between 2015 and 2018, fuel tanker infernos and accidents caused by vehicles have led to many deaths on Nigeria’s highway.

Oduah recalled that in July this year, a motion on similar incident sponsored by Senator Orker-Jev Emmanuel Yisa (PDP, Benue North West) claimed many lives and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

She called for strict enforcement of traffic safety rules by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and all relevant security agencies in order to ensure safer roads across the country.

Accordingly, the Senate urged the NPF to work in conjunction with the FRSC to carry out a thorough investigation of the circumstances leading to the fuel tanker fire, with a view to prosecuting anyone found culpable.

Meanwhile, the upper chamber on Thursday directed its Committees on Navy, Marine Transport and Finance to investigate the activities of Messrs OMSL limited and other security agencies at the Safe Anchorage Area in the Lagos Ports to determine the legality of their operations and revenue implications.

The resolution was reached sequel to the consideration of a motion titled: “Illegal security activity by Messrs OMSL Limited at the Safe Anchorage Area of Lagos Ports and the need to investigate their excesses”.

Sponsor of the motion, Senator George Thompson Sekibo (PDP, Rivers East), said that “a security company registered in the name of OMSL limited has since 2014 carried out provision of security of the Lagos Ports Safe Anchorage Area on fees from vessels without regard to the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The lawmaker disclosed that “OMSL Limited charged every ship that anchored within the Safe Area $2,500 on the first day of anchorage and $1,500 on every subsequent day for the period any ship stayed at the anchorage area.”

According to Sekibo, “it takes between 28 to 30 days for ships that anchor at the Safe Anchorage Area to exit, meaning that every ship pays as much as $46,500 for making use of the Anchorage Area within that period.”

He added that, “OMSL in connivance with other security agencies are collecting a whooping sum of $133.28 million or N47.98 billion every year from 2014, meaning that over $733.04 or N263.89 billion have been collected by OMSL and its collaborators.”

The lawmaker noted that by virtue of the Ports Act (1954), the Anchorage Area is an integral part of NPA statutory responsibility while NIMASA, Marine Police and Nigerian Navy have the sole responsibility to ensure safe and secure Nigeria territorial waters.

Signed:

Ezrel Tabiowo

Special Assistant (Press)
to President of the Senate

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.

Politics

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

Politics

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Published

5 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.