Sahara Weekly Magazine

Category: Politics

  • Obasanjo Alleges Buhari, Others Pay Ransom To Kidnappers

    Obasanjo Alleges Buhari, Others Pay Ransom To Kidnappers

    Obasanjo Alleges Buhari, Others Pay Ransom To Kidnappers.

     

    According to a report from the Daily trust, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of paying ransoms to kidnappers.
     
     
    The president has publicly spoken against the payment of ransom, warning governors against encouraging bandits and kidnappers through negotiation.

    But speaking when he played host to members of Tiv professionals Group (TPG) at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday, the ex-president said not just the government of Buhari but that of former President Goodluck Jonathan negotiated with kidnappers, though they deny doing so.

    “Government has always paid ransom. Not only this government, even during Jonathan (administration). They paid ransom, but they deny it,” he said.

    Neither Jonathan nor Buhari has responded to the claim by Obasanjo.

    Obasanjo, however, asked the government to develop a means to deal with kidnappers and bandits as against ransom payment.

    The former President equally insisted that fighting insecurity to a standstill requires a “carrot and stick” approach.

    “Some people are still reaching out, and hoping that lives can still be saved. But a situation whereby anybody thinks paying the ransom is the way out, that person is folly. He is a folly. This is because when you pay the ransom, you encourage. But if you are not going to pay the ransom, you must have the means to deal heavily with it. You must have the stick to deal with it,” he said

  • Buhari Appoints Dikko Head Of Small Arms, Weapons Control Agency

    Buhari Appoints Dikko Head Of Small Arms, Weapons Control Agency

    Buhari Appoints Dikko Head Of Small Arms, Weapons Control Agency

     

     

     

    Interestingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Rtd Major General A.M. Dikko as the pioneer coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
    The presidency in a statement said Buhari approved the establishment of NCCSALW on Monday.

    The agency will be domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    The NCCSALW replaces the defunct Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and will serve as the institutional mechanism for policy guidance, research, and monitoring of all aspects of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in Nigeria.

    This decision, the Presidency said, is part of the ongoing restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture to address emerging threats and strengthen the regional mechanism for the control, prevention, and regulation of SALW.

    “The impact of the proliferation of SALW across national borders in Africa and the Sahel region has resulted in terrorism, human trafficking, organized crime, and insurrections in West Africa and Nigeria,” the Presidency said.

    “Therefore, as one of the measures in tackling this threat, the new Centre will be fulfilling the requirements of the ECOWAS Moratorium on Import, Export, and Manufacture of Light Weapons as well as the UN Plan of Action to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in SALW.

    “The NCCSALW will serve as the National Focal Point on SALW in Nigeria and lead a multi-stakeholder process involving Government Ministries, Departments, Agencies and the Civil Society in implementing all national, UN and ECOWAS Plans of Action on the control of SALW.

    “The Centre will maintain international cooperation and also operate zonal offices in the Six Geopolitical Zones to ensure quick response and effective mobilization of resources.”

    The Presidency said Dikko has served in various capacities in and outside Nigeria. He was a Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre and Chief Instructor of the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre.

    He was also a Military Adviser, United Nation Office for West Africa, Director Peacekeeping Operations Defence Headquarters, Commander Operations LAST HOLD as well as Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, to mention a few.

    The pioneer Coordinator has vast experience working with the ECOWAS and the UN system and is expected to operationalize the objectives of the NCCSALW.

     

  • Remi Tinubu Tackles Smart Adeyemi

    Remi Tinubu Tackles Smart Adeyemi

    Remi Tinubu Tackles Smart Adeyemi.

     

    Sadly, Remi Tinubu, senator representing Lagos central, on Tuesday, tackled Smart Adeyemi, her All Progressives Congress (APC) colleague from Kogi west, over the latter’s comment on Nigeria’s security challenges.

    In recent weeks, the country has witnessed a spike in criminal activities, from Boko Haram insurgency to banditry and kidnapping.

    Sani Bello, Niger governor, said on Monday that Boko Haram has hoisted its flag in a Shiroro LGA of the state.

    Contributing to a motion on the situation, Adeyemi said the country is facing the worst instability since the civil war.

    “This is the worst instability we are facing. In fact, this is worse than the civil war,” he said.

    But Tinubu interrupted him, asking: “Are you in PDP (Peoples Democratic Party)? Are you a wolf in sheep’s clothing?”

     
     
     


    Adeyemi, however, ignored her comments and continued: “We cannot pretend that we are capable of handling the situation in our hands. America, as powerful as they are, when the pandemic came, it came to a point China came to their rescue.

    “We shouldn’t pretend that we need foreign support now. Billions of naira have been voted for security services and nothing is coming out of it.

    “I’m a party man and I’m supporting APC but it has gotten to a point that as supporters we cannot keep quiet.”

    TheCable had reported how Nigeria recorded more than 10 security incidents on Monday as killings and attacks continued across the country.

  • PASAN/JUSUN Strike: Lagos Assembly urges governors to ensure full-scale autonomy for Judiciary, Legislature

    PASAN/JUSUN Strike: Lagos Assembly urges governors to ensure full-scale autonomy for Judiciary, Legislature

    PASAN/JUSUN Strike: Lagos Assembly urges governors to ensure full-scale autonomy for Judiciary, Legislature.

     

    – Obasa commends successive governors of Lagos for autonomy

    – Encourages state speakers to remain firm on demand for autonomy

    – Says without legislature, there is no democracy

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Nigerian Governors Forum to recognize and activate Executive Order 10 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2020 granting full-scale autonomy to state legislatures and judiciary.

     

     

     

    The House also commended the striking members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) for remaining resolute on ensuring that the two arms of government enjoy autonomy.

     

     

     

    Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the day’s plenary, appreciated the lawmakers for contributing to the debate raised under ‘matter of urgent public importance by Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2).

     

     

    “I commend PASAN at the Lagos State House of Assembly for permitting us to have our own sittings in this hallowed chamber. I  sincerely commend the boldness and sincerity of the purpose of both PASAN and JUSUN.

     

     

    “Looking back, I thank and commend the 2003 legislators of this Assembly for initiating the bill that granted us autonomy. I also commend the Governors of Lagos State from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the autonomy of the legislature in the State.

     

     

     

    “Lagos is not the only State enjoying autonomy for the legislature currently, Delta State has been granted autonomy.

     

     

     

    “We want to use this medium to call on all state governors through the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to speed up their considerations and implement full-scale financial autonomy.

     

     

     

    ‘We also call on the State Houses of Assembly through the Speakers Conference to be bold and do what is right and in the eye of the constitution.

     

     

     

     

    “We are talking about restructuring and devolution of power, but these should start from the states.

     

     

     

     

    “Devolution of power and restructuring should start from home. If that is not done it would be wrong to start telling the Federal Government to share power with states. We appeal to the Governors Forum to start working on the autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary,” Speaker Obasa said, noting that without the legislature there is no democracy.

     

     

     

    Raising the motion earlier, Hon. Yishawu urged his colleagues to call on the Conference of Speakers to have the political will to defend their autonomy.

     

     

     

    While praising Lagos for ensuring autonomy for the legislature, Yishawu described the action of JUSUN and PASAN as geared towards strengthening democracy.

     

     

    He said the governors had nothing to fear about the autonomy being demanded.

    Contributing, Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) noted that the industrial actions embarked upon by JUSUN and PASAN are in order as lack of autonomy would weaken the other arms of government.

     

     

     

    On his part, Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo 1) said
    it was appalling to subject any arm of government to ridicule or to the whims and caprices of another arm like it is with the legislature and executive of some states.

     

     

     

    He recalled President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that funds should be deducted from the source for states that failed to implement it.

     

     

     

    Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) argued that the legislature and the judiciary have the right to be independent of the executive as it would make them work effectively.

     

     

     

     

    Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (Ikorodu 1), noted that the budget of a state includes what should go to the other arms of government aside from the executive. He, therefore, wondered why the legislature and the judiciary would be denied financial autonomy.

     

     

     

     

    He lamented the impact of the strike actions in the affected states.

    Hon. Rasheed Makinde (Ifako/Ijaiye 2) described autonomy as a constitutional matter that is not even supposed to be debated.

     

     

     

    He said that it was wrong for anybody to deny the arms of government what they deserved.

     

     

     

    For Hon. Setonji David (Badagry 2), “the former American President, Donald Trump did not want to leave office, but the country has strong institutions. The governors should free the legislature and the judiciary.”

     

     

     

    Also speaking, Hon. Abdulsobur Olayiwola Olawale (Mushin 2) recalled how the autonomy for the two arms of government was influenced by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa while he was the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers.

     

     

    He noted that separation of power could only come when the three arms of government are independent.

     

     

    Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh (Apapa 2) said what the other arms currently suffer was initiated by the military.

     

     

    “The military has really destroyed the system, which is why the people think that it is only the executive arm of government that is important. Even the proclamation of the legislature by the executive arm of government is something that should be looked into,” he said.

  • Oyetunde Ojo, Hakeem Muniru, Prince Akiolu, Others Attend 5th-Year Remembrance Of Rafiu Jafojo

    Oyetunde Ojo, Hakeem Muniru, Prince Akiolu, Others Attend 5th-Year Remembrance Of Rafiu Jafojo

    Oyetunde Ojo, Hakeem Muniru, Prince Akiolu, Others Attend 5th-Year Remembrance Of Rafiu Jafojo
    Former House of Representatives members, Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, and Hakeem Abiodun Muniru, Prince Aremo Fuad Akiolu, were among the dignitaries that attended the 5th year remembrance of the first Executive Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Rafiu Jafojo.
    Other dignitaries at the event include Hon Abiodun Rahmon, Lagos Island, Prince Nurudeen Adeleye of Osoja Royal Family Ikeja among others.
    The late Bakare Jafojo died April 23, 2016, after a brief illness in Lagos.
    The remembrance organized by late Jofojo children Hajia Bola Jafojo-Adeoti; Olota of Ikeja land, Chief Adesoji, Adeniyi, and Adewale Jafojo, was held at his residence in Ikeja under strict Lagos state government’s guidelines on Coronavirus pandemic.
    In his remark, Adewale who was the former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of Lagos State stated that their father will forever be remembered.
    “Today marked 5 years our Dad died, just like yesterday, he will forever be remembered, a great icon, an elder statesman, and a man who lived his life serving humanity with honesty.”
    “As the first Executive Deputy Governor of Lagos State, alongside former Governor, late Lateef Kayode Jakande, they left a blueprint for the state which their successors are building on.”
    “Daddy sleep on and sleep well. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.”
  • NPA Vows To Support Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Lauds Executive Secretary

    NPA Vows To Support Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Lauds Executive Secretary

     

     

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) Hon. Aliyu Ahmed Sokoto in his quest to garner support for the funding of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) has visited the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) where he was received by the Managing Director, Hajia Hadiza Bala-Usman. The MD., Nigeria Ports Authority assured the NPTF‘s Chief Executive of the Ports Authority’s support to the mandate of NPTF. She said” The NPA will support you in every way it can, even beyond our mandate but also as individuals…to build a Police Force that will provide the attendant Security needed” She also charged the Executive Secretary on the need to expedite action on executing the mandate of NPTF. “…do what you can within the shortest period to show relevance within the sector, within the shortest possible  time” “Being the pioneer Executive Secretary a lot falls on your shoulder and it is an opportunity for you to show your capacity within the huge responsibility you’re faced with” she added.

    Earlier in his address, the Executive Secretary,Hon. Aliyu Ahmed Sokoto stated that the purpose of his visit to NPA was to intimate the organisation about the mandate of NPTF and solicit for collaboration that will enhance the fulfillment of NPTF’s mandate as stipulated in the NPTF’s Act 2020. “The purpose of my visit is to keep you abreast of the mandate and the activities of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund as well as to seek close working relationship between our organisation and the Nigeria Ports Authority” he stated. “The Trust Fund is envisioned to build a well-trained, well-equipped and well-motivated Police Force that will be prompt and responsive to security challenges in line with best global practices” he revealed further. He also mentioned the mission of the Trust Fund thus “its mission is to provide critical needs that will ensure overall improvement and efficiency as they discharge their duties and responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and its auxiliary colleges and institutions.”

    Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto reveals that the sources of the fund to NPTF includes 0.05% of total revenue  from the Federation Accounts, a levy of 0.005% of net profits of all companies operating in Nigeria, Grants, special intervention funds as may be provided  by the National Assembly in the Budget. Endowments, Donations, Grants, Aids, and other assistance from private sectors and development partners as well as monies derived from investment on the Fund of the Trust Fund. He expounded further “the Fund is to be utilised for the training and retraining of Police personnel of the Nigeria Police Force within and outside the country, the purchase of equipment and material needs of the Police like operational vehicles, Construction of Police infrastructure such as offices, barracks and quarters.

    He solicited for support from relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority

    as well as individuals as he revealed that the current Fund accruing to the Trust Fund is inadequate to meet up with the enormous challenges of rebuilding the Nigeria Police Force and the current myriad of security challenges across the Nation. “…presently the Trust Fund depends substantially on the revenue accruing from the Federation Account for the implementation of these programs and activities..and cannot sustain the Trust Fund and the attainment of the mandate.” He used the medium to canvass for cooperation and intervention of revenue agencies like NPA in the implementation of projects and programme of Nigeria Police Force.

    It will be recalled that in 2019,  President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act into law. The Nigeria Police Trust Fund Act 2019 is an intervention  instrument to provide funding for a well-trained, well-equipped and motivated Nigeria Police Force. It is generall believed that the Nigeria Police Force is in critical need of intervention for its training, crime-fighting equipment and improved welfare for quality service delivery to the most populous black nation on earth.

     

  • Irregular migration: We ‘ve lost over 290 persons on Mediterranean sea within four months, Eddy Duru

    Irregular migration: We ‘ve lost over 290 persons on Mediterranean sea within four months, Eddy Duru

    Irregular migration: We ‘ve lost over 290 persons on Mediterranean sea within four months, Eddy Duru

    From Elvis Omoregie, Benin

    President/founder, Re-educating Africans on the Risks and Dangers of Unplanned Journeys Abroad, (RARDUJA), Hon. Eddy Duru, on Thursday, quoted the UN to have said that over 290 persons have reportedly died while trying to cross the Mediterranean sea to Europe within January and April this year.

     

     

     

    He disclosed this during a stakeholders conference held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

     

     

     

     

    “According to the United Nations International Organization Migration (IOM) section, says, we lost over 290 persons this year already that were trying to cross the Mediterranean sea.

     

     

     

     

    “Less than two weeks now, we lost 41 migrants who were also trying to cross through the desert.

     

     

     

    “This is off Tunesia Coast. They were all making their way to Europe and their boat sank and as their boat sank, they were all perished”, he said.

    Hon. Duru said despite the unprecedented deaths that have been recorded within the shortest time, no less than 38 persons have also been deported from Europe to Africa.

    “Like I did say, in January this year, 38 persons were deported from Germany to Nigeria and of the 38, 24 of them were from Germany, 13 were from Australia and one was from Hungary”, he added.

    The founder said he was so surprised when he saw foreigners trooping in droves into Nigeria for businesses, Nigerians were busy rushing out of it in search of greener pastures abroad.

    Duru urged Nigerians to stay put in the country and develop it as there is no place like home.

    Duru who said he was not against anyone traveling abroad, noted that such move should be planned to avoid the unnecessary heartbreaks and hazards associated with unplanned journeys to European countries.

  • Gov. Abiodun showers house, cash gifts on academic laureates

    Gov. Abiodun showers house, cash gifts on academic laureates

    Gov. Abiodun showers house, cash gifts on academic laureates

     

     

    The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, splashed a two-bedroom bungalow and a sum of N2m on Oladimeji Sotunde, an indigene of the state who emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

     

     

    Abiodun equally announced that his administration would set an Education Endowment Fund with a seed money of N5m, in honour of Faith Odunsi, a student of the Ambassadors College, Ota, who emerged winner in the Global Open Mathematics Tournament.

     

    The governor made these known at the presentation of awards and certificates to outstanding teachers and learners in various competitions, held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

     

     

    The event tagged ‘Celebration of Ogun Laureates 2021’, was organised by the state government to honour students and teachers, who won laurels in different educational completions such as mathematics quiz, JETS, Teacher of the Year, NYSC Presidential Award and so on.

     

    According to the governor, the awardees had further put Ogun on the global pedestal, hence, the need to fete them.

     

     

    While noting that education remains one of the biggest industries in Ogun and one of the proudest legacies bequeathed by the founding fathers of the state, Abiodun added that “the achievements recorded by these students and teachers are on their own, entry tests for greater achievements”.

     

     

     

    He attributed feats recorded by the awardees in the education competitions to his administration’s methodical and calculated interventions aimed at rescuing the education sector from the dwindling fortunes inflicted on it by the indifference of the past.

     

     

     

    He pointed out that to revamp the education sector in Ogun, his administration focused on infrastructural development, human capital development, provision of conducive environment, among many others to redeem the sector and restore its lost glory.

    “We are celebrating awards in Projects, Quiz in Mathematics, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agricultural Science, Physics and Biology.

     

     

     

    “We are Best State and we have overall best students for both male and female students in JETS. We are the Champion! The icing on the cake is that of Miss Odunsi Faith, the global winner of Open Mathematics Tournament (GOMT). The story of the deluge of awards we are witnessing today cannot be completed without the teachers and school administrators who are also champions in their own rights. It is not a flash in the pan to have Award of Excellence in leadership and productivity won by five schools in the State; 2020 African Writer’s Award; and, 2020 President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Award. I am proud of you all.

     

     

    “Looking at these young men and women of Ogun State, I find in them not just a reward for our commitment, but indeed, an encouragement to do more. We have continued to dedicate and demonstrate our commitment to the successful implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda. These great ambassadors of our dear State have given us assurances of a greater future. By these achievements, they are telling us that the future we are building would be handed over to dedicated hands and intelligent minds”. The governor stated.

     

     

    He assured that the state under his watch would continue to put measures in place towards providing quality education necessary for the development of the state. just as he charged our dear teachers that, as important stakeholders, you should continue to discharge your professional duties creditably beyond the new demands of COVID-19.

    Abiodun, however, commended the teachers in the state for their commitment and professionalism, saying “without doubt, the successes we are witnessing might not have been possible without their special contributions”.

    He charged teachers as important stakeholders, to continue to discharge their professional duties creditably beyond the new demands of COVID-19.

    “To encourage deep thinking and creative genius inherent in the people of Ogun State, our government shall continue to nurture and encourage any indigene of the state with demonstrated ability to perform, achieve, and/or excel in scholastic activities and no stone will be left unturned to identify high achieving and exceptionally creative young persons with superior acumen, craft and performance.

    “We will give them recognition because that is the only way to speed up and maximise development of their intellectual capacities and skills in order to deploy such in service to of our common humanity”, Abiodun stated further.

    In his remark, the former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, noted that Ogun has been at the forefront of education advancement in the country and charged the laureates to do more to make Ogun proud.

    He commended the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for organising the event to celebrate the Ogun state finest, noting such celebration would serve as motivation to other students and teachers.

    In their respective goodwill messages through virtual, the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, the Director, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, Professor Adewale Solarin, the Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Professor Isiaq Oloyede and the former Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, lauded the state government for giving education a top priority, which has culminated in achievements recorded by the students and teachers.

  • CAN Queries Security Agencies On Pantami’s Alleged Link To terrorism

    CAN Queries Security Agencies On Pantami’s Alleged Link To terrorism

    CAN  President Queries Security Agencies Over Pantami’s Alleged Link To terrorism.

     

    CAN  President Queries Security Agencies Over Pantami's Alleged Link To terrorism

    Outspoken President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, has urged relevant security agencies to investigate the allegation against the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami.

    Pantami has been in the eyes of the storm for about a week over his controversial Islamic teachings which reportedly lent credence to terrorism activities and killings – a stance which has forced a cross-section of Nigerians to demand his resignation or sack.

    The minister admitted making such comments but blamed immaturity and limited knowledge for his views back then.

    But speaking during a press conference on the 108th convention of the church which will hold from April 24 to April 29 at the 37,000- seater auditorium Baptist International Conference Centre, BICC along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Reverend Ayokunle prompted security agencies to act.

    “What is the State Security Service doing? What are the police doing? What is the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency doing about the allegation? Such allegations should not be taken with levity. It should be taken seriously especially if we have data, written evidence, implicating statements, or whatever. Why have they kept quiet? The question should not be directed at me as I am not in the security sector and I may not have the best information about the situation. I don’t want to make any statement that is not informed. Direct your question to DSS on why they have not investigated the allegation. Or is there no basis for it? Once they come out on the basis of empirical evidence, the situation will be settled,” he said.

    The cleric, who said the church will continue to pray for the nation and her leaders, expressed worry over the high rate of unemployment in the country, noting that Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.

    The CAN president said such unemployed youths can be easily recruited by bandits and other criminal elements.

    He tasked the government to mop up illegal arms and investigate the sources of such weapons into the country.

    He also called on the government to recruit more men into the security agencies as part of efforts to address the insecurity in the country, lamenting that the number of security personnel per citizen is abysmally poor.

    Dr. Ayokunle, who will be rounding off his 10-year tenure as President of the Baptist Convention, said he has no regret as he was not ambitious about the position.

    “I don’t have regret about being called by the Lord to lead the Nigerian Baptist Convention for the last 10 years because I did not take this assignment as what I desired, as an ambition. No, I wasn’t ambitious about it. I wasn’t at the national leadership of this denomination when God called me. I was serving in a little corner in the church. It was God that took me there. So, any day that I wake up, I know that I am in the will of God for my life,” he said

  • Nigeria needs Tinubu – Obasa, Lagos lawmakers eulogise ex-governor

    Nigeria needs Tinubu – Obasa, Lagos lawmakers eulogise ex-governor

    Nigeria needs Tinubu – Obasa, Lagos lawmakers eulogise ex-governor

     

     

    Nigeria needs Tinubu - Obasa, Lagos lawmakers eulogise ex-governor

    – Lawmakers APC National Leader capable to steer Nigeria’s ship of progress

    – Congratulate Oba Elegushi at 45 for role in peaceful coexistence

    – Celebrate ex-IGP, Musiliu Smith, who recently clocked 75

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a man for whom Nigeria as a country currently yearns.

    Members of the House said this at plenary as they took time to eulogise the former governor of Lagos, who recently celebrated his 69th birthday.

    Speaking after Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo 1) urged his colleagues to join him wish Tinubu a happy birthday, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, noted that it had always been customary of the House to celebrate the Jagaban of Borgu on his birthday, but that this year’s celebration happened at a time the House was on recess.

    The Speaker who said Tinubu had earlier been honoured by attendees at a colloquium organised in his honour, added that the comments by the lawmakers during the day’s plenary showed how the APC National Leader had impacted in the lives of individuals.

    He agreed with the members of the House that Tinubu remains one man that can effectively steer the Nigerian ship to make the country attain greater success in the coming years.

    “We all congratulate him and wish him all the good things of life.

    “We believe strongly in him and we have the conviction that he is a worthy man that can steer the ship of this nation. It is not about religion or ethnicity, but it is about wisdom, knowledge, experience and the capacity to lead,” Speaker Obasa said.

    Earlier, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) described Tinubu as a man who understands the country and has the needed experience.

    Olowo said Tinubu is a man that no one can love to hate because of his role in the advancement of the country.

    For Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1), Asiwaju Tinubu is “a father figure to most of us and we will continue to celebrate him for a long time to come.

    “He is adjudged one of the most active politicians. As a father to us, we appreciate him. He recognises those who are loyal and brilliant. He is the only man that can lead this country to meet its goals.”

    Supporting his colleagues, Hon. Rasheed Makinde called Asiwaju Tinubu a man of the moment who believes in hunting talents and keeping them to prosper.

    He said even though Tinubu has not held office for a long time, he still remains relevant because of his large heart and spirit of forgiveness.

    He urged Asiwaju to help lead the country in 2023.

    Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), said he was delighted to share the same birthday with Tinubu who he called an inspirational figure.

    “The Asiwaju that I know is a builder of people, a stabiliser and one who loves selflessly. He is a man who loves other people’s progress. I can only wish him many more fruitful years, first as father and the National Leader of the APC,” he said.

    In a related development, the House also celebrated Oba Saheed Elegushi, who was described as a monarch that has brought advancement to his Ikate land while preserving the culture and traditions of his domain.

    Hon. Temitope Adewale, while moving that the traditional ruler, who recently clocked 45, be celebrated, said Oba Elegushi had kept the state proud.

    The lawmaker was supported by his colleague, Hon. Desmond Elliot, who described the monarch as a 21st century Oba.

    In his contribution, Speaker Obasa said the young monarch had endeared himself to the people because he has shown a strong passion for the peace and progress of the state.

    While praying for the traditional ruler, Obasa added that Oba Elegushi was being praised for ensuring peace in the state.

    He said the commendation should be a challenge to other traditional rulers in the state to play positive roles for its growth and progress.

    The House further eulogised Alhaji Musiliu Smith, a former Inspector-General of Police, IGP, who recently clocked 75.

    The House affirmed Smith’s importance noting that he has continued to serve the country as the chairman of the Police Service Commission.

    Speaker Obasa described him as a man of peace, a quintessential Lagosian and one who often expresses his views and suggestions about the effective running of the state.

    He thereafter directed the acting Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to write a letter congratulating each of the celebrants on behalf of the Assembly.