Group to Kogi Governor Ododo: Stop Undermining Anti-corruption Fight

Sahara Weekly Reports That A Non-Governmental Organisation, Vanguard for Credible Representation (VCR), has reiterated its call on President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to prevail on Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo to stop obstructing the fight against corruption.

In a statement issued in Abuja by VCR’s Head of Mission, Onche Ugbabe, the group frowned at the activities of one of the pro-Yahaya Bello’s groups known as Africa Media Roundtable, which said Governor Ododo “should be celebrated.”

The statement reads in part, “We restate our position and demand that the Presidency, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum should wade in and save Nigeria from further embarrassment by calling Governor Ododo to order.

“The so-called Roundtable even insulted our collective intelligence by touting that Governor Ododo should be celebrated! Celebrated for his obstructive roles? Celebrated for housing a man already declared wanted by the EFCC based on the summons issued by the court of law? That Ododo be celebrated for shielding a man away from the arms of the law? For leading a show of bravado to the EFCC car park on September 18, 2024, in a flagrant display of what an executive governor should not be?” the group asked rhetorically.

The non-governmental organization restated its earlier position that the protection so far given to former Governor Yahaya Bello by Governor Ododo “undermines the renewed fight against corruption by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, making the President and the country a laughing stock.”

“That is why we are calling on the President, Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, and the Progressives Governors Forum to intervene and call Governor Ododo to order,” it added.

With the issuance of another court summons last week by another court, VCR urged Governor Ododo to accompany his predecessor to honor the court summons since the Media Roundtable said Ododo was “helping EFCC” by accompanying former Governor Bello to the EFCC car park.

Breaking: Lagos Assembly Suspends Alimosho Council Chairman

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday handed down an indefinite suspension to the chairman of the Alimosho Local Government Area, Jelili Sulaimon. The suspension is with immediate effect.

Sitting at plenary, the lawmakers resolved that the vice chairman of the council, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, should take over the running of its affairs.

The House further instructed the management of the council, including the manager and treasurer, recognizes the authority of the vice chairman and accord him all the support to make him work effectively.

The chairman was suspended in a unanimous vote by the lawmakers over an alleged non-compliance, defiance and unyielding attitude to the legislative House.

Moving a motion for his suspension, the Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, recalled that in April 2024, pandemonium broke out in the Iyana-Ipaja axis of Alimosho Local Government leading to the death of one Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Hon. Okanlawon, whose committee was saddled with the responsibility to investigate the cause of the pandemonium, said that it was discovered that Jelili masterminded the chaos.

According to Okanlawon, all stakeholders involved in the issue were invited, but Jelili had continued to show acts of misconduct to the committee of the House.

He highlighted the council chairman’s failure to adhere to the Assembly’s directives and his mismanagement of public funds. He, therefore, called for Jelili’s immediate suspension in line with relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“He should be suspended immediately while the vice chairman, Akin Johnson, takes over with immediate effect,” he prayed.

Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, while supporting the call for Jelili’s suspension, added that the action would make other local government chairmen sit well.

“The Alimosho council chairman does not follow procurement processes or the budget. There has been a lot of misconducts from him and I support that the chairman be suspended indefinitely,” he said.

In his contribution Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government, referred to the report submitted by the State Auditor-General concerning the activities of Jelili. The report underscored the council chairman’s consistent non-compliance with financial regulations, with significant irregularities in his records.

Akinsanya, emphasising these discrepancies, suported Okanlawon’s call for Jelili’s suspension.

Similarly, Hon. Ladi Ajomale expressed surprise that the council chairman had been recalcitrant despite previous reports detailing his alleged financial mismanagement.

Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, while echoing his concerns, also prayed the House to invite Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi Olowo LCDA respectively, as heads of the Conference 57, to explain the widespread disregard by council chairmen for governance protocols.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to all relevant authorities

Eromosele Ebhomele

Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Northern Patriots Hails Bichi’s Emergence As Best Nigerian Legislator

The Northern Patriots has congratulated Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi on being named the Best Nigerian Legislator at the Democratic Heroes Award Africa 2024.

This prestigious award recognizes Bichi’s exceptional leadership, commitment to his constituents’ welfare, and dedication to Nigeria’s development.

In a statement signed by Mallam Adamu Mohammed and Dr. Innocent Audu, the group said Bichi’s plp leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of his people’s needs.

As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, the group said he has demonstrated exemplary leadership, ensuring his constituents’ needs are reflected in the national budget.

The group said his leadership extends beyond his constituency, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his values and principles.

The Northern Patriots praised his dedication to the democratic process has been unwavering, and his contributions to Nigeria’s development are undeniable.

Through his leadership, they said Bichi has shown that effective representation is not just about legislation, but about positively impacting lives.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi on his well-deserved emergence as the Best Nigerian Legislator at the Democratic Heroes Award Africa 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents,” the statement said.

“Hon. Bichi’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the needs of his people. He has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of purpose, guiding his constituents toward a brighter future. His ability to bridge gaps and foster cooperation has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, he has displayed exemplary leadership, ensuring that the needs of his constituents are reflected in the national budget.

“Hon. Bichi’s leadership extends beyond the confines of his constituency, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his values and principles. His dedication to the democratic process has been unwavering, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria are undeniable. Through his leadership, Hon. Bichi has shown that effective representation is not just about legislation, but about positively impacting lives.

“Hon. Bichi has initiated numerous programs aimed at uplifting the youth, providing education and economic opportunities in Bichi Federal Constituency. His efforts have positively impacted many lives, earning him the appreciation and gratitude of his constituents. Infrastructure projects, improved healthcare services, and economic development are just a few examples of his dedication to his constituents’ welfare.

“The impact of his initiatives has resonated throughout the region, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future. His constituents’ welfare is evident in every aspect of his work.

“As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Bichi has played a pivotal role in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 appropriation bill. His leadership has been instrumental in reflecting the needs of his constituents in the national budget. Hon. Bichi’s expertise and experience have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the appropriation process.

“”His ability to balance competing interests has earned him the respect of his colleagues. Under his chairmanship, the Committee on Appropriations has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

“Bichi has initiated numerous programs aimed at uplifting the youth, providing education and economic opportunities in Bichi Federal Constituency. His efforts have positively impacted many lives, earning appreciation and gratitude from his constituents. Infrastructure projects, improved healthcare services, and economic development are just a few examples of his dedication to his constituents’ welfare.

“As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Bichi played a pivotal role in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 appropriation bill. His leadership has been instrumental in reflecting the needs of his constituents in the national budget. Bichi’s expertise and experience have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the appropriation process.

“His ability to balance competing interests has earned him the respect of his colleagues. Under his chairmanship, the Committee on Appropriations has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.”

The Northern Patriots urged Bichi to remain focused on his vision for a better Nigeria, continuing to inspire and uplift his constituents.

They pledged support for his future endeavors and congratulated him once again on this well-deserved recognition.

The statement added: “Bichi’s colleagues can learn valuable lessons from his leadership style, particularly his ability to connect with his constituents and understand their needs. His commitment to inclusivity and empathy is a shining example of effective representation”.