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Lagos Lawmakers Want Buhari, Others To Defend Democracy
Plateau Assembly Crisis: Lagos Lawmakers Want Buhari, Others To Defend Democracy
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday condemned the crises in the Plateau and Imo Houses of Assembly calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to rise up in defence of the country’s democracy.
The lawmakers, who spoke during plenary, condemned the alleged interference of the executive arm of the Plateau state government in the legislature.
They also called on the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and others to ensure that the crises are resolved and all those who took part in the impeachment of the Plateau Speaker brought to book.
The lawmakers further urged the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria to stop recognising any lawmaker who emerges Speaker from such illegalities like it happened in Plateau where only six members supposedly impeached the Speaker, Nuhu Ayuba Abok.
Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the sitting, said every well-meaning Nigerian must speak against the impeachment of the Plateau Speaker, which has led to the Assembly being under lock and keys.
According to him, the manner he was impeached leaves more to be desired.
“The parliament is the eyes and ears of the people. The impeachment is something we all have to rise up against. It happened in Edo and it has not been resolved as we speak. The roof of the Assembly was removed. The majority members are now residing in Abuja while the minority members are in charge.
“Now we have Plateau and we are talking about Imo state. Where is our democracy?
“It shows that it is not a fluke that the Lagos Assembly is above the common standard of excellence. If we don’t criminalise this across the country, it will continue,” he said.
Obasa also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for removing the police commissioner in Plateau after allegations that the latter played a role in the crisis.
He called for the opening of the House for plenary activities, because, according to him, no state can be without a parliament in a democracy.
Hon. Rotimi Olowo, who moved the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ said he was worried that in Plateau, the legislature which is the bastion of democracy is under attack.
According to Olowo, a situation where the executive tried to trample on the legislative arm is not good enough.
He noted that the Speaker of the state was impeached because he and others raised issues about insecurity in Plateau.
“Everyone is now pointing fingers at the governor of the state who was also impeached as Speaker and who is supposed to know more about the sanctity of the parliament,” he said.
“With the concurrence of my colleagues, I want to say we condemn the invasion of the House and we also condemn the purported impeachment of the Speaker,” he said.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokuni-Sanni, also condemned the impeachment of the Plateau Speaker noting that the position of Lagos Assembly when the constitutional review committee visited Lagos was that undue interference of the executive in the legislature should be criminalised.
He said even the policemen who took part in the whole issue should be prosecuted adding that the judiciary can also help hasten related matters brought to the courts.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, said impunity is developed anywhere illegality is condoned.
He said he expects the Speakers Conference to dissociate itself from what he said should be treated like a coup with the beneficiaries prosecuted.
In his contribution, Hon. Adewale Temitope said after over two decades of democracy, it was shameful what happened in Plateau state.
“It goes to show that we are not ready to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” he said adding that what happened was condemnable and saddening.
Hon. Setonji David argued that where there is no legislature, there is no democracy.
He said it was illegal for six people to conduct the business of the day.
“We must not ridicule our democracy. We must not truncate democracy. How can we degenerate to this level?” He asked.
Others who condemned the crisis in the Plateau Assembly include Hons Lukemon Olumo, Owolabi Ajani, Richard Kasunmu
Kasunmu, Victor Akande and Femi Saheed.
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Obijackson Foundation drives sustainable waste management, donates waste evacuation tools to Okija community
The Obijackson Foundation, in partnership with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, has donated 140 pieces of waste bins, 2 compactor disposable trucks, 2 operational Hilux, 1 staff bus, bundles of brooms, and other waste evacuating tools to Okija community in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The donation took place at the St. Mary’s School Field Okija, on Saturday, during the official launching of “Keep Okija Clean” Initiative to drive environmental and sustainable waste management for Okija community and environs.
The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative aims to address waste management challenges while creating economic opportunities for residents of Okija.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Founder of the Obijackson Foundation, emphasized the importance of collective action in driving meaningful change. “I am honoured to stand before you as we reintroduce, in collaboration with the Okija Bu Enyi Brothers Assembly, the ‘Keep Okija Clean’ initiative—a project that embodies our commitment to environmental sustainability and community development.
He said over 100 people have been employed for the project, adding that the gesture is another way to create jobs for the teaming unemployed in the area.
According to Azudialu-Obiejesi, ‘’This effort is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the initiative includes cleaning streets, roads, and public spaces while introducing a sustainable waste management system.
“The highlight of this programme is the future development of a properly engineered landfill for Okija and its environs, which will provide a long-term solution to waste disposal challenges. This project is expected to create employment opportunities for local youths while fostering a healthier environment when completed.
He stated that over the years, the Foundation has spearheaded several transformative projects in Okija, including: Education: establishing Gonzaga Jesuit College and Gonzaga Jesuit Academy with 100% scholarship programs for Okija children.
Others are Healthcare: Improving access to medical services through the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital (OWCH); and Tourism Development: Developing Acropolis Gardens and Residence—a world-class resort with a 10,000 seater international convention center designed to position Okija as a hub for business and leisure.
Azudialu-Obiejesi encouraged community members to take ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation: “These bins are vital resources for keeping our environment clean. By safeguarding them, we are ensuring a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.”
“The Foundation remains committed to creating lasting changes through innovative initiatives that empower communities while preserving their environment.
Sharing his vision for a cleaner and more sustainable community,, Obiejesi said, as we continue our environmental initiative, we are not just cleaning our streets; we are building a legacy for generations to come. This initiative demonstrates that collective action can lead to meaningful change.”
“The “Keep Okija Clean” initiative reflects the Obijackson Foundation’s unwavering dedication to improving lives while preserving natural resources for future generations.
The philanthropist urged the community members to take collective ownership of the waste bins provided by the Foundation to keep Okija clean and green.
In his remark on behalf of the Anambra Government, the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, said the donation of the waste tools was timely as it will help with the ongoing policy of sorting waste in the state.
The event also witnessed the presence of the Managing Director of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), Mr. Mike Ozoemena, the Traditional ruler of the town, HRH Igwe Emeka Okezie among other top dignitaries within the state.
It was gathered that the Foundation was established in 2010 to tackle the challenges of poor literacy, empowerement, nutrition and healthcare in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in the rural areas of Anambra state
Makinde Congratulates Chief Bisi Akande
Hon. Abiola Makinde, representing the Ondo East/Ondo West federal constituency in the National Assembly, has congratulated Chief Bisi Akande, the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), on the Lifetime Achievement Award conferred on him by the prestigious Independent Newspaper. In a release personally signed by him, he described Chief Akande as a leader of leaders who has not only moved forward the progressive family in the southwest but in the entire country, Nigeria. He described the award as well deserved because of his uncommon display of integrity, dedication, and forthrightness.
Hon. Makinde who was the Director General of the Campaign for the successful election of Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, asked Chief Bisi Akande, not to relent on his efforts to continue to elevate the progressive family and to make Nigeria better.
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