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Members-elect, coalition accuse Gbajabiamila of imposing Abbas, Kalu as Reps speaker, deputy

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Members-elect, coalition accuse Gbajabiamila of imposing Abbas, Kalu as Reps speaker, deputy

Members-elect, coalition accuse Gbajabiamila of imposing Abbas, Kalu as Reps speaker, deputy

 

 

 

 

A non-governmental organization, Democrats Alliance for Good Governance (DAGG) on Saturday condemned in strong terms the report making the rounds concerning the “secret adoption” of one of the aspirants for the position of the speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas from Kaduna State and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Abia State as the deputy speaker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the same vein, a group of members-elect who frowned at the purported “secret adoption” which reportedly took place on Friday night, described the exercise as “an affront on the parliamentarians and the National Assembly as an institution.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The coalition’s national coordinator Dr. Williams Martins stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

 

Members-elect, coalition accuse Gbajabiamila of imposing Abbas, Kalu as Reps speaker, deputy

 

 

 

He said: “We are most jolted and sincerely betrayed especially when we got the hint that the preferred aspirant was taken by hand to be introduced to the president-elect.

“This development for us is not only demeaning, but degrading and absurd for the calibre of Nigerians who were elected by over 50 million electorates during the 25th February and supplementary elections.”

According to the group, “Men of goodwill and conscience as well as elected public office holders cannot afford to fold their hands to allow someone who is being reported to be adopted as chief of staff to the incoming president-elect, although a member-elect in the 10th assembly, to recklessly feel he can succeed in imposing any candidate on the people’s parliament.

“To allow such means, they (pembers-elect) are unfit for the task of representation and will definitely fail in holding the executive arm of government to account when the need arises within the span of four years of the 10th assembly.

The coalition’s national coordinator therefore warned against any action that may frustrate a united 10th assembly and the tenets of democracy.

“To put it succinctly, all the actors in the Nigerian project should be seen as honourable men and women who honour gentlemen’s discussion and reciprocate same at all times.

“Rather than doing this, we wish to state unequivocally that none of the us as parliamentarians will subscribe to anything short of what the constitution stipulates on independence of the legislature.

“You’ll recall that some of the aspirants met with the outgoing speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to express their grouse about the unhealthy and unparliamentary actions and inactions of adopting his stooge.

“As if they were taken for a ride, the convener of the meeting, denied the allegation of adopting our colleague, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas from Kaduna State and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Abia State as the deputy speaker,” he noted.

While calling for a rethink, the group’s coordinator urged the president-elect and the outgoing speaker to desist from any act that could bring their names to disrepute.

“We actually thought that with the way the speaker spoke to his colleagues during the closed door meeting was in genuine faith, but as you can all see it was a deceptive meeting,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, one of the aggrieved lawmakers who spoke under condition of anonymity dismissed insinuations over the alleged ill-feelings against Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and the spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia).

He said: “While we do not have anything against the person and aspiration of the gentleman, we wish to stress that the will of the people and by extension of constituents will determine the choice of who to lead the 10th assembly.

“For us, what played out some few weeks back has further exposed the hidden agenda of the promoters of division among his contemporaries. Rather than reciprocating the kind gestures extended to him by most of the high ranking members who out of persuasion and honour, stepped down their speakership ambitions in the wake to the inauguration of the 9th assembly.

“But it is glaring that nothing can be done to change the nature of the chameleon.

“History will not forgive us if we fail to put in perspective the fallback of the similar antics that produced the anchor of this failed project of imposition and the ill-feelings created by some of the offers dangled before some of the reception adopted to ensure the emergence of the Tajudeen Abbas project. This time, “No Green Card will work”! I repeat, “No amount of Green Card will work in the 10th assembly!!!”

“On this note, we wish to state categorically that we will not cave in to ongoing plan to impose any candidate on the house by whosoever until a level playing field is created for all the aspirants who have their own right to choose their leaders.

“It is worthy to also put on record that, discussions are ongoing among the aspirants to turn the parliament into an appendage of the executive arm of government.

“Our position remains that as democrats, we shall not under any guise subscribe to any form of ‘master and servant relationship’ in the 10th assembly.

“Therefore we call on all men of goodwill and lovers of democracy to speak against ongoing moves to deepen “godfatherism” in the country.”

“We must stand up to resist Femi Gbajabiamila’s imposition on members. We will not buy in,” the lawmaker said

Politics

APC Dismisses Obi’s ‘Doomsday’ Narrative, Points to Tangible Successes in Governance

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APC Dismisses Obi’s ‘Doomsday’ Narrative, Points to Tangible Successes in Governance

Obi Calls on President Tinubu to Use Local Healthcare Facilities and Experience Nigeria’s Infrastructure Firsthand

 

ABUJA — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has urged President Bola Tinubu to set an example by utilizing Nigeria’s healthcare facilities instead of seeking medical treatment abroad. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said this would not only encourage Nigerians to trust their local health institutions but also help address the country’s chronic issue of medical tourism.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Obi suggested that the President conduct his next medical examination at one of Nigeria’s national hospitals, such as the National Hospital in Abuja, or at one of the country’s regional Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in cities like Sokoto, Birnin Kebbi, Calabar, Umuahia, or Akure.

“It is time for you to visit our national hospitals,” Obi said. “Consider conducting your next medical examination at one of these hospitals. This will allow you to assess the state of healthcare facilities available to Nigerians and help you understand their condition, enabling you to make informed decisions on how to improve and modernize them.”

In his first 18 months in office, President Tinubu, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, has embarked on 42 trips across 27 countries, spending more than 180 days abroad. Tinubu alone has made 29 trips to 16 countries, with a significant number of these trips, particularly to France, raising speculation about their possible medical purpose.

Obi emphasized that such international trips should be weighed against the importance of engaging directly with the country’s critical challenges. He also proposed that the President experience the state of Nigeria’s roads firsthand by taking short trips across the country. Obi suggested journeys such as the under-100-kilometer route between Calabar in Cross River State and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, or from Benin in Edo State to Warri in Delta State.

Drawing from his tenure as governor, Obi recalled taking former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a road trip from Awka to Onitsha, which led to the federal government approving the reconstruction of roads in the region. He argued that such experiences could help President Tinubu identify key issues and take meaningful actions.

Obi also called for impromptu and planned visits to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to ensure that the resources allocated to education are used effectively. These visits, he said, would provide critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s universities and the impact of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).

On political matters, Obi dismissed rumors of a potential merger with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). He clarified that there was no formal agreement with any party but urged Nigerians to unite in 2027 to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In response, the APC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, accused Obi of hypocrisy, claiming that his New Year’s message was misleading and designed to score political points. Morka emphasized that the current administration under President Tinubu has made substantial progress in addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

“Eighteen months into President Tinubu’s administration, the economy has shown steady progress,” Morka said. “The administration is committed to ensuring that the ongoing reforms achieve their full potential and transform the country for the better.”

He further criticized Obi, pointing out that his tenure as governor of Anambra State had yielded little transformation or significant achievements. Morka argued that Obi’s constant pessimism is an attempt to undermine the current government, which he believes is steadily improving Nigeria’s fortunes.

“The vision and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are already making a tangible impact,” Morka said. “We urge Nigerians to stay confident that better days are ahead.”

 

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Politics

2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-olu

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2025: There’s Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

 

 

By Ifeoma Ikem

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has spread a message of hope and optimism for Nigeria and Lagos as the world celebrates Christmas.

 

 

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured citizens that 2025 holds promise for a better future.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

The governor expressed gratitude to God for the country’s resilience despite its challenges. He commended residents for their faith in his administration, pledging to continue working towards a safe, secure, and prosperous Lagos.

 

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of living in peace and harmony, urging families and friends to support one another.

 

2025: There's Hope On The Horizon For Nigeria, Lagos - Sanwo-olu

 

“As a government, we’ll continue to provide enabling environment for growth and advancement, especially infrastructure development.

 

“Nigeria will be better eventually just like our President assured us in his media chat, and everyone will smile,” he added.

 

 

Meanwhile, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Senasu Okupevi appealed to the federal and state governments to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

 

He called for policy relaxation to bring peace and prosperity to the land.

 

According to Dr. Okupevi, the citizenry must jettison tribal sentiments and embrace unity, stressing that by so doing, “we will realize the country of our dreams.”

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Prince Adesegun Rallies Support For Senator Adeola’s Gubernatorial Bid

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Prince Adesegun Rallies Support For Senator Adeola’s Gubernatorial Bid …Donates 100 bags of rice , five million to ijebu North APC Leaders

Prince Adesegun Rallies Support For Senator Adeola’s Gubernatorial Bid

…Donates 100 bags of rice , five million to ijebu North APC Leaders

 

In a remarkable demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of party members and the development of Ijebu North Local Government, Prince Fatai Adesegun convened a strategic meeting with leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government area.

Prince Adesegun Rallies Support For Senator Adeola’s Gubernatorial Bid
…Donates 100 bags of rice , five million to ijebu North APC Leaders

The meeting provided an opportunity for Prince Fatai to commend the APC leadership for their steadfastness and dedication to the party’s progress. He emphasized the importance of unity, grassroots mobilization, and proactive engagement to ensure the APC’s continued success in future elections.

 

As part of his goodwill gesture, the Ago Iwoye Prince donated 100 bags of rice and a sum of N5 million to support party members across Ijebu North. He further contributed N1 million toward the renovation of the APC Secretariat in the local government, underscoring his commitment to strengthening the party’s administrative structure.

 

In his remarks, Fatai Adesegun expressed his appreciation for the exemplary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI. He commended Senator Adeola for his dedication to the welfare of the people and his visionary leadership.

 

Adesegun also used the occasion to rally support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola’s 2027 gubernatorial bid, describing it as the best path forward for Ogun State. He highlighted Senator Adeola’s wealth of experience and his relentless quest for massive development across the state.

“Senator Adeola has proven himself as a visionary leader with the experience and passion required to transform Ogun State. His gubernatorial ambition is a golden opportunity for us to secure a brighter future for our state,” Adesegun said.

The meeting witnessed the presence of notable APC leaders and stakeholders, including Hon. Mosun Oladipupo, the Ijebu North Local Government Chairman, who led the Local Government Secretary, other executives of the party, and all 11 Ward Chairmen. Chief Dele Mogaji, a two-time Vice Chairman of the Local Government, and Mrs. Bukky Onadeko, a frontline women leader in the Local Government, were also in attendance.

Party members expressed their gratitude to Adesegun for his generosity, foresight, and leadership, pledging their unwavering loyalty and commitment to the party’s vision and goals.

Adesegun’s actions and advocacy for a united front resonate as a call for collective responsibility, setting the stage for a prosperous future for Ijebu North and Ogun State under the APC banner.

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