Politics

National Assembly ready to work for Nigerians – Lawan

Published

5 years ago

August 16, 2019

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has said that, with the recent constitution of the relevant parliamentary committees, the ninth National Assembly is now more prepared and ready to work for Nigerians.

Lawan spoke to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly on his return from the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the early hours of Thursday.

He was received on arrival by Senators Barau Jibrin, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mohammed Karage.

“The ninth National Assembly has been properly constituted, especially with our committees in place,” said Lawan, cladded in black caftan with a purple cap to match.

“We are ready, we are willing, we are capable, we are enhanced to work as an institution, to ensure that we provide those ingredients and inputs that the executive would want for it to implement laudable projects to develop the country,” Lawan said.

Lawan departed Abuja on Monday, 5th August, 2019 to participate in the Hajj, the first since his emergence as the President of the Senate. In his company were Senators Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u (Deputy Minority Whip), Teslim Folarin, Bello Mandiya, Ajibola Bashiru, Sani Musa.

Lawan was full of gratitude to God for the opportunity to be part of the over 60,000 Nigerians that participated in this year’s Hajj.

“We prayed for our country to achieve optimal security, to have stability, peace and progress.

“We prayed for the National Assembly too. It is our prayer that the ninth National Assembly will be one to work for Nigerians and for the benefit of those who voted for us.

“Nigerians in Saudi Arabia came together with other Muslims worldwide to pray for global peace. I’m sure that with the message that we heard as part of this year’s pilgrimage and Eid generally, is a message of sacrifice, brotherhood and unity.

“Nigerians should thank God that we are still together, as such we should work to ensure that the unity of this country is not compromised,” Lawan said.

The Senate President urged Nigerians to continue to pray for their leaders pointing out that “leaders are meant to serve the people, and no leader would like to deliberately fail to perform.

“Also, in times of challenges like we are going through presently, Nigerians should continue to be behind their leaders with prayers and support, backed by understanding, and by the Grace of God, Nigeria will reach those great heights that for long we have prayed for.”

Lawan reiterated his appeal to the executive arm of government on the need to be on the same page with the National Assembly to reverse “the undesirable trend of the current budget cycle in Nigeria.”

“We need to work for a budget that will be passed by the National Assembly by December. That requires that we work assiduously with the executive arm of government, to have the budget laid before the National Assembly by the end of September, and for the National Assembly to lock up the whole of October this year for budget defence, so that it can be processed and passed before we go on Christmas break. It is doable, it is achievable and attainable.

“I’m sure if we are able to achieve that, Nigeria’s economy will witness a boost. Businesses in Nigeria will have something predictable to work with. I believe that together with the executive arm of government, we should be able to do this, as this is fundamental to us in the National Assembly, and I’m sure the executive arm is also looking forward to that,” Lawan said.

Ola Awoniyi

Special Adviser on Media

to President of the Senate

Politics

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

Published

9 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ewekoro Local Government: Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay Advocates Unity for Progress

……Preaches All-inclusive Government

Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

Ewekoro, 19th of November – The atmosphere was electric as Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay was inaugurated as the new chairman of Ewekoro Local Government in a ceremony marked by hope and celebration. In front of a gathered throng of enthusiastic supporters, community leaders, and dignitaries, Eskay articulated a bold vision for the future, promising to work hand-in-hand with the people to foster development and unity.

In his inaugural speech, Chairman Eskay expressed profound gratitude for the trust bestowed upon him by the citizens of Ewekoro. “This is not just my victory; it is a collective triumph for all of us,” he stated passionately. “Today, we embark on a journey to build a brighter future together, where every voice is heard, and every citizen plays a role in shaping our community.”

Hon. Eskay emphasized his commitment to inclusive governance, pledging to involve citizens in decision-making processes that impact their lives. “I believe that true leadership lies in collaboration,” he remarked. “My administration will prioritize transparency, accountability, and open dialogue with the people of Ewekoro.”

Central to his vision are initiatives aimed at enhancing education, healthcare, and infrastructure within the local government. Eskay underscored the importance of investing in the youth, assuring parents that his administration would work diligently to provide quality educational opportunities. “Our children are the future of Ewekoro, and I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive,” he affirmed.

In a direct appeal to political opponents, Hon. Eskay urged them to join his administration in pursuit of progress. “To those in the opposition, I extend an invitation to come aboard the winning team. Let us set aside our differences and work together for the greater good of Ewekoro,” he declared, emphasizing that unity is essential in addressing the challenges faced by the community.

The proposed initiatives received enthusiastic support from attendees, many of whom expressed optimism about the new administration’s potential. “Hon. Eskay has always been a man of the people, and we believe that he will lead us towards a prosperous future,” said a local business leader. “His commitment to inclusivity and community engagement gives us hope.”

As the ceremony drew to a close, Hon. Eskay articulated a vision of Ewekoro as a model for local governance, where progress is made through collaboration and shared responsibility. “Together, we can transform Ewekoro into a thriving community that meets the needs of all its citizens,” he concluded.

With a clear mandate and a vision for inclusive governance, Hon. Sikiru Adesina Eskay embarks on his tenure with the support and hope of the people of Ewekoro, ready to lead them into a new era of development and unity. As the community looks forward to the changes ahead, they remain united in their commitment to building a brighter future together.

Politics

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

Published

3 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.”