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*Photo Story: Israel Ovirih, Alhaji Adam Nuru Pay Courtesy Visit To Hon. Minister for Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola*

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*Photo Story: Israel Ovirih, Alhaji Adam Nuru Pay Courtesy Visit To Hon. Minister for Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola*

 

 

Courtesy Visit to Hon Minister for Blue Economy HE Adegboyega Oyetola by the Coalition of Shipowners in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Technical Advisors for the take-off of Maritime Bank for Africa; Alhaji Adam Nuru and Dr. Israel Ovirih

Courtesy Visit to Hon Minister for Blue Economy HE Adegboyega Oyetola by the Coalition of Shipowners in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Technical Advisors for the take-off of Maritime Bank for Africa; Alhaji Adam Nuru and Dr. Israel Ovirih

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Osun LG Crisis Deepens as Workers Reject 72-Hour Ultimatum Amid Political Showdown

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Osun LG Crisis Deepens as Workers Reject 72-Hour Ultimatum Amid Political Showdown

Osun LG Crisis Deepens as Workers Reject 72-Hour Ultimatum Amid Political Showdown

The escalating local government crisis in Osun State has taken a dramatic turn as local government workers have outrightly rejected the 72-hour ultimatum issued to them to resume work amid the ongoing power struggle between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a bold move, APC-backed local government chairmen, who were elected in 2022, returned to the council secretariats on Monday with heavy security escorts. Their PDP counterparts, recently elected in the controversial Saturday polls, heeded Governor Ademola Adeleke’s directive and stayed away, intensifying the uncertainty gripping the state.

The crisis stems from conflicting legal rulings and political maneuvering. The APC claims legitimacy based on a Court of Appeal ruling that reportedly overturned a previous high court judgment which removed the 2022 LG chairmen. In contrast, the PDP-led state government proceeded with fresh LG elections last weekend, with the APC refusing to participate, leading to a PDP landslide victory.

Tensions have reached boiling point, with at least six reported deaths as a result of the political tussle. Amidst the chaos, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) ordered workers to stay away from the LG secretariats, fearing for their safety in the violent political face-off.

Despite the precarious situation, the returning APC chairmen have given the workers a 72-hour ultimatum to return, claiming the security situation has been stabilized. However, the NLC has firmly rejected the directive, maintaining that workers would not return under the current volatile conditions.

A correspondent who visited key LG secretariats in Ifelodun (Ikirun), Olorunda (Igbona), and Osogbo (Oke Baale) reported that APC-backed officials had taken over the premises. However, the Osogbo LG secretariat was later shut, and armed security forces—including police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives—were seen mounting roadblocks at key locations, including Osogbo/Kwara Boundary Road, Osogbo/Ilesa Road, and Gbongan/Osogbo Road. Despite the heavy security presence, business activities in the state capital continued undisturbed.

APC chieftain Jamiu Olawumi, a former Special Adviser on Education under ex-Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, confirmed that APC LG chairmen and councilors had resumed across all 30 LGAs. He warned that workers must return to duty by Wednesday or face consequences.

“All chairmen and councillors have resumed in all local governments and area councils in Osun State, including Irewole LG. The security is very tight; we have responsible police officers, DSS, and Civil Defence ensuring order. Most of the chairmen have issued press releases this morning directing their workers to resume by Wednesday. Failure to do so will result in consequences,” Olawumi declared.

However, the Osun NLC Chairman, Christopher Arapasopo, swiftly rejected the ultimatum, asserting that workers would not be intimidated or forced into an unsafe work environment.

“We directed our members to withdraw their services last week due to the political turmoil and insecurity at local government offices across the state. We cannot allow our members to work in an atmosphere of fear. If not for our swift action, the chaos at the LG secretariats could have been far worse,” Arapasopo stated.

He further condemned the APC chairmen’s threats, insisting that the workers’ safety was paramount. “The sacked chairmen lack the power to intimidate, threaten, or instruct our members to resume work. We will not be bullied into submission. We insist on the rule of law and call on all political players to respect legal processes to prevent anarchy.”

Arapasopo also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently in the crisis before it spirals further out of control. “We appeal to President Tinubu to step in as a father figure and bring an end to this chaos. Security agencies must also ensure the safety of lives and property across all local governments.”

As the political showdown between the APC and PDP escalates, the fate of local government administration in Osun State hangs in the balance, with workers caught in the crossfire of a high-stakes power struggle.

 

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Lagos State House of Assembly Speakership Crisis Nears Resolution Amid APC Intervention

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Lagos State House of Assembly Speakership Crisis Nears Resolution Amid APC Intervention

Lagos State House of Assembly Speakership Crisis Nears Resolution Amid APC Intervention

The lingering speakership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly appears to be heading toward resolution as heavyweights within the All Progressives Congress (APC) intensify efforts to broker a truce. The intervention of key political figures, including former governors of Osun, Ogun, and Lagos states—Chief Bisi Akande, Segun Osoba, and Akinwunmi Ambode—has paved the way for a possible headway in the political deadlock.

The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and installed Mojisola Meranda as his replacement. The impeachment, reportedly driven by allegations of poor leadership, habitual lateness, high-handedness, abuse of office, and financial misappropriation, sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Obasa, who was in Atlanta, United States, at the time of his removal, has since rejected the impeachment, insisting he remains the rightful Speaker.

Following the escalating tension, President Bola Tinubu directed a high-powered APC delegation to intervene. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC) had earlier failed to resolve the crisis, prompting a crucial meeting on Sunday, January 25, 2025, at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina. Present at the meeting were former Governor Osoba, Ambode, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and all GAC members, alongside lawmakers involved in the crisis.

A source within the GAC disclosed that the party leadership is considering a new Speaker from among seven ranking lawmakers from Lagos West. The decision to select from Lagos West stems from political and ethical considerations, ensuring balance in the state’s leadership structure.

GAC member Chief Muraina Taiwo revealed that both Obasa and Meranda might step aside to pave the way for a fresh candidate. “The issue will die down soon. By the middle of next week, things will become clearer. APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, are mediating and will return to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu). They are suggesting that Speaker Obasa should step down, and Meranda as well, to allow for another person to emerge,” Taiwo explained.

Among the seven lawmakers being considered, sources indicate that David Setonji from Badagry Constituency II is a top contender. A veteran legislator with vast experience, Setonji has been in the House since 2015 and currently serves as Chief Whip. His seniority and legislative track record position him favorably among the candidates.

The political class now awaits a final decision from President Tinubu, who is expected to endorse one of the seven lawmakers for the speakership position. As the APC strives to restore stability to the Lagos Assembly, all eyes remain fixed on Abuja for the decisive verdict.

 

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NNPP set to inaugurate Lagos chapter executives on Friday By Ifeoma Ikem

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NNPP set to inaugurate Lagos chapter executives on Friday By Ifeoma Ikem

NNPP set to inaugurate Lagos chapter executives on Friday

By Ifeoma Ikem

The New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP) Lagos State Chapter will hold its General Meeting as well as inaugurate its State Executive Council on Friday.

NNPP set to inaugurate Lagos chapter executives on Friday
By Ifeoma Ikem

In a statement issued by the chairperson of the Lagos State Chapter, Princess Anike Adebowale said meeting venue will hold at the NAGAFF Village, No 2 Maybin Street, GRA, Apapa -Lagos time is 2 pm.

According to the statement, the Founder of NNPP/NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam will deliver his speech at the occasion.

 

 

 

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