- Clarifies His Position On Oil Pipeline Surveillance
- Commissions Newly Reconstructed OSOPADEC Office Complex
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Wednesday asked the Federal Government to allow Amotekun and other State Security Outfits bear sophisticated arms to protect the people.
The Governor also clarified his position on the Oil Pipeline Surveillance contract awarded to private individuals and organisations.
Governor Akeredolu said his position was to allow Amotekun bear heavy arms like the non-state actors who were engaged to protect the oil pipelines.
Governor Akeredolu spoke at the commissioning of the newly reconstructed office complex at the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC) in Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area.
The Commission under the leadership of the Chairman, Sam Erejuwa, presented two patrol vehicles and three motorcycles to Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government chairmen to strengthen security architecture in the OSOPADEC mandate areas.
Decrying the precarious security situation in the country, Governor Akeredolu vowed that he will continue to take the bull by the horn to protect the people of the state.
He said: “Most of the people and even some of my colleagues didn’t really understand my position on the oil pipeline surveillance contract. I have no issue with the Federal Government awarding surveillance contract to anybody. It is Federal Government’s money. They can use it anyhow they want.
“Here, we are spending our money on Amotekun. And what I said in my statement titled “Who Actually Needs Weapon” was that the Federal Government should allow Amotekun carry sophisticated weapon like those whom they awarded pipelines surveillance contract.
“If you can allow individuals to carry heavy arms to protect pipelines, why won’t you allow Amotekun to carry sophisticated weapon to protect the people. The oil facilities are not important than the lives of the people,” He said.
Governor Akeredolu, who disclosed that some arrests have been made in connection to the abduction of some burial guests in Ifon over the weekend, said the victims who have been released are scared to come and identify their abductors.
The Governor appreciated all security agencies in the state including Amotekun for the great work they did in securing the victims’ release.
Commissioning the office complex, Governor Akeredolu reeled out the projects already awarded and ongoing by OSOPADEC under his administration.
They include the 28.5 Km Aboto-Atijere Road awarded for N8.804billion naira; Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay from Akintubuwa Junction to Alape awarded for N5.49 billion; 1 Km Igbotu Road Construction awarded for N221.1m; Mini Water Supply Scheme and Water Treatment Plant awarded at N82,78m; Ugbonla-Erunna awarded for 4.7 billion naira and Araromi-Lekki Road awarded in two lots at N33 billion naira.
Earlier, OSOPADEC chairman, Sam Erejuwa, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for making funds available for the renovation of the office complex and the purchase of patrol vehicles as well as motorcycles.
Erejuwa added that within seven months, over 30 housing units have been completed while another 30 are also ongoing, promising to continue to support the Governor as he is determined to develop and transform the OSOPADEC mandate areas.
In their separate goodwill messages, a Board member of OSOPADEC, Prince Adegboye Raphael, and the immediate past Chairman of OSOPADEC, Gbenga Edema, lauded Governor Akeredolu for his uncommon commitment to security and infrastructure development of the state, especially OSOPADEC mandate areas.
Edema also thanked Erejuwa for embracing the spirit of continuity in the Commission.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 7, 2022.
PRESS STATEMENT
NFF First Vice President: Dele Ajayi Is Our Man, He’s Experienced, Passionate About Football Development-Akeredolu
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has described Otunba Dele Ajayi as the right candidate for the position of the first Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Governor Akeredolu said Otunba Dele Ajayi, who is from the sunshine state, is competent, experienced and very passionate about football development in the country.
“Dele Ajayi has the pre-requisite experience to emerge as the first Vice President of the NFF. As the current Chairman of Ondo State Football Association, he has inspired youths and players in football development.
“As a former Executive Member of NFF, he understands the workings of the football federation. He had served as a Chairman, NFF Committee on Finance and Audit. He’s rich in experience and very passionate about football.
“Under his coordination, we have witnessed grassroots football development through Statewide league. We are confident of his commitment to the development of football in the country and success of our national team.” Governor Akeredolu said.
The Governor enjoined all stakeholders to join hands and support Ajayi for the position of the NFF first Vice President, adding that he is the best candidate for the job.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
September 10, 2022.
SANWO-OLU ASSIGNS PORTFOLIOS, REDEPLOYS PERMANENT SECRETARIES
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the deployment of the nine newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the re-deployment of five others.
A statement signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr.
Hakeem Muri-Okunola listed the deployment as follows: Oyegbola, Olasunkanmi Mopileola, Public Service Office; Dawodu, Kikelomo Arinola, Office of Central Internal Audit; Toriola, Abdulhafiz Gbolahan, Ministry of Transportation; Abidakun, Olubusola Ajibola, Teaching Service Commission and Aina, Ololade Olasupo, Ministry of Home Affairs.
Others are Kasunmu, Ibilola Olufolake, Ministry of Science & Technology; Sogunle, Michael Olumide, Ministry of Information & Strategy; Sotire, Oluwole Olumide, Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development; and Obajomo, Ibrahim Amodu, Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget.
The HoS added that Mr. Governor also approved the re-deployment of serving Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Aina, Olugbemiga Ayoola, Ministry of Youth & Social Development to Parastatals Monitoring Office; Mr. Olowoshago, Kamar Owodiran was transferred from the Ministry of Transportation to Housing; Ms. Fashola, Simone Olayinka, Ministry of Science & Technology to Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment; Mrs. Oke-Osanyintolu Zeinab Oluwatoyin, Parastatals Monitoring Office to Ministry of Youth & Social Development and Mrs. Ososanya, Adetutu Oluremi, Office of Central Internal Audit to Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Co-operatives.
While noting that the deployment/redeployment is with immediate effect, Muri-Okunola implored the affected officers are to ensure proper handing-over.
2023: God Forbid BAT-hings (Part 3)
By Erasmus Ikhide
ANOTHER Problem Coming called (APC) and those who are still denuding
themselves that Bola Amhed Tinubu (BAT) built mega Lagos recently had their
arguments punctured and perforated, their lies exposed with the report that
Lagos is the second worst city for human’s habitation, a few weeks ago. The
report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has placed Nigeria’s
commercial capital, Lagos, as the second-worst city to live in. The EIU
2022 ranking of the world’s most liveable cities placed Lagos as the 171st
of the 172 countries it ranked.
The report that Lagos State is one of the very worst city for human
habitation sound a death knell for the beneficiaries of the fast fading
godfatherism and fascist government of Bola Tinubu that has brought Nigeria
to her knees. This is no good news for those waiting to benefit from the
outlandish propaganda, at the expense of the masses. The Nigerian youths,
the general public and the global community are too informed for this
bunkum and crap being spewing out by the APC/Tinubu’s political jobbers.
Nigerians are well aware that it’s a deliberate attempt to launder the
image of a notorious criminal and anti-democratic con-man.
Now, the catch phrase “Go to lagos”. This is the only oxygen left for
Tinubu and his ignorant supporters. Many, including youths and the so
called political elites who don’t even know that the reference, “go to
Lagos” is a scam and cheap propaganda by Tinubu and his ignorant followers
who know nothing about Tinubu and Lagos state. Until political enthusiasts
in Nigeria interterogate or probe this phrase, “go to Lagos” which has
become a common phrase that tend to suggest, that Tinubu built Lagos or
that Tinubu is a great achiever and performer seeks to obliterate his
ground corruption, maladministration in Lagos and his anti-democratic
tendencies.
The younger generation have a duty in 2023 to make open shame of such
politicians who have held Lagos, and by extension Nigeria, down for so
long. Its high time we understood that “Go to lagos”, being bandied around
especially when supporters of the various Presidential candidates are
trying to reference past performance records of their preferred candidates
is a fraudulent propaganda. Curiously, many of those who find such phrase
or blanket reference very convenient maybe to score a non existent
political point had neither been to Lagos themselves nor read a single
literature about the history and development of Lagos.
For better understanding of “go to Lagos”, it’s actually the nemesis of
Tinubu that he and his blind followers are yet to know. Otherwise, they
won’t reference Lagos, not even his direct eight years let alone, and the
so called people they alleged he empowered as achievements. We are
gradually getting to where those who say “go to lagos”, must have to answer
trailer-load of questions about the actual performance and disservice of
Tinubu in Lagos, when and how Lagos became the sole baby-project and
achievement of Tinubu to now earn him office of the President of Nigeria.
Now, let’s “go to Lagos”, properly because history never dies. Its a fact
that right from the colonial era, Lagos has always been a territory
(colony) of special status on its own. And in the post colonial era, Lagos
was the Federal Capital and seat of power in the Federal Republic of
Nigeria. That alone, accounted for over 60% of the present infrastructural
assets of Lagos which were built by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Such
infrastructures include the most critical third mainland bridge linking the
mainland and the Island, the Seaport, International/local Airports, Festac
town, National stadium, National Museum and many other national monuments
and assets that keep giving value to Lagos.
It should rather be surprising that Lagos has no Airport of its own like
Delta, Anambra and many other states of the federation that have built
airports for themselves. As at today, Edo state has more and quality
educational institutions than Lagos. Lagos has no rail system, no good
drainages etc, despite the humongous resources available to it, especially
from 1999 to date. Those who leave in Lagos know it. This is actually the
right time for Nigerians to hold Tinubu to account for what he has done
with Lagos resources from 1999 till date. This is because he has
effectively been in charge of lagos in the last 23 years, which is while
nobody remembers Fashola and Ambode as former governors, let alone
ascribing to them any achievement in Lagos.
Lagos State had eleven governors (though mostly military) before Tinubu,
the 12th Governor of Lagos. It also had three governors after Tinubu.
Therefore, are those ascribing or arrogating the growth of Lagos to
Tinubu’s alleged performance not saying, that the fourteen governors before
and after him did nothing. Are Nigerians not aware that about 40% of the
low cost housing Estates in Lagos till date were built by the father of
modern Lagos, Governor Lateef Jakande who also designed the Lagos Plan of
Action for Economic Development of Africa,1980-2000, otherwise known as the
modern master plan for Lagos, which subsequent Lagos State governments
including Tinubu continue to leverage on to evolve the Lagos of today and
even tomorrow.
Did Governor Buba Marwa who handed over to Tinubu in 1999 not also
contributed greatly to the modern ambiance of Lagos. Why did the “go to
Lagos” proponents not considering the fact that in 1999 when Tinubu took
over from Marwa, Lagos IGR was already N14.6Billion cumulatively? That as
at 2007 when Tinubu’s tenure ought to have ended, Lagos IGR only rose to
N83.06Billion, cumulatively. And that Fashola took it from there to a
whooping N276.6Billion by 2015 and as at 2020, Lagos IGR officially stood
at N418.99 Billion, cumulatively. Why did the Tinubu’s minders not deeming
it necessary at least, to tell Nigerians what and where Tinubu put all
these monies in Lagos, having been in charge of the State since 1999 till
date?
That unlike other former governors before and after him, Tinubu did his
part within his terms and that the obvious difference between him and other
former leaders of Lagos or other states is that, Tinubu fradulently refused
to move on after his supposed tenure like other governors, ie; Jakande,
Fashola, Ambode, Peter Obi and others because, he couldn’t survive without
state/public resources. Hence he corruptly held on to the throat of Lagos
since 1999 like Mammur Gaddafi of Libya. He made himself the life
governor-general of Lagos by replacing democracy with a mixture of facism,
autocracy and godfatherism, rigging election after election to multiply and
protect his proceeds of corruption.
Why are Tinubu’s hatchet writers failing to mention that since 1999, Tinubu
alone determines who holds what office from Governor to Counsellor in Lagos
to enable him appropriate more resources of the State? He ensured that
elections in Lagos became mere rituals just to fulfil all righteousness.
His best achievement was the institute of touts (Agberos) he created and
fully empowered to repress democracy, press and citizens freedom, civil
liberty and argitation against dictatorship or fascism. Why are the
Tinubu’s supporters not mentioning that the abnormalities above are the new
normal in Lagos? Or are the BATists and his Agbado People’s Congress (APC)
trying to make Nigerians, particularly, Lagosians lost memories of the
ideal and the damage Tinubu has done to Lagos over two decades?
These are what Tinubu’s ignorant and desperate supporters should reflect
- Nigeria is on the ballot in 2023 and all lovers of Nigeria and
democracy would stop at nothing to ensure that Nigeria wins in 2023. They
would ensure that all those selfish criminals and evil men, parading
themselves as democrats, politicians or leaders are defeated. When they are
campaigning for Tinubu and they say “go to Lagos” ask them to where, what,
when and how it relates to Tinubu in view of democracy, intergrity,
fairness, equity, social justice, good governance that Nigerians earnestly
yearn for? He was only to be governor for 8 years, ask them when is Tinubu
going to finish his tenure as governor of Lagos State? Ask them if the
other 14 governors acted on his behalf to warrant them arrogating and
appropriating a whole Lagos State as Tinubu’s achievements.
Ask them the source of his wealth and while Lagos is still at the level of
development it is despite the humongous revenue and other resources. Ask
them why Lagos is the highest indebted state after Nigeria and more
indebted than some west African countries today? Tinubu and his men
shouldn’t just be left with a free option of expounding their criminal
voyage beyond Lagos by allowing them paint him the wrong picture of a
performer and the father of Modern Lagos State. It is an abomination to
allow Nigeria full into Lagos situation because democracy would be replaced
with fascism, autocracy, godfatherism and totalitarianism.
Tinubu and those ignorantly following him, arrogantly and fraudulently
arrogating so called achievements in Lagos to him do not mean well for
Nigeria. Ask those who live in Lagos. “Go to Lagos” catchment is nothing
but the most fraudulent, deceptive and corrupt way to engage in image
laundering with stolen public funds and collective effort of others. That
Nigerians are still tolerating the likes of Tinubu and his promoters who
make blanket and veiled reference to Lagos as Tinubu’s project and report
of public service performance, leaves reasonable Nigerians in bewilderment.
No doubt that the more they launder Tinubu with Lagos, the more they would
expose his corrupt and fraudulent activities in Lagos. Especially now that
a sitting governor of the State has abandoned his duties before, during and
after the APC primary, only to be following one leader like a house-boy,
expending public resources on a private ambition of an individual at the
expense of the state. Save for Tinubu’s godfatherism/fascism, Lagos would
have been ten times better than what it is today. Because many countries
who are far better than Nigeria do not have the resources available to
Lagos State. So, where is the borrowed robe of Democrat, Progressive,
Performer etc that Tinubu is being addressed or glorified by his followers
who are mostly blinded by temporary stomach infrastructure? Do we all think
that professor Osibanjo, Aregbesola, Prof. Adeyeye etc are just being
ingrates, disloyal or don’t all know what they are doing by attempting to
stop Tinubu.
Great loyalty is not loyalty to individual but ideas, principles and
content of character that profit the generality of the people and society.
Ask yourself, how many two-term former governors or even past Presidents of
Nigeria can boldly be able to privately distribute money in bullion vans as
Tinubu has been doing over the years? Where did he get those monies if not
ours? Not even Dangote, the richest man in Africa could do that. That is
the impunity and tyranny many of us want to elevate to national scale. Its
only in Nigeria such would be promoted. He boasts of having not lost a
single election when in actual sense he has never allowed a free and fair
elections in Lagos State. The only two elections thuggery was denied in Edo
and recently his home state of Osun, he lost woefully, despite his bullion
vans.
Is it not curious, that Nigeria has witnessed change of government from one
political party to another, yet Lagos State still remain in the hands of
one single individual, who appoints everyone from Governor to Counsellor.
It’s seriously bewildering to know that many Nigerians are not only
ignorant and idiotic, even educated and civilised people keep pouring
accolades and encomiums on those who have enslaved them just to survive
momentary hunger. Its annoying and frustrating that with the relentless
effort of even elders like Pa. Adebanjo, EK Clark etc to reset Nigeria,
there are still young people who prefer the status quo. There aren’t
bothered about the present state of hopelessness in Nigeria. They are still
promoting Tinubu and APC. Lagos State is not a gift to Tinubu, neither
would anyone compensate him with Nigeria for whatever reason.
Where is our conscience? How do you promote or defend those who have
wrecked socio-economic havoc on Nigeria? One must look stupid and idiotic
trying to extricate any key player from the disaster APC has brought upon
Lagos and Nigeria at large.
Ask those campaigning, why are they not proud of APC seven years of Buhari
and Tinubu leadership as President and APC National leader, respectively?
Did he, Tinubu not contribute to the drafting of APC manifesto and its
execution by the Buhari’s regime. Did he not campaign for APC/Buhari using
the said manifesto while marketing both to Nigerians. Has Tinubu not been
in Nigeria in the last 7 years. Was there anytime we read in any of the
national dailies that Tinubu, the national leader of APC disagreed with the
Buhari led APC government for abandoning their party manifesto. Did he ever
attempt to resign eventhough he only occupies an informal position of
national leader due to the failure of APC government. If NO, how can anyone
extricate him from the APC disaster in Nigeria?
As it stands, no wise and well-meaning Nigerian would find APC and Tinubu
electable in 2023 Presidential Election. Their disastrous outing, pillaging
of the economic, decimation of the nation’s security architecture by
Buhari’s Fulani terrorists brothers is enough to reject APC/BAT, wholesale.
Nigerians are ardently saying affliction shouldn’t repeat itself for a
second time. That’s why they’re avoiding Another Problem Coming (APC)
because those who shouted hollow “chengi” between 2015/2019 on the mountain
top are viciously hauling themselves up again for a terminal pillage.
Erasmus Ikhide can be reached via: ikhideerasmus@gmail.com
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU: WE’LL DEEPEN LASG RELATIONSHIP WITH NIGERIAN AIR FORCE, OTHERS FOR SECURITY IN LAGOS
- We’ll continue to cooperate with other security services for security of lives, properties, AOC Logistics Command assures Governor
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday said the State Government will continue to deepen its relationship with the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies for peace and security in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement when the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Lagos of Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Shobande, paid him a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Ikeja.
He said: “We have watched very keenly our relationship and interactions with the Nigerian Air Force and we continue to see professionalism, competence and capability at the highest level.
“Indeed over the past couple of years, we have continued to see good relationship between the Lagos State Government and all security apparatus, especially the Nigeria Military Force – Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force and of course at the Security Council of the state, they bring on board very useful suggestions and discussions, which complements what other security arms are deploying, including the Lagos State Police Command and other related security agencies.
“For us, we are happy with the relationship we currently have. Like you all know, security is everybody’s business. So, we cannot but continue to remain very vigilant and continue to ensure that resources both men and material are available and support that we can continue to render as a government, we will continue to make them available to all.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured Air Vice Marshal Shobande the continuous support of Lagos State Government to the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos.
He said: “We wish you the very best in this additional career posting you have call to come and take over in Lagos. We are encouraged given your pedigree that you will do a good job here. We are looking forward to further deepening of understanding and relationship between ourself and yourself.
“We know that the Nigerian Air Force have men that are equipped with some of the best airmen we have around the world, best flying officers, who also understand and appreciate what it entails to keep the air territory of the country peaceful and safe.”
Sanwo-Olu also commended the Logistics Command of Nigerian Air Force in Lagos for providing complementary citizens facilities like medical services, schools and recreational facilities for public use in Lagos State.
He said the Logistics Command, Lagos is one of the best commands the Nigerian Air Force possesses around the country, adding that “it has been a command that has throne men, officers and men that you know have been of impeccable standard to the Nigerian Air Force.”
Speaking earlier, Air Vice Marshall Emmanuel Shobande appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Government support to the Nigerian Air Force.
He also commended the relationship between the State Government and the Nigerian Air Force and assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that they will work with other security agencies for security of lives and properties in Lagos State.
“In doing our job, we will continue to cooperate with other sister services – Nigerian Army and Nigerian Navy and other security services in the state for security of lives and properties in Lagos State,” he said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
11 SEPTEMBER 2022
WE DON’T FIGHT AND GO BACK- WIKE
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has mocked the ousted national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who was said to have danced when the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party passed vote of confidence on Senator Iyorchia Ayu, the embattled PDP national chairman.
Governor Wike said decision by NEC will not dissuade him and others from insisting that the prevailing structural imbalance within party must be addressed.
The governor spoke at the 11th Hour homecoming and reception organised for decampees from various political parties who have joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, which held at the Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
“I was listening and watching, they said there is one man they call Secondus. They said he was dancing, celebrating that NEC gave their person vote of confidence. He forgets history. Ask him the same NEC through Aliyu Babangida moved a motion of vote of confidence supported by the same person, Ndudi Elumelu. They gave you (Secondus) a vote of confidence, what happened? You left office.
“We don’t fight and go back. If you like you can have as many 20 votes of confidence, it’s not my business. My business is to make sure the right thing is done, and the right thing must be done. Whether today or tomorrow.”
He said despite the heightening political aligning and negotiations that are going on, his administration has not abandoned governance in the State.
The governor explained that it is the love that he has for the State that has made him to remain devoted to providing good governance until the last day of his tenure.
“I’m not going to play party with the interest of my people. Rivers State is paramount to me first before any other person or group.
“So, the eyes can see what we have done. Up till today, we have never abandoned governance. So many people are already rounding up, taking the last they have but yet, we are still committed in commissioning, and flagging off projects.
“Because of the love we have for our people, we will continue to serve you till May 29, when by the grace of God, Siminialaye Fubara will be inaugurated the governor of Rivers State.”
Governor Wike commended the decampees for their courage to rejoin their political family because it is true that there is no other political party that can win election in Rivers State except the PDP.
“PDP is a household name in Rivers State. Let me assure you that we will all work with you. Nothing like somebody who has been there since and somebody who has just come back. The more the merrier.
“So, all of us must put hands together to make sure our governorship candidate, the National Assembly candidates, the House of Assembly candidates, at least from Rivers State, we return them 100 percent. That’s our primary duty.”
The governor dismissed efforts by other political candidates as mere attempt to appear on the ballot because there is no hope of winning for them.
Governor Wike enthused that the chance of winning that PDP has is hinged on the fact that the party and his administration has served to protect the interest of the State courageously.
“If God gives you the ticket of PDP in this State, go home and sew your cloth for the inauguration day.
“Because, what will any Rivers man or woman be saying that he or she wants to vote for any other person in Rivers State. As a party, we have kept faith with our people. As a party we have stood for our people. As a party, we have never allowed intimidation from any quarter and that is what we are talking about the interest of Rivers State.
“Remember, before I came on board, one state had our property with them. As I came in as governor, with support and prayer of our people we took all our property back.”
Speaking further, governor Wike said a new strategy will be adopted for the coming political season in which political ‘bigmen’ will be replaced with people who are domicile among their people in various communities. According to him, those who are domicile with their people will be utilised to deliver their units and wards during the general elections.
Rivers State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Desmond Akawor said the party is presenting a certificate to acknowledge excellence performance of governor Wike because he has surpassed their expectations.
Ambassador Akawor stated that the decampees from the other political parties have witnessed the unequal transformational performance of governor Wike in office.
He listed the establishment of the Nabo Graham Douglas campus of Nigerian Law School in the State, the Real Madrid Academy and Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases Diagnostics and Treatment Centre among other reputable projects for the reasons why the decampees have returned to the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers South East Senatorial District, a former member of All Progressives Congress, APC Board of Trustees, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja said they had a regrettable unsuccessful political expedition while in their former parties, but have retraced their steps back to the PDP on self-volition.
Dr. Jaja described Governor Wike as a compassionate, loving and graceful leader who was created to do good for the people.
He pledged their 100 per cent loyalty and stated that they will join the PDP to uplift the oppressed, reengineer the new phase of transformation of the state and help the needy to grow.
On behalf of decampees from Rivers East Senatorial District, Princewill Dike said he was a sad man while he served as chief propagandist for the APC because the numerous developmental strides of governor Wike were too visible to be a lie.
Speaking on behalf of decampees from Rivers West Senatorial District, former Commissioner for Transportation in the Chibuike Amaechi’s administration, George Tolofari, said they are happy to be back home in the PDP.
Similarly, a former chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government, Dr. Theodore Georgewill apologised that they left PDP when they were most needed.
He said they have returned with the assurance that APC is dead, and are determined to deliver 90 percent of the votes because they believe in the leadership of governor Wike.
Strike: SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to declare refusal to meet ASUU’s demands illegal
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and five university students have filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the court to “declare unlawful the refusal by the Federal Government to meet ASUU’s demands, which has occasioned the prolonged strike action and violated the students’ right to quality education.”
Joined in the suit as Defendants are the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chris Ngige, and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The suit followed the apparent lack of commitment by the Federal Government to implement the agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), and to end the over seven-month-old industrial action by the union, and the threat by the government to implement its “no work, no pay” policy.
In the suit number NICN/ABJ/269/2022 filed last week at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, SERAP and the students are seeking: “an order directing President Buhari and Mr Ngige to immediately implement all the agreements with ASUU in order to end the strike action and violation of the students’ right to quality education.”
According to SERAP and the students: “Disruption of classes undermines both the quality and duration of students’ education. This situation has aggravated existing disparities in access to university education in the country, further marginalizing economically disadvantaged parents and students.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP and the students by their lawyer Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, read in part: “The Federal Government has failed to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the right to quality education, and the right to freedom of association through the principle of collective bargaining.”
“Although Nigeria has ratified several human rights treaties, which guarantee the right to quality education of Nigerian students, the Federal Government has over the years refused to meet the demands by ASUU, and to address the poor environment in the country’s universities.”
“The students who are co-claimants in the suit are Dongo Daniel Davou; Oyebode Joshua Babafemi; Ejie Kemkanma; Peter Itohowo Aniefiok; and Imam Naziru. They are students of Plateau State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Port Harcourt, University of Uyo, and University of Ibadan, respectively.”
“The failure to implement the agreements with ASUU is also a fundamental breach of the right to education without discrimination or exclusion, as strike actions continue to penalize economically disadvantaged parents who have no means or capacity to send their children to private schools.”
“Equal access of Nigerian children and young people to quality and uninterrupted education including at the university level would contribute to producing citizens who are fundamentally equal and people who actively participate in society.”
“It would enable people to enjoy the rights as well as fulfil obligations that are associated with citizenship.”
“SERAP had earlier advised President Buhari to recover the N105.7 billion stolen public funds and utilize same in addition to specified percentages of the N3.6 billion feeding and travels allowances for the President and the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 Budget to meet the legitimate demands by ASUU.”
“Apart from being a right in itself, the right to education is also an enabling right. Education is a public good.”
“Education creates the ‘voice’ through which rights can be claimed and protected, and without education people lack the capacity to achieve valuable functioning as part of the living.”
“Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions have continued to experience a steady decline. The quality of public education offered is low and standards have continued to drop. The learning environment does not promote effective learning.”
“The right to bargain freely with employers with respect to conditions of work constitutes an essential element in freedom of association, and trade unions including ASUU should have the right to seek to improve the living and working conditions of those whom they represent.”
“The Federal Government has continued to ignore the plights of teeming undergraduates, who have been denied access to quality education due to the lingering strike action occasioned by the continued reluctance of the Defendants and their agents to implement the agreements with ASUU.”
“The breach of the agreements by the Federal Government clearly provides a reasonable basis for ASUU members to exercise their right to strike as a last resort. It is unlawful to punish the members simply for peacefully exercising their right.”
“Nigerian students in public universities have suffered many years of disruption as a result of the failure of governments to address the root causes of strike action by ASUU and to faithfully implement the agreements reached with the union, leading to devastating consequences on the right to equal and quality higher education.”
“The Federal Government has breached the explicit right to equal access to higher education of Nigerian children and young people, as provided for by article 13(2)(c) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.”
“Providing Nigerian children and young people equal access to education should be the core public service functions of the Federal Government.”
“Owing to poor funding, poor remuneration system, unconducive learning and training environments in public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, ASUU after a protracted strike action concluded the FGN-ASUU 2009 Agreement in October 2009.”
“According to reports and available evidence, the FGN-ASUU Initialled 2009 Agreement sought among others, the resolution of the following underlying issues: proper funding of public tertiary institutions to the tune of N1.3 trillion to be implemented across a period of 4 years between 2009 and 2013.”
“It was agreed that the N1.3 trillion funding of Government-owned tertiary institutions would span between years 2014 and 2018. It was also agreed that the sum of N200 billion Naira would be released to public tertiary institutions in 2013 while a tranche of N220 billion Naira was to be paid yearly between 2014 and 2018.”
“However, according to reports, only the sum of N200 billion Naira was released in 2014 and no other sum, apart from the sum of N20 billion Naira released in 2019 was paid to the institutions.”
SERAP and the students are also seeking the following reliefs:
- A DECLARATION that the refusal of the Defendants to implement the terms of the FGN-ASUU Renegotiated 2009 Agreements and the 2020 Memorandum of Action which has occasioned the prolonged strike action is unlawful, inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s human rights obligations and violates the students’ right to quality education.
- A DECLARATION that the acts of the Defendants and their agents in withholding the remunerations of the members of ASUU for the period of the strike while at the same time paying members of sister staff unions is discriminatory and in violation of ASUU members’ right to freedom of association, right to strike and collective bargaining.
- AN ORDER directing the Defendants and their agents to implement forthwith the terms of the Renegotiated 2009 Agreement and the 2020 Memorandum of Action in order to put an end to the strike action and desist from further violation of the rights of the Nigerian students to quality education.
- AN ORDER mandating the Defendants and their agents to immediately release and pay all the withheld and outstanding remunerations, salary, allowances and other emoluments both for the period and outside the period of the current strike action to all members of ASUU.
- AN ORDER OF PERPETUAL INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants and their agents from unlawfully reneging, rescinding and/or refusing to implement the Renegotiated FGN-ASUU 2009 Agreement and the 2020 Memorandum.
- SUCH FURTHER orders the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this suit.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
11/9/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VETERAN BROADCASTER, CHIEF TIMAWUS MATHIAS
President Muhammadu Buhari condoles with Government and people of Adamawa State over the passing of an illustrious son, Chief Timawus Mathias, 73, who served the country as a broadcaster, writer and media consultant for more than fifty years.
President Buhari shares the pain of loss with family members, particularly his wife of close to five decades, Betty, the Hama Bachama and the Bachama Council where he holds the title of a spokesman, friends and professional colleagues in the media.
The President extols Chief Mathias for dedicating his life to service of the country, starting out at a young age with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, before moving to the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA and hitting the limelight with Verdict’83 in 1983.
President Buhari believes the multi-talented journalist, whose versatility stretched into music, contributed to the vibrancy and dynamism of Nigerian media, remaining relevant in writing columns for newspapers and treads on social media, while providing expert guidance on communication to many public and private institutions.
The President affirms that the veteran journalist, who has two media stations in Yola, NTA and AIT, named after him will always be remembered for the value he added to the lives of many, home and abroad.
President Buhari prays that Almighty God will accept the soul of Chief Mathias and comfort his family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2022
DESPITE STRONG HEADWINDS, NIGERIA’S ECONOMY CONTINUES TO GROW, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI AS HE INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL ECONOMY
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in State House Abuja stated that despite the disruptions in global economy and internal troubles, the Nigerian economy has continued to be resilient and maintains an upward trajectory.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on the National Economy, President Buhari said the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the loss of substantial volumes of oil have had negative impacts on the Nigerian economy.
“Starting with COVID-19 and now the conflict in Ukraine, the past three years have been turbulent ones for the global economy. Global interdependence has become more apparent as we have had to deal with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
“In this period, challenges faced by the world have been many including: (i) lockdowns as COVID-19 raged; (ii) disruptions to supply chains around the world; and (iii) sharp fluctuations in prices.
“Just as the world was beginning to recover from the coronavirus, the conflict in the Black Sea region between Ukraine and Russia worsened the challenges already being faced and created additional problems to which policy makers are having to respond.
“Our economy continues to grow despite the adverse effects of rising interest rates, a stronger
