The situation of things presently at Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA can best be described as calm howbeit uneasy just a few days to the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for those that will be occupying different positions in the forthcoming local government elections.
The timetable for the elections was recently released and many people have been jostling for political relevance and opportunities to occupy one sit or the other and for most people of Oke-Odo, their councilors and Chairman are expected to be the people’s choice before the intervention of the HRM Oba Jimoh Olawale-Cole, who though now a king in Ojota area of Lagos, but will still want to keep political control of the area he had lived for many years and instead of allowing a free primary whereby party members will choose a candidate of their choice he decided to you his influence and money to force on the people one of his boys.
The person in question it was gathered was at a time a member of the local government legislative arm before he was kicked out for not been effective about 8 years ago, and the party members in the area have been clamoring for fresh mind but were shocked and angry that the party executives allow themselves to be bought or coerced by the king into selecting his boy again.
The information however is that the youths of the area may be planning a showdown with the party executives during the primary.
With the rising cases of insecurity in Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari must take some bold steps including proper rejigging of the country’s security architecture as well as a consideration for state police, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have said.
The lawmakers made their positions known on Tuesday when the majority leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, raised the issue under ‘matter of urgent public importance’ at plenary.
They also urged the federal government to get assistance from international organisations if that could help curtail the increased violence, kidnappings and attacks on communities across the country.
Though, they commended the Lagos government for sustaining the security and peace in the state, they urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to provide Close Circuit Television (CCTV) across the state.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, noted that there was an urgent need for President Buhari to address the security challenges facing the country with policies that should be friendly enough to attract foreign investments which would help create more employment for the youths of the country.
“We should start developing policies that have human face. The situation that the country’s youth are passing through should be of concern. We have men and women roaming the streets without jobs or anything to keep them going.
“We should do something substantial beyond giving out N10,000 to youths,” the Speaker said adding that the country must not be run in a way that would make any of its component part feel alienated as this would make the people feel like true stakeholders and reduce secessionist thoughts.
The Speaker said the challenge is huge and necessitates a further call for devolution of power.
Obasa commended the National Assembly for speaking out but added that talking alone would not solve the current situation.
He further suggested that the Lagos government should look at the commercial motorcycle operations in the state in view of recent violent clashes and the fact that some of the riders are foreigners whose identities are not known.
“We should increase the number of our security outfits in Lagos State. We should have CCTV around us to prevent what we don’t want in the state. We must be ahead of every situation in our state,” Speaker Obasa said.
Also speaking on the issue, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, said security challenge was multi-dimensional, adding that there was need for massive recruitment into the security agencies.
“We need security summits which should start from states and then national. We also need massive recruitments into our security agencies. This will reduce the number of people the hoodlums are recruiting and also provide employment for the youths.
“We can purchase arms and weapons from foreign countries and let them give us security intelligence reports,” he suggested.
Earlier, Hon. Agunbiade had lamented the recent rise in violence saying that no zone of the country was free.
“The level of insecurity and violence in our country is deepening. Road travels have become nightmarish, students and academic institutions have become target and are attacked with impunity. Even, our military formations are under attack. Villages and towns have been sacked. Community heads are being kidnapped unabated. It’s as if Nigeria is at war with itself.
“As a House, we have to condemn this rising level of insecurity in its entirety. We commiserate with all the states already affected by these attacks.
“We should call on President Mohammed Buhari, Commander in Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to show more concern by overhauling the security apparatus in a manner that will bring us together as a nation,” he said.
Contributing, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Somolu 1), said the county was in a troubled state. He added that Boko Haram insurgency has spread beyond Maiduguri where it started from.
According to Olowo, it would be difficult to attract foreign investors to the country with this high rate of insecurity. He suggested that the security architecture of the country should be rejigged without sentiments.
“Boko Haram started from Maiduguri and now they have moved to Kaure in Niger State. Several women were kidnapped in a place some kilometres from Abuja. It started in the north, it is now in the South East, South South and South West,” he lamented.
He also noted the violence that occurred in Lekki and Ojo areas of Lagos on Monday recalling that one of President Buhari’s promises was to tackle insecurity.
“Mr. President is experienced as a military man. We need to rejig our security infrastructure. Also, our neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad and Cameroun are porous,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Lukman Olumoh( Ajeromi Ifelodun 1) lamented the proliferation of firearms into the country.
“Section 14 (B) of the constitution talks about security and welfare. We should look at the roles of West Africa and African Union in all of these.
“There is insecurity in Chad, Niger and other countries. I want to call on African Union, ECOWAS, United Nations to look into these,” he suggested.
Hon. Femi Saheed ( Kosofe 1) said that the country is in a precarious situation.
“There is crisis everywhere. I used to travel from Lagos to Kaduna by road as a student many years back and the people there welcomed me,” Saheed recalled adding that the situation is no longer the same.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2), on his part, said: “Insecurity is everywhere, North, South, West, East. No place is safe. LASU/Iyana-Iba and Lekki were boiling yesterday. The Nigeria police is overwhelmed; they have also become victims. Even the Nigerian Army cannot cope.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria must find new ways, we cannot continue like this. Security and welfare of the people are the primary duties of the government. We are trying in Lagos State, but we need to do more. We need to increase the manpower of LNSC, we must give them more equipment.
“The private sector should donate to our security trust fund. We must motivate the security officers. We need to improve our registration agency. We should also have CCTV in strategic places,” he said.
Hon. Rauf Age-Sulaimon (Amuwo-Odofin 2) said to address the security challenges, government must redefine the national interest. He added that there was need to increase police personnel.
“The national interest must be redefined. The government ought to secure lives and properties. The interest of the state and national interest must be paramount.
“If we have enough police and the security institutions are empowered, it would be better. Security is the most important subject in Nigeria now,” he said.
– Congratulate Oba Elegushi at 45 for role in peaceful coexistence
… Celebrate ex-IGP, Musiliu Smith, who recently clocked 75
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday described the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a man for whom Nigeria as a country currently yearns.
Members of the House said this at plenary as they took time to eulogise the former governor of Lagos, who recently celebrated his 69th birthday.
Speaking after Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo 1) urged his colleagues to join him wish Tinubu a happy birthday, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, noted that it had always been customary of the House to celebrate the Jagaban of Borgu on his birthday, but that this year’s celebration happened at a time the House was on recess.
The Speaker who said Tinubu had earlier been honoured by attendees at a colloquium organised in his honour, added that the comments by the lawmakers during the day’s plenary showed how the APC National Leader had impacted in the lives of individuals.
He agreed with the members of the House that Tinubu remains one man that can effectively steer the Nigerian ship to make the country attain greater success in the coming years.
“We all congratulate him and wish him all the good things of life.
“We believe strongly in him and we have the conviction that he is a worthy man that can steer the ship of this nation. It is not about religion or ethnicity, but it is about wisdom, knowledge, experience and the capacity to lead,” Speaker Obasa said.
Earlier, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) described Tinubu as a man who understands the country and has the needed experience.
Olowo said Tinubu is a man that no one can love to hate because of his role in the advancement of the country.
For Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1), Asiwaju Tinubu is “a father figure to most of us and we will continue to celebrate him for a long time to come.
“He is adjudged one of the most active politicians. As a father to us, we appreciate him. He recognises those who are loyal and brilliant. He is the only man that can lead this country to meet its goals.”
Supporting his colleagues, Hon. Rasheed Makinde called Asiwaju Tinubu a man of the moment who believes in hunting talents and keeping them to prosper.
He said even though Tinubu has not held office for a long time, he still remains relevant because of his large heart and spirit of forgiveness.
He urged Asiwaju to help lead the country in 2023.
Hon. Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), said he was delighted to share the same birthday with Tinubu who he called an inspirational figure.
“The Asiwaju that I know is a builder of people, a stabiliser and one who loves selflessly. He is a man who loves other people’s progress. I can only wish him many more fruitful years, first as father and the National Leader of the APC,” he said.
In a related development, the House also celebrated Oba Saheed Elegushi, who was described as a monarch that has brought advancement to his Ikate land while preserving the culture and traditions of his domain.
Hon. Temitope Adewale, while moving that the traditional ruler, who recently clocked 45, be celebrated, said Oba Elegushi had kept the state proud.
The lawmaker was supported by his colleague, Hon. Desmond Elliot, who described the monarch as a 21st century Oba.
In his contribution, Speaker Obasa said the young monarch had endeared himself to the people because he has shown a strong passion for the peace and progress of the state.
While praying for the traditional ruler, Obasa added that Oba Elegushi was being praised for ensuring peace in the state.
He said the commendation should be a challenge to other traditional rulers in the state to play positive roles for its growth and progress.
The House further eulogised Alhaji Musiliu Smith, a former Inspector-General of Police, IGP, who recently clocked 75.
The House affirmed Smith’s importance noting that he has continued to serve the country as the chairman of the Police Service Commission.
Speaker Obasa described him as a man of peace, a quintessential Lagosian and one who often expresses his views and suggestions about the effective running of the state.
He thereafter directed the acting Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, to write a letter congratulating each of the celebrants on behalf of the Assembly.
BAT FoundationThe director general of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Foundation, Hon. Ipoola Omisore, has said the organisation is poised to reduce hunger as much as possible.
Omisore stated this when he spoke with some journalists in relation to the foundation’s donation of rice to IDP camps in Borno.
The Foundation also recently reached out to three orphanages in Lagos with food and other items.
According to BAT, the donation of the food to the IDP was facilitated by the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Dr. Mudashiru Obasa and some others including Bolaji Ariyo, Ajala Razaq and Kolade David, all local government council chairmen in Lagos.
Earlier speaking on the gesture, the Director-General of the Foundation, Hon. Ahmed Omisore, said the rice had been bagged for ease of distribution among the IDPs.
According to him, “the donation of the food items is a gesture to show that the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is much concerned about the well-being of all Nigerians, wherever they may be living.”
Omisore noted that the Foundation was established purposely to cater for the needy in the nation’s six geo-political zones.
He further stated: “The Foundation is an advocate of peace. It is founded purposely to cater for the people especially the less privileged ones in our society.”
“It stands for what Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is, a lover of peace and advocate of poverty free society. The gesture should be seen as a reflection of his passion to make sure everybody in the country are free of hunger.” Tinubu, through this Foundation,has been supporting people in various capacity across the country.
“We know the current need of the Internally Displaced People is food and that is why the Foundation is donating trailer loads of rice to the IDP camps in Maiduguri. This is just the beginning of a gesture that will automatically get to other parts of the country,” Omisore declared.
For the orphanages that were recently visited by the Foundation, Omisore urged well-meaning Nigerians including the rich to always find time to visit and help the needy.
Noting that the materials donated to the three orphanages were also facilitated by Obasa, the director general thanked the Speaker and said he and his team felt fulfilled seeing the joy in the faces of the children and their supervisors during the visit.
Barrister Mobolaji Sanusi, director of media of the foundation, also reminded that “Just recently, the Foundation donated a brand new 18-seater bus also facilitated by our amiable Speaker Obasa to the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Lagos chapter. Our programmes are in batches and we shall continue to execute them one after the other.”
Sanusi further stated that the food items were “donated to support the effort of the Borno State Government in feeding the displaced persons in their various camps.”
He also said the Foundation represents the “good deeds of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a compassionate and generous leader with bias for catering for the well-being of the less privileged.”
He revealed that the Foundation has different programmes for all people in different categories which would be executed in I have thy
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday urged all elected and appointedObasa
officials of the state to unite for Lagos to be greater.
Speaker Obasa said this at the ongoing 16th executive-legislative parley holding in the state with the theme: A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos.
“You will all agree with me that the necessity and significance of this parley is explicit enough. More than ever before, the elected and appointed public office holders of Lagos State at all levels must bond together and work in the best interest of the state with a common vision, a common mission and, of course, a common passion.
“This has become imperative if we are to effectively meet the immense responsibilities that lie on our shoulders as leaders of a global mega city like ours,” the Speaker said.
While recalling how the protest ended in wanton destruction of properties in Lagos, which overtime has become the economic hub of Nigeria, Obasa noted that it affected lives and livelihood. He added that government facilities were not spared.
“I remember visiting some parts of Lagos then such as the Lagos High Court, BRT Oyingbo Terminal, Fagba, Isokoko and Pen Cinema Police Stations, Oba Akiolu Palace, City Hall and Public Works Corporation, in company of members of the Lagos House of Assembly. The level of ruins in all these places mentioned was beyond imagination.
“As we are all aware of the fact that Lagos State is the economic powerhouse of the country, there is the need to do everything possible in rebuilding it after the unprecedent carnage.
“I know that efforts have been in top gear to address the issue of rebuilding Lagos state since last year. But this is the very first time both the legislative and executive arms of government in the state will be coming together to address this issue.
“In the light of this, harmonious working relationship among the three arms of government in a state like Lagos is the only factor that will create the enabling environment and momentum needed for this APC-controlled state to live up to its promise of moving Lagos State to the next level of growth and development,” the Speaker added.
Obasa further urged the participants to be aware that rebuilding Lagos requires a holistic collaboration among all the arms of government in the state.
“We need to remind ourselves that the period of brooding over the devastation suffered by our state in the violence that trailed the hijack of #ENDSARS protests is now in the past. All hands must be on deck to fully recover our dear state and take it back to its place in terms of infrastructure, and repair the fortress of commerce battered by the destruction.
“As such, it is gratifying to note that the focus of our discussion for the 16th Legislative-Executive parley is on the right track towards a greater Lagos. We cannot agree less on this because it is on the record that one of the most positive signals from Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is that he has not allowed the wheels of governance grind to a halt. And this has kept the state stable and peaceful and kept people wondering what the magic has been since his assumption of office,” the Speaker said.
Eromosele EBHOMELE
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
Former minister of aviation and fiery nationalist, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has described popular clergy and prophet in charge of Champions Royal Assembly, Joshua Iginla as a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate,gifted, wise, extraordinary amd anointed man of God during his courtesy visit to his 80,000 seater auditorium known as City of Wonders at Kubwa, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode who just got back from his visit to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his Counterparts in Enugu, decided to visit Iginla who is arguably one of the leading prophetic voices in this dispensation. Although, the reason for the visit could not be ascertained, it might not be unconnected to national development or personal consultations.
Confirming the visit on his official page today, the former Aviation minister expressed joy and enthusiasm meeting such a great man of God:
I had a wonderful time visiting with the great Prophet Iginla at his Church in Kubwa, Abuja yesterday immediately after I arrived from Enugu. The Church building is simply magnificent and the Prophet is a truly remarkable, kind, compassionate, gifted, wise, extraordinary and anointed man. He is one of God’s End-Time Generals and he is doing great things for the Lord and the Body of Christ. I am very proud of him.
MINISTER of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday warned that people that lacked his kind of political pedigree could not displace him in the fold of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State.
This is according to a statement signed by Sola Fasure, the Media Adviser to the minister who is the immediate past governor of Osun State. Aregbesola had visited Ilesa on Friday to revalidate his APC membership, where he addressed his supporters.
The statement read in part, “Ogbeni Aregbesola reminded the people that Chief Bola Ige was their leader and stood all his life for a compassionate government, commitment to the good of the majority and ideas that would bring the good life, happiness, progress and security to the people. He urged them to be conscious of those who continue to dance on Ige’s grave and avoid anything that would dishonour the late statesman’s memory.
“Ogbeni Aregbesola assured the people of working towards greater success of the party and of his commitment to progressive ideals. He reminded them that he emerged in Osun on the Oranmiyan platform 17 years ago, and with others fought the agents of darkness and regression and firmly consolidated the party in the state.
“This effort has produced two successive progressive administrations in the state and also won presidential and national legislative elections thrice since then, noting that it would be difficult for those who lack such pedigree to displace him in the party in the state.”
Though the former Governor’s statement seems open enough but those who are familiar with the political intrigues in the State will know it is systemic shade at the one time Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who just recently announced his total defection to the APC. Omisore was accused of having a hand in the death of Chief Bola Ige, though he was never found guilty but the accusation was used by Oranmiyan group to campaign against the one time senator while the minister was vying the topmost position in the State.
It is therefore very clear those Aregbesola claimed that some members of the party are dancing on Bola Ige’s grave, since Omisore was pinned with the death of the former attorney general of the federation who was murdered in his home some years back.
The unsavoury incidents being sponsored by some unscrupulous state actors involving the former Governor of Imo State, Sen. Rochas Okorocha in recent times show a hint at some parties’ thought who see him as a threat to their supposed caliphate. Indeed, it has proven right the Elders’ words which postulate that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears the crown’.
However, the Sage’s head still feels uneasy despite leaving office.
Does that still mean Okorocha wears the crown, holds the ace or the nitwits are scared of losing their hegemony to who God has chosen to make Imo prosper again?
This unwarranted battle began after the current Administration was sworn in on 15th January, 2020. It was a public knowledge that the Sage was a constant emotional backup when Uzodinma was struggling for his mandate after the 9th March, 2019 governorship election. Okorocha was among the foremost political figures to congratulate him when he finally triumphed at the Supreme Court. It is now bemusing that this same Governor is having no one to pick as a foe apart from Rochas Okorocha, the man who has been in his shoes and can offer him Fatherly counsel considering how well he fared after occupying the seat for eight years.
Prior to this, there have been silent battles fought underneath but the latest showed how low the current administration’s moral has sunk. In my part of the world, the prince does not fight like slaves. You can’t be at the helms of affair and still be ‘terrorising’ your subjects. As a child of necessity, Imolites expect more lease of life from Uzodinma than the current drama that is playing out.
Sen. Rochas Okorocha went to Royal Spring Palm Hotel in the company of his two sons-in-law on 19th February after Governor Hope Uzodinma illegally sealed the hotel.
His intent was simply to inquire the reason behind the sealing and take due protocol as a law-abiding, serving Senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Unfortunately, Chinansa Nwaneri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Special Duties and Eric Uwakwe saw no need for peace as they led a pool of miscreants and abused public office by using the state’s police for their personal gain. The gadgets and equipment necessary for the smooth running of the Resorts were all carted away by the opposing forces. They also attacked Okorocha and his crew violently without provocation
As at now, Uzo Anwuka, one of Okorocha’s sons-in-law is currently receiving treatment after being shot at on the spot where the state sponsored violence took place while Okorocha, a serving Senator representing Imo West is currently apprehended, detained and was only released on the order of the Presidency. Just wondering, if the hired thugs had murdered the distinguished senator in the process of that needless fracas, what side of history would Governor Hope Uzodinma be?
Prior to this, Okorocha has silently suffered series of blackmail and name-calling along with destruction of properties belonging to him and his family. This hostility is not unconnected to the influence which he can pull in the state when the 2023 Presidential election come knocking.
However, a threat to life is totally uncalled for as Okorocha’s Camp can never engage in do-or-die politics. Destroying the legacy you have built with your sweat is not an option in modern democracy.
It must be mentioned that armed thugs attacked Okorocha’s residence at Akachi three days before he went to the sealed hotel belonging to his wife, Nneoma Rochas in Owerri.
It should further be stated here that before this ugly incident, the demolition of the hospital complex belonging to the Okorocha’s family had sent many Imolites to the unemployment market and this is quite disheartening in view of the current state of the nation’s economy.
Irrespective of what anyone may think, it is highly condemnable that a former Governor and sitting Senator could be treated this way by those who see political power as the beginning and end of life.
It is therefore important to call on the general public and Mr. President to ensure the safety of all citizens and curb the abuse of office. The safety of Okorocha is very crucial to political stability of Imo State and any further attack will be regarded as a deliberate assassination attempt upon which proper actions will be taken.
By Smart Oluwole Apejoye- Public Affairs Commentator and Advocate of Good Governance
Just like the popular saying that, we are all political animal. This notion is what best describes gospel singer, Lanre Teriba, who is popularly known as Atorise as he picked interest in Politics. According to information gathered, Lanre Teriba registered his membership today as a member of All Progressive Political Party APC.
LTEE as Lanre is fondly called registered at ward 01 Ayigbami isara Remo North LG, his home town.
It was scooped that, the talented singer has been nursing the ambition to serve his people for a very long time and he feels 2023 is the best time for him to give back to the people.
Atorise in his words enjoined all sons and daughters of Remo Land to go into politics because there will not be excuse for any failed individual in Politics and we all have to participate in the Future of this country saying “enough of failed leaders, 2023 will not be business as usual.” The young man concluded
The Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday expressed optimism that Lagos will produce the highest number of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the end of the ongoing registration/revalidation exercise.
Speaker Obasa spoke shortly after taking part in the revalidation exercise of the party conducted by officials for the Ward E (005), Agege.
He also used the opportunity to rate the state government high in the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the people.
The Speaker, who also displayed his membership card after the exercise, promised that Lagosians would be mobilised to play active roles in the party as the latter’s strength lies in its number.
“It is like carrying out population census. It is to tell us our strength in each state, local government and ward, and, by extension, the whole nation.
“It will make us be able to say this is the number of our members in each state and this would help to position us ahead of the future elections.
“The success of every party depends on the structure on ground and how far we are able to cover in the political landscape,” he said.
Talking about the performance of the government of Lagos, he said: “I am sure you know that Lagos has been a success story. We have a lot of achievements. I am sure there is no part of Lagos that you would not see something going on…from Agege to Lagos Island to Epe to Ikorodu.
“I just want to urge our governor to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. To Nigerians, I also want to say there is no alternative than the APC.”
