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Don’t allow heroes of democracy to die in penury, ex-lawmakers beg Tinubu

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Don’t allow heroes of democracy to die in penury, ex-lawmakers beg Tinubu

Members of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic have appealed to President Bola Tinubu not to allow heroes of democracy in the country to die in penury.

The former lawmakers made the appeal in a statement signed by their spokespersons, Mr John Fasogbon, on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Fasogbon asserted that the mother of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria is the Third Republic, led by the late MKO Abiola.

He lamented that the actors in the struggle for the full-fledged democracy, currently enjoyed in the country, were wallowing in abject poverty.

“We, members of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic, contested and won our elections, which were adjudged as the most free and fair in the history of the country.

“Unfortunately, after we were sworn in, we were sacked by the Military junta without any benefits.

“Today, June 12, is being celebrated with the heroes of democracy dying in anguish and penury.

“Many of us have died without any benefits, while those of us alive are living in poverty.

“In the spirit of national reconciliation, we appeal to the president to assist us in the payment of our entitlements between 1992-1993, when we are at Federal House of Representatives,” he said.

Fasogbon appealed to the president to honour the former lawmakers in the same way his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, honoured Chief MKO Abiola and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe.

The former Ife Federal Central Constituency lawmaker congratulated the President and Nigerians on the celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

NAN

June 12: Abiodun converts death sentences for 45 inmates, pardons 41 others

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has commuted the death sentence of 45 condemned prisoners to prison terms.
He also granted pardon to 41 other inmates serving in different Correctional Centres across the state.
Speaking at the 2024 Democracy Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun said the decision was in exercising his perogative of mercy as the governor of the state.
He said: “Government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law. In this vein, the Nigerian Constitution empowers me to exercise a prerogative of mercy to anyone convicted of an offense in Ogun State.
“Having received the guidance of the Ogun State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, I have signed the appropriate warrants ordering the release of 41 convicts currently imprisoned across different correctional facilities in Ogun State. I have also signed warrants converting the death sentences of 45 inmates to prison sentences.
“This gesture signals a break from past grievances and a move towards a more inclusive and compassionate society where merciful second chances are granted to deserving offenders.
“All convicts who have received this gesture have shown remorse for their crimes, acquired skills and certifications in prison, with several of them receiving university degrees from the National Open University of Nigeria. They have also demonstrated verified good conduct during their imprisonment.”
He said the celebration holds immense significance as it marks the triumph of democracy, the power of the people, and the pursuit of justice and freedom, observing that the history of Nigeria’s democracy is one of struggle and perseverance.
“June 12, 1993, stands as a watershed moment in this journey. On that particular day, Nigerians transcended differences of tribe, gender, and even the unique joint Muslim-Muslim ticket to speak unanimously through the ballot.
“They elected the late Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola and Babagana Kingibe of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) as President and Vice-President, respectively.
Although the election was globally acclaimed as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, the military annulled its results, dashing the hopes raised by this democratic exercise.
“That election remains a pivotal moment in our country’s democratic history. It has become the benchmark against which the successes of subsequent elections are measured. For all its import, it reminds us of the power of unity, resilience, and the collective determination to uphold the principles of democracy.
“It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Nigerian people, who have shown unwavering commitment to democracy and the belief in a better future,” the governor added.
He said the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola stands as one of the finest trailblazers from Ogun State just as his courage and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals remain an inspiration to the people adding that his campaign slogan, “Hope ’93,” was a national reawakening rooted in faith and the limitless ability of Nigerians to face their challenges and solve the problems of nation-building.
While noting that the celebration signifies the commitment to continue the journey towards a better Nigeria, building on the sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola and countless others who fought for democracy and paid the ultimate price, Prince Abiodun said the courage and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals serve as a reminder of the power of the people and the importance of upholding the principles of justice, freedom, and equality laid by our forefathers.
In a lecture titled: “June 12: Defining Moment in the Democratic Development of Nigeria,” the guest lecturer, Mr. Richard Akinnola, while giving a background to what led to the crisis, chided the nation’s judiciary for being a tool in the hands of the military government to annul the June 12 elections.
He condemned those who have been calling for the return of the military as the result of the hardship in the country.
“In fact, June 12 stands as a defining moment and a watershed in our quest for democracy. That is why we should be very careful. Some people who did not experience what we went through are not subtly calling for the military. We must say no, never do we call for military again. Whatever the challenges we are having, let’s fight, let us argue, let us disagree, let us abuse each other, but never should we be tempted to invite the military,” he advised.
Akinnola who described the June 12 elections as the best in the history of the nation, noting that the aftermath of the annulment led to killings of pro-democracy activists just as it ushered in mutual mistrust among the citizens.
The guest lecturer said for democracy to thrive in the country, Nigerians must keep their leaders on their toes, saying though it is necessary to celebrate the day, people should not forget those who sacrificed their lives for the democracy being enjoyed in the country now.
In his goodwill message, a pro-democracy activist and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Dr. Niran Malaolu, eulogied Chief Abiola for paying the supreme prize for the nation to experience democracy, noting that several Nigerians also suffered in the course of returning the country to democratic rule.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to the governor, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, said the celebration symbolizes the collective will of Nigerians to chose their leaders in a free and fair elections as witnessed on June 12 1993, just as it demonstrated the power of the people in bringing about change.
June 12: Abiodun converts death sentences for 45 inmates, pardons 41 others

Alcaraz, Nadal named in Spanish Olympic tennis team

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Alcaraz, Nadal named in Spanish Olympic tennis team

French Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have been named in the Spain team for the 2024 Olympic Games, the Spanish tennis federation announced Wednesday.

World number two Alcaraz last weekend won his first Roland Garros title on the clay in Paris, where the Olympic tournament will take place from July 27 to August 4.

Nadal boasts 22 Grand Slam victories, including a record 14 French Open titles, but only returned to competition last April after missing the best part of 16 months through injury and is currently ranked 264 in the world.

In addition to the singles tournament, Alcaraz, 21, and Nadal, 38, may also take part in the Games’ doubles event.

The Spanish men’s squad is completed by world number 32 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Pablo Carreno Busta and number two-ranked doubles player Marcel Granollers.

On the women’s side, Spanish number one Sara Sorribes and world number 67 Cristina Bucsa have been included in the team.

Injury-plagued former world number two Paula Badosa — now ranked 118 — will not be included in the squad for Paris.

“We have the chance of winning two or three medals (at the Olympics),” said RFET president Miguel Diaz Roman.

All national federations must produce their final list for the Games by June 19 at the latest.

AFP

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Ogun applies to acquire Basin Development Authority’s Hydro Power Plant to boost power supply

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Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed interest in acquiring the Hydro Power Plant situated at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority to facilitate the availability of energy for investors in the state.
The Governor revealed this during a meeting with the new Managing Director and CEO of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru and his management team.
Abiodun emphasized the significance of revitalizing the long-abandoned Hydro Power Plant to attract sufficient energy for business interests in the state.
He highlighted the potential for the state to become a hub for industrial activities by ensuring affordable energy costs through this acquisition.
“We are aware there is a Hydro Power Plant that is installed in the river basin for several years. It was a Federal Government initiative.
“As a state government, we have expressed interest in the acquisition of that Hydro Power Plant.
“It is almost obsolete by now. Only God knows the level of vandalization, but we believe that if it is transfered to us as a state government, I think they’ve already spoken to the OEM, the original equipment manufacturer and we can jointly look at how to ensure that not only do we resuscitate it, but actually expand it.
“You are aware that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria and electricity is a key enabler in the industrial revolution and one of the vision we have as a state government is to ensure that Ogun State becomes one of the state if not the state where the cost of energy will be the cheapest.
“I believe that if we are able to acquire this Hydro Power Plant, it will go a long way to supporting the actualisation of our vision,” he said.
Furthermore, Abiodun acknowledged the importance of effective management of the river basin in controlling flooding, particularly in areas like Ibafo, Isheri, and Kara.
He disclosed plans to engage consultants to address the recurring flooding challenges and enhance water resource management.
He said: “As a state government, we are looking at engaging consultants to recommend to us what we can do to ensure that this perennial recurrent problem is finally resolved.
“I am sure you also know that the management of that river basin is also very key to the control of flooding in Ogun State.
“The water table rises and falls. The areas between Kara, Mowe, Ibafo, Isheri North have in the recent times been flooded that many people cannot even access their homes.
“We’ve called the attention of the Ministers of Water Resources, Humanitarian and a few other ministers have come here to look into what are the immediate causes, what can be done to manage the situation in the immediate and the long term.”
Recognizing the critical role of the river basin in water supply and agriculture for the South West states, Abiodun stressed the need for collaborative efforts to leverage the Basin Authority’s resources for agricultural development and food security initiatives in the region.
“This River Basin is also very fundamental to agriculture and food security. This is an area that is extremely important to the President and his Renewed Hope agenda.
“As a state government, we are looking forward to working with you collaboratively to ensure that we tap into the advantage of having you and having the Basin Authority in this state to ensure that it becomes a resource that will catalyse the agricultural program we are currently implementing and our food security initiatives.
“Through that River Basin Authority, we can ensure that there is adequate water supply for our farmers that are either upstream or downstream from the dam,” he added.
Abiodun also noted that the antecedents of the new managing director had prepared him for the task, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding his nomination acceptable.
Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Ashiru said that the basin under his watch would enhance water resources management, promote agriculture, and also support infrastructure development within the region.
Ogun applies to acquire Basin Development Authority’s Hydro Power Plant to boost power supply

No agreement yet on minimum wage

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No agreement yet on minimum wage

Organised Labour has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s claims that an agreement has been reached on new national minimum wages in his nationwide broadcast to make Democracy Day.

Tinubu had claimed that a consensus had been reached on the long-debated new minimum wage between the Federal Government and organised labour.

In his national broadcast to mark the 2024 Democracy Day in Abuja on Wednesday, Tinubu revealed that an executive bill will soon be sent to the National Assembly to formalise the new minimum wage agreement.

The President emphasised that his administration chose a democratic approach over dictatorship in addressing the demands of labour unions.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, the acting President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, said there was no agreement reached by the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage at the time negotiations ended on Friday, June 7, 2024.

Adeyanju stated that rather, two figures such as N250,000 from Organised Labour and N62,000 from the government and Organised Private Sector, were arrived at and ought to have been submitted to the President.

The labour leader asserted that anything to the contrary was not only doctored but won’t be accepted by Labour.

The statement reads, “The NLC would have expected that the advisers of the President would have told him that we neither reached any agreement with the federal government and the employers on the base figure for a National Minimum Wage nor on its other components.

“Our demand still remains N250,000, (two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) only and we have not been given any compelling reasons to change this position which we consider a great concession by Nigerian workers during the tripartite negotiation process.

“We are therefore surprised at the submission of Mr. President over a supposed agreement. We believe that he may have been misled into believing that there was an agreement with the NLC and TUC. There was none and it is important that we let the President, Nigerians and other national stakeholders understand this immediately to avoid a mix-up in the ongoing conversation around the national minimum wage.”

Details later…

Tinubu’s slip: ‘It’s normal to fall’

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Tinubu’s slip: 'It's normal to fall'

Nigerians have taken to social media to react to the video showing the moment President Bola Tinubu slipped while boarding the presidential parade vehicle at Eagles Square in Abuja.

According Online earlier reported that the President slipped while climbing the parade truck at the venue of the 2024 Democracy Day.

The President approached the vehicle shortly after he arrived at the venue of the programme, but lost his footing momentarily as he was about to step into the vehicle.

However, despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings with the help of his security aides.

The event at Eagles Square was part of a series of events to mark the country’s Democracy Day celebration.

However, some netizens took to social media to mock the President over the incident, while others downplayed it because the president went on with the ceremonial rounds.

See some of the reactions below.

Àràkunrin Olabisi, who posted as @OlabisiLaw, said: “It’s normal to fall. The most important thing was to rise again, which he firmly did. Nigeria will rise and be great again.”

On X.com, @xfactum, who posteds anonymously, said: “People are really looking for this man’s downfall.”

A tweep Maibitil Mni, who identifies as @Maibitil_ on X, said, “National Disgrace on National TV at Democracy Day. After blowing lies on Tv, his body no fit to hold those lies rather chooses to go down lowwwwwww for a minute.”

On X.com, @dammygtnet, who posted anonymously, wrote: “I will never laugh at this. This can happen to anyone. Even Joe Biden once experienced the same.

“My issue with President Tinubu is about his insensitive policies, which the populace is suffering from. He should do better or be booted out.”

On X.com, a user who uses the handle @Mr_francis55 said, “Oh no, God. Hope he didn’t injure himself.”

On X.com, @DrJHHyat, who posted anonymously, wrote: “I hope Mr. President is fine. The state of the economy came to mind.”

A tweep Andre, who identifies as @@Andree22_00 on X, said, “Instead of you people to say sorry to him. You are laughing. It can happen to anyone.”

On X.com, @OgechukwuChime, who posted anonymously, said, “Tinubu fall yakata. France hospital calling tomorrow.”

A tweep Abiola, who identifies as @Harbihorla4 on X, said, “Children of hate everywhere, it’s no big deal, it happens everywhere.”

Bayelsa, BOI partner for industrial, economic development

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Bank of Industry

Bayelsa State Government and the Bank of Industry have announced their partnership to drive sustainable industrial and economic development in the state.

Bank of Industry
Bank of Industry

Governor Douye Diri gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a four-man team from the South-South and South-East divisions of the Bank of Industry in Government House, Yenagoa.

Diri who was represented by his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said his administration would do everything within its power for the immediate and smooth take-off of the bank’s operations in the state.

He disclosed the state government had already provided a temporary operational office for the bank to immediately commence its operations in the state.

The governor said Bayelsa was in a hurry to catch up with other states in terms of industrial development and maintained that his administration would harness opportunities created by the bank to promote the growth of local industries in the state.

He called on the bank to disclose the list of Bayelsans who had already applied for loans and other facilities but could not meet the bank’s requirements for the state government consideration and necessary action.

His words: “Clearly, before now Bayelsa had not taken advantage of the opportunities created for us as a state by the Bank of Industry. However, this time we are ready to seize the opportunity you are going to create to drive the growth of our local industries.

“We want to establish a relationship with the BOI that would be fruitful and run very fast. We, as a government, have an emergency in our hands; while you have urgency in your hands.

“The state government had already provided three places for you to choose one and start to use it as a take-off operational office for the BOI in Bayelsa. The Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor will take you there immediately after this meeting.

“We are ready for your operations even this month because the role of your bank is even more important than that of the mainstream commercial banks to the growth of local industries.”

Earlier in his presentation, the Divisional Head of the Bank of Industry, South-South and South-East, Kings Jack, pointed out that Bayelsa was the only state in the entire South-South in which the BOI was not fully operational.

Jack said the BOI team was in Bayelsa to seek collaboration with the state government on how to commence the bank’s services to stimulate industrial development of the oil-rich state.

He further disclosed that many corporate organisations and individuals from Bayelsa could not access the over one billion Nair BOI loan facility on account of the inability to procure certificates of occupancy and other requirements.

Jack expressed the readiness of the bank to advise the government on the right policies to stimulate the industrial and economic development of the state.

The visiting BOI team also had its Group Head, Strategic Communications, Seun Olagunju; the Regional Manager, South-South, Irabor Pacqueens, and the State Manager, Ojiegbe Uchechukeu.

Posters linking me, El-Rufai to 2027 presidency mischievous- Akpabio

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Posters linking me, El-Rufai to 2027 presidency mischievous- Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has denied any involvement in the circulation of posters in Kaduna State that suggest a political alliance with former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the circulation of the posters was the “handiwork of mischief makers”.

Eyiboh said Akpabio does not have any intention to contest for president in 2027, saying that any claim that his principal is nursing any ambition of a joint presidential ticket with El-rufai is “spurious and mischievous.”

“Senator Godswill Akpabio does not have any intention to contest for president in 2027, nor is he nursing any ambition of a joint presidential ticket with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai or any other person by whatever name,” the statement read.

Eyiboh emphasized that Akpabio is currently focused on his role of supporting President Bola Tinubu in resetting Nigeria and restoring the nation’s pride on the global stage.

“Since assuming office on June 13, 2023, Akpabio has been dedicated to providing the necessary legislative support to the Tinubu administration and has not contemplated running for president at any point.

“It is embarrassing for anyone to link the person of Senate President Godswill Akpabio to an insipid presidential ambition, when a competent, trusted, and tested leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is in the driving seat, effectively navigating the contours of purposeful leadership and adept governance with his renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard these misleading posters, which are seen as attempts to distract from the significant and positive interventions being made by the Senate under Akpabio’s leadership.

The statement also called on security agencies to investigate and identify those behind this “ugly enterprise.”

He also reassured Nigerians that the Senate President remains committed to his legislative duties and the ongoing collaboration with Tinubu to advance the nation’s development goals.

Adeleke advocates credible elections to immortalise MKO Abiola, others

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Adeleke advocates credible elections to immortalise MKO Abiola, others

The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has highlighted free and fair elections as the best way to honour the memory of the acclaimed winner of the June 12 Presidential election, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, and other democratic heroes.

Describing free and fair elections as the lifeline of any virile democracy, Adeleke acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the civil rule that we currently enjoy today in a statement to commemorate Democracy Day on Wednesday.

He called on politicians in the country to submit themselves to upholding the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people.

Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed in Osogbo, the state capital, said the political class must recommit to strengthening the country’s electoral system to deliver credible elections and ensure that the will of the people is not subverted.

Calling election rigging an act of war, Adeleke said, “Our best homage to our democratic heroes is our continued upholding the basic tenets of democracy. Such include free and fair elections and observance of the rule of law.

“We cannot on one hand celebrate democracy day and on the other hand undermine the democratic machine. You cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections.

“I call on leaders locally and nationally to rededicate ourselves to democratic ideals. The will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats. Our electoral system must be strengthened to deliver credible elections. Under no circumstances should the will of the people be subverted.

Free and fair elections, Adeleke continued, “Are the lifeline of any virile democracy. Politicians must grow to know and accept that power flows from the people. Rigging elections is an act of war against democracy. Genuine democrats accept electoral verdicts as a mark of respect for the voters, the ultimate holders of sovereignty. That’s what I did in 2018 when I was denied victory.

“If there is any lesson June 12 every year is to teach us, it is that democracy thrives when electoral candidates bow to people’s will. We must stop being autocratic in democratic garb.

“If you are rejected at an election, take it in good faith and prepare for the next round of election. After all, Abraham Lincoln failed several polls before his eventual emergence as American president.”

Taraba did not have a master plan when I took over – Gov Agbu

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Taraba Governor, Kefas Agbu says he regrets inheriting the state without a development master plan, noting that his administration is working in collaboration with the Bureau for Land and Survey to address the situation.
The governor said this on Tuesday in Jalingo, during the presentation of the various progress of the ministries by his commissioners.
He said his administration has dished out directives to the bureau to work round the clock to come up with a comprehensive master plan for the state.
Assuring the people of the state that efforts are underway to rectify the situation, he said his administration to develop a comprehensive master plan which he said, is geared towards guiding the state’s future growth and development.
Taking his time to listen keenly to the ministry’s presentations, he disclosed that he had engaged the services of consultants even before he was sworn in as the number one citizen of the state to address areas where the state is lacking.
He described the presentations as an eye opener, saying it would enable his administration to improve on areas that are wanting.
Earlier, the Consultant on Ministries, Ejiro Jakpa, who reviewed the ministry’s reports, said no fewer than 40 partners and organizations have signified their interest in partnering with the state.
Areas the organization have signified interest to partner with the state, include improvement in the state’s internally generated revenue and the areas of women and youth empowerment.
Taraba did not have a master plan when I took over – Gov Agbu

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