A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has attacked Governor Umo Eno over his government proposal to start building an “18-floor Ibom Towers” in Lagos State, south-west Nigeria.
Effiong said that such action as this makes him sometimes to wonder whether Akwa Ibom State is cursed with bad and irresponsible leadership.
It was reported that Eno had disclosed on Monday in Uyo, while performing the foundation laying ceremony for Ewet Luxury Gardens, that his government was about to start building an “18-floor Ibom Towers” in Lagos.
But in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, the legal expert issued a stern warning to the Governor, as he asked people in the state to get prepared for a massive protest.
Effiong lamented that while people are hungry, schools are dilapidated all over the State, and civil servants earning ridiculous amount as minimum wage, the governor was coming with a white elephant project.
He said: “I read a disturbing report on @PremiumTimesng that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is planning to build 18-floor towers in Lagos State.
“Things like this make me wonder whether our State is cursed with bad and irresponsible leadership. Who sold this crazy idea to the governor? How is this a priority at this time? What’s wrong with politicians in Akwa Ibom?
“People are hungry, schools are dilapidated all over the State, civil servants are earning ridiculous amount as minimum wage. Yet, the governor is thinking about another white elephant project that will not address the immediate challenges and needs of the state.
“Akwa Ibom people should get prepared for another massive protest just like we did during the senseless new governor’s lodge in Lagos under the reckless Udom Emmanuel. The date will be made public in due course if this project goes ahead.”
18-floor Towers: I wonder if Akwa Ibom is cursed with bad, irresponsible leadership – Effiong knocks Gov Eno
18-floor Towers: I wonder if Akwa Ibom is cursed with bad, irresponsible leadership – Effiong knocks Gov Eno
QuickRead: Supreme Court ruling on LGA autonomy. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter
The Supreme Court last week granted full autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country.
The same week, the duo of former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election in Ebonyi State, Obinna Ogba, joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
These and three other stories we tracked dominated public discourse in the country last week.
1. Supreme Court ruling on LGA autonomy
On July 11, the apex court granted full financial autonomy to the country’s local councils.
The court while ruling on a suit filed by the Federal Government, ruled that it is unconstitutional for state governors to withhold funds budgeted for local government administrations.
Justice Emmanuel Agim, who delivered the lead judgement on the historic ruling, also held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain and use allocation meant for the LGAs on their behalf without transferring the same to them as provided in Section 162(3) of the Constitution.
He said: “The dubious practice which has gone on for over two decades was an outright violation of Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.”
Why it matters
The apex court with its landmark ruling has freed the local councils from the grips of the governors who until now were feeding fat on the third tier while the people who were supposed to be the primary beneficiaries at this level of government suffered from the consequences of the rot occasioned by the greed of the few elites.
The development, therefore, means the local councils are now better positioned to deliver on their mandates to the people while the citizens in turn can now hold them accountable for their actions.
2. Anyim, Obinna Ogba join APC
The former Senate President, Pius Anyim, on July 13 dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State.
Anyim switched to the APC with some of his supporters during the grand finale of the APC campaign for the local government election in Abakaliki, the state capital.
He was joined in the APC by the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Senator Obinna Ogba, and that of the Labour Party, Chief Edward Nkwegu.
In his remarks at the forum, Anyim said: “The time I wanted this to happen, former Governor Dave Umahi was not ready and the time, he wanted it, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted.
“We, however, thank God that it has worked smoothly as we all are presently under the same roof.”
Why it matters
The defection of the frontline members of the major opposition party to the APC again confirms the long-held assertion of politics as an interest-driven game where previous relationships are quickly cast aside in pursuit of personal goals.
Recalling how politicians who previously jumped ship quickly retraced their steps when things didn’t go according to plan, how things will pan out between the former PDP stalwarts and APC will be of keen interest to Nigerians in the months ahead.
3. Fubara rules out Wike’s loyalists return to Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on July 11 ruled out the return of the 26 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the state House of Assembly.
Fubara, who spoke when opinion leaders, women, and youths of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas led by Ogbakor Etche visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt, said the lawmakers can never return to the Assembly.
READ ALSO:QuickRead: El-Rufai sues Kaduna Assembly. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter
He insisted that their seats remain vacant despite a court order for them to be reinstated.
The governor said: “Don’t bother about those people who are delusional. They think we are still sleeping. Let me tell you people so that they can hear anywhere they are.
“We all know how they crossed to join APC. And how did they cross? Because of our God. For them to make that mistake, they are gone, and they are gone.”
Why it matters
The governor’s remark is an indication that peace may not return to the Assembly and the state as a whole anytime soon.
The reluctance of all parties in the dispute to embrace peace means the state will continue to convulse for some time and this does not bode well for the Nigerian economy because of the position of Rivers as a key oil-producing state.
The development also reinforced the call for a tougher approach such as an executive order to whip all contending forces into line.
4. PDP suspends National Vice-Chairman, Dan Orbih
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee on July 10 suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, for alleged anti-party activities.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, who confirmed the suspension in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, said Orbih’s actions and comments on the Edo State governorship primary are not in line with the party’s constitution.
The statement read: “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its 588th meeting today, Wednesday, July 10, 2024, considered all issues, including complaints on the activities of the National Vice Chairman (South-South) Chief Dan Orbih concerning the September 21, 2024, Governorship election in Edo State.
“The NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Chief Dan Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election of our great Party which actions and utterances are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the demand of his office as a national officer of the Party.”
Why it matters
The suspension of the national vice-chairman may have further thrown a spanner into the works of the PDP concerning its preparations for the governorship election in Edo State.
The development is another sign that the party is heading into the election as a disjointed force and may be staring defeat in the face come September 21.
5. Ndume on Tinubu’s closed-door policy
The Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, on July 10 declared that President Bola Tinubu’s closed-door policy has contributed to the country’s woes.
Ndume, who spoke on the BBC Hausa Service, said even some ministers have been unable to access the President.
He said: “The major problem with this government is that its doors are closed, to the extent that even some ministers cannot see the President, not to mention members of the National Assembly, who do not have the opportunity to meet with him and discuss the issues affecting their constituencies.”
Why it matters
The criticism of the president by a senior member of the ruling party suggests there are cracks within the government and the party itself.
The disaffection by APC members and elders, especially those instrumental to the party’s success in the 2023 elections may spell doom for the party ahead of the next national election.
This coupled with the anger in the land over the hardship occasioned by some of its policies, means the Tinubu administration has a tough battle in its hands in the bid to prolong its stay in Aso Rock beyond 2027.
The post QuickRead: Supreme Court ruling on LGA autonomy. Four other stories we tracked and why they matter appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Navy pledges to beef up aesthetics of NUJ Secretariat in Calabar
The Commander Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi has promised to help in beefing up the aesthetics of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, secretariat, Cross River State.
This is after the command donated one dozen of chairs to the centre to palliate the dire need of a conducive working environment for members of the Union.
The NNS Victory boss said, “This is just a dozen. We will come back very soon to add more value to your Secretariat in our commitment to fostering greater collaboration with the NUJ.”
He further said the gesture was in appreciation for the efforts of members of the Union in covering activities of NNS Victory and projecting the Unit in positive light.
“As part of our non-kinetic line of operation, NNS Victory, being a unit under ‘Operation Delta Sanity,’ thought it wise that we provide a token towards a more comfortable Secretariat for journalists in Cross River State.”
Receiving the donations, on behalf of members of Cross River NUJ, the Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey expressed gratitude to Commander Oderemi and members of his team for swiftly responding to the NUJ Council’s appeal with the kind donation of a dozen of chairs.
The NUJ leader mentioned that the donation and visit to the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre symbolize NNS Victory’s commitment to strengthening existing relationship between the two bodies as well as engendering development for the noble journalism profession, Cross River state and the nation at large.
The commander and other members of his team were received at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre by the Chairman and some members of the NUJ Council.
Navy pledges to beef up aesthetics of NUJ Secretariat in Calabar
Ndume removed as Senate whip
The Senate has removed Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip and replaced him with Senator Tahir Monguno.
Ndume’s replacement by the Senate followed a directive issued to that effect in a letter written by the National Chairman of the party, Umar Ganduje and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola.
The request was put to voice votes by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and loudly affirmed by all the APC senators
Details later
Tope, The According journalist, has over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues and investigative journalism, and currently covers the National Assembly, specifically the Senate
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Lagos debunks monthly environmental sanitation reintroduction
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday stated that it has not re-introduced the monthly environmental sanitation and is not starting any movement restriction by July.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that those behind the report are mischief makers who are keen on confusing residents.
This was contained in a statement by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina.
Wahab urged all residents to disregard the content of the viral fake news and go about their lawful business endeavour, adding that there will be no restriction of movements on the last Saturday of July as erroneously included in the fake news.
The commissioner explained that what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced on Sunday during a sanitation sensitisation exercise at Campos playground Lagos Island was that the state will start a weekly community-based sensitisation and awareness exercise that will involve all residents.
“The governor also stated that State Government officials will lead from the front every week by going round to join residents in voluntarily cleaning their environment while preaching the message,” he said.
Wahab added that at no time did the governor make a pronouncement that the monthly exercise and restriction would start in July or any other month for now.
The commissioner urged all residents to imbibe the culture of cleaning their surroundings all the time and not wait until the government declares a particular month for the commencement of sanitation or restriction of movement.
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Kidnapped mother of popular Hausa Musician, Rarara, freed
After 20 days in captivity Hajiya Hauwa’u Adamu, mother of renowned Hausa musician, Dauda Adamu, popularly known as Rarara, has finally regained her freedom.
The news of her freedom was confirmed by Rarara, on his verified Instagram handle on Wednesday morning.
However, details of the 75-year-old Raraya mother’s release remain sketchy but unconfirmed reports said millions of naira were paid as ransom to secure her freedom.
Recall that Hajiya was abducted in Kastina State last month.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command earlier confirmed the arrest of two suspects linked to the abduction.
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Court reinstates Shaibu as Edo deputy governor
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, voided the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the suit, ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in impeaching him.
Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of the new Deputy Governor who replaced Shaibu.
The court held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and did not constitute gross misconduct.
He ordered the Inspector General of Police to provide him with needed security to enable him to resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.
Details later…
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Yahaya Bello in fresh move to stop trial in N82bn alleged fraud charges
Former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adoza Bello has ignited a fresh move to suspend his planned arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja on the alleged N82bn fraud charges.
Bello through his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN on Wednesday moved an application asking the federal high court to stay proceedings.
His ground was that he had filed two notices of appeals at the Court of Appeal in Abuja challenging the jurisdiction of the court in Abuja to determine the criminal charges against him.
Bello said that his appeals have been entered and that the record of proceedings of the high court had been transmitted to the appellate court.
He also asked the court to expunge the proceedings of June 27 from the court records on the ground that his appeals have been entered at the time of the proceedings.
Bello therefore asked Justice Emeka Nwite to stay out of his trial until the Court of Appeal decides his appeal on jurisdiction.
However, the federal government through his counsel, Kemi Pinheiro SAN vehemently opposed the request to suspend the trial on the ground that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act did not support the request.
Pinheiro SAN cited sections 306 of ACJA and 40 of EFCC Act to support his objections for the request for stay of proceedings to be granted.
The senior lawyer faulted the authority cited by Bello adding that the authority only support civil matters and not a criminal matters as in the instant case.
Justice Emeka Nwite is expected to deliver ruling in the application.
Yahaya Bello in fresh move to stop trial in N82bn alleged fraud charges
Enugu hosts PDP governors, party leaders
The Enugu State Government played host to a gathering of governors and party leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, according to a statement by Governor Peter Mbah on X.com on Wednesday.
The gathering, which took place on Tuesday evening, featured a cultural night, where the guests were treated to a display of traditional cuisine, music, and dance.
The event was a precursor to a meeting aimed at crafting strategies to move the party and nation forward.
The host governor, in his statement, expressed his pleasure at welcoming his “brother governors” and party leaders to Enugu, stating that it was an honour to host them.
He wrote, “I had the pleasure of welcoming my brother governors of the #OfficialPDPNig Governors’ Forum and party leaders to Enugu, Tuesday evening as well as treating them to a cultural night ahead of our meeting where we are to craft strategies to move our party and nation forward.
“We count it an honour to host them. As Chinua Achebe rightly pointed out, a man who calls his kinsmen to a feast does not do so to save them from starving. They all have food in their own homes. ”
“Again, when we gather together in the moonlit village square, it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. According to Achebe, we come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so. Deje nu. Nnoo nu.”
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BREAKING: Court nullifies Phillip Shuaibu’s impeachment as Edo Deputy Governor
A Federal High Court in Abuja has voided the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State.
Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment on Wednesday, ordered his reinstatement to office on the grounds that the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in purporting to impeach Shuaibu.
Shuaibu, who was in court, shed tears of joy upon hearing the judge’s pronouncements.
Justice Omotosho held that the allegation on which the House of Assembly based the impeachment proceedings was untenable in law and does not constitute a gross misconduct.
The judge ordered the IGP to provide him with needed security to enable him resume office and perform the functions of the office until the end of his tenure.
Justice Omotosho set aside the appointment of another deputy governor in the place of Shuaibu.
Details shortly.
BREAKING: Court nullifies Phillip Shuaibu’s impeachment as Edo Deputy Governor