POLITICS
Benue PDP Urges Members to Shun Merchants of Crisis, Falsehood Bearers
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, on Monday, called on its teeming members across the state to close ranks and key into the awakened spirit of reconciliation, and shun merchants of crisis and bearers of falsehood who profit from sowing seeds of discord.
The party however lauded the invaluable support and stabilizing influence brought to bear on the running of the party by immediate past Governor, Samuel Ortom, and in his immense contributions to leading it through the high-wire politics of national leadership.
It further commended the immediate past National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his decision to withdraw from the courts litigations challenging his removal from office, thereby paving the way for commencement of reconciliation in the party.
The party expressed satisfaction over the tenacity with which former Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, tabled his bid to serve in the office of National Chairman, which by all standards he is eligible and eminently qualified for.
The state publicity of the party, chief Bemgba Iyortom in a statement he issued and made available to newsmen in Makurdi said, the party expressed satisfaction that it came away from the 98th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja stronger, more united as a family and better focused going forward.
The statement read in part: “Under the wise and capable guidance of its leaders, Benue PDP is proud to state that it successfully navigated the challenges of being in the eye of national leadership agitations, particularly the issue of replacement of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu as National Chairman
“We understand that the stakes are high and the pressure from various quarters was much on our leaders regarding the top job of our great party, yet they had discharged their responsibilities with uncommon wisdom and sense of unity.
“Under the firm, focused and upright guidance of State Chairman, Sir John Ngbede, PDP in Benue found and maintained traction at every stage of the negotiations which greatly contributed to the outcome at the NEC meeting.
“The party commends the decision by immediate past National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, to withdraw from the courts litigations challenging his removal from office, thereby paving the way for commencement of reconciliation in the party.
“It also commends the tenacity with which former Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, tabled his bid to serve in the office of National Chairman, which by all standards he is eligible and eminently qualified for.
“Benue PDP reserves high commendations for the role played by Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Patric Abba Moro, in steering the numerous meetings at the various levels of the party including at the North-Central region.”
Chief Iyortom said through temperate and peaceable approaches, Senator Moro was able to steer a middle course which brought the various shades of ambition in the party to the common understanding to place PDP first and above every other interest.
“Our great party in Benue hereby expresses implicit faith and confidence in its college of leaders and their ability to lead the party forward to successfully conduct the forthcoming ward, local government and state congresses slated to commence soon.”
Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has dissolved his cabinet ahead of the Nov.12 swearing-in of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new governor of the state.
Report says that Obaseki who came into office on November 12, 2016 is expected to end his eight years tenure on November 12, 2024.
Obaseki dissolved the cabinet shortly after a valedictory session held at the Government House on Friday in Benin.
The motion for the dissolution of the State Executive Council for 2020-2024 was moved by his deputy, Godwins Omobayo, and was seconded by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu.
At the valedictory session, the governor commended members of the council for helping him in driving the government’s vision of making Edo great again.
Obaseki also commended citizens of the state for supporting, praying and collaborating with his administration throughout his tenure.
Members of the cabinet took turns to eulogise the governor and acknowledged his many achievements in various sectors.
They also commended the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the state in their various capacities.
The outgoing commissioners and Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also took turns to present awards and gifts to honour the governor.
The valedictory session for the outgoing state executive council climaxed with a dinner in honour of the state governor. (NAN)
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has presented a budget of N549 billion for 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for passage into law.
Presenting the proposal tagged ‘‘Budget of Hope, Human Capital and Economic Development’’ on Friday in Kano, Yusuf said it was aimed at consolidating and improving the wellbeing of the people of the state.
He said that the budget consist of N312 billion for capital expenditure and N236 billion for recurrent expenditure.
According to him, the 2025 budget, when approved, is projected to have a ratio of capital to recurrent 57:43 per cent respectively.
The governor explained that most of the capital spending would be in the Social and Economic Sectors to the tune of N 461 billion.
He also said that the Education Sector got a lion share of N168 billion more than the UNESCO and UN recommendations, adding that the figure represents 31 per cent, while the Health Sector received N90 billion representing 16. 50 per cent.
He added that the fund would be spent on executing policies and programmes aimed at ensuring quality and education at all levels.
He also said that N21 billion representing 3.83 per cent was earmarked for the Agricultural Sector, while Infrastructure Development got N70 billion representing 12.87 percent.
“N23 billion representing four per cent was set aside for Security, Justice and Emergency Services, while Water Supply and Rural Development got N27 billion representing 4.96 percent,” he explained.
The governor urged the lawmakers to ensure speedy passage of the budget, to enable the government continue to provide dividends of democracy to the people.
The Speaker, Jibrin Falgore, assured the governor of speedy passage of the budget to create time for January to December budget circle.
The Speaker also commended the governor for his stride in infrastructure development, security, health and education.(NAN)
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A Youth Advocate on grassroots advancement, Andrew Ochika has urged the newly elected chairman of Dekina Local Government Area in Kogi state, John Ura Ikani to key into Governor Usman Ododo’s development agenda.Ochika in an interview with Our Correspondent, said that the call has become necessary to boost accelerated development down to rural communities in Dekina Local Government Area.
Ochika, a member of Okoyi Community Youth Development, lamented lack of basic infrastructure in Dekina Local Government Area saying that the new Chairman has all it takes to deliver on his mandate and correct the anomaly. The Youth Advocate, who described the overwhelming victory of the Chairman in the just concluded council polls as well deserved, called on him to strive to justify the confidence reposed in him through the provision of democracy dividends to all communities in the local government area.According to him “the new Chairman, John Ura Ikani was a tested leader who performed excellently as Care-taker Chairman. I believe that now that he is elected as executive chairman, he has the capacity to deliver better than before”He urged the Chairman to sustain his tempo in grading of rural roads, provision of health facilities, rural electrification and drilling of bore-holes to ensure potable water supply in the area.He called on the people of the local government to cooperate with the Chairman in his efforts to uplift their living standards.
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