POLITICS
Diri Unveils New Agenda at State Exco Retreat in Uyo
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said that his second term agenda would be hinged on a comprehensive framework built on seven pillars representing critical aspects of his administration’s developmental strategy.Diri stated this on Tuesday while declaring open a three-day State Executive Council Retreat with the theme: “Consolidating the Dividends of Shared Prosperity,” in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Delivering the keynote address, the governor stressed that the retreat was essential for key government officials to foster collaboration, drive innovation and ensure that policies and programmes align with common goals as well as consolidate on his first term efforts. The state’s helmsman said his administration has developed the acronym, A.S.S.U.R.E.D, which was hinged on seven pillars that would serve as beacon to ensure economic growth, social development, infrastructure advancement, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and good governance.He explained that the A.S.S.U.R.E.D Agenda entails Agricultural revolution, Sports development, Security, Urban renewal, robust healthcare, Energy generation and Diversifying education.Diri said his administration was committed to ensuring food security thereby opening up opportunities to maximize the potential of the state’s blue economy.“Beyond the collaboration with CBN and training of our youths at CSS Farms in Nasarawa State, I recently led a team to Seoul, South Korea, under the Korean International Cooperation Agency on an all-expense paid capacity building trip sponsored by the South Korean Government. They also donated four sets of modern tractors and other agricultural equipment worth $488,400,” he said.In the area of sports and youth development, he said the state’s investment in sports infrastructure and programmes was targeted at nurturing talents, building character, and creating opportunities for youths of the state.On its agenda of consolidating security and peace, the governor emphasised that his administration was working tirelessly to enhance security measures to sustain its status of being one of the peaceful states in the country and leverage on this record to industrialise the state.He also stressed that another core pillar of the government will be urban renewal and rural development as investments in infrastructure, housing, transportation and water supply were ongoing.”We aim to create modern, liveable cities that support economic growth and improve the quality of life for our citizens.”In promoting robust healthcare delivery as another area of focus, the governor said: “We are committed to investing in modern infrastructure to improve access to quality healthcare services for all our citizens, regardless of location.”We have expanded the health insurance scheme to include citizens who are not civil servants.”On energy generation and economic growth, he assured that the state’s economy was being repositioned for growth and sustainability, with focus on power generation, economic diversification, entrepreneurship, and empowerment programmes that create opportunities for people.To this end, Diri restated that the government has domesticated the Electricity Act in the state and is currently working on its independent power generation to provide stable power supply.According to him, another critical area is diversifying education by placing more emphasis on the development of technical and vocational education as the sector was being digitised to meet contemporary standards.”We are placing more emphasis on the development of technical and vocational education; building technical colleges in all our local government areas, which are now tuition free with also free feeding for the students.”We will continue to promptly accredit all programmes in our tertiary institutions to guarantee educational outcomes. In the last four years, we have trained over 10,000 youths in different skills.”The governor, who emphasised the importance of teamwork, urged participants to generate sound ideas to actualize the administration’s prosperity agenda, adding that their primary responsibility was to serve the people.Speaking on the topic, “Teamwork: Key to Actualizing the Prosperity Agenda,” one of the resource persons, Kalada Apiafi, highlighted the characteristics of an effective team and the principles of delegation.Speaking on the lecture, “Vision Setting, Governance and Performance,” Dr. Joe Abah noted that of all the ills that kill the poor, none was as lethal as bad governance.In his lecture, “Policy Making and Implementation, renowned public speaker, Dr. Linus Okorie, said excellent visions and strategies can be birthed but only the zeal to implement them will transform the goals behind such ideas by a leader to reality.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi.
Aziegbemi had in a statement on Sept. 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election, using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS).
He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.
S Dollars to the APC governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled “Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.”
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, “$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,” the letter said.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our Client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added. (NAN)
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has described the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State as a true representation of the aspirations of the people of the state, promising to use his contacts and cultural ties with the people of Edo State to ensure the victory of the party and its candidate in the Edo governorship election.
Ododo made the declaration at the APC youth rally in Igarra, headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area at the weekend.
The Kogi State Governor who was received by the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Phillip Shaibu promised to galvanize support among the large population of youth and women in the area for the victory of the APC candidate in the September 21 governorship election.
He appealed to the people of Akoko-Edo to shun all acts of violence but to resist intimidation by defending their votes for the APC in the election.
He assured the people that the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo will replicate the outstanding performance of the past APC leadership in the state led by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, stressing that the APC and its governorship candidate will deliver on their campaign promises by according topmost priority to the welfare of the people as currently being exemplified in Kogi State under his leadership.
Ododo who spoke in English and Ebira languages commended the people of Akoko-Edo for their peaceful conduct in the course of the campaign and assured that their support will be rewarded by the APC and its governorship candidate once the party emerges victorious in the September 21 governorship election.
Ododo has since arrived in Benin City, the Edo state capital ahead of the grand finale of the APC governorship campaign rally on Saturday where he is expected to address the rally along with other leaders of the party in the final push for the party’s victory in the Edo state governorship election.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has expressed profound sadness over the death of Joseph Haruna Duza, the member representing Munya State Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Security and Intelligence.
In a condolence message statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the passing of the lawmaker as both shocking and a significant loss, not only to the people of Munya but to the entire state.
Bago highlighted Duza’s invaluable contributions and active role in combating insecurity within the state, as well as his unwavering dedication to its growth and development.
The Governor emphasised that only God can fill the void left by Duza’s demise.
Bago extended his heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, other members of the 10th State Assembly, the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and the people of Munya Local Government.
He urged them to accept Duza’s death as an act of God.
Bago prayed for the repose of Duza’s soul and for comfort for all those affected by this loss.
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