POLITICS
NASS Members Thumb up Gov Abiodun’s Developmental Drive
From Ekundayo Idowu, Abeokuta
Members of the Ogun State caucus in the National Assembly have applauded Governor Dapo Abiodun’s developmental drive, especially in launching the state into a global aviation hub.Speaking after inspecting the ongoing Nigeria Customs Training School, located at the Gateway International Airport on Ilishan-Iperu Road in Ikenne Local Government Area, the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Sen.
Shuaib Afolabi Salis also commended the governor for influencing the siting of the Customs Training School in the state. Salis noted that the establishment of the institute is an indication that the state is on the right track, adding that the multiplying effects of the project would be felt even in the future.”We are here to see how the project is progressing, and I must say we are highly elated. We want to have a full appreciation of the legacy project that was initiated by Governor Dapo Abiodun, and you can see that the customs project complements the Gateway International Airport fittingly.”We are also here as members of the National Assembly and stakeholders who are representatives of Ogun State to see what we can do to support this project, which is, though a federal project, located in our state.”We want to support it through appropriation and suggestions to ensure that it is completed even ahead of schedule. We are also here to get feedback on what we think should be done to improve the project and to thank the governor for what he has done to put our state on the global aviation landscape, and now he has also done it with the Customs,” he said.The senator also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the world-class Customs institution in the state, emphasizing that apart from complementing the developmental drive of the Abiodun-led administration, it would showcase the state at the global level.”We have made some suggestions to the contractor and expressed our happiness with the local content in the project. When we go back, we will meet with the Comptroller General of Customs to assure him of our support,” he added.He called on the contractor to factor in green energy, digital compliance, and modern technology in executing the project, as it will serve generations of Nigerians.Also speaking, the member representing Ikenne and Sagamu Federal Constituency, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, appreciated the governor for seeing beyond the present, noting that the project, when completed, would be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa that could be compared with similar institutions in the world.While appreciating the people for cooperating with the contractor, Hon. Onanuga also commended them for keying into the project by getting employed, saying it would uplift their economic situation.In his remarks, the member representing Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, acknowledged the contribution of the governor in bringing the project to the state, even as he expressed optimism that the impact would be felt not only in the immediate environment but throughout the entire state and the country at large.Other members in the team were Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, Hon. Tunji Akinosi, and Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo.POLITICS
NSA Threatens Lawsuit over Election Rigging Allegation, Demands Apology
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)
POLITICS
Ododo Drums Support for Edo APC Governorship Candidate
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.
POLITICS
Niger Governor Mourns Loss of Munya Constituency Lawmaker
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.