POLITICS
Ortom, Achado Laud Senate over Position on Arbitrary Dissolution of Local Councils
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The immediate past governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has applauded the Senate for its resolution on Friday, which condemned the arbitrary dissolution of democratically elected local councils in the federation.
Ortom described the intervention of the Senate as a significant move which reflects a commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the autonomy of local government administration across the country.
According to him, the unanimous resolution by the upper chamber of the National Assembly also represents a crucial step in safeguarding the democratic process at the grassroots level.
According to him, the Senate’s decision is a proactive measure, which also has the potency to deter any act that undermines the democratic rights of citizens and the principles of good governance.
Ortom in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Terver Akase and made available to newsmen in Makurdi said calling for the withholding of statutory allocations to non-democratically elected local councils in Nigeria was in order.
He maintained that the Senate has demonstrated a firm stance against dictatorial tendencies.
The former governor commended Senator Abba Moro for his proactive motion, which drew urgent attention to the issue of the unconstitutionally sacked local councils in Benue State.
Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives for Gwer/Gwer East Federal Constituency, Asema Achado advised Governor Hycinth Alia of Benue State to always consult stakeholders, especially the political class before taking a decisions for the ttate.
Achado in a letter he personally signed entitled, “My Humble Advice to My Dear Governor, Hyacinth Alia” stated that as the Governor of Benue State carried a significant responsibility of shaping the future of Benue State and its people.
“It is in this spirit that I am reaching out to offer some useful advice and suggestions that I believe will help you in carrying out your duties effectively and in the best interest of the people of Benue State.
“First and foremost, it is crucial for you to always consult with relevant stakeholders, including party leadership at all levels when making decisions that impact the State,” he said.
He posited that consultation is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and by seeking input from a wide range of voices, the governor can be sure that his decisions are well-informed and have the support of the people they affect.
“This will also help in promoting transparency and inclusivity in governance, which are essential ingredients for building trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.
“His Excellency is no doubt aware that delivering on commitments and demonstrating integrity in dealings with political leaders can build the quantum of trust and goodwill that are expected for effective governance. Note also that honesty, fairness, and professionalism are key traits that can positively impact relationships with political leaders,” he added.
According to Achado, working collaboratively with political leaders to achieve common goals can help in maintaining support and cooperation and a shared vision for the future of the State as well as unite political leaders and pave the way for the development of our dear state.
While urging Governor Alia to be more accessible to the electorate, Achado contended that the ability to engage with the citizens and listen to their concerns is a fundamental aspect of effective governance and encouraged him to create opportunities for open dialogue with the people of Benue State, whether through town hall meetings, public fora or other accessible platforms.
The lawmaker insisted that by being present and attentive to the needs of the people, the governor can demonstrate his commitment to serving their interests and promoting their well-being.
He said, “I have also heard reports regarding your long hours of prayer sessions during the day, which have resulted in delayed or cancelled official engagements. While I understand and appreciate the importance of spiritual devotion, it is equally important to ensure that your duties as governor are carried out effectively and efficiently.
“I would advise you to consider shifting your well-intended long hours of prayer sessions to the night, allowing you to free up your daytime hours for official duties and engagements. This will help in ensuring that your responsibilities as Governor are given the attention they deserve, while also honouring your well-intended personal beliefs and practices.
“Additionally, it has come to my attention that some senior government officials, bishops, and other senior citizens have had to wait for extended periods, sometimes over 10 hours, to see you for scheduled appointments. This kind of prolonged waiting time can disrupt the schedules of these individuals and may convey a negative perception that you lack consideration for their time,” he said.
“You have to review your scheduling practices and make adjustments to ensure that appointments are honoured in a timely manner so as such will not only demonstrate respect for the time of others but also showcase commitment to efficient and professional governance.
“There is need to reconsider the dissolution of elected local government councils in the state, saying listening to the voice of reason is a crucial aspect of leadership, and it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of such decisions on the functioning of local governance and the well-being of the communities affected”.
“Your commitment to the well-being of the people and the development of the State is commendable, and by implementing these additional suggestions, I believe you can further enhance your effectiveness as a leader with great reckoning.”
NEWS
Tinubu’s Re-election: Don’t Allow Repeat of 2023, Tompolo Tells Lagos
Leader of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Government Ekpemupolo, has advised the people of Lagos State not to allow a repeat of what played out in the 2023 election in the state in the 2027 presidential election.
He called on the people to take advantage of the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and get their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote massively for one of their own, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, who was represented by Kestin Pondi, gave the charge in Lagos, on Tuesday, during a campaign rally for Tinubu’s reelection, during which he also presented 57 campaign vehicles to state coordinators.
“What happened in 2023 must not repeat. He must win convincingly in 2027,” he said.
He described Tinubu as a selfless and courageous leader who did not care about his reelection but went on carrying out bold reforms that are already yielding results and which many Nigerians are benefitting from.
Ekpemupolo pointed out that, the fact that Lagos is today referred to as a city for all Nigerians is all thanks to the foundation laid by President Tinubu, which successive governors have built on, and now that he has a higher responsibility, there was the need for his own people to stand solidly behind him.
“Lagos is the city for all Nigerians because someone stood firm to restructure and reform it. “From the time he came into office in 1999 up to 2007 that he left, Lagos was the envy of other states.
“Today, he has a higher responsibility, an opportunity to replicate the Lagos success story in Nigeria through reforms. There is massive development across the states today because reforms are working,” he stated.
Ekpemupolo said to ensure that the reforms continue, the people of Lagos and all Nigerians must take the message to every door and everyone that Tinubu is the man for Nigeria.
Also speaking, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, pointed out that Nigeria was attaining economic stability under the Tinubu-led administration.
He advised the people to ignore the antics of opposition politicians who have no plan for Nigeria, but only desperate to win elections and have been moving from one party to another, demonstrating a lack of consistency, which he emphasised was bad quality for any leader.
Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu has constructed more roads than previous administrations in three years, given succour to students, increased minimum wage and made money available for payment of pensions.
“Why won’t we vote for him? The entire Lagos is for Tinubu. All our votes are for Tinubu. You’ve done it before, you’ll do it again. “We will touch every corner of Lagos with our message to reelect Tinubu. Go out and convince everyone that Tinubu is the candidate to vote,” the governor stated.
Earlier, National Coordinator of the movement, Sunday Asuku, urged the people of Lagos to go out and get their PVCs to enable them vote massively for Tinubu.
“We must stand our ground and deliver Tinubu with PVCs, not with guns or intimidation. Lagos must not put their son, Tinubu, to shame,” he stated.
He said in the 2027 presidential election, Nigerians must make a bold statement to retire “serial contesters” who he described as “enemies of Nigeria.”
POLITICS
Mbah Reaffirms Enugu’s Commitment to Trade, Investment, Industrial Growth
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for trade, investment and industrial development as part of efforts to accelerate economic growth and improve the wellbeing of residents.
Governor Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr.
Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, disclosed this at the Amadeo Business Summit 5.0 in Enugu.The five-day summit, themed “Sustaining Growth & Soaring,” brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, government institutions and other stakeholders at the Amadeo Event Centre to explore strategies for sustainable business growth and economic development.
The Commissioner noted that the state government remained committed to promoting investment, supporting businesses and industries, improving the ease of doing business and creating favourable conditions for investors to thrive.
He described the private sector as a critical partner in driving sustainable economic development, generating employment and expanding opportunities for the people. He also assured investors that Enugu remained open to credible investments and strategic partnerships capable of strengthening the state’s productive base.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry, Ifeanyi Onah deliverimh a goodwill message urged participants to apply the knowledge and insights gained at the summit to their respective fields and businesses, while encouraging them to participate in the next edition, Amadeo Business Summit 6.0, to sustain the exchange of ideas and strengthen business collaboration.
The summit featured sessions on business leadership, transformation, youth empowerment, skills development, entrepreneurship, real estate, finance and small and medium-sized enterprise development. The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote trade, investment and industrial growth in line with Governor Mbah’s “Tomorrow Is Here” agenda.
POLITICS
2027: Tinubu ‘ll Deliver Prosperity If Re-elected, First Lady Assures
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will deliver on his promise to transform the country and usher in prosperity if re-elected for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
She gave the assurance in Lafia, Nasarawa State, during the grand rally of the North-Central Grassroots Mobilisation Network, organised to mobilise support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The rally attracted a large turnout of APC supporters from across the North-Central geopolitical zone, alongside top party leaders, including the APC National Chairman, Prof.
Nentawe Yilwatda; Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; and other governors from the region.Speaking at the event, Mrs. Tinubu said the President’s Independence Day message, titled “From Reforms to Prosperity,” reflected the administration’s commitment to translating ongoing economic reforms into improved living conditions for Nigerians.
She said the economy was beginning to stabilise, while foreign exchange pressures were easing and investors were returning to the country.
“The Independence Day message of Mr President was titled ‘From Reforms to Prosperity’. Therefore, Mr President is saying that they are going to reform the sectors, but now is the time for prosperity, and we can see our economy is stabilising,” she said.
The First Lady also commended governors for their infrastructure development efforts, noting that their contributions were helping to advance the country’s development.
Mrs. Tinubu said the Federal Government was also intensifying efforts to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
She explained that the administration’s food bank programme was designed to improve access to nutritious food and provide support for malnourished children to help them grow healthily.
“As you see now, we have just finished the food bank programme, where we are helping every child and mothers who are pregnant and also breastfeeding.
“This is to ensure that they can have more nutritious food, and also the children that are malnourished can get treatment and food to grow healthy,” she said.
She added that young people in schools were also benefiting from government support, urging party supporters to take the administration’s achievements and policies to their respective communities.
Mrs. Tinubu described President Tinubu as a bold leader willing to make difficult decisions in the interest of the country, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria towards prosperity.
She urged residents of the North-Central region to convince voters that the country could achieve better outcomes if President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima secured another term.
The First Lady further said the administration was committed to building a stronger economy, safer communities and a greater Nigeria.
She called on the electorate to support the APC at all levels in the 2027 general elections, arguing that continuity would help sustain the government’s policies and development agenda.
“Therefore, vote for continuity, vote for capacity, vote for prosperity, vote for the re-election of Mr President and all the candidates of APC from top to bottom,” she added.
Other speakers at the rally also urged Nigerians to vote for President Tinubu and APC candidates in the 2027 elections, describing continued support for the party as an opportunity to sustain the administration’s programmes and development plans.


