From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that its campaign office in Dekina Local Government Area has been vandalized by suspected hoodlums

Spokesman of the Kogi State APC Governorship Campaign Council, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, also alleged that members of the SDP, who were unable to sell their ethnic agenda, became frustrated and decided to resort to self help.

Fanwo called on APC supporters in Dekina LGA to avoid the temptation of launching a reprisal, saying as a peace -loving party, they had made a preliminary report to the law enforcement agencies.

He said the party’s Legal Directorate would file a more comprehensive report with the hope that law enforcement agents will investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure perpetrators were prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.

“This is to bring to the attention of the general public and law enforcement agents that our Campaign Office in Dekina LGA has been vandalized by some hoodlums known to be supporting the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

“It is unfortunate that after realising that their ethnic jingoism is not achieving desired results for them, a handful of supporters openly associating with the SDP Governorship Candidate, Yakubu Muritala are visiting their livid frustration on our campaign offices across Kogi East.

“We want to commend the people of Kogi East for standing by the candidate which signposts the unity of our dear state and for believing in a united and prosperous state.

“In the face of the obvious provocation and violation of the civil way of playing politics, we urge our supporters in Dekina LGA to avoid the temptation of launching a reprisal as our party stands for peace. We are widely accepted across the state and only the losers are displaying cowardice.

“We have made a preliminary report to law enforcement agencies and our Legal Directorate is filing a more comprehensive report with the hope that law enforcement agents will do what is right, investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure perpetrators are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others nursing such acts of cowardice.

“As a party, we remain committed to peace and will not join destroyers and ethnic jingoists in their acts. We will do what is right, just, fair and peaceful”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of continued fraternal bond between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

Shettima gave the assurance when he declared open a two-day retreat for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly (NASS) in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom on Friday.

The vice president said that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

Shettima also assured the leadership of the National Assembly of Tinubu’s avowed commitment to entrenching democratic ideals and values through collaborative partnership with all arms of government.

He said the unrivalled democratic credentials of Tinubu, which include legislative experience, would continue to rub off on his governance style.

This, he said especially as it borders on respect of the rule of law, adherence to separation of powers as well as deference for constitutional rights.

Shettima described the composition of the Federal Government as well as the leadership of the National Assembly as historical, unique and a major pathway to Nigeria’s unprecedented development.

This, he said, was more so that the expectations of Nigerians would be met regardless of the present challenges.

“For the first time in our history, all the elected heads of our branches of government are produced by the hallowed halls of the National Assembly.

“For the first time in our history, the heart of the executive branch of our government is serviced by the alumni of the National Assembly.

“Both the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President are proud alumni of the National Assembly. The Secretary to the Federal Government is one of us.

“We cannot, therefore, afford to go to war. Not because we are going to overlook each other’s transgressions, but because you are going to engage with those who know the gravity of your work and would never take you for granted.”

He said given the composition of the National Assembly, it has become emphatic that ranks are closed in the bid to give unprecedented service delivery and democratic pact to the Nigerian people.

“There’s no place in this country where you can find a fraternal bond as enduring as the ones that bind the members of the National Assembly.

“From converging on Abuja to water the dreams, debate the needs, and mitigate the fears of this diverse nation, we have forged friendships that defy the stereotypes of our differences.

“Term after term, election after election, old and new members return and exit, but the burden of managing a diverse nation has ensured that we cannot afford to tread the path of divisions.”

He further reiterated the need for national cohesion, saying it has become non-negotiable if the country’s potential must be fully harnessed and tapped for prosperity and generality of all Nigerians.

“You have a President and a Vice President who are one of you and recognise the sacrifices you make.

“President Tinubu has, with utter certainty, reassured us that we are not in government to go to war with the National Assembly. We are here to collaborate and march towards shared values.

“Governance is a collective responsibility, not a personal endeavour. Our most significant achievements were attained through cooperation and harmony.

“This is what we seek from you because we are brothers and sisters in pursuit of a country that serves all of us.

Shettima described the NASS as a complete spectrum of human experience.

“This is where you will witness eloquent testimonies of your colleagues in defence of reason.

“This is where you will witness profound debates that will dismantle your age-long assumptions. But, in the end, you will realize we are all bound by our fidelity to the ideals of democracy.”

Earlier, President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, said that the retreat was the beginning of the rejuvenation and a time of reflection and deliberate planning that would determine the direction of legislative efforts.

“We have a huge responsibility as the National Assembly leaders, as the guardians of democracy, it is our responsibility to set the legislative agenda, make sure that our venerable institution runs smoothly.

“Our neighbours are watching us, and they turn to us for leadership and action. We therefore have a chance to establish a strong future direction during this retreat, which is more than just a gathering of leaders.”

Also, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, thanked Tinubu for his continued support and deepened respect for legislative independence and harmony.

He said the institute remained committed to working with the 10th NASS in improving legislative governance.

Notable guests at the event include Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, former Senate Presidents Ayim Pius Ayim, David Mark, Ken Nnamani and Ahmed Lawan.

Others were the Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Germany, Mr Johnnes Lehne and all Principal leaders of the National Assembly. 

Rep. Jeremiah Umaru (APC- Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency) at the national assembly has urged the leadership the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State in order to strengthen the party in the state.

Umaru made the call when he  visited the new state chairman of the party, Alh.

According to the federal lawmaker,  the period of electioneering is over and that the party leadership should work toward bringing all members together as one big family.

He pointed out that those who emerged victorious from the elections should be magnanimous in victory and carry every member of the party along irrespective of their political camps during primaries.

“I will champion the reconciliation of our party in my constituency and ensure we listen to everyone no matter where they choose to be during and after the election with a view of having a united party,” he added.

Umaru, while congratulating the new state party chairman, urged him to bring his wealth of experience in party politics to bear in charting a new course of unity and progress in the party.

Umaru also promised to be a good ambassador of the party at  national assembly and ensure effective representation that would  improve the wellbeing of his constituents.

He also urged the people of the state and Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State to succeed.

Responding, the APC Chairman thanked Umaru for the solidarity visit and expressed delight with his achievement so far at the national assembly.

He encouraged the lawmaker to  sustain his performance, adding that his constituents would always be proud that they entrusted him with their mandate.

Bello assured the lawmaker that the party leadership in the state prioritise reconcilation in order to consolidate on achievements so far in providing good governance in the state.