Governor Francis Nwifuru has appointed Emmanuel Echiegu as his chief of staff, Mathias Adum as principal secretary, and 22 as senior special assistants and special assistants.

This is contained in a statement by the governor’s chief press secretary, Monday Uzor, on Tuesday.

The appointments include Timothy Nwachi, deputy chief of staff; Okey Oroke, deputy principal secretary; senior special assistants and special assistants (Chinedu Awo, SSA on power; Anthony Onyibe Nwegede, SSA on agriculture; Benjamin Ezeoma, lands; Friday Nwuhuo, legal services; Onu Nwonye, water resources; Lilian Nwachukwu, education, etc.).

Others are Nwozaka Abel Uzodinma, SSA on rice mill, and Nwogbaga Fred, transport. Nwogha Paul, LG and chieftaincy; Nwoga Paul, library development.

Nwokoro Okechukwu, environment, amongst others.

Mr Nwifuru, on June 5, promised that his administration would run an all-inclusive government to enhance development in Ebonyi.

In commemoration of 2023 Democracy Day, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has granted pardons to two inmates in the state’s correctional facilities.

This is contained in a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, the chief press secretary to the governor, on Monday in Yola.

Mr Fintiri said he pardoned the inmates based on their good conduct right from the day of their convictions.

“After due consultation with the State Advisory Council On Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted various categories of pardon to two prisoners for their good conduct.”

The governor gave the names of the pardoned persons as Adeolu Adumjobi and Ibrahim Babale.Mr Fintiri expressed delight over Nigeria’s unbroken democracy since the return to civil rule in 1999, describing it as the ‘triumph of freedom’.

“Twenty-seven years ago, we witnessed a scene that had once seemed impossible – an election where, for the first time, the people of this nation had a choice-unanimously agreeing to ensure democracy thrives.”

Mr Fintiri noted that though it was thwarted, 1999 saw a new beginning as the event turned out to be a landslide victory for freedom as it ushered in the beginning of the end of military rule.

He said: “And we have seen the extraordinary progress since that time. As Nigeria today is standing tall as proud a democracy.”

While describing Adamawa as a peaceful state, he regretted the ugly happenings of the state governorship election, where some elements tried to subvert the people’s will.

He commended the resilience of those who stood to preserve democracy by ensuring that the right thing was done.

Ahead of the Kogi governorship election scheduled for November 11, Muritala Ajaka has emerged Kogi East consensus candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Gabriel Aduku, chairman of the Kogi East Elders Committee, unveiled and presented the candidate to the Kogi people at a news briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Aduku said Mr Ajaka’s choice was based on the committee report set up by the Ukomu Igala organisation toward the end of 2022 to address the problems of Kogi East’s political backwardness.

He stated that the committee opted for Mr Ajaka after carefully examining his capacities, popularity/acceptability, and network and considering the various recommendations and reports received from the grassroots.

“We want to use this medium to call on all other candidates to please rally around Ajaka for the sake of the entire Kogi to ensure our victory at the poll.

“We plead that the candidates collapse their structures to close ranks with the other candidates and work together to achieve the desired aim,’’ Mr Aduku said.

The Kogi East Elders Committee chairman said the zone had remained backwards regarding development.

He noted that the zeal by many to revamp this backward trend led many residents to throw their hats into the ring to contest the state’s November 11, 2023, governorship election.

Mr Aduku disclosed that due to the diversity of candidates vying for the number one seat, the Ukomu Igala organisation had to set up a committee to streamline the number of candidates.

He said the engagement with the candidates continued after the conclusions of the political parties primary elections and the subsequent release of INEC’S list of candidates who emerged as party flag bearers.

He said they received recommendations from over 40 groups and associations of Kogi East extraction of their preferred candidates.

He added that after all processes and engagements on June 11, the committee received a report of five among the nine candidates who stepped down for Mr Ajaka.

The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has urged President Bola Tinubu to return Nigeria to federal constitutional governance upon which the nation secured independence.

NADECO secretary general Ayo Opadokun said this in a message to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day anniversary on Monday in Lagos.

The NADECO chieftain recalled how the military abrogated and substituted negotiated federal constitution and replaced it with various decrees, which had unitarised all government policies and activities.

According to him, this, in turn, has occasioned injustice, inequity, disregard for the rule of law and all kinds of discrimination.

Mr Opadokun, in the message titled ‘June 12 and the Search for Democracy’, said Mr Tinubu should implement the report of the Nasir El-Rufai panel.

He said the panel recommended that APC fulfil its promise of returning Nigeria to federal constitutional governance.

The NADECO leader said the path of federal constitutional governance was what most ethnic nationalities, civil society bodies, and opinion leaders had vigorously campaigned for in the last 30 years.

He said this was because the country recorded visible development in all sectors, including the economy and education.

“President Tinubu perhaps was brought to the government to return Nigeria to the path of sanity where it will be able to establish a productive government that fastly lifts its people out of prolonged misery and poverty,” Mr Opadokun explained.

The NADECO chieftain added;

“Others are to modernise its education system and organise its agricultural endowments to meet the value chain necessities required in the modern world where agriculture is organised as a business. NADECO, therefore, demands from the president to accurately capture the national mood.”

Mr Opadokun also mentioned that the country’s return to federal constitutional governance would not immediately solve all the many infractions imposed by the military on governance.

He noted that most aberrations at the national and sub-national levels could be taken on board for resolutions.

Mr Opadokun said Mr Tinubu must be conscious of his historical place, adding that the timing was critical.

Ibrahim Babangida, a former military Head of State, has stated that Nigerian politicians have failed to capitalize from the gains of June 12 election.

Speaking on Sunday, June 11 ahead of Democracy Day which is marked June 12 of every year, Babangida said politicians have blatantly ignored the “beauty part” of June 12, 1993 election which was highly adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.

In a statement released by his media aide, Kassim Afegbua, Babangida said;

“The gains of June 12, 1993 presidential election have not been exploited by political leaders in succeeding elections in Nigeria,” he said.

“It was adjudged the freest and fairest election in Nigeria, yet politicians have blatantly ignored that beauty; the beauty of credible elections.

“Remember, it was an election Nigerians came out en mass to choose their leaders, irrespective of their cultural/traditional and religious affiliations.

“There is thuggery in politics in Nigeria, too many litigations in Nigeria, too many issues that transparent elections ought to have addressed,” he said.

“June 12 should naturally encourage more voters to endorse democracy and election, but the turnout during our election is gradually declining,” he added.

“Right now there is voter apathy, that’s the more reason why something must be done to ensure mass participation in elections.”

Babangida says progress has been made with recent electoral reforms, but it is still a work in progress

“It is a learning curve and a work in progress. Our leaders must continue to invest their time, energy, and resources to deepen democracy and sustain democratic ideals,” he said.

APC chieftain Tajudeen Olusi, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, has advised Nigerians to pay their taxes and duties regularly to assist the government in meeting its responsibility.

GAC is the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.

Mr Olusi disclosed this at the 10th Assembly inaugural reception for Eti-Osa constituency II in Ikoyi, organised by a member representing the area, Gbolahan Yishawu, on Sunday.

Addressing journalists on the sideline of the ceremony, Mr Olusi said when citizens pay their taxes regularly, the government would be in a better position to discharge its responsibilities to the citizens adequately.

“I have listened to people on radio and television asking the government to do this and that. But one thing is missing, the responsibility of ordinary Nigerians.

They need to discharge their duties in the prompt payment of their taxes and duties,” stated the APC chieftain.

“In the light of this, I urged eligible taxpayers to embrace the culture of paying taxes because it is a demonstration of one’s faith in his country.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has tasked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the vandalisation of former Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara’s residence by individuals masquerading as security operatives.

Musa Mada, the North-West APC publicity secretary, said this at a news conference in Kaduna on Saturday.

“Our enquiry at both the Gusau and Maradu residences of Bello Matawalle confirmed that there was no warrant or anything for that matter presented to the people when the act was carried out by the invaders.

“Furthermore, residences of other government officials that worked with Matawalle during his four-year administration were also invaded, and some of their personal vehicles carted away by the same group,” said Mr Mada.

Mr Mada said the vandalisation violated sections 34, 35, 37, 41 and 42 of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended.

He added;

“As a party, we will not tolerate that, and we will watch closely how the authorities concerned will handle the situation to know whether the police and the DSS are working for the PDP or Nigeria.”

He warned,

“If an investigation is not taken, hoodlums may wear uniforms and attack perceived enemies in the name of such operations.”

Mr Muda urged party supporters and Matawalle’s loyalists to remain calm and not take laws into their hands, pending investigation by police authorities.

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, met with traditional rulers and their representatives from across the country at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

This is coming after the president met with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, an assembly of the 36 State Governors, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Present at the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the State House Permanent Secretary, Tijjani Umar; Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha, Tor Tiv, Etsu Nupe, Deji of Akure, Shehu of Borno, Elegushi of Ikate, Jaja of Opobo, Lamido of Adamawa, Emir of Zazzau, Gbong Gwom Jos, Attah Igala, Alake of Egbaland, Shehu of Borno and a representative of the Oba of Benin.

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved the request of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the appointment of 20 special advisers.

The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi said this after an emergency sitting of the House on Thursday in Lafia.

Mr Abdullahi said that the approval was to enable Mr Sule to appoint the advisers that would assist in implementing his policies and programmes for the people.

“His Excellency has sent a request for the appointment of 20 special advisers that will assist him in the consolidation of his policies and programmes.

“After an extensive deliberation on His Excellency’s request, the request is hereby granted by the Honourable House,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi assured of the readiness of the house to partner with the Executive in order to ensure speedy development across the state.

Jacob Kudu (APC- Nassarawa Eggon East) and other lawmakers supported the approval.

The lawmakers said that the appointment of the special advisers would ensure speedy development of the state.

The Speaker announced that Mr Sule had approved the total renovation of the Assembly Complex.

He said that the action was in line with the government’s commitment to create an enabling environment for the lawmakers and other staff for effective service delivery.

He said that the ministry of works would soon commence work at the complex.

“We are proceeding on recess today, June 8, to resume on July 10, to enable the ministry of works renovate the House, as approved by His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule,” he said.

Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana), the majority leader moved for the House to proceed on recess, while Musa Ibrahim (NNPP- Doma South), the minority leader seconded.

The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed four bills and confirmed 15 civil commissioners at its valedictory session marking the end of the state’s seventh assembly in Benin.

The bills are a bill for a law to make provision for the emolument of elected political officers and public officers 2023, a bill for a law to provide for the pension rights of the governor and the deputy governor 2023.

Others are a bill for a law to provide for sanitation, pollution and waste management and a bill to establish a unified local government agency.

The house also amended and adopted new house rules which threw up some controversies before its adoption.

House Speaker Marcus Onobun had earlier called on the members representing Esan North East I and Esan South East, Assemblyman Francis Okiye and Assemblyman Sunny Ojiezele respectively to second the adoption of the motion.

But the two lawmakers declined, saying that they had no idea of the content of the new house rules.

Also at plenary, the house confirmed 15 commissioners as civil commissioners in the state.

They are Christopher Nehikhare, Monday Osaigbovo, Isoken Omo, Joan Oviawe, Ethan Uzamere, Stephen Idehenre, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi and Patrick Unaseru.Others are Samuel Alli, Adeze Aguele-Kalu, Kingsley Uwagbale, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, Joshua Omokhodion, Ojeifoh Enaholo and Christabel Omo Ekwu.

The house also approved the request of Governor Godwin Obaseki to obtain N3.5 billion contract and asset finance auto-loan facility.

According to the governor, N2 billion will be used for the procurement of hospital equipment for Stella Obasanjo hospital and N1.5 billion will be used to procure vehicles for the 24 incoming legislators and the state chief judge.

Thereafter, Mr Onobun opened the floor as he thanked his colleagues and staff of the assembly for their support over the years.

Mr Onobun, in his valedictory speech, stated that the seventh assembly passed 54 bills, 48 of the bills were assented to and also passed 118 resolutions.

“The turbulence that characterised the inauguration of the seventh assembly made us heroes of democracy having done the job of 24 members,” he said.

Mr Onobun, however, thanked his constituency, the governor and the people of Edo for the privilege to serve.

House deputy speaker Roland Asoro, member representing PDP Orhiomwon south, thanked his constituency and the governor for the enabling environment for the house to function.

Former House Speaker Francis Okiye, member representing PDP Esan North East I, reflected on the milestones the house recorded in the last four years.

Mr Okiye said “we have sojourned together in the last four years through challenges and I believe that each of us contributed his quota to the development of the state”.

Other lawmakers also took turns to appreciate God and their constituencies for the privilege to represent them in the house.

The seventh assembly came into being by a proclamation by Mr Obaseki On June 17, 2019.

All 24 seats were won by the then ruling party, APC.

However, before the proclamation, the politicking of who becomes the speaker tore the legislators-elect into two major factions.

At the inauguration on June 17, only 10 members out of 24 presented themselves for inauguration.

The house, thereafter, adjourned sine die (with no appointed date).

A former Senator who represented Anambra Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Annie Okonkwo, is dead.

According to Vanguard, he died in US after a long battle with a terminal illness. He was 63 years old.

Okonkwo who was a foremost businessman in the 80s and 90s, hailed from Ojoto, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He once represented Anambra Central in the Senate, and also contested more than once for the position of Anambra State governor.

He was also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okonkwo was last seen in public glare when his son, Uche Okonkwo, who won a seat in the house of Representatives paid him a visit to present to him his certificate of return.

The National Assembly has passed a bill for the prohibition and punishment of sexual harassment by teachers/lecturers in tertiary institutions.

The Senate passed this bill in 2020 but the House of Representatives passed theirs but with different provisions.

On Wednesday, June 7, the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the conference committee of both chambers harmonised the different positions as he presented the report during plenary session.

The proposed bill seeks to criminalise sexual harassment by educators against students in tertiary institutions.

The National Assembly on Wednesday also passed a legislation to make compulsory, the inclusion of preventive measures against sexual and gender based violence in the curriculum of all levels of secondary education in Nigeria.