Politics
Senator Orji Kalu Backs Tinubu, Dismisses ‘Igbo Presidency’ Notion
Senator Orji Kalu, the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and a former Governor of Abia State, recently stated that the concept of an “Igbo presidency” is a misnomer and that his allegiance primarily lies with his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During his appearance on ARISE News, the broadcast arm of THISDAY, Senator Orji Kalu reaffirmed his support for the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.
Kalu stated that he was confident that Tinubu would emerge as the winner of the upcoming presidential election, and that his vote would be cast for him.
“There is nothing like Igbo presidency. There can only be a Nigerian president of Igbo descent,” he contended.
Despite his close relationship with the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Senator Orji Kalu expressed his belief that Bola Tinubu would emerge victorious in the presidential election taking place on Saturday.
“This business is not done by tribe or region. It is about voting when all Nigerians agree that he will be president, the way all Nigerians have agreed that Bola Tinubu will be president,” he stated.
Senator Orji Kalu emphasized that the ongoing currency exchange policy was not initiated by the APC government, but was rather the exclusive responsibility of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the country’s apex financial institution.
He went on to state that the policy had also affected President Muhammadu Buhari, but criticized the president for allegedly ignoring a supreme court order related to the matter.
“Naira redesign is not a policy of the APC government. The central bank is using the power given to it by the constitution of the country. If I were Buhari, I’ll listen to the order of the court. That’s how a country can move forward. Buhari is also suffering from the policy”, Kalu stated.
Senator Orji Kalu acknowledged that the APC governors who took the federal government to court had acted appropriately, arguing that their decision was in accordance with the constitution and aimed to seek clarity on the interpretation of the law.
He stressed that the judiciary was an independent arm of government and it was necessary to respect its decisions and rulings.
“My party is not against Buhari. It’s just obeying the rule of law. There is nothing wrong in taking the federal government to court. What they have done is right. They approached the court to seek the interpretation of the law. I don’t see why the president will disobey the order of the court,” he maintained.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of six new officials to pivotal positions within his administration, effective from November 15, 2024.
The announcement was made public on Friday in a communiqué signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
The newly appointed officials bring a wealth of experience to their roles and include: Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu as Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
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Dr. Iyamu, an accomplished academic and business leader, holds a Doctorate in Petroleum Resources and an MBA. Prior to his appointment, he served as the CEO of Gabbem Integrated Services Ltd.
Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board. Enehita-Inegbenehi is a seasoned professional with expertise in human resources and leadership.
He previously led multiple businesses, including JEI Visions Service Apartments and JEI Visions Iron Metals.
CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) as Corps Commander of the Edo State Security Corps Governance. A former Commissioner of Police with international experience, including an assignment with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, Ibadin is renowned for his security expertise.
Stainless Ijeghede as Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency. Ijeghede, a mechanical engineer, previously worked in the petroleum sector with Shell Petroleum, focusing on well engineering and safety.
Lucky Eseigbe as Managing Director of the Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency. A legal expert with an LL.B and LL.M from Ambrose Alli University, Eseigbe has vast experience in legislative consulting and legal advising.
Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor as Commissioner for Finance-designate. With over 25 years in the banking industry, Okoebor has held senior roles, including Assistant General Manager at United Bank for Africa (UBA).
He is also a registered member of COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
As the build up to the Ondo State’s off season gubernatorial election continues, the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated the list of contestants by adding the Labour Party’s Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus.
The umpire made the disclosure on Friday in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, where it made it clear that it was acting in compliance with an order of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.
The statement was issued under the subject, ‘update on the list of candidates for the 2024 Ondo governorship election’.
It reads, “The Commission was yesterday 14th November 2024 served with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement of the Court of Appeal which set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja Division. The FHC, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1105/2024 had on 27th September 2024 ordered the Commission to accept Olusola Ebiseni as the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
“However, in the appeal with reference number CA/ABJ/CV/1172/2024 filed by the Labour Party, the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division struck out the judgement of the FHC for lack of jurisdiction.
“In obedience to the court order, the Commission has restored Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus, whose name was first published as the Labour Party candidate for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election and uploaded same to our website for public information.”
In the quest to ramp up the push against the negative effects of climate change, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved changes in the leadership of the state’s climate change team.
Consequently, Gov Adeleke directed the abolition of the office of Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change and the redeployment of the SSA on Climate Change, Prince Moruf Adedapo, out of the sub sector to the pool of SSAs.
To add bite to the changes, Gov Adeleke also directed the movement of the office of the consultant to the state on climate change and renewable energy from the Ministry of Environment to the Governor’s Office.
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Biztellers reports that with the changes, the consultant, Prof Chinwe Obuaku will henceforth be reporting to Gov Adeleke directly.
A government statement underpins these to “a strategy to give bite to the administration’s push to fast track implementation of adaptation and mitigate climate actions”.
As part of the leadership reforms, Gov Adeleke further directed that liaison between the state government and federal agencies as well as development partners on climate matters should be coordinated by the state consultant.
It was gathered that stakeholders would henceforth be relating with the state consultant on climate related matters as the office of SSA on Climate Change no longer exists.
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