Politics
Buhari Did Not Initiate Any New Project In Bayelsa State – Gov Diri
During the inauguration and handover ceremony of the Federal Secretariat Complex in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Governor Douye Diri made a statement on Tuesday claiming that the outgoing President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), did not initiate any new projects in the state throughout his eight-year tenure.
Governor Diri emphasized that the complex, which is named after former President Goodluck Jonathan, was actually initiated by Jonathan’s administration in 2011.
Diri said, “While it is good that the Federal Government completed some of the projects started by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, we want to place it on record that for the past eight years, we never saw one new project in Bayelsa State.”
In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri, represented by his deputy Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, highlighted the considerable cost challenges associated with executing infrastructure projects in Bayelsa State.
He emphasized that the cost of constructing a kilometer of standard road in Bayelsa surpassed the cost of constructing four or more kilometers of the same quality road in other parts of the country.
The governor drew attention to the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat, initially budgeted at N2.5 billion, but underwent a cost variation due to the devastating flood in 2012 and the project was completed at a total cost of N3.1 billion.
Governor Diri expressed optimism that the experience with the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Federal Secretariat project would serve as a valuable lesson for the Federal Government.
He expressed hope that moving forward, the government would exercise greater caution in evaluating and executing project costs in Bayelsa State.
Diri said, “Some people who do not actually know what we are passing through in this state are quick to condemn us and make all sorts of comments about our level of development.
“But I’m happy and very sure that the Federal Government, having passed through what we experience in Bayelsa State, will not make such comments. In Bayelsa here, we spend a lot of resources to clear the road and create land for construction.
“I’m happy that the story will change, going forward, because they (Federal Government) have seen that what will cost them N2bn to build in Awka, Anambra State and Gusau in Zamfara will cost them N3bn in Bayelsa State.
“The Federal Government has seen that construction in Bayelsa here is more repulsive, resistant and difficult. The project here was billed for N2.5bn but after the flood in 2012, it was redesigned and re-evaluated.”
During his virtual participation in the ceremony, President Buhari acknowledged the significance of the completed secretariat projects in Yenagoa, Awka, and Gusau.
He mentioned that these projects would effectively eliminate the need for the Federal Government to spend funds on renting office spaces for its employees in the respective states.
Specifically, the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Federal Secretariat Project in Yenagoa was executed by MS Trenur Nigeria Limited which comprises a total of 342 offices, including a post office, a banking hall, and a standard conference hall named in honor of Ambassador Godknows Igali, a distinguished figure from Bayelsa State who served as a retired federal permanent secretary.
The coming days promise a lot of intrigues in the Ondo State political circle with the former Governor, Segun Mimiko, set to play a big part.
Biztellers reports that delegates of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on Wednesday, in Akure, chose Abass Mimiko as its candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
It was gathered that Abass is Segun’s younger sibling.
He was reported to have been chosen through affirmation in the party’s primary election at its Secretariat.
On emergence, Mimiko assured that if elected governor of the state, his priorities would be education, health, economy, and security.
On if his older sibling would be supporting his ambition, with both of them being in different political parties, Abbas revealed that the former governor would be rooting for him to become Ondo’s next governor.
According to him, “My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements.”
In a show of solidarity, the 37 chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed support for the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, despite reports of his suspension by his ward in Dawakin-Tofa local government area of Kano state.
The chairmen representing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) conveyed their vote of confidence during a visit to Ganduje at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
Acting chairman of the APC state Chairmen Forum and Lagos State chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, stated that those behind the purported suspension were not recognized by the party.
He said, “We are here to let you know that we are solidly behind you. The purported suspension is not from members of the party but coming from people that want to derail the party.
“We’re here to show our solidarity and sincere commitment to appreciate what members of the National Working Committee have been doing in standing by you by giving you a total support.
“We feel it’s important that the act of that solidarity should not be limited to members of the NWC alone.”
In his retort, Ganduje pointed fingers at Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, accusing him of orchestrating the purported suspension by impostors.
He derided the move as nothing more than a theatrical spectacle, likening it to scenes one might expect on Africa Magic’s Nollywood channel.
He said, “We were so astonished when we heard the news but we were not surprised when we discovered that the great threat that APC overwhelmingly poses to other parties is real and Kano State is not an exception.
“The government in Kano State is behind this drama. Even the drama is one kind of drama that is called Africa Magic. This is Africa Magic and it is not leading democracy anywhere.
“It is a negative innovation where members who belong to a different political party, not even our members, let alone being elected executive members of either the ward or to the highest level at the state.
He added “Our party cannot be distracted, we assure you. Our attention cannot be diverted. We are focused. We know where we are heading to. We know our objectives and we know to achieve our objectives.”
At the same time, the Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC has officially received the report of the party’s Ondo Governorship Committee, headed by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In a formal handover ceremony, Ganduje commended Governor Ododo for his exemplary leadership and acknowledged the committee’s diligent work.
He expressed pride in the governor’s successful execution of the party’s first national assignment under his stewardship.
Ganduje said “This is your first assignment and we are happy that you did well. I was in our Situation Room watching you live while you were declaring the results and I am proud of the way you handled it.”
In his earlier remarks, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the APC national leadership for entrusting him and his committee members with such a crucial national assignment.
He highlighted that the committee’s report meticulously documented all events surrounding the primary election, offering comprehensive recommendations to address the aftermath.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of these recommendations in fostering party unity and preparing the APC for success in the upcoming November governorship election in Ondo State.
In a display of legislative power, the Rivers State House of Assembly has overridden Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s veto to pass the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law.
Despite the governor’s initial refusal to assent to the bill on March 13, 2024, the assembly stood firm in its resolve, led by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack, to fulfill its constitutional duties.
Following the procedures outlined in Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Rivers State House of Assembly exercised its authority to override Gov Fubara’s veto by a two-thirds majority vote.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule facilitated the decisive moment, paving the way for the enactment of the bill into law.
In a separate development, the House undertook the screening and confirmation of nominees for key positions within the Assembly Service Commission.
The confirmed nominees include Barr. Sampson Worlu as Chairman, along with Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs. Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
On March 22, 2024, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into law, granting itself the authority to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
This legislative action marked a significant shift in the appointment process for key positions within the commission.
On a somber note, Speaker Rt. Hon. Amaewhule sadly announced the passing of Mr. Lucky Amadi, the husband of Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, the honorable Member for Obio/Akpor Constituency II.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Members expressed their condolences and announced plans to pay a visit to their grieving colleague, reflecting the assembly’s sense of camaraderie and compassion during times of loss.
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