NEWS
Four Additional Rivers State Commissioners Resign
Amid escalating tensions between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Minister Nyesom Wike, four additional commissioners from Fubara’s administration have submitted their resignations.
The resigning commissioners include Chukwuemeka Woke (Special Duties), Alabo George-Kelly (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance), and Inime Chinwenwo Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation).
Their departures follow shortly after the resignation of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zaccheaus Adangor, on Thursday.
Emeka Woke, a staunch supporter of the FCT Minister and previously Chief of Staff under Wike’s administration, currently serving as Commissioner for Special Duties in Fubara’s government, has not publicly disclosed the motive behind his resignation.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Aguma, the Social Welfare and Rehabilitation commissioner, who submitted her resignation letter on Friday, stated, “My decision to resign is personal and stems from other pressing commitments.”
She conveyed her well wishes for Governor Fubara’s successful tenure. Mrs. Aguma, the wife of late Chime Aguma (SAN), the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, shared her sentiments upon stepping down.
Commissioner George-Kelly, in a resignation letter dated December 14, 2023, addressed to the governor, attributed his decision to resign from the position of Works Commissioner to his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics.
He expressed deep introspection before making this significant choice and thanked Governor Fubara for the chance to serve Rivers State.
He said “appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works”.
Likewise, Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu, also in a letter dated December 14, 2023, conveyed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve under his administration.
However, Kamalu opted not to elaborate on the reasons behind his resignation.
Meanwhile, despite a court order from Justice MW Danagogo at the Rivers State High Court, the 27 lawmakers who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) held a separate session.
Led by pro-Wike Speaker Martins Amaewhule, they convened at the Assembly Quarters on Friday, while Governor Fubara signed the 2024 appropriation bill with pro-Fubara lawmakers led by Speaker Edison Ehie.
During Amaewhule’s session, the House passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, following discussions based on the House Committee on Public Accounts’ report.
Speaker Amaewhule, while commenting on Major Jack’s presented report from the Committee, highlighted the significance of passing the Bill.
He emphasized that this legislation would govern the management of funds allocated to the Rivers State House of Assembly from the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring accountability and effective fund utilization.
Expressing enthusiasm, Amaewhule stated that the amended Bill would emancipate elected Local Government Council chairmen and Councilors from arbitrary removals and suspensions, thus ensuring their autonomy.
The House strongly denounced Governor Fubara’s actions, labeling the demolition of the Assembly complex as heartless and audacious, carried out without their consent or awareness.
Speaker Amaewhule hinted at the House’s intention to correspond with the United Nations and governments of other established democracies regarding the Governor’s actions against the Legislature.
He emphasized that regardless of any harassment, intimidation, or unwarranted assaults on the legislature, they would remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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