NEWS
Rivers Political Warfare Turns New Leaf As Lawmakers Replace Speaker, Adjourn Sine Die
The melodrama that has taken Rivers State by storm in the last 24 hours has turned a new leaf with lawmakers, loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara responding deftly to moves to impeach him by electing a new speaker and adjourning the house indefinitely.
The lawmakers elected Edison Ehie as the new Speaker on Monday after fracas greeted the rumour of impeaching Gov Fubara, few hours after the State House of Assembly, Port Harcourt went up in flames, Sunday night.
Hon Ehie was the House Leader until a faction of the lawmakers suspended him on Monday.
However, in a deft move, seen as taking the fire out of the pro-Abuja lawmakers, Hon Ehie informed journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt later that 26 members of the House sat and elected him Speaker.
He said, “As you can see, the House just rose from plenary and with all humility I must thank my colleagues, 26 Assembly members who have just elected me as the new Speaker of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.
“My commitment to Rivers people is that I will be fair and just to all and sundry. And I will ensure that the rule of law takes its course.
“I will not betray my colleagues, I will not betray Rivers people and I will not betray my constituents.”
Hon Ehie also promised to ensure the independence of the assembly, as well as ensure mutual respect with the judiciary and the executive arm of government.
He added, “The honourable members that have been suspended will also be given a fair hearing.
“The House Committee on Information will publish their names and the House urged the House Committee on Petitions to give them a fair hearing.
“The House has also adjourned sine die because the Parliamentary Association has served us a notice of indefinite strike from Abuja. So we can’t sit again.
“Any sitting after now will not hold water because an official notice has been received.
“I tell people, if you have any grievances, approach the court. That is the resolution of the House.”
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated a 12-member committee tasked with recovering government vehicles reportedly in private hands.
The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has been given a two-week mandate to retrieve the vehicles and ensure their return to the state government.
READ ALSO: Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He urged the committee to carry out its assignment thoroughly and within the bounds of the law.
In his response, Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the team with the assignment, vowing to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing, as those in custody of the vehicles have refused to return them,” Okungbowa said.
“The governor deemed it fit to inaugurate us today with a mandate to recover all government vehicles in private hands.”
The committee, which includes representatives from Edo’s three senatorial districts, is set to investigate and recover the vehicles based on credible intelligence already at their disposal.
“We already have vital information regarding some persons still holding government vehicles,” Okungbowa stated. “We will do the job according to the law, and both the government and the people will be satisfied with the outcome.”
He also called on members of the public to assist the committee by providing information about any government vehicles that may still be in private possession.
“We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government,” Okungbowa said.
The committee’s vice chairman, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, will work alongside other members to ensure the success of the initiative. The public can reach the committee at 08110165121.
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
RELATED NEWS: Tinubu Seeks ₦1.767tn Loan to Tackle 2024 Budget Deficit
Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
READ ALSO: Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
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