Category: Politics and Governance

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Mr Joshua Audu Gana, member representing Lavun/Edati/Mokwa at the federal constituency says that oppositions in the state are bent in blackmailing his good work.

Gana (PDP) stated this in an interview with newsmen in Bida.

He said that he has initiated different projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of his constituency.

According to him, there are numerous projects initiated for the development of Lavun/ Mokwa/ Edati in the 2025 national budget.

He, however challenged his critics to review the budget and see the allocations before making judgments.

The lawmaker noted that those who fail to acknowledge his efforts are not objective evaluators, adding that this prompted some paid youths attempted to disrupt the programme leading to assault on his family.

“In spite of the provisions of water,roads, electrification projects, distribution of empowerment materials for both youth and women,

“Flag off of the renovation of primary schools, including the provision of learning materials, staff chairs and other essential materials,

“Donation of 15 hospital beds at Muwo among many other social amenities spread within Mokwa local government areas, yet some people are bent in blackmailing,” he said.

He said that all the projects carried out by him was a deliberate attempt to rewrite the history of some communities living for decades without essential amenities.

“But are now enjoying a befitting drinking water, such facilities is first if its kind in the history of the constituency,” he added

The lawmaker said that he would not be dettered by the action of some people in the constituency but would continue to provide quality representation to his constituents.

“I can not force myself to do things outside the proposed budget but will be patient to execute my plans of projects.

“I cannot provide everything for everyone at a time

”I can not provides all your needs at a time , but I will always try my best to provide succour to the people of my constituencies with the resources at my disposal,” he said.

He, however, frowned at the report in some media houses in the state claiming that Hon. Gana was chased out of the venue, said it is false and misleading.

“In this modern society, you must not practice armchair journalism receiving video or voice note from untrained journalists

“Only the Tswangi TV was noticed at the venue and the reports of Tswangi TV was not politically motivated,” he said.

The lawmaker also urged the public to disregard the information in some quarters that he was chased out.

He urged the public to always verify information before accepting devoid of sentiment.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve my constituency with dedication and integrity,” he added

Gana further pledged continued quality and sound representation at the state legislature.

On his part, the Chairman people’s Democratic party, PDP, Mokwa local government area, Alh Suleman Kukpanti has described the action of those behind the crisis as an act of ingrat.

He appreciated for his outstanding qualities via provision of social amenities spread his constituency.

The PDP chairman described Gana as a very humble and gentle man, who does not deserve the recent altercation spearheaded by some unscrupulous individuals, who have benefited immensely from the lawmaker’s humanitarian gestures.

He said that Gana’s constant visits to his constituency despite his tight schedules should not be taken for granted.

“I challenged any one who can come out and show us the projects executed by the previous house of representatives in Mokwa local government areas that surpasses what Hon Joshua Gana has put in place coming to two years in the 10th National assembly..

“It has come to our notice that those circulating this rumour were not physically at the venue but decided to go all out to circulate unpleasant rumour against the honourable Member of the National assembly,” he said.

By Flowerbud News

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the petition to recall Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has yet to meet constitutional requirement.

The commission stated this in a short notice posted on its X platform.

“The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended),” the notice said.

The commission, however, said that details of why the petition had not met the constitutional requirement would be made available shortly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a group of registered voters from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s senatorial district had, on March 24, submitted a petition to INEC, urging it to commence her recall process from the senate.

The constituents, in the letter signed by the Lead Petitioner, Salihu Habib, and submitted at INEC headquarters, said they no longer had confidence in Akpoti-Uduaghan as their senator and representative in the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, INEC had, on March 25, confirmed the receipt of the petition, accompanied by six bags of documents said to be signatures collected from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters from the senatorial district.

The commission also said that it had notified the suspended senator about the receipt of the petition to recall her from the national assembly.

NAN

Agenda

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto, April 1, 2025 (FBN) Alhaji Bello Wurno, the newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Board of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), has reaffirmed the management’s commitment to fulfilling President Bola Tinubu’s expectations.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Wurno expressed his appreciation to Tinubu, Gov  Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North) for entrusting him with the significant role.

He vowed that the new SRRBDA management would align its efforts with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on key areas of food security, poverty reduction, empowerment and accelerated rural economic growth.

“Our collaboration in these critical sectors will be a top priority.

“I assure stakeholders in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara states of our unwavering commitment to restoring the Authority’s glory with renewed vigor and productivity,” he said.

Wurno acknowledged that his appointment, facilitated by Aliyu and Wamakko, was not a personal achievement but an honour bestowed upon the entire people of the state

“I rely on your continuous prayers, support, and cooperation to help us succeed in this challenging task,” he added.

Wurno also commended Aliyu’s administration for its achievements and dedication to delivering the direly needed dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.

“In Sokoto State, we have every reason to appreciate our hardworking Governor for his unwavering dedication to delivering the dividends of democracy to all corners of the state.

“His commitment to facilitating key appointments for prominent individuals from the state at the national level is commendable,” he emphasised.

Wurno further assured that the new SRRBDA management comprises a formidable team capable of taking the Authority to an enviable position.

He also extended his appreciation to the people of the state, sought their continued prayers and goodwill for the success of the authority’s initiatives.

By Flowerbud News

A Philanthropist, Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca, has joined the Labour Party.

The defection held at Abayomi Hall in Awodi-Ora Ajegunle brought together Labour Party heavyweights, including National Chairman Dr. Barr Julius Abure and members of national working committee, State Chairperson Pastor (Mrs.) Dr. Ekong Dayo, State Secretary Sam Okpala, including state working committees and labour party Lagos State governorship candidate 2023 election, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes Vivor, and others.

Thousands of OmoBarca’s supporters, families, and friends attended the town hall meeting, which marked a significant milestone in his political journey.

OmoBarca had earlier tendered his resignation from Peoples Democratic Party, the platform upon which he contested for House of Representatives for Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency.

The highlights of the event include: Town hall meeting, a gathering of Labour Party faithfuls, where national issues were discussed, and solutions were proffered to ensure the party’s victory and progress, official reception for OmoBarca and his supporters.

 

The decampees were officially welcomed into the Labour Party, with the presentation of the party flag by National Chairman Barr Julius Abure.

While the commissioning of the Labour Party Secretariat, OmoBarca donated a secretariat to the Labour Party, which was officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone in the party’s growth in Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency.

OmoBarca was also declared the official Labour Party candidate for the Federal House of Representatives seat in 2027 general elections.

He expressed his commitment to delivering Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency to the Labour Party.

“I want to win, and come 2027, Labour will be declared winners in all elections,” he stated.

Speaking during the event, Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure urged all members in Ajeromi Ifelodun to rally round OmoBarca and support him for the victory of the party in upcoming election.

He described OmoBarca as a great asset to Labour Party and expressed gratitude for his commitment to Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency.

This historic event marks the beginning of great things to come for Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency and the Labour Party, sending a strong message to the opposition.

A faction of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State has called on the local government workers to resume work in the interest of the general public and local government workers.

The faction described the protracted withdrawal of services by workers as the height of irresponsibility and sheer wickedness, noting that grounding local government services subjects members of the public to unnecessary hardship with denial of basic government services.

 

The local government workers under the auspices of the Association of Concerned Local Government Staff in Osun State, said the local government employees cannot continue to be denied their monetary and career privileges over needless withdrawal of services.

State Coordinator of the faction, Adedayo Adekunle and Secretary, Akin Adepoju during a press conference held at the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osogbo accused the Osun NULGE President, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe of nepotism and flagrant disobedience to the constitution of NULGE, especially in respect to the withdrawal of services.

 

According to the NULGE leaders, “Our dear colleagues and patriots, a clarion call summons us today to review the ongoing events in our state.

 

“The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State has wrongly and selfishly pitched our union against the people of the state in total disregard to the core values and principles of NULGE.

It is unfortunate that the NULGE leadership has turned the union to their family affairs with total disregard to the leadership and structure of the union at all levels.

 

“You will all recall that Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe, the President of NULGE recently signed a letter to close down the local government secretariats. Despite the fact that the State Branch of the Union has a paid Secretary, Dr Nathaniel Ogungbangbe wrongly signed the circular personally to close down the local government secretariats, Maternity Centers, and Marriage Registries without holding any Congress of Local Government workers, just to please his selfish interest in the state.

Despite his claim that Local Governments are no longer safe for staff to work in, he opened the local governments for the purpose of conducting his second term election where he succeeded in manipulating himself to win a second term. No life was lost during the elections. No person was arrested and social parties were held during the day and nights to celebrate the success. Yet, all Maternity Centers were locked against women and children and they were and are still sentenced to death by the reckless shutdown of the Local Government Service in Osun State by this desperate politician in the garb of a unionist.

For over a month now, those who need marriage certificates, local government identification and other important documents have been denied unjustly. Local Government workers who are due for study release are watching helplessly and the local government cooperative loan deductions that usually serve as reliefs for members in time of need could not be assessed because of illegal withdrawal of services.

 

“Our oath, culture and philosophy are to serve all government legally in power. If it is APC today or PDP tomorrow, our business is public service delivery and not any political party in power.

 

“We therefore call on all local government workers to resume immediately. We assure to provide leadership by liaising with security agents to ensure the security of the lives and properties of all the workers.

Recall that NULGE and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, had in February called on local government workers to stay off secretariats for security reasons.

 

The state governor, had, after swearing in the newly elected chairmen and councillors advised them not to report to the local government Secretariats to avoid an outbreak of violence.

 

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has also thrown its weight behind calls for local government workers to resume work in the interest of peace and tranquillity in the state

A recent visit by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) team, led by Hon. Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, to the Ifelodun LCDA, has sparked scepticism among Lagos citizens, especially people of Ifelodun LCDA.

The visit, is part of LASIEC’s statewide assessment tour which has raised concerns about the commission’s impartiality, particularly in areas where incumbent chairmen are dominant.

Critics argue that LASIEC’s tour may be seen as an attempt to sway the outcome of the forthcoming local government elections rather than ensuring a free and fair process. The fact that the visit was hosted by the Executive Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA, Mayor Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, has further fueled these concerns.

Lagos citizens are calling for transparency and accountability in the electoral process, ensuring that LASIEC maintains its independence and impartiality. The commission must demonstrate its commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections rather than being perceived as biased towards incumbent chairmen.

As the 2025 local government elections approach, LASIEC must address these concerns and work to regain the trust of Lagos citizens. Anything less may undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process and the outcome of the elections.

Don’t truncate democracy, Makinde warns APC at Osun LG chairmen swearing-in

By Adewale Owoade

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to truncate democracy by resorting to self-help on Local Government Administration in Osun State.

The governor gave this warning on Sunday, during the swearing-in of the 30 newly-elected Local Government Chairmen, stating that the APC should not exploit federal might to truncate democratic processes.

He congratulated the newly-elected chairmen, charging them to deliver dividends of democracy to their people and justify the confidence reposed in them.

Governor Makinde, who was in Osogbo with the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum chairman and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, said they were in attendance at the swearing-in event in solidarity with the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke.

Makinde noted that the APC could have a court judgment, it should follow the due process to implement such judgment and not go through the backdoors or unlawful means, adding that lovers of democracy would not want a resort to violence, which made the South-West earn the appellation of ‘Wild Wild West’ in the past.

He said: “Let me congratulate the newly-minted chairmen and chairpersons of all the 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.

“Don’t forget the promises you made to the people during your campaign. This is an opportunity for you to deliver to the people at the grassroots level. My prayer is that with the support of your governor and the state government, you will deliver.

“For some of you, this will be your stepping stone to higher positions, because the reward for hard work is more work.

“The chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and I decided to come here to witness this momentous occasion and to show solidarity with the government and the people of Osun State.

“Recently, we were in Lagos for the South-West Governors’ Forum meeting. We had PDP and APC governors from the South-West in attendance.

“We came together in the interest of our zone to tackle those problems that are common to us and our expectation is that we would have the support all the way to the top, because the essence of governance is to deliver the goods to the people in our various states and zones.

“So, when events started unfolding here in Osun State to the extent that lives were lost, we felt that we should come around and sound a note of warning.

“We are all students of history and we know what the South-West Region went through that made people tag it ‘Wild Wild West’ back then and we do not want that again.

“We just want to peacefully deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. So, nobody should resort to self-help. Even if you have a court judgment, there is a process; let the process go through.

“You cannot say that because you have the so-called federal might, you want to truncate the process. This is a federal arrangement.”

By Flowerbud News

The political landscape of Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency was on Saturday abuzz with excitement as Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen of the Labour Party and some party leaders paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima, affectionately known as OmoBarca. This strategic engagement underscores the Labour Party’s proactive approach to strengthening its ranks ahead of the upcoming elections, particularly the 2027 contests.

During the visit, the delegation expressed their admiration for OmoBarca’s remarkable popularity within Ajeromi Ifelodun. They were particularly impressed by the substantial crowd he attracted during the 2023 election political campaigns, noting that it was a record-breaking achievement for a first-time candidate and someone who had only recently entered the political arena. This level of support is a testament to his ability to connect with the community and galvanize grassroots enthusiasm, qualities that the Labour Party values highly.

The Labour Party delegates articulated their strong belief in OmoBarca’s capabilities, emphasizing how his addition to the Labour Party could enhance its objectives and drive impactful change within the community. Their confidence in his ability to navigate the challenges of being a first-time candidate reflects a broader optimism about the potential for new leadership in the region.

During their discussions, the chairmen assured OmoBarca of the Labour Party’s unwavering support, highlighting their commitment to fostering a peaceful and democratic electoral process. This assurance not only affirms the party’s dedication to progressive governance but also positions OmoBarca as a crucial figure in the party’s future endeavors.

OmoBarca’s warm reception of the delegation and his acknowledgment of the Labour Party’s organizational strength signal a promising avenue for collaboration. His willingness to engage in dialogue about potentially joining the party suggests that both sides are open to exploring ways to work together for the betterment of their constituents.

The atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect during the visit was palpable, hinting at the possibility of a fruitful partnership. As the Labour Party continues to build a coalition of dedicated leaders, the inclusion of influential figures like OmoBarca could catalyze significant advancements in their mission to promote community development and progressive governance across Lagos State and Nigeria.

In conclusion, this visit not only highlights the Labour Party’s strategic outreach efforts but also sets the stage for potential shifts in the political dynamics of Ajeromi Ifelodun. With leaders like Hon. Francis Barthlomew Chima considering alignment with the party, the future looks promising for both the Labour Party and the constituents they aim to serve.

—

*OBINNA Francis Solace*
Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency,
Lagos State.

 

– Calls for urgent intervention

 

By Flowerbudnews
The Member representing Aninri/Agwu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Chief Anayo Onwuegbu, has called on the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately extract Irrevocable commitment from the contractor handling the Enugu–Onitsha Dual Carriageway on the timeline for the project completion.

Onwuegbu made the call while speaking to journalists after the meeting between Federal Lawmakers from Enugu and Anambra States; Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi; and the contractor MTN Nigeria in Abuja.

The meeting which lasted for over an hour had 16 Federal Lawmakers from Anambra and Enugu State in attendance.

Onwuegbu explained that the project is captured under Tax Credit Scheme between Federal Government and MTN group.

“This means that MTN was expected to fund the project 100 per cent and deduct from tax.

“Unfortunately, the company has shown that it lacks capacity to deliver at the stipulated time.

“So, they are stalling and our people are dying. I urge the Minister to force MTN to complete this project on record time or have it terminated,” he said.

Onwuegbu also asked how many people would die on the Ugwu-Onyeama section of the road before something drastic was done?

He urged his colleagues in the national assembly to follow up on the construction of the second lane of the dual carriageway especially the Ugwu-Onyeama axis, which is problematic.

Earlier in the meeting, the Leader of the group, Sen. Osita Ngwu, said that the meeting was initiated to ascertain the challenges the Federal Government and MTN Nigeria were having in completing the dual carriageway which has claimed many lives and destroyed goods worth millions of naira.

Ngwu said that the entire South-East was concerned over the dangerous delay in completing the second lane of the road.

Responding, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, said MTN Nigeria was playing politics with the project and the Federal Government was tired of such politics.

Umahi insists that “MTN must tell us here if they will complete this road within the next 11 months as captured in the agreement.

“I can tell you (MTN Nigeria) for free that after this meeting, I shall write a letter of commitment to your office (MTN).
.

“Your company either commits to the project or we have it terminated and re-awarded.”