Court disbands Yahaya Bello’s task force on illegal firearms.

Court disbands Yahaya Bello’s task force on illegal firearms.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared as unconstitutional, the Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Firearms that was set up by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

A concerned indigene of the state,Ahmadu Danjuma, had in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/697/2023, challenged the establishment of the outfit.

Bello, through his lawyer, A. M. Adoyi, had insisted that the court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case which he described as incompetent.

But Justice James Omotosho, in a judgment on Tuesday, declared that regulation of firearms in the country was not within the powers of the governor, being an item on the Exclusive Legislative List.

The judge said the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Adviser were the proper bodies to regulate firearms in the country.

Solomon Odeniyi

Credit: The Punch Newspaper 

Lagos committed to women’s welfare, says Sanwo-Olu.

Lagos committed to women’s welfare, says Sanwo-Olu.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged the support of the state government for the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials’ drive to improve the welfare of women.

Sanwo-oLu reaffirmed this on Tuesday at the 23rd National Women’s Conference of COWLSO held at Eko Hotels, Lagos.

“The Lagos State Government, under my leadership, stands firmly committed to the vision set forth by COWLSO, because we recognise the pivotal role that empowered women play in the development and progress of every society,” part of the governor’s speech read.

The governor’s wife, who is the Chairman, COWLSO, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said the group would continue to assist women and the vulnerable in the state.

“The conference has the objective of inspiring ideas and robust intellectual conversations on issues affecting women and girls, and also men and boys,” she said.

Speaking further, Ibijoke lauded President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi, on her “indelible contribution to COWLSO.”

“We appreciate the massive support you’ve given and continue to give to our women and children. May the God Lord strengthen and uplift you ceaselessly,” she said.

“COWLSO participated actively in the sensitisation by the Renewed Hope Initiative, a pet project of the First Lady of Nigeria. The charity-based initiative is targeted at providing succor and relief to vulnerable women and girls in Nigeria,” she added.

Credit: The Punch Newspaper 

Stop attacking critics, PDP tells Soludo.

Stop attacking critics, PDP tells Soludo.

The Anambra State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to stop attacking critics of his administration.

The PDP spokesman in Anambra, Uloka Chibuike, stated this in a press statement he issued on Tuesday.

He said the continued verbal assaults against critics and commentators suggested that the Soludo administration was “adrift and marooned”.

Chibuike said the governor should remember that he occupies a public position of trust and he should expect the people to demand accountability.

He said, “He must be reminded that the Anambra State Government House is not his private business from which he launches attacks and throws punches at those with whom he has family or business disagreements; he must be accountable to the people of the state.

“The recent attacks by the Press Secretary and other senior aides of the governor against critics of his administration, policies, and supposed accomplishments, which can only be described as minimal or next to nothing compared to what was promised, portray him as someone who is struggling, unpopular, and has no substantial scorecard.

“The continuous verbal assaults against critics and commentators suggest that the current government is adrift and marooned.

“Critics and commentators are not adversaries of the government, but rather, citizens who want to see the government keep their promises and make suggestions on how the government might improve.

“It is unacceptable for Soludo to become defensive and resort to verbal onslaught when reminded that there is little evidence on the ground to justify his 19 months in office".

Impeachment saga: Ondo lawmakers reach ceasefire agreement.

Impeachment saga: Ondo lawmakers reach ceasefire agreement.

Ondo House of Assembly has agreed to stay action in the ongoing move to impeach the state deputy governor, Lucky Ayiedatiwa.

A decision to this effect was reached on Tuesday, October 17, after a closed-door meeting with the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Aiyedatiwa has been under the threat of impeachment by the House over allegations of gross misconduct and has been served with notice of the allegations levelled against him by the lawmakers.

The meeting which lasted for about two hours had in attendance members of the party’s NWC, the Aminu Bello Masari-led 9-man Reconciliation Committee, party state chairman, Ade Adetimilehin and 18 of the 22 APC lawmakers led by the speaker, Rt. Hon. Oladeji Olamide.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting the chairman of the reconciliation committee, Aminu Bello Masari said that the national leadership was committed to finding a lasting solution to the crisis in the state.

The former Kastina state governor further said that all actions towards the impeachment of the deputy governor have been put on hold to enable his committee to reach out to all stakeholders.

He said: “We are working hard with the House of Assembly and the National leadership of the party to find a lasting solution to the crisis bedevilling our party and the government in Ondo state

“All actions for the pros and against have been suspended for now to allow the committee to complete its work.

“The Speaker House of Assembly is here with us, he will collaborate with the leader of the party to see the final stand of the APC National Working Committee.”

Admitting that the lawmakers were in Abuja at the instance of the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the reconciliation committee, Speaker Olamide said the lawmakers have agreed to cooperate with the party in finding a lasting solution to the crisis.

He said: “We were invited by the National chairman and the chairman of the Reconciliation Committee. We promised to work with the national chairman and the chairman of the reconciliation committee to find a lasting solution to the political crisis in Ondo state.

We gave a promise that on our part, we are ready to cooperate as an arm of government with the party. At the same time, whenever they want to meet us, we will be of help to the committee.

“More importantly, we will allow the committee to do their work without hitches. Apart from that, we believe this is the only political solution that will be of help to resolve the crisis in Ondo State.”

Appreciating all the stakeholders in the crisis for allowing a political solution to the impasse in the state, the APC National Chairman said the decision by the lawmakers to ceasefire showed that they are democrats and committed party faithful.

Ganduje who said he had received an interim report from the Masari-led committee, disclosed that the reconciliation committed was yet to meet with the embattled deputy governor and his boss, Governor Olwarotimi Akeredolu, but confirmed the ceasefire agreement reached with the lawmakers.

According to him, “Now, having suspended the impeachment process, they (lawmakers) have created a conducive environment to continue dialoguing. We believe that we will reach a political solution.

“APC, as a political party, is an institution that is indispensable to democracy. Therefore, apart from our basic function for recruitment of membership, elected officers, and appointed officers, it is our responsibility to see that all the ethics of democracy are followed and crises averted in our government, both at the sub-national level and at the international level.

“It is a political crisis and we are a political institution. So there’s no way we can fold our arms and see that our children are fighting and we allow them to go like that.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Akeredolu denies plans to return abroad for treatment.

Akeredolu denies plans to return abroad for treatment.

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has denied report that he would soon return to Germany for medical vacation.

Governor Akeredolu, who described the news as wicked and misleading, said the report was concocted and planted by ‘drowning politicians who are still nursing the pains of defeated expectations.’

Akeredolu stated that his safe return from medical vacation caused the embattled politicians sleepless nights and gnashing their teeth in regrets of their failed evil plans.

Speaking through his chief press secretary, Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu, said his administration was committed to addressing genuine concerns of the people of the state.

He said governance was not about showbiz where the governor embarked on fashion parades at the market square to annouce his presence in the state.

The statement read: “We understand the importance of development as the major driver of peaceful, thriving and egalitarian society.

“Governor Akeredolu’s administration has consistently demonstrated its dedication to the state’s progress. Recently, he approved the recruitment of medical professionals and healthcare workers in demonstration of our commitment to enhancing the state’s healthcare system.

“To boost revenue generation, Governor Akeredolu has approved the fresh recruitment of 150 staff for the state Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, modern tax stations are being constructed in Ondo and Ikare, along with a Revenue court in Akure.

“We value the welfare of our workers, and as such, Governor Akeredolu recently approved the payment of outstanding leave bonuses. Salaries for workers in the state have been paid up to date.

“Contrary to the claims made by the opposition, Governor Akeredolu is diligently fulfilling his duties. Activities are ongoing in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and the governor is actively engaged in addressing state matters.

“We urge members of the public to dismiss this false news and not be swayed by the lied and misleading information spread by those with ulterior motives. Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to serving the people of Ondo State and driving progress in our great state.”

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

President Biden to visit Israel as Hamas-Israel war intensifies.

President Biden to visit Israel as Hamas-Israel war intensifies.

President Biden will visit Israel on Wednesday to convey a message of solidarity to a vital US ally that has declared war on the Palestinian organization Hamas for their murderous terror campaign in southern Israel.

Biden is “coming here at a critical moment for Israel, for the region, and for the world,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday during his second visit to the Jewish state in a week.   

Blinken also stated that the US and Israel had “agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multinational organizations to reach civilians in Gaza,” referring to the small, densely crowded Palestinian region ruled by Hamas for over two decades.  

Thirteen U.S. nationals remain unaccounted for after the Hamas raids in Israel and 30 U.S. citizens have been confirmed killed. As many as 600 U.S. nationals are thought to be among the hundreds of thousands of people trapped in Gaza.    

Top five highest-paid African footballers in 2023.

Top five highest-paid African footballers in 2023.

African players have become increasingly prominent, capturing the attention of fans worldwide with their exceptional skills and athletic abilities.

1. Sadio Mane  

Sadio Mane is a 31-year-old  Senegalese professional footballer who recently moved from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr with a total earnings of £650,000 salary per week.

2. Riyad Mahrez    

The 32-year-old Algerian captain plays as a right winger for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli with a total earnings of £481,000 salary per week.

3. Kalidou Koulibaly

The 32-year-old Senegalese captain plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal with total earnings of £412,000salary per week.

4. Mohamed Salah

The right winger for Premier League club Liverpool with total earnings of £350,000 salary per week is captain of Egyptian national team. 

5. Edouard Mendy

Édouard Osoque Mendy is a 31-year-old professional footballer who is the Senegal national team goalkeeper, Mendy keeps for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli, with total earnings of £227,000 salary per week.