Ekiti Govt Orders LG to Disburse N6.5m Salary Arrears to Chiefs.

Ekiti Govt Orders LG to Disburse N6.5m Salary Arrears to Chiefs.

The Ekiti State Government, has directed the Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State to immediately release the N6.5 million four years  salary arrears to Chiefs in Awo Ekiti, as part of the efforts to resolve the raging obaship tussle  in the community.

With this directive, the government, had succeeded in brokering truce over the salary crisis between Alawo of Awo Ekiti, Oba Abdulazeez Olaleye and some Chiefs, who accused the monarch of sidelining them in the salary payment since August, 2015.

In the petition written to the Ekiti State Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, the Chiefs accused the monarch of depriving them of their statutory salaries on account of their opposition to his ascension to the throne. 

At a peace parley held at her office on Wednesday, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said the complaint raised by the Chiefs led to seizure of all the salaries of Chiefs  in the town since 2019 by the Local Government.

Subsequently, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant Media, Victor Ogunje, ordered the Local government to instantly release the fund for onward distribution to all Chiefs across board .

Mrs Afuye said the two representatives appointed  from the two feuding parties should disburse the N6.5 million salary arrears  belonging to the Chiefs based on the extant sharing formula to prevent anyone from being neglected.

In the same vein, the Deputy Governor, mandated the council  to investigate the issue surrounding the relocation of some markets as alleged by Oba Abdulazeez and come up with a recommendations on the matter. 

"You know that Governor Biodun Oyebanji cherishes traditional institution and cater for the welfare of our Obas, so this money must be released to the Chiefs and it must be shared in line with  the directive given by Kabiyesi, because he remains the prescribed authority of his domain.

"I know that some of these Chiefs have not been attending palace meetings due to their opposition to emergence of the present monarch, but let them be paid pending the time the Supreme Court will adjudicate on this matter. 

"I appeal to Kabiyesi to allow this directive to stand, because you are the one presiding over Awo Ekiti now, try and seek peace. Have the spirit of oneness and unity. Do whatever is within your capacity to bring all your chiefs together. 

"Though, I agree that those opposing Kabiyesi and who had refused to attend palace meetings are not supposed to be paid, but Kabiyesi must pay them in the interest of peace. They are in court and we should allow them to enjoy that right. But whether they like it or not, they can't remove Kabiyesi, only the court or government can do that.

"Governor Oyebanji doesn't want problem in any part of the state and whoever foments trouble in that town after this resolution that all Chiefs must be paid will have himself to blame". 

Reacting, Oba Olaleye, said he had always been extending olive branch to his opponents in the town, particularly the Chiefs, lamenting that all his entreaties were being rebuffed.

The monarch expressed regret how some Chiefs were running a parallel government and stalling development in the town, despite emerging through a fair and transparent  contest among all contenders.

"I have always been  looking for ways to foster peace, but they have always been shunning all entreaties. They didn't allow me access to the palace, the place is now bushy. The markets that  are not supposed to be opened or patronised when an Oba is on the throne are being patronised, which was a taboo. 

"I am going to comply with whatever the government fashions out to resolve this crisis. I see them as friends and not enemies".

Rivers is under attack – Speaker

Rivers is under attack – Speaker

The Rivers State House of Assembly said the state was currently under attack by individuals who did not want the legislature to deliver on its constitutional mandate.

The Speaker, Mr Martins Amaewule, and his 26-member faction, unanimously condemned the burning of the assembly chamber during plenary on Tuesday.

Members, therefore, called for arrest and prosecution of individuals found to be involved in the act.

According to Amaewule, whenever the legislature of any state or nation is under attack, that state or nation is under attack too.

‘’Members of the legislature are representatives of the people but currently in Rivers, there is a problem because the legislature is under attack by some individuals who do not want it to perform its constitutional roles.”

The house, also during the sitting being the 83rd legislative session, made a first reading on the State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.

The bill, sponsored by 27 members, including the Speaker, was presented at the floor by Mr Enemi George (PDP – Asari Toru II).

Explaining expectations of the bill, George noted that the bill sought to cater for the management of funds accruing to the assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the state.

He said the measure was to ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds and other related matters.

George also noted that passage of the bill would promote independence of the legislature, accountability and efficient funds utilisation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state has two factions of the assembly following the crisis that erupted on Oct. 30, resulting to the burning of the hallowed chamber of the House.

The aftermath of the crisis led to the division in the assembly, with Speaker Amaewule leading 26 members while Mr Edison Ehie (PDP-Ahoada 11) leading four members as a speaker. (NAN)

Wike to complete Vice President’s official residence before May 29.

Wike to complete Vice President’s official residence before May 29.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has promised to complete the abandoned construction of the official residence of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria .

Wike made the pledge in Abuja on Tuesday, after inspecting the project being handled by Julius Berger.

The minister commended Julius Berger for the commitment toward completing the project by moving to site without the necessary mobilisation from the government.

He said that although the contractor had insisted that the contract sum be revised from N7 billion to N15 billion because of rising cost of materials, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is determined to complete the project.

He promised to make the needed funds available before December to ensure completion of the project, adding that he has already secured the approval of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“When we came here last time, you promised us that you will be able to complete this project in the next eight months.

“Even though we have not mobilised you, I know that you have confidence in us, let me assure you that we will mobilise you before December God willing.

“Then, you have to rush to see that this is completed before May 29, 2024.

“Put everything you have so that we can achieve this; so that all the stories about abandoned projects will be a thing of the past,” Wike said.

Earlier, Mr Shehu Ahmed, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), said that the project as captured in the Abuja Master Plan was awarded in 2010.

The Director of Public Building, FCDA, Mr Adebowale Ademo, explained that the main building has three different living rooms on the ground floor, and also the Vice President Private Room and conveniences.

He added that the building plan also made provisions for the Second Lady Private Lounge, a Chapel, Mosque, and dormitory for security personnel.

“The entrance has a screen-in facility for guests that will be coming into the premises,” he added.

The representative of Julius Berger, Mr Oliver Berger, assured Wike of timely completion of the project.

(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Federal Government needs $35b for 30,000 km of concrete road, says Umahi.

Federal Government needs $35b for 30,000 km of concrete road, says Umahi.

The Federal government is stepping up the reactivation of Ajaokuta Steel Company as it embarks on the construction of 30,000 kilometers of concrete road nationwide.

The government would need $35b to execute the road project that would be sourced creatively for maximum benefit to the country, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has said.

Umahi, who spoke after he met with the Minister of Steel on the strategy to be deployed to execute the project, said Ajaokuta Steel Company has become a critical component of the project as the government is determined to tap into the opportunities in the steel Industry to create jobs and wealth for Nigeria’s population as well as create a global market and encourage the nation’s industrialization.

Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Uchenna Orji, in a statement on Tuesday, said the inter-ministerial meeting between the two Ministers was in keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has shown his determination to reverse the negative trend of Nigeria’s developmental history and revolutionize national economic development within the shortest period.

Speaking on the outcome of their meeting, Umahi was quoted as saying that the Ministry of Steel Development would play a major role in the road infrastructure revolution plan envisioned by Mr. President by providing more than 16% of the materials needed for the construction of Nigeria’s roads in concrete pavement.

Umahi said: “How do we reactivate Ajaokuta Steel? We are going into concrete road, in this concrete road, about 16 percent of it is from steel while 30 percent is cement.

“We need a lot of money to start but we decided to face it and God has given us an idea, we need about $35 billion to start.

“If we start waiting for FG it might become difficult. We did Return On Investment (ROI), the profit we could have made, part of it will go to bank interest, we are looking at commercial banks but the Federal Executive Council has to endorse it.

“If this could be done it means Mr President is living up to his words and this is going to be possible”

While commending the Minister of Steel Development for his efforts in developing the steel sector, Umahi noted that the steel industry is the bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialization and the backbone that stimulates national development and economic boost for the industrial growth of any nation.

He pledged collaborative efforts to enhancing the potentialities of Ajaokuta Steel Plant- the largest Steel Mill in Nigeria, saying, “Mr President never made a mistake in his appointment, I call him a Divine President, and the most important thing is that our eyes are on the job.

“One of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is to think outside the box, Mr. President inherited a large chunk of debt from the past administration, the beauty about it is that he is not complaining, he knew how the country was before he took the job and how it is.

“The good thing is that if you have passion for something God will give you an idea”.

Earlier, the Minister of Steel Development, Audu said the meeting was robust and incisive, adding, “We are seriously thinking outside the box to see how we can implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

“What we came to discuss here is how to restart Steel production at Ajaokuta Steel Plant. The Hon Minister of Works has made it very clear that the Federal Government is looking to develop over 30,000 kilometers of road and a large component of that will be from Steel wrought, and a percentage of that Steel wrought will be produced in Ajaokuta.

“We came to discuss how to implement the process for producing it in Ajaokuta within the shortest possible time.

“And we are to achieve two or three things, one, to create job opportunity for Nigerians as a whole, two, to ensure that the corridor around the North Central Zone and the Ajaokuta-Warri axis is busy with activities and third, the plant has been inactive for close to four decades and we are here to restart the plant within the shortest possible time”.

Adeleke denies spending N2b on food, N6b on welfare packages in three months.

 Adeleke denies spending N2b on food, N6b on welfare packages in three months.

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied expending N2billion on food and using N6billion as welfare package in his office in three months. 

Adeleke debunked report of an online newspaper describing it as a laughable presumption and mischief. 

According to him: “The report is false and mere fabrication arising from deliberate misinterpretation of budget data.” 

Adeleke, in a statement by Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, explained that Governor’s office comprises more than seven agencies and departments with many government wide operations and activities. 

He noted: “The N6.01 Billion referred to in the publication therefore encompasses the entire expenditures (Personnel, Overhead & Capital) of the Office of the Governor including the agencies and parastatals under it, for the period in question.

“The personnel cost which was a sum of N209m was for the 771 staff of twelve Bureau and Offices under the Office of Governor while the overhead which was a sum of N4 billion represent the amount spent on acquisition/replacement of vehicles and financing of Imole Medical outreach. 

“The N1.7b on Capital represents the amount spent on the refurbishment of quarters and government offices. In the same vein, the N800m naira referred to in the publication represents the entire expenditure of the State House of Assembly for the period. 

“It should be noted that the amount quoted for the refreshment and meal, welfare packages, and publicity and advertising were meant for all the Ministries, Department and Agencies including all Tertiary Institutions in the State.” 

Lawmakers Demand Transparency From Sanwo-Olu Over Cabinet Nominees.

Lawmakers Demand Transparency From Sanwo-Olu Over Cabinet Nominees.                          ....Invite procurement agency, others over reports of govt spending.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has received a letter from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu seeking the screening and confirmation of six new nominees for cabinet positions.

At a sitting presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, read the letter before the lawmakers quoting the governor as seeking the confirmation of a commissioner-nominee and five nominees in the position of special advisers.

However, the letter only named the commissioner-nominee as Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, while the identities of the nominees for the position of special adviser were not mentioned making the House resolve to write back to the governor for the remaining identities.

Dr. Obasa, while agreeing with the lawmakers that names should be attached to the letter, said: “it is necessary for us to know who and who would become part of the cabinet.”

Reacting earlier, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, observed that the letter did not follow the usual procedure of revealing the identities of the nominees.

“Thus, the process of not mentioning the names seems like coming through the backdoor,” he said.

He was supported by his colleagues, Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Owolabi Ajani, who noted that the previous lists from the governor had details of the nominees and that this made the screening by the ad-hoc committee easy.

“But in this case, it is only the commissioner-nominee that had a name attached to it and this is surprising. Maybe we should also pass information to the governor that the names should be specified,” Ajomale said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State House of Assembly has invited the state’s procurement agency over reports of alleged spendings by the Offices of the Governor and the Deputy Governor.

Dr. Obasa, while noting that the executive arm of government had made efforts to declare the story as untrue, it was necessary for the House to look into the issue so as the establish the facts behind the story.

“So we call on the committee in charge of procurement to invite the agency and others mentioned and do a thorough job on this in order to establish facts concerning the publications,” the Speaker said.

Gov Oyebanji Advances Healthcare Dialogue in Meeting with Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alasua.

Gov Oyebanji Advances Healthcare Dialogue in Meeting with Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alasua.                                                                    By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi. 

Earlier today, Governor Biodun Oyebanji engaged in a crucial meeting with the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alasua, in Abuja. This meeting marks a significant step forward in the ongoing dialogue regarding healthcare-related issues that were initially discussed during the Minister's recent visit to Ekiti last week.

The discussion encompassed various facets of healthcare, reflecting the shared commitment of Governor Oyebanji and Minister Alasua to address and enhance healthcare services within the state. The meeting in Abuja served as a platform to delve deeper into collaborative strategies, potential interventions, and the implementation of initiatives aimed at bolstering the healthcare sector in Ekiti.

The earlier discussions initiated during the Minister's visit to Ekiti showcased a mutual understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare landscape. Governor Oyebanji's proactive approach in following up on these discussions underscores his dedication to prioritizing the well-being of Ekiti's residents.

As the dialogue between the Governor and the Minister of State for Health progresses, the anticipation is high for tangible outcomes that will contribute to the improvement of healthcare services in Ekiti. The collaborative efforts between the state and federal authorities exemplify a coordinated approach towards achieving comprehensive advancements in the healthcare sector.

This strategic engagement not only reaffirms the commitment of Governor Oyebanji to the health and welfare of Ekiti's citizens but also underscores the importance of synergy between state and federal entities in addressing healthcare challenges. The outcome of this meeting holds the potential to shape the trajectory of healthcare delivery in Ekiti, ushering in positive changes and ensuring the well-being of the state's residents.