Rivers assembly declares seats of 27 defected lawmakers vacant.

Rivers assembly declares seats of 27 defected lawmakers vacant.

The Rivers State House of Assembly has declared the seats of the 27 members who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party the All Progressives Congress vacant.

The 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, defected from the party recently amid moves to impeach the state governor, Sim Fubara.

The affected lawmakers were not present at the sitting where their seats were declared vacant.

The four-member Assembly, led by factional Speaker, Edison Ehie, loyal to the state governor, on Wednesday, said the decision to declare the seats vacant was in line with Section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

The Speaker, who read the names of the lawmakers affected, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct fresh elections within the time frame provided by law.to fill the positions.

“Distinguished colleagues, the House will duly inform the Independent National Electoral Commission of the vacancies in the Rivers State House of Assembly and indeed, to conduct a fresh election to fill the above vacancies,” he declared

Fubara hails Wike on 56th birthday amid Rivers crisis.

Fubara hails Wike on 56th birthday amid Rivers crisis.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State has congratulated his predecessor, Nyesom Wikeon his 56th birthday.

The sent his birthday message to Wike, who is the minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday, December 13, amid the crisis rocking the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

The governor wrote in a birthday post on his verified X page: “Your Excellency, my dear wife and I, and the good people of Rivers State, join your family and friends to facilitate you on this day.”

About two months after a fire destroyed the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, the state government dismantled it on Wednesday under heavy security.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara led a convoy of around ten bulldozers transported on heavy-duty flatbed lorries onto the Assembly grounds at roughly 6:45 a.m. to begin the demolition exercise.

At the same time as the demolition was happening, the governor subsequently gave the Edison Ehie-led committee the N800 billion 2024 budget projections in Government House.

The court acknowledged Ehie as the Speaker of the House and prohibited Martins Amaewhule from posing as the speaker.

Present at the budget presentation were members of the House loyal to Ehie. None of the members who recently moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in attendance.

The crisis in the 32-member Assembly had begun as a result of a rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja

President Tinubu Unveils Plan For Massive Investments In Health Sector, Says Healthcare Back On Front Burner.

President Tinubu Unveils Plan For Massive Investments In Health Sector, Says Healthcare Back On Front Burner.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is prioritizing and improving Nigeria’s health sector through massive investments and the allocation of increased funds to the sector in the proposed 2024 budget. 

The President made this declaration at the unveiling of Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the signing of the Health Renewal Compact by Federal, State Governments, and Development Partners in Abuja on Tuesday. 

The event was a part of activities marking Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12. 

"Delivering improved quality health is an underpinning factor in my promise of Renewed Hope to Nigerians. That hope is ignited here today with the support of all multilateral partners and agencies; health is back on the front burner.

''This occasion marks an opportunity for collective reflection and action as we recommit ourselves to the noble pursuit of health for all. The theme for this year 'Health for All: Time for Action' encapsulates the urgency and the determination with which we must approach this noble goal. 

''Health is not merely the absence of disease but the embodiment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a fundamental human right and Nigeria's commitment to achieving Universal Health Care Coverage is reflected in the unwavering dedication of my administration to uphold this right for every individual, young or old, in rural or urban areas," the President said.

Noting the importance of primary healthcare in building a resilient, integrated healthcare system, President Tinubu announced plans for a comprehensive revamp of physical infrastructure, equipment, and the re-training of frontline health workers starting from 2024. 

To address the high cost of healthcare, President Tinubu said the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) will be redesigned to enhance access to essential healthcare services as outlined in the National Health Act (2014). 

The President emphasized the coordination and implementation of these initiatives must be non-partisan.

Highlighting several key policy actions of the administration in the health sector, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate explained that the BHCPF has been redesigned as the foundational basis for a sector-wide approach. 

He added that the BHCPF, comprising at least 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, is expected to receive at least $2.5 billion in pooled and non-pooled financing from 2024 to 2026 to improve the primary health system nationwide.

The Minister outlined plans to double the number of fully functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) from 8,809 to 17,618 by 2027 across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that these PHCs will be linked to a comprehensive emergency care system.

Emphasizing the importance of transparent reporting, Prof. Pate stated that the federal government will make resource allocation, releases, and results transparent to all stakeholders, including government bodies, non-governmental partners, civil society organizations, and citizens.

He noted that the increased allocation in the proposed 2024 budget for health and social welfare sectors has demonstrated the political will of the Tinubu administration to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improve the health of Nigerians. 

''Thanks to Mr. President, the Federal Government is making significant investments in health infrastructure and equipment for our hospitals, as well as the provision of critical commodities, the expansion of health insurance, alongside heightened attention to the welfare of the health workforce,'' he stated.

Addressing the rising prices of pharmaceuticals, Prof. Pate announced the federal government's plan to establish a mechanism for the pooled procurement of critical pharmaceuticals in 2024. This initiative aims to lower costs and guarantee quality, making life-saving medications more affordable for the poorest Nigerians. 

''In the medium term, Mr. President’s initiative to unlock the healthcare value chain will see Nigeria manufacturing increasing share of its generic drugs, medical devices, and associated content, such as vaccines over time. This will reduce our dependency on those only keen to exploit our markets,'' the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare affirmed.

Governor Oyebanji Appoints Senior Special Assistants, Technical Advisors, Special Assistants.

Governor Oyebanji Appoints Senior Special Assistants, Technical Advisors, Special Assistants.

In fulfilment of his promise to make more political appointments after the conclusion of the local government election, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Technical Advisors (TAs) and Special Assistants (SAs), to man specific offices in the government.

According to a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the new appointment is the first of the two batches to be rolled out. The appointments take effect from January 1, 2024.

While congratulating the new appointees, Governor Oyebanji urged them to see their appointments as opportunity to serve the people of the state and contribute to the administration’s development agenda.

The list are as follows:

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1. Funmi Adeyemo SSA, Social Development

2. Kayode Alakinyede SSA, Documentation

3. Lawal Moshood Adegoke SSA, Grassroots Communications (North)

4. Dele Owoju Coordinator, Non-State Actors/ Commander, Peace Corp

5. Niyi Adedipe Coordinator, Grazing Management Programme

6. Wale Adakeja SSA, Political Affairs

7. Ige Oladipupo SSA, Intra-Party Relations

8. Bunmi Talabi SSA, Special Projects

9. Akinwumi Mojeed Olaoluwa SSA, Special Interest Groups (I)

10. Mr. Francis Akinlabi SSA, Special Outreach

11. Busuyi Ayorinde SSA, Political Surveillance

12. Barr. Taju Akingbolu SSA, Legal Matters

13. Hon. Andrew Femi Ojo SSA, Rural Development

14. Mrs Fausilat Oseni Adesina SSA, Grassroots Mobilisation

15. Mosunmola Tunji Saliu SSA, Women Empowerment (Central)

16. Barr. Tunji Lawal SSA, Civil Society Matters

17. Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin SSA, Public Health

18. Lanre Fasuan SSA Project Monitoring (Central)

19. Boluwade Kehinde SSA Project Monitoring (South)

20. Demola Obanise SSA, Environment and Waste Management

21. Babawale Daramola SSA, Logistics

22. Dauda Lawal SSA, Community Development & Internal Relations

23. Deji Adesokan SSA, Traffic Management

24. Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi SSA, Labour Matters

25. Oluyede Fatai SSA, Teachers Affairs (State)

26. Mr Sulaiman Muhyindeen Olu  

SSA, Public Enlightenment (North)

27. Olatoye Kanmi SSA, Electronic Media

28. Afolabi Olurotimi SSA, Local Government Affairs

29. Tunji Amodi SSA, Investment & Commerce

30. Otunba Tayo Olatunbosun SSA, Local Business Development

31. Usikaye Olayemi SSA, Mobilization (North)

32. Mr. Fatai Sulaiman SSA, Social Inclusion

33. Isaac Idowu Joseph Ajayi SSA, Special Duties (II)

34. Alhaja Sherifat Ogunsakin SSA, Faith-Based Organisations I

35.   Mrs Arojo Taiwo Adebimpe SSA, Akure Liaison Office

36. Mrs. Funmilola Adedire SSA, Special Interest Groups (II)

37. Dr. Eunice Apeke Fasanmi SSA, Advocacy & Public Affairs

38. Anifowose Sunday SSA, Teachers (Federal)

39.   Obanise Gbenga SSA, Disability Affairs

40. Hon. Fajuyi Ige SSA, Community Engagement and Enlightenment I

41. Mr. Segun Asubiojo SSA, Farmsteads Coordination

42. Ademola Adeusi SSA, Public Enlightenment (Central)

43. Mr. Abdulateef Jamiu Adebowale SSA, Public Advocacy

44. Chief Adeniyi Adekunle SSA, Agric. (NALDA)

45. Hon. Dada Abiodun John SSA, Governor’s Office

46. Adeyeye Mobolaji Johnson SSA, Physical Planning

47. Reuben Awoyemi SSA, Community Matters (North)

48. Kolawole Genge SSA, Governor’s Office

49. Orewole Rotimi SSA, Governor’s Office

50. Mrs. Kikelowo Ajayi SSA, Governor’s Office

51. Opeyemi Agbede SSA, Consumers’ Protection

52. Nnamdi Chuckwu Igwe SSA, Igbo

53. Mr. Fola Afolalu SSA, Urban Development

54. Mrs. Busayo Tolulope Adeusi SSA, Community Relations (South)

55. Olarewaju Femi SSA, Project Monitoring (North)

56. Chief Layokun Abiodun Sunday SSA, Traditional Chiefs Affairs

57. Chief Niyi Idowu SSA, Public Affairs

58. Mrs. Malomo Agbajeola Toyin SSA, Special Interest Groups (III)

59. Mrs Yusuf Habibat Fayokemi SSA, Information Management

60. Princess Adejoke Adetoyinbo Ojo SSA, Community Matters

61. Mrs. Bola Salami SSA, Economic Development

62. Dotun Adegbulugbe SSA, Digital Communications

63. Odoko Tokunbo Tola SSA, Women Advocacy, North

64. Mr. Dayo Famoyegun SSA, Cooperatives’ Development

65. Mr. Biodun Borisade SSA, New Media

66. Hon. Akinloye Akinyemi SSA, Mobilization (South)

67. Oyeyemi Adeola Oluwatobi SSA, Values Orientation

68. Fakunle Olasupo Lucas SSA, Public Affairs (II)

69. Omosilade Sunday SSA, Special Duties (I)

70. Rt. Hon. Dele Olugbemi SSA, Non-State Security

71. Barr. Tosin Ogundele SSA,  Citizens Rights

72. Mr. Tunji Ogunlola SSA, Regional Development

73. Hon. Tope Olanipekun SSA, Strategy

74. Tunji Aribasoye SSA, Monitoring & Evaluation (OTSD)

75. Tayo Babarinde SSA, Finance

76. Dr. Ayolo Bakare Abdul SSA, Public Advocacy

77. Rev. Felix  Atoki SSA, Vocational Education

78. Prince Tunde Aladegbami SSA, Special Duties (III)

79. Miss Mary Adetiba SSA, Students Affairs

TECHNICAL ADVISORS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1 Engr. Kayode Ilesanmi TA, Agric& Food Security

2 Arc. Temitope Oni-Jimoh TA, Public Buildings & Infrastructure

3 Hon Rotimi Faleye TA, Employment

4 Omotoso Victor TA, Wealth Creation

5 Hon Muyiwa Olukosi TA, Policy Evaluation

6 Mr. Olu-Aluko TA, Strategic Engagements

7 Ade Fasoyin TA, Change Management (OTSD)

8 Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae TA, Servicom

9 Mr. Ayo Ojo TA, Youth Inclusion

10. Mrs Folu Ogunlayi TA, Business Development

SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

SN NAME DESIGNATION

1. Toba Fatunla SA, Service Delivery

2. Oba Matthew SA, Digital Media (I)

3. Felix Olafimihan Olorunsola SA, Mobilisation (I)

4. Adeboboye Ajayi SA, Mobilisation (II)

5. Kunle Arokodare SA, Food Security

6. Babatunde Rotimi SA, Mobilisation (III)

7. Eniola Olabode Samuel SA, Party Matters

8. Omojola Mokunfayo Oladele SA, Internal Security

9. Mrs. Olusola Ogundare SA, Community Affairs (North)

10. Mr. Tunde Adesanya SA, Sports Development

11. Miss Obayemi Dolapo SA, Mobilization (IV)

12. Obanise Gbenga SA, People With Disabilities

13. Ojo Oluwatosin Ayodele SA Public Enlightenment (I)

14. Toyin Tuase SA, Governor’s Office

15. Ale Funmilayo SA, Community Relations

16. Arimi Yau Owoeye SA, Faith Based Organisation (Muslim)

17. Ogunleye Adenike Lydia SA, Women Relations

18. Rasheedat Shittu SA, Values Orientation

19. Akinlade Ojo SA, Civic Orientation

20. Temitope Adegbite Hammed SA, Community Relations

21. Kasali Femi SA, New Media (I)

22. Abiodun Gbenga Israel SA, Private Sector

23. Fadipe Ebenezer SA, Artisans

24. Sulaiman Nasiru SA, Ethnic Relations (Ebira)

25. Funso Lateef SA, Grassroots Communications

26. Mrs. Mary Faje SA, Community Matters (South)

27. Yewande Aribasoye SA, New Media (II)

28. Bimpe Fajuyi SA, Strategic Communications

29. Mrs. Funke Owolabi SA, Women Advocacy (Central)

30. Ayodele Timothy SA, Service Matters

31. Abiodun Femi Macbeny SA, Capacity Development

32. Mrs. Nike Ajisafe SA, Community Matters (Central)

33. Mr. Sanya Ogundele SA, Governor’s Office

34. Ayodele Alofe SA, Domestic Affairs (II)

35. Dada Ibijowo SA, Governor’s Office

36. Chief Ayodele Ayeni SA, Establishment Matters

37. Jinadu Yinusa Olalekan SA, Governor’s Office

38. Mrs. Bose Balogun SA, Governor’s Office

39. Okocha Olumide Fidelis SA, Internal Affairs

40. Samuel Oyewole Gbenga SA, Special Outreach

41. Joseph Okafor SA, Igbo (North)

42. Sunday Obi SA, Igbo (Central)

43. Nnamdi Inwuchukwu SA, Igbo (South)

44. Seun Ibitoye SA, Strategy

45. Ademiloye Moses SA, Inter-Agency Coordination

46. Eniola Olabode Samuel SA, SEMA

47. Mrs Yemisi Afolabi SA, Women Development

48. Ms Bisi Coker SA, Social Inclusion

49. Mrs Nike Ajisafe Popoola SA, Women Advocacy

50. Mr Demola Ayoola SA, Rural Development

51. Mr. Sanya Ogundele SA, Domestic (I)

52. Mr. Gbenga Ogundare SA, Public Transsportation

53. Mr. Sunday Oyerinde SA, Local Govt Affairs

54. Mr. Arowolo Olubayo SA, FADAMA

55. Mr. Femi Andero SA, Town Unions & Association

56. Husseini Kehinde Asobobola SA, Industrial Development

57. Hon. Odunayo Aribamikan SA, Mobilisation (V)

58. Mr. Fatai Jamiu SA, Environment  (Flood Mgt)

59. Mr. Adeniyi Oluwafemi SA, Water Resources

60. Hon.  Ewo Francis Odeyemi SA, Community Mobilization

61. Bolarinwa Omolade Ayoola SA, Political Matters (Inter-Party)

62. Hon. Ropo Kolawole SA, SEMA

63. Toyin Oluwasola SA, Legal Matters

64. Dele Afolabi SA, Business Development

65. Deac. Ojo Ogunsesin SA, Faith Based Organisation (I)

66. Bukky Kumuyi SA, Mobilization (VI)

67. Umude Onome Grace SA, Photography

68. Oyetunji Bukola Alaba SA, Domestic (III)

69. Sola Durodola SA, Non-State Security

70. Ayomide George Femi-Ojo SA, Special Duties

71. Adedara Temitope Adejugbe SA, Domestic (IV)

72. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell Olusegun SA, Youth Development

73. Gabriel Adesoji SA, New Media

Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

Akeredolu returns to Germany, Aiyedatiwa steps in.

The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be embarking on another medical vacation in the European country of Germany.

This came barely four months after the governor returned to the country and stayed in his private residence in Ibadan Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Tuesday, the governor would return to the European country as a follow-up to his medical treatment.

Olatunde said the governor would be going back on Wednesday, adding that he(Akeredolu) had written a letter to the state House of Assembly in that regard and the deputy governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa would assume office as the acting governor.

The statement read, “During his medical leave, Governor Akeredolu will prioritise his health and ensure a full recovery before resuming his official duties.

“A formal letter regarding the medical leave and a notice formally transferring power in line with the Nigerian Constitution will be transmitted to the House of Assembly.

“In the absence of Governor Akeredolu, the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will assume the responsibilities of the Governor in an acting capacity.

“Governor Akeredolu expresses his gratitude for the unwavering support and affection of the people of Ondo State. He assures them that his administration remains committed to the path of progress and prosperity for the people.

“As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a widely respected Nigerian, Governor Akeredolu has consistently delegated power to his deputy during his annual vacations. This practice was observed on April 1, 2021, April 1, 2022, April 3, 2023, and July 10, 2023, when he embarked on previous vacations.”

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

2024 Budget: Senate panel frowns at N1bn capital allocation for information ministry.

The Senate Committee on Information, on Tuesday, December 12, frowned at the N1 billion proposed for the Ministry of Information and National Orientation as capital allocation in the 2024 budget.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Information, Senator Kenneth Eze (APC-Ebonyi Central) made the assertion when the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s 2024 budget.

Earlier, Idris had in his presentation before the committee informed the senators that the National values and attitudes re-orientation campaign under the aegis of the National Values Charter (NVC), would be launched in early 2024.

He said: “The ministry desires to have a big national conversation around our values and attitudes re-orientation so that Nigeria will at least rediscover itself and reclaim some of those values that have been eroded over the years so that we can have a better country for all of us.

“We also desire the launch of the National and International branding campaign for Nigeria to highlight and showcase Nigeria’s immense natural and cultural resources.

“We are also going to convene and coordinate regular press briefings and media engagements for cabinet members and other senior government officials to avail Nigerians of what various ministries and agencies are doing so that Nigerians will be carried along on what the projects and programmes of government are.

“We also intend to invest resources in modernising the Federal Government information and communication management and regulatory system across the agencies, for example, NAN, NTA, FRCN, etc.”

He however added that the N1 billion earmarked for the Ministry as capital expenditure in 2024 would not be sufficient for implementation of the programmes.  

Apparently impressed by the vision and programmes of the Minister, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Eze said the capital provisions in the 2024 budget were nothing to write home about for implementing such laudable visions.

Eze said: “This is not a budget that can be visible if we are telling our story as a country. There is no way we can go far. You have a great initiative on how you are going to transform the country in the area of information, I wonder how you are going to do that with this so little fund.

“Information is a very sensitive ministry that should be taken seriously, and funded, and if we are talking about Renewed Hope Agenda, what we want as a country, Information should be at the forefront, it should be the image maker to sensitise the people, there is a widening gap between the government and information has to bridge this gap.

“I looked around in the budget, I didn’t see Nigeria Press Council, and APCON, and other agencies. Is the government telling us that the agencies are being scrapped or that they can function without personnel? Who will pay their salary and just a few months ago, the DG and Executive Secretary were appointed. Hon Minister, this is a serious matter for the committee to look into and we shall surely do that.”

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Shettima unveils blueprint for transportation sector.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday in Abuja unveiled a bold vision for reforming Nigeria’s transportation sector.

Shettima, represented by Special Adviser, General-Duties, to the President, Office of the Vice-President, Aliyu Modibbo, unveiled the blueprint at the 5th National Summit of Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA).

He said that the Federal Government was committed to addressing the transportation challenges Nigerians were grappling with following the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.

Shettima canvassed for a collaborative revolution with the institute as the driving force for the blueprint.

The vice-president acknowledged the crucial role the institute plays as the “lifeblood” and “artery” of the nation’s economic and social progress.

He stressed the need for a robust and efficient transportation system that would connect every part of the country and drive socio-economic prosperity.

Shettima said, “I must appeal to you to remain the architects of a robust and efficient transport system and to partake in managing the connection of every part of our nation, for that is the pathway to knitting together the fabric of our socio-economic prosperity.”

The vice-president said that the institute’s objectives align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said that none of the government’s eight presidential priorities, from food security to job creation, could be achieved without a functional transportation system.

Shettima added,” Mr President’s critical points of focus require an efficiently functional transportation system to achieve our mandate.

” We will find it useful to have suggestions from the institute: well-thought-out policy enunciation, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies in all modes of transportation.”

He urged the institute to provide valuable expertise in the form of policy recommendations, transportation infrastructure designs, and effective operational management strategies across all modes of transportation.

The vice-president recognized the technical and managerial skills of the members of the institute.

Shettima expressed confidence in their ability to build a sector that drives employment, manufacturing and production within the industry.

He acknowledged the various concerns raised by the institute, including road construction materials, local airline viability, rapid rail development, pipeline security and waterway navigability.

The vice-president assured the institute of an open door to the government for collaborative problem-solving.

” We are offering you an open door to the government where we can work together to understand your fears and needs as we redeem the cross-cutting issues of energy pricing, green energy, and funding strategies for various aspects of the transportation project.

” We will also provide workable modalities for public-private partnerships, safety and security, technology adoption and adaptation,l,” Shettima added.

He further emphasised the importance of training and attitudinal development for transportation operation personnel, particularly in the road sector.

Shettima highlighted the need for closer collaboration with transport worker unions and associations to improve the traveling and business experiences of Nigerians.

He said, ” The reality of our post-subsidy removal adjustment, in which you have played quite a critical role to stabilize the nation, isn’t lost to us.

” This is why we trust your aspirations as we develop more solutions while we keep our doors open for innovative thinking, well-researched, and workable recommendations to tackle emerging governance challenges in your industry.”

The vice-president urged the institute to increase its visibility and make its professional voice heard more frequently.

He described the institute as a strong partner of the government in tackling emerging governance challenges.

(NAN)