Obasempire reports that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has conveyed remorse for his recent comments aimed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central.
Akpabio had reprimanded Akpoti-Uduaghan for speaking out of turn, likening her actions to those of a “night club.”
This apology follows an incident where Akpoti-Uduaghan was silenced for speaking without authorization.
A similar episode occurred previously when Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the FCT, was silenced for objecting to her exclusion from critical decisions concerning the nation’s capital.
Addressing the chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio stated that he would never deliberately demean any woman.
The Senate President mentioned that both his phone and his wife’s phone have been inundated with calls and messages, many of which were derogatory.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman and I always pray that God will uplift women,” he said.
“Distinguished Senator Natasaha, I want to apologise to you.
“The interest shown In the social media shows that we have enemies. I felt I should tender a public apology to you. I do not mean any harm. People should concentrate on things that will move this country forward.
“Social media handlers should practice with decorum. We won’t out of anger regulate social media.”
Obasempire reports that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading socio-cultural group for the Igbos, has voiced strong objections to the remarks and actions of Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
The organization accused Onanuga of holding a deep-seated animosity towards the Igbo people.
In a statement from Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group criticized Onanuga for his provocative comments regarding the planned nationwide protests, suggesting they were orchestrated by supporters of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, and implying that the Igbo were behind these protests.
The organization called on the government to create policies and programs that address the hardships of all citizens, instead of issuing threats and making divisive remarks.
Dr. Ogbonnia highlighted Onanuga’s history of making disparaging comments about the Igbo, including a statement on March 19, 2023, where Onanuga advised the Igbo to stay out of Lagos politics.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo emphasized that the current nationwide difficulties stem from long-standing systemic issues and marginalization, requiring inclusive and thoughtful solutions.
“It may be necessary to inform Onanuga that Nigerians of all persuasions, North, South, East and West are in pains of diverse forms: excruciating hardships, poverty, naira downward spiral, incessant kidnappings, banditry, farmers-herdsmen conflict, most terrifying insecurity, joblessness, rising food prices and cost of living challenges. And that the prevailing hardship in Nigeria is blind to ethnicity.
“It is necessary to inform Onanuga that this is a time for the Presidency to initiate policies, programmes, activities, and a body language that will appeal to or assuage the downtrodden, dispossessed, oppressed, the deprived, including Obidients.”
Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to cancel their planned protests, asserting that measures are in place to ease hardships.
Speaking at a National Council of Traditional Rulers meeting in Abuja on Monday, July 22, 2024, Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, highlighted the importance of patience and support during this crucial time.
Tinubu criticized those exploiting the nation’s economic challenges to provoke protests.
He emphasized that instead of participating in demonstrations, Nigerians should exhibit patience and dedication to the success of the reforms.
He called on citizens to consider past instances where crisis and violence have endangered national unity.
He said, “We should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Sudan,” he said. “With over 200 million people, we cannot afford such discord.”
The President highlighted the administration’s efforts to ease economic hardship, including the procurement of Compressed Natural Gas vehicles, the introduction of a student loan scheme, distribution of palliatives, and provision of agricultural inputs such as tractors and fertilizer.
He also affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity.
Tinubu appealed to traditional rulers to promote peace and convey this message to the youth and their communities.
Obasempire reports that Yusuf Gagdi, a federal legislator from Plateau state, has ignited controversy online after presenting his daughter Aisha with an SUV for her secondary school graduation.
On Saturday, Gagdi posted on his X page, disclosing that he had recently attended the Lead British International School graduation event in Abuja, where his daughter had finished her secondary education.
“Today, I attended my amazing daughter’s graduation ceremony. Watching you, my dear daughter, walk across that stage fills my heart with immense pride and love,” he wrote.
“I celebrate your achievements and the strength you’ve shown. Here’s to a future filled with endless possibilities and happiness.”
The lawmaker was asked to present gifts to the best-graduating students. He also donated N3 million to the top students.
“An incredible day at Lead British International School Abuja’s graduation ceremony! Emphasized the importance of focus and commitment for a bright future ahead,” he added.
“Delighted to make a significant donation of N3 million Naira to top students and dedicated staff to encouraged academic excellence.”
On Sunday, Gagdi shared a report from a page on Instagram, which partly read, “To celebrate her graduation and great performance in JAMB, her father surprised her with a gift of a car”.
In the photos, the lawmaker gave his daughter keys to the SUV. She was also seen posing with the grey-coloured exotic car.
The development has attracted a chorus of condemnation on X, with several users berating Gagdi for showing off his wealth at a time when Nigerians are asked to endure ongoing economic hardship.
Obasempire reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with the business community in the State, emphasizing the importance of listening to their needs to shape the implementation of reforms that will create a conducive environment for business growth.
Governor Sanwo-Olu provided this assurance at the extraordinary 9th Lagos Corporate Assembly held in Ikeja on Tuesday, themed: “Unpacking Barriers to Ease of Doing Business: Accelerating Business Growth”.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor stated that through the 4th Pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda, M pillar – which is Making Lagos A 21st Century Economy, his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to sustaining an enabling environment for businesses to grow and thrive.
He said, “I assure you of our continued support as our administration is unreservedly committed to providing the necessary resources, infrastructure, and policies that will ensure your businesses not only survive but thrive. Using the instrument of the agenda, we have introduced numerous policy reforms to ease the doing of business in Lagos”.
The Governor commended the resilience of the business community, noting that despite the numerous challenges, including the current global economic downturn confronting their operations, they have continued to innovate, adapt, and contribute significantly to the growth of the State, stressing that their tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit are the bedrock upon which Lagos’s economic success is built.
Sanwo-Olu also described the Lagos Corporate Assembly as a crucial platform for public-private dialogue, where parties collectively identify challenges, discuss solutions, and chart a course for sustainable economic growth and development.
“This is because we recognise the power of stakeholder engagement and the importance of providing a listening ear to the business community. Our resolve is to make the LCA a formidable platform for public-private collaboration, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed promptly.
We are determined to turn the feedback we receive from you into actionable policies that will further ease the business environment in Lagos”, he said.
Obasempire reports that President Bola Tinubu on Thursday informed governors that local government chairpersons can now be held accountable, as the Supreme Court ruling has confirmed the autonomy of the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
The President praised the Supreme Court’s decision for upholding the spirit, intent, and purpose of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria regarding the statutory rights of local governments.
This was disclosed in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The governors present at the State House, Presidential Villa, included Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Usman Ododo of Kogi State, among others.
Although, details of the meeting were not available at the time of sending the report, inside sources said it may not be unconnected with the Supreme Court judgement which may have stripped the states of the powers to control the government at the third tier.
The President, when reacting to the Supreme Court judgement, stated that a fundamental challenge to the nation’s advancement over the years has been ineffective local government administration, as governance at the critical cellular level of socio-political configuration is nearly absent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The judgement is seen as a relief to the local governments, many of who had been under he appendages of the state governments who control their resources through the instrument of the State Joint Account system.
The President emphasized that the onus is now on local council leaders to ensure that the broad spectrum of Nigerians living at that level are satisfied that they are benefitting from people-oriented service delivery.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about the people of this country, at all levels, irrespective of faith, tribe, gender, political affiliation, or any other artificial line they say exists between us. This country belongs to all of us.
“By virtue of this judgement, our people – especially the poor – will be able to hold their local leaders to account for their actions and inactions, adding that ” What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must now be provided without excuses.
“My administration instituted this suit because of our unwavering belief that our people must have relief and today’s judgement will ensure that it will be only those local officials elected by the people that will control the resources of the people.
This judgement stands as a resounding affirmation that we can use legitimate means of redress to restructure our country and restructure our economy to make Nigeria a better place to live in and a fairer society for all of our people,” President Tinubu states.
President Tinubu also noted that the provision of some essential amenities and public goods, such as the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, street lighting, drains, parks, gardens, open spaces, and other residual responsibilities, including community security, has tottered owing to the emasculation of local governments.
The President affirms that the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutional rights and ideals of local governments as regards financial autonomy, and other salient principles, is of historic significance and further reinforces the effort to enhance Nigeria’s true federal fabric for the development of the entire nation.
President Tinubu commends the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for his diligence and patriotic effort on this important assignment.
The President states that his administration remains committed to protecting the principles of the charter governing citizens, institutions of government, arms, and tiers of government in furtherance of building an efficient and performance-driven governance system that works for every Nigerian.
Obasempire reports that Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has initiated legal proceedings against Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs.
This action arises during an ongoing inquiry into purported misappropriation within the ministry.
The Ministry of Women Affairs, via a statement from Musa Abdulrahaman, the minister’s assistant, confirmed the situation.
The statement denied claims of financial impropriety and reiterated the ministry’s dedication to transparency and responsibility.
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives, led by Ogbara, questioned Ohanenye regarding the non-payment of N1.5 billion to contractors despite the release of funds.
The lawmakers also scrutinized the Minister for various expenditures, including N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and N1.5 million for vehicle fuel.
In response to the allegations, the ministry clarified that “all financial transactions undergo rigorous authorization procedures in accordance with established civil service regulations.”
It said further that the procedures involve scrutiny by the Director of Finance and Accounts, with final approval by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry’s accounting officer.
It added that the Minister presented supporting documents to substantiate the accuracy of all financial transactions under scrutiny.
Also, the ministry said Ohanenye has chosen to refrain from further public commentary on the matter, instead opting to initiate legal proceedings against Ogbara for alleged libel and defamation.
“The Minister expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged the presentation of any evidence or proof of alleged misappropriation in a court of law,” the statement concluded.
