News
Sen. Nworgu Tasks NASS On Edo Assembly Crisis
Chairman of the Sen
ate Committee on Gas, Nkechi Nworgu, has expressed dismay at the on-going crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly, which has resulted in the polarisation of the state legislature along party lines.
The lawmakers on both the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platforms, led by Uyi Igbe, the speaker, and his estranged deputy, Festus Ebea, currently make independent laws for the state.
The Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomole, only last week presented his 2015 Appropriation Bill before the Igbe faction of the assembly, which many insist remains the authentic legislative chamber, rather than the faction provided police protection, and allegedly backed by godfathers based in Abuja.
The lawmaker advised the National Assembly not to turn a blind eye to the crisis tearing the Edo Assembly apart, stating that it has grave implications on the nation’s democracy. Her words: “l think the whole development is very unfortunate if what l am hearing about that Assembly is true. I am yet to get the full details of what is really going on there because of my hectic schedule in recent times.
Stakeholders, however, blamed the crisis in the Edo Assembly on the lack of focus by the lawmakers, even as they warned against anything that could truncate the democratic process in the state.
Prof Aloysius Okolie of Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), who linked the crises in the Edo Assembly to leadership problems, reminded all that “democracy is a game of number. The faction with the majority of legislators ought to be given access to the legislative chamber.”
Continuing, he said: “I hope Edo and Ebonyi are aware that the whole world is watching the unhealthy developments in their states,” noting that the happenings in Edo and Ebonyi have shown that in Nigeria, the executive arm of government viewed itself as the custodian of the country’s democracy.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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