News
PDP Speakers Demand Power Devolution
The Forum of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Speakers in Nigeria has insisted on power devolution as the body called for holistic amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pave way for better governance.
The forum has also urged both chambers of the National Assembly to revisit the issue of devolution of powers, insisting that any amendment of the Constitution should not be done partially, but must be holistic.
Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ikuiyi-Owaji-Ibani, who disclosed this to aviation correspondents at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on his arrival from the meeting of the forum in Gombe State, said that the issue of restructuring was a very crucial one, hence, the PDP Speakers have taken a stand that the issue of power devolution should be revisited by the National Assembly.
“We took certain decisions at the inaugural meeting of the Forum of Peoples Democratic Party Speakers in Nigeria in Gombe State.
“Firstly, we agreed and inaugurated a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the forum, until when election will be held, and secondly, we also discussed the issue of constitutional amendment.
“If the Constitution should be amended, then, it should be holistic and not partial. We agreed as a forum that the amendment should not be segmented.
“The core issue that is bringing upheaval in the country is the issue of restructuring, where we have taken a decision that the Senate and the House of Representatives should revisit the power devolution issue.
“There should be true federalism where devolution of powers should be among the federating units. When you are taking from the states, and you are not giving anything back to the states, it means you are heading toward authoritarianism.
“The way some members of the National Assembly are handling the matter is very suspicious. When you do not like a governor for any reason, you begin to say the power of the governors should be reduced and so on.
“What we have taken a stand on as a forum of PDP Speakers is that there should be proper constitution amendment, and power devolution is very important,” he said.
On the issue of salaries and allowances of Assembly workers, the speaker said that government was determined to pay any outstanding, but urged them to be patient, because of paucity of fund.
He said that Governor Nyesom Wike since 2015, when he took over power, has shown willingness and cleared the backlog of unpaid allowances, and urged them to be patient.
Ibani said also that the Assembly does not discriminate against any media house or press officers in the Assembly.
Corlins Walter
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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