Politics

Assembly Tasks Fayemi On Deplorable Road

Published

7 years ago

June 19, 2019

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has called on Governor Kayode Fayemi to urgently provide palliative measures to the deplorable Isinbode-Ekiti and Omuo-Ekiti Road and the abandoned bridge linking Itapaji with Iyemero.
The Assembly made the call through its unanimous resolution yesterday at its plenary sitting presided by the Speaker, Mr Funminiyi Afuye in Ado-Ekiti.
Mr Oluwajuwa Adegbuyi, (Ekiti East Constituency 1) moved the notion with the title: “Urgent need to fix Omuo-Isinbode Road, in Ekiti East Local Government Area’.
He lamented the sufferings of the people of the area.
According to him, the people living in that area have resorted to the use of motorcycles, (popularly known as Okada) as a means of transportation from Omuo-Ekiti to Isinbode and vice-versa in the last three years.
Adegbuyi said, “I want to call the attentions of the House and the Ekiti Government to the plights and sufferings of my constituents, whose main access road has finally been cut-off by erosion.
”Our people, instead of plying this road to convey their agricultural products in less than five minutes will have to now go through a 360 degree circle to Omuo-Ekiti in hours to conduct their economic and social activities,” Adegbuyi said.
Other contributors to the motion which included the speaker, Mr Funminiy Afuye, Mrs Teju Okunyiga,(Gbonyin) and Mr Olajide Akanle,(Ekiti East 11) described the axis as a very important commercial part of the state.
They called for government’s urgent intervention, which might be palliative pending when it would award the contract for its construction.
Mr Olutoyin Lucas, who is representing Ado Constituency 1, speaking “Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance’’, called for strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations by motorists in Ekiti, and particularly, within Ado metropolis.
The House through its resolution also said, henceforth, road users should obey and observe traffic rules and regulations to guard against arrest and stringent punishment.
Also, another member, Mr Stephen Aribisoye(Ikole Constituency 11) relying on Order 8, Rules 45 of the House, called for the completion of the abandoned bridge linking Itapaji Ekiti with Iyemero-Ekiti.
He said, “At present, there are two cars inside the ditch, whose accidents were caused because the bridge was abandoned.
” Government and its agents should erect speed breakers at both sides of the bridge and ensure that the funds needed to complete the project should be included in the reviewed 2019 budget. “
NAN reports that other business of the day includes: the passage of the Ekiti House of Assembly Service Commission, (Fifth Amendment) Bill, 2019.
Also, the House screened and confirmed Mrs Bunmi Agunbiade as a member of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.
Also, the Ekiti State Board of Internal Revenue Bill 2019 passed through the first reading.
NAN also reports that the speaker announced the constitution of 30 Standing Committees for the House.
The Assembly thereafter adjourned sitting until Wednesday, June 19.

Politics

EFCC Alleges Blackmail Plot By Opposition Politicians

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

In what could be described as a proactive measure, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised the alarm that some opposition politicians were allegedly plotting to undermine the agency ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.

The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.

The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”

The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.

“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.

“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.

Politics

Datti Baba-Ahmed Reaffirms Loyalty To LP, Forecloses Joining ADC

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed has dismissed speculation about a possible defection from the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he will not follow his former principal, Mr Peter Obi, to any new political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Senator Baba-Ahmed said his political allegiance remains firmly with the LP, the platform on which he emerged as vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election. He stressed that his future political aspirations are anchored on party loyalty and personal conviction, not shifting alliances.

The former senator representing Kaduna North stated that although he shared a joint ticket with Mr Obi in the last presidential race, he has no intention of joining him following Mr Obi’s recent alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party now being positioned by an opposition coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing journalists at the LP national headquarters, Senator Baba-Ahmed made it clear that he would not take the same political path, insisting that his decision was informed by long-term goals and a clear sense of purpose.

He expressed scepticism about the ADC-led coalition, describing its promoters as “disgruntled politicians” and arguing that the platform does not offer the kind of political vision Nigeria urgently requires.

Senator Baba-Ahmed also reaffirmed his commitment to national service, noting that he remained willing to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at fixing the country and would make himself available for service as the 2027 elections approach.

While acknowledging his past partnership with Mr Obi, he emphasised that political choices must be guided by principles rather than personal relationships.

According to him, his priority is to strengthen the LP and position it as a credible and enduring alternative for Nigerians.

It would be recalled that Mr Obi recently exited the LP and embraced the ADC as part of a broader opposition coalition seeking to unseat the APC in the next general election.

Politics

Bayelsa APC Endorses Tinubu For Second Term

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was made on during a special stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Governor Diri in Yenagoa, the State capital.

Senator Konbowei Benson, incumbent Senator representing the Bayelsa Central, moved the endorsement motion, and was seconded by a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and one time deputy governor, Peremobowei Ebebi.

The Tide reports that Chairman of the new caretaker committee of the party, Dr Dennis Otiotio, Senator representing Bayelsa East, Chief Benson Agadaga, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, attended the endorsement meeting.

Other attendees were, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samson Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, other stakeholders as well as the ex-officio member (South South) of the APC National Working Committee, Hon. Godbless Diriware.

The Tide also gathered that the meeting was the first expanded stakeholders gathering convened by the governor since becoming a member and leader of the party in the state in October 2025.

In his speech, Governor Diri expressed delight that the State’s APC was one big family which has resolved to work together to deliver President Tinubu for another term in office.

He underscored the need for the members to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, humility and rise above politics of bitterness and divisive tendencies for the sake of peace, development and progress of the state.

The governor also urged the members to play by the rules and engage in politics of consultation, stating that those interested in political offices in the next election should shelve their ambitions for now.

“Here we are today in a very big family of the APC. Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the old members of the party for the reception accorded me and other Peoples Democratic Party members who crossed over. It was a welcome like no other.

“Political parties are vehicles for development. Let us truly be progressives. Whatever positions you want to contest for, whether governorship, House of Assembly or National Assembly, please put it on hold for now. Power comes from God. What should be uppermost is that we are all gathered here to make sure that President Tinubu returns for a second term”, he said.

In a brief remark, Senator Lokpobiri expressed joy to be part of the meeting and acknowledged that the Bayelsa APC now had one united and indivisible objective to wholly deliver the party for all elective offices in 2027.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, former APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr David Lyon, and Prince Ebitimi Amgbare lauded the governor for his maturity, noting that his inclusive governance style would lead the party to achieve its objectives.

Also, the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, commended Governor Diri for uniting all facets of the party’s political leadership in the state, which he noted had been fragmented for over a decade.

Dr Otiotio stated that the purpose of the meeting was to enjoin members and supporters to participate in the party’s electronic membership exercise in order to capture genuine voters.

Meanwhile the stakeholders observed a minute silence in honour of the former Bayelsa West Senatorial District representative in the 5th National Assembly, Senator John Brambaifa, who died on Saturday, January 3, 2026 in Abuja.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa