Politics
Govt Policies Must Favour Majority Of Citizens – Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that policies introduced in any state must favour larger percentage of the citizens.
Sanwo-Olu said this last Monday, when the Alumni Association of the 3rd Regular Course at Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA), led by former Senate President, David Mark, paid a courtesy visit to the State House, Alausa, Ikeja.
He said that the essence of government in any country or state was to eradicate poverty and introduce strategies that would aid business activities.
The governor said that anyone at the helm of affairs in any state must strive to ensure that policies introduced favoured larger percentage of the citizens.
Sanwo-Olu said that eradicating poverty and introducing favourable policies that would aid business activities were the dividend of democracy.
“’The real essence of governance is to take people out of poverty and create avenues for businesses to thrive. That is what government is all about,” he said.
The governor said that his administration would continuously tow the line of providing avenues that assist businesses to thrive in Lagos State.
“’I have decided to always ensure the greatest good is for the greatest number of people; that is the real dividend of democracy. We will ensure that in Lagos always.
“’Lagos has been so many things to several peoples and we will ensure that to bake the state so that it becomes the melting pot for all.
“’We will ensure it becomes a home for all and a place that everyone can feel happy to have contributed their quota to its development,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor commended the effort of statesmen to eradicate poverty across the country through Alumni, saying that giving back to the society was crucial to development of any state.
“Your effort is bringing succour to those that really need it. That further indicates that the foundation that you helped built several years ago, you have continued to ensure its survival. We thank God for you for believing in the narrative called Nigeria.
“Nigeria will continue to remember all of you for the good things that you have done for the development of this country. Your action has afforded us the reason to reflect and think of what people will say after we leave the public stage,” he said.
Earlier, Mark, who led other members including former Administrator of Lagos, retired Brig-Gen. Raji Rasaki, Tunji Olurin, and others, said that the alumni had embraced assisting widows and indigent children across the country.
“Once you develop the individual, one is developing the nation.
“We help to develop the widows and children of military personnel and the public as well. We do this in terms of providing for them as much as we can,” he said.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
-
Sports4 days agoTinubu Lauds Super Eagles’ after AFCON bronze triumph
-
Sports4 days agoAFCON: Lookman gives Nigeria third place
-
Sports4 days agoFulham Manager Eager To Receive Iwobi, Others
-
Sports4 days ago“Mikel’s Influence Prevent Some Players Invitation To S’Eagles Camp”
-
Sports4 days agoMan of The Match award Excites Nwabali
-
Sports4 days agoRemo, Ikorodu set for NPFL hearing, Today
-
Sports4 days agoPolice Games: LOC inspects facilities in Asaba
-
Niger Delta4 days agoINC Polls: Ogoriba Pledges To Continuously Stand For N’Delta Rights … Picks Presidential Form