News
… Wants Removal Of Immunity Clause
Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State says he supports the removal of immunity clause from the Constitution.
“It will give equal opportunity to all Nigerians in the face of the law,” Shekarau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New Jersey, U.S., on Sunday.
He said the purpose of inserting immunity clause in the Constitution had been abused and needed to be removed.
Shekarau said “the immunity clause is for a purpose but because of our failure to exhibit exemplary conduct at leadership level, it is being abused.
“There is no doubt about that from what we have seen so far.
The governor noted the various charges in the courts and the kind of revelations whereby governors, deputy governors and chairmen of local governments reportedly embezzled public funds and connived with fraudulent people to deny people of their rights.
He said the law could not handle such political office holders because of the immunity clause.
“This is sad. Let there be equal treatment of all on the face of the law,” Shekarau said.
The governor, who was on a tour of the U.S. to interact with Nigerians living abroad, advised the National Assembly Constitution Review Committee to also put a proviso that would forestall making false allegation against elected people.
“The only snag is that there must be some provision alongside to deal with whoever is found to have made false allegations.
“If one writes a petition that Gov. Shekarau is a thief and is unable to prove it in the court, he or she must also face the wrath of law.
“But on the surface of it, I don’t think we need immunity, ” Shekarau said.
According to him, the removal of immunity will help to put in checks and balances and make chief executives to be upright.
He also supported independent candidacy, saying that it would give a wider opportunity for more Nigerians to express themselves politically.
“I am for Independent candidacy. This gives a much wider opportunity for citizens to decide who governs them.
“From the attitude where parties manipulate the candidates, denying the public of a credible person to serve them, let there be an open ground.
“If you are an independent candidate and you are able to sell yourself, good luck to you,” Shekarau added.
News
PDP Opobo/Nkoro Hails Fubara On Peace, Projects
Stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Opobo/ Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the state Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his disposition that has fostered peace in the State.
Rising from an expanded stakeholders meeting last Saturday in Opobo Town, the body in an eight-point communique signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benneth Daminabo, Chairman of Council, Rt. Hon. Enyiada Cookey-Gam and LG party Chairman, Warisenibo Godwin Pepple commended the governor for linking Opobo/Nkoro LGA to the national grid.
In addition, it lauded the effort of the governor in pursuing the 50.15 kilometre Dual Carriage Ring Road, Elelenwo internal road, Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road in Eleme and Andoni Road projects.
Despite the distractions, the stakeholders said they were impressed that the governor had equally done projects in health-the unveiling of Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Agric projects at Tai and Oyigbo and improving welfare of civil servants.
In their words, “members reaffirmed their unalloyed loyalty and implicit confidence in his administration.”
Condemning the unfriendly and discourteous utterances of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Tony Okocha in different fora in the State, the forum urged the duo to desist from such action in order not to heat up the polity.
The forum pledged to stand by the governor through, “thick and thin”, the stakeholders acknowledged the contributions of women, who through prayers for the government has impacted positively in the direction and posture of the governor.
Finally, the forum unanimously expressed gratitude to the Simplified Movement and other bodies that have thrown their weight behind the governor to ensure that the administration is stable and successful.
By: Kevin Nengia
News
‘Rivers People Are Now Breathing Fresh Air Under Fubara’
Aformer Caretaker Committee Chairman of Abua/Odual Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon Elamo Arogu, says under Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the people of the State are now breathing fresh air.
Hon Arogu said Governor Fubara has given Rivers people hope, considering the impactful and people-oriented projects being carried out by his administration.
The former CTC chairman made the assertion during the Simplified Movement’s thanksgiving service and rally held in honour of Rivers State chief executive last Friday in Abua .
Arogu said under Governor Fubara, the Abua/Odual people have the confidence that the dividends of democracy will definitely get to them.
He noted that the Governor has the strong will to change the narrative in Rivers State, being the reason he is receiving massive support across the State.
“The people of Abua/Odual are strongly behind him. Our doors ate open for everyone because there is government in place to attend to the needs of the people. I believe that he will develop Abua/Odual and other Rivers council areas, hence, the massive support. This government is business- oriented and we are ready to encourage him succeed and invest in our land. The issue of a bank; road networks and other necessities of life bordering on development as demanded by the people will be considered by Governor Fubara”, he said.
He called on the opposition to team up with Governor Fubara to build a stronger, united and viable Rivers State.
He maintained that ward nine under his leadership is Simplified.
News
Rivers State University Cooperative Society Elects New Leaders
The United Port Harcourt Peoples Cooperative Investment & Credit Society Limited, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, has elected new leaders to pilot the affairs of the cooperative for the next two years.
They are Pastor Dr. Barine Aeba (President); Dr. Gift N. Nkweke (Vice-President), Dr. Kenneth Chima Adiele (General Secretary), Victor G. Banigo (Assistant General Secretary),
Rose Yeyeda Nwosu (Treasurer), Adaku Nwogu (Financial Secretary) and Stella Ereba (Public Relations Officer).
Inaugurating the new Management Committee after a keenly contested election held recently at the University Amphitheatre, the Director of Cooperatives in Rivers State, Dr. Elizabeth Chidi-Wike, congratulated the seven-member Executive for emerging winners at the election, charging them to uphold the bye laws of the Cooperative Society and hold regular congress meetings.
Dr. Chidi-Wike used the forum to commend the outgone Management Committee for reviving the Cooperative and placing it on an enviable pedestrial.
In her remarks, the Acting Registrar of the University, Mrs. Ibimonia Sotonye Harry applauded Cooperative members for keeping faith with the Cooperative Society, stressing that the goal of the society in helping members save for retirement cannot be over emphasised.
In his valedictory speech, the outgone President, Dr. Mie-Idala Jones Amachree expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of his four-year tenure, thanking his fellow Management Committee members who gave him the needed support that transformed the Cooperative Society.
In his acceptance address, the President, Pastor (Dr.) Barine Aeba thanked the university management for providing the enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of the election, pledging that he will fulfill all his campaign promises.
A total of 165 Cooperative members participated in the electoral exercise which was conducted by an Electoral Committee led by Engr. (Dr.) Joseph D. Enoch.
-
Business3 days ago
MOWCA Strengthens Maritime Crime Prevention
-
News3 days ago
Emulate Otti, Obey Court Order Stopping Pension To Ex-Govs, SERAP, OBJ Tell Tinubu, Govs
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Group Commences Mangrove Restoration Initiative In Cross River Communities
-
Sports1 day ago
Tornadoes Fight-Back To Stun Shooting Stars
-
Editorial3 days ago
Delta Killings: Need For Caution
-
Rivers3 days ago
Show Example In Leadership, Cleric Urges Nigerian Leaders
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Diri Appoints New SSG, CoS, Retains CPS
-
Opinion1 day ago
Restoring Service Commission As Professional Gatekeeper