Politics
Tombia: Bill To Establish Polytechnic Passes Second Reading
The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to establish a Federal Polytechnic in Tombia, Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, during the plenary on Wednesday.
In the general principles of the bill, the sponsor, Farah Dagogo, representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said the Polytechnic would concentrate on training and retraining of students in areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) to support the technological growth of the country.
The lawmaker said the bill if passed into law would be the first in the country to concentrate purely on technological development through the relevant courses.
He said: “A bill for the Establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Tombia for the training of graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics (STEAM) and for related matters (HB. 1333).
“When passed into law, the Federal Polytechnic, Tombia, is expected to be the pioneer tertiary institution in the country that focuses on STEAM.”
He urged lawmakers to support the bill, stressing that the proposed Polytechnic will be tailored towards achieving the STEAM model of education.
The lawmaker explained that other countries were on the fast lane of technological and engineering development, saying that STEAM education would benefit the students to graduate with a set of well-rounded skills.
“Today, STEAM education is all about preparing our future leaders for a digital age and understanding the new world around them.
“Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, may I use this medium to submit that if you are looking for an area of study that will prepare you for a successful career, consider entering into the STEAM field, because it is the future of every nation.
“The imperatives of STEAM education cannot be underestimated, because it equips students with competencies that will enable them to overcome personal challenges, pursue careers in technical fields such as software engineering or artificial intelligence, find creative solutions to difficult problems, and understand how the world works.”
After contributions by some members in support of the bill, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, remarked that technological education would create a critical mass of self-employment and promised that the bill will be passed.
After passing the bill for the second reading in a voice vote, he referred it to the House Committee on Tertiary Education for public hearing.
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.
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.