Connect with us

Nation

Democracy Day: Gombe Gov Seeks Citizens’ Participation In Electoral Process 

Published

on

The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has urged residents to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral process, which he noted had improved over the years.
In a goodwill message to commemorate Democracy Day in the state, Governor Yahaya noted that democracy had come to stay in the country, and called on the people of the state to get involved and remain steadfast as major stakeholders in the process of governance.
The statement signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, noted with delight, the successful conduct of party congresses and primaries, and called on the people of the state to exhibit the same maturity in the 2023 electioneering process.
The governor urged the people to take advantage of the opportunity of the continuous voter registration, especially those who are just attaining voting age and those that had not registered previously, to obtain their permanent voter cards in order to be eligible to exercise their rights and contribute to nation-building.
Yahaya noted that the 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria had ushered in sustainable development in Gombe State, which had helped in improving the lives of the people.
He paid glowing tributes to both the past and present leaders of the state, noting that their efforts ensured that Gombe remained one indivisible entity.
Yahaya said, “For us in Gombe State, there is no denying the fact that democracy has ushered in a period of sustainable development for our dear state. Three successive civilian administrations have come and gone, paving the way for our administration.
“Let me use this opportunity to pay tribute to our past and present leaders, who have contributed to deepening our democratic experience and strengthening our political culture”.
Governor Yahaya also called on the citizenry to rededicate themselves to nation-building, remain united, and frontally confront problems with total commitment and prayers, adding that the task of nation-building is a collective responsibility.
He urged the citizenry to appreciate the state’s diversity through understanding and recognising the interests of various ethnic and religious groups as well as promoting brotherhood and respect for one another.
The governor also reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to continually prioritise their well-being through the provision of socio-economic infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, law and justice as well as providing equal opportunities for all.
“To this end, we shall continue to engage all stakeholders in order to give our people a sense of belonging. We will also remain focused to ensure the full actualization of our vision for the creation of Gombe State, which is to build a prosperous, peaceful, and all-inclusive state for all its people.
“Our objective is to build a broad developmental consensus for our dear State, one that is built on a foundation of shared ownership and collective responsibility. In this regard, we are meticulously implementing our novel 10-year Development Plan as a roadmap for the transformation of the state that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations”, he assured.
He said the cumulative effect of his administration’s prudence and leadership character is the coming of various development partners to the state with remarkable results to show.
Yahaya added, “Gombe is now the best state in the ease of doing business in Nigeria and has been adjudged the safest and most peaceful state. It is now clear that the Jewel in the Savannah is now set on the path of a new dawn and the impact of our transformational leadership is gaining traction within three years of our stewardship”.

Continue Reading

Nation

Anglican Bishop Urges Politicians To Lead With Integrity

Published

on

The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta, Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, has called on Nigerians, especially those in positions of authority to uphold moral standard and integrity.
Oko-Jaja said this at a thanksgiving service to mark the 90th birthday of Prof. Sylvanus Cookey at Saint Paul Anglican Church in Opobo Town, Rivers yesterday.
The Tide’s source reports that Cookey was the second Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in 1982.
Oko-Jaja advised political leaders to always be self-aware and avoid actions that could damage their reputation.
“In today’s Nigeria, hardship has changed how the people behave, as lies have become more popular than the truth.
“We now live in a country where injustice is now celebrated and lowering moral and social standard have become the new normal.
“Leaders must follow the exemplary legacies set by our forebears by becoming upright and live a life that would not bring shame to their family and community,” he said.
He attributed the country’s current economic challenges and declining living standards to leaders failing to prioritise the well-being of citizens.
“The younger generation should emulate the virtues of our predecessors like Prof. Cookey, who prioritised integrity over material gain.
“Good reputation was the norm back then, and I hope that God will restore it to Nigeria, where leaders’ goal will be to have good names.
“If anyone wants to commit evil, they should remember that their actions can bring a bad name to their family and community,” he cautioned.
Addressing the celebrant, the King of Opobo Kingdom, HRM Dandason Jaja, praised Cookey for his impact on society and described him as a mentor and philanthropist.
He said that the celebrant was a distinguished academic, who had impacted numerous youths through vocational training, leading to their successful employment in different sectors.
Speaking earlier, Cookey expressed gratitude to God for attaining 90 years and acknowledged the support of his family and friends.
Reflecting on his contributions to the country, he encouraged leaders to leave behind positive legacies for future generations to celebrate.

Continue Reading

Nation

Senators, Reps To Resume Plenary In Remodelled Main Chambers

Published

on

Nineteen months after federal lawmakers movement to  temporary chambers,  the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives would finally resume sittings in  their  newly remodelled main hallowed chambers tomorrow
Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, and the Clerk to the Senate, Barrister Chinedu Akubueze confirmed the planned movement to the main chambers in separate written announcements made penultimate week on the change in resumption date by lawmakers from their ongoing recess.
Hon. Rotimi, who is the chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, in the official announcement dated April 4, 2024 to the honourable members, cited the need to resume plenary at the renovated and reconfigured main chamber, as reason for the postponement in line with the general wish of the lawmakers.
“The House of Representatives wishes to inform the public and stakeholders of the rescheduling of the resumption date from the ongoing recess, originally slated for Tuesday, April 16, 2024, to  Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
“This adjustment is necessary to accommodate the completion of renovations to the main chamber of the House of Representatives to ensure its readiness for plenary sessions, henceforth,” he stated.
Two days after, the Clerk to the Senate also issued a statement, postponing resumption of plenary by the Senate from April 16 to 23, 2024.
Akubueze ‘s statement reads in part: “Distinguished Senators are hereby invited to note that the resumption of the plenary sitting of the Senate, which was scheduled for Tuesday, 16th April, 2024, has been postponed to Tuesday 23rd April, 2024”
It would be recalled that ahead of the projects delivery, the Site Engineer of Visible Construction, Tajudeen Olanipekun, had early last month informed journalists covering the Senate, that the two main chambers, would be ready for use by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in April this year.
Olanipekun’s assurance on delivery of the fully transformed and reconfigured hallowed chambers to management of the National Assembly, coincided with call by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, to the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Alhaji Sani Magaji Tambawal that both the Senate and the House of Representatives, want to move to their main chambers as soon as possible after close to two years of using temporary ones.
In carrying out the subtle marching order, the construction firm in the last five weeks has carried out the required finishings on
the upgraded and reconfigured hallowed chambers fixed with state-of-the-art chairs, parliamentary equipments,  appliances and extended sitting terraces.
Physically, the entire ambience of the space in and around the hallowed chambers have been transformed, just as barricades used to restrict movements at the foyer have been removed.
The  Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, had in March 2021 awarded a N30billion renovation contract to Visible Construction Limited to rehabilitate critical segments of the National Assembly complex.
The law makers had in September  2022 vacated the main chambers to enable the Contractors;   handle the renovation work of both chambers
Some of the critical segments are the office buildings housing the office accommodation for the senators and honourable members, watertightness of the roof of the complex, the cooling system, replacement of lifts that are inoperable in the White House as well as in the House of Representatives and in the new Senate Wing among others.

By: Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja

 

Continue Reading

Nation

Police Commence Recruitment Process In Anambra, Enugu

Published

on

The Zone 13 of the Nige- rian Police Force, comprising Anambra and Enugu States, has announced the venue and time for both General Duty and Specialist Constable recruitment medical screening in the two States.
This is contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Ihunwo, yesterday in Enugu.
Ihunwo said that prospective candidates from Zone 13 should note that the exercise would take place at Police Hospital, Awka.
She said that the medical screening would commence simultaneously nationwide on Tuesday, April 16, and end on April 30, 2024.
“Candidates are advised to visit the recruitment portal: https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng to know their status, specific time, date and other mandatory requirements.
“So also, qualified applicants are to appear in clean white T-shirt and short with the following requirements;
“National Identity Card/Slip; Print Out of Medical Examination Slip and all necessary documents.
“The Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 13 Command, AIG Godwin Aghaulor, wishes all prospective candidates success as they embark on this exercise,” he said.

Continue Reading

Trending