Politics
Ndume Rejects New Office After Removal As Senate Chief Whip
The senator representing Borno South at the National Assembly, Ali Ndume, has rejected a new office allocated to him by the Senate Services Committee.
According to parliamentary practices, Ndume is expected to move to another office following his sack as the Whip of the Senate.
The Tide learnt that Ndume was asked to vacate his current office and move to the third floor to allow for the new Whip Senator Tahiir Mongonu to take over the office.
Responding to his allocation to a new office on the third floor, Ndume, in a letter addressed to the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Senator Sunday Karimi, yesterday, said the office given him does not reflect his seniority and high-ranking posture at the Senate.
The letter, signed by his Chief Confidential Secretary, Shuaibu Gawu, read, “I am directed to inform you that, Distinguished Senator Mohammed All Ndume, has rejected the allocation of office number 3.10 by the Committee.
“This is because offices are traditionally allocated on a seniority basis.”
The letter added, “Sen Ndume is the most Senior Senator after Sen Ahmad Lawan and will only occupy an office on the fourth floor.”
Recall that Ndume was recently stripped of his position as Chief Whip of the Senate following a letter by the All Progressives Party co-signed by its Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and the Secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
Don’t Allow Non-State Actors Destroy Nigeria, Yoruba Obas Warn Protesters
Yoruba Obas Forum, a group comprising monarchs from South West and North Central geo-political zones of Nigeria, has warned those planning to exploit the proposed national hunger protest to cause chaos in the country to perish the thought.
The royal fathers made their stand known in a statement obtained in Osogbo, Osun State capital, yesterday.
The statement was jointly signed by its National President, who is the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Adeoye, Oba Michael Ajayi, who is the Elerinmo of Erinmo, and the Public Relations Officer of the Forum, the Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe.
The forum members said, as traditional rulers, they felt the pains and frustration being faced by many Nigerians at the moment, but suggested that the situation demands a strategic approach, noting that dialogue remains the best option.
“Protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges, but rather an avenue for the destruction of human lives and properties.
“We, Yoruba Obas Forum, acknowledge the role of protests in democracy and that is why we are warning against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes as certain groups are looking to use this protest to incite violence and crime. Please, don’t let non-state actors disrupt the already existing peace and stability of our land, please be cautioned.
“While protest is your democratic right, please consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress as dialogue, round table conference and collaboration are far more effective solutions and antidote.
“We Yoruba Obas again, implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, or destruction, we too are also aware that there is hunger, insecurity and unemployment in the land. But the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will definitely plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity. As your fathers, we earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our dear nation,” the statement partly read.
The Forum also warned that since Nigeria may not be able to afford another unrest considering the current state of the economy, people should draw solace in the fact that the relatively young administration of President Bola Tinubu was working hard to improve the standard of living of the common man.
Chief Ogbeh, an ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 78.
In a Daily Trust interview published shortly before his family announced his death, Chief Ogbeh expressed concerns over the future of the country, describing himself as a sad man who “tried” to find happiness.
“Believe me, I am a sad person. I tried to find happiness, but I am scared of the future. I may not be here [alive], I am way over 70, heading to 80, but I don’t like what I smell. It is very depressing,” he said.
The former minister warned that worsening poverty, neglect of agriculture, and the collapse of local government administration are ominous signs for the country.
“Well, I have one wife, five children and eight grandchildren. But I am a rather sad person because I can see dangers ahead,” he said.
“I don’t see why we are hoping that the younger generation would wake up one day and start dancing for joy.
“Each one of those young men is sending money home to his mother, a cousin or sister who believes that they are in Abuja, and therefore, have money.
“But they just don’t have money. And their number is increasing — they are leaving the villages for the cities.
“They arrive in the cities and the conditions are absolutely impossible. And they can’t go back to the village unless there are things that will actually call them back home”, he added.
Chief Ogbeh also weighed in on the clamour for a new constitution for the country, noting that the nation needs good governance instead.
The politician recounted surviving an assassination attempt in 1998, describing his escape as nothing short of a miracle.
“Oh yes, they broke down the door and came in. They had finished their bullets firing all over the place. They shot my guards. They shot me, left me in a pool of blood and went away. This eye nearly fell out.
“My domestic staff who were outside heard them chanting, ‘We don kill am’. They came back at 6am and took me to hospital. My head was very large and I was totally unconscious.
“Somehow, (they) managed me and I recovered. I had to leave the place and come to Abuja here, where Shehu Malami of Sokoto gave me a flat to stay as long as I could. I had no house”, he said.
Chief Ogbeh served as deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly after he joined politics in 1979.
He was PDP National Chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as agriculture minister between 2015 and 2019.
Chief Ogbeh was a federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.
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?Governor Oyebanji described the late Olubolade as one of the most illustrious sons of Ekiti and a very decent politician, noting that the departure of the former Police Affairs Minister will be greatly missed.?
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The Ekiti State Governor eulogised the late military officer’s meritorious service to the Nigerian armed forces, his excellent public service record and his service to his community, the State and to humanity.?
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Governor Oyebanji, on behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, condoled with the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“As I sat there going through the tributes, especially by the children, they are short but very deep tributes and at a moment like this, there are so many questions we cannot answer. The only thing I commend to you is that you allow God to carry you and He will see you through,” the Governor said.?
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, said the late Olubolade was a gallant Naval Officer who served the country with utmost loyalty.?
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He said the retired Military Administrator left an unforgettable mark in Bayelsa State during his service in the state as well as other positions he held.?
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The Ipoti Ekiti-born late Olubolade died at the age of 71.
Dr Nwoye dismissed claims that the suspended state chairman of the APC, Mr Ugo Agbala, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, could block Governor Mbah’s entry into the APC.
He said that the Progressive Group comprises members of APC in Enugu State, some apolitical individuals, and members of other political parties who are progressive-minded and committed to the betterment of the country and Enugu State in particular, would never hesitate to welcome Barr Mbah into APC.
“We are aware of the speculation that Governor Mbah may join the APC, and contrary to rumours, neither Agbala nor Nnaji can stop him. Agbala has been suspended by his ward, and a court order has barred him and nine others from parading themselves as chairman. The minister is equally not in a position to speak for the APC; he’s just a member of the Federal Executive Council,” Dr Nwoye said.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, during his visit to Enugu on February 4, urged support for Governor Mbah, regardless of party affiliation.
“One of the motions we passed was to receive Governor Mbah into the APC if he decides to join and to support his re-election bid in 2027, in line with the President’s directive,” Dr Nwoye added.
He also commended President Tinubu for signing into law the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Enugu State and appointing an indigene as Chief of Naval Staff.
“The President has made impactful use of subsidy savings in Enugu State. He recently approved the Federal University of Agriculture for the state and earlier appointed an Enugu son as Chief of Naval Staff. Enugu State will reciprocate by supporting his re-election in 2027,” he stated.
He commended Governor Mbah for his quality leadership and inclusive governance and urged him to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
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