₦airaland Forum

Gbajabiamila seeks joint efforts by govt, Nigerians to overcome insecurity

...says previous, current approaches didn't yield desired results

...Buhari lauds House's initiative on security summit

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for joint efforts by government and all Nigerians to overcome the rising insecurity in the country.

He said to achieve this, ethno-religious differences and other factors that often divide Nigerians must be put aside for the urgency of safeguarding the nation.

Gbajabiamila was speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of a 'Special Summit on National Security' organised by the House of Representatives.

The summit, organized as part of the Green Chamber's response to the country's security challenges, was to provide a platform for discussions by security stakeholders and other Nigerians in order to make far-reaching recommendations to the Executive arm of government.

Gbajabiamila noted that the country was under attack by insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements, which called for a united and coordinated security approach to contain.

He said at a time when insecurity threatened the authority of the state and foundations of Nigeria's nationhood, and when the activities of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals "impede our efforts at progress and prosperity, we must confront the realisation that our previous and current approaches to addressing the challenges of insecurity have not yielded the desired results."

He stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are a nation under attack. Our victory in this present battle depends greatly on our ability to set aside our differences and mobilise in one accord against an impending catastrophe that threatens all of us regardless of language, religion, politics, or status.

"It may well be that it is in the crucible of this battle for survival that we become a nation fully formed. Therefore, we must rise to the moment with passion and perspective.

"We hope for peace and desire its benefits. Yet, neither fervent hope nor heartfelt desire will suffice because the ends of peace require action."

The speaker added that it would be difficult for the country to attain the peace it desired for development to take place if the present security situation remained unresolved.

"Let us, in this defining moment, work together to pursue the things that make for peace. Let us dedicate ourselves to ending violence, and disorder in our land, and to improving the quality of life for all our nation’s people.

"Let us work together to uphold the honour and glory of Nigeria, and free our nation to be a place of peace and justice forevermore", Gbajabiamila said.

He explained that the security summit was organized as part of the legislative responsibility of making laws for the good governance of the country.

The speaker noted that achieving this also required citizens' engagement and participation to get things done the right way for maximum results.

"We have convened this Special Summit on National Security to jointly, as citizens and public servants, find solutions to the problem of insecurity in our country.

"We are here because we know that our national ambitions will not be attained without lasting peace and security. We are here to have honest conversations about where we are, how we got here, and the hard choices we must make to guarantee a secure future for all our nation’s children", Gbajabiamila added.

The speaker, who thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the summit, disclosed that the President had assured him that the recommendations of the summit would be given due attention and implementation.

Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustafa, commended the initiative of Mr Speaker and the House in organising the summit, describing it as timely.

The President aligned with the position of Gbajabiamila on how to tackle insecurity, admitting that it remained the "responsibility of all Nigerians in and out of government" to address the challenges.

The President also urged participants to set aside ethnic, political, religious, and other considerations in the national interest to speak frankly on the security challenges and the solutions.

Buhari called on the Legislature to use the opportunity provided by the summit to pass more laws to enhance the operations of national security agencies.

The President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, in his goodwill message, urged both the Legislative and Executive arms of government to work more closely together by ensuring that recommendations from sessions such as the summit were implemented.

Lawan, who said the Armed Forces needed improved funding, told the session that the National Assembly was ready at all times to partner security agencies in addressing their operational challenges.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar; the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Obi of Obinugwu, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, among others, also delivered goodwill messages.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaker @femigbaja pays a condolence visit to the wife of the late Chief of Army Staff, Hajiya Fati Attahiru, and the family.

He led a delegation which included Rep Aliyu Betara, Rep Ibrahim Shaaban, and the Chief of staff to the speaker Hon. Sanusi Rikiji.

PHOTOS SPEAK:

IFEDICHE 2021: *My Administration will Bridge the Gap between the People and the Government* -- Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo


At a press briefing with newsmen in the FCT, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo has called on the good people of Anambra State to join hands in building the Anambra of our dream.

During the press briefing, he emphasized that his vision for Anambra State is to make Anambra State the best place to be in Nigeria.

"Starting from June 26, 2021, Anambra has to take sides with innovative thinking championed by visionary people with creative intellect, if we must create the future we desire," Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo said.

"The poor governance and hardship in Anambra State today are caused by poor leadership," he stated. "Only good leadership can make things right and the power to elect good or bad leaders lies with the people because power belongs to the people," he added.

The humanitarian, community builder and technocrat in the oil sector, therefore, pleaded with the good people of Anambra State to use their power well by electing only good leaders to public offices.

Fielding questions from journalists as to what plans he had for Anambra State if elected to serve the state, he said, "One thing my administration will do is to bridge the gap between the people and the government. We will introduce the Local Executive Council to be held with community leaders, PGs of town unions, church leaders and security agencies, to be chaired by the governor. The Local Executive Council will give me the opportunity to have a direct link with the grassroots, appreciate their challenges(without depending on my political appointees) and collectively proffer solutions on which the State Executive Council will anchor their decisions," he explained.

Speaking further, he maintained succinctly that "appointments into government agencies and boards will cut across towns and relevant groups."

"We will also grant financial autonomy to the local governments and conduct local government elections. Apart from that, we will grant financial autonomy to the State House of Assembly and introduce the treasury single account," he remarked.

SPORTS BREAKING NEWS

Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly put smiles on faces of Awka Recreation Club Members, splashes gifts on winners of his Birthday Tennis Competition.

...as He described sport as a tool to develop people's mental ability.

By Paschal Candle.

The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Uche Okafor and President of Awka Recreation Club, has promised to use Sports to unite Ndi Anambra.

Rt.Hon.Uche Okafor made the disclosure at the grand finale of the Lawn Tennis Competition organised by Members of Awka Recreation Club at Beautiful Gate Hotel Lawn Tennis court in honour of his Birthday.

The lawmaker stressed that the competition is basically to promote brotherliness, love and unity among Club members.

According to the Lawmaker, "It has always been football all the time whereas there are other sports; indoor and outdoor sports that you can explore for the benefit of our people.
He added, that "Lawn Tennis is also a game that can develop one's mental and physical alertness. As a growing adult, we need to exercise often so that we can keep fit and healthy.

The Winner of the Tournament, Hon. Obinna Okolo (Ekete Enugwu-ukwu na Umunri ) who is the Captain of the club thanked Mr Speaker for giving the club Members the opportunity to display their talents. He defeated Hon.Justice Arinze Akabua in the Grand Finale.

Highlights of the Tournament is presentation of Gifts to the Winner, 2nd runners up with consolation Prices to other Members who participated in the tournament.

*Pictures and Videos Speak:*

Solsix:
No be this guy wey share forms to help people with atleast 50k to start small scale business. Oga we never hear from you

It is still being compiled. You will hear from him

High Chief Engr Johnbosco Donates Multi-Million Naira Bus Stand to Nnamdi Azikiwe University & Students of the Institution.

...As the UNIZIK VC raises alarm over high rate of cultism in Varsity

By Michael Ovat-Awka

The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Professor Charles Esimone, on Thursday, raised the alarm over high rate of cultism activities the University.

He opined while students whose parents and guardians are out there running from pole to pole to ensure they graduate and have a brighter future, will be involved themselves in a darkness, in which the outcome is dead.

Prof. Esimone, who raised the alarm during the official commissioning and handover of Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onoukwo Bus Ultra Modern Bus Stand to the university, appeal to Reverend Father Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Monso) of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, to organise a delivery prayer session for the students for the sake of their future, parents, guardians and the society at large.

"The cultism activities in the university community and awka today is at the high side, please now that God has brought you here to commission this project build by the 2021 Anambra governorship Aspirant under the platform of All Progressive Congress APC, Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo, I want you to pray for the students or possible organized a prayer delivery session to free the students from the spirit of the darkness (Cultism).

The Vice-Chancellor used the occasion to advised the students to concentrate on their studies in order to be like him, (Prof. Esimone), Engr. Onunkwo, Rev. Fr. Obimma and others in the future.

He noted that his administration has introduced new guidelines and rules to make the campus safe for everyone.

While thanking the benefactor for the kind gesture, he pray to God to grant him his governorship desire.

In his inaugural speech, the benefactor, Engr. Onunkwo, said he was move to build the bus stop to ease the students the pains of finding it difficult to get shuttle bus or tricycles plying in the school premises to their various departments and classrooms due to the deplorable nature of the bus stop.

Chief Engr Onunkwo warned the students to eschew other vices capable of jeopardizing their academic dreams, advised them to be studious so as to guarantee a brighter future for themselves and make their parents proud. He maintained that Education is the key to a successful life and urged them to be good Ambassadors of the Institution.

In his part, the Priest of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, while commissioning the project, prayed to God to save Nigeria from the security challenges the Country and her citizens are facing. He assured the Vice Chancellor of his readiness to deliver the students from the spirit of cultism and also to partner with the institution in any form he can.

He asked God to eradicate cultism and other form of criminal activities in the institution.

He disclosed that Chief Engr. Johnbosco Onoukwo has been ordained for greater things and has been chosen as man a Servant who will liberate his people. He urged him not to relent in doing good for God brought him into the world for a purpose.

Rev Fr. Obimma, later donated a school bus to the University management.
*Pictures Speak:

*BETTER ANAMBRA IS POSSIBLE WITH CHIEF DR. GEORGE MOGHALU*

As Anambra goes into season of politics. The politicking is reaching a fever pitch as the political parties and their aspirants are already preparing and campaigning for votes. Everywhere you go in Anambra state, the dominant issues remain the November Governorship Election.

It is not surprising that Okwudiba Nnoli, the eminent Professor emeritus of Political Science and the author of the classical book, “Ethnic Politics in Nigeria” defines politics as “those activities directly or indirectly related to the acquisition, consolidation and use of power”.

Acquiring power is one thing and deploying it to serve the good of the society is another thing altogether.

In Anambra State today, there is one young gentleman who is seeking to serve his people not for the trappings of office or the grandeur that comes with such exalted position; but he is doing so to serve the common good. That man is *Chief Dr. George Moghalu* the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and currently the Frontline gubernatorial aspirant under All Progressive Congress (APC) in Anambra State.

*Chief Moghalu* is currently the rave of the moment in the State. He is the man whose time has come. His acceptance is unprecedented as he enjoys popular support across all nooks and crannies of the State.

He remains the greatest threat to the incumbent APGA administration led by Willie Obiano and he will be the best gubernatorial choice of APC to take over Agu Awka government house.

He is the most prepared of all those seeking to govern Anambra State today, having surely but steadily occupied critical and sensitive public positions.

He is well educated unlike some of his opponents whose educational qualifications have question marks(?)

Like I noted earlier he has held key positions that have prepared him for the governorship of Anambra State. In his current position as the MD of NIWA, Ohamadike Ndi Igbo has put all in place to get Eater Ways attractive as mode of transportation and also decongestion of Apapa port by getting other ports back to live like Onitsha seaport which is now functional.

*Chief Dr. George Moghalu* has also empowered many Anambra youths and women through his numerous skills acquisition and training programmes organized in the State through his foundation.

This is the time to reward him for his good deeds to the people of Anambra State all these years of his stewardship to the nation. It is expected that on November the 6th, all eligible voters will come out en masse and vote for *Chief Dr. George Moghalu* as the next governor of Anambra State.

*GEORGE MOGHALU MEDIA CENTRE*

athaboi:
Nonsense house member that can't sponsor any reasonable bill is here talking

This really show you are not in the country and do not know the antecedents of Dr Tony Nwoye in the House of Representatives for 3 years he was there. Google him on YouTube and know more

*I will run an all inclusive government if elected says Dr Tony Nwoye*

-reassures of his readiness to serve Ndi Anambra.

-Calls on the party delegates to partner with him.

A frontline gubernatorial aspirant under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Dr Tony Nwoye has reassured the people of Anambra State of his readiness to run an all inclusive government if elected to serve.

Dr Nwoye who made the statement during the weekend affirmed that his aspiration to become the next Executive Governor of the state centres on giving back to the society whom he said has contributed immensely to his growth in life. He said that Ndi Anambra will feel the positive vibes of leadership as he's already equipped with the necessary contacts, connections and experience to deliver an unprecedented leadership that will cut across all spheres to the people.

The former students leader and an erstwhile member of the federal house of representatives reiterated that the experience of his past positions has exposed him to the nitty gritty of leadership cum governance which he said is an advantage to him. Dr Tony Okechukwu Nwoye, a medical doctor, ex student leader, ex parliamentarian and an activist also called on the party delegates and stakeholders to rally round him in making sure that the party secures Agu Awka come November 6th, 2021. He promised to lead from the front if given the party's ticket to run, he said that his experience in the previous elections has further given him an edge to win the elections if considered by the party delegates whom he described as the fulcrum of the party and said they are the ones suffering as a result of opposition stance of the party both in the state and national level.

He expressed his resolve to partner with Ndi Anambra in rendering the dividends of democracy to the people. Dr Nwoye said that as the former Chairman of the PDP in the state, that the needs and welfare of the party men and women will make the list of his priorities.

Great Azikigbo
SA Media to Dr Tony Nwoye.

Anambra 2021: Hon Chief Edozie Madu Picks APC Nomination Form
Member, National Governing Council of the Africa Union Development Agency(AUDA-NEPAD), Hon Edozie Madu on Monday, picked the nomination and Expression of interest forms to contest the Anambra State Governorship election on the platform of the APC.

Hon Edozie Madu is the first aspirant to speak to the media after picking his nomination form.

Addressing the press after picking the form, Madu expressed optimism that the APC will present a level playing field for all the candidates to take part in a free, fair and credible primaries to select the party's flag-bearer for the November 6th Governorship election in Anambra State.

Responding to questions from journalist to clear the air on the rumours of his being the annointed candidate , Madu denied that no such thing exists anywhere in APC.

According to him "The APC Governorship primaries will take place in Anambra and not Abuja. Delegates who are party members from Anambra will vote in the primaries, anybody telling you that their is an annointed candidate must be lying to you. As far as am concerned their is no such candidate. We will go to Anambra and the best candidate will emerge.

Madu further called on other aspirants to avoid unnecessary rancour and play the game by the rules as only one person will emerge at the end of the day. He also called on all aspirants and thier respective supporters to rally round whoever emerges as APC flag-bearer.

Photos speak:

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
May 4, 2021

Resident doctors hint at suspension of planned strike
...after exhaustive meeting with Gbajabiamila

Following an exhaustive meeting with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have hinted that they are ready to suspend their planned resumption of strike on Friday, May 7.

The doctors, at the resumption of the meeting with Gbajabiamila which began last week, said they would suspend the planned resumption of the strike as soon as they got payment for their salary arrears ranging from one to five months.

They took the position after the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said funds were available for the payment, assuring that her ministry would pay immediately a verified list of the beneficiaries was received.

However, when the Director-General of the Budget Office, Mr Ben Akabueze, who was one of the stakeholders at the meeting, confirmed that his office was in receipt of the list, the minister gave her word that payment would be made by May 7.

The resident doctors had on April 1 embarked on an indefinite strike, making some demands, which included non-payment of house officers, abolishment of bench fees, non-payment of national minimum wage, salary shortfall for 2014, 2015 and 2016, residency training allowance, and payment of resident doctors on GIFMIS platform.

All the issues raised by the doctors were resolved, except that of salary shortfall for 2014, 2015 and 2016. The issue involves all health workers with a cost implication of about N23 billion, which the Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, described as "huge and complicated."

Also, there were claims that a case on the matter was before a court, which the Speaker asked the Ministry of Health, Dr Osahie Ehanire, to produce the relevant court papers to back the claim as the resident doctors said their checks revealed there was no pending court case anywhere on the matter.

It was then agreed jointly by the doctors, the House led by the Speaker and officials of the ministry of health that the matter should be set aside until court papers were provided.

Others present at the meeting, which lasted up to late Tuesday evening, were the Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu; Minority Whip, Gideon Gwani; Chairman House Committee on Healthcare Services, Tanko Sununu, among others.

On the part of the Executive arm, there were Dr Ehanire; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Folasade Yemi-Esan; Chairman of the Committee of CMDs, Dr Jafaru Momoh; the NARD President, Dr Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, among others.

Recall that since he assumed office, Gbajabiamila has been on the issue of the resident doctors, who had threatened to embark on strike at different times.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Mr Speaker, you doing well. Your Leadership is never in doubt. And to those who think Nigeria is a zoo..What are you doing in a zoo. Charlatans everywhere

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu speaking on the performance of the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt.Hon Femi Gbajabiamila at the 2021 Ramadan Prayer organised by Lagos State Government on May 2, 2021.

This is What He has to say:
“Our children that have been elected into positions of authority, Gbajabiamila, you have not put us to shame, God will not allow you to lose focus.

People said it's not possible, but you are performing and I am hearing the reports in Abuja and I am seeing your good works. God, did not abandon you when you contested to be Speaker. Many people wanted to occupy same office but you were chosen and voted for by all tribes, we know it's tough to be a Speaker leading all tribes , Igbira etc.

By God’s will, you have not been a source of insults to us.
You have remained humble, God will stand by you.” -

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu speaking on the performance of the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt.Hon Femi Gbajabiamila at the 2021 Ramadan Prayer organised by Lagos State Government on May 2, 2021.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
April 21, 2021

We must improve on dignity, well-being of our police force -Gbajabiamila

…calls for needs assessment, better funding

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that Nigeria urgently needs to work on the dignity and well-being of its police force, a major factor that will make its personnel to succeed in the core mandate of preventing and fighting crime.

Gbajabiamila noted that a policeman, being the face of the law, his appearance in the community must first command respect for him to effectively enforce the law.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja when the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Usman Alkali Baba, paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly, stated that the image of the policeman looking unkempt on the streets sent the wrong signals to the citizens about his ability to enforce the law.

He told the IGP that unlike the case in some countries, the Nigerian policeman did not have adequate equipment to work and was not well-catered for.

He said, "We need to know that police work has a lot to do with psychology. Why are policemen looking tattered on the streets? They wear dirty, torn uniforms and you see them in slippers.

"So, people don't even respect them or feel intimidated by their presence when they need to enforce the law. In other countries, the sight of a policeman and the gadgets he carries alone, prevent crime from happening. There is immediate recognition from the appearance of a policeman."

The speaker assured the IG that the House was prepared to collaborate with the force to identify its areas of need and address them through improved funding, recruitment and training.

He asked the IG to do a "needs assessment" and submit a comprehensive report to the House through its Committee on Police Affairs for necessary action.

The speaker added that the 9th House was committed to building a police force that would "stand shoulder-to-shoulder" with other police structures elsewhere in the world.

Gbajabiamila spoke further, "We will welcome collaboration. Don't worry that if you do a needs assessment, that we are not going to look into it. Do the needs assessment, a budget, and we look for the funds. If we must do it, we must do it."

Gbajabiamila promised that the requests from the needs assessment report could either be accommodated in the 2021 supplementary budget being expected by the National Assembly or a separate window could be created to capture the funding challenges of the police.

He added that the House was concerned about the rising insecurity in the country and had responded to it by setting up a special committee to interface with the executive arm with a view to addressing the situation.

Gbajabiamila told the IG that the committee would start sitting within the next few days.

However, the speaker commended the police for being able to perform their duties so far, in spite of "the difficult circumstances" that they have had to operate in all these years.

Speaking earlier, the IG said his visit was to thank Gbajabiamila and the House for the support the police had received from the 9th Assembly.

He said he was particularly appreciative of the "timely passage" of the 2020 Police Act, to modernise police operations in the country.

He appealed for the speedy passage of other bills on police matters such as the Police Service Commission (amendment) Bill.

Baba made a passionate appeal to the speaker on police funding, saying that the force had become a miracle worker, having to function with clearly inadequate funds.

"The police will work more with better support from the legislature...

"In the area of funding, we appeal that you support us more because we are underfunded. We are now miracle players, compared to what we have.

"In the area of funds for operations, this is highly inadequate, looking at the many interventions that we must do from time-to-time", the IG stated.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
April 19, 2021

Nigeria's foreign policy must engage other nations - Gbajabiamila

...says efforts should be geared toward addressing new challenges


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that Nigeria's foreign policy in a fast-changing world should seek to engage other nations in finding solutions to new challenges and threats so that collectively, they can address them.

He specifically cited climate change, easy flow of capital/funding of terrorism and the rapid growth of technology as some of the new challenges altering the way the world functioned in the past.

Gbajabiamila, who was speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a three-day Conference on the Review of Nigeria's Foreign Policy, noted that the country should define the terms of its foreign policy by engaging the rest of the world to address the different manifestations of the challenges.

The conference was organised by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"To do this, we must establish the values that underpin and motivate our foreign policy as this is necessary to determine everything else, including how we protect our country from the downside of globalisation while ensuring our people benefit from the opportunities that abound", the Speaker told the session.

For instance, Gbajabiamila said Nigeria today faced threats of insecurity and huge unemployment, which it must find solutions to internally and tailor its foreign policy to address both.

Gbajabiamila explained further, "Today in Nigeria, we face two existential threats of insecurity and unemployment that have caused a deep loss of faith amongst our people.

"All our governing efforts must be geared towards finding solutions to these problems. Whereas the rest of the government looks inwards, it is the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to look outward. It is not an easy task."

Pledging the support of the 9th House under his leadership and the entire National Assembly to achieve this, the Speaker recalled how the resort to 'parliamentary diplomacy' in recent times by the Legislature helped to douse tensions between Nigeria and some African countries.

Gbajabiamila informed the session how the intervention of the House helped in checking the xenophobic attacks in South Africa from becoming a full-blown crisis between Nigeria and its Southern African sister.

He also stated that the House intervened in the trade dispute between the authorities in Ghana and Nigerian traders in Accra in 2020, using parliamentary diplomacy to engage the Ghanaian Parliament to address the dispute.

"I assure you that the House of Representatives stands ready to be an effective partner in advancing our nation’s foreign policy objectives", the speaker added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the House committee, Rep. Yusuf Yakub, observed that the world has become "highly-dynamic", requiring a comprehensive foreign policy response from Nigeria beyond the age-long position of Africa being the centrepiece, a non-aligned nation and practising democracy.

He said, "It is about time we had a fully and comprehensively articulated document that addresses what we call the foreign policy of Nigeria.

"Though foreign policy in its true nature is dynamic, such a document must encompass as well as engender ideals that will make Nigeria maximise the gains of its relationship with every other part of the outside world, be it Asia, Africa, Europe or the Americas."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, in a remark, thanked the speaker and the House for the initiative, which he said tallied with the thinking in the ministry.

"This is an excellent and timely initiative by the House of Representatives to review the foreign policy of this country. We thank Mr Speaker and we look forward to the outcome of this conference", Onyeama added.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*NDI ANAMBRA: LET ME ASK SIMPLE QUESTION.*
*Read Me:*����
Many Aspirants are on the queue with different beautiful manifestoes and agenda that is lovely on papers why they are the best for Anambra State come November 6, 2021. I have nothing against people's ambition for ambition is not a crime.

However, there are questions we really need to start interrogating. There are questions we need to be asking all these Aspirants. I don't believe in *I jebego* slogan or He has capacity. Capacity depends on who is defining it.

To these Aspirants across all the Parties contesting for Governorship. You want to govern Anambra State. very good and wonderful ambition you have. Yet, you don't live in Anambra State. You don't have any investment in Anambra. You don't have any building in Anambra except your house in the Village, some do not have at all. ���������

Most of you can't boast of having spent a complete 72 to 96 hours on stretch in the State. You are good morning Anambra, Good Evening Abuja. How is this your ambition going to work. No single investment in the State and yet you are gunning to wield State Power and allocate scarce resources that comes from the tax and businesses of people who have stayed here and believed in the State. You are onye Anambra by Mouth.

*Even while Campaigning for the office and preparing for the Primary of your Party, you come into the State in the morning and leave later in the night via your chartered flights or your private Jets as many of them have such. Your vehicles plate numbers bears Abuja and Lagos. You are not proud to use plate number bearing Anambra State. Your only claim is that it is your State of origin!* For you to rule this state, you must love your Community. That your capacity and beautiful manifestoes and agenda, did it in any reflect in your kindred and community?

The hard truth is that people cannot develop places where they are outsiders and do not share in their collective stories. You can give this any interpretation you desire. For you to rule any particular State, you must first love that State. I challenge you all, many of these Aspirants cannot recite Anambra Anthem. How then on earth can you rule the State. Somebody that wants to rule Nigeria he lives in London or New York and cannot recite our National Anthem. How on earth can you rule the country. Or are you coming with African-dubai-Taiwan initiative.�����������

Some people will tell me, Paschal all these do not matter. It is the vision the man has, that matters. I disagree. It takes a home boy like Mr Peter Obi and Ngige to fix the State. We cannot repeat another Obiano Mistake again.

There is a Governor in this State. The people of a particular community (Ikenga) with their PG and Igwe and Notable personalities went to see him. To table their plights to him (lack of road, no light, hospital). Do you know what the Governor of this State asked them, is Ikengaa name of town in Anambra State. Ndi Anambra aru melu.

I remain who I am, Paschal Candle.����������

*JUST IN:*
*ANAMBRA 2021: A REVEREND JOINS APC FOR GUBERNATORIAL TICKET.*

*I am the game changer for APC says Rev Godwin Okonkwo.*

By Paschal Candle.

Thursday 15 April, 2021.

It was in deed a sea of Heads as Rev Godwin Okonkwo, a Reverend of the Anglican Communion and Former Managing Director of NNPC Capital visited APC Stat Secretariat to declare his support for APC and his ambition to become the next Gubernatorial Candidate of APC and next Governor of Anambra State come November 6, 2021.

The Governorship Aspirant described his intention to contest the next governorship election on the platform of APC as one inspired by the fact that his understanding of the State’s political system and developmental challenges, coupled with his 35 years experience as a retired Director of Accounts and Retired Director of Capaital in the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and other recorded performance across the 181 communities in the state, put him in a better position to manage the affairs of the State and deliver the much needed dividends of democracy to Ndi Anambra.

He opined that He has the needed administrative experience, the capacity and contacts to take Anambra State to where it ought to be. He appealed to APC party men and women to, in choosing the Party Candidate for the Governorship Election, they should consider the personality, antecedents and capacity of the individual, reiterating his resolve to bring developments to the people of the State.

Speaking further, the Governmorship Aspirant stated that him and the Candidate, He will rule the State with the fear of God and he will be firm and just in discharge of his duties as a Governor because he has the administrative capacity and Political will to bring the much needed change in the State.

Reverend Godwin Okonkwo said that his administration will reduce the cost of governance to its bearest minimum and make community development a priority. He will reduce the era of borrowing in the State and with the right person with the right contacts, many international donors will come with Grant's for the State instead of State doing to borrow.

He noted that for APC as a national party, to take over power from Willie Obiano led All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA-led government, they must choose a candidate like himself, (Reverend Godwin Okonkwo) who is on ground and has impacted the lives of many in the State. He urged party leaders and delegates to choose a candidate whose capacity is well established.

Speakers at the Events expressed their Joy with the Visit. They maintained that this is the first time a Clergy man is coming out to contest for Govenor in Anambra State and it is in APC. They thanked him for taking a bold step.

In his own remark and opening speech, the State Chairman, Chief Basil Ejidike (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi) and members of State Working Committee welcomed Reverend Godwin Okonkwo and his entourage. Chief Ejidike maintained that APC will conduct free,fair and credible primary for the party. He promised that the Party will be firm and just to all Aspirants.

The highlight of the visit is the donation of a Brand New Sienna Bus to the State Chapter of the Party, which was received by the State Chairman and members of his Executive and the handing over of the Governorship Aspirant by His Ward Chairman, Local Government Chairman and Anambra South Zonal Chairman to the State Working Committee for acceptance.

Among the dignatries that accompanied him for the visit were Chief Hon. Uche Ufearoh (Former Aspirant National auditor), Many Reverends of Anglican Communion, Various Suuport Groups and many others.

*Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

*GOVERNOR OBIANO SEVEN YEARS IN OFFICE* Part 2.

*....Unbiased analysis of funds that came into this Government in the last seven Years.*

*..Can APGA and Governor Obiano tell Ndi Anambra what they did with over N170 Billion received in his first year.*

By Paschal Candle.

It is evidently clear that The total money that came to Anambra from FG in the last 7 years added to Governor Obiano reported IGR is over one trillion naira.

This is without inherited assets/liabilities, a debt free State, that is paying salaries, pensions and gratuities as at when due. Today, it is no longer the same. The end of these analysis, I will give Ndi Anambra a proper record of total debt and when they were taken and for what purposed between 2013 to 2020! This will help us to understand how This APGA liquidated the State and corned the resources to Family and wellwishers.

From the First part of the Article, I took a look of the funds available to Governor Obiano and APGA led Governor within the first two months. In the First two months, there were no much work done except few Political Appointments. The Most celebrated achievement of Governor Obiano in his First Term (2014-2018) was the 3 Flyovers at Awka, that were constructed by him at the Tune of 15 Billion Naira based on What Governor Obiano and Ndi APGA told the world during 2017 Governorship debate at Emmaus House. So Let us Minus this money from the Just fund available to the Governor for two months which was N83,784,319,190.93, Ndi Anambra will have a balance of N63,784,319,190.93. 

Then We enter the Second Month of his Government, which is April 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,260,211,052.39. The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of April was N3,300,698,337.48. The sum total received for the month of April was N7,560,909,389.87. The greatest achievement of the Government that month is the payment of Workers salary as at when due. A legacy set by two previous administrations.

Then We enter the third Month of his Government, which is May 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,200,255,736.42. The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of April was N3,244.831,309.09. The sum total received for the month of April was N7,445,087,045.51.

Then We enter the fourth Month of his Government, which is June 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N5,590,480,547.57 The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of June was N4,309,953,834.85 The sum total received for the month of June was N9,900,434,382.42.

Then We enter the fourth Month of his Government, which is July 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,964,691,389.18 The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of July was N3,841,736,493.53 The sum total received for the month of July was N8,806,427,882.71.

Then We enter the month of August 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,306,472,901.59 The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of August was N3,361,891,180.87 The sum total received for the month of August was N7,668,364,082.46

In the month of September 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,263,257,554.87. The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of September was N3,260,725,521.30. The sum total received for the month of Septmber was N7,523,983,076.17.

In the month of October 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,263,941,109.52 The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of October 2014 was N3,245,380,905.93 The sum total received for the month of October 2014 was N7,509,322,015.45

In the month of November 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N3,926,094,975.36. The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of November 2014 was N2,990,608,885.50. The sum total received for the month of November 2014 was N6,916,703,860.86.

In the month of December 2014. The State Allocation from FAAC was N4,077,650,441.12. The Local Government allocations for all the 21 Local Government Areas in the State for the month of December 2014 was N3,118,577,269.64. The sum total received for the month of December 2014 was N7,196,227,710.76.

Ndi Anambra, between January and December 2014, the total of Federal Allocation to the State was N52,447,778,272.18. Between the same period in review, the Total Allocations for the 21 Local Government Areas of the State were N40,279,778,409.89. When you add the allocations for the two tiers of Government in the State, we a sum total of N92,727,556,682.07. The total Internal Generated Revenue as declared by Anambra State for the year 2014 was N10,454,312,316.18. if you add the money to the Allocations, we have N103,181,868,998.25.

From this sum total, Governor Peter Obi receieved only allocations for two months for the year 2014, which is January and February before leaving Office. The Local Government Allocations for January 2014 and February 2014 were N3,030,178,329.27 and N3,301,631,065.52 respectively. The State Allocations for the January 2014 and February 2014 as received by Mr Peter Obi were N3,956,935,549.94 and N4,345,793,000.29 respectively.

The above allocations is totally different from 75 Billion Naira left by Governor Peter Obi and $125 Million Dollars Anambra Future Generation Fund that were domciled with Access Bank, Fidelity Bank and First Bank.

The question now is, what did Governor Obiano and Ndi APGA used these funds to achieve in the first year of his Government. The noise is all about Alert Governor, he pays salary as at when due? I begin to ask,is salary payent an achievement? Please Governor Obiano and APGA should show us what they used all these funds for in the year 2014, so that Ndi Anambra should access their works with these funds.

*...To be Continued.*
I remain Paschal Candle.

*Johnbosco Onunkwo Intercedes for Peace on Good Friday*

In the spirit of the Tridum, Engr. Johnbosco Onunkwo has enjoined Anambrarians in particular and Nigerians in general to pray for the restoration of peace in Anambra State and Nigeria at large, as Christians all over the world observe the Good Friday in commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus and his death on the cross of Calvary.

In a statement released to newsmen this morning, he affirmed that the Good Friday remained significant in the lives of Christians as it reminds us of the supreme price that our Lord Jesus Christ paid for the salvation of the whole of humanity.

While enjoining Christians to inculcate acts of solemn reparation in their lives for the atonement of sins and human weaknesses, he remarked that Christ bled and died for mankind, so that man could be born anew in Christ, and receive salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the world.

"On this solemn occasion of Good Friday, I pray that God's love fill your hearts and souls, and may the blessings of the Lord shine upon you on this Holy Day," he said.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives

March 28, 2021

Gbajabiamila enjoins Surulere students to focus on ICT, shun vices

...distributes laptops, other learning materials to 494 Brilliant Students in 38 Surulere schools

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has challenged secondary school students in his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State to focus their attention on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for them to be relevant and competitive in today's globalising world.

Gbajabiamila also urged the students in his constituency to shun all forms of vices, which he said would make them lose focus in life, saying they could not afford to be left behind at this time.

This is as 494 exceptional students in 38 junior and senior secondary schools in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency benefitted from laptops, e-learning kits, antivirus kits while 38 projectors, in addition to projector screens, Wi-Fi and school furniture were given to the schools.

The laptops were given to the students that came first, second and third in their various classes in the selected schools during the latest batch of the presentation of the learning items, which lasted several days. The next batch, to be held soon, would see more schools benefiting. This latest initiative is coming after the Speaker had earlier facilitated the construction and equipping 10 ICT Centers in selected secondary schools in the Surulere 1 federal constituency.

Noting that today's realities make it important for students to be aware of their environment, Gbajabiamila said: "You were sent to school by your parents to be independent and great in life.

"The only way to achieve that goal is to make yourself relevant and competitive in today's world. So, you have to be totally diligent and dedicated to your studies.

"You also need to shun every form of vices, truancy, cultism and the use of hard drugs, because these are capable of derailing your dreams and aspirations," he said.

On why he embarked on the initiative, the Speaker said: "Today's world is very competitive as borders are disappearing because of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and we are all aware that there's hardly anything anyone can do without a computer in today's world.

"The only means to be relevant and competitive, as students, is to be prepared early, that is one major reason for embarking on this project.

"I urge you to put to good use and take advantage of these devices so that you can reap the maximum benefits."

The Speaker was represented at the week-long distribution exercise in the various schools by Chief Mrs Bamidele Hussein, Hon. Toun Adediran, Hon Kabir Lawal, Hon. Suleiman Yusuf, Prince Adewale Dosumu, Hon. Agboola Dabiri, Hon Bimbo Yusuf, Hon Sheriff Balogun, Hon Shakirudeen Ajao and Hon. Tajudeen Sholanke respectively.

Some of the schools that benefited from the initiative include Ajigbeda Junior and Senior Secondary School; Stadium High Junior and Senior Secondary School; Zumuratul Junior and Senior Secondary School; Surulere Junior and Senior Secondary School; New Era Girls Junior and Senior Secondary School; Akintan Junior and Senior Secondary School; Onitolo Junior and Senior Secondary School, and Community High Junior and Senior Secondary School. 

Others were Ideal Girls Junior and Senior Secondary School; Ansarudeen Junior and Senior Secondary School; Community Grammar Junior and Senior Secondary School; Gbaja Boys Junior and Senior Secondary School; Clegg Junior and Senior Secondary School, and Adebola Baptist Junior and Senior Secondary School. 

There were also schools such as Lagos Progressive Junior and Secondary School; Iponri Grammar Junior and Senior Secondary School; Itolo Girls Junior and Senior Secondary School; Eric Moor Junior and Senior Secondary School; Government College Junior and Senior Secondary School, among others.

Signed:

Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
March 25, 2021

Nigeria can't be left behind in protecting women - Gbajabiamila

...says House'll reintroduce Equal Opportunity Bill

Nigeria could not afford to be left behind in the global trend to protect and defend the rights of women, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said.

The Speaker stated that on the part of the 9th House, it had already made the protection of women and promoting gender-based issues, an important item on its Legislative Agenda.

He spoke at the National Assembly when he received a delegation from a development partner, OXFAM International, on a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Thursday.

Gbajabiamila assured the team that the House would do everything within its limits to protect and defend the rights of women, though he clarified that the ultimate goal would be to achieve gender equality by addressing the interests of both women and men.

"We can't be left behind in the 21st Century where the world is a global place. We can't be left behind as a country in terms of how women are protected", Gbajabiamila stated.

However, in pursuing gender issues, the Speaker stressed that the Legislature, in collaboration with other stakeholders, must interrogate why attempts to promote matters affecting women often faced hiccups.

He noted that some of the factors could be "sentiments" and interests of various dimensions, which needed to be tackled so that gender-based issues could have a smooth sail in Parliament.

Speaking specifically on the Gender Equal Opportunity Bill, which had failed passage several times at the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila promised that the House would reintroduce it, while at the same time partnering with stakeholders to attend to the factors working against the bill.

The Speaker said, "That bill has been with the National Assembly for six to seven years, I guess. It failed a couple of times. When a bill fails like that, clearly there must be a reason. It is that reason that we need to interrogate. If you keep presenting a bill over and over again, thinking okay, we will wear these people down, the reasons why it failed remain.

"What we need to do is to interrogate the issues, the sentiments. Why did the bill fail? When we find out, there are two ways to approach it: either you share education by sensitising/lobbying people who may be against the bill for that reason, or to recouch the bill and achieve the same result."

Gbajabiamila added, "It is our desire in the House to push the bill through, but we need to work hard and find out why the bill has had challenges. It's a good bill that we need to look at and push through."

The Country Director of OXFAM in Nigeria, Mr Constant Tchona, while speaking earlier, informed Gbajabiamila how since the 1960s, the organisation had been supporting the three tiers of government to become "more agile and responsive to issues of social protection, human rights, people-oriented policy making and implementation."

Tchona, who praised the Speaker for his gender and social development initiatives, seized the opportunity of the visit to canvass the passage of the Gender Equal Opportunity Bill by the Legislature.

He said this would "go a long way to redefine inclusive social and economic development in Nigeria."

The organisation embraced most of the social development initiatives of the Speaker, offering to partner with the Speaker's Office to execute and bring them to fruition.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*NDI OLU MICROFINANCE TRENDING:*
*FINANCIALLY, ANAMBRA IS BROKE AND BROKEN.*

Whenever I remember Anambra State and APGA Government in this State, water runneth my eyes. I shed tears not because of anything, but because of the future of the unborn generation. How did we find ourselves in this mess. Financially, the State is gone.

On 8th of March, 2021, there is a memo from the Governor, giving directives to the Accountant General of the State, an ultimatum to deductive from the Salary of workers in the State some percentage depending on your level in order to meet up with CBN directive of recapitalization of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria, as it concerns Ndi Olu Microfinance Bank, Anambra State.

*From the Memo, those on salary Grade Level 1-3, N500 will be deducted from the salary. Those on salary Grade Level 4-7, N1200 will be deducted. Those on Salary Grade 8, N2,300 will ne deducted. Those on Salary Grade 9-10, N2850 will be deducted. Those of Salary Grade Level 12-13, N4500 will be deducted. Those on salary Grade Level 14-16, N5000 will be deducted. While those on Salary Gradel Level 17 N5300 will be deducted.*

These are the same workers, Governor Obiano has refused to increase their Minimum wage like other states. He has over the years keep telling them he will increase their salary, if the revenue base of the state improve. But What these Workers got from Governor Obiano as Easter Gift was this deduction directive.

If I may ask, are there no Shareholders of this bank? Who are the Chairman and board of directors of the Governor? Did Governor seek the opinion of the workers, to know if they want to be part of the shareholders of the bank on the first place? Is Governor aware that not all workers bank with this Ndi Olu Microfinance Bank? So why will Governor Obiano and APGA want to deduct their salaries, when most of them have nothing to do with Ndi Olu Microfinance Bank? What Governor Obiano is doing is to force Workers to part with their hard earn salary for no reason. This is Military regime by APGA not Democracy anymore.

Let us take this case scenario. If Obeledu Microfinance Bank wants to recapitalize as directed by CBN, will they (Igwe of Obeledu and PG) force all the sons and daughters of obeledu to Pay a certain percentage of their earnings for the banks recapitalisation. Where has such happened?

When CBN did recapitalisation of banks under Prof. Soludo, did UBA, Zenith Bank, Diamomd Bank force any of their customers to pay certain percentage of their savings with the bank for the recapitalisation? Who and who raised the money for the recapitalisation of those banks? I bank with many banks and I am not a shareholder in those banks.

This is man's inhumanity to Man. From 2013 March Governor Obiano took over as Governor till date, He has received over 5 Trillion Naira for Local Government funds. what were these money used for.

Why Has the Governor Obiano and APGA remained insensitive to the plight and welfare of workers in the State. No minimum wage, No allowances, hardly were most of them promoted. The Only thing they do is to pay a salary that is not even worthy of salary for living and will be claiming "Alert Governor". The take home pay for these Workers is nothing to write home about. Take home pay for Anambrw Workers cannot allow a Male Graduate marry and pay his wife bride Price, rent an well furnished apartment, take his children to school. The worrisome part now is non-payment of gratuities and pensions of retired and dead workers since 2017. APGA and Governor Obiano why?

If I may I ask, will Workers who paid to recapitalize this Ndi Olu Microfinance Bank be the owners of the bank after this money has been deducted from their salary? if yes, as I expect Governor's Media rants to come out to defend him,what if the person dies, will his percentage be transferred to his family or children.

From all indications, the manner in which the State Bond was sold, how $250 Million Dollars Anambra State Future Generation funds were squandered and How Paris Fund were squandered, one is forced to conclude that the State is in a big financial mess and it is broken into pieces.

*Photo Evidence of the Memo*

*I am Paschal Candle.*

Press Statement from the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives
March 25, 2021


Nigerians deserve a police force they can trust -Gbajabiamila
... House opens hearing on PSC reform bill


The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that a trusted police force working within the limits of the law is what Nigerians deserve.

He assured Nigerians that the 9th House under his leadership would bequeath such a police force to them, and is working assiduously to achieve the goal.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke at the National Assembly on Thursday during the opening of a public hearing on two bills by the House Committee on Police Affairs, said the House would meet these expectations as one of the key items on its Legislative Agenda.

The bills are "A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Police Service Commission Act and Enact the Police Service Commission Bill, 2020 to strengthen the Commission to be more Functional in its Operations, and for Related Matters" and "A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of the National Institute for Police Studies, to Provide for Administration and Management of the Institute and Determining the Standard of Knowledge and Skills to be Acquired by the Personnel of the Institute, and for Related Matters."

According to the speaker, the House made a commitment to give adequate attention to reforms that would be carried out on policing in Nigeria through relevant legislative support.

He noted, "Reforming the Nigerian security architecture, with specific emphasis on our policing system and law enforcement, is one of the cardinal commitments of the 9th House of Representatives. It is a commitment against which our tenure in office will be measured.

"When the time for assessment and judgment comes, we must not be found wanting. The Nigerian people deserve a Police Force that they can trust. They deserve a Police Force that acts within the limits of the law and respects the rule of law.

"We will do everything in our power to meet these expectations."

Gbajabiamila further stated that aside from statutory reforms, there were other urgent areas of intervention to make the police force function better, including recruitment, training, funding and operational priorities.

"These issues are the responsibility of the Police Force administration and the executive. Nonetheless, the 9th House of Representatives will be part of those conversations around effecting changes in this regard, and we will do our utmost to ensure that everything that ought to be done is done and done right", the speaker added.

Specifically on the Police Service Commission (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2020, Gbajabiamila explained that it was the first attempt to institute an independent system for holding errant police officers to account for abuses of power and related misconduct in office.

The speaker acknowledged the fact that not all police personnel were bad, describing a "good majority" of them as "upstanding and professional."

However, he said one rotten egg could ruin the basket, a reason the House stepped in with the reform bill with the aim of weeding out "the few bad eggs in the police force."

The speaker told the session that among others, the bill proposed changes to the composition of the Police Service Commission (PSC), "reorganising the Commission to be public-facing and able to receive and investigate complaints against Police Officers" as well as "increasing the minimum requirement for recruitment into the constabulary and allow for the recruitment of more qualified candidates into the Nigerian Police Force (NPF)."

Gbajabiamila urged the stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the public hearing to make objective submissions that would help to restore faith in Nigeria's security institutions and reassure the people that the government was still capable of protecting their lives and property.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Usman Kumo, promised a level-playing field for all the stakeholders to make their submissions in a just and fair atmosphere.

Kumo called on all presenters to be
"God-fearing", nationalistic, frank and open-minded to assist the committee in producing a report that would meet the expectations of the House and Nigerians in general.


Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Army, Police Raid ESN Camps In Aba, Kill 16 IPOB's ESN Operatives (Photos) by NgeneUkwenu(f): 2:38pm

Nigerian Army, Police Kill 16 IPOB's Eastern Security Network Operatives In Abia

A joint operation of the Nigerian Army and police has led to the death of about 16 operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a military source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday.

The source said hundreds of security operatives on Tuesday night launched a heavy attack on the camp of ESN in Aba, Abia state, killing about 16 of them and injuring others.

SaharaReporters gathered that the operation was in response to a series of attacks against security personnel in the South-East.

Not less than 20 security operatives have been killed in the region by unknown gunmen in the last three months.

Police stations are also not left out in the assault as three of them have been razed in 2021.

Three policemen were killed in a fresh attack in Ohafia LGA of Abia state on Monday.

The officers were killed while on a ‘stop and search’ operation in Abiriba town.

The gunmen were said to have ambushed them and carted away their rifles not long after they arrived in the town for a routine operation.

The slain police officers were identified as Austin Ugwu, Longinus Ugochukwu, and Ama Ifeanyi.

IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had in December 2020 launched ESN to protect the people of South-East and South-South regions from terrorists and bandits allegedly trooping in from the North.

Kanu described the outfit as a replica of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, earlier launched by the governors of the South-West to curb insecurity in the region.

“The sole aim and objective of this newly formed security outfit known as Eastern Security Network is to halt every criminal activity and terrorist attack on Biafraland,” Kanu had said.

“This outfit, which is a vigilante group like the Amotekun in the South-West and the Miyetti Allah security outfit, will ensure the safety of our forests and farmland which terrorists have converted into slaughter grounds and raping fields.”

He added that the establishment of the security outfit became necessary following what he described as the “failure” of the governors of the South-South and South-East to put in place measures to protect the people in those regions.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the Nigerian Army had deployed combat helicopters, gun trucks, and soldiers to search some forests in the South-East states where the ESN was suspected to be camping.

Recently, it was learnt that some Nigerian soldiers resigned and joined the ESN, on the grounds that the ESN, being funded by both international and local donors, had better welfare packages for its officers than the military.

“The Kanu ESN boys are not a bunch of rookies and untrained fellows brandishing guns. I personally know five guys from my hometown in Anambra State who left the Nigerian Army to join the ESN. Two of them were formerly serving in Operation Lafiya Dole, Borno State, before they quit.

“We are being reliably informed that there are other soldiers, particularly of the South-East extraction, who will soon leave for other various reasons and they are likely to be recruited into the fold,” a military source told SaharaReporters.

We have to fix LG administration to deliver democratic promises - Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representative has said that for leaders to deliver on the promise of democratic governance, the local government administration must be fixed to meet its expectations.

Speaking at the 2021 General Assembly of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Speaker said the House was ready to assist in making the local governments in Nigeria better through the instrument of the law.

"The local government administrations in Nigeria are the closest to the people. They should be responsible for making decisions and providing services that ensure the quality of life for the Nigerian people.

"Until we fix local government administration in Nigeria, we will not be able to fully deliver on the promise of democratic governance in a way that allows us to achieve our country’s full potential.

"This is the most critical and most important tier of government because you are the ones that are in touch with the people of Nigeria, I thought I have to be here irrespective of my tight schedule."

"I was pleased to see that you have chosen as the theme of this year’s General Assembly 'Strategic Positioning of Local Governments for the Future: A New Era.' This is an important topic that I hope will allow the General Assembly to develop a strategy that will enable stakeholders across government and civil society to collaborate more effectively to achieve necessary and long-overdue reforms of local government administration in Nigeria."

"Local government leaders must at all times strive towards a culture of service and the practice of excellence. You must respect the rule of law. Part of that means ensuring that the legislative arm of local government administration performs its separate functions without undue executive interference.

"For too long, we have avoided the hard conversations about our nation’s future. We cannot afford to do that anymore. I assure you all that the 9th House of Representatives will not waiver from our commitment to take whatever legislative actions are necessary to achieve the highest ambitions we have for Nigeria.

"I assure you also that we are ready to work with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and all stakeholders to fix local government administration in Nigeria once and for all."

*MOTHER'S DAY: APC STATE CHAIRMAN, CHIEF BASIL EJIDIKE CELEBRATES MOTHERS ALL OVER THE WORLD ON MOTHER'S DAY.*

By Paschal Candle.

The State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi) has called on mothers in Anambra State and Nigeria to step up their care and role at the home front, more especially at this point in time.

Chief Sir Ejidike made the call at Church of the Holy Spirit, Bridge Head Housing Estate Fegge Onitsha when He celebrated the special day with Mothers of the Community.

In His special goodwill message to women and mothers of the Anglican Communion of the church in the Community and State in general to mark their 2021 Mothering Sunday celebration, He urged them to reflect on the state of the Our State Anambra State and the Nation and to pray for peace and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike stated that the celebration of the Mothering Sunday 2021 is a good platform to preach peace at a time of strife across parts of the country.

According to the State Chairman, the call becomes imperative against the backdrop of current global pandemics that require more care and caution particularly a homes. He mentioned the global coronavirus pandemic and insecurity in the security.

He urged women and mothers to rise up to the challenge by rededicating themselves to prayer and hygiene, while cautioning against non-chalance or aloofness on the ground that Nigeria is not yet the epicentre of the fast-spreading virus.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike called women and mothers to imbibe preventive tips and measure to keep their families free from pandemics. “In today's world, no one can claim to be safe from the fast-spreading global pandemic. As mothers, what should be your paramount concern is the wellbeing of families.

Women are proven vessels of evangelisation and prayers, and it is a good time to deploy that special talent God gave you all.

I therefore urge mothers of the Anglican Communion to kneel in supplication to God on this special occasion to ease the pains of the sick everywhere and heal the world and also to pray for peaceful conduct of Anambra Governorship Election this year.

Chief Basil Ejidike highlighted some of the Policies of APC led Government at the Centre which include, Trademoni, NPower, Conditional Cash Grant to Indigent Women in various Communities, 1000 jobs at various Local Government, which he said has impacted positively on many families today.
 
He therefore solicited support and prayer from mothers and women to all the policies of the administration of Mr President and APC in order to motivate him to continue with his good works for the people.

He miantained that Mr President will overcome the security challenges facing the country. He called all Stakeholders to join hands in Nation building, which he said is a joint task for all.

*Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

*MOTHER'S DAY: APC STATE CHAIRMAN, CHIEF BASIL EJIDIKE CELEBRATES MOTHERS ALL OVER THE WORLD ON MOTHER'S DAY.*

By Paschal Candle.

The State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Chief Sir Basil Ejidike (Ikwelle Nnabuenyi) has called on mothers in Anambra State and Nigeria to step up their care and role at the home front, more especially at this point in time.

Chief Sir Ejidike made the call at Church of the Holy Spirit, Bridge Head Housing Estate Fegge Onitsha when He celebrated the special day with Mothers of the Community.

In His special goodwill message to women and mothers of the Anglican Communion of the church in the Community and State in general to mark their 2021 Mothering Sunday celebration, He urged them to reflect on the state of the Our State Anambra State and the Nation and to pray for peace and progress of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike stated that the celebration of the Mothering Sunday 2021 is a good platform to preach peace at a time of strife across parts of the country.

According to the State Chairman, the call becomes imperative against the backdrop of current global pandemics that require more care and caution particularly a homes. He mentioned the global coronavirus pandemic and insecurity in the security.

He urged women and mothers to rise up to the challenge by rededicating themselves to prayer and hygiene, while cautioning against non-chalance or aloofness on the ground that Nigeria is not yet the epicentre of the fast-spreading virus.

Chief Sir Basil Ejidike called women and mothers to imbibe preventive tips and measure to keep their families free from pandemics. “In today's world, no one can claim to be safe from the fast-spreading global pandemic. As mothers, what should be your paramount concern is the wellbeing of families.

Women are proven vessels of evangelisation and prayers, and it is a good time to deploy that special talent God gave you all.

I therefore urge mothers of the Anglican Communion to kneel in supplication to God on this special occasion to ease the pains of the sick everywhere and heal the world and also to pray for peaceful conduct of Anambra Governorship Election this year.

Chief Basil Ejidike highlighted some of the Policies of APC led Government at the Centre which include, Trademoni, NPower, Conditional Cash Grant to Indigent Women in various Communities, 1000 jobs at various Local Government, which he said has impacted positively on many families today.
 
He therefore solicited support and prayer from mothers and women to all the policies of the administration of Mr President and APC in order to motivate him to continue with his good works for the people.

He miantained that Mr President will overcome the security challenges facing the country. He called all Stakeholders to join hands in Nation building, which he said is a joint task for all.

*Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

Gbajabiamila felicitates with Lagos APC caretaker Chairman, Balogun, at 70

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has felicitated with Alhaji Babatunde Alade Balogun, the caretaker committee chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, on his 70th birthday.

Gbajabiamila, who eulogised the virtues of Alhaji Balogun, said the life of the APC caretaker chairman has been beneficial to mankind.

The Speaker noted with delight Alhaji Balogun's invaluable contributions to the development of Lagos State in the last seven decades.

He said Alhaji Balogun is one politician that holds his people dear to his heart at all times.

Since his entry into partisan politics in the defunct Second Republic when he became a member of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and later Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Third Republic, Alhaji Balogun has never looked back, the Speaker said.

He was elected the Vice-chairman of Apapa Local Government Council in 1996 and 1999, he was appointed first as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and later Home Affairs and Culture in 2002, a position he held till 2011 at the expiration of the first tenure of Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola.

"I, therefore, join millions of our people to wish Alhaji Babatunde Alade Balogun, happy 70th birthday. May the good Allah continue to keep him in good health and increase him in wisdom," Gbajabiamila said.

Signed:
Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila unveils “LIGHT UP SURULERE” (PHASE 7)

The number four citizen of Nigeria ��, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has started the next phase of his street light electrification project in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency.

The Operation “Light Up Surulere was initiated and facilitated by Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila since his days as Minority Leader of the House. He has followed through with the initiative up till his tenure as Majority Leader and now Speaker of the Green Chamber.

Many streets in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency are now enjoying the Alternative Energy solution initiative.

It is expected that before the end of the year 2022, all the streets in Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos will be having a new night look.

The ‘Light Up Surulere’ project is highly potent in ensuring the security of lives and properties at night, as well as enhancing the nightlife economy of the area.

Many cities across the world, have deliberately put in place strategies that would enable them to run a 24-hour economy. Indeed, most major cities of the world today are known to operate a 24-hour economy. In these cities, socio-economic activities take place round the clock unhindered by nightfall.