All posts by Ugboma Chioma

By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Sept. 12, 2019 (2019) A former Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State, Mr Olawale Edun, says Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration has distributed about two million waste bags and 250,000 garbage bins to residents.

Edun made this known to newsmen on the sidelines of the Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting held at Eti-Osa Constituency ll on Wednesday in Lagos.

“About two million waste bags and 250,000 garbage bins have been distributed to the state residents free of charge by the state government to promote healthier environment,” he said.

Edun, who presided over the meeting, urged residents of Ikoyi and Obalende areas of Lagos to give cleaner environment priority by being observant and protect their immediate environment.

He decried the rate at which the highbrow areas were being defaced, saying it was becoming alarming.

Edun said the ugly development was illegal and capable of causing grave danger to the community.

He, however, called for strict adherence to the laws regulating waste management in the state.

Edun commended the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency ll, Gbolahun Yishawu, for his proactive representation in the assembly.

According to him, Yishawu always keep in touch with his constituents and performed creditably well in terms of empowerment to the community.

Yishawu, in his remarks, said that essence of the constituency meeting was to deliberate on issues affecting the general wellbeing, to rub minds on issues of concern and greater progress of the state.

He said the meeting was to educate citizens on government policies and activities, and taking the community’s complaints and suggestions back to the executive arm of government for necessary action.

According to him, leadership of state House of Assembly has decided to address the issues of environmental challenges from various constituencies.

“However, Lagos State is the most populous state in Nigeria, with over 22 million people attracting a daily influx of over 6,000 migrants.

“The state certainly faces daunting rapid environmental problems which include among others, waste generation and management,” he said.

Yishawu said the stakeholders’ meeting would help in curbing the continued indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the streets, drainage channels and major highways in the state.

The lawmaker assured residents in his constituency that the 9th assembly would continue to do everything possible within its capacity to bring governance closer to people to facilitate participatory governance.

“The progress of our state is a collective responsibility. We urge you to continue to support the government by performing your civic responsibility,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Fuad Lawal, Chairman, Ikoyi-Obalende Local Government Area (LCDA), lauded Yishawu for bringing empowerment to the grassroots, urging residents to make use of waste bags.

Lawal said the refuse bags were gathered from recycled plastic collected from the bins, urging the residents to avoid disposing refuse on the roads.

In her remarks, Alhaja Adeola Williams, a representative from Ikoyi, commended Yishawu for empowering women in his constituency.

Williams called for more information and enlightenment to educate residents on the need to bag their refuse.

She said that this would reduce increase in refuse generation in the area, as well as the attendant illegal dumping of refuse in unauthorised places.

She said that government was committed to attaining a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Also, Malam Garba Adam from Obalende appealed to the state government to place refuse disposal trucks at every strategic area in Obalende, and ensure prompt evacuation to save the community from epidemic.

He decried the ugly development whereby some residents continued to patronise cart pushers and dump waste indiscriminately on the roads in spite of several warnings on environmental and health implications of such acts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the constituency meeting was centered on “ Environmental Challenges: Community Engagement to Facilitate Lasting Solution.”

NAN reports that at the meeting various items were given as part of the Yishawu’s empowerment programmes.

The items include: deep freezer, gas, sewing machine, grinding machines, Bass guitar, provisions, food items, washing machines and separation machines.

Others were: life jackets, hair dryer, make up kits, laptop, desktops, vulcaniser tools, mechanic tools, blender machines for shoe cobblers, among others. (NAN)
YO/CHOM/GOK
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Olagoke Olatoye

Toll gate
By Oluwafunke Ishola/Adepote Arowojobe
Lagos, Sept. 11, 2019 (NAN) The Ayangbunrin of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, on Wednesday urged Lagos and Ogun Governments to rescind their proposed plan to erect toll-gate on the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road.

Shotobi made the appeal at the Ikorodu 1 Constituency Stakeholders’ Meeting in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, an annual event of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was held simultaneously in the 40 state constituencies.

Theme of 2019 meeting was: “Environmental Challenges: Community Engagement to facilitate lasting solution.”

NAN recalls that Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun had disclosed that the two states were planning to commercialise three Federal roads: Ikorodu to Sagamu; Epe to Ijebu- Ode and the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Roads.

Abiodun had said that the states would engage the Public-Private Partnership in the construction and rehabilitation of the three roads.

Shotobi, represented by Ayodele Elesho, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that erecting toll gates on the roads would inflict untold hardship on residents of the states.

“We pay our taxes, so governments should rehabilitate the roads and not introduce a move that would make life difficult for its people,” the monarch said.

He said virtually all roads in Ikorodu were in deplorable conditions, thus required urgent rehabilitation.

“Government should consider constructing a flyover bridge at Ogolonto Junction and another one at Ikorodu Roundabout to decongest the traffic situation,” Shotobi said.

The monarch also urged Lagos State Government to ensure that the waste evacuated by the operators and were properly and promptly disposed toward boosting hygiene and cleanliness in the state.

“If possible, government should return health inspection officers to check the sanitary conditions of residents and compliance to the environmental laws,” he said.

The Ayangbunrin of Ikorodu also said that the canals and drainage channels should be cleared to allow free flow of water, especially during rainy season.

Also, Oba Bashir Shotonwa, the Sekunmade of Ipakodo, urged residents to desist from urinating in public and stop defacing walls with posters.

“Urinating around will spread diseases and make residents sick,” Shotonwa said.

Commenting, Mr Adeniran Adesanya, the representative of Ikorodu North Community Development Association, urged government to boost investment in waste recycling.

“Most of the items blocking the drainages are plastics, we can recycle and convert them to wealth,” Adesanya said.

He said that government should check activities of industries along Odogunyan Industrial Estate, adding that they were causing air pollution in the area.

“Most times during their production, the atmosphere becomes darkened and this constitutes health hazards for residents,” he said.

Responding, Sanai Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu 1 Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, said the state government was working on how to make life better for residents of the state.

Agunbiade said rehabilitation of some roads in Ikorodu had commenced, adding that all canals in Ikorodu would be desilted. (NAN)
ADEX/AIO/CHOM/GOK
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Olagoke Olatoye

Tribunal

By Chioma Ugboma
Lagos, Sept. 11, 2019 (NAN) Mr Frank Ugboma (PDP-Oguta State Constituency) says his victory at the Election Petitions Tribubal sitting in Owerri, Imo, has renewed hope for the party and common man in the state.

The Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Owerri on Tuesday, dismissed the cases filed against Ugboma, contesting his victory at the Imo House of Assembly poll in the state.

The PDP lawmaker and INEC were dragged to court by Mr Henry Ezediaro and Nwosu Gilbert Chigozie, House of Assembly candidates of the Action Alliance (AA) and All Progressives Congress (APC) respectively.

The three-man panel presided over by Justice Roli Harriman, dismissed the case for lack of evidence, no grounds and lacking in merit.

Ugboma said on in Wednesday in Lagos that it was a landmark judgment.

“The judgment was delivered in the interest of justice and the masses. It was delivered fearlessly and gives hope to the common man.

“It reflects the desires of the teeming people of Oguta State Constituency whose clamour for change was manifested at the polls.

“It also shows that the PDP has come to stay in Imo.

“That shows that in this country, there is still hope for the common man. That shows that in this country, all hope is not lost,” Ugboma said in a statement he made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Ugboma described the judgment as a victory for democracy, saying it was a victory for the people of the constituency, Imo and Nigeria.

“As you all know, the election was revolutionary. It is voting against lawlessness. It is voting against executive arrogance and it is voting against a government that was running away from the norms of good governance.

“If my opponents want to continue to be in combat business with God Almighty, we shall see the end,” he said.

He, however, pledged accountability and transparency to his constituency and the state. (NAN)
CHOM/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)

Lawmakers
By Chioma Ugboma
Lagos, Sept. 9, 2019 (NAN) Ahead of Lagos House of Assembly statewide constituency meetings with stakeholders,  the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Monday urged the people to ensure active participation.

Adams gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He implored the lawmakers to do more for their people by coming up with more people-oriented bills.

NAN reports that Lagos lawmakers will on Wednesday hold meetings in their various constituencies to rub minds with the people on their needs and expectations from them.

Speaking on the planned meeting, Adams said that although the lawmakers were trying and had passed different far-reaching laws, there was still need to do more.

“There is need for them to do more for their people. They must make sure that they use funds meant for projects for the people judiciously,’’ he said.

He said the upcoming meeting was germane and laudable and should not be used as a jamboree of sorts without achieving the aim for which it was fixed.

“The aim of the meetings would be to listen to the people and their demands.

“It is not easy for the people to see a President or Governor to table their needs but it is for them to reach out to lawmakers who are their mouth piece in government.

“Lawmakers nationwide should be able to at least spend two, three days with their people at least once in a month, ‘’ Adams said.

He, however, urged the people to find ways of probing their representatives and forcing them to be transparent and accountable.

The Aare said that politics was all about local interest but should not make anyone a tribalist, saying that it was important to meet the people at grassroots and go back to represent them well.

According to him, people have more hope on legislators than the executives and the judiciary, because of the direct link with their representatives. (NAN)
CHOM/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Xenophobia: Labour Party chieftain tasks FG on justice for victims

By Chioma Ugboma

Lagos, Sept. 8, 2019 (NAN) Mr Kayode Ajulo, a lawyer and former National Secretary of Labour Party, has called on the Federal Government to ensure justice for Nigerian victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Ajulo said on Sunday that  the government should  initiate a legal action against  South Africa predicated on Nigeria’s ratification of the protocol to the African  Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Right signed on May 29, 2004.

Ajulo, also the Chairman of Egalitarian Mission Africa, a non-governmental organisation,  urged the  Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, to make sure that justice was not delayed  in the violation of Nigerians’ fundamental rights in South Africa.

In a statement he copied to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Ajulo said that the mandate of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Right was to monitor respect for human rights on the African continent in line with  instruments.

“It is elementary principle of international law that a state is entitled to protect its subjects, when injured by acts contrary to international laws committed by another state, from which it has been unable to obtain diplomatic actions or international judicial proceedings on behalf of its citizens.

“Thus, the Federal Government must toe the path of law and order to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens in South Africa affected by the xenophobic attacks, in order to get justice for the gruesome violation of their fundamental rights.

“The court is empowered to hear cases brought against African states for failure to respect human rights.

“It is able to issue binding judgments in such cases, and where violations are found, may award compensation and other remedies to victims,” he said.

The lawyer hailed the court for its various decisions including a declaration that the mass deportation of hundreds of Gambians workers by Angola was a violation of their rights to freedom of movement, liberty and right not to be treated in an inhuman and degrading way.

He also praised the  court for its decision that the detention without trial of at least 11 journalists by Eritrea was a violation of the journalists’ right to freedom of expression, right to liberty and fair trial.

“However, it is sad that despite the well-considered decisions of the court, some member-states  have refused to comply with the decisions.

“I hope the reverse will be the case in the instance.

“I must add that this is a matter that must be of interest to every progressive in Nigeria.

“Lawyers particularly should not shy away from this sacred responsibility to stand up for affected patriots as I won’t hesitate to stand up and be counted if my services are  sought for pro bono poblico.

“The attacks must be condemned in its entirety because it is not reflective of the true spirit of Africa,” he said.

According to him, if justice is not obtained as a detterentt, the attacks could have a spill-over effect on the Africa’s Free Trade Agreement which is in force among 27 African Union member states.

“Hostilities between the two biggest economies in Africa are capable of causing this,” he said. (NAN)

CHOM/IGO

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Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Barr. Frank Ugboma, Chairman Imo Assembly House Committee on Public Safety, Intelligence and Securities

Anarchy

By Chioma Ugboma

Lagos Sept. 1,, 2019 (NAN) The Chairman, Imo House of Assembly  Committee on Public Safety, Intelligence and Securities, Barr. Frank Ugboma has cautioned Sen. Rochas Okorocha, the immediate past governor of the state, over utterances of anarchy in Imo.

The former governor had on Friday said his arrest order by Imo government was an open invitation to anarchy and fracas in the state.

Okorocha, representing Imo West at the Senate,  was reacting to a call on Thursday by the Secretary to State Government (SSG) Mr Uche Onyeaguocha for Okorocha’s arrest over an alleged assault of a government official at Okorocha’s residence.

News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that a video trending online captured some thugs flogging Mr Jasper Ndubuaku, Chairman,  Imo Committee on Recovery of Government Property at Okorocha’s residence in Owerri.

Angered by the development, the SSG told journalists that Okorocha was now on Imo government security watch list.

But Okorocha in a release,  said such order would only cause disaffection in Imo because people of the state would always come out to protect him any time he was under siege.

“The arrest order only added to their disrespect for me as the past governor and this is a very bad precedence which the government of Gov. Emeka Ihedioha is creating,” okorocha had said.

Ugboma however told NAN in Lagos on Sunday  that it was wrong of Okorocha to question constituted authority in the state.

The lawmaker representing Oguta  constituency of Imo, said that beating of the committee chairman of recovery of government property was wrong as he was on an official assignment for the state.

“In 2011 when Okorocha took over from Chief Ikedi Ohakim as Imo governor, he made Dr Placid Ekwueme, his recovery committee chairman and no one attacked him even when he attacked and took away things from people.

“Ekwueme went to homes to recover alleged stolen property and nobody stopped him. Why is Okorocha bitter and angry now.

“Okorocha’s reaction is an afront on a sitting governor and his statement an insult on all of us.

“It is also a disservice in his office as a lawmaker of the Federal Republic of Nigerian and a past governor of the state.

“The office of a governor in a state is an exalted one which Okorocha also occupied. His anarchy statement is barbaric because we are not in a military era,” he said.

According to Ugboma, Okorocha is free to seek redress if he feels aggrieved rather that make utterances that may lead to anarchy in the state.

“There is so much challenges of security in the land and leaders must be careful to avoid statements or actions that may further compound the situation.

“Any action or statement that may incite the people must be taken and treated seriously as treason of sorts considering the state of security in Nigeria,” he added. (NAN)
CHOM/SYC
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ismaila Chafe

APC
By Chioma Ugboma
Lagos Aug. 4, 2019 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended men and officers of Ogun State command for their swift rescue of the five kidnap victims at Ogbere-Sagamu section of Benin-Lagos express road.

The commendation was made in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the Ogun State chapter of the APC.

The party was full of praises for officers and men of the Anti-Kidnapping and Cultism Unit of the command for their bravery and doggedness which led to the rescue of the victims.

It would be recalled that five members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) who were on their way to the headquarters of the church for a ministers’ conference were kidnapped on the road late night of Aug. 1.

The state Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, who signed the statement praised the courage, quick intervention and professionalism of the policemen, personally led by the State Police Commissioner, Mr Bashir Makama.

He said that all these made the victims to be quickly rescued unhurt.

The party also commended the State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his commitment and determination to rid the state of crime and ensure peace and normalcy in all nook and crannies.

“His swift intervention and plea to President Muhammadu Buhari to which the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) responded by providing a helicopter that had since remained in Ogun and had helped in rescuing the victims at Ogunmakin and Ogbere,” the statement said.

The party also commended the IGP for his decision to set up a Special Task Force in Ogun.

“Security is the responsibility of all, rather than rivalry, their should be increased sharing of intelligence and synergy between security and paramilitary agencies, as only this would ensure efficient and effective combat of crimes in our society.

“We endorse the recently expressed intention of the governor, to relaunch, reactivate and reenergise the Ogun Security Trust Fund and urge him not to leave any stone unturned in order to make the state very safe for residents and travelers.

“We urge the police and other security agencies not to rest on their oars. Security of lives and property  demands eternal vigilance,” it added. (NAN)
CHOM/KKA/IS
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Edited by Kola Adeyemi/Ismail Abdulaziz

We’ll not allow primaries divide APC in Bayelsa, says Lokpobiri