News
Traditional rulers to Gbajabiamila: You’ve attracted more federal presence to Lagos
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been hailed for attracting more federal infrastructural projects to Lagos State.
Traditional and political leaders from Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who paid the Speaker a thank-you visit over the facilitation of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Epe-Ketu-Itoikin express road in Lagos, said Gbajabiamila has made them proud.
Speaking during the visit on Thursday at the National Assembly, the Alara of Ilara-Epe, Lagos, Oba Ogunsanwo Olufolarin Kayode, and the leader of the delegation of Epe political leaders, Alhaji Seriki Bamu extolled the exemplary leadership of the Speaker.
The Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oba Ogunsanwo, said: “The Speaker has been very proactive, and he is a round peg in a round hole. We are very proud of you for the good things you’ve been doing. That road has suffered a lot of neglect for close to 20 years.
“With your intervention, progress has been made, and we have come here to thank you for that. You have taken away the sorrows of our people as a dutiful leader. You have led by example by taking that project as your own constituency project.”
This is even as the Speaker said he is a leader to the 360 federal constituencies in the country, and that the House under him would ensure even distribution of projects across the country.
Gbajabiamila urged traditional rulers to continue to support and pray for their representatives so that they would perform better.
“This road project came about from having my ears to the ground. I said this is a road that we must not only begin to repair, but we must finish it by 2021.
“The project engineers are at 5km now, and by 2021, we must make sure that we complete the road. Like you know, my constituency goes beyond Surulere now.
“We are here to work and support you. Your prayers and support over the years have come a long way to getting us to where we are today. We have 24 members from Lagos, but we see ourselves as one Lagos. As you pray for me, please also pray for all of us,” he said.
On his part, a former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Kuforiji, who hails from Epe, expressed appreciation to the Speaker for bringing succour to the people of Lagos and neighbouring states who are regular users of the federal road.
“We can’t thank the Speaker enough because that particular road was constructed during the time of Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson, while I was still in primary school. It has been in a bad state, and we are all happy this road is getting your attention at this time you are Speaker”
While praying for the Speaker to succeed in his tenure, the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Ogunlaja Babatunde, prayed God to continuously protect, bless and grant Gbajabiamila the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the House.
Earlier while introducing the delegation, the member representing Epe Federal Constituency, Rep. Wale Raji, had said the leaders were in the Speaker’s office to thank him for attracting the project to their community in Lagos.
Delivering votes of thanks, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Rep. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, said the visit has shown that the leaders are with the Speaker, assuring that the committee would work on all projects nationwide.
Other members of the delegation were the Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Sefiu Bamgbopa; Alaye of Odo-Noforija-Epe, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja; Eljirin of Ejirin-Epe, Oba Rafiu Balogun; the Olowu of Owu-Ikosi, Oba Nelson Ogunlari, the Oloja of Epe was represented by the Odofin of Epe, Chief. Oluwo; Alhaji Seriki Bamu, Rt.Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Hon Wasiu Odeyemi.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubaka mini visited the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Umar Dikko Umaru Radda, at the Government House in Katsina to express condolences following the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umar Bare-Bari Radda.
During the visit, Minister Abubakar, on behalf of himself, his family, the Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Matawalle MON and the entire staff of the Ministry of Defence, conveyed heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda, his family, and the people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
In his remarks, he prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant her mercy, and bestow upon her a place in Jannatul Firdaus. He also offered prayers for the Governor and his family, asking for strength and fortitude to bear this profound loss.
The Minister was accompanied by Hon. Idris Garba Jahun, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, along with Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Jallo and Hon. Mas’ud A. Naruwa, members of the Katsina State House of Assembly representing Hadejia and Babura, respectively.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
Badaru pays condolence visit to Katsina State governor over death of mother
Rivers: Sole administrator suspends Governor Fubara’s political appointees
Emir Bayero bows to pressure, cancels Eid-el-Fitri Durbar
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