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…Says Appointment well Deserved

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has congratulated the Former Governor of Benue State and Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume on his recent appointment as the new Secretary to the Federal Government.

In a congratulatory Message signed by the National Chairman of Interim Management Committee of ALGON , Hon. Abdullahi U. Abubakar, Senator George Akume’s track records of performance and leadership prowess earned the appointment by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led All Progressives Congress government .

Hon. Abubakar ,who is also the Chairman Abaji Area Council, Federal Capital Territory,Abuja in the statement, described Senator George Akume as a true patriot inclined to the true essence of rational development.

“We are super excited at the news of your appointment.”he stressed.

While expressing the readiness to work with him for growth and development of the 774 Local Government Areas across the country, Hon.Abubakar prayed that God Almighty, who has exalted him to the height should give the grace; power and wisdom of old to oversee the affairs of the new office for betterment of the nation at large.

…Read Full Text of the Congratulatory Message by the National Chairman, Interim Management Committee of (ALGON)

Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON)

Congratulatory Message

The Executives and Members of the Interim Management Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), under the leadership of Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi and the entire 774 local Governments and Area Councils, heartily felicitate with the most Distinguished Sen. (Dr.) George Akume on Federation (SGF) as the Secretary to the Federal Government.

Your track records of commitment, style leadership qualities, pedigree and in-depth capacity while serving as the executive Governor of Benue State, two-term Senator of the Federation and Hon. Minister of Special Duties cannot be overemphasized, therefore too worthy to mention.

You are a true patriot inclined to the true essence of rational development, we are super excited at the news of your appointment.

While we look forward to working with your office for the betterment of the local government, especially at the
grassroots level; we pray that God Almighty, who has exalted you to this height, will give you the, grace, power and wisdom of old to oversee the affairs of your new office to the betterment of the nation at large.

We Celebrate You.

Congratulations Once More, Most
Distinguished.
Sen. (Dr.) George
AKUME
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (5GF).

Signed by:
Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi
National Chairman- IMC

Hearing in the petition of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar against the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was abruptly adjourned Tuesday by the Presidential Election Petition Court in Abuja due to alleged refusal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make some critical electoral materials available to him.

The court shifted further hearing in the petition till June 7 pending the time the electoral body is expected to have.responded to the request of Atiku and the People’s Democratic Party PDP for documents supply.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Eyitayo Jegede, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN who conducted proceedings for Atiku had sought to tender forms EC8A from 10 out of 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State to establish the petition against Tinubu.

The exhibits mainly documents used for the February 25 Presidential Election are those from Ankpa, Dekina, Idah, Ofu, Olamaboro, Yagba East, Yagba West, Kabba-Bunu, Igalamela Odolu and Kogi were sought to be tendered by the PDP presidential candidate.

Although, the schedule of documents to the effect was filed along with the exhibits, the Court however noted that tendering such sensitive exhibits in piece meals would not be of any help especially in the areas of marking and numbering them.

Jegede who rose to the questions put to him by the Court stood his grounds and blamed the INEC for deliberate refusal to supply his client with the vital documents.

The Senior lawyer hinted the Court that Atiku had paid as much as N6M for the supply of cerified true copy of the exhibits lamented that the electoral body had not been forthcoming and cooperating as required and envisaged.

Jegede explained that to save the situation, the legal team of the former Vice President had to subpoena top officials of INEC to compel them to bring the required documents before the Court on their own.

However in the end, the senior lawyer sought for a 24- hour adjournment to enable him approach the electoral body to do the needful.

Following no objections from counsel to respondents, INEC represented by Abubakar Mahmud SAN, Tinubu represented by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN and the All Progressives Congress APC having Lateef Fagbemi SAN as lead counsel, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani adjourned the matter till June 7.

…Kick Against payment of over 12 Trillion Naira to few cabals as subsidy

Group under umbrella of Muslim League of Nigeria (TML) has called on Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress and other labour unions to shelve the planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday in protest of the pronouncement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

The group also urged Nigerians, especially the workers across the 36 states of the country to consider the long term merit of removing the fuel subsidy above the demerits.

According the Muslim group, the payment of over 12 Trillion Naira on Subsidy to few cabals under guise of subsidy over the past 4 years is not only ridiculous, but insensitive to economic realities.

“As a group of religious leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure we always pray for progress and development of our country as well as messages of peace and unity to our adherents.”The group stated .

In a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Muslim League of Nigeria (TML), Sheikh Musa El Yakoob
and Mallam Mustapha Harris, the group said,”We can’t fold our arm and pretend all is well, when we see impending tension and crisis brewing that are capable of destroying the existing peace.

“We are not unaware that Nigerians continue to writhe in agony over sudden hike in the pump price of petrol and soaring cost of good and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy.”

Similarly, Forum of Nigerian Christian Leaders(FNCL) also called on labour unions to consider the economic implications of embarking on nationwide protest on Wednesday.

In the statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Pastor James Adeleke; Vice Chairman ,Pastor Moses Onuoha
Secretary ,Pastor Eziekel Kanyip and Asst. Secretary ,Pastor Garba Dickson,the Christian group urged President Tinubu to convey an enlarged stakeholders meeting with markers; entrepreneurs, labour unions and other pressure groups to discuss and reach amicable resolutions on the matter.”

“We reliably gathered that the NLC insisted on the announced plans to down tools from Wednesday, if the pump price is not reversed, but are appealing to the unions to consider exhausting all tools of lobbying and negotiation to avoid subsequent hardship the strike action will cost the country.

“While we appeal to President Tinubu to remain focused and committed to his campaign promises ,we are calling on him to see the labour unions more as partners than enemies”.

Ladi Akatu

Kaduna

The Zonal Secretary North West of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Rt. Hon. Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has described as commendable the choice of the newly appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Goerge Akume and Rt. Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff (COS) to the President.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo who served as the North West Director Youth Mobilisation APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) while congratulating them urged the two appointees to see their appointment as a call to service based on their track records of performance in their previous places of engagement.

Barrister Goronyo speaking in an interview with newsmen also averred that the choice of former Governor of Benue State, former Senator and Minister in previous administration, Senator Akume is yet another man with both legislative and executive knowledge which will greatly help in the performance of his new duties.

” As Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 21st August 2019 to date, he demonstrated qualities of integrity and loyalty to his party and the president.

” For the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Goerge Akume, he is a man who has acquired requisite knowledge both executive and legislative, hence will hit the ground running from day one.

“As a former Permanent Secretary, a two term Governor and a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Akume has all the required experience that will positively impact on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to succeed in his task to take Nigeria to enviable heights of development.

“Senator Goerge Akume has done a lot for the country in different capacities, through selfless service, both in his home state of Benue and Nigeria at large, so, I can say in very strong terms that his appointment is well deserved and has not come to me as a surprise”.

He recalled also that the new COS who is the current Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives has equally proved over time that he is a man of integrity whose capacity to deliver has never been in doubt.

” I am confident that he will bring his vast legislative knowledge to bare in the discharge of his new responsibility without fear or favour” he said.

The APC Chieftain commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making the right choice of capable hands in his kitchen cabinet and prayed God to help them to succeed.

To the new appointees, ” your appointment is a call to service, the President has high hopes in your abilities, and you cannot afford not to deliver, I urge you not to let down the confidence reposed on you both”.

He further said, APC’s victories at the various polls is a testament of the acceptability of the party, stressing that the party and those appointed in any capacity cannot afford to fail the people who elected or appointed them, but to ensure that dividends of democracy is visible in their respective responsibilities.

ENDS

The Ambassador At Large African Region, International Human Rights Commission, Ambassador Malami Shehu Ma’aji has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing former Governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume as the Secretary of the Government of the Federation SGF.

In a press release signed by the Ambassador Malami says the appointment of Senator George Akume based on his track records and commitment would bring more unity and progress to the nation.

“Senator George Akume a gentleman per excellent, peace builder, his leadership qualities and understanding of the needs of the people would greatly add value to the present government, he said.

Malami Shehu Ma’aji also congratulated the new Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Ibrahim Hadejia.

He prayed Allah to give them the wisdom and ability to deliver their new assignments.

…..How nepotism favor acting Comptroller General

By Our Correspondent

The much awaiting time to end former President Muhamadu Buhari administration has come to an end after relinquishing power to president Tinubu, whose election is one of the worst ever conducted in the history of Nigeria due to the alleged massive malpractices, vote-buying amongst numerous ground to cancel the election if thoroughly accessed. This election translate a pure step to what many pundits believed would remain the best cover  to the failed Buhari-led government that negatively affect the lives of the populace who supported and patiently waited for the government for eight years of empty promised. 

The Buhari outgone government  handed over a seemingly dead government to a person who nurtured his ambition to be the president of Nigeria for donkey years, Mr. Tinubu, a pure- lagos born Yoruba opportune to be the leader of the country in one of the most controversial way, his emergence and declaration by INEC gingered the eye-service underperformed ministers of Buhari began lobbying from Lagosian to kith and kins of the president  and to his fellow tribesmen, typical of that  is the appointment of Wura-ola Caroline Adepoju as first female acting immigration comptroller General  (NIS) following the expiration of the immediate comptroller general Isa Jere, who undoubtedly performed well through multiple drives that change the narrative of the service in terms of securing the national territorial boundaries, introduction of Digital service to eased the passport renewal/fresh application to a more functional institution that earn him multiple extension by former president Buhari  to continue.  This was done by the president and in accordance with the constitutional provision of the country. All of a sudden, the embattled former minister of interior Rauf Mr. Aregbesola solely before leaving office on Monday 29th May, 2023 through the Board coordinating civil defense, Correctional, Fire and immigration services, appointed Adepoju, former deputy general of the NIS  as the new service head, disclosed in a released on Tuesday barely less than 24 hours to her stay in public service as enshrined in the constitution publically  announced by Akinwale Dennis. 

Some members of the Civil Defense, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) have faulted the appointment of DCG Adepoju Carol Wuro-Ola as the acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) 24 hours to her retirement, which has exceeded to date because of the unholy arrangement planned by the minister whose tenure was allegedly characterized by corruption and nepotism to favor the Yoruba’s mindful of the constitutional rectitude. 

Prior to this various civil society organizations, individuals and concern citizens openly expressed their displeasure on the Ex-minister who prefers discrimination not matter whose ox will be gored. Sadiq Mohamed, a member of the civil society organization said “ if board go ahead to extend tenure of someone that has initial less than 72 hour away from the time of her elevation just to please president Tinubu and his allies without looking at the prejudice to the national interest which is above everything, then Nigerians are in big trouble. DCG WURA ADEPOJU is not an exceptional person in the service that would be retain for ego as hundreds of junior and senior staff are in the queue to offer their contribution to the development of the country. If she over stays in the capacity, I bet you she will worsen everything the way Aregebesola dent the image of the NIS, she is bereave of ideas and a nepotic like the ex-minister. The few periods of her acting capacity signals incompetency and a             vengeance-like approach in the leadership. 

So the best thing, if she is Godly, she should vacate the office for those that  have more time in the service to overhaul the entire system for good, because we can’t  afford any cut and nail style of leadership in the name of tenure extension to favor any ethnic group. Does it mean we don’t have any competent ACG In the service even from the Yoruba or Igbo to be appointed CG except Mrs Adekpo? if yes let president Tinubu appoint from among the ACGs or DCGs to save Nigeria from the catastrophic plan of Aregbesola, he set up a trap to befall on innocent patriots and it shall not go well for him after vacating office as the worst interior minister produced in the country.   

Similarly, the board members, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said at no point did the board meet to appoint DCG Wuro-Ola as the acting CGI of NIS.

The board members accused the immediate past Minister of Interior Mr Rauf Aregbesola of unilaterally making the appointment because she is a fellow tribe woman, Born in Ondo state on 13/07/1963. The acting DCG Wuro-Ola with number, 8384, is due to retire on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 having clocked 35 years in service which she joined 31/05/1988 to date.

Her appointment letter dated May 26, 2023 and signed by the secretary of the board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, reads: “I write to convey approval of the Chairman of the Board for you to cover duties of the Office of the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as the most senior Deputy Comptroller General (DCG). See the list of current 2023 retirement list including the acting CG, as well as letter from the Immigration Services Board authorized by by the office of the secretary  with the reference number: CDCFIB/APPPT.CGz&DCG/61/VOL.IV/97. 

You are enjoined to bring to bear your wealth of experience on the job as well as Consolidate on the ongoing transformation of the Service.”

Efforts to get the former minister of interior, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Mr Shuaibu Belgore and the Secretary of CDCFIB Mr Ahmed for comments proved abortive.

What many Nigerians who supported emergence of Tinubu is whether his government would do the needful to change the narrative of the institution compounded with numerous challenges Nigerians persistently experience and the relinquishing of the fellow tribe women to allow other deserving officers who has more time in the scheme to help in developing the country which is greater than individuals, lying emphasis on those that have more time to contribute not like the incumbent who is on unconstitutional staying in office,  constituted authorities should hurriedly arrest her for over staying.

The much anticipated Global ministers classrooom with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds today and tomorrow. This Programmme will equip millions of ministers and Christian Leaders across the nations of the world.

According to Mr. Olajide Babasola, Media Manager of the International School of Ministry arm of Loveworld Incorporated, organizers of the historic event, “it is going to be an awesome experience at the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris and to participate actively, invitees are encouraged to follow the instructions on this link http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/ISMGlobalMinistersCell”.

Speaking Further , Mr. Babasola listed some Effective Guidelines in Preparation for the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris Stating that, “You wouldn’t want to miss out on any part of the program, reason we painstakingly drafted this guide to guide you in the course of the program.”

The Global Ministers Classroom is a 24hour event, and you can can participate while at home via http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org

Finally, you are to inform them that they are expected to converge the following day, The grande finale will be on Saturday 2:00pm, GMT+1 with our man of God, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny.

God bless you richly and we wish you a resounding and victorious GMC.

The much anticipated Global ministers classrooom with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds today and tomorrow. This Programmme will equip millions of ministers and Christian Leaders across the nations of the world.

According to Mr. Olajide Babasola, Media Manager of the International School of Ministry arm of Loveworld Incorporated, organizers of the historic event, “it is going to be an awesome experience at the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris and to participate actively, invitees are encouraged to follow the instructions on this link http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/ISMGlobalMinistersCell”.

Speaking Further , Mr. Babasola listed some Effective Guidelines in Preparation for the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris Stating that, “You wouldn’t want to miss out on any part of the program, reason we painstakingly drafted this guide to guide you in the course of the program.”

The Global Ministers Classroom is a 24hour event, and you can can participate while at home via http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org

Finally, you are to inform them that they are expected to converge the following day, The grande finale will be on Saturday 2:00pm, GMT+1 with our man of God, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny.

God bless you richly and we wish you a resounding and victorious GMC.

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Lawal Dare, Gamji Gusau has congratulated Hon. Abubakar U. Abdullahi, the Chairman of Abaji Area Council ,Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on his selection as the newly elected Interim Management Committee National Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria(ALGON).

According to the Governor, the local government as the third tier of government in any clime across the world requires a focused and ingenious individuals to steer its affairs to be able to achieve the desired goals on delivery of dividends of democracy at the grassroots level.

” But in our clime,part of the main challenges facing local government affairs in some quarters today is certainly lack of capacity and ability on side of most elected Council Chairmen to create and generate sustainable sources of revenue for development as well as overdependence on FAAC”.He noted .

The new Zamfara State Governor, Dr Lawal Dare , Gamji Gusau, who disclosed this in a congratulatory Message personally signed said the emergence of Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi as the new leader of ALGON in Nigeria is a clear evidence of new dawn for a visionary and purposely leadership that will help carve a niche for progress and development the Association.

He However, advised the new ALGON National Chairman to work closely with the federal and state governments in order to ensure smooth and cordial relationship that will engender growth , development and avenues for revenue and wealth creation .

While stating that the independence of the Local Government is important for revenue generation and control, he advised LG chairmen across the 36 states of the federation and FCT,Abuja to look inward and avoid over dependence on monthly allocation from federal government.

“As a Governor, I am are ready to give all necessary support needed to make our local government areas in Zamfara to be more viable and business driven is achieved with shortest period.

Governor Dare further pointed out,”The essence of creating local governments as third tier of government is to bring government closer to the people at the grassroots and this is sacrosanct”.

Meanwhile ,he enjoined all the members of ALGON to support Hon. Abdullahi while his tenure lasts .

Yakubu Dorowa

The leader of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima has pleaded with the Former Governor of Zamfara State and frontline Senate Presidential aspirant, Senator Abdulaziz Yari to concede the Senate President to the Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu

Addressing newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday morning, Shettima hinted that allowing a South Easterner and a Christian to be the Senate President will help to strengthen the unity of the country.

He said the partnership between Senator Yari and Senator Kalu is well accepted in the North and have received silent endorsements across the country.

According to him,” We are happy with the strong partnership between the North and South in Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

“We are aware they are yet to formally announce to Nigerians on who becomes the Senate President and who becomes the deputy.

“We are happy that the two are ready to accept the decisions between the two groups.

“We also know that Yari has an upper hand in the partnership since he has about 42 Senators while Kalu has about 27 senators making the partnership to have 69 Senators in their fold. But we are appealing to Yari to consider the future of the country in this critical time and accept the Deputy Senate President position. There is actually no difference between the Senate President and Deputy Senate President since the two are presiding officers.

“We only think that for religious balancing and for peace and unity of the country, the South East deserves to produce the Senate President. Senator Uzor Kalu is a detribalized Nigerian who has built relationships across all regions. He is very close with President Tinubu and his family. He is close to the North and the South South.

“He would make a good senate president because of his capacity, competence and experience. He is very peaceful and patient and It is only right that Yari consider this appeal and allow Kalu to be the Senate President in their joint ticket. The North will hold him in high esteem and would forever acknowledge his unwavering commitment to unity of the nation.” He said.

ENDS