…Says Nigeria Faces Existential Crises

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria’s problems are far bigger than the crises that his party is presently experiencing.

He made the remarks during an appearance on HaveYourSay247, an interactive online session with Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor told the host Rudolf Okonkwo that though he doesn’t have control over the Labour Party, he is confident that the crises rocking it will soon be resolved amicably. “Whatever is happening in the Labour Party is so minute compared to what is happening in the country.

“So, for me, it is something we will resolve amicably, and it is not anything to worry about. Let’s worry about the country and how the average Nigeria would be able to have a means of livelihood to feed themselves,” he said.

During the session, the former governor of Anambra State also spoke extensively on sundry issues. Commenting on insinuations that he does not use his influence as the leader of the Labour Party to ensure the party conducts itself orderly, Mr Obi said that he has no interest in being the party’s leader but only to make sure things are done properly. “We have a more desperate situation to make the party function properly.

Parties are just a means of contesting elections, and being the leader of a party does not reduce the price of food. What I want to see is that the average Nigerian lives in a society where they have access to education, access to healthcare, and a means of livelihood,” Obi said.

He also reiterated that he has moved on with the Supreme Court’s final decision on the presidential election, even though he does not agree with it.

On the need for the Labour Party to make accounts of campaign funds available to the public, Obi said that he could only encourage everyone who received funds to account for them.

“The party account is not under my control,” he explained. “We have appointed an external auditor to look into it, and anytime they come up with their results, we will make it public. Monies were received by different groups, and I have said that people who received money should account for it. You have seen one of the campaign accounts managed by Aisha Yesufu, which she has made public. We have asked everyone at all levels who collected campaign funds to account for it. It is necessary.”

The presidential candidate further said that he is going to the places where people think they made donations to say thank you. “If I received their donation, I would let them know, and if I didn’t, I would also let them know so they will know who they gave it to and ask questions.”

Responding to a question on whether he would be willing to tell Nigerians about his assets, the former governor said he couldn’t talk about his assets because he was not in power. “It is not necessary for me to say my assets, but what I can tell Nigerians is that I am not a poor man, and nobody can accuse me of stealing government money,” he said.

By Augustine Akhilomen

..Calls For Extensive Reset Of Lagos Island CBD

The Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN has sympathized with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and those affected by the devastating fire incident that struck the popular Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island last week.

Kazeem, who visited the scene of the fire incident with members of the IDU, on Sunday, lauded the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu in addressing the aftermath of the fire incident by ordering the clearing of shanties and unauthorized structures in the area.

The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, assured that the Union will stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD.

He also highlighted the readiness of the Isale Eko Descendants Union to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of the community.

“As we reflect on the devastating impact of the fire at Dosunmu Market, let us remember the resilience and strength of the community. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD. Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all.

“As Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, I affirm our unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of our community. Our collective goal is to transform Lagos Island into a livable, thriving hub that we can all take pride in. By working together, we can rebuild, rejuvenate, and ensure a offering future for future generations.

“In the face of adversity, let us stand united, determined to turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for Dosunmu Market and all its residents,” Kazeem said.

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday said that his administration would continue to fulfil all promises made to the public service by ensuring the provision of adequate working tools for the workforce.

Governor Abiodun stated this during the swearing-in of the newly appointed Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Noting that the appointment of Mr, Onasanya symbolizes a call to greater service, Prince Abiodun said that his administration would continue its commitment not only to the service but also to the broader development of humanity.

According to him, the civil service is the backbone and the engine that drives the policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of government.

“As you are all very aware, civil service is the bedrock of our administration, the engine that drives our policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of government.

“It plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance, effective service delivery, and the implementation of government programmes and initiatives.

“As an administration that understands and acknowledges the role of the civil service, we remain guided by the principles of merit, character, competence and capability in the appointment of top civil servants,” he said.

“Let me also use this opportunity to assure all our great workers of Ogun State that our administration will never renege on our promises,we will continue to fulfil all our promises made

“We will continue to ensure the provision of policies and adequate effective working tools as well as a conducive working environment for the well-being, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Ogun State Public Service,” he said.

Governor Abiodun challenged the new Head of Service to raise the standard of the state public service and urged him to tread the path of excellence his predecessors were known for.

“I charge you to start raising the standard of the public service from the point where Mr Kolawole Peter Fagbohun left off while treading the path of excellence that all your predecessors are well reputed for.

“By your appointment, you are now the standard bearer of the proud legacy as bequeathed by our forebears in the public service,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Onasanya, while appreciating the governor for being a man of equity and fairness, assured that the civil service under his leadership would continue to support his administration.

He called on workers in the state to embrace the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, promised to gravitate towards improving the service.

Onasanya promised that he would continue to ensure discipline and improve the ethical standard of the service in tandem with the state government’s agenda to grow its internally generated revenue.

Governor Abiodun approved the appointment of Mr. Onasanya as the new Head of the Service on Monday, April 8.

Onasanya takes over from Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who has retired after a meritorious service.

Until his appointment, Mr. Onasanya was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration.