Politics

Democratic governance has taken root despite ongoing challenges – Gov Kefas

Published

2 weeks ago

June 12, 2025

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has once again affirmed that democratic governance has taken root despite ongoing challenges.

In a statement released on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications, Emmanuel Bello, in commemoration of Democracy Day, Governor Kefas saluted Nigerians, who he said have contributed to deepening the democratic experience.

Stressing that “the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain,” the governor, reflecting on the country’s democratic journey, emphasised the importance of perseverance and nation-building.

Arguing that “Rome was not built in a day,” he urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to democratic ideals that strengthen institutions and promote good governance.

Kefas, who also cited progress in peace and security, noted that improved safety in Jalingo and other areas had created a conducive atmosphere for political participation and constructive criticism.

“Jalingo and its environs were once plagued by kidnappings and criminality. Today, through hard work and commitment, we’ve made the state safe enough for residents to return and freely express their views. That’s part of the democratic progress we celebrate,” he recalled.

The governor reiterated his belief in action over rhetoric, stressing the importance of laying solid foundations for sustainable development.

“We are not in a hurry. I talk less and plan more,” he said. “If, after four years, we haven’t delivered, then the people can judge us accordingly,” Kefas said.

He added: “We now have a clear roadmap on which to build the infrastructure our people need. It was worth the wait to ensure things are done properly and will stand the test of time.”

He called on citizens to remain patient and supportive, as the government continues its efforts to transform the state for the better.

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Politics

Imo: Reps seek FG’s intervention over devastating erosion in Ideato federal constituency

Published

23 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The House of Representatives on Thursday declared Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo state as an erosion and road disaster zone, calling for urgent intervention from Federal Government and relevant agencies intervention to save Ideato from total collapse.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who solicited for the House intervention.

Leading the debate, Rep. Ugochinyere noted that Section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stated that the primary purpose of Government is to protect the lives and properties of the Citizens.

He also noted the devastating impact of the gully erosion and road disaster in Ideato Federal Constituency, affecting over thirty-two communities including Umueshi, Amanator, Urualla, Isiekenesi, Isiokpo, Umuaghobe,Ozuomee, Obodoukwu, Arondizuogu, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku, Umuobom and surrounding areas.

He expressed concerns that these Communities in Ideato North/South Federal Constituency are currently facing gully erosion and road infrastructure collapse , threatening their lives and access to essential services like healthcare, education, trade and road infrastructures.

Rep. Ugochinyere said: “The House is alarmed that the gully erosion and road infrastructure collapse has worsened, destroying homes, farmlands, causing total road collapse, in Umueshi-Amanator-Isiekenesi road, particularly the Urualla gigantic erosion sites 1, 2, and 3, which is currently threatening to sink the heart of Urualla and Afor Urualla, Umueshi, Amanator, Isiekenesi, Isiokpo, Umuaghobe, Ozuomee, Obodoukwu, Arondizuogu, Akokwa, Umumaisiaku communities and Umuobom Bridge; Recalls that Ideato land is home to influential national figures and patriots like Mbaonu Ojike, K.O. Mbadiwe, Elochukwu Njaka,Collins Obi, Ferdinand Anaghara, and Maduakor, hence the need for urgent intervention to preserve their ancestral heritage.

“The House commends the Federal Government’s previous intervention at the Umuchima gully erosion site, which has been taken over by the Imo State Government.

“The House is aware that the erosion has destroyed lives and properties and if nothing is done urgently to curb the menace more lives and properties will be lost,” he stressed.

Adopting the motion unanimously, the House therefore urged Federal Government to declare Ideato Federal Constituency an erosion and road disaster zone, and take drastic steps to curtail gully erosion and road collapse in the communities in Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.

The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministries of Works, Environment, Ecological Fund Office, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to embark on immediate intervention, rehabilitate, reconstruct and remedial works on the Umueshi Amanator- Isiekenesi gully erosion and collapsed Road, Urualla gigantic gully erosion sites 1, 2, and 3, Afor Urualla communities, Isiokpo gully erosion, Umuaghobe , Umumaisiaku, Akpulu, Akokwa, Obodoukwu and Arondizuogu gully erosion and collapsed road, and the sinking Bridge in umuobom.

The lawmakers further urged Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and to provide relief materials for the displaced victims of the gully erosion in Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, Imo State.

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Works, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Environment Ecological Fund, South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Politics

President Tinubu declines assent to NDLEA Amendment Bill

Published

24 hours ago

June 26, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

President Bola Tinubu has declined assent to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Amendment Bill, 2025, recently passed by the National Assembly.

The bill proposes granting the NDLEA the power to retain a portion of the proceeds from drug related crimes in variance to the current legal framework.

This is communicated to the House of Representatives as read during plenary on Thursday, by the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas.

President Tinubu, who cited Section 58, Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution, said that the bill, if signed, was a contravention of the aforementioned sections.

Tinubu clarified that under existing law, all proceeds from crime must be deposited into the Confiscated and Forfeited Properties Account.

He explained that any disbursement to relevant agencies involved in recoveries must be made by the President, and only with the approval of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.

Politics

APC suffers heavy blow as Ganduje’s loyalist dumps party for NNPP

Published

1 day ago

June 26, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

A long-standing confidant of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has left the ruling party to join the opposition New Nigeria’s People’s Party (NNPP) in Kano.

Mustapha Hamza Buhari Bakwana, a well-known grassroots mobilizer and former political adviser to Ganduje during his tenure as governor officially joined the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) on Wednesday.

This means he has also dumped his role as Senior Legislative Aide to Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibril.

Standing before his loyal supporters in Kano, said, “We gave everything to the APC — time, loyalty, sweat. But what did we get in return? Silence, neglect and betrayal. Enough is enough,” he said.

“We’ve chosen to pitch our tent with Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a man who doesn’t forget his people. He understands the game of politics and plays it with honor.”

Once seen as one of Ganduje’s most trusted strategists in the North West, Bakwana’s departure could signal deeper cracks in the party’s foundations especially as the 2027 elections draws nearer.