News
Nasarawa Governor defends appointment of Kwarra as NPC Chairman, says he’s a core loyalist

By Abubakar Lawal

Governor, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state has on Thursday that the appointment of Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra was as a result of his track records.

He said, Kwarra speak volumes of competency, experience, honesty and who’s loyalty paveway for him to chair the commission.
He disclosed this while receiving delegations from Wamba Local Government Area, who were his kingsmen in a thank-you visit at the Government House, under the Oriye Rindre, HRH Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo (rtd), in Lafia.
Sule who couldn’t hide his excitement over the visit, stated that the recent appointment of Hon. Kwarra as Chairman of the NPC by President Muhammadu Buhari, was an opportunity for the appointee to be a good ambassador of Nasarawa State.
“Let me start by expressing my profound gratitude to Allah for this blessing. He said.
He further commended the people of Wamba Local Government for their unity, religious harmony and peaceful coexistence for the progress and overall development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Sule urged the appointee to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, who strongly believes in the unity of Nigeria; who is willing to fight for the security and economic empowerment of the country, while also fighting corruption in order for the country to develop.
Continuing that it has become imperative for the NPC, chairman to thank President Buhari because he gave the approval for the construction of the Farin Ruwa Dam in Wamba Local Government Area, with the ground breaking ceremony for the project scheduled to take off next week.
The Governor who was thrilled by the array of traditional dancers that accompanied the delegation, used the opportunity to respond to negative propaganda in sections of the media.
” You should embrace everyone irrespective of religion, tribe and political sharp division. Also don’t be distracted by rumour peddlers as President Buhari received all kinds of insults over allegations that he influenced a change in the position in favour of a Hausa-Fulani from Kano State, that saw a Christian being denied the opportunity to head the Commission.
“But the happiness, the excitement that I saw today have taken away all those insults.
“Because, part of the accusation was that I have changed a Christian with somebody from Kano. I was waiting to see the Kano people come and dance but I didn’t see any.
“Instead, I saw not only the Chairman designate, but I also saw the NPC Commissioners joining their fellow Commissioner to dance the Kantana dance, Sule’s stated.
Sule equally shower commendations on Arum, Kantana, Kulere and Bu ethnic nationalities for showing appreciation over the appointment of their son.
Earlier, in an opening remarks, the Oriye Rindere, HRH Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo, said it became compellingly necessary for the people of Wamba LGA, to come to the Government House to appreciate and thank the Governor for finding it worthy to elevate their son to chair the NPC.
Also speaking, acting Chairman of the NPC, Bimbola Hundeyin, who led 9 other commissioners on the visit, thanked the Governor for the wisdom in nominating Hon. Kwarra for the position of the Chairman of the Commission.
“We at the NPC, we are delighted, as excited as the people of Wamba because your choice couldn’t have been better.
“Hon. Kwarra has been a friend of all of us, he is a gentleman, a calm person. We are happy that with a choice like him, we have continuity, someone who has always been with us, someone who understands the workings of the commission,” he stated.

News
We are vindicated by ex-Rivers HoS revelation – APC

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.

News
CSOs demand urgent probe into ex-Rivers HoS allegations against Gov. Fubara

A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.

The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.

News
Deputy Speaker, Kalu appoints Hart as new Chief of Staff

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).

Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.

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