News
Northern youths: Osun, Zamfara governors in war of words
The governor of Osun Adegboyega Oyetola and his Zamfara State counterpart, Alhaji Bello Matawalle are engaged in verbal brawl over some youths from Zamfara that sneaked into the State of Osun.
CAPITAL POST earlier reports that Zamfara in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa dares Osun to repatriate northerns youths who sneaked into Osun and other states in the South West.
Matawalle insisted that Zamfara indigenes are Nigerians who have rights of movement and can live anywhere in Nigeria.
He further said that, “the threat to use Amotekun to arrest northern youths who sneaked into Osun was against the Federal law that binds Nigerians together.”
“Nigeria and the world at large is facing a serious and challenging pandemic. All civilised societies are joining hands together to fight the spread of this pandemic and even extending helping hands to others.
“It is therefore, disheartening that Osun State will take the path of isolating assumed outsiders and segregating what should be a common fight by all Nigerians”, Matawalle insisted.
Reacting, the State of Osun wondered how could its State policy be misinterpreted by Zamfara State.
Osun governor frowned at the manner of interpretation of its decision to arrest and send back some people of northern extraction who sneaked into the state during the lockdown period, saying its position on repatriation is irreversible.
Osun Government’s position which was made available to the Thursday evening said it’s action was in line with Presidential directives banning inter-state travels.
In a statement on Thursday, the State of Osun insisted: “We have noticed a misinterpretation of the statement made by the State Government of Osun, in which it sounded an alarm about the activities of illegal miners in the State and those breaching its borders.
“We are awestruck by the fact that anyone could sieze such logical precautionary response in the midst of a global health emergency, to score cheap political points.
“The State of Osun has been on a total lockdown, and logically, its mines are closed.
“Unfortunately, we have discovered that certain unscrupulous persons have been sneaking into the State illegally, breaching the State’s borders in the process.
“The Government of the State of Osun will act only therefore within legal and moral boundaries by attempting to return these people to their last known addresses before they violated our lockdown.
“All we are doing is following Presidential directive that banned all interstate travels and movement.
“The State of Osun has shown highest regards to the respective State Governments of the concerned people by attempting to return them to their places rather than prosecuting them under the State’s Emergency Regulation.
“Every State in the country is upscaling its security measures in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, and other vices.
“Zamfara State Government, a few days back, arrested some suspected illegal miners in the State, upon claims of being informed that they were providing arms for bandits.
If “alleged” illegal miners are abhorred in Zamfara, why then should the State of Osun be crucified for being safety conscious?
“The State Government of Osun recognises the right of every Nigerian to live anywhere within the country.
“We are a responsible and responsive government that places premium on the health and safety of its people, and we will continue to do everything within our power to protect our people.
“The State Government of Osun believes in the unity of this nation but will not hesitate to take actions against those who breach its borders and try to jeopardize the health of its people.”
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.
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.
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.
-
Security5 days agoNew Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News4 days agoAbia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News5 days agoKogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News5 days agoPlateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News2 days agoKogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News5 days agoAkpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News3 days agoIran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business5 days agoFCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure