Headline
Ondo Assembly to collaborate with former lawmakers for result oriented
The Ondo State House of Assembly has collaborated with former lawmakers in the state for better legislative duties that would accelerate rapid development of every sector.
Mr Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the Assembly, on Friday in Akure stated this while hosting members of the recently dissolved 9th Assembly and the current serving members of the 10th Assembly.
The speaker explained that the house organised the event to fastrack socio-economic development of the state as well as promote fraternal relationship between the former legislators and serving members.
“I was not only a member of the 9th Assembly, who served as the Deputy Majority Leader but also a major stakeholder in the activities of the Assembly,” he said.
“I have the strong belief that there is much that unites us as a body of former and serving law makers who were committed towards the development of the state,” he added.
He expressed gratitude over the songs of praise and rhythmic steps of dance that welcomed them to the event.
He explained that the unique occasion was not only meant for merry-making, but to create a relaxed atmosphere through which as members of the same family, they could interact in a way to ventilate ideas that were positive to the development of the state.
He said being a speaker bestowed upon him an enormous task of leadership, adding that the handful of success thus far attained since his assumption of office was made possible by God and unwavering support of the lawmakers.
“Distinguished colleagues, the tasks ahead require that we all put our hands on the plough, trusting in God and man to see us through.
“There is always strength in unity. There is much we can achieve together as a body of lawmakers. I will continue to leverage on our collective strength and wisdom in our current drive to deliver the much needed democracy dividends to our people.
“My doors are open to advice and suggestions that would enhance our performance in office and by extension, register our names in the sand of times.
“To this extent, I want to state that this meeting will hold at intervals,” he said.
He promised that the get-together party would be sustained to serve as an avenue to criss-cross opinions to move the state forward, urging that the opportunity should not be abused.
The Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN has warned against obstructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from carrying out its lawful duty .
Fagbemi’s warning is contained in a statement in Abuja.
“This is a matter of very grave concern, it is now beyond doubt that the EFCC is given power by the law to invite any person of interest to interact with them in the course of their investigations into any matter, regardless of status.
“Therefore, the least that we can all do when invited, is not to put any obstruction in the way of EFCC, but to honourably answer their invitation.
“A situation where public officials who are themselves subject of protection by law enforcement agents will set up a stratagem of obstruction to the civil and commendable efforts of the EFCC to perform its duty is to say the least, insufferably disquieting’’.
He added that running away from the law will not resolve issues at stake but only exacerbate them.
“Nigeria has a vibrant judicial system that is capable of protecting everyone who follows the rule of law in seeking protection.
“I therefore encourage anyone who has been invited by the EFCC or any other agency to immediately toe the path of decency and civility by honouring such invitation instead of embarking on a temporising self-help and escapism.
“This can only put our country in bad light before the rest of the world’’.
He said institutions of state should be allowed to function effectively and efficiently.
“I stand for the rule of law and will promptly call EFCC, and indeed any other agency to order when there is an indication of any transgressions of the fundamental rights of any Nigerian by any of the agencies’’.
NAN reports that the EFCC had on Wednesday warned members of the public that it was a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.
Section 38(2)(a(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.
The warning , the EFCC said, became necessary against the background of the increasing tendency by persons and groups under investigation by the Commission to take the laws into their hands by recruiting thugs to obstruct lawful operations of the EFCC.
On several occasions, the anti graft agency said, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Some unknown gunmen have kidnapped Joshua Rogers, the ChannelsTV reporter in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.
Politics Nigeria learnt that Rogers was picked up close to his residence at Rumuosi in Port Harcourt and to an unknown destination by the gunmen around 9pm on Thursday, April 11.
The reporter was driving his official ChannelsTV branded car when the hoodlums accosted, pointed a gun at him and took him away in the same vehicle.
Rogers was said to be returning from his official assignment in Government House after a trip to Andoni for a government event when the incident happened.
Already, the gunmen were said to have contacted his wife and demanded a N30million ransom for bis release.
His cameraman confirmed the incident and appealed to his abductors to set him free unconditionally.
Woman killed while crossing road in Anambra
LASG’s maize palliative impactful, says poultry association chair
Fagbemi warns against obstructing EFCC from performing its lawful duty
BDCs now buying dollar at ₦980 — ABCON President
Osun Poly Student, Olanrewaju Olatona killed by hit-and-run one-way driver
Seplat Energy celebrates a decade of Dual Listing with Bell Ringing Ceremony at Nigerian Stock Exchange
3 teens arrested in Germany for allegedly plotting terror attack
Breaking…Naira abuse: Court sentences Bobrisky to 6 months in custody
Lagos Court Grants Emefiele N50m Bail
