Politics

NASS will thoroughly review 2024 budget estimates – Akpabio

NASS Transmits Constitution Amendment Bills To State Assemblies

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to a thorough and meticulous review of the 2024 budget estimates.

Akpabio said that with the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in mind, the Assembly aims to ensure that the budget reflects the nation’s best interests.

Delivering his address during the presentation of the 2024 budget estimate by the President and Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his tireless efforts in driving economic growth, promoting social welfare, and enhancing national security.

He noted that the president’s track record as the former governor of Lagos State, known for various economic reforms that attracted investments, improved the ease of doing business, and promoted pro-business policies, instills confidence and hope in Nigerians.

Senator Akpabio highlighted Tinubu’s courageous decisions, such as the removal of petroleum subsidy, unification of foreign exchange markets, and signing the Electricity Bill into law, which have already demonstrated significant economic reform.

The Senate President acknowledged the economic discomfort experienced by some Nigerians due to these bold decisions, but pleaded for continued support for the government’s long-term benefits.

He emphasized that the pain being experienced by Nigerians, was a temporary phase that will ultimately lead to a brighter future for the country.

He however called for provisions in the budgetary estimates to address the sufferings of fellow citizens affected by the economic measures.

Senate President Akpabio outlined the Tenth National Assembly’s alignment with President Tinubu’s dreams for Nigeria, focusing on comprehensive legislative actions that will contribute to nation-building, economic growth, and social development.

Priorities include strengthening national security, unbundling and merging government agencies for effectiveness, revitalizing agriculture to reduce dependence on crude oil, prioritizing education to combat brain drain, and reducing the country’s high debt profile.

The Senate President vowed the Assembly’s commitment to responsible governance, fiscal prudence, and efficient resource allocation for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He said, “Collaboration in the fight against corruption and protection of constitutional rights and welfare of the people are also paramount.”

Akpabio praised the Renewed Hope Agenda and assured the President of the Assembly’s readiness to support his administration and achieve remarkable milestones for the nation.

Acknowledging the strength and unity between the two chambers of the Assembly, Akpabio expressed gratitude to all Senators and Members for their dedication and commitment to serving the country.

The presentation of the 2024 budget estimates serves as a crucial step towards fulfilling the aspirations and dreams of every Nigerian citizen for a greater country

Politics

APC sweeps all local government council seats in Jigawa

The Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of all 27 local government chairmanship elections.

This was disclosed in a statement by JISIEC spokesman Habibu Yarima.

He stated that the election results were declared at the respective local government headquarters and ward collation centers across the 27 local government areas of the state.

According to him, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all 27 chairmanship elections and 281 out of 287 councillorship positions contested by 11 political parties in the local government council elections held last Saturday, October 5.”

He further noted that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won one councillorship seat in Margadu Ward, Guri Local Government, while the Accord Party secured four councillorship seats: Ajaura Ward in Taura Local Government, Kanwa Ward in Jahun Local Government, Maiaduwa Ward in Gagarawa Local Government, and Guntusu Ward in Gwaiwa Local Government.

He added, “The winner of the councillorship seat for Dubantu Ward in Hadejia Local Government was not declared due to disagreements over the result collation and the destruction of some ballot boxes.”

The Executive Chairman of JISIEC, Hon. Auwalu Muhammad Harbo, has already presented certificates of return to all the winners of the 27 local government chairman seats.

Commenting on the election outcome, the Chairman of the Jigawa State All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, congratulated his party members on their overwhelming victory.

Politics

Akwa Ibom LG poll: PDP wins 30 out of 31 chairmanship positions

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 30 of the 31 local government chairmanship seats, leaving the All Progressives Congress with one seat in the October 5, 2024 election in Akwa Ibom State.

The Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) made this known on Sunday.

The commission, which released the results of the October 5 Local Government election, also indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won one local government area.

Following the successful conduct of the election, all is now set for elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen to be sworn in on Monday, October 7, 2024, by 8 am at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, in the State capital.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG), Enobong Uwah.

The statement indicated that Governor Umo Eno would perform the function in the presence of guests.

Meanwhile, Governor Eno has announced plans to swear in the elected chairmen on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Eno, who made this known while speaking at the All Nations Christian Ministry in Eket, said it was important to immediately inaugurate the democratically-elected officials to position local government area in the state for rapid development.

“Election was concluded yesterday. Results are trickling in. We are swearing in new chairmen tomorrow by 8 am. We want to thank those who have served. They have done well.

“The window we negotiated with the Federal Government was till October, and this is October. So we need to quickly swear in those chairmen so that they will start receiving their allocations and work for their people,” he said.

Politics

Ondo guber: REC confirms receipt of BVAS, non-sensitive materials ahead of poll

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, has disclosed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and the non-sensitive materials have arrived in the state ahead of the November 16 governorship poll.

According to the REC, INEC is not leaving anything to chance towards ensuring that the commission conducts seamless and flawless polls in the state.

Babalola, who disclosed this during a media briefing with newsmen, maintained that security agencies are also prepared for the off-cycle governorship election and stressed that vote-buying would be tackled during the election.

The REC added that Registration Area Technical Support Staff (RATECH) will be deployed to all Registration Areas (RAs) to provide technical assistance in case of any issue with the functioning of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

“INEC is fully committed to conducting a credible, transparent, and inclusive election in Ondo State.

“We call on the good people of Ondo State to come out en masse on election day, exercise their franchise peacefully, and contribute to the democratic process.

“We assure you that every vote will count, and what we can do about the issue of vote buying is that we will continue to sensitise people to desist from this. So we are working assiduously to succeed in the forthcoming governorship election.”