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Nationwide Protest: APGA’s Chieftain begs Protesters to calm down, suspend protest ….Cautions govt functionaries to desist from flamboyant lifestyle

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Ignatius Okorocha
Following, measures rolled out by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu  to address  some of the complaints by protesters at the ongoing nationwide protest, a chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie has pleaded with the Nigerian youths to shield their sword and allow government to act on it’s promises.
This is as he has condemned the flamboyant lifestyle of public functionaries at a time most Nigerians are wallowing in abject poverty and hunger.
Chief Okorie who doubles as Chairman board of Trustees of APGA in an interview with our Correspondent at the weekend noted that though the grievances being expressed by the youths through protest was their constitutional right, the protesters should listen to the president’s appeal for suspension of the protest to enable him act on their demands
“Protest is the constitutional right of citizens provided it is done within the confines of the law but in Nigeria’s special circumstances there are so many flash points across the country. Flash points as a result of hunger, insecurity and all sorts of set backs on the individuals and families that have made so many people very very upset with the government and with the system and it is generally said that a hungry man is an angry man and it is also said that an angry man is irrational.
“Again being irrational he could also be violent, you have had people say somebody is taking out his anger on another person. Nigeria is sitting on a kerg of gun powder.
“What you may regard as a normal protest as it happens in so many countries and nothing will go wrong, if it happens in Nigeria at this critical time my fear is that it will go out of control. Nigeria is in a situation that a little ignition can trigger off a conflagration of uncontrollable proportion.”
Continuing he said,”And so, my advise therefore is that this protest for now should be shelved.At the same time government should look at the reasons for the protest. Yes, I have heard from government officials, and the president himself assured that some  measures  are being taken to address some of these complaints.
” Everybody knows that staple  food, that you used to call the ordinary man or poor man’s food is now big man’s food, is it garri, yam etc are no longer available, all of these things make people feel that government is no longer taking care of them.”
Chief Okorie however, blamed government functionaries of contributing to the grievances being expressed by the youths based on the unnecessary display of affluence at a time Nigerians are wallowing in poverty and penury.
“Beyond that, those who are asking us to be patient with them are not behaving in a manner that will encourage that patience The life style of those in government whether in the Executive or legislature at both state and federal levels is very provocative.
“Their display of indecent affluence bothering on valgarity is provocative. And for all I know, all great leaders whether in the past or present wherever they may be in the world, one common denominator is that they lead by example.
When a leader is leaving as if he belongs to a different world and the people he is leading are on the other extreme of poverty, it becomes a matter of us versus them and there  is no way you can engender in your citizens that spirit of patriotism to be able to give their best for their country.
But that not withstanding, the answer does  not  lie with this protest now.
“This protest now may trigger off something that we may not be able to handle.
“My advice is that we should shelve the protest. I am aware that you can’t order people who are already angry not to let it out through protest but since our president has called for suspension of the protest to enable him implement his plans to make life ease for the citizenry let’s give him a chance to do that.
On the request of the protesters for the restoration of subsidy on oil, he said,” because the issue of petroleum subsidy has been contentious for several years and many people had advocated it’s withdrawal because it was more of an avenue or conduit pipe for stealing our common patrimony.
Even during the 2023  campaign leading to the presidential election, the three foremost presidential candidates and others that were not prominent all said if they had the opportunity to rule this country, the first thing they would do would be to remove subsidy on fuel and nobody in Nigeria then argued against that.
“The only problem is that our president didn’t seem to have thought through the impact before removing the subsidy but something that Nigerians need to appreciate is that President Muhammad Buhari’s administration did not include any Kobe for subsidy in the 2023 budget starting from June 2023 even when knew that he would leave office in May 2023. And that was the budget that was passed by those we sent to represent us in the National Assembly.
“It is not something to be blamed on  President Bola Tinubu because we had our representatives at the Senate and House of Representatives who had insight into the budget and kept quiet. They passed the budget in which there was no provision for subsidy.
“So, if the President didn’t say he has withdrawn subsidy on fuel, we would have been borrowing money to pay for subsidy. The answer is not to go back to Egypt but how do we manage this situation to come out of it and still maintain no subsidy”

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Natasha: Senate passes vote of confidence in Akpabio  …..says sexual harassment allegation is before the court

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By George Mgbeleke
Satisfied with the way suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central) for misconduct and her sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
were handled, the Red Chamber on Thursday passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the number three citizen.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio

This followed a motion raised by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), under Orders 40 and 51 of the Senate Rules on the controversies created by the actions taken on the misconduct and alleged sexual harassment.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended for violating the Senate Rules, had described it as an injustice and reported the matter to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU of the United Nations on Tuesday.
Presenting the motion, Senator Bamidele stressed the need for clarity, adherence to legislative rules and a renewed focus on governance despite the heightened public interest in the matter due to allegations made by the Kogi lawmaker.
According to him, at no point between August 2023 and the present was the Senate informed of any sexual harassment claims, adding that the issue at hand was purely about disciplinary measures related to breaches of Senate rules.
“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment.
“The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution,” he stressed.
Senator Bamidele, who insisted that the Senate took the right decision to maintain order and uphold legislative integrity, refuted claims that the Red Chamber acted beyond its constitutional rights, noting that suspension remains the only alternative to anarchy within the chamber.
“It was never an issue before us that any member of us was sexually harassed and we hold on to that point. We need to put the events of the last two weeks and concentrate. There is work before us and we have done everything possible, ensuring that the electoral reforms and others have legislative expressions,” he added.
The Senate Leader was happy about the IPU’s reaction to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s report, saying the international body acted within its own rules, and that any statements made by the Senator in question at the IPU meeting were done in a personal capacity, not as a designated delegate representing Nigeria.
He said: “It was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed. We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities. There is critical work before us, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills.
“The 7th schedule of the 1999 Constitution is clear, and we all swore by oath that we will make laws for the good of this country. We swore to that oath and ensured everyone abides by that oath.”
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session, said it was time to focus on the implementation of the 2025 budget already signed by President Bola Tinubu through legislative functions, especially since the sexual harassment allegation is now before the court.
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HOSTCON Youth Council hails Senator Ned Nwoko on his new  appointment

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Senator Ned Nwoko(right) and Emmanuel Fiawei(left)

HOSTCON Youth Council hails Senator Ned Nwoko on his new  appointment

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Youths of the Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria (HOSTCON) have described as ” commendable” the appointment of the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State, Sen. Ned Nwoko as the Chairman, Senate Ad- Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft.

According to HOSTCON, the appointment of Sen. Ned Nwoko by the 10th Senate under the leadership of Sen God’swill Akpabio as a game-changer for the entire oil and gas value chain in the nation’s oil industry.

The Host Communities Producing Oil Gas and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council Of Nigeria under the leadership of the National President, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Path finder, stated in a statement issued via electronic mail, that the Senator Ned Nwoko-led Committee will salvage the nation’s oil and gas sector and the economic woes of the country.

According to HOSTCON, ” it would never be business as usual for the saboteurs, both locally and internationally because he has already hit the ground running, and Nigerians would see what has never happened in the fight against oil and gas thieves no matter who they are.”

“As a round peg in a round hole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters, his underground strategies would take these thieves by storm and surprise, and this would usher in lasting solutions in curbing the menace of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities in the creeks of Niger Delta region and the hinterlands.”

“The Senator Ned Nwoko we know, is a man of courage and master strategist, who has all it takes to rid the oil and gas sector of this ugly menace of sabotage by some devilish persons who have over the years stolen our common patrimony for their self aggrandizement.”

“We must say that Senator Ned Nwoko, a son of the Niger Delta understands the region so deeply and has broad knowledge about the nefarious activities of these plunders of our national wealth, and knows how to marshal out his strategies to change the ugly narrative in the oil and gas sector.”

” His appointment is highly welcomed by all and sundry and due to his pedigree and sagacity as a patriotic, detribalized, and true Nigerian leader who has distinguished himself in serving the nation with national conscience.”

“We also want to assure Nigerians that Senator Ned Nwoko’s 100 days in this saddle will end oil theft and would be resounding and reverberating because we have seen the handwriting already, and that it would bring about a stupendous growth and development of the oil and gas sector in no distant time as he had already commenced the job by leading a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, seeking a partnership with the military to curb the menace, and also has set up and inaugurated a surveillance team for overt and covert oversight on oil facilities and institutions.”

“Interestingly, the committee has called for strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms, surveillance operations and fostering of seamless inter-agency collaboration to dismantle the complex networks behind crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region and across the international borders.”

“Recently, he affirmed the The committee’s unwavering commitment and sense of patriotism in its resolve to implement watertight policies, deploy cutting-edge security technology, and ensure that those who undermine the national wealth are held accountable.”

“He also said that the task at hand transcends revenue protection; it is about securing the future, bolstering economic resilience, and creating an environment conducive for national progress.”

“0We want Nigerians to be confident about Senator Ned Nwoko because his track record based on his background as an international criminal lawyer. He has the expertise to ensure these thieves are brought to justice, and also his solid performance on the floor of the Senate and impact on his senatorial district is amazing as he has moved numerous life changing motions and bills been sponsored by distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko on the floor of the Red Chambers within the one and half years under the President Bola Tinubu ‘Renewed Hope’ mantra has drastically transformed the lives of his people.”

“Therefore at this juncture, the leadership of the HOSTCON YOUTH COUNCIL OF NIGERIA, under comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder, National Exco, elders and Board of Trustees, throw our full weight behind Sen Ned Nwoko-led Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Other Related Matters.”

“We at HOSTCON, being the most critical umbrella body that is the ears, eyes, strength, energy and heart beat of the nation’s oil and gas producing communities in the creeks as well the strength and the life-wire of the nation’s economy will partner with the 10th Senate under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Godswill Akp, through the Chairman of the Senate Add-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Sen Ned Nwoko, the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State to join hands together for us to foster a collective responsibility to salvage the economy of our dear country by all means from the hands of this sophisticated oil thieves in collaboration with their foreign counterparts in this illicit business bent to cripple out economy.”

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NAS seeks review of laws against gender-based discriminations and violence ..says gender-based biases at the homestead

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National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC) officials

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC) has called for a review of laws mitigating against cases of gender-based discriminations and violence in the society.

The (NAS-PC), in conjunction with gender based advocacy groups including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State and the Do Foundation, however agreed that despite the needed review, there is the need of addressing gender-based biases at the homestead, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.

The Capoon of the Oxbow Marino Deck of the National Association of Seadogs—Pyrates Confraternity (NAS-PC), Engr. Adogbeji Egbonoje, while speaking during a state-wide radio discussion programme on Radio Bayelsa 97.1 FM, Yenagoa. This year’s theme, “For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment, stressed that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.

He emphasized the importance of addressing gender-based biases at the homestead, noting that perpetrators of gender-based discriminations and violence are often fathers, brothers, and sons.

He stressed that paying attention to how sons are raised and groomed would have a profound impact on how they relate with women as adults.

He also highlighted the significance of cultivating the mind of the girl child from infancy, instilling confidence in young girls as they venture into the world as adults,” This, he believed, would empower them to withstand negative peer pressures and chart their paths in life.”

Also speaking on the radio discussion programme, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA),Barr. Ebiere Emmanuella and the Former Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry also shared expert insights on the historical context of International Women’s Day, progress made in gender equality, and the importance of education and policy changes in addressing systemic barriers.

The two legal experts pointed out the the roles of organizations like FIDA and the NBA in supporting marginalized women and pointed out contending issues of workplace equality, women’s leadership, and the role of men as allies in the fight for gender equality.

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