Kogi
Uk’omu Igala appeals to AG to relocate KSGEPT to Abuja for the safety of all
A national socio-cultural group from Kogi East Senatorial District, Kogi State, the Uk’Omu Igala Organization, has called on the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to relocate the Kogi State Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal (KSGEPT) the November 11, 2023 governorship elections to Abuja.
This, the group said is expedient and instructive, in order to guarantee the safety of the members of the tribunal, litigants and the electoral materials which will be used as evidence at the tribunal.
In a statement issued on Tuesday which was signed by its National Leader, Elder David Abutu, and National Secretary, Dr Sabastine Abu, the organization argued that the attacks on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Lokoja, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, and the Secretary of the Electoral Tribunal were ominous, and that the safety of the members of the tribunal could not be guaranteed if they had to sit on the election in Lokoja.
The full text of the press statement reads,
“We have observed with dismay the shameless and callous lawlessness taking place in Lokoja, Kogi State, calculated at frustrating the assignment of the tribunal set up to hear petitions against the Kogi State Governorship Election that took place on November 11, 2023.
“After making mockery of our democracy by compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Electoral Officers to accept and announce fraudulent election results, thugs loyal to Governor Yahaya Bello are bent on ensuring that the tribunal did not carry out its constitutionally assigned responsibility of entertaining petitions and taking a judicial decision on them. In the last one week, the violent thugs have insulted the sensibility of Kogi State indigenes by carrying out the following criminal activities:
1. On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Governor Yahaya Bello’s thugs surrounded INEC’s office in Lokoja, preventing the counsels to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Muritala Ajaka, from accessing the office to inspect voting materials necessary to establish their case against the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) so-called victory at the polls.
2. On Thursday, November 30, 2023, military personnel had to be deployed to the INEC office in Lokoja to disperse the thugs to enable the SDP’s counsels to access the secretariat in order to inspect the materials used in conducting the November 11, 2023 elections.
3. On Friday, December 1, 2023, APC apologists who claimed to be hoodlums, invaded the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kogi State, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, destroying several vehicles.
4. On Monday, December 4, 2023 thugs suspected to be working for the APC waylaid the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal Secretary, David Mike, while he was on his way to Court in Lokoja. He was forced into a vehicle and driven off to an unknown location, but documents related to the election petition in his custody were forcefully obtained and destroyed.
It is disturbing that in spite of all these security breaches, the Nigeria Police Force in Lokoja has maintained unusual silence, not making arrests or even investigating the criminal acts. This kind of brigandage cannot be condoned in a democracy, and as a socio-cultural organization representing the Kogi East Senatorial District, we are totally against it. As a result, we make the following demands of the Federal Government:
I. The Kogi State Governorship Elections Tribunal should be relocated to Abuja, to ensure they conduct their activities without being exposed to danger. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to ensure this step is taken immediately.
II. Security agencies should provide protection for the electoral materials and ensure they are not damaged before the Kogi State Governorship Election Tribunal sit to examine them.
III. The Inspector General of Police should intervene in the lawlessness that is ongoing in Kogi State, by calling the Commissioner of Police in the state to order and ensure a thorough investigation into the criminal activities by thugs loyal to Governor Bello.
IV. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should intervene immediately to ensure that rascality, threats, violence and general lawlessness does not produce a governor of Kogi State.
Kogi
In Kogi Traditional Leaders Take Center Stage in Healthcare Revolution
Traditional rulers across Kogi State are stepping up to play a pivotal role in the government’s efforts to transform the primary healthcare system.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo announced sweeping reforms targeting improved accountability, service delivery, and community engagement in the state’s Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the Governor emphasized the inclusion of traditional institutions in the reform process.
“Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our communities. Their active involvement in monitoring and supervising healthcare delivery is crucial to ensuring that these reforms succeed,” he said.
The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Ahmed Tijani Muhammed Anaje, echoed this sentiment, describing the healthcare revitalization efforts as a turning point for rural communities.
“The wellbeing of our people begins with accessible and effective healthcare. We, as traditional leaders, are committed to supporting the government’s vision by overseeing the proper functioning of PHCs in our domains,” he remarked.
This partnership is a cornerstone of the administration’s strategy to strengthen the healthcare value chain.
The government plans to conduct periodic spot checks of PHCs in collaboration with local governments and traditional rulers to ensure consistent service delivery.
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams, the State Commissioner for Health, lauded the commitment of the traditional leaders, revealing that funding has already been provided to operationalize at least one PHC in each of Kogi’s 239 wards.
Plans are underway to increase this number and enhance the quality of services.
The reforms aim to address pressing health challenges, including maternal and infant mortality and low immunization rates.
Governor Ododo assured that these efforts will be anchored on data-driven decision-making and adherence to global best practices in healthcare management.
As the collaboration unfolds, traditional rulers are poised to bridge the gap between the government and the grassroots, ensuring that the vision for a robust healthcare system becomes a reality for all Kogi citizens.
Kogi
NNPC Establishes Five Mini LNG Plants in Ajaokuta After Senator Natasha’s Advocacy
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), in partnership with the Federal Government, has commenced the establishment of five Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. This milestone comes on the heels of relentless advocacy by Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central District in the Senate.
Senator Natasha, a staunch advocate for leveraging Kogi’s vast natural gas resources, played a pivotal role in bringing this initiative to fruition. Her consistent efforts and collaboration with the NNPC leadership have positioned Ajaokuta as a key player in Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Speaking about the project, Senator Natasha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, highlighted the transformative potential of the LNG plants. “This is the result of a shared vision for progress. These plants will not only provide affordable, eco-friendly energy but also create jobs, attract investments, and boost industrialization in our region,” she stated.
The Mini LNG plants are designed to supply clean energy to households and industries, addressing persistent energy challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. The project also aligns with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010), ensuring local expertise is leveraged in the construction and operation of the plants.
Senator Natasha commended the NNPC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support, noting that the establishment of the LNG plants demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development and regional empowerment.
“This collaboration underscores the importance of effective governance and partnership in driving economic growth and improving the lives of our people,” she added.
By turning Senator Natasha’s vision into reality, the NNPC has set Ajaokuta on a path toward becoming an energy hub, showcasing the power of advocacy, leadership, and institutional cooperation in driving Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.
Kogi
Kogi Ramps Up Efforts to Combat Sexual Violence
***Vows Swift Justice for 3-Year-Old Victim
In a firm stance against sexual violence, the Kogi State Government has declared its intention to prosecute a 40-year-old man, Mr. Elisha Daniel, accused of raping a 3-year-old girl. The state government labeled the crime as “inhuman and intolerable” and pledged to use this case to reinforce its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, expressed the administration’s outrage. “This act is barbaric, unconscionable, and a stain on our collective humanity. Such crimes must be met with the full force of the law to ensure justice for the victim and deterrence for would-be offenders,” Fanwo stated.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has reportedly directed a swift and coordinated response. He instructed the Secretary to the State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to ensure thorough investigations and prompt legal action against the accused. Additionally, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice have been tasked with ensuring a robust legal strategy to secure justice.
Fanwo emphasized that the state will not tolerate any form of violence against children, noting, “Our society must adopt zero tolerance for such heinous crimes. The law will not just bark—it will bite. This administration is resolute in its mission to ensure the safety and dignity of every child in Kogi State.”
In a move to address the immediate needs of the victim, the Governor has also mandated the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development to provide trauma care and support for the child and her family. This gesture aims to not only aid in her recovery but also reassure the public of the government’s commitment to child protection.
The suspect, who was apprehended following a tip-off from a government official, is said to be cooperating with law enforcement. Authorities have promised a transparent and expedited judicial process, with Fanwo stating, “This case will set a precedent for dealing with such abominable acts. Justice must and will prevail.”
This case highlights the state’s ongoing battle against sexual violence and exploitation, with the government urging citizens to join the fight by reporting such crimes and supporting survivors.
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