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AMBODE TAKING LAGOS ON FLIGHT TO TOMORROW …condemns NBA’s extreme action

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7 years ago

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On behalf of the teeming members of the Lagos Peoples’ Assembly, spread across the nooks and crannies of Lagos State, we commend the efforts of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to position Lagos State as a preferred destination point for investment and tourism through the astute adherence to the Centre of excellence master plan for development as well as his recent announcement of reductions in charges payable in the State as a result of the newly amended Land Use Charge Law 2018.

For the avoidance of doubt, we fully identify with the aspirations of the Governor for holistic development of the State. We note that an unwary observer of governance in the State would have jumped into the conclusion that the State is for the development of areas where the upper middle class reside like Victoria Gardens City, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ikeja etc. in terms of provision of basic infrastructural facilities.
However, the strides of this administration in the near slum areas of the State is worthy of commendation. Vintage examples can be cited with the bridges in Abule Egba, Aboru/ Ipaja, and Agege as well as the ambitious infrastructural strides in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry.

We totally share the underlying philosophy of the State as encapsulated in the recently amended Land Use Charge Law 2018. It is an equitable social justice practiced globally to tax in progressive ratio the more privileged, affluent and wealthy sections of society in order to provide basic social amenities for the poorer sections. This is not just a social re-engineering mechanism but a veritable tool for holistic socio economic growth, social stability and security. It is trite to emphasize that the rich can sleep better when the poor are not hungry and can live in habitat suitable for human beings and not in zoological environment.

Lagos with an estimated population of more than twenty million is projected to surpass thirty five million in a few years from now. Yet, it lost the campaign to be accorded a special city status and it is grappling with reductions in allocation and dwindling revenue.

The State administrators must put on its thinking caps and reason out of the box on how to meet up with the challenge of gaping infrastructural deficits in health, education, housing, pipe down water, road network sports, street lights, security and habitable environment.

We are most concerned about the negative activities of some elements to throw spanners to clog the wheel of growth and development of the State. In a democracy, there is no one man show, it is run by institutions and processes. We thus advise those who are against the developmental policies of the State to modern and civilised status to engage the parliament/State House of Assembly that passed the law instead of threatening fire and brimstone to create social chaos in the State. It is trite to reiterate that no group had the monopoly or copyright to mass actions. We challenge the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch to seek judicial interventions or be prepared to meet us in street barricades.

It is rather worrisome that the organized private sector which ought to be a social partner on the infrastructural development of the State has seemingly become organized political sector for some hawks in corridors of power. We owe it a duty to alert the good people of Lagos on the injurious intentions of these anti developmental elements.

We have authentic information that the NBA, Ikeja Branch on its part has turned itself into a mercenary tool for some nefarious politicians and we shall unmask their sponsors.

The LPA wish to remind Lagosians that world-class cities like Tokyo, New York, London, Singapore etc. are built by statesmen with developmental vision like Ambode. We therefore, call on Lagosians to continually rally round him.

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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12 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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