Politics
Is Lawal Akus a Member of the KSHA or House of Representatives?
By Abdul Mohammed Lawal
As the African proverb goes, “A lion only begets a lion, and a child who knows his heritage will not stray when entrusted with the goodwill of others.” Today’s article takes a step away from the norm to celebrate a brother I met in 2022 during my work with the Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Council (YBPCC). Hon. Akus Lawal truly lives the meaning of this saying.
Fondly known as the “Homeboy” in Ankpa and surrounding areas, it’s inspiring to watch him continue the legacy of his late father, Alhaji Shehu Akus.
In Kogi politics, it’s rare to see a lawmaker who truly delivers. Hon. Akus, representing Ankpa 1 State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly (KSHA), has already achieved so much in just over a year that people are asking: Is he a member of the KSHA, or does he belong in the House of Representatives?
Hon. Akus has set the bar high for what a lawmaker can accomplish, especially in Kogi East. His exceptional performance on the floor of the KSHA, his dedication to empowering young people, and his genuine care for the socio-economic welfare of his constituents have made a real difference.
Let’s take a look at some of his impressive achievements:
1. Disbursed cash palliative to 150 students from Ankpa 1 State Constituency in higher institutions across the country in 2024.
2. Awarded scholarships to over 50 students in the College of Education Ankpa (34 students) and GloryLand Polytechnic (26 students), totaling over 9 million Naira for full tuition payment throughout their studies.
3. Paid for over 100 JAMB forms for students and organised a 3-month extra class for science students at Government Day Secondary School, Ankpa.
4. Distributed educational materials worth over 3 million Naira to pupils and students across his constituency.
5. Renovated five classroom blocks at Uferane LGEA Primary School, constructed two classroom blocks and renovated three blocks at Akwu LGEA Primary School, and built two new classroom blocks at both Ochunobi LGEA and Ojede Primary Schools. Ongoing renovations are also underway at Ogodo Community Secondary School.
6. Building a 25-bed capacity modern primary health centre in Akwu to serve over 20 communities, 90% completed and set to be commissioned in the 2nd quarter of 2025.
7. Constantly provided medical drugs and consumables to primary health centres in his constituency, including the one in Ochi, built by his late father in 1976.
8. Completed numerous borehole projects in communities across the 5 political wards of his constituency, with more in progress.
9. Ongoing effort to set up a computer institute to teach local youth valuable digital skills, preparing them for the future.
10. Initiated several MSME support initiatives and vocational trainings that have benefitted over 100 constituents.
Hon. Akus’s legislative work has been equally impressive. He raised motions on important issues, such as:
11. Highlighted the water challenges in Ankpa, leading to 300 million Naira being allocated in the 2025 budget for repairs and improvements.
12. Advocated for the poor state of the Ankpa to Abejukolo road, which is now part of the 2025 budget.
13. Successfully pushed for the inclusion of several rural access roads in the 2025 budget, such as the roads from Ojacchadu, Egbeche, Emanyi, Enale to Ojuwo, and Abache, Okenyi to Ejinya, aimed at improving farmers’ access.
14. Raised a motion that led to the allocation of funds for the facelift and renovation of Ankpa Zonal General Hospital in the 2025 budget, aimed at improving healthcare services for Ankpa and surrounding communities.
Wow! Is this all for just a little over a year as a legislature? It’s even more beautiful to know that this isn’t everything he has done!
Hon. Akus has proven that you don’t need years in office to make an impact. His accomplishments speak volumes, with many politicians, even those with multiple terms in office, not having achieved as much.
His approach is simple: listen to the people, be transparent, and stay focused on delivering results. His ability to make a real impact, even with a limited budget, shows that leadership isn’t just about money; it’s about how you use the resources at your disposal to better the lives of others.
Hon. Lawal Akus’s leadership is setting a new standard for what lawmakers can achieve. His work over the past year demonstrates that change is possible when you focus on the people’s needs. If he continues this momentum, there’s no doubt he will do even more for Kogi State and beyond.
So, is he just a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, or is he someone who could take on greater responsibilities in the future? With everything he’s accomplished so far, there’s no doubt that the best is yet to come.
Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for affording the people of Ankpa 1 State Constituency with the “Homeboy Experience.”
Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.
The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.
According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.
“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.
“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.
The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.
“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.
The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.
“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.
He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.
“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.
The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.
He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)
The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
A heavy security presence has been deployed at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja, amidst escalating tensions ahead of a crucial court hearing on March 7.
The hearing is related to the ongoing leadership crisis within the Assembly. To maintain order, operatives from various security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Lagos State Task Force, have been strategically positioned around the complex.
They are conducting thorough checks on individuals and vehicles attempting to enter the premises.
The heightened security follows the controversial impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, 2025, over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
In response, Obasa filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of his removal, with the Lagos State High Court scheduling a hearing for March 7.
The leadership tussle has led to a tense atmosphere within the Assembly.
On Monday, an emergency plenary session was convened amid speculations that current Speaker Mojisola Meranda might resign to align with the party’s zoning arrangement.
Security personnel cordoned off the premises, thoroughly searching staff and visitors before granting entry.
Following reports that journalists were denied entry into the premises of the State House of Assembly, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin refuted the claim.
He said, “To forestall breakdown of law and order, CP Olohundare Jimoh ordered the proactive deployment of human and operational resources to the House of Assembly. This is also to ensure water-tight security and prevent miscreants and thugs from causing mayhem.
“For clarification, entry is allowed into the Assembly complex for journalists and every other person with genuine business to carry out there.
“Furthermore, part of the measures employed is diversion of vehicular traffic around the Assembly complex. This is necessary to ensure firm grip and control over the security architecture.
“For emphasis, there is no restriction of movement into the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the diversion of traffic was proactively emplaced to forestall breakdown of law and order in the Assembly and its environs.”
The situation has also impacted Assembly operations, with civil servants directed to work remotely until further notice due to the ongoing leadership dispute.
The Lagos House of Assembly has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the removal of Speaker Obasa.
The crisis stems from internal power struggles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers regarding Obasa’s leadership style and alleged financial mismanagement.
Tensions escalated when Obasa was ousted, leading to the emergence of a new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, by the majority of the lawmakers.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn last week when Obasa, refusing to accept his removal, stormed the Assembly complex with a team of security operatives. His presence, accompanied by heavy security, was seen as an attempt to reclaim his position and assert control over the legislature.
This development has deepened the crisis, with divisions among lawmakers and interventions from key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, who is reportedly pushing for Obasa’s reinstatement despite resistance from some legislators.
The directive was issued during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday by lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a 48-hour deadline for Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget.
The directive was issued during a plenary session in Port Harcourt on Monday by lawmakers loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
Elanzanews previously reported that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had pledged to implement the Supreme Court verdict that nullified the local government elections conducted by the state in October 2024.
However, he noted that his administration disagreed with the court’s ruling delivered on Friday. He made this position known in a statewide broadcast on Sunday.