Politics
North-West progressives appeal to Tinubu to reconsider Danfulani’s appointment
The North-West Progressives Ambassadors (NWPA) have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the appointment of Mr Yazid Danfulani and allow him to resume in line with the earlier announcement of his appointment.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Aminu Galadanci, the President, and Hajia Aishat Mohammed, the Secretary General of the NWPA.
The group stated that the appointment given to Danfulani was carried out in line with the President’s reward strategy to give back to those who worked tirelessly for the party in the last election.
The group said. “The youths in the Northwest are appealing to the president to allow Danfulani to resume work at the office as executive secretary.
They stated that this would enable him to contribute his quota to the development of the Northwest in particular and Nigeria as a whole.
“Mr. President, like we all know, is not only desirous of providing good governance, but it is equally important that people with the capacity to stand for Mr. President as his eyes are given sensitive positions that will add value to the citizens.
It would be recalled that the President had on December 6 appointed Danfulani as the executive secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund/Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative.
But a few hours later it was also said that Tinubu had cancelled Danfulani’s earlier appointment.
The development was disclosed in a State House release by the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The statement noted that Danfulani’s appointment was cancelled as “there is no vacancy in the agency,” thereby returning Fatima Shinkafi as the executive secretary.
The group, however, said that the current occupant of the office had occupied the position for more than 8 years and had not added any value to the lives of people in the Northwest.
“She has not also understood the Renewed Hope Agenda policies of the current administration,” the group stated.
It would also be recalled that The Arewa Youth Development Ambassadors (AYDA) has kicked against the cancellation of the appointment of Danfulani
The AYDA led by Abubakar Abubakar, said that such amounted to sabotaging the effort of those who worked relentlessly for the election of President Tinubu.
Abubakar described Danfulani, as a staunch supporter of Tinubu, adding that he was a great mobiliser who did quite a lot for the president’s campaign in the northwest and even beyond.
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.