Politics

Niger State governor Umar Bago unveils potential for green economy amidst climate change

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State on Wednesday unveiled plans to attract both local and foreign direct investment for the development of rail transportation, cattle ranching and alternative energy.

Governor Bago who disclosed this during a world press briefing in Abuja, also hinted on the State’s preparedness for the first subnational Green Economy Summit, scheduled for 24th and 25th October, 2023, to be attended by over “500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonizing energy systems, circular economy, waste management, green agriculture, food security, eco tourism and community development.

“Other issues to be discussed include: conserving biodiversity for sustainable development, innovative solutions for water management, smart cities, sustainable urbanisation, women and youth engagement.”

Governor Bago who reiterated his administration’s resolve towards sustainable development of valuable natural resources (green assets) through the use of innovative practices in driving economic growth and prosperity, expressed optimism that the forthcoming Summit will help in achieving the feats.

He said: “It is very very clear that climate change has been a topic of discussion in the world. This morning I watched with so much pain how Libya has been overtaken by flood unprecedented. As a country and as a State, that is 10% the total size of Nigeria with bodies of water for hydropower dams, it is high time we start to pluck excess water during rainy season as a national plan, so that we can plough them back when we have drought.

“Secondly, to rearrange our forest, 8.6 million hectares of land is bigger the entire South South and South East. Niger State is a country, so, we have an opportunity that in Niger State, shea trees are wild trees, the highest combination of the total Shea trees in the world is in Niger State. We have seen that cashew is a wild tree without any effort, they are all growing and mangoes.

“So, in an attempt to aggregate these things, and these trees together, first to obtain carbon and credit. Secondly, cash crop, thirdly employment, this is why we’re thinking in this direction.

“Secondly, solar, we have highlands. In the entire North Central we have the largest span of rocks and mountains and they are empty and fallowing. We intend to deploy solar panels, solar fans on these mountains, so that we can supply power to our people – green energy. This is one of the benefits again.

“Then the third one is that, as the world is evolving, we cannot be doing otherwise. So, as a State were already poised and position for the next level. Mr. President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a marching order for food insecurity and Niger State wants to have 10% of the total landmass of Nigeria.

“So, we have to collaborate with our neighboring states with the Federal Government in the SABC initiative of the AfDB and also with the Livestock Investment Programme of Government of Nigeria. So these are the benefits.”

Related Topics:Featured green economy Politics Umar Bago

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Politics

Lagos State House of Assembly powers justify suspension of Alimosho chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 8, 2024

Lanre

The Lagos Assembly clarifies that its suspension of Alimosho chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, is legally backed, in line with statutory provisions.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, citing legal provisions, defends its power to suspend the Alimosho council chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, amidst public outcry.

The Lagos State House of Assembly exercised its legislative powers to suspend Alimosho Local Government Area chairman, Jelili Sulaimon, citing statutory provisions as the legal basis.

The Assembly responded to criticism from Sulaimon’s lawyer, Dr Abdul Mahmud, clarifying that their actions were in line with the Lagos State Local Government Administration Law and the Nigerian Constitution.

Section 24(a) of the Local Government Administration Law empowers the Assembly to suspend or remove council officials following investigations.

Furthermore, Section 128 of the 1999 Constitution grants the Assembly the authority to investigate matters under its jurisdiction.

The Assembly’s response stressed that local government councils, including their chairmen, derive authority from state law, which the Assembly creates and enforces.

The Assembly criticised attempts to sway public sentiment with emotional rhetoric, arguing that the laws are clear on legislative oversight.

It highlighted previous suspensions of the same chairman for violating local government regulations, reiterating the Assembly’s commitment to accountability.

It also rebuffed any comparison between the powers of the National Assembly and state legislatures in local government affairs, stating that only the state legislature holds such authority.

This legal stance ensures that the Lagos State House of Assembly remains the guiding force in maintaining order and transparency within local governments, further dismissing counterarguments that misinterpret legislative boundaries.

Politics

Lagos Assembly imposes indefinite suspension on Alimosho local government chairman

Published

3 months ago

October 7, 2024

Lanre

Indefinite Suspension of Alimosho Local Government Chairman

The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued an indefinite suspension to Jelili Sulaimon, the chairman of Alimosho Local Government, effective immediately.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has placed Alimosho Local Government Chairman Jelili Sulaimon under indefinite suspension. The suspension takes immediate effect following a plenary session where lawmakers reached a unanimous decision.

Vice Chairman Akinpelu Johnson is appointed to oversee the council’s operations during this period. The Assembly has instructed the council’s management, including the treasurer, to support Johnson fully.

Also read: Lagos waterways tourism boosted by innovative marine investments

The suspension stems from allegations of non-compliance and misconduct by Sulaimon. Honourable Sanni Okanlawon, chair of the Local Government Administration Committee, initiated the motion. He recounted a serious incident in April 2024 that led to the death of Mr. Micheal Ajayi.

Okanlawon’s investigation revealed Sulaimon’s role in the chaos. Despite invitations to stakeholders, Sulaimon demonstrated ongoing defiance toward the Assembly. His mismanagement of public funds and failure to follow directives warranted immediate action.

Majority Leader Noheem Adams supported the suspension, emphasizing the need for accountability among local government leaders. Other lawmakers echoed concerns about Sulaimon’s disregard for procurement processes and budget adherence.

Honourable Nureni Akinsanya highlighted a report from the State Auditor-General that identified significant financial irregularities in Sulaimon’s records. The report’s findings reinforced the call for suspension.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, confirmed the Assembly’s resolution and directed the Clerk to inform relevant authorities.

Politics

Makinde suspends Oyo monarch

Published

12 months ago

February 3, 2024

Lanre

The Oyo State Government, yesterday, suspended Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola (Gbadewolu I) as the Onido of Ido in Ido Local Council of the state.

The government, in a letter dated February 2, 2024, and signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said Governor Seyi Makinde approved the suspension on February 1, 2024.

“I wish to inform you that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Sub-section 1&2 of Section 26 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28 Vol I, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and by virtue of all other enabling powers in that regard, has approved your suspension as the Onido of Ido in the area of authority of Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State,” the letter read in part.

It directed Oba Babalola to hand over all government properties in his possession to the chairman of Ido local council.