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Reps hold public hearing on new agric varsities today
The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions will today (Monday) hold a public hearing on bills seeking the establishment of federal universities and colleges of agriculture in some states of the country.
The committee will deliberate on “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State; A Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Fiditi, Oyo State; a Bill for an Act to establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ako, Nike, Enugu State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Ise, Ekiti State.
On the list are “A Bill for an Act to establish Federal College of Agriculture, Misau, Bauchi State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture, Agila, Benue State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Federal College of Agriculture and Vocational Studies, Ako-Nike, Enugu State; a Bill for an Act to Establish Agricultural and Energy Technical Institute, Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State, and a Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Oil Palm Research, Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State.”
It will be recalled that the House had mandated the committee, chaired by Akeem Adeyemi, to consider nine bills seeking the establishment of new agricultural universities, colleges and institutes across the country.
One of the proposed legislation, titled, “A Bill for an Act to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Ute-Okpu, Delta State, to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration; and for related matters,” was sponsored by the deputy spokesman for the House, Philip Agbese.
It was first introduced on the floor on July 13, 2023.
The bill, thereafter, passed a second reading on November 10, 2023, after it was unanimously adopted by members of the House at plenary.
Agbese, who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Benue State, while leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, said, “Nations are returning to the farm to boost their economy.
“In our darling country, petroleum can no longer sustain us. If agriculture is the way forward, the focus should be on establishing world-class learning institutions.
“The potential benefit of this proposed institution can never be overemphasised. Over 90 per cent of the people of Ute-Okpu and neighbouring communities are farmers, hence the need to promote and enlighten them and Nigerians on current best practices.
“The Federal University of Agriculture Ute-Okpu, Delta State, when established, will conduct education, research, and environmental monitoring and assessment in collaboration with other world-class institutions.”
The committee is expected to submit a report to the House for consideration ahead of a third reading, passage and transmission to the Senate for concurrence.
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Occurrences In Edo Election Deeply Disturbing—Dr Tanko
The National Coordinator of the Obidients Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko has slammed the malpractices that characterized the just concluded Edo State Governorship election describing it as deeply troubling.
Dr Tanko in a statement issued in Abuja stressed that the outcome of the election has revealed a disconcerting occurrence that did not not reflect the true wishes of the people.
Those with a conscience must stand firm against the individuals and agencies abusing their positions to weaken our democratic institutions. Edo State election is a clear signal that electoral reforms are urgently needed, and we must prioritize the protection of our democratic processes.
It is time to collectively push for a true independent electoral commission, transparent campaign financing, voter education and empowerment.
It is time to ensure that individuals and organizations are made to be strictly held accountable for electoral misconducts and Offences as a way of safeguarding our democracy.
As Obidients, we urge Nigerians irrespective of party affiliations to come together and defend our democracy from this type of brigandage for the future of our nation to ensure that power stays in the hands of the people, not in the grasp of a select few.
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Edo: Obi finally speaks on Akpata’s defeat, says it’s a ‘state capture’
Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has described the results of the just concluded Edo State elections as a case of “state capture.”
Recall the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, with Asue Ighodalo in second place and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party finishing third.
In a tweet on Monday afternoon, Obi criticized the electoral process, saying that the elections in Edo do not reflect a genuine democratic system.
He disclosed that politics should focus on serving the nation rather than merely seizing power.
Obi pointed out that the flawed leadership recruitment process in the country is leading to dire consequences, urging those in authority to rectify the situation rather than rely on it to maintain their positions.
He disclosed the significant investments made in the INEC’s IReV and BVAS systems, stressing that these tools must be properly utilized to combat electoral fraud.
Obi called on agencies and individuals undermining democracy to consider the long-term implications of their actions, warning that society will ultiultimately seek justice for the damage done.
He tweeted:
“What happened over the weekend in the name of election in Edo State does not in any way represent the democratic process we chose as a method of electing our political leadership.
“Instead, it was a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of our democratic process and values.
“Any nation whose leadership recruitment process is so fatally flawed is doomed, and we are all seeing the effect in our country.
“I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.
“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and they must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening.
“To the agencies and individuals being used to undermine our democracy simply because they hold positions of authority, please remember that your time in office is not eternal. The society that you are helping to destroy today will eventually take her revenge on you tomorrow.
“To the lecturers and others complicit in perpetuating this charade, you must reflect deeply on the roles you are playing in damaging the very foundation of our democracy.
“The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future.
“This kind of action has no place in a true democracy. That is why I have always maintained that today’s politics is not about capturing power, but about saving the country and making it work for everyone, regardless of their background.”
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