News
I won’t reject anything from Sanwo-Olu, says Lagos Speaker
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has said that contrary to widely reported claims in some quarters, he had no issues against the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and would not reject anything the governor asked him to do.
According to a statement signed at the weekend by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Obasa made the declaration on Friday when Governor Sanwo-Olu and other members of the State Executive Council paid a condolence visit to him over the death of his beloved father, Alhaji Sulaiman Obasa.
He said Sanwo-Olu and him are “siblings from the same father” who have the same purpose, intention, and mission, which is to serve the people of Lagos State.
“I hold him (Governor) in high esteem and respect him. I don’t have any issues with the governor. Some people said I was fighting with the governor, but there was nothing the governor brought to me that I rejected. There is nothing that he will ask me to do that I will not do because we are siblings from the same father.
My boss colluded with external parties to rob our workplace, but i went to prison for it – Ex-inmate0.00 / 0.00
“There is no way brothers will fight, and the father will be looking at them fighting. We have the same purpose, intention, and mission, which is to serve the people of Lagos.
“Mr Governor, you are my brother anytime, any day. Any time you call, I will be there with my colleagues. I thank God for you because whatever we do in the House of Assembly is because you are supporting me. If you don’t support me, there is no way I will get the attention, love, support, and cooperation of the other 39 members,” the speaker stated.
Obasa’s father, a businessman with an interest in transportation, oil, and gas, died early Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the age of 83 and was laid to rest that day according to Islamic rites.
In his condolence visit to the Obasa family on Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin; Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro; and Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; among other SEC members.
Sanwo-Olu and his cabinet members, during the visit to Obasa’s residence in the Agege area of the state, presented a condolence letter to the Speaker and his family on behalf of the Lagos State Government.
The governor said, “We are here to commiserate with you (Obasa) on behalf of the cabinet and the entire people of Lagos State. This period has been difficult for all of us in Lagos State in one form or another.
“Losing one’s parent is a very difficult experience, but we are consoled by the fact that Alhaji Sulaiman Obasa lived a fulfilled life and brought forth good children who are carrying on his legacy.
“I pray that God will be with you and the entire Obasa family. God will uphold us, and everything we are doing will be to the benefit of Lagos State and the residents of the State.”
Responding to the governor, Obasa commended the cordial relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government in the state.
He said, “As a Speaker, I am just first among equals; we are all the same in the House of Assembly. It is because of your understanding and cooperation that we have a team in the House of Assembly and the team is working for you.”
Obasa also charged public office holders to be accountable to the public.
News
Terrorists reportedly bomb Nigerian army base
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have reportedly bombed a Nigerian military base in Wajiroko, located in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The attack occurred on Christmas Eve December 24 2024, when multiple armed drones, carrying locally fabricated grenades, targeted the Forward Operating Base.
The strike injured no fewer than six soldiers, who were quickly given first aid at the scene and are awaiting further medical treatment.
The assault began with gunfire from the terrorists, who launched a brief attack that was repelled by the soldiers.
However, shortly afterward, drones carrying explosives struck the base again.
According to military sources, up to four different armed drones were observed during the attack.
A report also revealed that a military gun truck was damaged during the strike.
Boko Haram has been a persistent threat in Northeastern Nigeria for nearly two decades, causing loss of life and displacing millions.
The Nigerian military has repeatedly claimed success in combating the insurgents, though the group remains a formidable force, continuing to carry out attacks across the region.
News
Christmas disaster: Plane crash claims dozens
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Dozens have died after a passenger plane crashed on Christmas Day.
The scene of the crash in Kazakhstan. Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan/Anadolu via Getty
According to the BBC, the Azerbaijan Airlines flight had been travelling from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to Grozny in Russia when it caught fire as it made an emergency landing near Aktau in Kazakhstan.
The outlet, citing local officials, reported that dozens of people had been killed in the crash.
Per CNN, at least 28 people survived the crash, including two children. Authorities also told the outlet that the survivors had been taken to hospital.
The Associated Press reported that Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry confirmed in a Telegram statement that 67 people, including five crew, were on board the plane.
PEOPLE has contacted Kazakhstan’s Emergency Ministry, Azerbaijan Airlines and The Ministry of Digital Development and Transportation of the Republic of Azerbaijan for comment.
In an initial statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) and translated to English, the airline wrote, “According to preliminary information, the passengers included 37 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russian citizens, 6 Kazakh citizens, and 3 Kyrgyz citizens.”
“There were 67 people on board, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. There were no children among the passengers, and information about the injured will be provided shortly,” they added.
“According to the information, there are survivors who are receiving initial medical assistance. Contacts are being established with the Kazakh authorities, and the necessary operational support is being provided by Kazakhstan’s emergency rescue agencies at the scene.
According to CNN and Reuters, a video showed the aircraft circling before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Passengers covered in blood were also seen coming out of the wreckage shortly after.
In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, a spokesperson for the plane’s manufacturer Embraer said, “We are saddened to learn of the incident today near Aktau, Kazakhstan. Further updates will be provided as soon as more information is confirmed and Embraer is authorized to release. We stand ready to assist all relevant authorities. Our concerns and sympathy go to the families, friends, colleagues and loved ones affected by the accident.”
News
Reps Congratulates Nigerians At Christmas, Advocate Unity, Love, Peace
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the timeless message of hope, peace, and love associated with the season.
in a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he said “Christmas serves as a reminder of values that bind us together as a nation: compassion, generosity, and forgiveness. These virtues, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, are crucial not only for spiritual growth but also for promoting harmony and progress in our diverse society”.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, congratulated Christians on this special occasion, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, love, and peace, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries. He described the birth of Jesus Christ as a symbol of renewal and fulfillment, calling for a collective effort towards a national rebirth, especially in these challenging times. He encouraged prayers for a better Nigeria and support for the country’s leaders at all levels.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the essence of Christmas as a time to reflect on the values of love, forgiveness, and selflessness embodied by Jesus Christ. He urged Nigerians to extend kindness and compassion to one another, particularly to those in need.
The 10th House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians and prayed that the joy of Christmas would strengthen bonds of unity and love across the nation.
Wishing all Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a season filled with hope and happiness.
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