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Lawmakers, others I helped to power now avoid me because of Nwifuru: Umahi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, says most people he helped to power during the 2023 general elections now avoid him.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday in Abakaliki, Mr Umahi said that even National Assembly members whom he helped to power were among those who now avoid him, adding that they were not disturbed by their behaviour.
“Only Chief Onyekachi Nwebonyi will openly acknowledge that I am his father and boss,” said Mr Umahi. “The others feel that by doing so, the state governor, my successor, will be angry with them.”
“The governor cannot do that because he too openly acknowledges that I was instrumental to his emergence,” he added.
He said the development stopped him from having political godsons and instead opted for political friends.
“I will fight anybody who makes trouble with the governor because he deserves our respect.
“I have done my bit, have left the stage and have to respect myself,” he said.
Mr Umahi said there were usually crises between predecessors and successors, adding that “I am, however, not available for such because I have been so blessed in life by God.
“There are always pathways to successes and failures, and when you dig for someone to fail, you have already failed.”
The minister vowed to stick with Governor Francis Nwifuru for eight years and thanked God for giving the governor the grace to unite all leaders of the state.
“The issue of the leaders staying together for long is not our business but I have known the governor for 16 years and will continue to support him.
“I will never regret making him my successor as he, alongside few others, stood with me during the hard decision of defecting to the APC,” he said.
At an event in Ebonyi last month, Mr Umahi said he was happy that Mr Nwifuru still honours him after leaving office.
The minister said it was rare to hand over to a successor and still be continually honoured by him, stating, “That is the handwork of God, and I am grateful to him and the governor.”
(NAN)
News
CAN breaks silence on ‘Jesus Christ is not God’ banner at Lekki Lagos mosque
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said the display of a banner with the inscription ‘Jesus Christ is not God’ by the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos is frivolous.
The banner went viral over the past few days after a photo of it was shared on social media by citizens who felt it was deliberately done to agitate Christians.
After an outcry on social media, the banner was removed and replaced with another one which said ‘Allah is the lord of Jesus.’
When our correspondent contacted the CAN Director on National Issues and Social Welfare, Apostle Commodore Abiola Ayuba, he said the association will not join issues with those behind the banners, describing them as faceless.
“CAN does not involve in frivolous and annoying things. Whichever mosque it is in Lekki, whoever are the people that own it, they have their names and are also liable under the law. Where the rights of one person end is where another person’s own starts. I do not think CAN would be interested in that kind of controversy. If you put something up that will breach public peace, it is the duty of the police to make sure that it is taken off,” he said.
Ayuba further stated that those behind the banner could be sponsored, adding that “nobody knows who is sponsoring them and for what intent and purpose.”
He said when it is obvious that a body, agency or group is behind an action targeted at annoying Christians or getting them upset to the extent that they will cause trouble, “we have links to responsible government agencies and we’ll file our protest accordingly. Sometimes we just keep silent over some things, especially when they appear very foolish.”
Ayuba cited an instance in April during Easter when the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) posted on their X handle that ‘Jesus has paid your debt but not your tax.’
He said CAN responded directly because it was coming from a government agency “and we felt it was done in bad fate and that they won’t dare say that concerning the other faith. Mere mention of the name Muhammad, they will just slaughter you.”
He lamented that a lot of foreign actors are determined to disrupt Nigeria, adding that they are being paid to cause trouble and destabilise the country and also distract the government from governance.
“Most of them are being sponsored by organisations that are linked to terror groups. Journalists should find out more about the people behind all of these because the religious organisations are very clear about relationships with others,” he said.
News
Makinde Signs N684 Billion 2025 Appropriation Act, Targets 80% Budget Implementation
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday signed the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act, tagged the “Budget of Economic Stabilisation.” Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde attributed the improved budget performance in the state—from 30–35% under previous administrations to over 70%—to an inclusive budgeting process that involves stakeholders and prioritizes the state’s development.
The governor announced that the 2025 budget aims for an 80% implementation rate, emphasizing reforms, people-centered policies, and economic stability. He highlighted that the budget includes provisions for the new minimum wage, which will take effect from January 1, 2025, and reassured workers that the government would pay the 13th-month salary on December 31, 2024.
“This budget is more than a financial document; it’s an operational manual guiding our administration,” Makinde said. “We prepared this budget after extensive consultations with stakeholders across all zones, ensuring that it reflects the aspirations of our people.”
Makinde praised the collaboration between the executive and legislative arms, which enabled the budget’s passage within three months. He noted that the Assembly spent six weeks scrutinizing the document, reflecting a shared commitment to Oyo State’s growth.
The governor also addressed the challenges of 2024, encouraging residents to remain hopeful. “Despite the tough year, we are pushing forward with reforms and policies to stabilize our economy. This budget is key to achieving our goals, and I urge everyone to support this administration,” he said.
Makinde called for continued transparency and engagement with citizens, assuring residents that grievances would be addressed without bias. “Our administration has been open and fair, reinstating workers unfairly dismissed and emphasizing dialogue with all aggrieved parties.”
Legislative Support and Budget Priorities
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, lauded the upward review of the budget from N678 billion to N684 billion, describing it as a strategic move to address emerging priorities. He commended Governor Makinde’s achievements, including workforce expansion and investments in infrastructure, education, and workers’ welfare.
Ogundoyin stated, “This budget lays a solid foundation for unprecedented growth and development in Oyo State, ensuring that critical projects and the new minimum wage implementation are prioritized.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Deputy Governor Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; and Chief Mrs. Mutiat Ladoja, wife of a former Oyo State governor. Other dignitaries included members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, labor union representatives, and top government officials.
With the 2025 budget in place, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for Oyo State residents.
News
Tinubu issues serious warning to pilgrims as he unveils 2024 Christian pilgrimage to Israel, Jordan
President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the 2024 main Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of Christian pilgrimage, Celestine Toruka, and published on the Commission’s official X handle on Monday.
The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, urged pilgrims to view their journey as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God.
He noted that the theme of the 2024 pilgrimage, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligns with the vision and agenda of his administration.
The president called on the intending pilgrims to pray for the progress of Nigeria, Lagos State, and their families.
Tinubu warned the pilgrims against absconding while in the Holy Land, stressing that there is no better place than home.
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