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Bayo Onanuga can’t be your spokesman He Speaks From both sides of his mouth. – HURIWA to Tinubu

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a scathing critique against President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Strategy and Information, Bayo Onanuga, branding him a “historical loose cannon” for his contradictory statements and lack of introspection.

HURIWA argues that Onanuga’s propensity to speak without thoughtful consideration disqualifies him from representing the Nigerian president effectively. The group suggests that the adviser only reflects the views of a president who shuns criticism and critical thought.

The rights group particularly condemned Onanuga for allegedly misinterpreting a recent cover story in The Guardian, which highlighted the dire state of hunger, poverty, and rising living costs in Nigeria, prompting some citizens to call for military intervention. HURIWA asserts that Onanuga’s interpretation distorts the narrative, which does not endorse military action but rather sheds light on the citizens’ existential struggles.

HURIWA also referenced comments made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who previously told youths calling for protests against bad governance that he would be watching them from the comfort of his mansion. They criticized Onanuga for seemingly justifying the refusal of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to comply with legal orders.

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The organization stressed that the legal immunity granted to governors does not extend to their residences, stating, “The police or military can’t be stopped from arresting wanted persons even if they hide under the AGBADA of the governor or president.” They urged President Tinubu to appoint a more qualified and reflective media spokesperson to prevent Onanuga’s controversial remarks from tarnishing Nigeria’s image.

HURIWA’s discontent also extends to Onanuga’s defense of Bello, who has been evading arrest due to allegations of financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion. Despite efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to apprehend him, Bello has not appeared in court, with claims that his successor had facilitated his escape.

In conclusion, HURIWA described Onanuga’s justifications as “spurious, laughable, and fallacious,” reiterating that government properties cannot serve as sanctuaries for individuals sought by law enforcement agencies.

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Senator Manu hosts Taraba Queens and Kings in NASS (Photos)

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The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna on Tuesday hosted Taraba Queens and Kings in his office at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.

Miss Taraba Queen Grace Sunday, the 7th titleholder, and Miss Taraba Queen Comfort Williams, the 10th titleholder, led the newly crowned state kings and queens in paying a courtesy visit to the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State.

Grace Sunday on behalf of the team expressed their appreciation for the Senator’s support and dedication to youth empowerment and community development within the Taraba Central and Taraba at large.

Senator Haruna hailed their achievements and encouraged them to continue serving as positive role models for the youth of Taraba State.

See photos below:

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*Kemi Ayelabola Sustains Tempo On Gender Equality For Women, Salutes Efforts Of Hon. Ogbara, House Leadership*

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has added her voice to the call for gender equality for women, describing it as a moral imperative, as well as a key driver of sustainable development and social progress.

Kemi, a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional currently based in the Republic of Ireland also commended the leadership of the House of Representatives, especially the Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (CFR) and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (CON) for their deliberate efforts to involve more women in critical decision-making, particularly in elective offices across the various tiers of government.

She further applauded the House leadership for the genuine commitment they exhibited at the international legislative dialogue on women and the constitutional amendment process in Nigeria, recently organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

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Similarly, Kemi equally gave kudos to the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara for her immense contributions in making a case for the women folks towards societal cohesion, gender parity, political participation/leadership so as to engender national development.

Olokode-Ayelabola stated this in a statement she made available to the media on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 noting that there was urgent need for collaboration and collective action by all stakeholders in tackling legal, social, religious and cultural vices and other societal challenges, that serve as impediments to women’s participation and empowerment in every strata of life.

“I must commend Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, for revisiting all the gender-based legislations of the 9th Assembly on women’s participation in politics and other sectorial matters and this is essentially crucial to building a stable and peaceful society and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of women while also creating a place of pride and dignity for them in the society through right legal and legislative frameworks.

“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the women to be adequately represented in political and economic decision-making at every level,” she said.

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Continuing, “As Nigeria strives for gender equality, women’s participation in political leadership remains a critical focal point. Sadly women face pitiable challenges in the political arena, therefore necessitating tailored approaches to enhance their opportunities and ensure protection from discrimination must never be compromised.

“I once appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March this year to step up the full implementation of 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership; I have not backed out from this laudable advocacy and thankfully we have a compassionate and listening President who is already taking meaningful decisions in that direction and we must applaud His Excellency for that.

“We must however redouble our efforts to support women in decision-making roles, enabling them to effectively advocate for legislation and policies that advance the interests of women and girls. In alignment with these efforts, there should be legislative and constitutional reforms to ensure women’s equitable access to political spheres as voters, candidates, elected officials, political appointees and civil service executives as the case may be,” Olokode-Ayelabola stated.

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Reps Query Works Ministry Over N1.46bn Abandoned Road Project

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By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has quizzed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr Yakubu Adam, over the abandoned Gidanwaya-Guaran Dutse-Waman Rafi-Saminaka-Kano road project of which payment had been made in full to the sum of N1.46 billion.
This was the resolution of the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday at it’s resumed investigation when the Permanent Secretary appeared before it, after failing failing to honour it’s for two consecutive time over the matter.
The Committee chairman, Rep  Bamidele Salam, stated that the money for the project was a loan by the Federal Government.
Salam said: “You were invited concerning an exercise that is about to commence which is the inspection of critical national assets especially roads that were constructed in the last five years.
“Information we received from the debt management office indicated the number of roads were even undertaken with loans taken by the federal government. But in particular, a particular road with the title Gidanwaya-Guaran Dutse-Waman Rafi-Saminaka-Kano road in Kaduna State awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works on the 5th of October 2022 and the sum of N1.461 billion to Messrs Jam Jam Dynamic Platform Limited.
“This road was supposed to be completed within 12 months. There’s an allegation that the road awarded in 2022 has not been started as we speak and there has been full payment of the sum by the Federal Ministry of Works to the contractor concerned.
“As a committee of equity, we believe strongly that we must give all parties fair hearing. You should provide information on the status of the road. We asked for certain documents to be provided and we expect that you would provide us with better insight so the committee can take a decision on the best way to ascertain the truthfulness of the claim that road has been done, while full payment has been effected to the contractor.”
In response, the Permanent Secretary said the amount was not for the entire stretch which is about 133km but a portion of the road.
According to him, the road was done in phases due to paucity of funds. He expressed surprise that the road had not been done.
Adam apologised for not honouring previous invitations, as be said he didn’t receive any.
The Committee ordered that the PS must come back on Monday and also directed him to submit all relevant documents related to the project by Friday, enable the members study the submission for a proper probe of the matter.
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