The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has asked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to resign and submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for investigations.

The group made the call following the Federal Government’s ongoing fraud investigation in NSIPA as it involved the public fund she allegedly deposited in a private individual’s bank account.

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It said public sector financial regulations of 2009 prohibits the payment of public funds into a private individual account.

HURIWA further called on the President and the EFCC to use the best global practice in the enforcement of the anti-graft laws since the law shouldn’t be made to favour individuals because they are top officials in the ruling All Progressives Congress.

A public servant, Fuad Kayode-Laguda has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Surulere 1 Constituency House of Representatives by-election.

This was confirmed on Saturday following his victory in the party’s primary election, which took place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

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The by-election, scheduled for February 3, 2024, aims to fill the vacancy left by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who previously represented the constituency, before President Bola Tinubu appointed him as his Chief of Staff.

Laguda scored 30 votes to beat the other three contestants: Raheed Owokoniran, Lawal Kabir, and Manzu Jemila, who scored nil.

The election was conducted by a five-member committee chaired by Buba Yusuf, while Dapo Lam-Adesina served as secretary. (DT)

Anthony Okorie, a professor of Agricultural Extension Administration at the Federal University of Technology Owerri has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in the February 4 bye-election.

Prof. Okorie garned a total of 281 votes out of 285 accredited voters.

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Announcing the result at Afikpo local government headquarters of Ebonyi State where the primary election took place, the returning officer, Dr Akin Awodeyi Akinsehinwe, said the election was peaceful.

“I was only sent by the national leadership of APC to conduct the primary and the level of the consciousness seen today shows that APC is a peaceful party and that is why the election was very free and fair,” he said.

Prof. Okorie hails from Onicha Local Government Area of the state.

His victory at the Saturday’s primary followed the successful harmonisation meeting where interested parties, stakeholders and aspirants met and supported him as the only candidate in the primary.

The meeting, held on Friday, was at the instance of the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru.
Ebonyi South senatorial bye election came duo to the resignation of Sen. David Umahi, a former governor of the state from the Senate to serve as Minister of Work.

Reacting, Okorie said his victory was a miracle and promised to bring agricultral ingenuity to the Senate if elected.

Spokesman and Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi has denied a report that members were given money as palliatives to their various constituencies.

This is why he confirmed that members were given palliatives by the Federal government through the Ministry of Agriculture to distribute in all constituencies across the country.

According to a statement signed in Abuja, Rotimi stated that no legislator has, nor will be given any money for palliatives, adding that the procurement process is
at different stages depending on the constituency.

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“The House of Representatives is monitoring a trending topic on social media, relating to the distribution of palliatives by Honourable Members, and in line with our Legislative Agenda which promises responsive, timely, and accurate information, the People’s House considers it necessary to respond to Nigerians to clarify issues.

“To be clear, no legislator has, nor will be given any money for palliatives. While, as politicians, Honourable Members may be visible during the process of distribution, and rightfully take the credit for bringing succour to the people, the procurement and distribution of the palliatives is being handled by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

“The pro-people position of the Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD led House of Representatives, on the need for the Federal Government to expedite palliative measures to support vulnerable Nigerians, is well documented. This is on account of the hardship Nigerians are experiencing following the removal of fuel subsidy last year.

“Our leadership successfully lobbied for additional palliatives for our constituents across the country, which is being handled by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in line with extant Public Procurement Laws.

As it is customary during this season, Honourable Members, in their respective constituencies, celebrate with their constituents in various ways, in individual capacities. These gestures should not be misconstrued as palliatives, and Honourable Members will continue to engage at the grassroots to clarify these issues in order not to cause dis-affection for colleagues in other constituencies.

“We remain committed to ensuring diligent oversight in the implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act – Budget of Renewed Hope – which holds the promise of bringing sustainable positive impact on the lives of Nigerians, so that they can legitimately fend for themselves in dignity, and also ensure no vulnerable person is left behind.

“The 10th Assembly of the Federal House of Representatives is the People’s House, and we will continue to engage and work to earn the trust of Nigerians as your elected representatives.