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Lawmakers from Ekiti State are facing backlash for organizing an international retreat in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, scheduled for November 2024.

A letter from the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Titilope Agbede, revealed that the retreat aims to enhance legislators’ skills in navigating complex policy issues and includes engagement with the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada.

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The letter, dated October 18, 2024, addressed to Barrister Adesina, the President of Ekiti Kete Canada, stated that the event seeks to equip lawmakers with knowledge to tackle policy implementation challenges.

The letter outlined the plan: “Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly and Officials, led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, will attend an Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat in Brampton, Ontario. As part of our visit, the House intends to have a courtesy meeting with the Ekiti Kete Association to promote cultural development and governance.”

However, the announcement has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the timing of the trip amidst ongoing economic struggles in the country.

Reactions include:

@imOlatunj suggested, “Instead of this trip, why not enroll them in Afe Babalola University for leadership courses? Many politicians seem unaware of their responsibilities.”

@teebabah commented, “Let’s just say that Ekiti as a state is not thriving.”

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@djokaymegamixer highlighted, “The poverty in Ekiti is stark, and yet state resources are being used for this trip. It’s unfortunate that self-serving leaders continue to govern.”

@AdekunleOderind questioned, “How can this travel be justified? They could easily have online training, especially when people are struggling to make ends meet.”

@enitioluwafe expressed, “If true, this is a gross misuse of limited resources. For a governor who claims the state can’t meet the minimum wage, this is simply cruel.”

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@godblezme added, “Taxpayer money is being wasted. In 2024, these conferences could be held remotely, yet they choose to travel. It’s clear what’s happening here.”

@tarimartins10 remarked, “People in Ekiti sold their votes for N5k, so they must accept the consequences.”

@wilex_williams raised concerns about the inclusion of officials’ spouses on the trip, asking why they would accompany their partners on a government-funded visit.

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, has asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari would not have become Nigeria’s leader in 2015 without the backing of President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Dare emphasized that his current appointment is not a demotion but an opportunity to contribute positively to the Tinubu administration during a crucial period of reform.

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Dare, who previously served as Minister of Sports under Buhari, stated, “This is a call to duty to support the administration at a time when necessary reforms are underway. My experience as a former minister should not diminish the importance of my role now. Historically, past presidents have called on Nigerians to contribute, and President Tinubu has also brought in others with significant experience.”

He elaborated on the continuity of governance, noting, “Governance is a continuum. You inherit challenges and work towards reforms to ensure the country functions effectively.”

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Dare reiterated the importance of readiness among Nigerians to answer the call for duty, emphasizing his commitment to work alongside the current team under President Tinubu.

Moreover, he reaffirmed the pivotal role Tinubu played in Buhari’s election, stating, “Without Tinubu’s involvement in forming the party and establishing a viable platform, President Buhari would not have been able to emerge as president.”

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The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has reported its former National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, to security agencies for alleged impersonation.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja, Oparah is accused of falsely claiming to be the LP’s National Woman Leader in an effort to extort party members.

Ifoh stated, “The Labour Party leadership has discovered that Ms. Oluchi Oparah, previously our National Treasurer, has been fraudulently posing as the National Woman Leader.”

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He added that Oparah was suspended indefinitely from the party in November 2023 due to anti-party activities, and that suspension remains active.

The statement clarified that Oparah has never held the position of National Woman Leader, nor has she ever run for it.

The official National Woman Leader of the LP is Mrs. Dudu Manuga, who is tasked with overseeing the party’s female membership both nationally and internationally.

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According to Ifoh, Oparah’s misrepresentation has brought considerable embarrassment to the LP, necessitating this public clarification.

He noted that Oparah has attended various events while claiming to represent the party, seeking financial benefits under false pretenses.

The LP has warned organizations, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), The Kukah Foundation, NGOs, political groups, the National Assembly, and security agencies, to be vigilant regarding Oparah’s activities.

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The statement urged any organization approached by her to report her actions to the police immediately.

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the newly elected Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize governance over investigating his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Ganduje’s remarks came during Okpebholo’s thank-you visit to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.

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He emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating, “The ideals of democracy were upheld, and the election was successfully conducted. Instead of dwelling on the past administration, focus on the future and the manifesto you developed. A progressive government should concentrate on socio-economic development, build bridges, and foster good relationships with stakeholders.”

Ganduje encouraged Okpebholo to maintain the proactive approach he exhibited during his campaign, assuring him that the party would support his administration.

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He highlighted the need for functional party offices at all levels and announced the establishment of a progressive institute to train local government personnel and address the needs of the Nigerian populace.

In response, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to Ganduje for his support and acknowledged the challenges of the recent election.

He noted the chairman’s commitment to the campaign, stating, “It wasn’t an easy journey. The chairman’s presence in Edo before the election made a significant impact.”

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He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful election in Edo State, where there were no reported incidents of violence on polling day.

Okpebholo celebrated the election victory as a new beginning for the people of Edo, expressing hope for a prosperous future under his leadership.

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The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has adjourned the trial of former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika until November 15.

Sirika, alongside his daughter Fatima, son-in-law Jalal Hamma, and Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited, faces six charges related to abuse of office and contract fraud, as filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges stem from allegations that Sirika misused his ministerial position to award contracts to a company in which his family members had interests.

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The prosecution argues that these actions contravene the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000 and the EFCC (Establishment) Act of 2004.

During Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Sylvanus Oriji ruled against the admissibility of a document that defense counsel Michael Numa (SAN) sought to introduce, citing relevance to the case’s core issue regarding the company’s approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement.

The judge emphasized that the defense failed to establish a connection between the witness and the document, thus rejecting its admissibility.

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He explained that to introduce a document through a witness, the cross-examiner must demonstrate a relevant link, which was not accomplished in this instance.

Following this decision, the same document was again rejected when presented by counsel for Jalal Hamma.

The fourth prosecution witness, Isaiah Yusuf, testified that Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited was not listed as a bidder for the contracts in question.

After the cross-examination, the court adjourned the trial until November 15 for further proceedings.

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The House of Representatives has tasked its Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management with conducting a thorough audit and oversight of all loans obtained by federal and state governments since the start of the current democratic era, which total N121.67 trillion.

The committee is expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion presented by Rep. Lanre Okunlola during Thursday’s plenary, titled “Need to Ensure Public Debt Oversight on the Federal and State Governments Loans and Proper Utilization of Borrowed Fund.”

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Presenting the motion, Okunlola referenced data recently released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) as of March 31, 2024, regarding Nigeria’s public debt profile, encompassing both external and domestic debt.

He stated, “Nigeria’s debt rose by N24.33 trillion in three months from N97.34 trillion ($108.23 billion) in December 2023 to N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion), according to the same report.

Although borrowing is a vital means for financing development, unchecked debt accumulation poses serious risks to Nigeria’s fiscal stability and future economic growth.”

Okunlola emphasized that the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Fiscal Responsibility Act (2007), and the Debt Management Office Establishment Act (2003) mandate the National Assembly to approve all government loans and ensure their proper utilization.

He noted, “Over 40% of developing countries, including Nigeria, currently spend more on debt services and repayments of loans, leading to inefficiencies in government finances at the expense of funding critical sectors of the economy such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social policy.”

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The lawmaker expressed concern about the increasing lack of oversight and transparency in the management and utilization of borrowed funds by both federal and state governments.