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Tag: Appointees

  • Ekiti state governor Oyebanji swears in two appointees

    Ekiti state governor Oyebanji swears in two appointees

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti swore in the newly-appointed Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Habibat Adubiaro and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, his eighth day in office.

    He used the occasion to dispel rumours that he was under pressure from his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Mrs Bisi Fayemi and former deputy governor in the state to appoint their cronies into his cabinet.

    “We are not going to be distracted as long as we are doing what is right in the interest of our people.

    “While I recognise the right of people to freedom of expression, I also have the right to respond to the fake news being circulated on the social media.

    “I need to put it on record that neither the former governor nor his wife, nor the former deputy governor has put any pressure on me to appoint anybody.

    “If I have to go back to the former cabinet and appoint relevant people that can assist me, I will go and pick them,’’ he said.

    The governor charged the two new appointees to develop new socio-political skills and emotional intelligence to move the state forward.

    He stressed that the two appointees were appointed based on their rich credentials and experiences.

    Oyebanji restated his promise to get very competent Ekiti indigenes wherever were to man strategic positions in his administration.

    He recalled his promise to appoint the best set of individuals in managing the affairs of Ekiti to bring about the fulfilment of his campaign promises.

    “Having listened to the Curriculum Vitaes of the two appointees, it would be discovered that they got the jobs clearly on merit.

    “My promise to Ekiti people is that I am going to look for the best anywhere to help me to run Ekiti and that is what we are going to do,’’ he stressed.

    Oyebanji expressed his confidence in the professionalism and competence of Adubiaro to serve as Secretary to the State Government.

    According to him, her appointment was in consonance with his administration’s commitment to gender balance, affirmative action and equity.

    Adubiaro holds a doctorate degree in Chemistry and was formerly vice-chairman of ASUU, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.

    Apata was Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice.

  • 2023: Resign if you have political ambition, Akeredolu tells appointees

    2023: Resign if you have political ambition, Akeredolu tells appointees

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has directed political appointees and public office holders willing to contest for various positions in the forthcoming general elections to resign.

    The directive is contained in a memo dated on April 11, 2022 and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu.

    According to Akeredolu, they are to submit their letters of resignation on or before Thursday, April 14.

    “As you are aware, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari has signed the amended Electoral Bill into Law.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released guidelines on the conduct of the impending general elections thereby signing the commencement of intense political activities both at the Federal and State levels.

    “In line with the provisions of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act 2022, Political and Public office holders desirous of participating in electoral process either as contestants for elective positions or as delegates should resign their appointments on or before Thursday, 14th April, 2022.

    “This is for your information and strict compliance,” the memo read.

  • Ogun governor gives appointees nursing 2023 ambition deadline to resign

    Ogun governor gives appointees nursing 2023 ambition deadline to resign

    The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has directed all serving political appointees with 2023 political ambitions in the state to resign on or before January 31, 2022, to pursue their dreams.

    The governor was quoted to have said this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin.

    Abiodun said while it is legitimate to have such ambitions, the directive became expedient to avoid some observed distractions and the loss of focus in the discharge of their current responsibilities.

    “As an administration unwaveringly committed to delivering on its electoral promises, any activity that is capable of undermining the implementation of the Building Our Future Together Agenda of the Administration will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

    Governor Abiodun advised that those who cannot wait till the appropriate time for the 2023 electioneering process should take their leave to pursue their ambitions without constituting a clog in the wheel of the implementation of government programmes and activities.

  • ’Resign or be sacked’, Bayelsa Gov warns appointees involved in 2023 politicking

    ’Resign or be sacked’, Bayelsa Gov warns appointees involved in 2023 politicking

    Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has cautioned his appointees against early politicking ahead of the 2023 elections, saying he would not hesitate to sack any of them found wanting.

    Speaking before the commencement of the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Government House on Wednesday, Governor Diri frowned on the activities of some of his appointees, which he said were hitting up the polity ahead of the 2023 elections, stressing that it was too early for open politicking.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as saying that although people having the right to aspire to any political office, the time was not ripe for politicking.

    “I find it very difficult to believe that appointees in this government have already started open politicking,” Diri was quoted as saying.

    “Yes, it is the constitutional right of anybody to contest but even the Bible tells us that there is time for everything. At this time, we are trying to stamp our feet to meet up our campaign promises to our people.

    “I hereby caution all those involved to immediately withdraw. If you are prepared to continue with this government, you must listen to the music of this administration. We are not prepared to start politicking from this year.”

    The governor reminded his appointees that the administration lost considerable time last year due to COVID-19 and needless litigations, stressing that it was in a hurry to deliver on its campaign promises and cannot afford to waste time politicking.

    He wondered why appointees would be involved in open politicking when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not even released a timetable for elections.

    He urged members of his cabinet interested in open politicking at this time, especially those from Bayelsa West Senatorial District, to resign or be ready to be sacked.

    He called on all those involved in the early politicking to immediately withdraw and follow the directives of his administration, saying his government was not ready for politics at this time.

  • Ayade fires four commissioners, five other appointees days after defecting to APC

    Ayade fires four commissioners, five other appointees days after defecting to APC

    Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has sacked four commissioners from his cabinet.

    Mr Christian Ita, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, announced this in a statement on Monday in Calabar, the state capital.

    The affected commissioners are Mike Usibe (New City Development), Rita Ayim (Women Affairs), Asu Okang (Information), and Ntufam Etim (Climate Change).

    Governor Ayade also relieved five other appointees – who include Leo Inyambe, Orok Duke, Victor Okon, John Bassey, and Mbeh Agbiji – of their appointments.

    While no reason was given for the Governor’s action, he thanked the affected commissioners and appointees for their services to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.

    They were, however, asked to return the government properties and vehicles in their possession to the Chief of Staff to the Governor.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Ayade had on May 20 defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) becoming the second governor in six months to join the party from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He was elected as the governor of Cross Rivers State in 2015 on the platform of the PDP, and got re-elected in 2019 on same platform.

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State had also announced his defection from PDP to APC on November 17, 2020.

    He alleged that the South-East region had suffered injustice in the opposition party, a claim that was swiftly denied by the PDP.

  • Why I retained Amosun’s last-minute appointees – Abiodun

    Why I retained Amosun’s last-minute appointees – Abiodun

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday said despite obvious flaws, his administration elected to uphold all appointments made by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in the twilight of that government. Rescinding such decisions would have been the ideal thing, the governor noted.

    Abiodun added that his administration chose to retain the affected workers, lest a contrary action would be interpreted as vendetta against his predecessor.

    The governor, who made this known while swearing – in new permanent secretaries, stressed that his administration remained committed to equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness.

    He said: “It is important to make public that we received with great commendations the report of the Review Committee on the Appointments and Recruitments made by the immediate past administration between February and May, 2019 in line with the resolution of the immediate past House of Assembly.

    “Let me state that we very much agree with the recommendations of the Review Committee comprising eminent retired public servants, that many of the appointments and recruitments were fraught with non-adherence to the principles and laid-down traditions of the Public Service.

    “But in line with our administrations commitment to equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness, we will not engage in any action or policy that may be viewed as vendetta. Rather, we will call on all to continue to put in their best for service delivery to the people of Ogun State.

    “As a result, despite some flaws, we have upheld all the appointments of Permanent Secretaries made in the twilight of the last administration. The appointment of these new Permanent Secretaries further strengthens the bureaucracy and the capacity to deliver on our promises.

    “In the same vein, I hereby direct that the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Head of Service to come up with modalities for the regularisation of those newly employed between the same period covered by the House of Assembly resolutions with a view to normalising their appointments.”

  • Buhari writes senate, demands confirmation of 26 new appointees [ Full list]

    President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Senate to confirm Festus Okoye as National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Mr Okoye is among 26 new appointees the president wrote, in separate letters, to the Senate for confirmation.

    Mr Buhari’s request on Mr Okoye was contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, shortly before the Senate adjourned plenary on Tuesday.

    “In accordance with the provision of section 154(1) of the 1999 constitution as amended, I rise to forward to the distinguished senators the name of Barrister Festus Okoye for confirmation as National Commissioner representing South-east geo-political zone.

    “While hoping that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration, please accept Mr President the assurances of my highest regard,” the letter reads.

    Mr Okoye, an indigene of Imo State, is the Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor, and a Solicitor at the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    In other letters dispatched to the Senate, Mr Buhari also sought the confirmation of 23 members of National Population Commission and two non-legal practitioners as members of Federal Judicial Service Commission.

    The two non-legal practitioners are; Abba Ali (Katsina-North west) and Mohammed Sagir (Niger-North central).

    The 23 nominees for the National Population Commission are; Nwanne Johnny Nwabuisi (Abia), Dr Clifford Zirra (Adamawa), Mr Chidi Christopher Ezeoke(Anambra), Barrister Isa Audu Buratai (Borno), Navy Captain Charles Iyam Ogwa(Cross River), Sir Richard Odibo(Delta), Okereke Darlington Onaubuchi (Ebonyi) and Mr A.D. Olusegun Aiyajina (Edo).

    Others are; Ejike Ezeh (Enugu), Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Danburam (Gombe), Prof. Uba S.F. Nnabue (Imo), Dr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Durunguwa (Kaduna), Sulaiman Ismaila Lawal (Kano), Prof. Jimoh Habibat Isah (Kogi), Dr. Sa’adu Ayinla Alanamu (Kwara), Nasir Isa kwarra (Nasarawa).

    Also nominated are: Barrister Aliyu Datti (Niger), Yeye (Mrs) Seyi Adererinokun Olusanya (Ogun), Prince Oladiran Garvey Iyantan (Ondo), Senator Mudashiru Oyetunde Hussain (Osun), Mrs Cecilia Arsun Dapoet ()Plateau, Dr. Ipalibo Macdonald Harry (Rivers), Sale S. Saany (Taraba).

  • Alleged interference in Metuh’s trial: Call your appointees to order, PDP tells Buhari

    Alleged interference in Metuh’s trial: Call your appointees to order, PDP tells Buhari

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call to order, some of his appointees over their continued interference in its former National Publicity Secretary’s trial.
    Also to be cautioned for sustained meddling in the trial of the former publicity scribe, Chief Olisa Metuh, according to the party, are some officials of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
    In a statement in Abuja on Thursday by Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, its National Publicity Secretary, PDP urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria to protect the judiciary and the courts from the direct interferences of the officials.
    It said that the connection between the timing of happenings in Metuh’s case and the intrusions of the officials in the entire matter had assumed a worrisome dimension.
    It pointed out that its members had specifically expressed fear about Metuh’s fate before Justice Okon Abang, the judge that had in the past, delivered judgments against the PDP, and were later upturned after much damage.
    The party said that it found it curious that interferences were manifesting in Metuh’s case even after the court had adjourned indefinitely on his application to be allowed to travel to the UK for surgery.
    It wondered why the court had continued to refuse Metuh’s application for medical leave even as his condition had degenerated.
    According to PDP, it is on record that people facing similar charges at the Federal High Court are granted leave to travel for medical check-ups and other sundry reasons, but Metuh’s application has been deferred indefinitely.
    It decried the current situation where Metuh now had to be brought to court for trial on a hospital stretcher.
    It said that if the court could not grant Metuh leave for medical treatment, there was no guarantee that he could get justice from the same court.
    The party alleged that some persons were manipulating issues around the case as a reference point to threaten opposition in the country.
    It called on the chief justice to take a closer look at the conduct of Metuh’s case and take appropriate action to ensure that justice was done at the end of the day.
    The former publicity secretary of PDP is standing trial for allegedly receiving N400 million from the office of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

  • No going back on placement of embargo on Buhari’s appointees – Saraki

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki has said the Senate was yet to life an embargo it placed last year on the confirmation of appointments made by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Saraki had read a letter from the President seeking the Senate’s approval for the 2017 budget estimates of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

    Lawmaker representing Imo North Senatorial District, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, however, raised a point of order to remind the lawmakers that three states had no representation on the board of the NDDC, which he blamed on the suspension of confirmation of nominees.

    Ohuabunwa pointed out that the NDDC Act clearly stated the composition of the board to include representatives from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers states, with three persons to represent non-oil producing states provided that such membership was drawn from the same geo-political zone which are not represented in the commission.

    He said other members included one representative of the oil-producing firms in the Niger Delta nominated by the oil-producing companies, one person to represent the Ministry of Finance, one person to represent the Ministry of Environment, the Managing Director of the commission and two executive directors.

    Ohuabunwa said, “That is the composition of the NDDC board. As I speak today, two or three states are not represented on this board and this board has been inaugurated and has been functioning.

    Responding, Saraki stated that the NDDC board appointments could only be confirmed if the screening process started before the resolution by the Senate.

    He said, “I am happy that you made reference to the fact that we all here at the Senate passed a resolution on this matter. The issue you just raised, we will look at it to see if the exercise itself started before the resolution. I know this resolution, we took it in March – I could remember it was towards the end of March last year.

    “So, the secretariat should check the records. If it had started before, we will look into it; but if it started after, unless that resolution is rescinded, we are all bound by that resolution.”

     

  • Number of dead appointees on Buhari’s board list rises to nine

    Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari’s latest batch of appointments has stoked controversy after it was detected that a number of dead persons had been ‘given’ positions as board members.

    A list of over 1,460 people was released Friday evening but careful scrutiny by the media revealed duplications and names of deceased persons and others who were not in the ruling party. Initially, only about two persons were confirmed dead in the list of appointees. Further checks have revealed at least nine dead persons at the time of filing this report.

    Some of the dead persons on the list released included late Senator Francis Okpozo, who died in December 2016 but was named the chairman of the board of the Nigerian Press Council.

    Another was Donald Ugbaja, the late Deputy Inspector General of Police who died in November but listed was as one of the members of the Consumer Protection Council.

    Also on the list was the late founder of Fidei Polytechnic, Rev. Christopher Utov, who died in March but was listed as a board member of the Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research.

    Included on the list was the late Alhaji Umar Dange, an APC leader in Sokoto State, who was appointed as a board member of the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta.

    Similarly, Kabir Umar, a former Emir of Katagum in Bauchi State, who died on December 9, was on the board of the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, Bauchi.

    Similarly, another appointee, Ahmed Bunza, died at Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, and was buried May 22.

    Bunza was reported to be a staunch supporter of the APC. He served as the sole administrator of Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi state.

    Also, one Magdalene Kumu, was appointed a member, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB). She was from Taraba State. Kumu is late.

    Three other dead person identified in the list are Garba Attahiru, appointed to chair the board of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa and hailed from Kaduna State.

    Also in the dead-men’s list is Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, a former commissioner for culture and tourism in Rivers State, he was appointed to the board of the National Orthopedic Hospitals.

    But presidential spokesperson Mallam Garba Shehu has downplayed the controversy, calling it a storm in a tea cup. According to Mallam Shehu, there was nothing scandalous about the list, which he insists was valid at the time it was compiled.