Politics

Agosasa Chaos: OGHA Calls for Deployment of Security Personnel

By Web News 497

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has passed a resolution calling on the executive to facilitate the deployment of armed security personnel to Agosasa Community in Ipokia Local Government Area of the state as part of efforts to restore peace and orderliness, following civil unrest in the area. 

The resolution followed a motion moved by the majority leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff and seconded by the member representing Ipokia/Idiroko State Constituency, Mr Adebisi Oyedele who expressed deep concerns about the recent chaos and civil unrest that had occurred in Agosasa town.

Mr Oyedele, during a plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr Oludaisi Elemide at the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta, had reported that the conflict broke out following the installation and coronation of the town’s traditional ruler which was opposed by some groups. 

He called for decisive action to restore peace and security, pointing out the need for the relevant authorities, particularly the police to establish a permanent security base at Agosasa to address the situation for the protection of lives and property of the people. 

The lawmaker equally implored all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation as a means of resolving their grievances and conflicts.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Legislature

Oluomo Appears Before Adhoc Committee, Disagrees with Composition

By Web News 772

By Omolara Adasofunjo

By Omolara Adasofunjo

The embattled Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, has appeared before the Adhoc Committee that was set up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.

Speaking with journalists on his way out of a closed-door interaction with the Committee, Mr Oluomo maintained that the meeting was deadlocked because he protested that the committee’s composition violated the standing order of the House. 

He maintained that 5 of the 8-member committee were among the petitioners and not eligible to serve in the Adhoc Committee in line with the standing order adopted last year, asserting that the committee members who signed a petition should not be part of the inquiry committee.

He maintained that despite the claim that the particular order had been stepped down, he was resolute in challenging the committee’s structure, adding that his appearance before the said committee was borne out of his respect for the rule of law.

Earlier, the Ogun State House of Assembly set up an Adhoc Committee to look into the response of Mr Olakunle Oluomo, over the allegations levelled against him by 18 members of the House.

The committee’s inauguration marks a twist of events, from the publicised impeachment of Mr Oluomo to the announcement of Mr Oludaisi Elemide as the new Speaker and the subsequent insistence by the embattled Speaker that his impeachment was a nullity that had become a matter of litigation. 

The lawmakers during a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi at the Oke Mosan, Abeokuta Assembly Complex advised the embattled Speaker to step aside pending the report of the Adhoc Committee set up to look into the matter. 

The Deputy Speaker announced the Committee’s make-up to include Mr Musefiu Lamidi, from Ado Odo/Ota II State Constituency as Chairman and Mr Oluseun Adesanya as Vice Chairman with Mr Babatunde Tella, Damilola Soneye, Lukman Adeleye, Fola Salami and Olusegun Odunuga as members, while the Director of Legislative Service, Mr. Temtope Hokon would serve as the Secretary.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group 

Governance

My emergence as Speaker will reposition OGHA – Elemide

By Web News 544

By Omolara Adasofunjo

The new Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide has described his emergence as the collective decision of members to reposition the Assembly.

Mr Elemide who stated this to newsmen at the Assembly Complex promised to uphold the rule of law and protect the interest of all members.

Insert

The new speaker expressed the determination of the House to ensure passage of people – oriented bills that would ensure good governance in tune with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s bid to better the lot of the state.

Mr Elemide became the Speaker following the impeachment of his predecessor, Mr Olakunle Oluomo by 18 out of the 26 members of the House and his subsequent swearing -in at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi.

The lawmakers, belonging to both the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the opposition, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, had accused the ousted Speaker of various offences, especially high handedness, lack of focus and transparency, arrogance, poor leadership style and misappropriation of funds.

Education

OGHA Wants Tertiary Institutions to Embrace Technology

By Web News 385

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has tasked the various managements of State-owned tertiary institutions to take advantage of technology to promptly handle requests of their products on the issuance of academic records, including transcripts.

The lawmakers gave the charge when Heads of the State owned Universities and Polytechnics appeared for the ongoing 2024 budget defence before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation led by Mr Musefiu Lamidi.

The House of Assembly members noted that eliminating the delay and ensuring a more seamless processing of the transcript requests would enable graduates to fulfill their academic pursuits in any part of the world.

They also called for improved security measures to checkmate the threats to the lives and property on the institutions’ campuses and within their host communities, while urging the government to increase subventions to the institutions and check the hike in school fees.

The House Committee on Finance and Appropriation has equally called on the Ministry of Environment to strengthen measures towards enhancing flood and erosion control and check indiscriminate dumping of refuse across the State.

They told the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya to give priority to erosion – prone rural communities in the State holistic in the implementation of the Ministry’s 2024 budget proposal when passed by the Assembly and signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Responding, the Commissioner noted that the Ministry had embarked on impact assessment of affected areas in conjunction with some State and Federal Agencies, adding that the Ministry would continue to pursue diligently, its core mandate of making the environment clean and safe for all.

Other agencies that defended their budget proposals before the State lawmakers included the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, its Transport counterpart as well as the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE

News

Ogun PASAN Suspends Strike for Twenty-One Days

By Web News 386

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Legislative staff workers in Ogun State under the umbrella of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, have resumed duty after the suspension of their 21-day industrial action.

According to a statement by the chairman, PASAN, Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Ayotunde Ojediran, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Union and the Principal Officers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, led by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

Comrade Ojediran stated that the strike was suspended for 21 days to allow the lawmakers to request the State Government to pay the accrued statutory salaries and allowances of the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Executive Secretary of the commission since their respective dates of appointment without further delay.

It was also agreed that the lawmakers should effect the continuous payment of salaries and allowances through the Consortium of the Administration of Salaries and Pension in the State and extend the payment of the 40% Peculiar Allowance with effect from August 2023 to cushion the effect of inflation on members of the union.

He said the lawmakers promised to also present for assent the Legislative Funds Management Law 2023 and Judiciary Funds Management Law, 2023 passed by the House of Assembly and establish the disbursement and provide necessary tools for the committee to commence action with November 2023 allocation.

The PASAN chairman also noted that the leadership of the House is expected to ensure that the executive arm of government implements these demands within three weeks effective from 22nd November 2023 failure of which the Association will resume the strike action after the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group 

 

Judiciary

OGHA Tasks Ministries on Review of Obsolete Laws, Invest on Families

By Web News 392

Omolara Adasofunjo

The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has been charged to ensure immediate review of obsolete laws in the state with a view to fine tuning them in line with current realities.

The charge was given by the State House of Assembly Committee on Justice at the presentation of the Ministry’s budget performance for the ongoing third quarter of the 2023 budget performance appraisal held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr Oluseun Adesanya and the members, including Mr Musefiu Lamidi, Babatunde Tella, Lukman Adeleye, Yusuf Amosun and Dickson Awolaja also emphasized the need for public sensitization about the laws, to make the people more informed about their relevance.

The Committee equally commended the Ministry for attaining its revenue target for the 2023 financial year, adding that more could still be achieved through improved efforts.

Earlier in separate remarks, the representative of the Justice Ministry, Mr. Abdulazeez Ajidele and the Chief Registrar, Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs Olawunmi Oladunjoye, who pointed out that difficulty in getting in touch with witnesses was making prosecution difficult, pledging that the judiciary was poised to ensure seamless dispensation of justice to the people.

Also, the Executive Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Martins Akinyemi, while presenting the Commission’s achievements, promised more commitment to efficiency in service delivery for enhanced justice dispensation, especially for the indigents.

In another development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Adijat Adeleye Oladapo has restated the Ministry’s readiness to keep investing in families without gender bias in the interest of promoting sustainable development of the state.

Mrs Adeleye Oladapo stated this when she appeared before the State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Chaired by Mrs Omolola Bakare at the ongoing 2023 budget performance appraisal at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Melutia Ogunremi, stated that the ministry had achieved over 58% of its revenue target for the 2023 fiscal year in the bid to promoting a just society devoid of discrimination against women, while ensuring continuous empowerment and protection of the rights of children.

Responding, the lawmakers commended the Ministry and advised the Commissioner to work in synergy with the House of Assembly members to extend the relevant government programmes and policies to all the target groups and individuals across the state constituencies.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group

News

OGHA Speaker Directs Forwarding of Bills for Governor’s Assent

By Web News 256

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the State Legislative Funds Management Law, 2023 and the Ogun State Judiciary Funds Management law, 2023 with a view to ensuring judicious allocation of funds in the two arms of government ahead of plans to grant them financial autonomy 

The Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Musefiu Lamidi had earlier presented the Committee reports before moving the motion for their adoption which were seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye and another lawmaker, Mr Wahab Haruna before the general support of the entire members.

Motion for the third reading of the bills was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by Mr. Oluseun Adesanya as well as the Minority Leader Mr Lukman Adeleye and supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote after the clause-by clause reading and adoption.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo later directed that the clean copies of the bills should be forwarded to the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his assent.

Meanwhile The State House of Assembly has resolved to convene a public hearing on the incessant strike disrupting the academic calendar of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta.

The Speaker of The House, Mr Oluomo announced disclosed that the the public hearing would involve all stakeholders of the institution including the Governing Board, Management and Staff, students and other relevant parties, with a view to finding a lasting solution to issues affecting the Polytechnic.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTubeChannels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OGHA Tasks Nominees on Service Delivery

By Web News 439

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Three additional Commissioner nominees screened by the Ogun State House of Assembly have been tasked with quality service delivery and creative ways to improve the State’s Internally Generated Revenue without putting unnecessary financial burden on the people. 

The Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo gave the charge at the end of the screening exercise for the prospective Commissioners, emphasizing that the best would be expected of them, if confirmed by the Assembly and appointed by the State Governor.

Those screened by the lawmakers were Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Efuwape, Mr Olatunji Odunlami and Mr Wasiu Isiaka. 

The Speaker enjoined them to avoid any form of influence that could hinder the progress and development of the State. 

Responding, the Commissioner nominees promised to consolidate on their achievements during the first term, while assuring that they would continue to synergize with the State legislature and other relevant stakeholders to render development-driven policies and programmes for the benefit of the State.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Transportation

Lawmakers Lift Ban on NURTW

By Web News 529

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution, lifting the ban on the activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in the State.

The Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo announced this at a plenary held at the Assembly complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. 

The motion to lift suspension on the Union, was raised by the Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Mr Oludaisi Elemide and moved by the majority leader, Mr Sheriff Yusuf while it was seconded by the Minority leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye. 

The duo of Mr Oyedele Adebisi and Mr Seun Adesanya who affirmed that peace had returned to the sector also expressed the hope that lifting the ban on the activities of the union would help to increase the State’s Internally Generated Revenue of the State

The House of Assembly also passed a resolution requesting the release of the member, representing Sagamu 1 State Constituency, Mr Muhammed Bello from the custody of the Department of State Security Service, DSS, pending the conclusion of investigation on the charges leveled against him. 

The plenary also featured the reading of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s correspondence on the nomination of Mrs Funmi Efuwape, Mr Tunji Odunlami and Mr Wasiu Isiaka as Commissioners. 

The House later directed the three commissioner nominees are to appear for screening on Monday, 9th October, 2023.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OGHA Confirms 9 Commissioner Nominees

By Web News 420

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of nine commissioner-nominees out of the ten it recently screened following the withdrawal of the nomination of Mr. Oshunbiyi Tunde by the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Committee of the House chaired by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, which was presented by Deputy Speaker,  Mrs Bolanle Ajayi, who moved the motion for its adoption, and seconded by Mr Lukmon Atobatele.

The confirmation of the nominees was later done through a motion moved by the Majority Leader,  Mr Yusuf Sheriff and seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye and supported by the whole House through a voice vote at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Oluomo at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan,  Abeokuta.

According to the report, the Committee found the nominees eligible and suitable to assume the office of State Commissioner in Ogun, as some of them had undergone the same process in the House before their previous appointment in the state.

Meanwhile, two bills including Obas and Chiefs’ Amendment Law, 2023 and Ogun State Commercial Vehicles and Trucks Law, 2023, had passed through second reading with a view to repositioning the state’s traditional councils and transport sector for efficiency and effective service delivery.

The lawmakers, who spoke on the Bill for a Law to Amend the Obas and Chiefs, Council of Obas and Traditional Council Law of Ogun State 2021, said that the bill became necessary to regulate the practice and conducts of all categories of monarchs and Chiefs in the State.

Those, who spoke in unison in favour of the the Bill for a Law to Regulate the Operation of Commercial Motorcycle, Tricycle, Trucks and Other Means of Public Transportation in Ogun State and for Connected Purposes, expressed optimism that the bill would enhance safety of both riders and operators while promoting improve revenue in the transportation sector, especially for the local councils.

In his response, the Speaker of the house, Mr Oluomo commended the lawmakers for their contributions to the bills, saying that the proposed framework would promote peace, boost security network while creating room for accredited insurance scheme for operators in the transport sector.

Mr Oluomo thereafter committed the two bills to the House Committees on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as well as that of Transportation respectively for further legislative actions.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Join in efforts to enhance state’s prosperity – OGHA charges Commissioners-Nominee

By Web News 486

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Nine prospective commissioners have been screened by the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, with a charge on them to redouble efforts at enhancing the state’s prosperity, if they eventually joined Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

OGHA Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo who gave the charge also urged the commissioner-nominees to be prepared for the task of helping the government to deploy technology towards addressing human challenges, especially in the areas of insecurity, food deficit, transportation constraints and waste management. 

Mr Oluomo said the state required committed hands with the capacity to tap into its comparative advantage as the Gateway State and industrial hub to create more employment opportunities for the people, particularly, the teeming youths.

In separate responses, the nominees promised to bring their expertise and experiences to bear on the implementation of the development agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun who nominated them to serve in his cabinet and expressed their readiness to effectively tackle the emerging issues confronting the people.

Nine, out of the governor’s ten nominees that appeared for the screening included former cabinet members, Mrs Adijat Adeleye-Oladapo, Mrs Olufemi Ilori-Oduntan, Mr Oladimeji Oresanya, and Mr Olugbenga Dairo.

Others were Mr Shofela Emmanuel, Mr Bolu Owootomo, Mr Balogun Ademola, Mr Osunbiyi Tunde, and Mr Fagbayi Sesan.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Ogun Assembly Confirms Commissioner Nominees

By Web News 461

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of the Eight Commissioner nominees earlier screened, affirming their eligibility to hold public office.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Committee of the Whole House Chaired by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo as presented by his Deputy, Mrs Bolanle Ajayi.

Earlier while presenting the report, the Deputy Speaker said that the Committee members scrutinized the nominees’ curriculum vitae and credentials including interview and found them worthy of the appointment to the position of the State Commissioner.

Meanwhile, another nominee, a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, who was earlier screened today by lawmakers gave an assurance that more strategic financial reforms were underway to aid the developmental policies of the present administration.

Mr Okubabejo, who recounted the financial status of the State on the emergence of the present administration since 2019, noted that its revenue drive had been greatly improved in spite the economic challenges.

The lawmakers, while conducting the screening lauded the nominations and counseled the nominees not to rest on their oars; rather strive towards evolving and implementing more policies and programmes that would improve the living standard of the people. 

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OGHA Moves to Alleviate Plights of Flood Victims

By Web News 433

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

The Ogun State House of Assembly has directed the State Ministries of Environment as well as Works and Infrastructure to put machinery in place to alleviate the plights people affected by flood especially fish farmers and  producers of fingerlings on the over 200 hectares of land covering Alari/Agosasa/Oniro.

The Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo gave the directive while reacting to the report of member representing Ogun Waterside State Constituency,  Samusideen Lawal and his Ipokia/Idiroko and Abeokuta South II counterparts, Bisi Oyedele and Ayodele Wasiu during a plenary on the floor of the House.

The lawmakers had spoken under personal explanations narrating the ordeals of their constituents following the perennial flooding which affected business operations.

Mr Oluomo said there was the need for the concerned ministries to mobilize the Swamp Buggy Excavator for the dredging the streams to address the challenge in the affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of the Governor’s for the Judicial Service Commission, Mrs. Oyinkansola Adebimpe Cole, affirming her eligibility and suitability to assume office as a member of the Commission.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report of the Committee of the Whole House chaired by the Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo as presented by his Deputy, Bolanle Ajayi, who also moved the motion for its adoption which was seconded by Damilare Bello.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

 

Security

OGHA Tasks Security Operatives on Collaboration

By Web News 392

By Toyin Adegoke

Ogun State House of Assembly has charged various heads of security formations in the State to strengthen their operations by collaborating with local security networks including vigilante service, so safe corps, and other stakeholders on security.

Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo gave the charge during a plenary session held at Oke Mosan while responding to the submissions of the members representing Odeda, Ogun Waterside, Remo North and Ijebu North State Constituencies.

Mr Oluomo added that there was a need to evolve more collaborative strategies at tackling local crimes and criminalities, including kidnapping and land-grabbing with a view to ensuring effective security networks in protecting the lives and property of all the residents in the State.

He also called on the new State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu to live up to his promise of curbing the excesses of land grabbers across the State, noting that the 10th Assembly under his leadership would consider a review of some sections of the Anti-Kidnapping and Land Grabbing Law, 2016 for more effectiveness.   

The lawmakers had earlier during personal explanation lamented the rising spate of insecurity occasioned by recurring cases of kidnapping in some parts of the State.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Culture

OGHA Approves August 20 as Isese Day

By Web News 552

By Toyin Adegoke

Ogun State House of Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the observation of every August  20th as the annual Isese-Cultural Day and to be declared as a work free day in the State.

The passage of the resolution, followed a  debate by the State lawmakers resulting in a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sherif and seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Lukmon Adeleye at the plenary presided over by Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

In their separate views  members including the Sponsor, Mr Adegoke Adeyanju, Mr Damilola Soneye, Mr Olanrewaju Bakare and Mr Waliu Owode, said the resolution was aimed at propagating the rich culture and tradition of the State, in preservation for the upcoming generations. 

Other members, Mr Ayodele Wasiu, Mr Babatunde Tella and Minority Leader, Mr Lukman Adeleye stated that the resolution would go a long way in boosting tourism and  the uniqueness of the culture and traditions of the State.

Responding,The Speaker, Mr Oluomo stressed that the passage of the resolution would give proper identity to the cultural values of the people, with a clarification that the declaration of public holiday remained the exclusive of the Federal Government.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Abiodun Pledges Open-Door Policy to New Legislators

By Web News 534

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised the newly inaugurated members of the 10th State House of Assembly that his administration would operate an open-door policy to all lawmakers regardless of party affiliations, religion, or tribe.

Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at Okemosan Abeokuta while playing host to the newly inaugurated members led by the re-elected Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

Governor Abiodun who urged all elective officials to join hands to serve the people of the State, stressed the need for all arms of government to work together for the successful implementation of the vision mapped out by the executive.

The Governor expressed optimism that the 10th Assembly would build on the foundation laid by the 9th Assembly by legislating on issues that would affect the people positively.

Earlier, the Speaker, Mr Oluomo, who Commended the Governor for his support to the House, gave the assurance that the house would work as a team and cooperate with the executive for the peace and development of the State.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Oluomo Reelected as OGHA Speaker

By Web News 683

By Wale Oluokun

Mr Olakunle Oluomo has been reelected as the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.

The sitting of the House followed the proclamation letter issued by Governor Dapo Abiodun for the inauguration of the tenth Assembly session.

The reelected Speaker, representing Ifo II State Constituency was unopposed as well as Mrs Bolanle Ajayi of Yewa South State Constituency was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Mr Oluomo’s was nominated for the post by Mr Musefiu Lamidi of Ado-Odo/Ota II state Constituency and was seconded by Mr Ifedolapo Owode of Ijebu-East State Constituency.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Deji Adeyemo had earlier read the Governor’s proclamation of the Governor before the commencement of the session.

The Speaker, Mr Oluomo in his acceptance speech assured that he would run the affairs of the House with fairness, equity, and justice for the benefit of the State.

The Assembly at the first sitting passed four Resolutions before adjournment.

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Chaos as Suspended Former Lawmaker Storms OGHA Complex

By Web News 436

It took the intervention of security agents to prevent a crisis at the Abeokuta Secretariat Complex of the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, when the suspended former Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Oludare Kadiri stormed the Assembly Complex to gain entry into his office.

Mr Kadiri who was alleged to have led suspected thugs into the complex had reportedly barged into the Office of the Clerk of the House, Mr Deji Adeyemo to create a scene after a confrontation with the Deputy Clerk. 

Meanwhile, the suspended lawmaker, Mr Kadiri has refuted claims that he led suspected thugs to invade the House of Assembly but had visited the Assembly complex to retrieve some drugs left in his office when he was suspended about 7 months ago.

Mr Kadiri told newsmen in Abeokuta that he made attempts to access his office after Justice O.A Onafowokan of the State High Court 3, had delivered a judgment that his suspension was an abuse of power and office by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo.

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, in September 2022 had suspended Mr Kadiri over what they referred to as “the breach of rights and privileges”.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

Budget: Ogun Health Ministry Defends its 9.306bn Naira Proposal

By Web News 528

Ogun State Ministry of Health says its 2023 budget objectives will be to develop strategic and operational plans for the three levels of the health sector, in addition to monitoring the implementation and evaluation of the approved plan.

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker stated this while defending the budget proposal of the ministry before the members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA Committee on Finance and Appropriation led by Mr Kunle Sobukanla during the ongoing budget defence at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Dr Coker stressed that the plans would be based on the principles of “people, prevention and proven intervention” for the well-being of residents.

The commissioner also assured improved health status for the people of the state through the provision of quality public health services.

A budget of 9.306 billion naira was presented by the health ministry as the total expenditure for the next fiscal year.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers also considered the 2023 budget proposals of the Ogun State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, and the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board among other affiliated agencies.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels also join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OGHA Charges Auditor General Nominee on Transparency

By Web News 368

Ogun State House of Assembly wants the nominee for the post of the State Auditor General, Mr. Akorede Balogun, to evolve strategies towards sustaining accountability and transparency in the financial records of government agencies.  

The Speaker of the House, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, gave the charge during the screening exercise, at the Assembly Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr Oluomo implored the nominee to further entrench financial discipline if confirmed for the appointment.

Responding, Mr. Balogun assured the lawmakers that if appointed, he would ensure a periodic auditing processes for all public establishments to create value for government scarce resources.

Mr Balogun who hails from of Odeda Local Government area of the state is a graduate of Banking and Finance from the Olabisi Onabanjo University and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). 

He joined the State Civil Service in October 2002 and rose to become the Director, Government Accounts, until his nomination a week ago.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Subscribe to our Telegram Channel and join our Whatsapp Update Group

Politics

OGHA Members Charge Government on Realistic Budget Estimate

By Web News 489

Ogun State House of Assembly Committee, OGHA, on Finance and Appropriation wants the state government to ensure the achievement of a more realistic budget estimate and performance that will further consolidate the socio-economic development of the State.

Chairman of the Committee, Mr Olakunle Sobukanla stated this at the Assembly Complex, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta during interactive sessions with the Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olaolu Olabimtan on the proposed 2023-2025 State Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF.

Other members of the committee including, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Akeem Balogun, Mr Yusuf Sherif, Mr Yusuf Amosun, and Mrs Bolanle Ajayi tasked the team to focus more on the feasibility and viability of the state finances. 

Earlier in his presentation, the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Olabimtan, stated that the fiscal proposal was prepared with due consideration for the national economic updates including crude oil price, inflation increase, non-oil sector impact and exchange rate effect.

The commissioner maintained that the proposed medium-term revenue strategy remained a more realistic policy-driven model being a bottom-up approach guided by a proper and realistic revenue strategy.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Subscribe to our Telegram channel

Politics

Former OGHA Clerk Makes Case for Legislative Autonomy to Sustain Democracy

By Web News 469

A Former Permanent Secretary Mr Demola Badejo has advocated the need for a holistic implementation of financial autonomy for State Houses of Assembly and the judiciary across the federation.

Mr  Badejo stated this while delivering a lecture titled: “Values, Attitudes and Work Ethics in the Parliamentarism: Issues, Challenges and Panacea” at the maiden edition of the  International Day of Parliamentarism organized by the Ogun State chapter of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Mr Badejo who was the former Clerk of the State House of Assembly explained that it was essential for the legislative arm to be independent in order to fully discharge its constitutional responsibility in a democracy, saying that an independent legislature must attain new dawn that would enable it to perform in line with the high expectations of the populace.

Outlining the challenges facing the Legislature, he added that, the absence of infrastructure had also hindered efficiency and stagnated the development of the legislative arm of government in the State.

In his opening remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, admonished assembly staff to continue to exhibit respect for the work ethics and the workplace,  and always display a high sense of discipline towards sustaining productivity. 

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Ayotunde Ojediran appreciated the members of the association for their steadfastness in the discharge of their duties, adding that the association was committed to exploring all avenues to improve the capacity of its members.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Politics

OGHA Passes 2022 Appropriation Bill into Law

By Web News 789

Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has passed the 2022 budget proposal of 350.7 billion naira submitted to it by Governor Dapo Abiodun, barely a month ago.

The passage of the 2022 Appropriation Bill was sequel to the submission of the report of the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Kunle Sobukola and supported by the Whole House.

The Assembly in the course of the legislative process on the appropriation bill, carried out slight adjustments in the recurrent expenditures of about 144 agencies, just as the capital expenditures of 38 other agencies were equally adjusted. 

The adjustments led to a reduction in the total recurrent expenditure from the initial 172.9 billion naira to 153 billion naira resulting in a 19.8 billion naira decrease, while capital expenditure was increased from 177.7 billion naira to 197.5 billion naira giving an increment of 19.8 billion naira.

In a remark, the OGHA Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo directed that the clean copy of the bill be transmitted to Governor Abiodun for his assent.

Mr Oluomo commended other lawmakers, for their unrelenting efforts towards promoting good governance through the passage of people-oriented legislation.

In another development, the Ogun State Board of Internal Revenue Law, 2021 has scaled first and second readings.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke 

Lifestyle

Stronger laws needed to tackle gender-based violence – Mrs. Abiodun

By Web News 852

The Ogun State House of Assembly, OGHA, has been urged to enact a law that will put a stop to all forms of gender-based violence among the people.

The appeal was made by a group of people involved in activism against gender-based violence in the state, led by the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako- Oyedele during an advocacy visit to the Assembly Complex in Abeokuta.

The group noted that the visit as part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence was to advocate for a law to prohibit the violence, including battering, bullying and other harmful acts against children, women and men.

They requested that relevant amendments should be effected on relevant laws in the state to reflect the current realities in the society and help to curb all forms of gender-based violence.

Responding, the speaker, Mr. Olakunle Oluomo promised that the 9th Assembly would assist in reviewing the relevant laws to checkmate human rights abuse for the promotion of peaceful coexistence and the elimination of any forms of gender-based violence in society.

While commending the stakeholders for choosing gender-based violence as the focus, the speaker advised them to sponsor a bill to tackle such abuses being faced by women and men daily, adding that all efforts must be geared towards stamping it out of society.

Others on the entourage of the wife of the governor included the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Funmi Efuwape and a former Speaker, Mrs Titilayo Oseni-Gomez.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Politics

OGHA Confirms Ogungbade As Commissioner -Designate

By Web News 547

Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s nominee for the post of Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina  Ogungbade .

The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Committee of the Whole House chaired by the Speaker, Mr Olakunle Oluomo as presented by his Deputy, Mr Akeem Balogun, who also moved the motion for its adoption.

The confirmation of the nominee was thereafter done through a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Yusuf Sherif, seconded by Mr Abdul Bashir Oladunjoye and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote. 

Meanwhile, the Speaker has commended the State Command of the Nigeria Police for its efforts in curbing crimes and criminality in the State, especially its recent break-through leading to the arrest of a five- man gang terrorizing communities in Ewekoro Local Government area, calling for sustained efforts in ridding the State of criminal elements.

The Speaker gave the commendation, while responding to the submission of a member representing Ijebu North 2 State Constituency, Mr Dare Kadiri, who reported a case of recent kidnapping of a student in his constituency and the bad conditions of some of the roads in his constituency.

He also requested the State Ministry of Works to ensure application of palliatives on the bad portions of some of the roads within the State.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke