Politics
Obasa: A Fresh Honour For Lagos Speaker
By Eromosele Ebhomele
The Oranmiyan Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel was filled by colourful, beautifully dressed journalists in the cool evening of Friday, October 22.
It was the end of a weeklong celebration tagged Lagos Press Week organised by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos branch, and meant to celebrate men of the pen profession.
Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, the Speaker of the now most vibrant House of Assembly in the entire Nigeria, was one of those honoured, not just for his philanthropy, but for the fact that through him as Speaker, Lagos state has been shaped positively beyond the expectations of residents.
The President of the NUJ, Chris Isiguzo, did not mince words when he noted that the laws coming out from the Lagos State House of Assembly have done good to the development of the entire country.
Isiguzor was full of praises for the Speaker, the members of the House and Lagos. To him, if you are not in Lagos, you are missing.
The NUJ President is not alone on the beautiful achievements of the Lagos State House of Assembly, working in close proximity with the other arms of government to meet dreams and aspirations.
A top official of the union specifically mentioned the recent bill passed by the House stopping the public parade of suspects when they have not been convicted.
The House had argued that parading suspects gives the impression that they are guilty even before the court would finally make pronouncements.
It is sweet to realise that all eyes are on Lagos to always create the pathway of development through policies, laws, motions and resolutions with the residents in mind.
It is sweeter knowing that there is a Speaker who knows his onions, has a grasp of governance and how to achieve growth and development.
Through him, the State now has the Neighborhood Safety Corps, an enviable community security outfit whose operation has been studied by some states of the federation.
The House is currently considering a bill to create a training institute for security agents in the State, which would possibly benefit agencies in Nigeria and parts of Africa, especially at this time of mass condemnation of the activities of some security agents.
Poised to ensure the safety of lives and property, a constitution-stipulated responsibility of the government, the House, under Obasa, recently passed an anti-open grazing bill. This is aside the bill against kidnapping passed sometime ago by the lawmakers.
Isiguzo understands that being a resident of Lagos is beautiful. Obasa and his colleagues understand that making Lagos beautiful is not a tea party. They hardly sleep. Visit the Assembly even when the lawmakers are supposedly on recess. Chances are you will meet many of them working.
Earlier this year, Obasa was honoured and appointed first ever Grand Patron of the Lagos branch of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) which said it took the decision after years of studying the Speaker and his activities.
And to be further recognised and honoured by members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm shows that the Speaker is appreciated. The NUJ said at the event it does not just honour people. It does only when a beneficiary has proven to merit it.
Politics
ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent
Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.
The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.
Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.
“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.
Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.
“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.
He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”
Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.
He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”
Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”
However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.
She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”
Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.
“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.
“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.
She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.
“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”
Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.
“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.
Politics
Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term
Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.
He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.
He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.
According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”
He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.
“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.
He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.
“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.
The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.
He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.
Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.
Politics
Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party
Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.
In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.
“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.
“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”
The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.
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