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PIA Act: Abaribe Is Misleading Nigerians Says Omo-Agege

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The Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege has accused the Minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of misleading Nigerians on the recently passed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Speaking through the order of urgent national interest, Omo-Agege explained that the Senate Minority leader granted an interview on Channels Television where he accused the Senate of adopting the APC position of 3% against the earlier agreed development fees of 5% for host communities.

Omo-Agege said, after the interview, his constituents have made several calls where they felt shortchanged.

He explained: ‘The Senate Minority leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe granted an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday. Mr. President, in that interview, the Senate Minority leader spoke extensively on events that transpired during the consideration and passage of the bill, PIB, now PIA, most specifically, is the remark he made to the effect that prior to the consideration of the bill, that there was an agreement by the Senate that the host communities be given 5%.

“But notwithstanding that agreement, the APC as a party took a party position to reduce the 5% of the host communities to 3%. I am the Deputy Senate President, but I also represent Delta North Senatorial district in the Niger Delta region.

“There are many communities in my district that are host communities based on the provisions in the PIA. There was never a time that I am aware that the caucus of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a political party, here in the Senate and outside the party met and took a decision that the oil host communities in the Niger Delta be shortchanged by reducing the host communities development fees.from 5% to 3%.

“I have received several calls from my constituents since last night after the interview till now. A decision has been taken by the Senate and that bill has been passed into law with a caveat that those of us who are dissatisfied that opportunities will be given to us as we move on that we can come forward with an amendment.

“In line with that, Buhari recently came up with an amendment and time goes on, other amendments will also come up to cure some of these issues that we face.”

The DSP expressed disappointment that the Minority leader didn’t tell the truth, a situation that put him at risk with his constituents who are beneficiaries.

He added: “I felt so offended and I think some of the APC in the Senate also felt so offended including some opposition Senators because in that decision, some PDP Senators were also part of it. Some Senators from the Niger Delta region also voted for us to have what we arrived at a majority decision and that is what I’m democracy is all about. It was the majority that arrived at 3%; it wasn’t partisan, it wasn’t about PDP or APC position.”

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan Reacts

Reacting, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan advised Senators to always be on the.side of truth because of the image of lawmakers.

He reminded Senators who might have grievances over the decisional of the red Chambers that there were always another day for them to present whatever they were looking for.

“DSP, and distinguished colleagues,the Minority leader is not here today.

“Let me make my comment on this. First of all, this Senate as far as I can remember didn’t vote along party lines, not even the 52 majority. The APC as a majority and even two of the PDP Senators voted along the line that appeared that carried the day.

“So as politicians, ours is to lobby; is to engage our colleagues and if there’s any issue that we feel strongly; an issue that will make life better to those that we represent, there is always another day.

“If you are not able to get what you want, there’s always another day. That we passed a bill doesn’t mean that another day, one cannot have his way. But when the Senate arrives at a decision, we should be at thee forefront of informing the public correctly because we in a position more than anyone else to give a correct position to the members of the public.”

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LG Elections: Senator Yayi Criticises Governor Abiodun Over Alleged Imposition of Candidates

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Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Senator Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, expressed strong concerns over the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State. His remarks followed the heated discussion on the Benue LGA elections, which Senator Abba Moro described as a “sham” on the Senate Order Paper. Yayi drew parallels between the situation in Benue and what he termed “undemocratic practices” in Ogun State.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Yayi highlighted the increasing interference by state governors in local government elections, specifically pointing fingers at Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for allegedly handpicking candidates for the upcoming local government polls without conducting proper primaries. According to Yayi, all candidates vying for the 20 chairmanship positions and 236 ward councillor seats in Ogun State’s LGAs were selected based on their loyalty to the governor rather than their competence or popular support.
The senator further alleged that the chosen candidates, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were required to swear an oath of loyalty to Governor Abiodun and the candidates reportedly submitted letters of resignation, effectively surrendering their positions even before assuming office, ensuring that they would remain under the governor’s control, all these alleged to have happened at Mitros Hall, located opposite the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Senator Yayi expressed his frustration over the exclusion of party members who maintained ties with other influential political figures in the state, including former governors and himself. “This imposition of candidates and deliberate sidelining of legitimate party members is not only undemocratic but also dangerous for the future of local governance,” Yayi remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is not the first Ogun State leader to face accusations of manipulating local government elections. Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had similarly been criticized during his tenure for allegedly imposing candidates in local elections, sparking tensions within the state’s APC structure. Other governors in Nigeria, such as Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, have also faced similar accusations, raising concerns about the broader issue of state interference in grassroots democracy across the country.
One of the key issues raised by Senator Yayi, and echoed by several other senators during the debate, is the negative impact of not granting local governments full autonomy. Local government autonomy is seen as a vital aspect of democracy, ensuring that grassroots governance is effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. However, the current practice in most states, where governors exercise disproportionate control over local government elections, undermines this principle.
Critics argue that when state governments handpick local government candidates, it leads to a breakdown in democratic processes at the grassroots level. Local government officials, often mere extensions of the governor’s political machinery, become unresponsive to the electorate’s needs. This top-down control stifles innovation, hampers development projects, and creates an environment where local government executives are more loyal to the state governor than the people they were elected to serve.
Senator Yayi stressed that the situation in Ogun State is emblematic of a larger national problem. “If we continue to allow state governments to hijack the local government electoral process, we are undermining democracy itself,” he warned. “Local governments must be allowed to function independently, free from the political manoeuvrings of state governors.”
As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders like Senator Yayi raises important questions about the legitimacy of the process. The allegations of candidate imposition and demands for oaths of loyalty represent a significant challenge to democratic norms, and they highlight the urgent need for reform in the relationship between state and local governments in Nigeria.
With tensions rising within Ogun’s APC structure and the local government elections looming, all eyes will be on Governor Dapo Abiodun to see whether the elections will reflect the true will of the people or remain another example of state-level control over grassroots governance.

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APC chieftain Akinterinwa felicitates Adejoke Orelope Adefulure on 65th birthday

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Wale Akinterinwa, has extended his warm congratulations to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on her 65th birthday anniversary.

In a statement on Sunday, Akinterinwa described Orelope-Adefulire, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State as an iconic woman whose remarkable leadership traits continue to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and humanity.

Akinterinwa maintained that Orelope-Adefulire has displayed exemplary leadership and compassion both in her private and official capacities.

He praised her for her ‘unforgettable’ contributions to the growth and development of Ile-Oluji community in Ondo state.

The statement reads, “On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ile-Oluji, I celebrate an iconic woman, the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Congratulates Edo Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East senatorial district and former governor of Ogun State has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his victory in the Edo State Governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In a message on behalf of the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Daniel commended Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their success in the polls.
Daniel highlighted Okpebholo’s previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, where he earned a reputation as a standout leader. He praised Okpebholo for his contributions to the committee, noting his leadership and strong relationships with fellow members.
“Your campaign efforts in towns and villages, combined with your humility and respectful engagement with voters across party lines, have paid off,” Daniel said. He described Okpebholo as a “deep thinker” and “highly responsible strategist,” adding that his election marks a victory for Edo State.
In his closing remark, Otunba Gbenga Daniel concluded by offering his best wishes to Okpebholo as he embarks on his new role as Governor of Edo State, assuring him of his highest regards.
The congratulatory message underscores the unity within the APC and the shared optimism for the newly elected governor’s administration in Edo State.

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