Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Special Adviser to the Ondo state governor on union matters and special duties, Dare Aragbaye and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Richard Olatunde, have resigned from their appointments.

Aragbaye in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government SSG, dated December 27, said he was resigning because of the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

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The letter reads ” l write to refer to the subject above and to resign my appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties with effect from today, Wednesday, 27 December, 2023

“My decision to resign is based on the unfortunate death of my Principal a fearless and honest leader, Governor Arakunm Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN CON, whom I am loyal to oven in death

“I sincerely thank his excellency for the opportunity granted me to serve in his administration as a member of the State Executive Council first as a Head of Service and now, Special Adviser.

Also, the CPS to the governor, Richard Olatunde, in a letter dated Wednesday 27,said that his resignation was hinged on ” the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Olatunde’s letter reads “It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I tender my resignation as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, effective from today, Wednesday 27, 2023.

“My decision to resign from office is hinged on the unfortunate and untimely death of our leader, principal, and father figure, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

“Throughout my tenure as the Chief Press Secretary, I was fortunate to witness firsthand exceptional qualities of Governor Akeredolu. His courage, truthfulness, and honesty were unrivaled, and they served as a constant source of inspiration for me.

“His leadership and dedication to the development of our state ignited within me a drive and passion to serve and contribute my quota to the progress of our beloved state.

“Governor Akeredolu was not only an administrator but also a rare gem whose personality exuded honour and courage. It was a privilege to have served under his administration and to have been associated with such an exceptional individual. His demise has left a deep void in our hearts, and we mourn the loss of our hero and benefactor.

” In light of this tragedy, I believe it is essential for everyone to honour and respect Governor Akeredolu’s legacy and memory. As we navigate through this difficult period, I beseech all to support one another and draw strength from the unity that our late governor exemplified.

” I would like to express my gratitude to everyone including Journalists, politicians and other stakeholders for the support, guidance, and opportunities I received during my time as Chief Press Secretary.

” It has been an invaluable experience working alongside such dedicated professionals, and I will cherish the memories and lessons from this role.

“I understand the challenges that lie ahead for our state, and I have faith in the resilience of our people to overcome them. Moving forward, I will continue to contribute to the development of our society in any way I can, carrying with me the principles and values instilled in me by my mentor, principal and father, Governor Akeredolu.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has refuted the rumoured rift with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume.

Alia described Akume as a national pride and the father of Benue State.

He spoke at a symposium in Makurdi, the Benue State capital to mark his birthday.

According to Alia: “I want to unambiguously debunk the circulating rumours of discord between the SGF and myself. These speculations exist solely in the imaginative realm of opportunists, instigators of turmoil, and merchants of mischief who thrive on chaos. The said fracas is only a figment of the imagination crafted by those who seek to profit from the crisis.

“For pockets of disenchanted members of our party here in the state, we are already in talks to address various areas of discontent. However, while we try to do so, we shall ensure that the will of the masses who voted us into office, prevails.

“I therefore enjoin each and every one of us to dismiss such baseless notions and focus on the shared commitment to truth, unity, and progress that defines our collective journey.”

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Abba, is dead.

Born on September 27, 1958, the 8th Speaker of the House of Representatives died in Abuja on Wednesday morning.

According to family sources, late Na’Abba battled with ailment for a long time before passing away.

He was once flown abroad for medical treatment and stayed there for some months before he recovered and returned to Nigeria.

According to the sources, the remains of the former Speaker would be buried in Abuja today according to Islamic rites.

Late Na’Abba joined the Peoples Democratic Party, and became the party’s candidate for Kano Municipal Federal Constituency, a position he  won during the April 1999 general elections.

He subsequently emerged Speaker of the House of Representatives after the political crisis that led to exit of the first Speaker of the Fourth Republic,  Salisu Buhari.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted moderate dust haze from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Tuesday, predicts horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km and localized visibility of less than or equal to 1,000 metres over the northern region.

“Moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is expected over the North Central region and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period, while a hazy atmosphere is envisaged over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period,” it said.

According to the agency, moderate dust haze with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is also expected over the North, the North Central and the inland cities of the South during the forecast period on Thursday.

It expected a hazy atmosphere over the coastal belt of the country throughout the forecast period.

NiMet predicts moderate dust haze on Friday with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km over the North, the North-central and the inland areas of the South throughout the forecast period.

“Hazy atmosphere is expected over the coastal cities during the forecast period, and the public should take necessary precautions as dust particles will be in the air.

“People with Asthma and other respiratory issues should be cautious of the present weather situations.

“Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

Wife of the late chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and his sister, Ms Ofonime Frank have been burnt to death.

The tragic fire incident, which occurred on Christmas eve, razed down the house of the late PDP boss, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown as at the time of this report.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists by the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Hon. Udeme Idiong disclosed in the early hours.

The Transition Community chairman of the council Hon. Godwin Ekpe (JP) has declared seven days mourning for all indigenes of the local government, the statement revealed.

It also stated that council chairman has sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to hold on 28th December, 2023

 The statement states: “Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 202

“He has also in collaboration with the Stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.

“While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls”.

Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service crews on Saturday battled a blaze that broke out at a market in Ikotun, Lagos, engulfing several shops.

According to authorities, the fire stemmed from a gas cylinder explosion at one of the shops around 2:10 p.m. today.

“Shops are on fire at a Market at Council Bus Stop which resulted from leakage of a gas cylinder in use at one of the shops which led to an explosion and spread to several other shops,” confirmed Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, in a statement.

Firefighters from Ejigbo and Isolo stations are tackling the flames, joined by personnel from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and the Nigerian Police Force from Ikotun Division.

Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by negligence during gas cylinder refilling. At least seven shops are believed to be affected, with significant damage to wares. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as of this writing.