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SANs, Uzodinma, Afenifere Fault Afe Babalola On Interim Govt

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Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria; the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, on Tuesday, faulted the call by a legal luminary, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), for the suspension of the 2023 general elections and the installation of an interim government in 2023.

The legal luminary had, at a press conference on Monday, asked that election be suspended until a new constitution was put in place. He also advocated for an interim government to replace the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

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But senior lawyers, faulted Babalola.

Although the senior lawyers agreed that there was a need for a new constitution, they added that having an interim government in place would not augur well for the country.

Tayo Oyetibo said an interim government would destabilise the polity.

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He stated, “I think Nigerians need a stable political environment and an interim government is unstable.

“The constitution is not the problem of Nigeria; our problem is with the operators of the constitution. Of course, there is a need for adjustment of the constitution. Our problem is never with the constitution. Great Britain has an unwritten constitution, yet the system is being run perfectly.”

Another lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa(SAN), said the emphasis should be on the restructuring of the country.

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Adegboruwa stated, “I don’t agree with the revered legal luminary that we should have an interim government, especially consisting of past heads of state. That means the likes of Buhari and Babaginda, among others, will be part of that government and other people who have drawn the nation backward. What is it they have to offer that they didn’t offer while in power?

READ ALSO: Call For Suspension Of 2023 Election: Senate Replies Afe Babalola

“Rather than recycle those who have run the nation aground, there are younger and talented people who can move this country forward. I think what he was saying indirectly is that there should be restructuring before the election.”

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Adegoke Rasheed (SAN), on his part said the call was not feasible.

He stated, “The constitution has mandated a periodic election and until that provision of the constitution is amended or there is a revolution overthrowing that constitution, it is not possible to have an interim government in place.

“It is a good idea we must have a new constitution but the call for an interim government is not practicable.”

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Although Afenifere agreed with Babalola over the bad situation of the country, it nevertheless, said it was not in support of interim government.

Although Afenifere agreed with Babalola over the bad situation of the country, it nevertheless, said it was not in support of interim government.

“If you think there is an opinion that is worthy of being canvassed which is superior to what is in the 1999 Constitution, such opinion should be taken to the National Assembly and they will, through due process, amend our Constitution to factor in such an opinion.”

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READ ALSO: Afe Babalola Seeks Poll Suspension, Interim Govt After Buhari

Reacting to a question about the recent killing of a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Imo State, Uzodinma explained that INEC was not the initial target.

 

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JUST IN: Lagos LG Chairman Dies After Prolonged Illness

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The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.

Asafa was said to have died during a prolonged illness.

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His death, which has thrown the LCDA into mourning, was formally announced in a statement shared via Facebook on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bodunrin Ayodele.

Ayodele, however, did not disclose when the chairman died.The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.

READ ALSO: Nine Dead In Austria School Shooting

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Asafa was said to have died during a prolonged illness.

His death, which has thrown the LCDA into mourning, was formally announced in a statement shared via Facebook on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bodunrin Ayodele.

Ayodele, however, did not disclose when the chairman died.

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The statement read, “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa.

“Prince Asafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the people he served.

READ ALSO: Again, Many Feared Dead In Abuja’s Nyanya-Mararaba Road Crash

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“According to a close family member, Prince Asafa’s passing was confirmed after a long battle with illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and passed on, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.“As news of his passing spreads, tributes and condolences are expected to pour in from well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials who had the privilege of working with him. Prince Asafa’s leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, and his contributions to the local government will be deeply missed.

“Oto-Awori LCDA has lost a dedicated servant, and his passing will be felt by many. May his legacy live on, and may his family find solace in the memories of his life and service.”

The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Abdul-Hamed Salawu through the Somolu LGA social media accounts on Saturday also condoled with Oto-Awori LCDA over the chairman’s demise.

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The post read, “The executive chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdul- Hammed Salawu, has sent the condolences of the Executive, Legislature, Management and the people of Somolu Local Government to the people of Oto- Awori LCDA and APC family, over the painful demise of Prince Musbau Adekunle Asafa, the executive chairman of Oto- Awori LCDA.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

 

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NYSC Urges Bauchi Governor To Reconstruct Collapsed Camp Fence

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State, on Friday, called on Gov. Bala Mohammed to help reconstruct the collapsed orientation camp’s perimeter fence.

Mr Kofre Umoren, the NYSC Coordinator in the state made the call at the scheme’s permanent orientation camp, Wailo in Ganjuwa Local Government Area during the swearing in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ stream II corps members deployed to the state.

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According to him, the fence which was destroyed by a natural disaster had exposed the corps members and NYSC officials to invasion.

“I wish to remind his Excellency about our broken fence which needs urgent attention considering the security implications which make the camp porous and expose the camp community to invasion,” he pleaded.

READ ALSO: NYSC Assures Impactful Participation Of Corps Members On Host Communities

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Umoren, who expressed gratitude to the governor over the complete renovation of corps members’ hostels and the construction of a brand new Multi-purpose Hall, said there could be no better demonstration of commitment, love and fatherly care for the youth than the gesture.

On behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, management and corps members in Bauchi state, I wish to thank His Excellency for giving the NYSC a befitting and conducive orientation camp.

“As we continue to savour the beauty of this new camp; may I assure the governor and the good people of Bauchi that the corps members will continue to provide services where they are most needed in the state, especially in the rural areas,” said Umoren.

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The State Coordinator explained that a total of 1,107 Corps Members, comprising 585 males and 522 females, were successfully registered and were ready to be sworn-in.

READ ALSO: NYSC Coordinator Lauds Gov. Mohammed’s Commitment Towards Scheme’s Success

He warned the corps members to adhere strictly to the orientation course timetable, NYSC Bye-laws, extant rules and other relevant policies, sayong any deviation from them could result in appropriate sanctions.

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Responding, Gov. Bala Mohammed who was represented by Alh. Auwal Jatau, his Deputy, said that the people of Bauchi State appreciated and supported the goals and objectives of the scheme.

This, he said, was the reason why his government has been collaborating with the scheme in every possible way to ensure the success of the NYSC in the state.

He explained that the renovation of corps members’ hostels and construction of the new multipurpose hall were just in the first phase of projects intended to be executed in the camp by his administration.

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“The second phase which I assure would start very soon shall include, construction of staff accommodation, a clinic and other necessary facilities including the reconstruction of the collapsed fence that I’ve just been requested by the state coordinator,” he said.

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Wike Defends ₦39bn ICC Renovation, Renaming Edifice After Tinubu

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..Put your houses in order, Tinubu tells opposition parties

Amid growing accusations that President Bola Tinubu is behind the leadership crises plaguing various opposition parties and allegedly working toward a one-party state, the President has advised opposition parties to focus on putting their houses in order ahead of the 2027 general election.

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President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made this call on Friday at the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, from Ring Road 1 (Apo Junction) to Wasa Junction, in Abuja.

Earlier in his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and responded to mounting criticisms over the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) and renaming it after the President.

Addressing lingering concerns about the opposition’s dwindling influence, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to multiparty democracy as pledged during his Democracy Day address. He insisted that, as a member of another political party, he could not mediate in opposition disputes.

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READ ALSO: Abati Clears Air On Begging Wike For Money

The opposition should put their houses together before the next election, so that nobody will accuse anybody of trying to stifle the opposition,” he said. “The President wants you to come together. If you cannot come together, the President cannot help you. This is politics. You’ll never unite if you continue to spread lies daily, condemning everything. Was Nigeria like this in 1960? Was Abuja like this three years ago?”

The President commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, for reactivating and completing abandoned infrastructure projects across the city.

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With the commissioning of this Left-Hand Service Carriageway, we are addressing a longstanding challenge. I commend the FCTA for completing projects with discipline, quality, and efficiency,” Tinubu stated.

In his speech, Wike argued that the President deserved the honour, having significantly contributed to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.

“As politicians, yes, we must criticize. But because you’re criticizing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t acknowledge progress. We are not flagging off; we are commissioning completed work,” Wike said.

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READ ALSO: Wike, Fubara To Begin Dialogue After Osoba’s Mediation

Responding to allegations of wasteful spending, Wike said: “Some people just lack good taste. The only thing in that building that wasn’t changed is the blockwork. Everything else in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is brand new.”

He dismissed claims that the renovation was unnecessary or politically motivated, saying: “If you love this country, you will not criticize this project. It’s not about wearing one pair of shoes or carrying a backpack. It’s about delivering value and building for the future.”

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Taking a swipe at a media house that reportedly questioned the rationale behind naming the ICC after Tinubu, Wike said: “Somebody said it should have been named after the original builder. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn’t build the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. Moshood Abiola didn’t build the stadium named after him. That argument doesn’t hold.”

He also challenged critics who referenced the original 1991 construction cost of ₦240 million: “What was the exchange rate then? What is it today in 2025? People must learn to analyze with context instead of criticizing.”
(Tribune)

 

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