Reactions as South-West govs adopt anthem for region – Newstrends
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Reactions as South-West govs adopt anthem for region

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Reactions as South-West govs adopt anthem for region

The six governors of the South-West states of Nigeria, under the auspices of ‘the South-West Governors’ Forum, on Monday, June 10, 2024, met in Lagos, where they discussed issues about the development of the region.

Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) attended the meeting. At the meeting, the governors unanimously and officially adopted the Ic¹Ì wà fùñ Il¹ wá song as the Yoruba anthem.

The adoption of the new Yoruba anthem has continued to generate reactions from stakeholders in the region. While some see it as a misplaced priority, others see it as a good step towards the realisation of the regional government, which the South-West has been in the forefront of.

Regional Anthem, a misplaced priority—Ex-TUC Chairman

The former chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Ekiti State chapter, Mr Kolawole Olaiya described the new regional anthem as a misplaced priority, adding that the South-West governors should prioritize the welfare and security of the citizens by coming up with an acceptable new minimum wage.

Olaiya said: “No matter any form of anthem – national or whatever, that is not the problem of Nigeria.
“The problem of Nigeria is the welfare and security of the citizens. The regional anthem or national anthem is not what Nigeria wants but welfare and security.

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“They should give workers robust welfare in the form of salary increase or increased minimum wage.
“People are living in poverty, there is a food crisis, fuel crisis, and there can’t be unity without the welfare of the people. I want the governors to consider their workers and citizens for better welfare. I want them to consider the present minimum wage; they should align with the Federal Government’s position.

“They should forget about the anthem, it’s not what’s supposed to be the focus, the focus should be the welfare of the people and not engaging in frivolous issues.

“National and regional anthems cannot feed us, they should resolve the issue of poverty.”

It signifies unity of purpose — Afenifere

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said that the adoption of the anthem “signifies a resolve by South-West governments that our region will be marching forward with unity of purpose.”

Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, commended the governors for having a good sense of history as he recalled that the anthem was composed by the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, under the leadership of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

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FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike

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Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju

FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike

Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday, said that the choice of who becomes senator in 2027 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should be determined solely by residents of the FCT, and not by the Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The former governor of Rivers State had dared Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, stating that he would ensure she did not return to the Senate in 2027.

Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.

Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.

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Adeyanju, responding to Wike on X, said that the Minister could not decide for the people because the FCT was not Rivers State, where election results were written with guns.

The human rights lawyer said, “FCT is not Rivers, where people write results and shoot guns. Even incumbent presidents get defeated in the FCT.

“I know these folks have 100% control of INEC and other rigging mechanisms, but the arrogance is truly uncalled for.

“Nigerian politicians are like power-drunk Nigerian celebrities and pastors who can boast openly about getting the police to lock you up, and they will eventually do it,” he said.

FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike

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I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his talks with the south-east governors excluded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

On Tuesday, governors under the umbrella of the south-east governors’ forum resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the forum, announced this the resolution at the end of a meeting of the governors held in Enugu, Obasanjo also paid a solidarity visit to the southeast governors forum in the state.

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In a statement on Wednesday, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo special assistant on media affairs, said the ex-presidentand Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, met with south-east governors to discuss regional development.

The statement said that the meeting did not include discussions about the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.

“The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence,” the statement said.

“The regional development issues include that of security and infrastructure, economic and cooperative collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda.

I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo

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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.

Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.

Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.

“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.

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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”

Furthermore, the bill proposes streamlined sharing of personal data with robust data protection measures to safeguard privacy and foster public trust in data handling.

It also enhances administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely compliance with ID registration requirements.

Importantly, the bill advocates for replacing criminal penalties with administrative measures for non-use of NIN, aiming to encourage compliance without burdening individuals with severe legal consequences.

After debates, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill, marking a significant step toward potential reforms in Nigeria’s identity management system.

Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN

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