GOV ENO attended the PDP Governors Forum earlier today in Enugu.

Updated

By Anietie Edet

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE PDP GOVERNORS’ FORUM AT THE END OF ITS MEETING IN ENUGU, ENUGU STATE ON WEDNESDAY, 17TH JULY 2024.

The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of H.E. Governor Bala A. Mohammed, CON, held a meeting at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.

2. The meeting deliberated on a wide range of issues that border on our critical national interest, the state of our party particularly the forthcoming congress, the unprecedented hardship faced by majority of Nigerians as a result of the dismal performance of the APC-led Federal Government, the minimum wage negotiations, and the recurring issue of inter-governmental relations with special reference to local government autonomy and funding.

3. Following exhaustive discussions and consultations, the meeting resolved as follows:

i. UPCOMING PARTY CONGRESSES

a.   In the spirit of the founding fathers of our great party who adopted internal democracy as the fundamental principle on which our party was built, the congresses leading to the election of party leaders, at the various tiers, must be all-inclusive, transparent, fair and in strict compliance with the constitution of the party.

b.   To ensure the successful conduct of the congresses across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

ii. OFF SEASON ELECTIONS

On the off season elections in Edo and Ondo, the forum:

a.   Admonishes all the parties to the elections to ensure that campaigns are issues-based, violence-free and in strict compliance with the provisions of the electoral act.

b.   Urges the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide a level playing field that guarantees transparent, fair and unimpeachable elections as any act of bias will be totally resisted.

c. Urges Mr. President to show leadership as a true democrat by refraining from making any statement suggestive of political interference in the entire process.

iii. THE ECONOMY

The Forum notes with dismay and grave concern the mismanagement of the economy by the APC-led Federal Government.

iv. MINIMUM WAGE NEGOTIATIONS

The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted. In the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of majority of our people, the Forum resolves as follows:

a. That Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and therefore commands the total support of the Forum

b. While the Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, agreement must take into consideration the ability to pay by the local government, sub-national and federal government.

b. While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint in both utterances and actions that could lead to the complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately, the collapse of the economy.

v. SUPREME COURT RULING ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT ALLOCATION

a. The Forum believes in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought closer to the people as provided for in the constitution.

b. Will continue to support the autonomy of the Local Governments as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

c. Forum holds the Supreme Court in the highest esteem, and is committed to obedience to court orders. However, the Forum urges that implementation of the court decision must be done in a manner that does not create a trust deficit between the federal governments and sub-national governments while also ensuring that the system does not suffer.

vi. THE CRISIS IN RIVERS STATE

The Forum notes the crises in the Rivers State Chapter of the party and commits to ensuring peace. The Forum has resolved to stand by His Excellency, Sir Sim Fubara, Governor of Rivers State; while at the same time employ wider consultations with stakeholders for a peaceful resolution and thus find a lasting solution to the crises.

vii. RESTORING THE NATION’S PAST GLORY

The Forum regrets that the 16 years of tremendous development under the PDP-led Federal Government, during which the country witnessed single digit inflation, the establishment of the existing anti-corruption institutions and higher standard of living for every Nigerian has been eroded during the life span of the lacklustre APC-led Federal Government.

The Forum identifies with the Nigerian populace in these troubling times and promises to bring back those good old days, of low inflation rate, affordable food, fuel and transportation, steady FDI inflows resulting in high naira value and the greater quality of human life as recorded.

In that regard, the meeting commended the Governors of PDP-controlled states for their innovative approaches to governance in many fields especially infrastructure, education, health, women and youth initiatives and the timely delivery of developmental projects, across the country.

The forum therefore calls on all Nigerians to refrain from anarchy as we all march towards the return of the PDP to power in 2027.

The meeting thanked the Host, His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the first meeting of the PDP Governors in recent times outside Abuja and for holding the Party together not only in Enugu State but in the entire South Eastern Geo-political Zone; as well as extolled his virtues and achievements as evidenced with major landmark projects and interventions.

Those in attendance were:

i.  Gov. Bala Mohammed, CON – Bauchi State – Chairman

ii.  Gov. Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State – Vice Chairman

iii.  Gov. Peter N. Mba (Host)

iv. Gov. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – Adamawa State – Member

vi  Gov. Umo Eno – Akwa Ibom State – Member

vii. Gov. Douye Diri – Bayelsa State – Member

vii Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori – Delta State -Member

ix. Gov. Godwin Obaseki – Edo State – Member

x.  Gov. Seyi Makinde – Oyo State – Member

xi. Gov. Caleb Mutfwang  – Plateau State – Member

xii.  Gov. Agbu Kefas – Taraba State – Member

xiii.  Gov. Dauda Lawal – Zamfara State – Member

Signed.

Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON

Chairman, PDP Governors Forum//

Governor Bauchi State

PHOTO NEWS

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is in Enugu for the PDP Governors’ Forum meeting. This gathering in Enugu will bring together governors under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), along with key figures for productive discussions.

#PDP

GOVERNOR UMO ENO REITERATES COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE, COMFORTABLE HOUSING FOR CITIZENS, INVESTORS

GOVERNOR UMO ENO REITERATES COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE, COMFORTABLE HOUSING FOR CITIZENS, INVESTORS 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has reiterated his administration's commitment to providing affordable, decent and comfortable housing for every strata of the society.

Governor Eno stated this at the foundation laying for an estate, Ewet Luxury Gardens, located at Ewet Offot in Uyo, the State capital.

He noted that in line with his economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, his administration was undertaking different housing projects for the elites, the low income earners and the poorest of the poor, as well as a planned 18 floor tower in Lagos, to be named "Ibom Towers."

The Governor noted that the Ewet Luxury Garden, a prototype of the Dakkada Luxury Estate, will be a smart estate that will cater for both local residents and investors from the diaspora.

He said the project was more of a business venture, with units available for outright purchase, adding that construction is expected to begin soon, starting with a project office. He  encouraged interested buyers, particularly those from the diaspora, to make early inquiries as it is slated for completion within eight months.

"This luxury estate is positioned as part of a larger state initiative that includes compassionate housing and rural community development projects, showcasing the government's multi-faceted approach to housing and urban planning in Akwa Ibom State.

"The project is part of a broader initiative to develop various housing options across different economic brackets in Akwa Ibom State."

Governor Eno recalled that the land was locked down for a long time, and while he was serving as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, he dialogued with the community which demanded for a school in exchange for the land.

He noted that the government honoured the request of the community, constructed a model school for the community, and took possession of the land for the estate project.

The State Chief Executive appreciated the leaders and people of the area for their disposition which, according to him, has added laudable value to their community.

He noted that the Ewet Luxury Garden is for the high net worth individuals,, the Grace Estate for low income earners while  the government has recently flagged off the second phase of the ARISE Compassionate Homes, aimed at building one compassionate home in each of the wards across the State

The Governor therefore assured that in his administration, effort is made to ensure that there is something for everyone.

Presenting an overview of the project, the Commissioner for Housing, Otuekong Raphael Bassey, said the new housing estate will feature 32 residential plots each bearing a 5 bedroom detached housing unit and boys quarters, outdoor recreational facilities for children and adults, walk paths, a 100 man capacity multipurpose hall, office facilities,  parking spaces, security house and other facilities with a central power plant, sitting on a 3.5 hectare land space, assuring that upon completion, it will contribute to drastically reducing the housing deficit in the State.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, AKICORP, Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, hailed Governor Umo Eno for the project initiative which, he maintained, will not only meet housing needs, but serve as a revenue spinning investment for the state in line with AKICORP's  3-dimensional goal of wooing investor to 'come, live and work' in Akwa Ibom State.

Stakeholders of Uyo Local Government Area including Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, local government chairman,Dr Uwemedimo Udoh, who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Pastor Sylvia Ekong, and the Paramount Ruler, Edidem Sylvanus Okon, registered the gratitude of Uyo people in hosting the project and assured of the commitment of Uyo people to maintaining their peace loving and neighbour - friendly disposition, to add value to the estate.

President Biden issued an order for Secret Service protection to be provided to independent candidate Kennedy Jr. 15th of July 2024

Agency Report

US President Joe Biden has ordered Secret Service protection for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the homeland security chief said Monday.

“In light of this weekend’s events, the president has directed me to work with the Secret Service to provide protection to Robert Kennedy Jr,”  United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, told journalists.

Kennedy, the scion of America’s most famous political clan, is an environmental lawyer and long-time vaccine sceptic who has no chance of winning in November, but whose candidacy could potentially sway close contests in key swing states.

Trump called earlier in the day for Secret Service protection to be extended to Kennedy.

A ‘new era’ in malaria control has begun with a vaccination campaign for children in Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — Health workers in Ivory Coast began giving children the latest malaria vaccine on Monday, the beginning of a regional campaign that experts hope might curb the impact of one of Africa’s top killers.

The West African country became the first to start rolling out the newest shot targeting malaria in an effort that aims to cover about 250,000 children under two. The three-dose vaccine known as R21/Matrix-M was developed by Britain’s Oxford University and was authorized by the World Health Organization last October.

Research suggests it is more than 75% effective at preventing severe disease and death in the first year and that protection is extended for at least another year with a booster.

Alice Kanga was one of many who brought their children to get vaccinated Monday. “It’s really important for the children, for their health,” she said.

LG AUTONOMY: GOV. ENO LAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING, STATES CONCERNS ON IMPLEMENTATION

LG AUTONOMY: GOV. ENO LAUDS SUPREME COURT RULING, STATES CONCERNS  ON IMPLEMENTATION 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno , has described the recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments as a welcome development and relief to state governments.

He however expressed concerns over its effective implementation and the ability of LGs to handle their financial responsibilities. 

Governor Eno made the observations while fielding questions with Government House correspondents at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, upon his return to the state from an official engagement.

The Governor noted that the Supreme Court verdict on  local government autonomy remains sacrosanct, being the pronouncement of the final court in the land.

He noted that the judgement will not impact the Akwa Ibom State Government in anyway, stressing that so far, under his administration and even in previous years,  local governments have been getting their due allocations, without any interference with the operations of the joint account.

He affirmed that his administration's ARISE Agenda places a premium on rural development.

Gov. Eno stated that the present state government has channelled volumes of funds into offsetting arrears of gratuities, pensions, salaries and other entitlements to local government workers, noting that  the autonomy granted the third tier of government is a relief to the state government.

He expressed hope that local governments, under the new arrangement, would take over the responsibility of prompt payment of  salary abd other emoluments to teachers, health workers and other  LG workers to avoid leaving unnecessary burden of arrears to successive governments.

In his words: "The Supreme Court has made pronouncements. That's the final court of the land, but for us in Akwa Ibom, honestly I don't see us having any issues. For me, this is a welcome development because I know how much we, as a state, support the local governments. 

 

"Since I assumed office, I've not touched any funds allocated to the local governments. The only challenge I envisage now, which we have to sit down and find a way around is how the local government workers would be paid promptly? How will primary school teachers be paid promptly? How do we clear the backlog that we have? I pray that we find a way around this.

"Our ARISE Agenda is also centered around developing the local government areas, so with this judgement, I feel relieved but my concern is how they would bear the brunt of the autonomy."