In a recent session, the Kogi State House of Assembly formally endorsed the appointment of 15 commissioners put forth by the newly inaugurated Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The confirmed commissioners include Engr Farouk Danlami Yusuf, Barr Salami Ozigi-Deedat, Basiru Abubakar Gegu, Dr Adams Abdulaziz, and Engr Joseph Oluwasegun Stephen. Additionally, Muizideen Yinusa Abdullahi, SAN, Rabiatu Okute, Hon Kingsley Fanwo, Fatima Momoh, Engr Mohammed Yusuf, Timothy Ojoma, Sunday Faleke, Mr Abanika Taye, Asiwaju Idris Asiru, and Engr Mohammed Adbulmutalib complete the list.

Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, encouraged the newly confirmed Commissioners to channel their efforts towards the state’s development. He stated, “I urge the Commissioners to work hard for the development of the state.” The Speaker’s words underline the Assembly’s expectation of dedication and commitment from the appointed officials as they assume their roles in steering the state towards progress.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep concern about the rising insecurity in Nigeria and criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s response.

Atiku, in a Facebook post, accused Tinubu of playing the fiddle while Nigeria faces security challenges.

He highlighted recent incidents, including the kidnapping of a nursing mother and grandmother in Abuja and the killing of two monarchs in Ekiti.

Atiku called for decisive leadership and suggested that if the responsibility is too burdensome for the current leadership, they should step aside.

He emphasized that Nigeria needs 24/7 leadership to address the pervasive insecurity and economic challenges.

In a mild drama in the Senate, Senator Suleiman Kawu criticized what he deemed the premature removal of Mansur Kuliya, the Executive Director of the Midstream, Downstream, Gas Infrastructure Fund. Kawu argued that Kuliya’s removal, as indicated in President Bola Tinubu’s letter, was unlawful as it cut short his five-year term that began in 2022.

Senator Kawu raised a constitutional point, citing Section 34(2), 5, and Section 36(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act, which outlines the process for the removal or replacement of an executive director. He emphasized that there was no official communication or due process followed in Kuliya’s removal.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the matter to the Senate Committee of the Whole and the Senate Committee on Gas and Downstream for further investigation. Akpabio instructed the committees to consider Kawu’s claims and make recommendations to the Senate for appropriate legislative action.

The Senate has adjourned plenary until February 6, 2024, following an Executive Session. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision and stated that the Upper Chamber resolved to invite heads of security agencies to provide updates on the security situation in the country.

The invitation aims to address the ongoing insecurity crisis, covering issues such as kidnapping, murder, banditry, and the killing of hostages after ransom payments. The Senate is particularly concerned about the bomb explosion in Ibadan that resulted in the destruction of private and public facilities.

During the session, President Bola Tinubu’s letter requesting the confirmation of the sack of the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Babatunde Irukera, was read. The request, in line with the provisions of Section 8 (2) of the FCCPC Act, 2018, was referred to the committee of the whole for further action.

President Tinubu had terminated Babatunde Irukera’s position as CEO of FCCPC, effective from January 8, 2024. The Senate will now deliberate on the confirmation of this decision.

Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau state has commissioned 34 Hilux vehicles equipped with state-of-the-art security gadgets, a move aimed at enhancing the security of lives and properties in the state. The security vehicles were procured through collaborative efforts from the 17 Local Government Transition Implementation Committee Chairmen in the state.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, highlighted Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to fortifying security, particularly in rural communities across Plateau state. He emphasized the fundamental role of security as the foundation for meaningful development.

“This marks the initiation of our commitment to reshape the security architecture on the Plateau. The State Government will soon introduce additional measures to support security agencies in effectively executing their duties statewide,” stated Governor Mutfwang.

Assuring the citizens of Plateau, he emphasized the administration’s determination to fulfill its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property. “Our determination knows no bounds, and we will continue striving to ensure the effective discharge of this duty.”

Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to the Local Government Chairmen for pooling resources to enhance the well-being of the state’s citizens. He encouraged them to intensify their efforts in the best interest of the people.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Usman, presented the security vehicles to the Governor, stating that the gesture aims to assist security personnel in responding promptly to security challenges within their respective Local Government Areas on the Plateau.

Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to integrity, accountability, and excellence in establishing a Nigeria free from corruption and governed by the rule of law. The statement was made during the Commission’s management and leadership retreat held in Kano.

The retreat brought together management staff and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners (RACCs) from the 21 state offices of the Commission. Dr. Aliyu highlighted the significance of the retreat, providing an opportunity for the Commission to assess past achievements, analyze current challenges, and strategize for the future.

The Chairman introduced his vision and policy thrust, encapsulated by the acronym “CARE,” representing Culture, Accountability, Responsibility, and Efficiency. These core values and principles will guide the actions and decisions of the ICPC moving forward.

During the retreat, guest speakers contributed valuable insights, and the Chairman expressed hope that the outcomes would shape the future of the Commission and have a lasting impact on the nation’s socio-economic development.

Dr. Aliyu encouraged active participation, meaningful dialogue, and the contribution of valuable insights from all participants, emphasizing the collective opportunity to shape the future of the ICPC.

The three-day retreat included presentations by the Management team and Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioners. Additionally, lectures by Prof. Attahiru Jega, Justice HAO Abiru, and Dr. Ibrahim Sule, as well as strategy and interactive sessions, were scheduled. The resolutions from the retreat are expected to contribute to the ICPC’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan and priorities.