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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the members of the parallel Zamfara State House of Assembly under the factional Speaker, Bashar Aliyu Gummi have rejected and condemned what they described as a politically motivated court order for the arrest of nine lawmakers.

In separate statements issued on Sunday in Gusau, the APC and the factional assembly accused the state government of weaponising the judiciary to intimidate elected representatives for performing their legislative duties and questioning perceived lapses in the executive arm.

According to Yusuf Idris, the APC Publicity Secretary in Zamfara State, the Chief Magistrate Court presided over by Justice Halima Jaafar Mikaila ordered the arrest of the lawmakers without issuing a prior summons or charge, despite the matter being subject to an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Sokoto.

“It is disturbing and embarrassing to see the judiciary being used as a tool to silence lawmakers who are pointing out issues of public concern. We call on Governor Dauda Lawal to end the harassment and engage the aggrieved members in dialogue”, he stated.

READ ALSO: Rivers APC Crisis Deepens As Factions Clash Over Court Ruling

The APC maintained that it would continue to uphold the rule of law and resist any form of political intimidation, especially against members who have raised concerns about insecurity in their constituencies.

Similarly, members of the parallel House of Assembly led by Hon. Bashar Aliyu Gummi decried what they termed “malicious persecution” by the state government.

In a statement signed by Hon. Aliyu Ango Kagara, the lawmakers insisted that they remain legitimate representatives of their constituents and would not be deterred by threats or what they described as “politically twisted legal actions”.

“We are committed to our mandate and the people we represent. No amount of intimidation, including biased court orders or threats to our lives, will stop us”, he stated.

The faction also alleged plans to attack them and their families, claiming they had already alerted security agencies and provided evidence of the threats.

While both parties acknowledge that some efforts had been initiated by past assembly leaders to mediate the crisis, they condemned the state government’s decision to seek an arrest order from a lower court despite ongoing legal proceedings at the appellate level.

Along the Lagos Ojota Expressway, a lorry crushed a pedestrian to death.

The unidentified victim attempted to bypass the designated pedestrian bridge while traveling across the busy Ojota main carriageway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) issued a severe warning against crossing highways without permission in a statement on Sunday.

Adebayo Taofiq, the lorry driver’s driver, rammed into a Toyota Corolla with the registration number LND 905 HN following preliminary investigations, according to LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA General Manager, stated that the Lagos State Government has made significant investments in pedestrian bridges and that everyone who uses them should use them responsibly.

Read more about Mele Kyari’s assertions that she is in the EFCC’s custody in light of the $2.9 billion probe.

Taofiq claimed that LASTMA officers turned over the suspect’s vehicle and vehicle to the Ogudu Police Division for further investigation after apprehending the fugding driver quickly.

In accordance with accepted protocol, the deceased’s body was later handed over to the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.

Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the victim’s family and stressed the importance of using the state-provided pedestrian infrastructure. He described the incident as “tragic and wholly preventable.”

He argued that disregarding the infrastructure requirements set forth for pedestrian safety is “both reckless and unlawful,” putting the offender at risk as well as other road users.

He continued, “Traffic safety protocols are dangerous to both the individual and the general public,” urging “collective vigilance and compliance to prevent further needless tragedies.”

LASTMA urged people to prioritize safety and steer clear of shortcuts that could save lives.

See the following statement in its entirety:

LASTMA ADVOCATES UNCOMPROMISING ADHERENCE TO DESIGNATED PEDESTRIAN OVERPASSES AT OJOTA: A TRAGIC OCCURRENCE.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a harsh warning to the general public, particularly pedestrians, underscoring the necessity for strict rules regarding the use of designated overhead pedestrian bridges.

Following a tragic incident over the weekend when a pedestrian was struck by a lorry while trying to cross the Ojota Expressway without permission on foot, this advisory follows.

The fatal collision, according to preliminary investigations, took place as the lorry was passing the Ojota main carriageway and encountered the pedestrian in violation of crossing rules. The lorry driver lost vehicular control in a futile attempt to flee the scene, colliding with a Toyota Corolla, which was identified by registration number LND 905 HN.

The frightened driver was apprehended and secured by LASTMA personnel who demonstrated commendable efficiency and swiftness. Both were handed over to Ogudu Police Division employees for thorough investigation and appropriate legal action.

LASTMA operatives respectfully transferred the deceased’s remains to officials of the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), ensuring due care and dignity in the care of the victim.

Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the general manager of LASTMA, expressed deep condolences to the deceased’s family, lamenting the incident’s tragic and entirely preventable nature. He reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe driving culture and protecting human life.

Mr. Bakare-Oki cited the serious risks of traveling through high-speed expressways without designated designated points, calling such behavior reckless and irresponsible. He remarked that ignoring the infrastructure’s requirements for pedestrian safety is both reckless and unlawful.

“Every road user is responsible for using pedestrian bridges responsibly because the Lagos State Government has invested a lot in them.”

He further urged people to follow traffic safety regulations and to follow them in order to prevent further unnecessary tragedies by urging them to be vigilant and adhere to them. He also made a warning that violating them would put an end to both the individual and the general public.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has been defended over the circumstances surrounding the First Lady’s walkout at the RHI/SDG Empowerment Program that was held in Port Harcourt on Friday. Oluremi Tinubu .

RHI claimed that President Bola Tinubu, who was suspended on March 18, had no bearing in the disruption.

Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, claimed that Fubara was the disruption’s mastermind.

Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide’s statement,

The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) received a obscene and deceptive statement from the media office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which unjustly attempts to juggle Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, with an unfortunate narrative surrounding the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday, according to the Rivers State Coordinator.

We might have avoided this political racial snub, but it is crucial to set the record straight for the good of the electorate.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, is a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Initiative and continues to be unwavering in her support of its goals and vision. Despite taking a vacation, the Governor provided full support, both legally and legally, for the success of the recent empowerment program spearheaded by the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The Rivers State women’s empowerment program was going smoothly until there was a disruption while Mrs. Theresa Ibas, the wife of the Rivers State Administrator, was giving a speech.

The women in attendance then vehemently opposed her participation, saying that they would prefer not to be addressed by her.

It is patently false to assume that Governor Fubara would sabotage a program he actively supported and funded. According to Mr. Lere Olayinka, these claims are wildly false and appear to be a deliberate attempt to politicize a well-intentioned, non-partisan event.

The Rivers State RHI Office finds it unfortunate that some people choose to use propaganda for political gain rather than appreciating the Governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives.

Beyond their political affiliations, rainbow women are renowned for their dignity and unity, and tensions only arise when attempting to impose their will by external political actors.

Rivers State’s RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme was a smashing success. The organization and the event’s outcome were both applauded by everyone involved, including the women who were beneficiaries.

The wife of the Rivers State Administrator delivered the only speech that was interrupted, an issue that was unrelated to the governor or the RHI Office. ”

We therefore urge the general public to disprove the unsupported assertions made by Mr. Olayinka. His assertions are not only baseless, but they also demonstrate a lack of understanding of Rivers State’s values and dynamics.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has been defended over the circumstances surrounding the First Lady’s walkout at the RHI/SDG Empowerment Program that was held in Port Harcourt on Friday. Oluremi Tinubu .

RHI claimed that President Bola Tinubu, who was suspended on March 18, had no bearing in the disruption.

Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, claimed that Fubara was the disruption’s mastermind.

Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide’s statement,

The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) received a obscene and deceptive statement from the media office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which unjustly attempts to juggle Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, with an unfortunate narrative surrounding the RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme held in Port Harcourt on Friday, according to the Rivers State Coordinator.

We might have avoided this political racial snub, but it is crucial to set the record straight for the good of the electorate.

Siminalayi Fubara, the governor, is a strong supporter of the Renewed Hope Initiative and continues to be unwavering in her support of its goals and vision. Despite taking a vacation, the Governor provided full support, both legally and legally, for the success of the recent empowerment program spearheaded by the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

The Rivers State women’s empowerment program was going smoothly until there was a disruption while Mrs. Theresa Ibas, the wife of the Rivers State Administrator, was giving a speech.

The women in attendance then vehemently opposed her participation, saying that they would prefer not to be addressed by her.

It is patently false to assume that Governor Fubara would sabotage a program he actively supported and funded. According to Mr. Lere Olayinka, these claims are wildly false and appear to be a deliberate attempt to politicize a well-intentioned, non-partisan event.

The Rivers State RHI Office finds it unfortunate that some people choose to use propaganda for political gain rather than appreciating the Governor’s consistent support for women-focused initiatives.

Beyond their political affiliations, rainbow women are renowned for their dignity and unity, and tensions only arise when attempting to impose their will by external political actors.

Rivers State’s RHI/SDG Empowerment Programme was a smashing success. The organization and the event’s outcome were both applauded by everyone involved, including the women who were beneficiaries.

The wife of the Rivers State Administrator delivered the only speech that was interrupted, an issue that was unrelated to the governor or the RHI Office. ”

We therefore urge the general public to disprove the unsupported assertions made by Mr. Olayinka. His assertions are not only baseless, but they also demonstrate a lack of understanding of Rivers State’s values and dynamics.

The Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has denied claims that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara was behind a protest that disrupted a women’s empowerment programme organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The incident occurred on Friday during the RHI/Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Women Empowerment Programme, organised by the Office of the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and held at the EUI Event Centre, GRA, Port Harcourt.

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Rivers State Coordinator of RHI, Mrs Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, the office expressed deep disappointment over what it described as “an unjust attempt to drag Governor Fubara’s name into an unfortunate narrative”.

“The attention of the Rivers State Office of the Renewed Hope Initiative has been drawn to a regrettable and misleading statement issued by the Media Office of the FCT Minister, which unjustly attempts to drag the name of the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, into an unfortunate narrative.

” The protest was spontaneous and bore no connection to the governor or his administration. To insinuate that Governor Fubara would sabotage a programme he actively supported and funded is not only illogical but patently false, “the statement read.

The Renewed Hope Initiative statement comes hours after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike, through his media office, condemned the walkout at the First Lady’s event as” disturbing and embarrassing”, accusing Fubara’s supporters of orchestrating it.

READ ALSO: Wike Apologises To First Lady Over Rivers Women’s Walkout, Calls Incident ‘ Embarrassing ‘

But the Rivers RHI coordinator clarified that Governor Fubara, who is currently on vacation, had fully supported the planning and hosting of the event — logistically and otherwise — as part of his commitment to the objectives of the Renewed Hope Initiative.

Briggs-Oniyide noted that the programme was progressing smoothly with a large turnout and enthusiastic participation from women across the state, until a disruption occurred during a speech by Mrs Theresa Ibas, wife of the Rivers State Administrator.

According to her, some women in attendance voiced their dissatisfaction, stating they did not recognise Mrs Ibas as their First Lady and expressing their preference for Governor Fubara’s wife, Valerie.

The RHI Rivers office further criticised the comments made by Mr Lere Olayinka, media aide to the FCT Minister, as” deeply misleading “and an attempt to politicise a non-partisan empowerment programme.

” The real mischief lies with external political actors who, rather than acknowledge the suspended Governor’s commitment to women-centred development, have chosen to distort the facts for political gain, “Briggs-Oniyide said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday represented President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Brice Nguema as President of Gabon President.

The inauguration ceremony, which held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Libreville, Gabon, saw military parades, marchpast and display of Gabon’s rich cultural heritage.

Vice President Shettima, was joined on the short trip by Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon Usman Bello Kumo and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Aliyu Modibbo.

READ ALSO: &nbsp, Presidency Faults Claim Shettima Was Denied Access To Aso Villa

Other African Leaders who attended the event were President Teodoro Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, John Mahama of Ghana, Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Félix Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo, Bassirou Faye of Senegal, and Mahamat Itno of Chad.

Others were Denis Nguesso of the Republic of Congo, Ismaïl Guelleh of Djibouti, Umaro Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi among many others.

In his inauguration speech, President Nguema, thanked the Gabonese citizens for their overwhelming support for him, leading to his emergence as a democratically elected President.

He pledged to work hard for the development of Gabon as well as empower the youth in order to secure the future of the nation.