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NEWS ANALYSIS: Providing quality legislative representation

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2022

Political analysts observe that one of the factors that determine growth and development in every democratic government is the quality and the commitment of the representatives elected to coordinate the political affairs of the electorate.

According to them, in most advanced countries where democratic government is the driving force to growth and development, quality representation either in the parliament or congress, is always a significant factor on which the electorate take seriously in assessing those seeking political offices.

Incontrovertibly, quality legislative representation transcends the ability to move motions on the floor of the legislature, Mr Sunday Akinade, a political scientist in Ejgbo, Osun, observes.

“It is, crucially, also about proper linkage with the grassroots, attracting life-changing projects to their constituencies; it involves appropriate linkage with the executive arm of government and being above board in the discharge of legislative duties.

“Senators and House of Representatives members count it all joy that they are given the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to the development of the country and their constituents while Nigerians at large are big winners.

“This is because it is hard for the electorate to always, at every electoral season, elect men and women of good virtues,’’ he notes.

He, however, expresses concern that the reality of the Nigerian situation is that the political class sees politics as another means to get wealth and boost their social status.

But the representative of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau, Mr Yusuf Gagdi, says he understands why he has to serve his constituency better because he deserves to be counted among the few members of the legislature who are giving quality representation with positive results.

“Serving the people in terms of life-changing moves and engaging in sustainable projects that will see to the growth and development of the constituency must be cardinal to representation in the National Assembly,’’ he insists

Residents of his constituency attest that from when Gagdi represented Kantana Constituency at the Plateau State of House Assembly, and later became Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, he distinguished himself as a lawmaker who knows his onions and the onus of his office.

Records also show that he was one of the vibrant and outspoken lawmakers the eighth state assembly had.

The residents believe that his sterling qualities spur the people of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam constituency to vote him in 2019 to represent them at the House of Representatives in the National Assembly.

Gagdi said that in the House of Representatives, he used his lobbying skills and political connections he had built over the years, to attract “many projects that have direct bearing in the lives of his constituents’’.

Observers note that he is one representative that has risen above mediocrity to add real value to the political cum developmental narrative of his constituency.

Gagdi reiterated his commitment in ensuring that the pact he entered with his people is met, promising never to convert what belong to the people for his personal use.

Speaking on the achievements of the lawmaker, Mr Sati Tanko, a public affairs analyst and member of the constituency, described Gagdi as a “worthy and true son of Plateau’’.

He added that Gagdi’s performance has surpassed expectations, insisting that the young lawmaker had turned the fortunes of the constituency in all ramifications.

“We celebrate the successes and humanitarian gestures of our amiable lawmaker; he is indeed a worthy son and we are proud of him.

“I am supporting him for a second term because he has not disappointed me as my representative; he has fulfilled his mandate as a patriot.

“So far, the lawmaker has touched almost all facets of lives in this constituency; from education, economic empowerment, provision of social amenities, physical infrastructure and human capital development, among others.

“As I speak, he constructed and rehabilitated more than 20 kilometres of township and rural roads in Pankshin and Kanam, constructed more than 100 boreholes with others still ongoing across each polling unit.

“This water project has basically addressed the perennial water challenge and the rising cases of cholera in the rural communities,’’.

Nde Gobak, the Chairman, Elders Advisory Council of the constituency, also described Gagdi as a “godsend’’.

Gobak, a one-time Secretary to the Government of Plateau, said that the people of the constituency had no regrets electing Gagdi to represent them at the National Assembly, adding that the lawmaker had not reneged in fulfilling his campaign promises.

He maintained that the constituency had never had it so good until the emergence of Gagdi, adding that the lawmaker had invested all resources available toward giving the constituency a facelift.

“Gagdi has constructed and renovated blocks of classrooms, examination halls, laboratories, equipped modern ICT centres and other facilities across secondary schools in the constituency.

“His intervention in the education sector didn’t end at building structures alone, but he took deliberate steps toward bringing succour to parents by offsetting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration fees for more than 2,000 candidates within the constituency in 2021.

“Recently, he presented a cheque of N100 million to the elders’ advisory council headed by me to offset the Senior School Certificate Examination registration fees for all SS3 candidates in public and private secondary schools across the constituency. As I speak, we have commenced payment already.

“He has built and furnished palaces of some district and village heads across the constituency, constructed and equipped health centres and empowered more than100 constituents with vehicles, more than 1,000 with motorcycles, grinding and sewing machines, among others things.

“This young man is the first representative in the annals of the constituency to have built and furnished a modern edifice as a constituency office with a 300-seater capacity hall attached to the office to enable constituents use it for any meeting or activities,’’ he said.

Gobak also commended the lawmaker for installing the solar-powered street lights at the headquarters of Pankshin, Kanke and Kanam local government areas, insisting that such gesture had given the towns a modern outlook.

The elder statesman also lauded Gagdi for empowering farmers with various farming tools and inputs, such as pumping machines, insecticides, herbicides and fertiliser, among others, adding that the gesture had encouraged more young people to venture into farming, thereby taking them off the streets.

For Alhaji Abdulahi Dugum, a businessman from Kanam, the interest-free loan worth millions provided by the lawmaker to the business community in the constituency had so far boosted businesses and promoted the growth of local economy.

He added that at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic era, the lawmaker, being a compassionate and a cheerful giver, donated foodstuff, clothing and cash to widows, less-privileged persons and Persons Living with Disabilities in the constituency.

“This gesture really cushioned the effects of the hardship being faced by this category of persons as a result of the prolonged lockdowns occasioned by the advent of the pandemic.

“In the area of human capital development, Gagdi has influenced and secured over 200 permanent and pensionable employments for his constituents at different government agencies, institutions, including the military and paramilitary organisations

“He has always been kind to his people; during Christmas and Sallah festivities, this gentleman has made it an annual ritual to distribute trailers of rice, cows, and cash to constituents, particularly the poor ones, to enable them celebrate the festivity with ease

“As someone who trust in God in all his dealings, Gagdi has supported the construction and rehabilitation of Churches and Mosques to enable worshipers to have befitting places to worship God,’’ he said.

Similarly, Mr Nanle Gujor, a member of elders’ advisory council of the constituency lauded the lawmaker for initiating several bills and motions that had direct bearing in the lives of his constituents.

“Suffice is to mention is that Gagdi has not failed in performing his primary function of law making, he has sponsored many bills and motions in the last three years of his representation

“Notable among his bills that were passed and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari is the bill that saw to the upgrading of Federal College of Education (FCE), Pankshin to the University of Education.

“Others included the repeal and enactment of the Police Reform Act which provided a legal framework for the recruitment of community police across the country, thereby creating job opportunities for youths and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act.

“Also, the House of Representatives passed the bill for the establishment of Admiralty University in Ibusa, sponsored by our amiable lawmaker.

“Not only that, a bill for the establishment of College of Education, Dengi, Kanam Local Government Area, is standing in his name, among many others.

“With all of these, it will be a disservice to say this young man has not performed; this why we are calling on our people to vote him back so that he can consolidate on achievements recorded so far,’’ he said.

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Form I-130 Approved: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Next Stages

Published

3 days ago

October 13, 2024

Online Editor

Obtaining approval of Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative is one of the key milestones in the immigration process. It unveils the process of the next moves in order to bring your loved one to the United States of America. Perhaps they are in the United States or perhaps they are in another country. It is crucial to know what comes next. Alright, let’s define the most crucial questions you may have.

What to do after Form I-130 is approved

It takes several months, after which USCIS will send you a notice that your Form I-130 has been approved. In case your relative resides in another country other than the United States the case will be taken to the National Visa Center (NVC). If they are in the U.S, whether to apply for adjustment of status or to go through consular processing is the next step to be taken.

All the applicants apart from those in the USA will have their case numbers allocated to them by the NVC together with instructions. This encompasses paying fees and completing the form I-130 Petition alien relative and the DS-260 form called the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. It is important that you be responsive to emails, at least to the official ones to check for updates.

If your relative is in the U.S., you will proceed filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

How to apply for Adjustment of Status if you are in the US

Adjustment of Status (AOS) enables Your Relative to get an LPR status without having to travel out of the country. Here’s how to navigate this process:

Check Eligibility: This should guarantee that the beneficiary is in the United States legally and meets all the requirements of the program.

File form I-485: Complete and file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) which is used in changing of immigration status to that of a permanent resident. A general rule of thumb to reduce delay as much as possible is to lay as much accuracy as possible from the onset of the project.

Gather Required Documents: Most organizations require that you submit some documents Among the documents include:

Form I-130 approval notice.
Passport and current visas.
The form with the name Arrival/Departure Record, also known as I-94.
Two passport-style photos.
The results of the medical examination are contained in form I-693.
Evidence of a relationship with the U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

Pay the Fees: The costs associated with a Form I-485 depend on the applicant’s age and other factors of his/her personal situation. Make sure you submit your application with the right fee.

Attend the Biometrics Appointment: Applicants are required to submit the application and after some time, USCIS will reschedule for fingerprint and photos to be taken. Attendance is crucial.

Prepare for the Interview: Nevertheless, most applicants will have to go for an interview at a local office of the USCIS. Check your application and gather whatever proof to support your case that you can.

How to apply for consular processing if you are outside the US

For the beneficiaries residing in other countries they then undergo consular processing. Here’s how to handle this process:

Wait for NVC Notification: Once the I-130 has been approved you will be contacted with a case number and additional directives from NVC.

Pay Fees and Submit DS-260: When the applicant receives a case number, they should then process the immigrant visa processing fees and fill the Form DS-260.

Gather Supporting Documents: Gather different documents in order of, barring the letters:

Your passport, which must be valid for at least six months of the intended stay.
Birth certificate.
Police certificates.
Medical examination results.
Affidavit of Support or the specific form used for it is I-864.

Attend the Visa Interview: The last stage is the Visa interview that takes place at a US embassy or a consulate. They should not lie, and they should be ready or willing to answer questions about their relationship and their background.

Receive Your Visa: When granted you get a stamp on your passport through which you can be able to travel to the United States of America.

It is often not easy to know what to do after Form I-130 has been approved, however it’s important to be informed and organized. No matter whether you are changing your status within the territory of the United States or opting for consular processing, it is important to know what steps to take in order to reach the desired end. The receipt of a green card. Be as organized as you can, keep record of the documents and when necessary, seek legal help. All the best on this great adventure that lies ahead of you!

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Awe Progressive Group Urges Gov. Sule to Consider Hamza Moyi for LGA Chairmanship

Published

5 days ago

October 12, 2024

Online Editor

From Leo Zwànke, Lafia

Awe Local Government Area Progressive Group has called on the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, to consider Hon. Hamza Ibrahim Moyi for the position of Chairman of the Awe Local Government Council. This appeal comes as the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Working Committee are set to decide on the candidate for the chairmanship post.

In a press release signed by the group’s spokesperson, Muhammed Musa on Saturday and sent to journalist, the group highlighted Moyi’s contributions to the development of Awe Local Government Area in his capacity as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Sports. According to Musa, Moyi’s name is among the three submitted for consideration by the governor.

The statement commended Moyi’s dedication to the local government, particularly in areas such as security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructural development. The group believes that his track record makes him the best fit for the position of council chairman.

“Hon. Hamza Ibrahim Moyi has worked tirelessly as the SSA to the governor, ensuring that Awe Local Government remains secure and that development projects are carried out effectively. His efforts in the areas of education, health, and agriculture have had a direct and positive impact on the people of the local government,” the statement read.

The group further emphasized that Moyi’s leadership has played a pivotal role in fostering peace and stability within the local government, particularly in addressing security challenges that have affected the area in the past.

“We appeal to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule, to recognize the efforts of Hon. Moyi and give him the opportunity to serve as the Chairman of Awe Local Government Council. His experience, dedication, and commitment to the progress of our local government make him the ideal candidate for this position,” the statement added.

The group expressed confidence that Moyi’s leadership would bring further development to Awe LGA and strengthen its role within the state.

The decision on the chairmanship is expected to be made soon as political activities in Nasarawa State gear up ahead of the local government council elections.

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Rivers LG Polls: Observers Blame Gov Fubara’s Use Of Non-State Actors for Post-Election Violence ***Exonerate Police of Any Wrongdoing Independent observers have condemned the violence and arson that marred the Rivers State local government elections, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters for the chaos. The Independent Election Monitoring Group, in its preliminary report, cited widespread irregularities, including the lack of election materials, non-use of electoral registers, and dubious declaration of results. Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, said Governor Fubara’s insistence on conducting the elections despite court rulings and security concerns has been criticized as a desperate bid to consolidate power. Notably, the report cleared the Nigerian Police of any wrongdoing, highlighting their withdrawal from the election due to a Federal High Court ruling. The report recommends a full investigation into the arson attacks, nullification of election results, deployment of federal security forces, and dialogue between the governor and opposition parties. According to the report, the use of violence by Fubara’s supporters in the wake of the election reflects the Governor’s desperation to suppress opposition and maintain control of the political narrative. By allowing his supporters to engage in such acts of violence, it added that Fubara has contributed to the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State. “The Rivers State local government elections and the subsequent acts of arson represent a low point in the state’s political history,” the report said. “Obviously , the state local government elections have exposed the fragility of the democratic process in the state. “Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s determination to consolidate political power through the Action Peoples Party (APP) and disregard for legal rulings has led to a crisis that threatens both the democratic fabric of Rivers State and the security of its citizens. “The refusal to honor court rulings, combined with the manipulation of electoral processes and violent suppression of opposition, demonstrates a clear disregard for the rule of law. “It is evident that Governor Fubara’s supporters, driven by his desperation to build and secure a political stronghold, are responsible for the violence and destruction that followed the elections. “The state’s political crisis will only worsen if urgent steps are not taken to restore order, accountability, and respect for democratic principles. “The use of arson as a tool for political intimidation is not only reprehensible but dangerous, as it has the potential to escalate into broader conflict. If unchecked, this pattern of governance could erode what remains of democratic practice in Rivers State. “It is therefore imperative that Governor Fubara and his administration give peace a chance by embracing dialogue, respecting court rulings, and adhering to democratic norms. “The Governor must realize that power, when pursued at the expense of the people’s trust and the rule of law, is unsustainable. “For the future of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria’s democratic experiment, it is crucial that stakeholders at all levels work together to address the deep-seated issues that have emerged from this election. “This includes reforming the electoral system, ensuring accountability for violent actions, and fostering a political culture where power is gained through the people’s will, not through coercion, manipulation, or violence. “In the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the political crisis in Rivers State is reminiscent of the crisis in the old Western region. It is a warning sign of what could become a larger national issue if the political situation in Rivers State is not addressed. “It is the responsibility of all concerned parties, including the federal government, to intervene and ensure that Rivers State does not spiral into anarchy. Only through collective action can the state be returned to peace, stability, and genuine democratic governance.”

Published

5 days ago

October 12, 2024

Online Editor

***Exonerate Police of Any Wrongdoing

Independent observers have condemned the violence and arson that marred the Rivers State local government elections, blaming Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s supporters for the chaos.

The Independent Election Monitoring Group, in its preliminary report, cited widespread irregularities, including the lack of election materials, non-use of electoral registers, and dubious declaration of results.

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Agabi, said Governor Fubara’s insistence on conducting the elections despite court rulings and security concerns has been criticized as a desperate bid to consolidate power.

Notably, the report cleared the Nigerian Police of any wrongdoing, highlighting their withdrawal from the election due to a Federal High Court ruling.

The report recommends a full investigation into the arson attacks, nullification of election results, deployment of federal security forces, and dialogue between the governor and opposition parties.

According to the report, the use of violence by Fubara’s supporters in the wake of the election reflects the Governor’s desperation to suppress opposition and maintain control of the political narrative.

By allowing his supporters to engage in such acts of violence, it added that Fubara has contributed to the breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.

“The Rivers State local government elections and the subsequent acts of arson represent a low point in the state’s political history,” the report said.

“Obviously , the state local government elections have exposed the fragility of the democratic process in the state.

“Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s determination to consolidate political power through the Action Peoples Party (APP) and disregard for legal rulings has led to a crisis that threatens both the democratic fabric of Rivers State and the security of its citizens.

“The refusal to honor court rulings, combined with the manipulation of electoral processes and violent suppression of opposition, demonstrates a clear disregard for the rule of law.

“It is evident that Governor Fubara’s supporters, driven by his desperation to build and secure a political stronghold, are responsible for the violence and destruction that followed the elections.

“The state’s political crisis will only worsen if urgent steps are not taken to restore order, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.

“The use of arson as a tool for political intimidation is not only reprehensible but dangerous, as it has the potential to escalate into broader conflict. If unchecked, this pattern of governance could erode what remains of democratic practice in Rivers State.

“It is therefore imperative that Governor Fubara and his administration give peace a chance by embracing dialogue, respecting court rulings, and adhering to democratic norms.

“The Governor must realize that power, when pursued at the expense of the people’s trust and the rule of law, is unsustainable.

“For the future of Rivers State, and indeed Nigeria’s democratic experiment, it is crucial that stakeholders at all levels work together to address the deep-seated issues that have emerged from this election.

“This includes reforming the electoral system, ensuring accountability for violent actions, and fostering a political culture where power is gained through the people’s will, not through coercion, manipulation, or violence.

“In the words of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the political crisis in Rivers State is reminiscent of the crisis in the old Western region. It is a warning sign of what could become a larger national issue if the political situation in Rivers State is not addressed.

“It is the responsibility of all concerned parties, including the federal government, to intervene and ensure that Rivers State does not spiral into anarchy. Only through collective action can the state be returned to peace, stability, and genuine democratic governance.”