politics
magnetic Hon. Saka Fafunmi, A Man Who Walks His Talk!… Now on the march again to the Lower House in Abuja
He has an uncanny approach to issues when it comes to matters that touch the lives of the commoman, especially those in his immediate constituency. The man, Honourable Saka Fafunmi is a persona with political impeccable character, and could count to be tested and reliable any time. He qualifies to be described as someone who has been there and done that, given his testament as a three time legislator and lawmaker with several landmark achievements both severally and individually. In parenthesis, Hon. Saka Fafunmi can qualify as a study in excellence when it comes to political pragmatism and exploits on all fronts.Apart from his political excellence and first degree in Engineering, Saka also studied Law at the prestigious University of Lagos, and followed suit, with a Masters in Public Administration, MPA from the same Unilag. On a lighter but very compulsive note, Hon. Saka will tell you any day that people should avail their minds to the positive things that are about to happen in Ifako-Ijaye. For a very long time, he believes the constituents have seen several people coming out to represent the federal constituency, but it is regrettable that since 1999, Ojokoro people have occupied the office of the House of Representatives capacity, for a period of 16 years but in his side they, that is in Ifako-Ijaiye, have done just eight years; he thus believes very sincerely that it is the merited turn of Ifako-Ijaye to bring there level of experience and exposure and give a voice to Ifako-Ijaye. And thus by his understanding this will change the political trajectory of this local government and ultimately change the level of representation of Lagos state in that great lower chamber.
Exif_JPEG_420
Suffice to say that in a very long time, between 2007 which was when he became a lawmaker, from 2007 to 2019, that’s roughly about 12 years, the state via the LSHA experienced tremendous growth. What people don’t understand about governors is their strength, how viable you and your house that will determine your growth outside. Lagos is where it is because the house of assembly is second to none in the country.
This is why we keep bringing out lifechanging solutions and laws. Also to a large extent, legislative duty most often is a collective responsibility, we’ve had several bills and several motions on the environment, on life and infrastructures. In his words, ‘you know when I came in, in 20071 was opportune to join a committee on works and infrastructure, 
we divided work into infrastructure but infrastructure was more alive. Back then we had to regenerate almost every sector in Lagos and the work of a legislature starts from the budget and its control, because if you fail to budget properly, you probably will not get the result. Lagos is growing because of the discipline and control exercised by the legislative, cause if they aren’t doing what they’re meant to do, we’ll never be where we are, a situation where by you don’t have a thorough legislature, the executive will go to sleep but in a state where you know the legislature are always checking on what the executives are doing, that’s always up and running, that is why Lagos is a success story and I strongly believe that if people of like minds are given opportunity to be in this chamber, people with experience, Nigeria will be changed for the better.’ Again, he professed and enthused in strong words that the two components of the constituency he wants to expose which are Ojokoro and Ifako-ijaiye, and I want you to make a statement regarding giving Ifako-Ijaiye its fair share in the constitution of our great party Federal Republic of Nigeria. In his words, if you check the House of Representatives, what areas would you say they have a share to the two consistencies and what do you think you can do different in positioning the parent constituency for the visibility it needs. Again, let’s look at another issue, which is about a representative’s closeness to his people. For one, as a representative, one’s office should be readily and uninhibitedly accessible to all. Now, when you look at the entire topography of Ifako Ijaye and Ojokoro, there’s no known point where you can easily meet the needs of those constituents, you know Ojokoro transcends down to Sango Ota, toll gate, so how would you make it accessible to people over there as well as here, my view is to open a dual office, one over there and as well get the necessary things to augment the relationship and closeness with the people in this local government. Aside that, ‘my goal is to enhance the quality of representation in this country.Exif_JPEG_420
In a statement, the President asked suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara to resume work on Thursday, September 18.
He also asked Ngozi Nma Odu, the Deputy Governor, and Rivers lawmakers resume their duties.
The emergency rule was declared in the state six months ago.
Tinubu said: “My Fellow countrymen and, in particular, the good people of Rivers State.*
“I am happy to address you today on the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State. You will recall that on 18th March, 2025, I proclaimed a state of emergency in the state. In my proclamation address, I highlighted the reasons for the declaration.
“The summary of it for context is that there was a total paralysis of governance in Rivers State, which had led to the Governor of Rivers State and the House of Assembly being unable to work together. Critical economic assets of the State, including oil pipelines, were being vandalised. The State House of Assembly was crisis-ridden, such that members of the House were divided into two groups. Four members worked with the Governor, while 27 members opposed the Governor. The latter group supported the Speaker. As a result, the Governor could not present any Appropriation Bill to the House, to enable him to access funds to run Rivers State’s affairs.
“That serious constitutional impasse brought governance in the State to a standstill. Even the Supreme Court, in one of its judgments in a series of cases filed by the Executive and the Legislative arms of Rivers State against each other, held that there was no government in Rivers State. My intervention and that of other well-meaning Nigerians to resolve the conflict proved abortive as both sides stuck rigidly to their positions to the detriment of peace and development of the State.
“It therefore became painfully inevitable that to arrest the drift towards anarchy in Rivers State, I was obligated to invoke the powers conferred on me by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to proclaim the state of emergency. The Offices of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and elected members of the State House of Assembly were suspended for six months in the first instance. The six months expire today, September 17th, 2025.
“I thank the National Assembly, which, after critically evaluating the justification for the proclamation, took steps immediately, as required by the Constitution, to approve the declaration in the interest of peace and order in Rivers State. I also thank our traditional rulers and the good people of Rivers State for their support from the date of the declaration of the state of emergency until now.
“I am not unaware that there were a few voices of dissent against the proclamation, which led to their instituting over 40 cases in the courts in Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa, to invalidate the declaration. That is the way it should be in a democratic setting. Some cases are still pending in the courts as of today. *But what needs to be said is that the power to declare a state of emergency is an inbuilt constitutional tool to address situations of actual or threatened breakdown of public order and public safety, which require extraordinary measures to return the State to peace, order and security.
“Considered objectively, we had reached that situation of total breakdown of public order and public safety in Rivers State, as shown in the judgment of the Supreme Court on the disputes between the Executive and the Legislative arm of Rivers State. It would have been a colossal failure on my part as President not to have made that proclamation.
“As a stakeholder in democratic governance, I believe that the need for a harmonious existence and relationship between the executive and the legislature is key to a successful government, whether at the state or national level. The people who voted us into power expect to reap the fruits of democracy. However, that expectation will remain unrealizable in an atmosphere of violence, anarchy, and insecurity borne by misguided political activism and Machiavellian manipulations among the stakeholders.
“I am happy today that, from the intelligence available to me, there is a groundswell of a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm on the part of all the stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance. This is undoubtedly a welcome development for me and a remarkable achievement for us. I therefore do not see why the state of emergency should exist a day longer than the six months I had pronounced at the beginning of it.
“It therefore gives me great pleasure to declare that the emergency in Rivers State of Nigeria shall end with effect from midnight today. The Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, the deputy governor, Her Excellency Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and the speaker, Martins Amaewhule, will resume work in their offices from 18 September 2025.
“I take this opportunity to remind the Governors and the Houses of Assembly of all the States of our country to continue to appreciate that it is only in an atmosphere of peace, order, and good government that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. I implore all of you to let this realisation drive your actions at all times.”
In a recent nationwide opinion poll assessing the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet members, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, emerged as the most performing minister in security. The survey sampled views across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, reflecting growing public confidence in his ability to drive strategies that directly confront the country’s complex security challenges. Since assuming office in 2023, Matawalle has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the administration’s most active voices on national defence. Working closely with the Minister of Defence, the service chiefs, and other security stakeholders, he has been instrumental in strengthening collaboration among the armed forces and initiating reforms targeted at insurgency, banditry, and cross-border crimes.
The poll, which was widely discussed across media and policy circles, shows that Nigerians are paying close attention to how security matters are being handled under Tinubu’s leadership. Respondents in the North West and North Central regions areas most affected by banditry and insurgency credited Matawalle’s office with championing military offensives, improving intelligence sharing, and taking a hands on approach through visits to crisis zones. Many see his active presence and swift interventions as a departure from past practices where government officials often kept their distance from affected communities.
Analysts note that the poll’s outcome speaks not only to Matawalle’s rising profile within Tinubu’s cabinet but also to a broader demand by Nigerians for results driven governance. Security remains one of the administration’s toughest challenges, and the minister’s recognition suggests that citizens are beginning to identify clear efforts and results in that direction. Political observers believe this rating could further boost the administration’s credibility as it works to reassure Nigerians that reforms in the defence sector are yielding impact.
Still, experts caution that much work remains to be done. Nigeria’s security crisis is deeply layered, with terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and urban crime continuing to stretch the country’s security architecture. While military operations have recorded notable successes, addressing the underlying socio economic causes of insecurity will require more holistic strategies, ranging from poverty reduction and education to stronger governance at the state and local levels.
Nevertheless, Matawalle’s emergence as the most performing minister in security underscores a significant shift in how Nigerians perceive leadership and accountability. It signals that citizens are not only monitoring the government’s promises but are also willing to recognize and reward performance where it is evident. As President Tinubu’s administration advances, the spotlight on ministers like Matawalle reflects a growing expectation that public service must translate into visible impact. For now, his recognition by the public stands as both an endorsement of progress and a reminder that the nation’s security demands continuous, determined, and innovative leadership.
In a world where celebrations are often measured by extravagant parties and fleeting moments of applause, Mr. Tunji Bello, an illustrious son of Lagos and proud alumnus of Lagos State University (LASU), has chosen a different and far more meaningful path.
His decision to donate a befitting auditorium to LASU’s Epe Campus is not just an act of generosity—it is a gift of legacy, one that will serve generations and continue to echo long after the music of birthday celebrations has faded.
As an indigene of Epe and fellow alumnus of LASU, I, Hon. Segun Olulade, feel an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude for this uncommon gesture. In choosing to immortalize his milestone birthday by giving back to his alma mater, Mr. Bello has shown the world what it means to truly live for others.
He could have spent lavishly on personal celebrations, but instead he turned the spotlight away from himself and placed it firmly on education, youth development, and community growth. That is the mark of true greatness.
What makes this story even more inspiring is the sacrifice behind the scenes. Mr. Bello did not simply write a cheque. He converted birthday gifts into seed funding, sold his own property to sustain the vision, and held firm to his conviction that education is the best legacy one can bequeath.
This is not charity—it is vision, it is leadership, it is a demonstration of courage to prioritize posterity over personal comfort.
For us in Epe, this auditorium is more than brick and mortar. It is a beacon of hope, a symbol that greatness often rises from within our own soil.
For LASU, it is an enduring platform that will nurture leaders, thinkers, and innovators who will shape the destiny of our nation. And for Lagos State, it is another shining example of the transformative power of giving back.
I therefore celebrate and commend Mr. Tunji Bello for this act of uncommon generosity. His name is now etched not only in the history of LASU but in the hearts of every student who will pass through that hall, daring to dream and achieve.
Egbon Tunji Bello, you have written your name in gold.
Hon. Segun Olulade Eleniyan
Executive Director Customer Centricity and Marketing Galaxy Backbone Ltd.
-
news5 years agoUPDATE: #ENDSARS: CCTV footage of Lekki shootings intact – Says Sanwo – Olu
-
lifestyle5 years agoFormer Miss World: Mixed reactions trail Agbani Darego’s looks
-
lifestyle4 years agoObateru: Celebrating a Quintessential PR Man at 60
-
health5 years agoChairman Agege LG, Ganiyu Egunjobi Receives Covid-19 Vaccines
-
health5 years agoUPDATE : Nigeria Records 790 new cases of COVID-19
-
health5 years agoBREAKING: Nigeria confirms 663 new cases of COVID-19
-
entertainment8 months agoAshny Set for Valentine Special and new Album ‘ Femme Fatale’
-
news4 months agoBREAKING: Tinubu swears in new NNPCL Board