The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly Election for Kogi Central Senatorial district Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed deep grieve over the demise of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.

The revered paramount ruler in Ebiraland passed on at the age of 94 on Sunday.

In a statement, Chief Natasha extended her condolences to the immediate family of the late King, the entire Ebira Kingdom, Kogi State, and Nigeria as a whole, expressing that the Ohinoyi was a symbol of hope, wisdom, and courage until his passing.

According to her, the loss of the Ohinoyi is a personal one for her and her family, reiterating the fact that the late monarch had been a source of strength and encouragement in her mission to change the narrative.

While offering prayers for the repose of the King’s soul, Natasha said she finds solace in the knowledge that the late King lived a fulfilled life, and his exemplary life will continue to inspire those who are still living.

The late Dr. Ado Ibrahim ascended to the throne of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on June 2, 1997, and reigned for 26 years.

***Canvasses for clearly defined constitutional roles for the deputy govs

The crises of confidence between Governors and their Deputies have been described as an unhealthy development for the Nigerian Democratic development as being recently exhibited in Ondo and Edo States.
Speaking on Tuesday at a two day National Conference by the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria (FFDGN) in a paper he presented with the theme,”Resilience, A Positive Mindset And Indefatigability As Essential Tools For The Deputy Governor” Professor Sonni Tyodern Ex-Deputy Governor, Plateau state and a former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos
said there is need for the provision of clearly defined constitutional roles and functions for the Deputy Governor independent of the Office of the Governor.

Professor Tyodeen said the issue of succession should be handled in more democratic and transparent manner, adding that once, aspirants are given a level playing field rather than being imposed, Deputy Governors are likely to cooperate and work with their Governors.

He said Governors should continually bear in mind, that they came into office on the same platform and on a joint ticket with their Deputies, they should therefore operate as such and take each other into confidence.

“I believe that the framers of our Constitution provided for the two offices; Governor and Deputy Governor because they believed that the two are relevant and necessary for the smooth running of our democracy.
“However, the extent to which the two are increasingly at each other jugular is an issue for serious concern, as they are becoming irritants to the smooth running of the Nigerian democracy.

“The source of the friction between the duo varies from case to case, but invariably, they revolve round the issue of succession and the politics of schedule of duties.

“As a newspaper editorial observed “very few governors assign their deputies supervisory roles over certain government ministries or agencies”, thus rendering them redundant and irrelevant.

“True, the constitution provides a basis of support for the office of the Deputy Governor by making a provision for its establishment (S. 186). Indeed, as $187 states even the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate is incomplete without an accompanying Deputy.

“However, there ends the constitutional relevance of the Office of the Deputy Governor as all other functions, responsibilities of significance to that office are dependent on the acts of omission or commission by the Governor.

“Thus, S.193(1) states, the Governor shall “in his discretion” assign responsibilities to the Deputy. Two, the Deputy Governor can act as Governor when the Governor is proceeding on vocation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.

“In that situation, the Governor has to transmit “a written declaration to the Speaker to that effect” (S.190).

“Finally, the processes of impeachment of a Deputy Governor although mainly a House of Assembly matter, the reality is that it is the Governor that pulls the strings behind the scene particularly in determining what constitutes the critical issue “gross misconduct, for which the Deputy Governor is usually being charged.

“So much has been made about the issue of loyalty between the Governor and his Deputy to the extent that it is assumed that the decline in the loyalty of the Deputy to his Governor, is the bane of harmonious relationship between the two.

“The issue of loyalty needs to be put in context to be appreciated. More often than not, it is assessed within the context of succession plans, with a Deputy Governor who disagrees with his principal over the issue, particularly when he is interested in succeeding his principal is seen as a betrayer who has committed sacrilege and to that extent, disloyal to his boss. It is usually forgotten that the Deputy Governor is also a politician and entitled to his own political aspiration.

“From the above, it is clear that a Deputy Governor is only as relevant as a Governor wants him to be.”

Nigeria outdoor Advert Mogul and a frontline Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 11 2023 Governorship Election in Kogi State, Chief Idoko Kingsley Ilonah has rejoiced with the new Big Brother Naija Winner for 2023, Miss Precious Ilebaye Odiniya.

In a  congratulatory letter released to the press and  personally signed by him, Chief Ilonah rejoiced and felicitated with the celebrity winner on the auspicious occasion of the exceptional feat achieved by her, as he commended the Big Brother All Star Reality Show winner for season 8, stating that she exhibited an uncommon resilience and dogged determination to come top of the contest.

Chief Ilonah stated that Ilebaye’s upbringing, her social capital and the collective spirit  of her fans Nationwide, and the grace of Almighty God, contributed immensely to making her attain victory in the keenly contested show.

He further stated that Ilebaye remains a pride and a jewel of inesteemable value to kogi state and Nigeria in general.
He prayed for Gods guidance and wisdom to help her sustain and manage her new status in the committee of Celebrities world wide.