By Francis Nansak

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, Hon, Mohammed Sani Ottos upon taking over the affairs of the ministry promised to improve on the growing economic investment of the state to achieving government industrialization policy.

He said the policy thrust of the present administration has provided conducive business environment for interested investors.

He disclosed this on Tuesday during the ministry’s handover ceremony in Lafia, commending Governor Abdullahi Sule for finding him worthy of the appointment.

Hon,Ottos, is the immediate past Nasarawa LGA Chairman who served two-term leaving behind incredible landmark in human capacity development, assured of improved investment ecosystem, encouraging willing organisations to invest in the state as it has friendly economic landscape.

He tasked the staff of the ministry to work closely with him, promising that no stone would be left unturned in carrying out their ministerial core mandates.

He added that “we have come to work. We have a mandate to achieve and we have to collaborate to get it done”He said

The commissioner expressing willingness to operate an open-door policy.

Welcoming the new commissioner, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Khadijat Oshafu, hailed the leadership skills of the commissioner in his days as Executive Chairman of Nasarawa Local Government, acknowledging his experience to walk the talk.

She assured him of the ministry’s readiness to support his stewardship in ensuring that policies and programmes of the present administration are fully implemented

The ceremony had in attendance the Director-General of Nasarawa State Market Management Bureau, Dr. Yakubu Ubangari, directors and staff of the ministry, as it featured the handover of official documents to the newly appointed commissioner.

The ongoing speakership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly may soon be resolved, as top figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) work towards a compromise. Sources indicate that both the impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the current Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, might step aside to allow another lawmaker to take over the leadership of the House.

The intervention of APC heavyweights, including former governors Chief Bisi Akande (Osun), Segun Osoba (Ogun), and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), has been instrumental in seeking a resolution. Acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, these party leaders were tasked with finding a political solution after the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) failed to resolve the impasse.

The crisis began on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers removed Obasa as Speaker and installed Meranda, then Deputy Speaker, in his place. Lawmakers accused Obasa of poor leadership, high-handedness, abuse of office, and mismanagement, among other allegations. Obasa, who was in Atlanta, USA, at the time, has rejected his removal and insisted he remains the rightful Speaker.

Following a crucial meeting on Sunday at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, which included Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and GAC members, a panel has been tasked with selecting a new Speaker. A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, revealed that one of seven lawmakers from Lagos West is being considered for the role. The panel is expected to submit these names to President Tinubu, who will make the final decision.

It was also noted that selecting a Speaker from Lagos Central was deemed politically inappropriate, as Governor Sanwo-Olu hails from the same senatorial zone. Among the shortlisted lawmakers, sources suggest that David Setonji from Badagry is a strong contender due to his experience and seniority. Setonji, born in 1959, has been a member of the House since 2015 and currently serves as Chief Whip under Meranda’s leadership.

In addition to leadership changes, Obasa is expected to withdraw his legal case against the Assembly and Meranda, which challenges his impeachment. A senior APC insider confirmed that both Meranda and Obasa would be asked to vacate their positions, paving the way for a consensus candidate from Lagos West.

The GAC Chairman, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, acknowledged the ongoing mediation efforts, stating that the party is working to ensure stability within the House. He emphasized that a resolution will be announced once the panel concludes its deliberations.

With negotiations progressing, insiders believe an agreement could be finalized within a week, bringing an end to the speakership dispute in the Lagos Assembly.

The trial of the Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello commenced today before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The former Governor is present in court as the trial court is set to hear the suit on fraud allegations preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Security was beefed up within and around the federal High Court Abuja, as officers of the Nigeria Police Force and their Counterpart from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, manned strategic locations around the court.

GALAXY TV reports that Bello is facing a nineteen count charge bordering on fraud before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court. He was however granted bail to the tune of 500 million naira and two sureties in like sum.

The former Kogi governor is also facing a similar charge of 16 counts before the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
He is also currently enjoying bail granted him by the trial judge, Justice Maryann Anenih to the tune of 500 million naira and three sureties in like sum.

At the commencement of the trial today, the Prosecution Counsel, Kemi Pinhero informed the court of the team’s readiness for the trial adding that some of his witnesses are already in court.

On his part, Counsel to the Former Governor, AB Dawodu, equally expressed readiness for the trial stating that he has been served with the statements of some of the witnesses to be called by the Prosecution team.

As of the time of this report, the first witness, Segun Joseph Adeleke, from Efab Properties limited, is being interrogated by the Prosecution team.

By Francis Nansak

To propel good governance that have positive direct benefits on the governed May not necessarily be scored on how much revenue and how urbanized a community could be but how visionary and accountable the leader is. This has been proven in recent by the Chairman Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State ,Hon Mohammed Keke .

Elected over 3 months ago along 12 others during the last Local Government Election in Nasarawa State , the council boss marked 100 days in office with human capital development programme that can enhance economic prosperity

The gesture which goes with shocked on the spins of citizens of other local governments,whose council chairmen had nothing to show for occupying the position even with huge revenue generation and monthly allocations to facilitate development that can improve livelihood.

Local Government Areas as Karu ,Lafia ,Keffi, Nasarawa ,Akwanga Nasarawa Eggon and Doma known for their strategic importance in commerce ,agriculture and large investments failed in their responsibility to putting smiles on the electorates 100 days in office ,a tradition that is an expected occasion from political office holders.

The Chairman Obi Local Government Mohammed Sani Keke distributed motor cycles cars and food items in his Obi electorate to mark his leadership of 100 days in office which attracted aculates from the state Assembly Speaker and APC state chairman , Rt Hon.Danladi Jatau and Hon Aliyu Bello,respectively.

Commending the effort of the council chairman Hon. Dr. Aliyu Bello, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, at the 100-day celebration of Hon. Isa Moh’d Sani K.K., Executive Chairman of Obi LGA.

He said this milestone event showcased Hon. K.K.’s achievements and generosity, as he donated 10 motorcycles and vehicles to party chairmen, as well as writing materials to students across the LGA.

Dr. Bello congratulated Hon. K.K. on his achievement, praising his philanthropic efforts, especially the donations to party officials at the ward level. This gesture demonstrates the APC’s commitment to supporting its members and the community.

Observers Times report that the event was attended by notable personalities, including Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, and Hon. Dr. Aliyu Ahmed Tijjani, Hon. Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons.

Opinion that trended across the 13 LGAs in the state holds in high esteem the humanitarian administration of the Obi Council Chairman as many challenge other leaders especially the council chairmen to wake up now that Local governments have been granted full financial autonomy” Because our expectations are that the current chairmen should complement federal and state government efforts for all round developments .