Featured

Notes on the African Smart Cities Investment Summit in Kigali

Published

2 years ago

September 15, 2023

Eric

By Dolapo Aina

The African Smart Cities Investment Summit in Kigali which had over one thousand delegates, over eighty speakers, twenty-five sessions and over forty-nine sessions brought to the fore the importance and the necessity for African Smart Cities. The speakers from their own varied perspectives stated and alluded to the fact that cities cannot be built the way cities used to be conceptualised, developed and built. Cities need to be attuned with the realities of the 21st century. A smart city uses technology and data-driven solutions to improve the quality of life for its residents, enhance sustainability and maximise urban services. It was also stated that second and third cities have to be developed and built as smart cities.

During the first day, the Mayor of Kigali, Mayor Prudence Rubingisa: stated that; “hosting this summit at a time when digital tech is changing the way of living for everyone globally, in cities, second cities and satellite cities. This summit would solidify cities’ position to transform into smart cities. The progress we seek is dependent on our collective collaborations within countries, sister cities, exchange solutions and challenges.”

Governor James Muchiri, Deputy Governor of Nairobi County stated that; “Through Smart Cities Initiatives; they are a driver and avenue to create cities of order for all where no one is left behind. Nairobi County has undergone citizens’ digital delivery (online services range from parking, licenses and trade licences). The main role is to improve urban planning using different city data of Nairobi.” He further talked about how the Nairobi County is utilising smart cities templates in different sectors e.g., medical services delivery, public transportation, government services and digital eco-system. He ended by encouraging collaborations amongst cities.

Belen Calvo Ugarra; EU Ambassador to Rwanda in her speech opined that “Cities are where innovation happens. Rwanda is championing the Smart Cities’ innovation on the continent. Smart cities need to be where innovation happens.”

Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda in his speech stated that; “Meeting in Kigali today is opportune for three main reasons. First, the Government of Rwanda has demonstrated visionary leadership and innovation with respect to e-government and shifting to digital and smart city development. The leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame has embarked on a remarkable journey to not only embrace urbanization but to harness it as a force for positive change. Rwanda’s commitment to smart cities and its pioneering efforts to address climate change are truly inspiring. Second, in the last two decades Rwanda has witnessed the proliferation of cities. Urbanization is currently estimated at 18%. Although, this rate is among the lowest in the world, with an estimated annual growth rate of the urban population of 4.5%, compared to the worldwide average of 1.8% urbanization calls for urgent interventions. The urbanization explosion in Rwanda is occurring in the context of changing climate. The effects of the changes in urbanization and climate manifest in unique ways, therefore, presenting new challenges and opportunities for sustainable urbanization. The growing demand to address these new challenges and the need to harness opportunities resulting from changes in climate and urbanization have resulted in the urgency for climate compatible urbanization. The intensified rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons that Rwanda has been experiencing in the last decade is generating myriad of challenges. These include increased flooding, more landslides, notable water shortage, contamination of water sources, and destruction and/or loss of municipal, private business, community, and household assets. The impact of these adverse effects is increased and potentially perpetual vulnerability of cities, businesses, communities, and households. At scale, Rwanda’s recent experience with urbanisation, are no different to the realities of urbanization globally.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator further stated; “This inaugural Summit is also opportune to consider and adopt new ways of responding to the urbanization challenges of today and tomorrow. We are here to catalyse change, to envision, and to shape the future of our cities. Our primary objective is clear: to foster collaboration, innovation, and investment in smart cities across Africa. We aim to identify opportunities, address challenges, and forge partnerships that will drive sustainable urban development. Our cities must be engines of growth, and innovative investment is the fuel that will power these cities. Let us embrace technological advancements to create smarter, more resilient, and more inclusive cities. Our cities must not only thrive but also withstand the challenges of the 21st century. Sustainability and resilience should be at the core of every smart city initiative. Smart cities should leave no one behind. We must ensure that the benefits of urbanization are equitably distributed, regardless of gender, age, or socio-economic background. Yet, smart cities must lead the way in adopting green and sustainable practices. We must prioritize clean and renewable energy sources, invest in green infrastructure, and embrace circular economy principles to reduce waste and emissions. These actions are not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous. On our part, the United Nations in Rwanda is committed to promoting and supporting the development of smart cities. This commitment includes advocating for sustainable urban planning, encouraging investments in digital infrastructure and innovation, fostering inclusive and equitable urbanization, and addressing climate change within urban contexts. Through collaborative efforts with government, organizations, and communities, the UN strives to ensure that smart cities prioritize the well-being of their residents, enhance quality of life, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future for all. The Government of Rwanda had demonstrated leadership embarking on a remarkable journey on innovation. We need to foster collaboration, partnerships and solve challenges. Cities must not only thrive but face the challenges of the 21st century. Smart cities must lead the way in adopting green solutions. Cities need to be smart and also compassionate as they build cities of our highest aspirations.”
Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo; the UN Resident Coordinator for Rwanda revealed that: “The UN is currently, together with the City of Kigali and the City of Seoul, seeking resources to implement improvements in smart city governance and data management within the Smart Cities and Communities Control Centre initiative of the Government of Rwanda.”

Rwanda’s ICT Minister, Ms Paula Ingabire’s speech in summary was about the emergence of Smart Cities and how Smart Cities have become a global imperative. In her words; “It is truly heartening to witness diverse efforts from various partners across the African Continent converging to propel the smart city agenda forward. We are currently experiencing rapid advancements in the integration of AI, the internet of things, and digital twins for our cities. These developments are fostering a more habitable urban environment. The emergence of smart cities has rightfully taken centre stage, and Rwanda, under the Smart Africa initiative, has taken the lead in championing the theme of smart cities. Today, as we embark on the journey of launching these smart cities, they will not just be physical spaces but also vibrant hubs where ideas, collaboration, creativity, and innovation will flourish. They will undoubtedly serve as catalysts for a citizen-centric approach in practical innovations.”
During the Investing in Africa’s Smart Cities for the next one billion African citizens session, one of the panellists opined that; “In the digital world, if you cannot anticipate the future, it would be difficult to project for the future. There are challenges of entrepreneurs surviving smart cities but Africa needs to have smart cities tailored to Africa. African smart cities. Africa needs to create smart cities that are for Africa.”

During the Growth by Design: Shaping Smart Cities to Nurture Innovation and Entrepreneurship session, a panellist placed emphasis on data to information to decision processes. The panellist further stated that; “Smaller cities can be made more attractive and then grow bigger. Existing cities cannot absorb all the modernisation coming their way. Other cities outside capital cities would have to be developed innovatively.”

During another session, Gbenga Sesan, founder of Paradigm Initiative was of the view and in his words; “Smart Cities need to use technology that are appropriate. Smart Cities cannot be about what vendors are offering but about what the citizens are in need of. In many countries, policymakers kill innovations. Same applies with smart cities. We need to identify people who are providing solutions. You don’t come with policies without knowing what the people in that same sector are doing. Policies need to support what people are doing. In this new digital age, everyone (policymakers, civil societies, citizens, entrepreneurs etc) is still learning. Data might be the new oil but you don’t need to mine it. A lot of the solutions that we have in many African countries and become global solutions die because of the environment.” The Paradigm Initiative founder went further to posit that: “Human rights and data rights are not Western concepts. People need to be given the opportunity to contribute in digital policymaking.” And he ended by asking: “Is there an outreach plan for secondary and third cities to be smart cities?

The following day’s final session titled: “Investing in Homes of the future for all: Innovations in Home Tech and Design” where Dr MKO Balogun stated that: “There are examples of smart homes but how connected and convenient are they? You have a smart home but no smart phones. We should also think of several scenarios. How do you create smart homes that would create healthcare?”

On the other hand, Alex Ndibwami opined that smart needs to go away from just a single household to a neighbourhood level.
Sir Demola Aladekomo, who is a computer engineer from Lagos, Nigeria and the chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc, Card Centre Nigeria Limited and Chams Consortium Limited gave a wide range of views and was of the opinion that: “The Governments and developers have major roles to play; the land and basic infrastructure to make them available because if you leave it to developers, there would not be anything like affordable housing in Smart Cities. What is affordability? Your house can cost five thousand dollars but costs of the environment can be higher than the cost of the house; which is unaffordable. Africa needs education and empowerment and knowledge is democratised in the 21st century. Smart Cities can be achieved but it takes time to develop these smart cities. Africa should not be in a rush. Since 2002 we have been pushing policies for governments. We need to begin to build polycentric cities. These cities would be attached to the main cities. We also need to build purpose-driven cities. The role of Government cannot be downplayed.”
Another panellist responding to a question from the audience stated that smart cities are still possible without the middle class but it can be a strain. And this is where the government comes in.”

The chief curator for the African Smart Cities Investment in Kigali, Mr. Jean-Philbert Nsengimana recapped the summit and paraphrasing him: “There are five take away Ps for smart cities during the summit: People. policies. partnerships (to get funds, to get investors); platforms (being ahead of the curve with embedded technology); profits (the only way this agenda can be realised is through making profit). Other take aways are: education, inclusiveness.”

Featured

AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina’s Acceptance Speech

Published

7 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Eric

Speech by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors, African Development Bank Group, At the State House Event on the Conferment of the Chief of the Order of Golden Heart, C.G.H, State House, Nairobi, Kenya, March 17, 2025.

Your Excellency, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, C.G.H.

Your Excellency, Professor Kithure Kindiki, Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya.

Honorable Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary,
Honorable Cabinet Secretaries,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning! Habari za Azubuhi.

Your Excellency, President Ruto, I am most grateful for your conferring on me today the prestigious honor of the Chief of the Order of Golden Heart, C.G.H, Kenya’s highest and most distinguished honor.

I am greatly humbled by your incredible kindness!

What a great honor! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!

Thank you, thank you, and thank you, Your Excellency, Mr. President.

It is such a joy to be back here, with my dear wife Grace, in Kenya, a nation that I love, and to be in the State House, with a President who is a dear brother and friend. They say home is where your heart will always be.

I consider Kenya as my home. Afterall, I lived and worked here in this beautiful country for about 9 years, starting from my days working with the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). I have been back ever since, so I can claim to have been working in and on Kenya for at least 20 years.

The friendship between myself and President Ruto goes way back over those 20 years. As we say in Kenya, “Tumetoka Mbali” – we have come from far.”
Yes, we have come from far since Mr. President you were a much younger Minister of Agriculture, under the then government of President Mwai Kibaki. Your predecessor, former President Kenyatta, was then the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

I recall the very frequent and engaging discussions between us on how to improve the quality of lives of Kenyans. From seminars to workshops and conferences, we engaged intensely. I was not just working in Kenya, I was a Kenyan by mind, heart and soul, as I immersed myself in Kenya.

I remember that when I was later appointed as the Minister of agriculture in Nigeria, I came along with President Goodluck Jonathan on a State visit to Kenya. President Kenyatta and yourself, as then Deputy President, received us at the Jomo Kenyatta airport. As President Jonathan was making introductions of his ministers and got to me, he introduced me as “Minister of Agriculture of Nigeria.” President Kenyatta said “Yes, I know him. He is the Kenyan on loan to the Nigerian government!” We all busted out laughing (Laugh).

Of course, he was right, for even when I was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, I appointed Maria Mulindi, a Kenyan, as my Chief of Staff.

I worked everywhere in Kenya and have such great memories. From my praying and preaching at the Nairobi Pentecostal Church Valley Road (with Bishop Boniface Adoyo, Bishop Oginde and many others) to small family prayer groups with my Kenyan friends, to working with farmers and schools across Kenya.

From working with a friend of mine (Robert Mbugua) speaking across high schools to encourage and inspire the youth, to supporting research institutions including the Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute, the African Economic Research Consortium (with Dr. Harris Mule and Prof. Willis Oluoch-Kosura, Prof Chris Ackello Ogutu and Dr. Gem Argwings-Kodhek), to working with corporate giants such as Chris Kirubi who owned the International House, and Vimal Shah, of BIDCO Oil Refineries.

From working to support girls education with the Forum for Women Educationalists in Africa (with Dr. Edda Gachukia and Dr. Ruth Kagia) to working to improve the lives of farmers across the farms from Bungoma, to Eldoret, Kisi, and across the Rift Valley.
From working with the Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) to develop new technologies, to working on the farms in Muranga with Dr. Florence Wambugu, to scale up the uptake of tissue culture bananas by farmers.

I recall my work launching the development of agro-dealer networks across Kenya (with Dr. Caleb Wangia of the Agricultural Market Development Trust (AGMARK), as we rapidly expanded availability of farm input traders across Kenya.

I was so driven and so much wanted things to change positively for Kenyans. I was very concerned then about the millions of poor farmers in Kenya who were begging for food and had no access to seeds or fertilizers. I wanted to see a national program to provide subsidized seeds and fertilizers for poor farmers across Kenya.
The then PS of agriculture, Dr. Romano Kiome, and then Minister of Agriculture, Kipruto Arap Kirwa, became allies and agreed.

But it was not a popular move. Several donors were unhappy with me at the time for trying to push for subsidies for farmers, including my own office, The Rockefeller Foundation. I was even told that if I did not back off, I could lose my job. I was undeterred, as I said, “if trying to help poor people is the reason for losing my job, I cannot think of a more honorable way to lose a job: fighting for the poor.”

I recall going to one meeting of donors at the time to push for this, and as soon I raised the issue, the chair of the session (a Kenyan who worked then for the World Bank by the name Daniel) simply said, “next agenda item please.” I retorted that “if I had been the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I would have sent you all packing for spending your time on beaches and not even having a heart for the poor people in Kenya.”

When William Ruto was appointed as the agriculture minister, I asked for a meeting. You need to know something about this man, then Minister Ruto, now President Ruto: he is a man of action. He is relentless. And he will push until he gets things done. He did not wait for me to visit with him at the Kilimo House, he made his way to my office, and we met at 7.30 am. That was how we developed and rolled out the Kilimo Plus program to provide subsidized farm inputs for over 2.5 million poor farmers in the country.

I recall while at AGRA how I developed and rolled out the Kilimo Biashara program, which provided financial guarantee facilities that reduced the risk of lending by commercial banks in Kenya to farmers. It worked so well that it supported Banks such as the Equity Bank (working with James Mwangi) to rapidly expand their lending to the agriculture sector, from its humble beginning, to becoming what it is today, of which I am very proud.

I recall my work with Kenyan colleagues as we developed at the time what was called the Kenyan Agricultural Commodity Exchange (with Adrian Mukhibi, Albert Wessonga) to provide market price information for farmers in the country, using their mobile phones. I remember our working with the Mayor of Bungoma at the time to set up the commodity exchange in Chewele market so farmers could bulk their maize and sell based on grade and quality at the exchange, working at the time with SACRED Africa, an NGO based in Bungoma (with Dr. Eusebius Mukhwana, who later became a Senator).

It worked so well, as middlemen could not rip off farmers anymore. In fact, it worked so well, that some disgruntled middlemen vandalized some of the commodity exchange Kiosks. One day, Mr. Kofi Annan, then former United Nations Secretary General, who was at the time the Chairman of the Board of AGRA, visited Chewele. He was so amazed, as he used his mobile phone to make orders via the exchange; he turned to me and said, “this is the Chicago Board of Exchange in a village in Kenya.”

I tried so hard to be Kenyan, so much so that I started running in the Jaffrey Center, early mornings and weekends. If only I could run like those long-distance runners of Kenya, maybe I could become a Kenyan! I failed, as I could not keep up with them. So, I told myself, let me just stick with being a Nigerian, at least I know that Nigeria can always defeat Kenya in football.

As President of the African Development Bank, I am proud that my colleagues and I have been running with Kenya and scoring development goals with Kenya. Kenya has a special place in the history of the African Development Bank since its establishment in 1964. The very first project ever financed by the African Development Bank was right here in Kenya in 1967, that’s 58 years ago.
The first one links Eldoret to Tororo in Uganda, laying the foundation for a transport infrastructure that drives commerce between countries of the Great Lakes and the Indian Ocean regions. The second road, which connects Nairobi to Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania, has become a major trunk road for commerce and tourism between both countries.
Since 1964, the Bank has financed a total of 167 projects, with financial commitment of $7.8 billion.

But I am especially proud of what we have done in and for Kenya over the past ten years since I was first elected President of the African Development Bank in 2015. Since I was elected President, the Bank has financed a total of 57 projects, with total financing commitment of $4.44 billion. That means we did in the past ten years (under my Presidency) 57% of all the African Development Bank has invested in Kenya for over the past 60 years!

That must tell you how special Kenya is to me!

The African Development Bank’s current portfolio consists of 45 projects worth $4.09 billion. And these projects are having huge impacts across Kenya.

For example, the Bank-supported Last-Mile Connectivity electricity project has helped to increase the population of Kenyans connected to the national electricity grid from 41% in 2014 to 76% in 2024. Put simply, electricity connections increased from 2.42 million households to 9.7 million households.

Many of you may not know that the Bank made this happen. You are not alone! On one of my field trips to the Rift Valley together with Cabinet Secretary minister at the time, Charles Keter, we walked down a dusty road in one of the villages that benefited from the last mile connectivity project. Right in front of us was an elderly woman whose name was Grace (not Grace, my wife!). She was asked by the Cabinet Secretary if she knows that the African Development Bank funded the connection of her village and household to electricity. She said, “I do not know the African Development Bank.” When further asked if she knows Dr. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. She said “No, I do not know him, where is he?” Of course, I was beside her! She then said, “all I know is that we once were in darkness, now we have light!” (laugh).

With Kenya participating in the Mission 300 launched by the African Development Bank and the World Bank to connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030, Kenya is definitely on course to achieving 100% access to electricity by 2030. Ninaamini Tutatoboa!

The African Development Bank financed and was the Mandated Lead Arranger for the 310 megawatts Lake Turkana Project, which is the largest wind farm in Africa. The Bank also financed the 105 megawatts Menengai Geothermal power plant, further advancing Kenya’s leadership in geothermal development in Africa. For power transmission, the Bank provided $105.5 million for the recently completed Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway project.

The African Development Bank is supporting several road and transport projects that are improving regional connectivity, trade and reducing travel costs for the population. Let me mention a few.
Take for example, right here in Nairobi, the Bank provided $106.7 million for the rehabilitation of the 13 kilometers Nairobi Outer Ring Road, turning it from a single lane to a dual carriageway, including service roads, grade separated intersections, pedestrian foot over-bridges, walkways and bicycle lanes, while providing secondary access to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The Bank co-financed with $175 million the expansion of the Thika-Nairobi road, expanding it into a six and eight lane highway. This has drastically reduced travel time from 2-3 hours to just 30-45 minutes.
The Bank has approved $852 million for on-going regional integration operations in Kenya. This includes the Bagamoyo-Tanga-Horohoro-/Lunga-Malindi road connecting Kenya and Tanzania. We are supporting the Kapchorwa-Suam-Kitale road project connecting Kenya and Uganda, as well as the Lesseru-Kitale roads project connecting Kenya and South Sudan.

The Bank financed the construction of the Addis-Ababa-Nairobi-Mombasa Highway that has reduced the travel time between Ethiopia and Kenya from 3 days to less than 24 hours and has helped to expand the trade between the two countries by 400%.

The Bank co-financed the dualization of the 84 kilometers Kenol-Sagna-Marua Highway, part of the Kenya section of the Trans-Africa Highway running from Cape to Cairo. Our support of $31million for the Timboroa-Eldoret Road Rehabilitation Project, part of the Northern Corridor, provides transit routes connecting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern Congo and Southern Sudan.

President Ruto is passionate also about water and sanitation. When I visited with him in May, when Kenya graciously hosted the Bank’s Annual Meetings in 2024, he passionately requested the Bank’s expanded support for water and sanitation. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Bank is providing $634 million towards the Kenya Town’s Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation. This includes Euros 314.92 million for the construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Dam, expected to be completed by July 2026. When completed it will provide 150,000 cubic meters of water per day to about 1.3 million people in Kitui and Makueni counties, as well as the Konza Techno-City in Machakos County.

The Bank is strongly supporting the private sector in Kenya. This includes the provision of over $700 million in lines of credit to more than 8 commercial banks, including Equity Bank Group, Kenya Commercial Bank, Diamond Trust Bank, Credit Bank, Commercial Bank of Africa, Family Bank and the Kenyan Mortgage Refinance Company.

I know that Kenya faces a huge challenge with high unemployment for its youth, as manifested in several youth riots that shook Kenya. Unemployment is especially high among Kenya’s well-educated youth. They demand support for skills upgrade, finance to build their businesses, and social protection, as well as inclusion in governance systems.

To support the youth of Kenya, the African Development Bank is providing $309 million for 8 on-going projects targeting skills development for the youth. This includes support for technical and vocational education that has already benefitted 88,000 trainees.

The African Development Bank’s flagship program in support of financing for women, the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) has provided a total of $177 million in loans for 3,177 women-owned businesses.

One of such young women entrepreneurs is Pauline Otila, the CEO of Apiculture Ventures, one of the fastest growing businesses in Kenya’s honey industry. With support received from AFAWA, right here in Kenya, Pauline has tripled her business and grew her beekeepers’ supply network from 1,200 to 10,000 beekeepers. Today, Pauline is one of the leaders in Kenya’s male-dominated beekeeping industry, showing how when women are supported they thrive. In her own words “women are bankable, if given a chance.”

I fully agree. No bird can fly with one wing. I am convinced that when women win, Kenya wins! When women win, Africa wins!
Yes, challenges may be there today, but let’s keep hope alive.

Kenya will grow. Kenya will thrive. Kenya will prosper.

I believe the future will be bright for the youth of Kenya!

That is why the African Development Bank is currently preparing for our Board’s approval, financial support to Kenya, for the establishment of Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya. This will be a stand-alone financial institution, that will be 100% dedicated to providing technical assistance, debt and equity financing for the businesses of the youth of Kenya. When I earlier discussed this with President Ruto, as we both were at an airport lounge in Dubai, both of us coming from different tips, he said to me “Adesina. I want this in Kenya like yesterday.” And true to his words, within 48 hours, I received a formal letter of request from President Ruto for the African Development Bank to support the establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank of Kenya.

To the youths of Kenya, you are not alone. The African Development Bank and our partners will work to boost opportunities for the youth in Kenya. Working with President Ruto and the Government of Kenya, the goal is simple: build youth-based wealth in Kenya.

So, as you can see, my heart has always been in Kenya. I am therefore immensely honored that President Ruto, you are conferring on me Kenya’s highest and most distinguished honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, CGH. My heart is here, but you made it even better: you added Gold to my Heart!

Thank you President Ruto. Thank you, Kenya!

This an honor that I will cherish for life. It will be a constant reminder that the country I love so much, Kenya, loves me back, appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and values and honors the incredible contributions of the Bank to its development.

On behalf of my dear wife, Grace, the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the African Development Bank, and on my own behalf, I accept this honor with great humility.

May God bless you, my dear brother, President Ruto.

Asante Sana Mheshimiwa Rais Ruto.

May God bless the good people of Kenya.

Mungu aibariki Kenya.

God bless Africa.

Mungu aibariki Afrika.

With all my heart, now the Golden Heart!

Thank you so very much.

Asante Sana!

Featured

Rivers Assembly Accuses Fubara, Deputy of Gross Misconduct, Gives Governor 14 Days to Respond

Published

16 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Eric

The Rivers State House of Assembly has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy Ngozi Odu of gross misconduct.

Twenty-six members of the Assembly raised the allegation in a notice sent to the speaker Martin Amaewhule and obtained by Channels Television.

They said the action was “in compliance with Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and other extant laws”.

The lawmakers accused Fubara among other things of reckless and unconstitutional expenditure of public funds, hindering or obstructing the Rivers State House of Assembly which is another arm of the government, and the appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation.

Other accusations against the Rivers governor include the seizure of salaries, allowances, and funds standing to the credit of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly and the seizure of the salary of the Clerk of the Rivers State House of Assembly Emeka Amadi.

They also accused Odu of “conniving and supporting the illegal appointment of persons to occupy offices/positions in the Rivers State Government without allowing for the requirement of screening and confirmation”.

Upon receipt of the notice, Amaewhule forwarded the same to Governor Fubara and said the allegation was raised by “not less than one-third (1/3) of the membership of the Rivers State House of Assembly”.

Speaker Amaewhule asked Fubara to “reply to the allegations made against you in the said ‘Notice of Allegations of Gross Misconduct’ accordingly”.

“In doing this, your attention is drawn to the provisions of Section 188(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides thus: ‘Within 14 days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the House of Assembly (whether or not any statement made by holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) the House of Assembly shall resolve by motion, without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated’,” the speaker said in a letter sent to Fubara.

Featured

‘Corper’ Who Called Tinubu ‘Terrible’ Risks Service Extention

Published

17 hours ago

March 17, 2025

Eric

There are statutory reasons to suggest that a Lagos-based member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ushie Uguamaye, might have her service year extended by 30 days with half pay as punishment for criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu, a conduct adjudged as a violation of the NYSC Bye Laws (Revised 2011).

Recently, Uguamaye, known on TikTok as @talktoraye, shared a video in which she called out the Tinubu administration over the economic hardship Nigerians have faced since it was sworn-in.

In another TikTok video, the young lady claimed that she was threatened on the phone by an official of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the video criticising the president.

She also shared a screenshot of a message allegedly received from NYSC officials summoning her to report to the Eti-Osa Local Government office on Monday.

According to Uguamaye, she fears for her life because she has also been receiving threats from anonymous persons after her video went viral.

The first video shared by Uguamaye may have contravened the NYSC Bye-Laws (Revised 2011), the section which says corps members are “not be rude to constituted authority” during primary assignments.

It reads: “Any member who is rude to constituted authority shall be tried by the Corps Disciplinary Committee and, if found guilty, be liable to extension of service for a period not less than thirty (30) days with half pay.”

Meanwhile, no official statement from NYSC has been received yet.