By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Monday suspended three members of the house over alleged plot to impeach him and other Principal Officers Council, POC.

Reports says that the three lawmakers were suspended at plenary.

The suspended lawmakers are two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers are Okogbe Ojeneh Donald, PDP, Akoko-Edo II, Addeh Emankhu Isibor, APC, Esan North-East I and Iyamu Bright, PDP, Orhionnwon II.

Agbebaku, who said the trio were suspended indefinitely alleged that they plot to change the leadership of the house.

He alleged that the three suspended members were being influenced by external forces to cause chaos and remove the leadership of the house.

He also alleged that some persons brought native doctors into the house at midnight on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 to make some demonic incantations and dropped charms in the assembly complex.

The suspension of the lawmakers, however, created tension at the house as the affected lawmakers kicked against their suspension.

In a rowdy session, the three suspended lawmakers were seen screaming “Mr speaker you do not have the right to unilaterally suspend any member (s) of the house.

” You must call for votes. Allow members to vote on the matter, they shouted.

The Speaker, thereafter adjourned plenary abruptly.

By Atokolo Emmanuel Adejo

As the nation celebrated World Press Freedom Day on the 3rd of May, 2024 at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja, the theme was focused on the challenges faced by journalists through the environmental crisis. There was a joint press conference with UNESCO and the Federal Ministry of Environment with the theme, “A Press For The Planet: Journalism In The Face Of Environmental Crisis.”

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris in his speech noted that the theme is a call to action as “we are confronted with an environmental crisis of unprecedented magnitude that is hazardous to the planet and human existence.”

Still speaking, he emphasised that in the heat of this crisis, Journalists are the “guardians of truth and champions of accountability. They are the watchdogs of the government and society that are tasked with exposing ills in the society and amplifying the voices of those affected by environmental degradation and through investigative reporting, they hold the government and corporations accountable for their actions.”

He noted that the theme of the conference echoes the vision of the Ministry and that of President Tinubu which is poised at restoring trust, reorienting national values and fostering a good relationship with journalists and a conducive environment for the media. He further stated that he is happy that the current administration under the leadership of President Tinubu gives precedence to responsible media coverage as credible and timely information can help enlighten and inform the public.

In advocating for the rights of Journalists, the Minister pointed out that Journalists face vile treatments in carrying out their job as they are often threatened and harassed. He noted that press freedom is not just a fundamental human right but is also key for environmental sustainability. He appreciated those who made the conference possible and gave Journalists a call to action to see themselves as defenders of truth and as members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, they are important in the strategising and development of the nation.

A follow up speech was made by the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, Federal Ministry of Environment,  Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako who stated that the Environmental crisis is a “central culprit” that has caused havoc to livelihood and has displaced so many others. According to him, the press is a framework for informing, educating and stimulating the public.

While still speaking, he noted that many people are ignorant about the impact of climate change and through the press, people can be fully aware of such developments which helps stimulate mass action that pivots towards positive change. He said that lifestyle is a key factor contributing to the environmental crisis and as such they are ready to work with members of the press to come to a resolution on how to tackle lifestyle related environmental crises which the press will inform and sensitise the public on.

He stated that at the forefront of trying to combat environmental crisis in the nation are Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), their long term low development emission strategy, commitment to achieving net zero emissions and their framework for biodiversity which is a testament to its dedication to combat these crisis plaguing the planet.

In regard to this, the Federal Ministry of Environment is propagating nature based solutions to these crises through planting of trees, urban greening and restoring wetlands, mangrove restoration and are also on the pathway to adopting more environmentally friendly energy sources with the sole aim of reducing air pollution through gas flaring and plastic pollution.

The Minister added that these efforts made by the ministry are “fully in tune with the inclusivity agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which is a key pillar in the eight-point presidential priority. Recognising the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues, we understand that sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing the needs of all members of society. By promoting inclusivity, we ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a greener, more prosperous Nigeria.”

Seplat Energy PLC, leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, has clinched the Daily Independent Newspaper’s Indigenous Oil & Gas Company of the Year Award.

 The company was recognised for recording remarkable exploits in the Nigerian oil and gas sector while partnering local communities who are seen and treated as key stakeholders to its operations and overall corporate well-being through inclusive engagement models.

Speaking at the Independent Newspaper Award Ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend, the Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of the Publication, Mr. Steve Omanufeme, said Seplat Energy was also recognised for its invaluable contributions to the Nigerian economy in many other ways since it was founded, including the supply of natural gas to the domestic market while helping to displace expensive and carbon-intensive oil based power, which dominates Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Omanufeme added, “In all of these, the Company creates direct and indirect employment, while enhancing expertise and technology across the nation’s energy value-chain.

“This award is to celebrate this Company that has stayed committed to its mission of leading Nigeria’s energy transition with accessible, affordable, and reliable energy that drives social and economic prosperity.”

The award ceremony was attended by leaders across industries in Nigeria, regulators, politicians, and other government leaders. Seplat Energy was represented at the event by General Manager, Finance, Adetaiwo Osindero; Associate General Counsel Corporate & Compliance, Adebowale Eboda; and Manager Corporate Communications, Stanley Opara.

In a related development, The Industry Newspaper at its 2024 Summit and Awards, also announced Seplat Energy as the Sustainable Energy Company of the Year whilst its Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Chioma Afe, was honoured as the 2023 Industry Pathfinder in Sustainability (Corporate).

The Publication noted that Seplat Energy has demonstrated the capacity to be responsible and adhering to the ethics of the business during the period under review.

Responding to the awards by Daily Independent and The Industry Newspapers, Seplat Energy thanked the publications for the recognition and commended them for their display of professionalism, tact and commitment to developmental reportage over the years.

The company thus reemphasised its resolve to leading energy transition in Nigeria with strong focus on the environment, communities and governance frameworks.