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William Ruto gives Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment wide berth as he holds meeting at State House

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President William Ruto flanked on the left by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua in a past state address. Photo: Simon Maina. Source: Getty Images
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  • It seems not even President William Ruto can salvage his deputy Rigathi Gachagua from the political guillotine he is currently in
  • Ruto has remained reticent on the ouster of his deputy, whose fate now lies with the members of the Kenyan legislature
  • The president seemed to continue with his duties unbothered as Gachagua’s impeachment gained momentum in its initial stages in the National Assembly

 

Eli Odaga, a journalist at Ekwutosblog , brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi – President William Ruto has continued to stay clear of the woes faced by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, whose job is now on the line.

A motion to impeach Gachagua is already in the National Assembly, with the House scheduling public participation in the course of the proceedings.

A total of 291 MPs from across the aisle appended their signatures in support.

How has Ruto reacted to Gachagua’s planned impeachment?

Ruto’s loud silence on the proceedings against his deputy has led to many quarters concluding that he is in support.

The president returned to the country on Sunday after his official visit to the United States (US), where he attended the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Until Wednesday, October 2, Ruto was confined within the State House precincts; this as the notice to oust Gachagua was formally presented in the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 1.

On Wednesday, Ruto hosted the East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Veronica Nduva and other regional officials to deliberate on digitising the region’s institutions.

The president later met with the current and former governors and mayors of Africa and philanthropists and then graced the Magical Kenya Travel Expo opening ceremony at Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens.

Gachagua was a no-show in the president’s day’s activities.

What is Ruto’s position on Gachagua’s impeachment?

While the president has been mum on the matter, the pronouncements by some of his close allies could indicate his position.

Kikuyu MP and the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah is among Ruto’s top loyalists; Ichung’wah supports the motion to oust Gachagua.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, Ruto’s junior in the National Executive, also endorsed the impeachment.

While serving the House with the notice of the motion on Tuesday, Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse, who was the motion mover, placed a host of allegations on Gachagua’s name, promising to substantiate each in his bid to convince his colleagues to send the deputy president home.

The charges forming the grounds for the impeachment include alleged gross violations of the constitution, reckless and inflammatory remarks, misconduct regarding Gachagua’s responsibility as the principal assistant to Ruto, corrupt and unlawful acquisition of assets valued at upward of KSh 5.7 billion, and alleged violation of both national and international laws, including the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

How Gachagua will be impeached

Following the admission of the motion to the National Assembly, a debate (in plenary) will follow and a vote later taken.

The vote must have at least two-thirds of the MPs in support, which will indicate the House has resolved to impeach the deputy president.

The matter will be taken to the Senate, whose speaker will convene a seven-day meeting to review the charges against Gachagua.

Should the motion of impeachment be supported by at least two-thirds of the senators after the hearing of both sides, Gachagua will cease to be the deputy president.

This comes as the deputy president faults his boss for being behind the plot to have him deposed.

Gachagua is on record saying that his impeachment cannot be instituted without Ruto’s approval.

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“I am Qualified To Be President” – Orji Kalu Sets Condition to Contest in 2027

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Orji Uzor Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District, has revealed his intention to contest for the presidency in 2027 if one crucial condition is met.

The former Abia State governor said he may contest for Presidency if President Bola Tinubu does not seek re-election.

During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Kalu stated, “Let me tell you, first and foremost, I’m qualified to be a President, and I’m competent. We have already a candidate in our political party unless he is not running. If the party gives me the opportunity to fly their flag, it’s a privilege; it’s not something that I will like. It’s an opportunity given by the party. It’s not about me. My interest in 2027 is to come back, be a lawmaker, sit in the Senate and work in the Senate.”

Kalu attributed Nigeria’s economic struggles to the lack of economic processes and an organized economy.

“We never had an economy since 60 years ago. There is no organized economy here. We have no light, we have nothing, and our stock exchange is just building up. The institutions that drive the economy are very weak, and this is what President Bola Tinubu is trying to rebuild to make sure the institutions are strong. Because if you continue with these handouts and a weak economy, you are not going to go on, somebody must make tough decisions. He might be right or wrong. He’s making tough decisions for the future. The question is the Nigerian people, are they hungry? The answer is yes. But our looks worse because we didn’t make decisions at all,” he lamented.

The Senator suggested that the government should prioritize austerity measures and reduce expenses. “People in government ought to maintain austerity measures. There should be more sewing our coat according to our size, scaling down on most things people in government do.”

The Senator revealed that President Tinubu is aware of the economic situation and often ventures out at night to gauge the pulse of the nation. “The President himself knows that Nigerians are suffering; the President knows that Nigerians are hungry.”

“He is a street person, he knows the street very well. The President sometimes uses his car to go around and know what is happening in Abuja here.”

 

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When Tinubu was governor of Lagos, Obasanjo did not do to him what he has done to Fubara–Ann Briggs.

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In a compelling video broadcast on Symfoni TV, prominent Human Rights and Niger Delta Environmental Activist Ann-Kio Briggs has drawn attention to the historical parallels between President Bola Tinubu’s experiences as Lagos State governor and the current situation facing Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The activist highlighted the stark contrast between Tinubu’s treatment as Lagos governor under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and his current approach to the Rivers State crisis as president. Briggs emphasized how Tinubu, despite his fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s policies, ultimately received substantial federal support.

“When the president (Tinubu) was the governor of Lagos State, Obasanjo did not do to him what he has done to Fubara today as he is the president,” Briggs stated. “Look at how he fought Obasanjo, he fought Obasanjo hands down. Eventually, all his money was paid to him, he got everything that he wanted.”

The activist’s comparison carries particular weight given Nigeria’s political history, drawing attention to how past federal-state relationships might inform current political dynamics. Briggs’s statement suggests that Tinubu’s own experience as a governor who successfully opposed federal authority while maintaining state autonomy should inform his current approach to state-federal relations.
Political analysts note that this historical parallel raises important questions about the evolution of federal-state relationships in Nigeria’s democracy. The comparison between Tinubu’s past struggles and his current position of power provides a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of Nigerian politics.

The activist’s remarks have sparked renewed discussions about political consistency and the responsibilities of federal leadership. By highlighting Tinubu’s transition from state governor to president, Briggs’s commentary underscores the importance of historical context in understanding and addressing current political crises.

This revelation adds another dimension to the ongoing discourse about federal intervention in state affairs, suggesting that personal experience and historical precedent should guide current political decision-making at the highest levels of government.

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IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES AND INAUGURATES THE COMMITTEE FOR 3rd ASSEMBLY OF IMO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

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PRESS STATEMENT!!!

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTES AND INAUGURATES THE COMMITTEE FOR 3rd ASSEMBLY OF IMO STATE YOUTH PARLIAMENT

Sequel to the expiration of the 2nd Assembly, while the 2nd Assembly awaits the valedictory session; Hon. Eric Uwakwe, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Imo on Youth Mobilization, in conjunction with the Speaker of Imo State Youth Parliament RT Hon. Eze Ekewuba has officially inaugurated the Committee tasked to oversee the transition to the 3rd Assembly of the Imo State Youth Parliament.

This significant milestone marks the beginning of the process to elect new members to the Youth Parliament, ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

We invite all interested youths to keep informed and participate in this crucial phase of our democratic journey by helping the Committee to be fair and ensure all eligible candidates are given chance to compete

“The Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Eric Uwakwe, emphasized the importance of fairness and inclusivity in the election process for the 3rd Assembly of the Imo State Youth Parliament”.

He urged the committee to ensure that all eligible youths are given equal opportunities to participate and demonstrate their leadership skills.

The formation of the 3rd Assembly is an exciting opportunity for young people to make their marks in the political landscape and contribute to the development of our state. We are confident that this process will produce dynamic and diverse groups of leaders who will bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our government.

LIST OF COMMITTEE.
1. Dr. Eze Akanazu—- Chairman
2. Hon Comr Okereke Godson C Bishop — Vice Chairman
3. Dr Emma Mbanusi—- Secretary
4. Walte Ononuju– PRO
5. Comrade Humphrey Osuji
6. Hon. Obikaeze Anaemem
7. Hon Lolo Amaka Osunde
8. Stanley Ezeruwa (AlutaBaba)
9. Emeka Agbugba
10. Rtr Comr Achiever Ikenna Anyanwa
11. Chukwuemeka Chikere
12. Pascal Blaise
13. Comr Sixtus Njoku
14. Dr. Chuks.
15. Comr Johnkennedy NkemjikaDr

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