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Tag: Abbas

  • Speaker Abbas mourns ex-National Concord boss, Doyin Abiola

    Speaker Abbas mourns ex-National Concord boss, Doyin Abiola

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the passing of a former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the defunct National Concord, Dr. Doyin Abiola, describing her as the amazon of journalism in Nigeria.

    Dr Abiola was one of the wives of the late winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

    In a condolence message over the demise of Dr. Abiola at the age of 82, the Speaker said that as the first woman to become editor-in-chief of a national daily in Nigeria, who spent over three decades in the media industry, she was a trailblazer and a remarkable woman in a field dominated by men.

    Speaker Abbas, especially saluted Dr. Doyin Abiola for her sterling career, admirable personality, and influential life. He said the famous media practitioner would remain one of the most astounding female professionals to have hailed from Nigeria.

    The Speaker commiserated with the Abiola family, the media industry, especially her colleagues at Daily Sketch, Daily Times, and National Concord.

    Speaker Abbas prayed to God to grant her soul eternal rest.

  • Withdraw ‘repressive bill to regulate bloggers or face legal action’, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

    Withdraw ‘repressive bill to regulate bloggers or face legal action’, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas “to immediately withdraw the repressive bill for an act to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, which seeks to regulate the activities of bloggers operating within the ‘territorial boundaries of Nigeria.’”

    SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to ensure that any amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act promotes and protects the rights of bloggers and other journalists and does not undermine the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.”

    SERAP also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to end the imposition of unnecessary restrictions on the rights of Nigerians online and Internet-based content.”

    There is currently a bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters” (the “bill”).

    The bill among others seeks to regulate bloggers including by requiring all bloggers to register local offices and join recognised national association for bloggers. The bill has passed its first and second reading in the Senate.

    In the letter dated 12 April 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “This bill is a blatant attempt to bring back and fast-track the obnoxious and widely rejected social media bill by the back-door.”

    SERAP said, “If passed, the bill would also be used to ban major social media platforms—including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers if they ‘continuously fail to establish/register and maintain physical offices in Nigeria for a period of 30 days.’”

    The letter, read in part: “Lawmakers should not become arbiters of truth in the public and political domain. Regulating the activities of bloggers and forcing them to associate would have a significant chilling effect on freedom of expression and lead to censorship or restraint.”

    “The bill may also be used to block access of Nigerians to social media platforms. Blocking access to social media platforms is a flagrant violation of fundamental rights.”

    “In addition to infringing on Nigerians’ right to access to information and digital technology, the proposed bill would also severely hamper business operations in the country, as many are reliant on foreign tools, services and technologies for their operations, as well as other sectors that rely on online information.”

    “The bill would force international tech companies out of the Nigerian information landscape by requiring them to establish/register and maintain physical offices in the country. It would violate the requirement that the right to freedom of expression applies ‘regardless of frontiers.’”

    “Should the National Assembly and its leadership fail to withdraw the bill to regulate the activities of bloggers, and should any such bill be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to challenge the legality of any such law and ensure it is never implemented in the public interest.”

    “The regulation of bloggers may be used to muzzle any dissenting voice and to silence any form of criticism or negative opinion on the policies and practices of the ruling party or the Government.”

    “Authorities may also use the proposed regulation as a pretext to punish bloggers solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights.”

    “The bill seems to be directed at bloggers living in Nigeria and elsewhere, with severe adverse effects on the freedom of expression of a very wide range of individuals.”

    “The proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 fails to meet the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights treaties to which the country is a state party.”

    “The amendment, if passed would adversely affect unregistered bloggers operating ‘within the territorial boundaries of Nigeria.’”

    “The proposed amendment may also be used to violate the rights to privacy, freedom of peaceful assembly and of association as protected by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and international human rights standards.”

    “The proposed amendment is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s obligations to respect and ensure the effective realisation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The amendment would disproportionality suppress a wide range of expressive conduct essential to a democratic society.”

    “The bill would pose major barriers and threats to any individuals, especially journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organisations who may be critical of the government, as well as stifle democracy and media freedom.”

    “Mandatory regulation of journalism is incompatible with the right to freedom of expression. There is no legitimate reason why bloggers – or in fact members of the general public – should be subject to mandatory regulation or licensing to express themselves.”

    “Blogging plays an invaluable role in the free flow of information. Bloggers should never be required to register with the government or other official agencies to blog.”

    “The bill may also be used as a pretext to force bloggers to disclose their sources. The right to protect sources is a cornerstone of freedom of the press, without which sources may be deterred from assisting the press in informing the public on matters of public interest.”

    “The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties which the country has ratified protect everyone’s right [including bloggers] to maintain an opinion without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers and through any media.”

    “Nigerian authorities including the National Assembly have legal obligations to ensure an environment in which a diverse range of opinions and ideas can be freely and openly expressed and debated.”

    “The requirement of necessity implies an assessment of the proportionality of restrictions, with the aim of ensuring that restrictions target a specific objective and do not unduly intrude upon the rights of targeted persons.”

    “As noted in the 2005 Joint Declaration of the special rapporteurs on freedom of expression, ‘[n]o one should be required to register with or obtain permission from any public body to operate an Internet service provider, website, blog or other online information dissemination system, including Internet broadcasting.’”

    “In their 2011 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet, the four special mandates for the protection of freedom of expression highlighted that regulatory approaches in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors cannot simply be transferred to the Internet.”

  • Reps query CBN over mass sack of staff, demand explanation on N50bn severance

    Reps query CBN over mass sack of staff, demand explanation on N50bn severance

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, has requested the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide explanations for the recent dismissal of approximately 1,000 members of staff and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.

    Speaker Abbas made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the ad-hoc committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff on Thursday in Abuja.

    He charged the ad hoc committee chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo to properly investigate the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing the country.

    Represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for transparency in the matter, ensuring that the welfare and rights of the affected employees are protected.

    Acknowledging the imperative of running a learner, more efficient government, and the inherent powers of the apex bank to determine its policies, Speaker Abbas however said there is a need to strike a balance against the welfare of the employees.

    He also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50 billion severance package was determined, ensuring that principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were adhered to.

    He said: “The committee has been tasked with examining several critical aspects of this issue. First, we aim to understand the rationale behind the decision to lay off over 1,000 staff members, particularly during these challenging economic times. The impact of such a significant workforce reduction on individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.

    “Furthermore, the committee will scrutinize the process through which the 50 billion Naira severance package was determined. We must ascertain whether the principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were strictly adhered to in arriving at this figure.

    “Transparency in such matters is key to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our institutions.

    “As a legislative body, we recognise the widely accepted principle of running a leaner and more efficient government. We also understand the CBN’s prerogative in determining policies that align with its operational efficiency. However, such decisions must be balanced against the welfare and rights of employees, as well as the long-term implications for institutional stability.

    “The House of Representatives cannot and will not remain silent when Nigerians feel aggrieved or when there are allegations of coercion or injustice against those who have been lawfully employed. We must provide a platform for all affected parties to be heard and to ensure that their concerns are addressed fairly and justly”.

    Speaker Abas urged the CBN and other affected agencies of government to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust and confidence in government institutions.

    “Your cooperation is vital as we seek to uncover the facts, provide clarity to Nigerians, and ultimately restore confidence in the integrity of government institutions.

    “As we proceed with this investigative hearing, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, accountability, and the greater good of our nation. I hope that at the end of this hearing, all controversies will be cleared, and we can be assured that the CBN’s actions align with the principles of fairness, equity, and the rule of law”, the Speaker said.

  • FCT minister revokes lands of Buhari, Akume, Abbas, 759 others

    FCT minister revokes lands of Buhari, Akume, Abbas, 759 others

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has revoked lands belonging to former President Muhammed Buhari, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

    Also, 759 other prominent figures and organisations in Maitama II, Abuja. were also affected by the revocation which was for non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy.

    This was contained in a publication by the FCT Administration and made available to Channels Television by the Special Adviser to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka.

    In a separate publication, the minister also threatened to revoke lands belonging to the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda; former presidents of the Senate, Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute; the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno; and 610 others for outstanding fees owed to the FCTA for certificate of occupancy not paid within two weeks.

    This revocation by the minister comes months after he made several pleas to residents of the FCT, particularly those residing in hybrid areas of the nation’s capital, to pay outstanding fees owed to the FCTA or risk revocation of their lands.

  • Speaker Abbas hails Ooni Ogunwusi at 50

    Speaker Abbas hails Ooni Ogunwusi at 50

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, on his 50th birthday.

    Speaker Abbas described Oba Ogunwusi (CFR), the 51st Ooni of Ife and Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), as a unifier and bridge-builder in the country.

    While commending the Ooni for fostering unity in not just Yorubaland but across the country, the Speaker noted the immeasurable roles that traditional rulers like Oba Ogunwusi are playing to ensure peace and progress in Nigeria.

    The Speaker used the occasion to urge the Ooni to continue to champion good causes towards growth and development of the country.

    Speaker Abbas prayed to God to grant Oba Ogunwusi more years of peaceful reign, and the grace to serve the country more.

  • Reveal details of your running costs or meet us in court, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

    Reveal details of your running costs or meet us in court, SERAP tells Akpabio, Abbas

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to disclose the “exact amount of monthly running costs” allotted to members of the National Assembly.

    SERAP requested the spending details of any of such running costs as well.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports this was made known in a statement dated August 17, 2024, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP.

    The group’s demand is coming on the heels of the recent controversy surrounding the salary of Senators.

    A former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Senator Shehu Sani, had stated that Senators receive over N13 million monthly, but the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission faulted his claim.

    In its statement however, SERAP urged the NASS leadership to “promptly end the alleged practice by the National Assembly of fixing its own salaries, allowances and running costs, in conformity with the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international obligations.”

    It also called them “to end the alleged practice of paying running costs into the personal accounts of lawmakers, and to refer the alleged misuse or mismanagement of the running costs to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution where there is relevant admissible evidence.”

    The statement also urged the NASS leadership to “promptly disclose the total amount of running costs that have so far been paid to and received by the lawmakers and to ensure the return of any misused or mismanaged public funds.”

    The organisation said: “We are concerned about the practice by the lawmakers of fixing their salaries, allowances, and running costs, as well as the opacity and the spending of millions of naira in running costs by lawmakers.”

    It added, “The constitutional oath of office of lawmakers requires them to ensure transparency and accountability in the exact amounts of salaries, allowances and running costs they receive.”

    The letter, read in part: “The provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution clearly make it unlawful for the National Assembly to fix its own salaries, allowances and running costs.”

    “The allegations that members of the National Assembly are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    ‘Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account.’”

    “In the Seventh Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution, members lawmakers commit to strive to ‘preserve the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy contained in the Constitution’, [and to] perform their ‘functions honestly, faithfully’, to act ‘always in the interest of the well-being and prosperity of Nigeria’.”

    “Lawmakers also commit ‘preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Nigeria; and abide by the Code of Conduct contained in the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.’”

    “‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The reports that lawmakers are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”

    “SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 16(2) of the Nigerian Constitution further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”

    “According to our information, members of the National Assembly are currently fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs. The running costs are reportedly paid directly into the personal accounts of members.”

    “Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, recently disclosed in an interview with BBC Hausa that each Nigerian senator earns at least N21 million monthly in running costs, salaries, and allowances.”

    “Mr Sumaila reportedly said, ‘My monthly salary is less than N1 million. After deductions, the figure comes down to a little over N600,000. Given the increase effected, in the Senate, each senator gets N21 million every month as running cost.’”

    “According to reports, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently alleged that the lawmakers fix their own salaries and allowances, contrary to the recommendation of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).”

  • Speaker Abbas mourns Oyo Rep, Akinremi

    Speaker Abbas mourns Oyo Rep, Akinremi

    …as House adjourns sitting in honour of late lawmaker

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the demise of a member of the House, Hon. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi.

    Hon. Akinremi, who was the member representing Oyo North Federal Constituency, died on Wednesday morning. He was the chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.

    The Speaker, in a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said he was shocked to receive the news of the death of Hon. Akinremi.

    Describing the late legislator as a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who represented his people with zeal, the Speaker said Hon. Akinremi would be sorely missed.

    Announcing the demise of Hon. Akinremi at a brief plenary session on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas, said, “Honourable Members of the House, it is with a heavy heart and sorrow that we announce the passing of the esteemed Hon. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi, affectionately known as Jagaban. A dedicated member of this House, he represented the Ibadan North Federal Constituency with unwavering commitment and distinction.

    “Prince Akinremi’s devotion to public service was exemplary. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, he made significant contributions to both his constituency and the nation. His leadership in distributing palliatives and his support for local artisans, traders, and social groups during challenging times highlighted his deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    “Beyond his political career, Prince Akinremi was a successful businessman and philanthropist. His efforts to empower women, youth, and the less privileged have left an indelible impact on his community. His dedication to fostering unity and development within Ibadan North earned him admiration and respect across political lines.

    “Prince Akinremi is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Adama Akinremi, and their five children. His legacy of service, compassion, and leadership will continue to inspire us all. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

    The House observed a minute of silence in honour of the late legislator. In line with the tradition of the Green Chamber, the lawmakers adjourned plenary to Thursday.

    Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the soul of the late lawmaker.

  • Speaker Abbas hails President Tinubu at 72

    Speaker Abbas hails President Tinubu at 72

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has rejoiced with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 72nd birthday.

    Speaker Abbas, in a congratulatory message to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, noted that President Tinubu has dedicated his life to the service of the country and humanity.

    While describing President Tinubu as “a grandmaster of progressive politics,” the Speaker said the president has refined and redefined politics and governance in Nigeria.

    He added that the history of Nigeria’s democracy would be complete without the name of President Tinubu occupying a vantage position.

    Speaker Abbas, who noted that President Tinubu gets better with age, said Nigerians would soon rate his administration as one of the best the country has ever had.

    “I wish His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a happy birthday. While it is his desire, as a passionate leader, that his birthday celebrations should be low-key, it is also an attestation to his selfless leadership style, which we are all emulating.

    “Nevertheless, we can’t but express our admiration for a man who is willing and on the verge of transforming the socio-political and economic conditions of our country.

    “It is our prayer that the Almighty Allah continues to strengthen him, grant him the grace and the wisdom to navigate our dear country out of the current turbulence,” Speaker Abbas said.

    The Speaker urged Nigerians to pray for the president and his administration, as well as give him that maximum support so that his government’s Renewed Hope Agenda would achieve its objectives.

  • Speaker Abbas drags ex-Kaduna lawmaker to court

    Speaker Abbas drags ex-Kaduna lawmaker to court

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, has filed a direct criminal complaint against Suleman Wakili, former member, Kaduna State House of Assembly before a Magistrates’ Court No. 6 sitting at Chediya, GRA Zaria.

    At the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday in Zaria, Mr. M.I. Aliyu, counsel to the complainant, sought for adjournment to enable the representative of the speaker to appear in court.

    Mr. A.Y. Mohammed, counsel to the defendant, did not object to the application for adjournment.

    However, the presiding Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim-Adamu Salisu, adjourned the case until April 16 for continuation of hearing.

    The criminal complaint was pursuant to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and was hinged on the alleged injurious falsehood and defamation of character

    The alleged offenses were contrary to the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State 2017.

    The speaker instituted the case through his Legislative Aide, Alhaji Aliyu Waziri, on Jan. 9, 2023.

    He alleged that sometimes in November 2022 or thereabout, the defendant published on a social medium in Hausa Language (his Facebook page), series of injurious and blatant false statements with the knowledge that the publication would harm the reputation and integrity of Abbas Tajudeen.

    He added that the publication had tarnished the hard-earned image of Abbas Tajudeen, who is the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency and Speaker House of Representatives.

  • Commit one percent of annual budget to AuG’s office to ensure adequate oversight, Speaker Abbas tells FG

    Commit one percent of annual budget to AuG’s office to ensure adequate oversight, Speaker Abbas tells FG

    …demands immediate appointment of a substantive Auditor General

    Speaker Abbas who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Benjamin Kalu made this revelation at the Unveiling of Public Accounts Committee, PAC of members of the 10th Assembly and Leadership Training, One-Day National Colloquium’ in Abuja on Monday.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the speaker also demanded for the appointment of a substantive Auditor General to the Federation immediately.

    Hear him: “The National Assembly is interested and committed to the office of the Auditor general. What’s adequate for that job to be done, fully well, is at least, one percent of the total budget of the federal Republic of Nigeria. That’s what that office needs if they must do the job and do it very well.

    “We are committed as people with the power of the purse to review the budget of the Auditor general office, unless we don’t want about the 900 MDAs to be well over-sighted.

    “As the civil society mentioned, most of these MDAs were not touched, and the issue is due to lack of adequate resources for the auditor general’s office to get the job done.

    “We should not make them magicians, we should equip them to sufficiently to pursue the money of Nigeria so that the work of the National Assembly will be easier.

    “The introduction of technology will help us become more transparent to document better and make the results coming out from our exercise more credible. The oversight function is going to make use of technology. So in no distant time, expect the launching and unveiling of what we call NASS Eyes.

    “To do this also, the collaboration of the executive cannot be overstated, though we are three arms of government, we are one government pursuing one national objective. Objective of the renewed hope where revenues will be increased and leakages blocked.

    “Let me mention that I heard the chairman’s request that the office of the accountant general make provision for a bus that will help the committee do their job.

    “We want to maintain that in the spirit of doctrine of separation of powers and in need to be thorough in the exercise of our duty, investigating the work done by the accountant general, we will not be accepting that gift. Rather Nigerians should expect the House and senate to make sufficient budget that will be enough to provision for the committees such as yours

    “I’m joining my voice to that of my brother, the chairman of PAC committee, we cannot afford to have an acting director or whatever nomenclature occupying that important position of auditor general.

    “We urge Mr President to look into confirming the person who’s there or anybody of his choice to take up the role of Auditor general of this country, it will send the right signal that this government is ready to act in the interest of all Nigerians.