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Tag: Abbas Tajudeen

  • SAD! Speaker Abbas shocked over Hon. Dogonyaro’s death

    SAD! Speaker Abbas shocked over Hon. Dogonyaro’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, had expressed shock and sadness over the death of the member representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro.

    Hon. Dogonyaro died on Friday, May 10 in Abuja at the age of 46 after a brief illness.

    The Speaker, who said Dogonyaro would be sorely missed, noted the late lawmaker’s invaluable contributions to nation-building during the brief period he served in the House.

    Describing Hon. Dogonyaro as someone who gave a good account of himself in terms of providing good representation to his people, Speaker Abbas said his constituents, the people of Jigawa State and indeed the House have lost one of their finest.

    “I woke up this morning to the sad news of the passing away of a brother, friend and patriotic Nigerian, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro. I am pained by his death because he was a committed member of the 10th House, who has demonstrated zeal, determination, and dedication to nation-building.

    “He was a perfect gentleman and a sound lawmaker. His departure will leave a vacuum in the House. We will sorely miss him,” the Speaker said.

    The Speaker commiserated with his family, constituents, colleagues, and the people of Jigawa State, while praying to Allah to grant him Jannatul Firdaus.

    Speaker Abbas also prayed to Allah to grant the remaining members of the House the grace to be alive and healthy in the service to the country.

    Until his death, Hon. Dogonyaro, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control.

  • We’ll intervene on issues between FG, oil marketers – Speaker Abbas assures

    We’ll intervene on issues between FG, oil marketers – Speaker Abbas assures

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said the parliament would intervene on the issues between the Federal Government and petroleum marketers, especially regarding allocation and debt.

    Speaker Abbas particularly stated that the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, would chair a panel that would engage with all relevant stakeholders on the issues affecting the supply chain of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in Nigeria.

    The Speaker made this known when the national leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) visited him at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Speaker Abbas noted that the House appreciated IPMAN, especially due to the critical roles marketers play in the economy, ensuring energy supply, particularly in the wake of the bad road and insecurity across the country.

    He also noted his awareness of the difficulties being faced by IPMAN concerning price fluctuations, urging them to be patient as the current government meant well for the association.

    He also noted that he was aware of the challenge concerning allocation of PMS supply by the national oil firm, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, formerly Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

    “The House, I assure you, will take the necessary steps,” the Speaker stated, adding that all the stakeholders in the sector would be invited on the issues.

    Speaker Abbas also said the issue of the over N200bn non-payment by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to members of IPMAN would be sorted out soon.

    “We want to plead with you to please slow down; to please soft pedal on your planned strike,” Speaker Abbas said, while assuring the association that the House would step into the matter.

    “The issue of industrial action should be suspended. It should be the last resort,” he added.

    The President of IPMAN, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, earlier in his address, decried the alleged abuse of the petrol sharing formula by the NNPC.

    Shettima noted that the original allocation formula was for IPMAN to have 50 percent, Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria to receive 30 percent, while the NNPC was to retain 20 percent.

    He stated that IPMAN, with the over 150,000 outlets owned by its members, was capable of ensuring adequate supplies to the nooks and crannies of the country.

    The IPMAN president also alleged that the NMDPRA owed the association’s members about N200bn, which he pleaded with the Speaker to intervene on.

  • Constitutional Amendment: National Integration our utmost priority -Speaker Abbas

    Constitutional Amendment: National Integration our utmost priority -Speaker Abbas

    …asks Nigerians to reject bigotry

    National integration must be priotized in the ongoing constitutional amendment, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said.

    He also said that the legislative
    agenda of the 10th House is strategically designed to address the challenges
    that slow down the unity of the country and journey towards a ‘more perfect union’.

    Speaker Abbas made the submissions while delivering a keynote address at the
    National Integration Conference themed “Revisiting the National Question: Nigeria’s Elusive Search for National Integration” organized by The Kukah Centre at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre on Friday in Abuja.

    Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Abbas said that Nigeria’s diversity can propel innovative solutions to the economic challenges bedeviling the country.

    He said: “Nigeria’s pluralism, characterised by its vast diversity in ethnicity, language, and religion, offers a remarkable asset to the nation. Our cultural diversity can significantly enhance global diplomatic and economic relationships.

    “The varied perspectives and skills stemming from this diversity can foster
    innovative solutions to economic and social challenges, driving sustainable
    development.

    “The core of my keynote address here is to emphasise that embracing and leveraging this pluralism can propel Nigeria towards a more unified and prosperous future, where the collective strengths of its diverse population are fully harnessed.

    “Herein lies the critical role of the legislature in promoting national
    integration. Lawmakers at both the national and sub-national levels are not
    only constitutionally mandated to represent the collective interest of all
    Nigerians and ensure that laws, policies and programmes of government
    recognise diversity and actively promote and protect it.

    “In our legislative activities, we are committed to ensuring that the laws we
    pass reflect our dedication to fostering national unity. Our legislative
    agenda in the 10th House is strategically designed to address the challenges
    that slow our unity and journey towards a ‘more perfect union’. As the people’s representatives, we will ensure strict adherence to constitutional provisions regarding federal character and affirmative action, ensuring equitable representation and resource allocation across all regions and geopolitical zones.

    “Our ongoing constitutional amendment process aims to strengthen these mechanisms, promoting a more inclusive, fair, and just society. The House has already received several recommendations on strategies and measures for promoting national cohesion. I invite all stakeholders to share their ideas with us.

    “Additionally, our committees have been empowered and mandated to
    prioritise matters related to national integration. The House, as Nigeria’s
    most representative body, is dedicated to leveraging the legislative process
    to promote harmony and cohesion. We aim to strengthen our national ties
    and bridge existing divides through robust debates, consultations, and
    collaborations.”

    Speaker Abbas also recalled that various deliberate attempts have been made by the government to promote national cohesion since independence.

    “In the period since independence, several constitutional and national
    dialogues have been convened by successive administrations to address the complexities of diversity and inclusion. Initiatives like the National Political Reform Conference and various constitutional amendments have sought to create a more inclusive governance framework.

    “A notable effort in this
    context is the Justice Uwais report, which emerged from the Electoral
    Reform Committee established in 2007. This report aimed to enhance the
    inclusivity and fairness of the electoral process, thereby giving a more
    equitable voice to Nigeria’s diverse population. Recommendations from the
    report included the establishment of more autonomous electoral bodies and
    mechanisms to ensure that all groups, including minorities, have fair political
    representation. These dialogues and reforms highlight an ongoing
    commitment to refining the political landscape to reflect better and serve
    Nigeria’s pluralistic society.”

    Noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has priotized national healing and nation building, the speaker also asked Nigerians to reject bigotry and embrace tolerance and unity.

    He added that the strength of the country is in its diversity, emphasizing that it is a strategic advantage to the nation.

    “As noted by many commentators in the aftermath of the 2023 elections, the
    greatest challenge facing our government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is managing diversity and rebuilding trust among Nigerians.

    “The President has prioritised national healing and nation-building since
    assuming office. Addressing Nigerians in India during the G-20 Summit in
    September 2023, the President challenged Nigerians to harness the country’s rich diversity as a uniquely powerful tool for advancing prosperity and national development.
    I am conscious of the fact that embracing diversity is not without challenges

    “The strength of our nation lies in our ability to unite despite our differences. Our diversity should be our strategic advantage, making us more resilient, innovative, and cohesive as a nation. As your representatives, we pledge to continue promoting policies that foster integration, celebrate our diverse heritage, and build a stronger, more united Nigeria.

    “I challenge us all as a people to reject bigotry of any kind and embrace
    tolerance, empathy, and unity. By so doing, we can build a Nigeria where
    every citizen is valued and empowered. Let us work towards a future united
    by the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in one strong, indivisible nation”, he said.

  • Electricity tariff: Speaker Abbas to promote bill for compulsory NASS, stakeholders consultation

    Electricity tariff: Speaker Abbas to promote bill for compulsory NASS, stakeholders consultation

    …says critical problems in power sector, value chain must be addressed

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has announced plans by him to propose a law that would make it mandatory for the relevant Federal Government bodies to consult the National Assembly and other stakeholders before fixing Electricity tariff.

    “Accordingly, I will sponsor a bill to provide administrative procedures that entrench proper consultation and legislative review of process for tariff setting in Nigeria’s electricity and other public services,” he said while declaring open a power sector stakeholders interactive dialogue/workshop organised by the House Committee on Power.

    The event was themed: ‘Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as the Nation Migrates to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market: A Legislative Intervention.’

    The intervention by the Speaker is coming at a time when Nigerians are criticising the recent electricity tariff increment.
    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had earlier in April approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification, with the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour, up from N66.

    Band A customers are those who enjoy not less than 20 hours of electricity supply daily. They represent 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity customers in the country.

    The Speaker said he would have expected that the forum and extensive consultations would have preceded the implementation of the new multi-tier electricity system.

    “Having this consultation now appears to be an afterthought and goes contrary to the Electricity Act, 2024, which mandates consultation with all relevant stakeholders in determining just and fair tariffs,” he stated.

    Speaker Abbas cited Section 33 of the Electricity Act 2024 as establishing the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a public agency subject to the oversight responsibility of the National Assembly under Sections 80-88 of the Constitution.

    He stated that Section 34 of the Act specifically empowers the NERC ‘to ensure that the prices charged by the licensee are fair to consumers and are sufficient to allow licensees to finance their activities and to allow for reasonable profit for efficient operation’ and to ‘ensure that regulation is fair and balanced for customers, licensee, investors and other stakeholders.’

    Speaker Abbas said: “I hope this forum allows all stakeholders to interrogate whether the new system meets the criteria outlined in the Act.

    “The fundamental principles of just and fair pricing of electricity as laid out by a leading authority in this field are (1) simplicity, (2) understandability, (3) acceptability, (4) non-controversial, (5) stability, and (6) non-discriminatory. The question before you today is whether the new tariff model meets these principles.
    “In framing the way forward, we can look towards best practices and successful models from other countries that have implemented similar market structures. Notable strategies include strong regulatory oversight to ensure fairness and transparency across all tiers.”

    The Speaker stressed the need to address the problems bedevilling the power sector and electricity value chain in Nigeria.
    Speaker Abbas also stated that the House’s commitment to “transforming the power sector into a model of efficiency and sustainability is unwavering.”

    He said despite the challenges, together as stakeholders, a reformed power sector that drives national growth and enhances the quality of life for all Nigerians is achievable.

    Speaker Abbas noted that discussions at the forum were set against the backdrop of the significant challenges and remarkable opportunities within our power sector.

    He said: “The government’s objective is clear – to foster a resilient, efficient, and sustainable power sector capable of supporting our nation’s ambitious economic and developmental goals.

    “Historically, the Nigerian power sector has grappled with challenges that have stifled its growth and hampered its efficiency. These challenges include inadequate generation capacity, dilapidated infrastructure, frequent disruptions in power supply, and financial inefficiencies that have eroded the sector’s viability.

    “Moreover, the inadequate metering and the consequent revenue losses have perpetuated a cycle of debt and underinvestment that has undermined the sector’s potential.”

    The Speaker said as the nation navigates these challenges, the stakeholders must foster collaborative efforts that leverage both public and private sector expertise and resources. “This dialogue embodies such collaboration and is crucial in charting a forward path,” he said.

    Speaker Abbas also said the shift towards a multi-tier electricity market represents a strategic pivot in our approach to power sector reform. He added that this model envisaged a structured market segmentation that allows for differential pricing and service levels tailored to diverse consumer needs and capacities.
    He stressed that it promised enhanced efficiency through competitive practices, encouraged investment by delineating clear market segments, and improved reliability and service delivery across the board.

    The Speaker noted: “However, this is just one side of the coin. Despite the much-touted benefits, the transition to a multi-tier market is challenging. These include regulatory complexities, the need for substantial capital investment, the risk of market segmentation leading to disparities in service quality, and resistance from different stakeholder groups due to changes in tariff structures.

    “We must acknowledge that numerous stakeholders and industry experts have expressed concerns that the proposed increase in electricity tariffs could lead to significantly higher utility bills. This increase could reduce disposable income for consumers, escalate operational costs for businesses, and increase the prices of goods and services, disproportionately affecting low-income earners in Nigeria. Some experts argue that these changes might drive more individuals into poverty, especially as inflation and foreign exchange issues continue to strain households and businesses.

    “Additionally, critical problems within the electricity value chain need to be addressed. Technical and commercial losses, which have not been effectively tackled, add inefficiencies that consumers are indirectly forced to cover, contributing to the cost recovery efforts. These losses amount to billions of naira.”

    Speaker Abbas commended the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its “unwavering commitment and robust drive towards overhauling the power sector.”

    He recalled that the first bill to be signed into law by the President, barely a few weeks after his inauguration, was the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which authorised states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. He noted that the law repealed the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005.

    The Speaker also commended Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, and members of the committee for their relentless commitment and leadership in spearheading the legislative framework that supports the transformative agenda of the President.

    “This is in line with our Legislative Agenda, which prioritises economic growth and transformation of key sectors of the economy, especially power,” he said.

    At the event were Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and heads of agencies under the ministry; former Minister of Power and Chairman of Geometric Power Ltd., Prof Bartholomew Nnaji; former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana; Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; Generating Companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies (DisCos), among others stakeholders.

  • Speaker Abbas turbans 12 traditional titleholders for Iyan Zazzau(Photos)

    Speaker Abbas turbans 12 traditional titleholders for Iyan Zazzau(Photos)

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has turbaned 12 worthy individuals as traditional titleholders under the fold of the Iyan Zazzau.

    The Speaker is a prince of the Zazzau Emirate and holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau. He has been representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State since 2011.

    Those turbaned were Alhaji Aminu Ramalan as Turakin Iyan Zazzau; Samaila Tajuddeen as Majidadin Iyan Zazzau; Faisal Nuhu Bamalli as Danmorin Iyan Zazzau; Ibrahim Ameer Abbas Tajuddeen as Ciroman Iyan Zazzau; Yahaya Aminu Pate as Mabudin Iyan Zazzau, and Aminu Umar Jamawa as Sarkin Fadan Iyan Zazzau.

    Others were Abdallah Abbas Tajuddeen as Dan’Iyan Iyan Zazzau; Bashir Rayyanu as Sulukin Iyan Zazzau; Alhaji Bashir Ahmad Datti as Sarkin Yakin Iyan Zazzau; Alhaji Lamido Shehu as Sarkin Shanun Iyan Zazzau; Alhaji Abubakar Haruna as Zannan Iyan Zazzau, and Lameer Umar as Wakilin Matasan Iyan Zazzau.

    Speaking at the occasion, held at the family house (Gidan Iya Abdullahi) in Zaria on Wednesday evening, Speaker Abbas said those bestowed with the traditional titles were carefully chosen and rewarded for their hard work, loyalty, and commitment.

    While congratulating the newly turbaned titleholders, the Speaker urged them to be good ambassadors of the Zazzau Emirate.

    “Today is a day for celebration, because Almighty Allah has given us the opportunity to reward some sons of the Zazzau Emirate for their good conducts.

    “Those turbaned have been carefully selected for the titles. I congratulate them for this recognition. However, I want to caution them that the titles bestowed on them mean an added responsibility.

    “They are now ambassadors of the Zazzau Emirate, as such, they must show good conducts at all times wherever they find themselves.

    “I urge you to be trustworthy and emulate the good leaders of the Zazzau Emirate. As from today, you will bear the names of the principal titleholders that bestowed the titles on you.

    “Please, do not to let us down. You should show good conduct and add value to the Emirate. It is a responsibility that you must carry with all sense of seriousness. I pray that God Almighty will guide and protect you. May God bless you all,” Speaker Abbas said.

    Also speaking, the Jarman Kudun Zazzau, Malam Nuhu Aminu Bamalli, who also turbaned eight titleholders under his fold, enjoined all those turbaned “to be of good conduct and character.”

    Those turbaned under the Jarman Kudun Zazzau were Aminu Yahaya as Danmorin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Tajuddeen Shehu as Mukaddas Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Sani Abubakar Tanko as Madaucin Jarman Kudun Zazzau, and Jafar Abdulkadir Iya Pate as Jakadan Jarman Kudun Zazzau.

    Also, Abduljabbar Umar Iya was turbaned as Madubin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Mujahid Nuhu Bamalli as Sulukin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Buhari Yahaya as Magayakin Jarman Kudun Zazzau, and Mahmud Aminu Pate as Sallaman Jarman Kudun Zazzau.

    Many sons and daughters of the Mallawa ruling house gathered to witness the occasion, which is one of the privileges that key traditional titleholders in the Zazzau Emirate enjoy.

    Several members of the House of Representatives, friends, and well-wishers of the Speaker were also present at the event.

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Speaker Abbas urges prayers, patriotism

    Eid-el-Fitr: Speaker Abbas urges prayers, patriotism

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

    The Speaker, in a sallah message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, equally urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan.

    Expressing confidence that Almighty Allah has answered their prayers and supplication during the Holy Month, the Speaker said the Muslims and other citizens should remain steadfast, determined, and patriotic for the nation to forge ahead.

    He enjoined Muslims to be their brother’s keeper and render a helping hand at all times, noting that one of the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan was that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.

    Speaker Abbas, while felicitating Islamic faithful, urged them to continue to pray for Nigeria even after Ramadan is over, noting that a peaceful and prosperous nation equally needs prayers to sustain its blessings.

    “We thank Allah (SWT) for making it possible for us to witness the Holy Month of Ramadan peacefully. We pray that He accepts all our acts of Ibadah.

    “As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, I enjoin Nigerians, especially Muslims, to offer prayers for the country and our leaders. Let’s also remain united as a people,” the Speaker said.

    He further called for support for the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Speaker Abbas wished Muslims happy celebrations.

  • Easter: Pray for Nigeria, leaders, Speaker Abbas urges Christians

    Easter: Pray for Nigeria, leaders, Speaker Abbas urges Christians

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has felicitated Christians as they celebrate Easter to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    Speaker Abbas, in his Easter message, urged Christians and Nigerians in general to be selfless and sacrifice for one another, as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

    The Speaker noted that it is only when the leaders and the followers alike shun self gratification and collectively work toward a common goal that the nation would be stronger and better, and the world would also a better place.

    He, therefore, called for prayers for Nigeria to overcome her current socio-economic and security challenges, stating that Easter is one of the best seasons to do so as patriotic citizens.

    Speaker Abbas urged Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings, including obedience to law and authorities, charity, and holiness.

    He said it is in this spirit that Nigerians should pray for their leaders, starting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, as well as others in the other arms and tiers of the government.

    The Speaker wished Christians a happy Easter celebration.

  • Speaker Abbas mourns ex-Kaduna administrator, Sambo

    Speaker Abbas mourns ex-Kaduna administrator, Sambo

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the death of a former administrator of Kaduna, Alhaji Abbas Dabo Sambo.

    Alhaji Sambo was the administrator of Kaduna Capital Territory in the 1960s.

    Speaker Abbas, in his condolence message to the family of Alhaji Sambo, the people and government of Kaduna State, urged all to take solace in the impactful life that the late Sambo lived as a public administrator of repute.

    The Speaker said Alhaji Sambo was dedicated to public service and the common good of the people, adding that he was one of the finest elder statesmen from Kaduna, and the North by extension.

    Speaker Abbas prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant Alhaji Sambo Jannatul Firdaus and comfort his family.

  • Abduction: Speaker Abbas leads powerful HoR delegation to Kaduna

    Abduction: Speaker Abbas leads powerful HoR delegation to Kaduna

    …assures of Reps’ readiness to partner with state govt to end insecurity

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Wednesday, led a high-powered delegation of the House to Kaduna to commiserate with the government and the people of the state following the abduction of school children in Kuriga community on Thursday, March 7.

    Recall that bandits in their large numbers invaded Kuriga and abducted over 280 school children, who were at school for learning, on the morning of the said date.

    Concerned by the unfortunate development, Speaker Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, was at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna alongside many of his colleagues, where he met and commiserated with Governor Uba Sani and by extension the people of Kaduna State.

    Expressing sadness at the resurgence of kidnappings in the state, which saw the abduction of the school children, Speaker Abbas told Governor Sani that “the House received the news with a big shock.”

    Speaker Abbas assured that the House would use all available legislative instruments to partner with the Kaduna State Government and others to come up with solutions that would end insecurity not only in the state but also across the country.

    Noting that efforts were ongoing to rescue the school children, the Speaker said, “We thought we had seen the end of kidnappings in Kaduna State, only for it to rear its ugly head in a devastating manner.

    “We are very ready to partner with you in coming up with security solutions that will ensure that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again,” he said.

    The Speaker commended the governor and members of his cabinet for the measures and policies put in place to nip the resurgence of insecurity in the bud.

    He acknowledged the efforts of both the federal and state governments to quickly rescue the children and safely reunite them with their families.

    Speaker Abbas also noted that since inauguration in June 2023, the 10th House has prioritised national security as it is the second most important item in the House Legislative Agenda.

    On his part, Governor Uba Sani, while thanking the Speaker and his colleagues for the visit to commiserate with the people of Kaduna State, urged the House to revisit the issue of state police.

    “We are (also) ready to partner with you, to support you because Nigeria belongs to all of us. The most important thing to any government is the protection of the lives and property of the citizens, and I believe the National Assembly should lead.

    “I want to urge the House of Reps to revisit the issue of state police,” Governor Sani said.

    The Speaker was accompanied on the visit by the House Leader, Hon. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere; Caucus Leaders of both the North and the South in the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Hon. Nicholas Mutu, and the Deputy Caucus Leader for South, Hon. Babajimi Benson.

    Also, part of the delegation were the Leader of the North Central Caucus, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Leader of the North East Caucus, Hon. Mukhtar Aliyu Betara; Leader of the North West Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli; Leader of the South West Caucus, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke; Leader of the South East Caucus, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, and Leader of the South South Caucus, Hon. Agbedi Frederick.

    Members of the Kaduna State Caucus in the House, led by the Caucus Leader, Hon. Amos Magaji Gwamna, were also part of the delegation.

  • Sokoto abductions: No Nigerian should be in captivity, Speaker Abbas charges security agencies

    Sokoto abductions: No Nigerian should be in captivity, Speaker Abbas charges security agencies

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned yet another mass abduction of pupils in Sokoto State by suspected bandits.

    The abduction followed the previous ones in Borno and Kaduna States within one week, which the Speaker has condemned in strong terms.

    Speaker Abbas, who noted that no Nigerian should be in captivity, charged the military and other security agencies to go after the abductors and rescue the victims.

    “We must collectively rise to the occasion and stem the tide of abductions, especially of women and children, at a time when the government is making efforts to address the high rate of out-of-school children.

    “The schools must be safe for our children. Our security agencies need to act fast,” Speaker Abbas said.

    About 15 pupils were reportedly abducted from an Islamic school in Gidan Bakuso, Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Saturday.