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Tag: Abbas

  • NASS to revisit bill on constitutional roles for traditional rulers – Speaker

    NASS to revisit bill on constitutional roles for traditional rulers – Speaker

    The Speaker House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen, on Saturday in Zaria said the 10th assembly would revisit the bill seeking constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

    The speaker disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmed Bamalli.

    He said the visit was a homecoming to seek royal blessings, guidance, and prayers from the royal father.

    Tajuddeen, who was accompanied by some members and leadership of the house, told the emir that the visit was to also appreciate the support and prayers received from his constituency and Nigerians.

    “We are here to also seek for advises from you the traditional rulers.

    “I want to also intimate you that we will revisit the recommendations of the bill submitted by the traditional rulers seeking for a constitutional role and ensure that the bill is passed.

    In his response, the emir noted that the traditional rulers had played several developmental roles at the pre-independent and post independent Nigeria, as such their roles could not be over emphasised.

    He also noted with dismay that some politicians were initially against the bill seeking constitutional roles for the rulers on the premise that such roles would amount to creating another tier of government.

    The emir said it was not true that assigning constitutional roles to the traditional rulers amounted to creating another tier of government.

    The royal father said an extensive deliberation on the issue was held in Kaduna under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto.

    He added that a committee headed by Emir of Lafia, Nasarawa State, who was a former Justice of Supreme Court, drafted the bill which was eventually not passed by the NASS.

    “We are therefore appealing to the 10th assembly to revisit the bill and ensure its speedy passage to enhance security, growth and national development.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that after the courtesy visit, the speaker held an interactive session with people of Zaria Federal Constituency.

  • We are not as rich as being projected – Speaker Abbas

    We are not as rich as being projected – Speaker Abbas

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, says contrary to insinuations, the lawmakers are not as rich as being projected to the public.

    Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House, representing the speaker, said this at an interactive session with the House press corps organised by the ad hoc committee on Media and Public Affairs, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, this arm of government isn’t as rich as being projected.

    “You have heard that members go home with N30 million every week or that we earn more than American lawmakers.

    “And when you tell people that these are not correct, we can’t achieve success because it is coming from us, but when it comes from the media, people will believe it because it came from you,” Abbas said.

    He said one of the cardinal points of the 10th Assembly was putting round peg in a round hole, adding that the parliament remained the unsung arm of government and their success depended on the media.

    He described the media as partner in progress of the Nigeria project, while urging the media to reciprocate the gesture.

    “If democracy must succeed, the parliament must be strengthened through the media. We are not asking you not to give information but give correct and accurate information.”

    Also speaking on behalf of the minority caucus in the House, Kingsley said their role as minority was to ensure that the House stood straight by checkmating the ruling party.

    “If criticisms are not constructive that is dangerous to us. Let your information not destroy us, but should right the wrong in the society.”

    Rep. Khadijat Bukar-Abba, the Chairman, ad hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the House would sustain efforts to engage with everyone with a stake in the affairs of the House and the committee.

    “Together, we can make the House of Reps and Committee proud in discharging her responsibilities,” she said.

    On his part, Rep. Julius Ihvonbere, the Majority Leader of the House, lamented that the lawmakers were not telling their stories as they should.

    He said the 10th House would strenthen those that would work on media and media related issues to put their stories out and not a recycling of the usual perspectives.

    He said it was unfortunate that some constituents still believe that constituency money were given to lawmakers, adding that even his own constituency believed the narrative.

    According to him, this time, there will be an effort to pay attention and define the narrative. we will engage and communicate better.

  • Abbas hails PCC’s efforts in resolving disputes

    Abbas hails PCC’s efforts in resolving disputes

    …as commission’s management visits Speaker

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has hailed the Public Complaints Commission for addressing disputes in the polity, decrying that the performance of the Nigerian Ombudsman is underreported.

    Speaker Abbas made this known when the Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission, Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, led the leadership of the Nigerian Ombudsman on a courtesy visit to his office at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Public Complaints Commission is a statutory body under the National Assembly.

    At the meeting were the Majority Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Sani Madaki; Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa; and Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Khadijat Bukar-Ibrahim.

    Responding to the demands by the Chief Commissioner on issues affecting the PCC, the Speaker noted that he was aware of some challenges facing the commission, adding that the House was ready to assist the management in addressing them.

    Speaker Abbas said: “The Public Complaints Commission is the people’s house because it is the only place where the common man can go and get redress. That is how we also refer to ourselves here. This is the people’s House where the common man can get redress on all issues that pertain to his endeavours.

    “I want to use this opportunity to thank you and to appreciate you for all that you have been doing. I have been in the National Assembly for 12 years, so I am very familiar with what you have been doing over the years. You have been doing remarkably well.

    “However, your performances, to me, are underreported. Only people like us who are within the system will be able to attest to what you are doing. I believe, with little publicity, people from outside the National Assembly will appreciate what you are doing.

    “So, I want to urge you to keep up with the good work; to keep the flag flying and try to enlighten the Nigerian people on what you do so that they will not only appreciate what you are doing, but they will also continue to identify with you and utilise your services to get redress whenever they need one.”

    Earlier in his address, Ayo-Yusuf, on behalf of the Commissioners and staff of the PCC, congratulated the Speaker on his emergence as the Number 4 Citizen on June 13.

    He said: “Sir, you have proven within the short period of your election as Speaker of this esteemed House of Representatives that you are indeed the people’s leader. Little wonder, your colleagues gracefully and overwhelmingly elected you as their first among equal.”

    The PCC head used the visit to draw the attention of the Speaker “to the underfunding of the Commission and appeal to you to use your good offices to urgently influence the Commission’s request for special financial intervention to enable it pay the approved Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) as well as accumulated promotion arrears of staff.”

    According to Ayo-Yusuf, due to the inability of the PCC to pay these outstanding liabilities, the three trade unions in the Commission have recently become agitated and thier industrial action is capable of eroding the confidence that Nigerians have in the Commission’s ability to resolve their complaints.

    Signed:

    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Abbas’ choice of aides proves his readiness to succeed – NASS group

    Abbas’ choice of aides proves his readiness to succeed – NASS group

    A leadership Support Group for the 10th National Assembly has hailed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas over his appointment of 35 personal aides to assist him in the discharge of his legislative duties.

    The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, in a statement on Monday, stated that the new appointees was charged by Abbas to discharge their duties in compliance with the new schedule of duties in the office of the speaker with utmost commitment to the implementation of the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives.

    On the list were Engr. Jamil Ahmed Muhammed (Chief of Staff, Administration), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain (Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislative), Hon. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana (Special Adviser, Special Duties), Dr Hamisu Ibrahim Kubau (Special Adviser, Political Matters), Bar Samuel Ajayi (Special Assistant, Legal Matters), Bar Osazee Melody Ogudijie (Special Assistant, Legislative Matters), Bar Aminu Ramalan (Special Assistant, Finance), Chief Press Secretary, Leke Bayeiwu and Special Assistant, Print Media, Ahmed Musa Baba.

    Also appointed are Amb. Ibrahim Hamidu Gusau (Special Assistant, Inter-parliamentary Affairs), Lamir Umar Ibrahiam (Special Assistant, Youth Matters), Yetunde Adeniji (Special Assistant, Women Affairs), Hon. Rachael Nnana Igbokwe (Special Assistant, Intergovernmental Affairs), Zakari Aliyu (Principal Private Secretary), Nura Adamu (Special Assistant, Broadcast Media), Olabamiji Enitan Jowosimi (Special Assistant, New Media) and Aliyu Garba Waziri (Special Assistant, Executive Relations and Job Creation).

    Others include Mohammed Salame (Special Assistant, ICT), Hon. Friday Itullah (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South South), Hon. Godfrey Gaiya (Special Assistant, Political Matters, North West), Mark Tersoo (Special Assistant, Political Matters, North Central), Hon. Zakari Galadima (Special Asssitant, Political Matters, North East), Abdulsalam Babakayode (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South West), and Hon. Okwudili Christopher Ezenwankwo (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South East).”

    Reacting to the news, the NASS support group in a statement signed by its Directors, Ernest Njesi and Charles Oka praised Abbas, saying that his choice of Aides is evidence that he’s ready to lead a successful 10th parliament.

    The statement reads: “The Speaker already hit the ground running with these new appointments, this shows that he’s ready to lead a successful 10th parliament. From the calibre of people chosen, you can tell that Abbas is a man who prioritises competence and unity of Nigeria.

    “He and his aides, we are sure are well prepared for the task ahead. He would not disappoint Nigerians, and under his leadership and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, the 10th House will take Nigeria to the next level of good governance”.

  • Abbas condemns killing of Fulani leader, children in Zaria

    Abbas condemns killing of Fulani leader, children in Zaria

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has condemned the killings of a Fulani leader, Alhaji Shuaibu Mohammed, and his four children by suspected bandits in Dorayi community in Zaria Local Government of Kaduna State.

    Alhaji Shuaibu Mohammed was the Ardon Birni da Kewaye of Zazzau Emirate.

    He, alongside his four children, was killed by suspected bandits, who also rustled his 100 cows, on Saturday night.

    Speaker Abbas described the killings as most unfortunate, barbaric and gruesome, saying the killers must not go unpunished.

    The Speaker called on all security agencies in Kaduna State to intensify efforts at bringing the killers of the Fulani leader and his children to book.

    Speaker Abbas equally called for calm while the security agencies do their job.

    He sent condolences to the Zazzau Emirate, the family of the late Ardo, the people and the government of Kaduna State over the unfortunate incident.

    Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and prayed God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Signed:

    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • 10th House’ll work for all classes of Nigerians – Abbas

    10th House’ll work for all classes of Nigerians – Abbas

    …pledges support for gender-based legislation

    …as Speaker, Deputy visit Tinubu’s wife

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has assured that the 10th House of Representatives would work for all Nigerians.

    He said the overwhelming mandate given to him by his colleagues would spur him to work assiduously with every member to achieve a Nigeria that every citizen desires.

    Speaker Abbas was speaking over the weekend in Abuja when he led a delegation of members, alongside his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to thank the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the support given to them to emerge as the Presiding Officers of the 10th House.

    He said they did not take the First Lady’s support for granted, which was why they resolved to visit and thank her, saying the 10th House would give the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration all the support to succeed.

    Abbas said the current administration would have a smooth sail as the President, the Vice President, the First Lady, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation were all members of the National Assembly, a development that would make them relate with the Parliament from the point of knowledge.

    “This is the first time we are having this kind of arrangement in our history,” the Speaker said, adding that the 10th House would ensure that the government succeeds.

    He said: “Today is a very historic day. We have come to thank you for your support. We were here before to seek your support and prayers. Here we are today; we have won. It was through your collective efforts—Mr. President, yourself, governors and all the other stakeholders.

    “We have emerged in an unprecedented manner—353 out of 359 voted for me. It has never happened in our history. Our leadership is a leadership for all Nigerians.

    “This is your leadership. We’ll collaborate and partner, particularly in one area that you requested last time, which is to carry the women along.”

    He said the 10th House would ensure that gender-based bills being passed by the 9th Assembly but not signed into law were reconsidered and passed by the 10th House.

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in her remark, congratulated the Speaker and his deputy on their victory, saying with the caliber of leadership and membership of the 10th Assembly, Nigeria would be great again.

    “We didn’t come out to play. We came out to build and unite the old path that generations will take. Nigeria deserves all that we can put to keep it back on its feet. We have a great Nation,” she said.

    “Your victory, it’s God that did it because without God, even if we put all our strength, it won’t happen. By the grace of God, we will work,” she said, calling on other political parties to join hands and work for Nigeria.

    Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, said the visit was to thank the First Lady and assure the first family of their readiness to work with the Executive for the growth and development of Nigeria.

    He said the president and his wife inspired and encouraged them before, during and after the contest for Speaker, noting that President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) made the right choice by endorsing the current leadership of the National Assembly.

    “We want to pledge again. We won’t fail you. What happened means stability had been given to this government. He has encouraged people who believe in his mission and vision.”

    Also speaking, the chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello, whose forum ran the Abbas/Kalu Campaign, said as responsible and respectful individuals, they deemed it fit to visit the First Lady and thank her for the role she played in the emergence of the two Presiding Officers.

    “We are here to say thank you to you for being supportive of your husband. Your Excellency, you are unique. The country is lucky to have you as the mother of the nation. You’re coming from the point of knowledge because you were with him when he was governor, you were in the National Assembly, and now you’re the mother of the nation.

    “You have given us a lot of support for Tajudeen and Kalu to emerge. We also want you to thank our father, the father of the nation, for what he did to us. We want to reiterate our unflinching loyalty to the President and the country. We know you’d advise him from the point of knowledge to make the country better.”

    Signed:
    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • 10 NASS: Tinubu congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, urges them to get on with the Business of the people

    10 NASS: Tinubu congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, urges them to get on with the Business of the people

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Rt. Honourable Tajudeen Abbas as the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives for their well-deserved victories.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Akpabio and  Abbas emerged as the Senate President and Speaker house of representatives respectively on Tuesday, following inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    Tinubu in a statement issued on Tuesday also rejoiced with the new Deputy Senate President Jibril Barau and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu over their emergence

    The statement reads: Being elected by their peers as presiding officers and assuming the leadership of the National Assembly is a great honour that comes with huge responsibility. I trust that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your members and many Nigerians.

    “I wish Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Honourable member Idris Wase and Honourable Aminu Jaji who enriched the process with their participation in the leadership election the best and a successful tenure in the 10th National Assembly.

    ” I urge them to sustain the same level of enthusiasm they brought to the leadership contest in the discharge of their duties to their constituents and Nigeria.

    ‘My congratulations to all members of the National Assembly, across party lines, who, today, enlisted into the service of the blessed people of our great country.

    “We have all been called upon and accepted the responsibility to diligently and faithfully serve our fatherland with the oath we took. It is time to get on and move swiftly with the business of governance in the service of Nigeria.

    ” As your President, I am prepared to transparently work with the National Assembly. Nigerians expect distinguished Senators and Honourable members to make laws and carry out oversight duties that will enhance the performance of government to achieve successful outcomes including improving their quality of life.

    “In the course of our work together, disagreements may occur. When we disagree it will not be out of malice, ill-will and quest to diminish the institution of National Assembly or any individual member.

    ” Our people across the length and breadth of our country expect so much from us. They want us to lift their economic burden. They want us eliminate insecurity so our farmers in rural communities can go to their farms and produce the food we eat.

    ” Our people look up to us to change the fortune of our country for good and remove all barriers that impede progress. All of these we can make happen with dedication and commitment. We can only achieve all the good things we promised during our campaigns when we work together in harmony but with respect for our respective prerogatives and in the best interest of our country.

    “We cannot afford to waste this opportunity because Nigerians want us to make every day of the next four years count. Justifiably, our people want more from their government. They truly deserve progressive good governance that will improve their standards of living. We must give them our best.

    “I will remain a partner in progress for peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria. I count on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and all members to work and walk with me on this governmental journey.”

     

  • 10th NASS: Tolu Bankole congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, others

    10th NASS: Tolu Bankole congratulates Akpabio, Abbas, others

    The National Leader, Persons With Diabilities (PWDs), Hon Tolu Bankole has felicitated with  the Senate President Godwilll Akpabio, and  Speaker  House of Representatives Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, respectively on their historic victory.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Akpabio and  Abbas emerged as the Senate President and Speaker house of representatives respectively on Tuesday, following inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    Bankole a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and also a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), of the party in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, also congratulated the Deputy Senate President,  Senator Jubrin Barau and Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu for being part of the team who will steer the affairs of the legislative branch for the next four years.

    “On this occasion, I also rejoice with all Nigerians for being witnesses to history.

    “We must remind ourselves on the need to remain focused on legislative agenda for the emancipation of our people. You are in the saddle as a result of people’s trust across the length and breath of Nigeria.

    “This is the moment to be circumspect, roll up your sleeves and all hands must be deployed on deck to alleviate poverty, push back insecurity, unemployment and the likes through innovative legislative actions.

    “The tenth Assembly leadership must work as a team with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while maintaining the delicate balance of separation of powers. Your loyalty must be to Nigerians who will judge your success not by the number of bills passed but when majority of Nigerians attest to the socio-economic good arising from the laws. In other words, the good  must be seen and felt by Nigerians.

    “Your oversight functions and legislative interventions must support all policies that will make Nigerians happy, better and prosperous.  The elite must be willing to lead sacrificially to close the near infinite gap between the masses and the rich in our bid to achieve development. Money is not passport to heaven.

    “Also, all international economic policies that will make Nigerians poorer should  be jettison no matter the intention.

    “The National Assembly should expect robust engagements from Persons With Disabilities, PWDs, as we in return expect your support on all matters of inclusivity. We are better together in love.

    “I wish you well as you take over the mantle of leadership in the tenth Assembly”, Bankole said.

  • Just In: Betara, Gadji step down for Abass in speakership race

    Just In: Betara, Gadji step down for Abass in speakership race

    Top contender for the speakership position in tenth Assembly, Aliyu Betara has stepped down for Hon Tajudeen Abass.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports the coast is fast getting clearer for a consensus candidate on Tuesday.

    Also, Hon Hon Yusuf Gadgi another strong contender has formally stepped down for Abass.

    Details shortly…

  • Ahead proclamation, Southeast caucus adopts Abbas, Kalu for speakership positions

    Ahead proclamation, Southeast caucus adopts Abbas, Kalu for speakership positions

    …as 35 out Of 43 sign endorsement document

    The coast is getting clearer few days ahead proclamation of tenth Assembly as Southeast Caucus of the 10th House of Representatives has massively endorsed Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the incoming 10th House.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the Tajudeen Abbas/Benjamin Kalu campaign office, the adoption was made public during a meeting of the caucus held in Abuja on Thursday night.

    Based on the endorsement list, a total of 35 members of the caucus signed the document out of 43 members of the caucus.

    The Southeast comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

    The leader of the caucus, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, who made the announcement during the meeting with Abbas, Kalu and their team, said the endorsement list is an ongoing one.

    He noted that the remaining eight members of the caucus who were not in Abuja at the time of the endorsement would sign the document when they return.

    Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas hailed the Southeast caucus for the bold step in adopting his candidature and that of Kalu.

    He said if elected, he would hold the position in trust for all the members, noting that he would treat members from all parts of the country equally and equitably.

    Kalu who is from Abia State thanked his colleagues from the Southeast for the endorsement.

    He said he would work harmoniously with Abbas if elected for the betterment of Nigeria.