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Tag: Committee

  • BREAKING: Chairman of NDDC probe committee steps down

    BREAKING: Chairman of NDDC probe committee steps down

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Rep. Olubumi Tunji-Ojo (APC-Ondo) has stepped down following accusations of involvement in corrupt practices in the commission.

    Tunji-Ojo stepped down on Monday at the ongoing investigation on alleged N40 billion irregular expenditures in the NDDC in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

    Recall that the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC had on Thursday, July 16, walked-out on lawmakers during a public hearing after accusing Tunji-Ojo of corrupt practices in the commission.

    Stepping aside, Tunji-Ojo said that as a federal lawmaker he had kept his integrity in service of the people and would continue to do so.

    “I am not a president or governor and so I do not enjoy immunity; if you have case against me, send to the relevant security agencies and if I have case to answer, I will appear.

    “I read in national newspaper where the IMC accused me of being on revenge mission; this is not true; this investigation is about the emancipation of the Niger Delta people.

    “This is not about any individual but the good of the Niger Delta people and so I step aside as chairman to allow all party have a sense of free and fair hearing,” he said.

    The ongoing investigative public hearing is now being chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi.

     

    Details later…

  • Oba Market inferno: Obaseki constitutes c’ttee to unravel cause of incident

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has set-up an investigation committee to unravel the cause of the fire which razed parts of Oba Market in Kings Square, Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    The governor disclosed this during a visit to the market for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident reported to have occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 22, 2020.

    Obaseki, who sympathised with the traders that lost their goods to the fire, said the investigation committee has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the unfortunate incident.

    The governor said efforts are ongoing to ascertain the victims who lost their goods to the inferno for adequate compensation.

    According to the governor, “The investigation committee will consist of officials of Oredo Local Government Council, the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Fire Service, State Fire Service, Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duty, Hon. Yakubu Gowon.

    “The committee will also ensure that suspected arsonists who perpetuated the dastardly act are arrested and prosecuted.”

    Obaseki said the committee is suspected to submit its report within 10 days and advise on measures to equitably rehabilitate the victims.

  • Reps committee assures Nigerians of justice over DStv

    Reps committee assures Nigerians of justice over DStv

    The House of Representatives ad hoc Committee investigating non implementation of pay-as-you-go package by DStv and other satellite providers in the country has assured Nigerians of justice.

    Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Unyime Idem, gave the assurance while addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja after the inauguration of the committee by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Idem, also Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Communication, representing Ukanafun/Orukanam Constituency of Akwa-Ibom, said the matter before the committee affected vast majority of Nigerians.

    “As chairman of this ad hoc committee, I want to assure Nigerians that their interest will be protected.

    “When I moved the motion on the floor of the house, I stated that business of this nature, the customers should be given the right to choose what they want.

    “We have interacted with Nigerians and what they want is pay-as-you-go so that when they are out in their respective locations, their subscriptions can be there and they will make use of it when they return.

    “We are here to defend our constituents who happen to be the consumers; based on the inauguration today, I can tell Nigerians that justice will be done at the end of the day,” he said.

    Edem said the committee was ready to step on toes, saying that constituents elected reps based on courage and boldness and that would be brought to play.

    The lawmaker said all stakeholders including the regulators and service providers would be invited to deliberate on ways to open up the sector.

    He said that all bottle necks would be critically looked into with the view to liberalising it for more interested Nigerians to benefit.

  • COVID-19: Osinbajo constitutes committee on reopening of economy

    COVID-19: Osinbajo constitutes committee on reopening of economy

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has constituted a committee on the reopening of the economy.

    This was one of the resolves after chairing a virtual National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, May 21, the first since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    In a press release signed by Mr. Laolu Akande, the VP’s spokesperson, Osinbajo noted that members of the NEC reached a resolution to ensure a more effective synergy between the Federal Government and the sub-nationals especially in matters relating to the fallouts from the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to effectively and efficiently reopen the Nigerian economy after the lockdowns and shutdowns across the country.

    Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State governor is to lead a lean committee of seven which will work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Other members include the Governors of Lagos, Kano, Bauchi, Anambra, Plateau, and the FCT Minister.

    The Vice President also disclosed that the committee will ensure that there would be an even more effective collaboration and coordination between the Federal Government’s Presidential Task Force and the States of the Federation including the FCT.

    In the council’s resolve to toll a path of growth and development for the Nigerian economy by ensuring massive productivity in several sectors including agriculture, power, infrastructure, technology among others, the NEC agreed to cooperate with the Osinbajo-led Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) towards the development of a national Economic Sustainability Plan. The NEC will now meet next week with the ESC

    Speaking earlier while briefing the council, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said: “to prevent a deep recession arising from the COVID-19 economic crisis, the orthodox approach all over the world, which is also in the works in Nigeria, is to deploy a stimulus package”.

    She blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for the collapse of oil prices which impacted negatively on Federation revenues and Foreign exchange earnings.

    While informing the council on the measures put in place, the finance minister noted that the President established the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Crisis Management Committee and the Economic Sustainability Committee which was part of the established structures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

    She also gave an update on the excess crude account (ECA) Balance which as at 21st May 2020 stood at $72,406,791.52, the Stabilisation Account at N39, 337,123,485.30 and the natural resources development fund Account Balance is N125, 190,251,907.47 as at 21st May, 2020.

    “The net oil gas revenue inflows to the federation account in Q1 2020 amounted to N940.91 billion. This represents a shortfall of N425.52 billion (or 31.1% of the prorated amount),” she added.

    Other supports the Federal Government is working on to ensure the financial viability of States include: the suspension of payments in respect of ISPO and moratorium on deductions in respect of bailout loans, with effect from April 2020. Also, there will be a fiscal stimulus package- COVID-19 intervention fund of N500 billion (US$1.4 billion)- supports healthcare facilities, provide relief for taxpayers and incentives employers to retain and recruit staff during the lockdown; increase of Social register by 1 million households to 3.6million for cash transfer program and palliatives and social Safety Net Program.

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-rufai, gave a report of the NEC Ad-hoc Committee to review status of the ownership structure of the Electricity Power Distribution Companies (Discos).

    The report was adopted and the implementation process is ongoing especially through the composition by the President of a Power Sector Reform Working Group headed by VP Osinbajo.

    The minister on health, Osagie Ehanire, also gave a brief on the eradication of polio and support to community transmission of covid-19.

    Present at the meeting were, all the 36 State Governors, the FCT Minister, Central Bank Governor and other top officials of the Federal Government.

  • Gbajabiamila inaugurates House committee on COVID-19

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    Gbajabiamila inaugurated the committee on Tuesday at conference room 231 of the House of Representatives.

    In his remarks, the Speaker said the 18 man committee reflects the intention of the House to engage the executive arm of government in a partnership that serves the best interests of the Nigerian people.

    Read Gbajabiamila’s remarks during the inauguration below:

    Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here this afternoon.

    Nothing defines a nation more than how its leaders and its people rise to the seismic crises that manifest, often without warning, and must be confronted and overcome one way or the other. We now face such a defining crisis. And we too will face the judgment of history. It is in our hands to determine what that judgment will be.

    The 18 man Committee we have come to inaugurate reflects the intention of the House of Representative to engage the executive arm of government in a partnership that serves the best interests of the Nigerian people as we join hands to confront and conquer the most severe challenge of our lives.

    Mr Chairman, honourable members of the Committee, you have a responsibility to ensure the operations of the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19, are conducted with a view to international best practice. Your role is to add value by serving as a link between the task force and the National Assembly, and with the Nigerian people whose interests we all serve, and to whom we are all answerable.

    It is also your responsibility to ensure that those of our citizens; doctors, nurses and all the health workers on the frontlines of the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria receive the full protection they deserve, and the benefits they have so honourably earned. You have the rare opportunity to write your legacy in gold, and I am confident that you will meet that opportunity. I urge you to face this responsibility with a sense of urgency and the utmost integrity, rest assured of my support and the support of the entire House of Representatives.

    On that note, it is my honour to inaugurate this Ad-Hoc Committee on Covid-19 to the glory of God and the edification of the Nigerian people. Mr Chairman, honourable colleagues, I wish you Godspeed in this your assignment. We will support you to the fullest and as best as we can.

    I thank you all once more for being here this afternoon.

    God bless you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Buhari approves membership for committee on humanitarian coordination

    Buhari approves membership for committee on humanitarian coordination

    President Muhammadu Bihari, on Monday, approved the constitution of a National Humanitarian Coordination Committee (NHCC) to oversee all humanitarian actions across the country.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the new Committee would be co-chaired by the Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHADMSD), and National Security Adviser (NSA).

    The committee will, among others, provide a national vision for humanitarian actions, advise on coordination between the security services and humanitarian actors, settle disputes that may arise from interactions between security services and the humanitarian community.

    Other functions include: propose policies that enhance coordination and seamless delivery of humanitarian aid to affected communities, facilitate delivery of humanitarian interventions to vulnerable persons, and promote transparency and accountability in all aspects of humanitarian delivery in the country.

    Other members are; Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, Ministers of Defence, Interior, Justice, Minister of State Budget and Planning, Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Inspector General of Police, Governors of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

    Also, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Permanent Secretary, FMHADMSD (Secretariat), Chairman, Non-Governmental Organization Forum, and any other nominated by Chairman of the Committee would be members.

    The statement, however, noted that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, will inaugurate the NHCC in due course.

  • Tambuwal inaugurates committee to investigate Mabera killings

    Tambuwal inaugurates committee to investigate Mabera killings

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Friday inaugurated a 10-member committee to investigate the alleged killing of two persons by men of Nigerian Air Force in Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis.

    Tambuwal represented by Commissioner for Security and Carrier Matters, retired Col. Garba Moyi, said the 10-member committee was for fact-finding and would report back to government in five days.

    He said it would be chaired by DCP Charles Mozie of the command’s Criminal Investigation Department while Mr Abdulkadir Muhammad from Carrier and Security Matters office would serve as Secretary.

    Other members were from the Department of State Security, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar was represented on the committee by Ubandoman Sabon-Birni, Alhaji Malami Malami Maccido and the Distric Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi.

    Also on the committee were the state Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Muhammad Muhammad and Malam Ibrahim Shuni representing Civil Society Organisations.

    Tambuwal urged the committee members to be transparent in the course of the investigation, as the issues involved in human lives.

    He assured that the government would take appropriate measures based on the committee’s recommendations.

    The Police Command Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Sadiq had confirmed arrest of one suspect in connection to the alleged killing.

  • Committee Chairmanship: Tension mounts as Reps await list

    …fear of marginalisation engulfs opposition
    There’s tension in the House of Representatives as Members expect the list of committee chairmen on Thursday.
    Recall that the speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila had last week announced that the list would be made public in September when the House reconvenes.
    But sources close to leadership in the House claimed that it was just a decoy to put lawmakers minds at rest “because is a sensitive issue.
    According to one of the sources, the essence of selling a dummy to the lawmakers is to allow the hangover of election to properly settle down.
    “Now that we know the House is navigating in the right direction we pray the list is released on Thursday like we were told.
    TNG findings however reveal that the likely release of the chairmanship list has led to palpable fears as lawmakers do not know what the selection committee has done.
    A source told TNG that”our greatest fear has been confirmed as prominent lawmakers from the South South and South East geo-political zones were heavily marginalised.
    The source who craved anonymity said”can you imagine that most of the oil resources committees were not given to those from oil producing states.
    “They were allocated to our colleagues from other parts of the country and the South East too suffered same fate.
    “Thursday is not far, we hope to hear something different but I doubt because I know how this place works.
    As at the time of filling this report the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Members were already heading to the party’s Secretariat to hold an emergency meeting.
    It could not be confirmed whether the meeting has any link with the impending release of the list of committee chairmen or other issues.
    It could be recalled that in the last three assemblies the South South had a fair share of the major oil related committees.
    In the Aminu Tambuwal led House, Dakuku Peterside of Rivers State headed committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream while Muraino Ajibola of Oyo state headed committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream and Henshaw Ewah of Akwa Ibom was in charge of Gas Resources.
    Under Yakubu Dogara, Victor Nwokolo of Delta State headed committee in Petroleum Resources, Upstream, Joseph Akinlaja of Ondo State headed committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream and this trend had remained.
  • Reps set up committee to investigate pipeline explosion in Rivers

    Reps set up committee to investigate pipeline explosion in Rivers

    The House of Representative has resolved to investigate the incident of fire outbreak along the NNPC pipeline in Kom Kom and lzuoma communities of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers.
    This was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion of Urgent National Importance by Rep. Chisom Dike (PDP-Rivers) at the plenary on Tuesday.
    The green chambers mandated an ad hoc committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and it observed one-minute silence for the repose of souls lost to the inferno.
    The house urged the NNPC and the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) to quickly ensure thorough repairs of the pipeline.
    The legislators also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant government agencies to quickly send relief materials to the affected individuals.
    Earlier, Dike said that in the early hours of Saturday, June 22, 2019 at about 8:25 am, there was an incident of fire outbreak in Kom Kom and lzuoma Communities of Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers.
    He said that the fire outbreak which occurred along the NNPC facility was as a result of pipeline explosion.
    The lawmaker alleged that the explosion occurred due to the negligence of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company [PPMC) and the NNPC.
    He said that the PPMC and the NNPC were unable to carryout maintenance work on the leakage of the facility several days after the leakage was reported.
    The Rep said that the PPMC and the NNPC also failed to ensure the deployment of the appropriate security personnel to guard the facility against the possibility of scooping petroleum products.
    Dike said that the casualties in the event were majorly people who rushed to the scene of pipeline leakage to scoop petroleum products as well as innocent people working on their farms early that morning.
    According to the parliamentarian, until now the number of lives lost are unconfirmed because majority of the casualties are burnt beyond recognition while many were fully and partially buried in the marshy area.
    He said that it was confirmed that scores of persons were recorded dead in the unfortunate incident.
    Dike said that farmlands, crops and other properties worth several millions of naira had been damaged as a result of oil spillage and wild fire accompanying the explosion.
    In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila (APC-Lagos) mandated the committee to report back to the house within four weeks.