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Tag: Deputy Speaker

  • Breakthrough: Reps’ Deputy Speaker, Kalu, Finance Minister, Edun resolve indigenous contractors crisis with FG

    Breakthrough: Reps’ Deputy Speaker, Kalu, Finance Minister, Edun resolve indigenous contractors crisis with FG

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, Thursday, successfully brokered a resolution through his intervention, bringing an end to the standoff between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors of Nigeria.

    This came after the contractors, owed for months, staged a protest in Abuja.

    Following his appointment as Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Kalu convened an expanded meeting with the contractors numbering over 80 across the country with their leadership for an open dialogue on the issue.

    In attendance were also the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi and other top government officials.

    After a marathon meeting lasting over four hours, Kalu announced that all parties have resolved the issues in the interest of the economy.

    Kalu’s intervention was hailed by the parties who said that it averted further disruptions, demonstrating the effectiveness of dialogue in resolving disputes.

    To this end, payments to contractors are expected to commence from Monday.

    Speaking at the end of the meeting, the Deputy Speaker said that a mutually beneficial agreement was reached, expressing his gratitude to the Speaker of the House and his colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility.

    He also announced subsequent meetings later this month to evaluate progress.

    He said: “First of all, I want to thank the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, PhD, GCON, the leadership of the House for finding me worthy to be the Chairman of Budget Implementation Committee. We met yesterday, cut down our holidays to be able to reconvene and look into this all important matters.

    “We met on Wednesday with Finance Minister, Minister of Budget and Planning, Accountant-General of the Federation, Representatives that cut across all the caucuses of the House, including representation from the House Appropriation Commitee and Finance.

    “We saw the protest and asked them to come, lets have a conversation. I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for appointing these gentlemen to occupy the positions they occupy.

    “They have shown humility in service. They’ve shown diligence in the way this matter has been handled and the parliament we are happy that all we discussed yesterday they started implementing today, the ability to engage with the people.

    “We had over 4 hours engagement and they left here smiling. We got the strategy in place, and we’re going to come back on the 21st of this month to review what we’ve done so far, how we’ve ticked the boxes, what needs to be done and the way forward.”

    Also speaking, the minister of finance, Edun commended the Deputy Speaker for his intervention, assuring that the payment will commence next week.

    “Under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, we did hold a marathon meeting today where all the issues were discussed and a timeline was put in place and a way forward was mapped out and all parties at the end of it left knowing that contractors would be paid for jobs done and we have an orderly and systematic way of dealing with the backlogs which had approved overtime.

    “Once again, we commend the leadership of the House of Representatives and the contractors for their willingness to sit down and dialogue. The Accountant-General of the Federation made some commitments which helped us to chart the way forward.

    “We had a peaceful solution. A timeline was put in place and everyone accepted that there are steps that need to be taken, approvals, finalization and orderly procedure for payments. After Friday’s holiday, the Central Bank will open again on Monday and payments will commence immediately”, he said.

    The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ogunjimi corroborated the position of the minister of finance.

    “This process is ongoing. We’ve been paying contractors and we will continue to pay. From Monday, payments will start dropping”, he said.

    Earlier in the meeting, the leadership and membership of the association of indigenous contractors of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with the resolutions reached.

    Commending the Deputy Speaker for his intervention, they also pledged to discontinue with the protest.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu wants more support for special seats Bill, urges unity among Nigerians

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu wants more support for special seats Bill, urges unity among Nigerians

    As the constitution review process gains momentum, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has asked Nigerians to rally behind the Reserved Seats Bill, urging his colleagues to vote in favour of its passage.

    He said that the move will help shore up Nigeria’s low percentage of female representation in government, currently standing at less than 4%, and increase it to at least 10%.

    Kalu made the plea while giving his remarks at the Australian High Commission Reception and Film event in Abuja to celebrate National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observerance Committee ( NAIDOC) 2025 in Abuja.

    The Reserved Seats Bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker aims to increase the female representation in the Senate, House of Representatives, and Houses of Assembly, with one seat reserved for a woman in each state.

    Kalu emphasized that the bill is not intended to threaten the positions of the male legislators but rather provide opportunities for women to add value to the governance space.

    He said: “We have the reserved seats bill in our nation at the moment. That bill is for the government to have more inclusiveness, so that we can celebrate the power of women, beyond sports, beyond family management, but in the governance space. If we believe and trust women to do what they do, we can also trust women to handle affairs of the governance of our country beyond what it is at the moment.

    “So, I urge you to urge your friends, the development partners, all non-governmental organizations to throw in more support in the advocacy of what is before us now as a parliament. We are soon going to be voting about how to include more women through this reserved seats. And to break it down, that bill says, let’s have one seat reserved for a woman in a state. It’s not too much, but it will help us shore up our percentage from what it is now, which is less than 4% but at least 10%. It won’t stop us as Nigerians. So, we need you as our allies, friends, the Honorable Members who are in this room. It is not a threat to us. The details of that bill state that they are not coming to contest with the men to reduce their positions. We are saying let there be a separate seat for the women in the Senate, House of Representatives and the Houses of Assembly and together, we begin to show that women are there to add value not to threaten our position. We can do it. We can give women a chance.”

    Kalu also called for unity amongst Nigerians irrespective of their tribe and religion.

    He encouraged the people to take a cue from Australians who have embraced unity in their diversity.

    “That is one of the things and lessons we will take, the ability to accommodate one another, to believe that though we are different, we are the same. That in our diversity is our beauty. It’s not a disadvantage. It’s a strength, because everyone has something to bring to the table.

    “In Australia, all religions are tolerated, all languages are tolerated. All cultures are tolerated. It’s a lesson we must take back to our places, to our different states, to our various religions, to our various cultures. Let us begin to accommodate one another more than we are doing at the moment, knowing truly that the beauty of our nation is in our diversity”, Kalu said.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu withdraws Indigeneship Bill for further legislative engagements

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu withdraws Indigeneship Bill for further legislative engagements

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has withdrawn the indigeneship bill before the parliament for further legislative engagements.

    In a statement on Tuesday night, Kalu said that the withdrawal has become necessary in the light of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.

    He added that the Bill Analysis Report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.

    Although the intention of the bill was to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness among all Nigerians, regardless of where they reside, part of the report stated that the State Houses of Assembly should make laws that will make settlers in different states enjoy the same rights and privileges by the indigenes.

    “States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination as rightly provided for in the constitution.

    “Though the Bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through enactment of law. If this Bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship,” the report stated.

    Kalu who is the also chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House said that he is committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes of the people.

    “As leaders and Representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve.

    “The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.

    “I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria”, he said.

  • We ‘ll work with you to deliver President Tinubu in 2027, Deputy Speaker, Kalu Assures

    We ‘ll work with you to deliver President Tinubu in 2027, Deputy Speaker, Kalu Assures

    …congratulates New APC Chair, Yilwatda

    …pledges APC Reps’ Caucus, RHP’s Support

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has congratulated Professor Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as the new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a statement, Kalu described Yilwatda’s unanimous adoption by the National Executive Council (NEC) of APC as a “distinguished honour”.

    Until his appointment, the new national chairman was the minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

    The Deputy Speaker reflected on Yilwatda’s outstanding leadership qualities, unwavering commitment, and tireless dedication to our nation’s progress, expressing optimism that he will bring them to bear in his new office.

    Kalu pledged the support of the APC caucus in the House of Representatives for the new administration at the party headquarters, emphasizing the caucus’ commitment to collaborating with the new leadership to drive national development and implement party policies.

    He also pledged the support of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), his personal initiative and a support group used to propagate President Tinubu’s message of Renewed Hope Agenda as well as showcasing the strides of his government.

    Kalu assured the new chairman of the firm support and collaboration of the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), expressing confidence that his vision and leadership would inspire a new wave of progress and development.

    The Deputy Speaker also reaffirmed the group’s commitment to working with Yilwatda to achieve the party’s objectives and ultimately, deliver President Tinubu’s reelection bid in 2027.

    He said: “Dear Chairman, congratulations on your emergence as the National Chairman of our party. This distinguished honour is a reflection of your outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment, and tireless dedication to our nation’s progress.

    “Your adoption testifies to your capabilities and I am confident that your vision and leadership will inspire a new wave of progress and development.

    “The members of Renewed Hope Partners (RHP), a group of nationwide ardent supporters for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which I founded are delighted to see you lead our party, and we assure you of our support and collaboration.

    “Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve our party’s objectives and build a brighter future for our nation.

    “We also look forward to partnering with you to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, since we consider his reelection as a joint task.

    “Once again, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. I wish you success and God’s guidance as you embark on this new responsibility”.

  • Deputy Speaker, Kalu lauds Super Falcons on WAFCON victory

    Deputy Speaker, Kalu lauds Super Falcons on WAFCON victory

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has extended his warm congratulations to the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s Women’s National Football Team, on their resounding victory at the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Final in Rabat, Morocco on Saturday, marking a historic 10th title.

    In a statement released on Sunday, Kalu commended the team’s passion, unmatched skill, prowess and undeterred spirit.

    The Deputy Speaker noted that the triumph is not just about a trophy but a symbol of the diligence, resilience, and unstoppable rise of women in sports, governance and other areas of life and endeavours.

    He said that the triumph also marks a significant milestone for Nigerian women’s football, showcasing the team’s dedication to the sport.

    Applauding the team for flying the Nigerian flag high in Morocco, Kalu recalled that the thrilling comeback of a 3-2 goal margin that put the Super Falcons ahead of the host nation and ultimately gave Nigeria the deserved victory was a remarkable display of resilience and determination.

    He pledged continued parliamentary supply for sports development in Nigeria.

    He said: “Congratulations to our Super Falcons, Champions of Africa, on this resounding victory at the just concluded 2024 Women’s African Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) Final in Rabat, Morocco.

    “Your passion and unmatched skill have once again made us all proud. You played with your heart, and an undeterred spirit that reflects the true strength of Nigerian women.

    “This triumph is more than just a trophy. It’s a symbol of the diligence, resilience, and the unstoppable rise of women not just in sports but every other aspect of our society. It’s a reminder that women are capable of achieving great things with the right support.

    “From every corner of our nation, we salute you, standing in ovation for this laudable achievement. Thank you for flying the Nigerian flag high”.

  • Ex-Deputy Speaker dies in motor accident

    Ex-Deputy Speaker dies in motor accident

    A former Deputy Speaker of the Kwara House of Assembly, Christopher Tunji-Ayeni, on Thursday died in a fatal road accident.

    Mrs Olayinka Basambo, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kwara Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the death in a statement on Thursday in llorin.

    She said the FRSC received a call from good samaritans about the accident at about 10:10 a.m on Thursday.

    Basambo said that some FRSC officers got to the scene of the accident about 15 minutes later in Ajase-Ipo, in the Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

    “This position is about 500 meters away from Igbaja Junction on the Ajase-llorin highway.

    “Two vehicles were involved in the accident. One was a Toyota Hilux (Pick-up) with registration number ARP 545 KY, while the other was a commercial truck, with registration number T-17488LA,” she said.

    The PRO said five persons were involved in the auto crash in which there were three male and two female who sustained injuries.

    “The victims were immediately taken to the nearest hospital in Ajase-Ipo were one person later lost his life during treatment,” she added.

    Basambo said investigation conducted revealed that the accident occurred due to excessive speeding.

    NAN reports that the deceased was a prominent political figure in the state and the 2023 House of Representatives candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He recently switched allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant shift in his political career.

    The former Deputy Speaker was also the Akogun of Isapa land in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state, a title which underscored his influence and status within the community.

  • SEDC Act: Deputy Speaker, Kalu passionately pleads with Igbo to shun agitation, protests

    SEDC Act: Deputy Speaker, Kalu passionately pleads with Igbo to shun agitation, protests

    Barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the South East Development Commission, SEDC bill into law, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on his Igbo kinsmen to ignore agitation.

    At a world press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Deputy Speaker also urged the people of the region and Nigerians entirely, to shun the proposed nationwide protest, saying, nothing could be achieved through kinetic approaches to issues of governance.

    “To my fellow south easterners, I implore you not to join the planned looming anti government protest. Instead, let us view the signing of the South East Development Commission bill into law as a testament to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s resolve to heal the wounds of the past, bury the rumors of the marginalization of the southeast geopolitical zone and renew the hope of the nation towards equitable economic growth and socio cultural renewal.

    “This is a time for unity. This is a time for progress. This is a time for peace, not division, not unrest. Unrest and division will divide us further and will under-develope us further. But in an atmosphere of peace and unity, the progress promised by our forefathers will be achieved.

    “I also implore Nigerians from all walks of life and the entirety of the country to not heed the calls for protests, but instead continue to trust in the process. Say no to protests. Say yes to the process, which involves policy formulations from government that is people centered, which the parliament have insisted on, that all policies of government must have the people at its center, believe in this process, not the protests, and we will be able to get the profit that this government has promised”, Kalu said.

    The elated Deputy Speaker, called for more patience with Tinubu’s administration, while thanking the President for remembering the south east region, 54 years after the end of the civil war.

    He said, “The reforms of this current administration will take time, no doubt, but it will soon start to suffice, including a reversal of inflation, stabilization of the economy and ensuing multiplier effect in a massive employment boom as a result of industrialization and the outcomes of the work organizations like the SEDC, which is the South East Development Commission, will engineer in the coming days.

    “With South East Development Commission, we will leverage to improve agriculture. Entrepreneurial skills will enable industrialization of the region and our innovative mindedness will leverage the opportunities in the digital economy.

    “Our creativity will birth a greater cultural and entertainment platform, such as the Igbowood. Our youth and women demography will play a major role in the energy of our development. It is time to put our huge gap deposit in the region to use for industrial parks.

    “The gas in our zone will aid these industrial parts that will bring value to the nation. Most of the radicalized youths in our region who have been crying because of the seeming rumors of marginalization and alienation from the center will now have jobs to engage them productively, among others.

    “It is no more time to carry arms. It is now time to take up skills that will be stimulated by the South East Development Commission. This is a foundation for peace and security in the southeast. There is no better foundation than this.

    “On behalf of the great people of the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, the beating heart of the nation, the land of enterprise and entrepreneurship, let me express my deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Southeast Development Commission SEDC bill into law yesterday”

    Speaking further, Kalu said, “This victory is a true example that a lot can be achieved quietly through lobbying, negotiation for what is good for your people. With negotiation, diplomacy and lobbying, not conflict and protest, we can achieve a lot more from this government.

    “I wish to thank the Governors of the five states of the southeast and to congratulate them for their support towards this bill. It is momentous because it is happening during their tenure and their states and her citizens will be the beneficiaries of these magnanimous acts of the President who loves the southeast. Let us remember that our strength lies in our shared dreams and collective effort.

    “In conclusion, let us remember that in unity, our shared dreams and visions will become a mission. And same goes for our collective efforts. Together we can build a Nigeria that offers every child a decent shot at life.

    “Where the doors of opportunities remain open to all, we know we can do better. We are aware that we will. And with South East Development Commission, the long cry of our forefathers who died hoping for reconciliation, the true reconciliation, the true reintegration, the true reconstruction, the true rehabilitation will have been achieved.

    “In South East Development Commission, a lot of multiple questions have been answered. Say no now to agitation. Say no now to conflict. Say no now to crisis and protest. Let us support this government”.

    Recall that President Tinubu granted ascent to a Bill for an Act to establish South East Development Commission yesterday.

    The Bill sponsored by Hon. Kalu, sought to establish a commission that will be charged with the responsibility to receive and manage fund from allocation of the federation account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damage suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war after 54 years.

  • Call for Kanu’s release: Deputy Speaker commends Aguocha, 49 Reps for queuing behind him

    Call for Kanu’s release: Deputy Speaker commends Aguocha, 49 Reps for queuing behind him

     

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has welcomed the recent call by about 50 members of the House of Representatives led by Hon. Obi Aguocha to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Mazi Kalu Nnamdi.

    It will be recalled that the lawmakers reportedly led by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia South and North Federal Constituency of Abia on Monday wrote an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for the release of Kanu by invoking section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended) and section 107(1) of administration of criminal justice Act, 2015.

    In a statement on Tuesday, Kalu applauded the lawmakers spread across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country and the political parties for throwing their weight behind him on the appeals for Kanu’s freedom.

    According to the deputy speaker, there are expectations that the south east caucus will also arise in unison soon to support the effort.

    Recalling the impact of Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a social advocacy group he founded that promotes the idea of a non kinetic approach in resolving the security challenges and other sociological issues in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Kalu said that the release of the IPoB leader was very crucial to the restoration of peace in the zone.

    He said that a milestone has been recorded in his private engagements with the authorities on achieving a political solution in Kanu’s case.

    The deputy speaker recalled that Hon. Aguocha accompanied him in one of those engagements with the decision makers in the country on the issue.

    Kalu however stated clearly that such high profile security issues are not products of advertisement in the media hence the need to keep them confidential in order not to jeopardize the gains so far made.

    The deputy speaker who also revealed that he has met with Kanu a couple of times in the Department of State Service (DSS) detention facility said that hopes are high that the IPoB leader will soon regain his freedom.

    In last visit two weeks before the court appearance, Kalu had discussed and obtained a firm assurance on the side of the IPoB leader on the need for sustainable peace in the region.

    Notedly, that agreement has since been communicated to the delight of the authorities and Kanu’s younger brother as his family representative.

    While thanking the lawmakers for their support, Kalu who also represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State appealed to Ndi Igbo to remain calm and hopeful and avoid provocative comments on this issue in the light of the truism that the government of the day cannot be compelled either covertly or overtly.

    He stressed that with diplomacy, a solution will be finalised.

    Kalu also warned against making merchandise of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration for selfish economic gain which runs at variance with his wish, emphasizing that the IPoB leader should not be used as a political tool for any political capital.

    He urged all those genuinely supporting the advocacy for his freedom to go about it dispassionately with the face of humanity and for not personal interest so that the work quietly done on it so far will not be a waste.

    The deputy speaker re-emphasised that the present APC administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized the South East for a facelift, assuring the people that the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill which has been transmitted to the president for his assent is one of the obvious ways of rebuilding the region severely ravaged by the civil war.

    “I want to sincerely express my profound appreciation to my colleagues from all parts of country and different political parties who made up the 50 lawmakers that recently lent their voices to the appeal for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “The call signifies oneness of purpose and noble objective: that we are one people and what affects one, also affects another.

    “I have always emphasized that united we stand, divided we fall.

    “I want to assure them that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the peace and development of the South East and given his genuine love for the zone and the appeals so far made, a political solution is imminent in resolving the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    “The voices of my brothers in the parliament are indeed inspiring and I cannot thank them and other Nigerians enough for queuing behind me”, Kalu said.

  • Constitutional review draft to be ready in August 2024 – Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu

    Constitutional review draft to be ready in August 2024 – Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu

    Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has revealed that the first draft report of the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution would be ready in August 2024.

    He added that the final clean copy for the presidential assent after the voting on the expected issues of concern by the two chambers of the National Assembly would be out in August, 2025.

    Kalu dropped the hints at a press conference by the House Committee on Constitution Review on Thursday.

    A 24-month timeline for the conclusion of the exercise has been given to the committee working on the constitution Amendment.

    At the press conference, Kalu who doubles as the chairman of the committee said: “We are pushing to ensure that in our activities, that in no distant time, the first draft of the work we are trying to do in the constitution will be ready.

    “This will be subject to approval of the work done by the subcommittee. Let me mention that by our target, the first draft of the constitution will be out in August 2024.

    “Second draft will be out in October 2024, we will commence zonal inputs from October 2024, we’ll keep collecting inputs from citizens from 14th October 2024 as we prepare for the last version or the last draft copy of the constitution.

    “We are hoping that there will be a harmonization of the issues, on the 27th, 28th February 2025.

    “We are hoping that during a technical working retreat that will take place in February 2025, the Senate and the House of Representatives documents will be harmonized.

    “It is our desire that on the 17th of March 2025, we will have harmonized documents considered in the House. It is our believe that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.

    “We are optimistic also that by 12th May 2025, we’ll have, the final clean copy of amendments’ bills agreed on.

    “And we are looking at 22nd May 2025, as a time when we will have final report laid for consideration and voting.

    “This is to say that members will be voting on the work we have done on this important date of 22nd May 2025.

    “We are believing that around the 29th of May or 13th of June, knowing fully well what these important dates mean to Nigerians, we will expect the final concurrence of state assemblies secured.

    “If it delays more than that, it will not go beyond August of 2025 because we believe that by August 2025, the president will receive the bills that will be presented to him for presidential assent. So, our targets are that transmission of bills to Mr President for assent will take place August 2025.

    “And with this, we are sure that our target to get this job done in 24 months will be achieved if we send it to Mr President by August 2025 and hoping that by December we will have a constitution that’s fully amended.”

    The Deputy Speaker also called for submission of memoranda from different interest groups, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Labour Unions, relevant institutions of government and the members of the general public to aid the committee’s work.

    He said that the thematic areas included Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the
    constitution and Traditional Institutions.

    Other are Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation and State access to mining.

    “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Legislature by Sections 4, 8, and 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) and Order 20, Rule 30 of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives (11th Edition) and the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House of Representatives, I am pleased to invite the Executive and Judicial bodies, State Governments, Women Groups, Academics, Civil Society Organizations, Labour Unions, Professional bodies, Ethnic

    Nationalities, Nigerians in the Diaspora, Diplomats and the general public, to submit memoranda or proposals for further alteration(s) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on the following thematic areas: The Federal Structure and Power Devolution; Local Government/Local Government Autonomy; Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation; Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture; Comprehensive Judicial Reforms; Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections; Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the constitution; Traditional Institutions; Issues of Gender; Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an Act of the National Assembly; Residency and Indigene Provisions; Immunity; The National Assembly; Process of state creation; State access to mining”, he said.

    The committee, however, extended the call for memoranda to “any other matter that will promote good governance and the welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.”

  • Deputy Senate President, mourns renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Ali

    Deputy Senate President, mourns renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Ali

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has mourned a renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Ali, who died last night at the age of 73.

    In a heartfelt condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Kano State Government and the entire Muslim Ummah.

    He said the deceased’s legacy will continue to shine, illuminating the path of knowledge and spirituality for all.

    “Sheikh Yusuf Ali was a renowned Islamic scholar whose influence extended far beyond our national borders. His teachings and wisdom have enriched the lives of countless individuals in Nigeria and beyond.

    “His profound knowledge, sermons, and writings have served as guiding light and sources of inspiration for Muslims. His unwavering dedication to promoting peace, unity, and understanding within the Islamic community will leave an indelible mark for generations to come.

    ” As we mourn his departure, I pray to Allah, the Most Merciful to grant him a place in Jannatul Firdausi and provide his family with the strength to bear this profound loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” he said.

    Signed:

    Media Office of the Deputy President of the Senate
    November 6, 2023.