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Tag: Deputy Speaker

  • NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has assured of National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to developing in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement.

    Kalu gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open the maiden conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), in Abuja, said the lawmakers have taken significant strides in that direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021.

    The Deputy Speaker stated that the conference themed, “Advancing Plant Breeding Through Biotechnology Innovation: Fostering one Health and Nigeria’s Agenda 2050,” underscores the imperative for Nigeria to embrace innovation, particularly in the realm of biotechnology, to drive precise and efficient crop improvement for sustainable agricultural growth.

    While commending plant breeders for their efforts which enable farmers to have access to diverse crop varieties, Kalu noted that it is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations, thus motivating breeders to continue their crucial work.

    He advised the country’s plant breeders to explore ways in which they can contribute to global food security, such as collaboration with international organizations and sharing best practices, as it will be instrumental in achieving Agenda 2050 goal.

    He said, “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all participants, both in person and those joining us online, to this groundbreaking event—the maiden conference of the Nigeria Plant Breeding Association (NPBA). The Association is a collective of brilliant minds who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of enhancing agriculture in our nation. I must emphasize that “plant breeding is a profoundly noble profession.” By this, I mean that no individual can excel in any other profession without the foundation of adequate and nutritious food.

    “These crops, in turn, nourish our citizens, contributing to their overall well-being. We must underscore the vital role that plant breeding plays in ensuring food security and addressing malnutrition. With the global population steadily increasing, we need crop varieties that are not only resilient to climate change but also capable of providing higher yields and improved nutritional content. It is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations in plant breeding, thus motivating our breeders to continue their crucial work of creating novel crop varieties capable of mitigating the challenges posed by our ever-changing climate. Biotechnology is the key to unlocking the full potential of plant breeding. Embracing biotechnological advancements allows us to accelerate the development of crop varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional value.

    “The integration of cutting-edge technologies like gene editing and precision breeding techniques should be at the forefront of our efforts. Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of our nation for the future. Among these aspirations is the development of mechanisms to ensure a sustainable environment in alignment with global concerns about climate change. We should explore ways in which our nation’s plant breeders can contribute to global food security. Collaborations with international organizations and sharing best practices will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

    “I stand here today, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to solemnly declare our unwavering commitment to developing our in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement. We have taken significant strides in this direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021. In essence, this legislation is designed to ensure that all plant breeders reap the benefits of their painstaking work. I anticipate that this will serve as a powerful incentive for our breeders to continue bringing their best to the table, resulting in the development and dissemination of the finest crop varieties to Nigerian farmers, with tangible effects on our nation’s economy.”

    Signed:

    Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Interventions in Abia as oil producing state under NDDC below average – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Interventions in Abia as oil producing state under NDDC below average – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has rated below average the developmental interventions in Abia as an oil producing State under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    Kalu expressed the view when a delegation of the Ukwa People’s Consultative Council (UPCC) led by its Leader, Sir Don Ubani paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Ukwa is the oil producing area in Abia State.

    The delegation in their presentation decried infrastructural decay and environmental degradation as a result of oil exploration in the area, adding that NDDC had not met the expectations of the people.

    The Deputy Speaker in his remarks commended the people for taking a peaceful approach.

    He said: “I totally agree with you that, what we have in Abia, as an oil producing state and as a member of NDDC, comparatively speaking, is below average, in terms of developmental interventions. A call from the stakeholders that an improvement should take place, is definitely not a wrong call.

    “This kind of engagement is actually commended by the Leadership of the House. It is better to jaw-jaw, than to war-war. It is less expensive for us to engage like this and proffer solutions. This is an easier, cost effective, peaceful approach to conflict resolution. So, I commend the leadership of Ukwa community, the oil producing community, for holding their youth and despite the fact that the development interventions have been below average, they have kept their heads peaceful and allowed all the IOCs handle their operations peacefully in those communities.

    “I encourage you to continue in maintaining peace in Abia State, in Ukwa and in the Niger Delta. It is in peace that we will progress. It is in peace that out unity will be enhanced. It is a step in the right direction that you came and I want to assure you that, what your request has done, is to once again, beam the torchlight on the oversight functions of the NDDC Committee on the NDDC operations in the nine states, and especially now, in Abia State.

    “They would now be able to look into their report. What is it that they did not do well previously? Especially in auditing the spread of projects equitably around the nine states of operations. I am from Abia and I am here as the Deputy Speaker, I am promising you, that as the Chairman of the House Committee of the Whole, that considers reports of various Committees of the House, my special interest would be on this issue you have raised, going forward. Year one, year two, year three, year four of my tenure as deputy Speaker, I assure you, I would always ask questions, on how equitably, they balance their interventions”.

    Earlier, Ubani said that were it not for the interventions of the leadership, the youth would have resorted to restiveness.

    The delegation also pleaded with the deputy speaker to include the member representing Ukwa East/West federal constituency in the NDDC committee.

    “Today, farmers in Ukwa federal constituency cannot farm effectively again because the fertility of the soil has been diminished because of many years of oil exploration and exploitation

    “Many of our people are fishermen because we are very close to Rivers State, our people are fishermen. They can’t fish today because oil exploitation has almost destroyed aquatic life , so there’s trouble in the area.

    “But interestingly the youths of the area have maintained peaceful disposition. Those of us who are their elders, we have continued to tell them that two wrongs don’t make a right. Since the federal government has thought it wise to establish the Niger Delta Development Commission, yet most of the projects earmarked for the area has been abandoned. If you come into that place you will ask yourself is this an oil producing state.

    “We are here to plead with you and all those that believe in fairness and justice to come to the rescue of Ukwa people. Our place is bad. There’s a lot of infrastructural decadence in that area.

    “Let there be manifestation of concern on the part of NDDC. Nothing so far has given us course to be happy as oil producing area. We need to avoid situation that will create youth restiveness and the best way to do it is to make sure that there’s development.

    “We are here in solidarity with you. Permit us Your Excellency to inform you that the member representing Ukwa East and west, Hon. Chris Nkwonta whom we are well pleased enjoys our collective confidence, we are very sure he will be of usefulness as a member of the House Committee on NDDC, in fairness and justice.

    The oil and gas that accord Abia state the unique status of an oil producing state are in Ukwa federal constituency”, Ubani said.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Reps to streamline revenue collecting agencies – Deputy Speaker

    Reps to streamline revenue collecting agencies – Deputy Speaker

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Kalu, said the parliament would enact laws to streamline multitude of revenue collecting agencies.

    He further said that a law would be enacted to effectively eliminate multiple taxation in Nigeria.

    Kalu said this at the World Bank Fiscal Governance and Institutions Project (FGIP) Focus Group Discussion at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to him, the house is in the process of streamlining the multitude of revenue-collecting agencies as a government.

    He said the streamlining initiative was aimed at improving coordination and crucially reduce duplicity in tax administration, ultimately making the system more efficient, transparent and accountable.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had embarked on a path of fiscal reform that directly addressed some of the most pressing issues in the tax system and overall fiscal policy.

    He said the commitment to reform was a testament to the dedication of the Federal Government towards achieving a more robust and equitable economic landscape.

    “One of the paramount challenges we are currently addressing as a government, is the issue of tax multiplicity, a labyrinthine web of taxes that has placed undue burdens on both individuals and businesses.

    “Simplifying and rationalising this system is imperative to alleviate the compliance burden and to foster an environment conducive to economic growth.

    “In parallel, we have recognised the necessity of modernising revenue collection through automation.”

    He said this strategic move would enhance efficiency and reduce opportunities for corruption and revenue leakage.

    He said there were promising opportunities to introduce
    comprehensive reform bills that would encompass a wide spectrum of objectives.

    This he said, include simplification, modernisation, and consolidation of tax laws, adding that the reforms hold the potential to bring about increased clarity and efficiency.

    He added that it would benefit both taxpayers and tax administrators.

  • 10th NASS to prioritise climate change issues ‐ Deputy Speaker

    10th NASS to prioritise climate change issues ‐ Deputy Speaker

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, has assured that the 10th National Assembly would strive to positively address issues on climate change.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the deputy speaker and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    The statement is in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Parliament.

    Kalu said that the event was a global issue introduced in 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

    According to him, the Day affords the parliaments across the globe to review the progress they have made in achieving their outlined goals in their areas of responsibility.

    He added that it also allow the parliaments to carry out self assessments on the implementation of their goals such as inclusion of more women and youths as members of parliament and adapting to new technological innovations.

    The lawmaker said that the 2023 occasion, themed: ‘Parliaments for the Planet’, was to mobilise and make parliaments more responsible and responsive to the climate change issues and other related emergencies.

    The deputy speaker explained that climate change was negatively affecting lives by destroying lives and property development, peace and security all over the world.

    “Climate action begins at home. Parliaments and those who work in them can take concrete steps towards reducing their carbon footprint, both as institutions and individuals.

    “By adopting greener policies and embracing a culture of sustainability, parliaments can help in addressing the crisis caused by the climate change.

    “As a newly inaugurated National Assembly member, I want to assure Nigerians and the key stakeholders on climate change issues that as the parliament settle down we would prioritise climate change issues.

    “The 10th Parliament would lead by example. We shall prioritise the greening of our parliament, greening the way we work, and we will lead and foster a culture of sustainable change,” he said. 

  • 10th NASS: Deputy speaker, Wase declares interest in speakership position

    10th NASS: Deputy speaker, Wase declares interest in speakership position

    The House of Representatives, deputy speaker, Idris Wase has shown interest in the speakership position of the green chamber.

    Wase made his interest known for the speakership position at an event in Abuja on Friday.

    “Respected colleagues, I appreciate every one of you present and by the grace of God, if you give me your mandate, we shall do you proud. We shall create a vibrant legislature that will stand the test of time among nations of nations,” he told the gathering.

    He also reeled out his experience to lead the House of Representatives if elected.

    The lawmaker representing Wase Federal Constituency said on several occasions, he had “sacrificed” for the National Assembly and the country by dropping his leadership ambitions.

    At the ceremony which was attended by his supporters and some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the lawmaker urged Nigerians to unite and work together for the betterment of the country.

    His declaration is coming days after the APC zoned the National Assembly leadership posts, picking Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas as Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker respectively.

    While the development has not gone down well with some members of the APC and lawmakers, Mr. Wase is also re-echoing their thoughts.

    While also appearing on Politics Today, on Channels TV, the Plateau lawmaker said that he zoning arrangement was done without the consent of many and  “thorough discussions” and is not in line with the Constitution of the country which preaches equity.

     

  • Former Deputy Speaker- House of Representatives, Yusuf quits APC

    Former Deputy Speaker- House of Representatives, Yusuf quits APC

    Just as the National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gets set to kick-off, a former Deputy Speaker- House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, on Friday morning tendered his resignation from the ruling party.

     

    He submitted his resignation letter at the APC Secretariat, Ogo Oluwo Osogbo.

    Yusuf was a former gubernatorial aspirant of APC in 2018.

     

    He also aspired to be the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the party’s recently concluded primary election where he came in a distant third position behind Moshood Adeoti and the eventual winner and Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    He submitted his resignation letter this morning at the APC Secretariat, Ogo Oluwo Osogbo.

     

    Yusuf represented the Irepodun/Olurunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency of Osun State.

     

    The former Deputy Speaker is a grassroots politician widely known in Osun State and he is fondly called The Homeboy due to his grassroots qualities.

     

    He was once a youth leader in the Unity Party of Nigeria UPN.

     

    Yusuf was also the state public relations officer PRO of the Alliance for Democracy before and during Chief Bisi Akande’s administration.

     

    With his undiluted loyalty and the unquantifiable role played in the Alliance of Democracy AD and his doggedness in the political cycle in the state the governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola appointed him chairman of Osun State Capital Territory Development Authority OSCTDA in 2004 / 2005, a body established by law with a mandate to facilitate the urban growth of Osogbo and neighbouring towns.

     

    In 2011, he ran for a legislative seat in the [7th National Assembly] as the representative of the Irepodun/Olurunda/Osogbo/Orolu Federal Constituency.

     

    He won on the platform of [Action Congress of Nigeria], which joined the [All Progressives Congress] with other parties in the run-up to the 2015 general elections in Nigeria.

     

     

     

  • Abia Assembly adjourns indefinitely as Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader escape impeachment

    Abia Assembly adjourns indefinitely as Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader escape impeachment

    The Abia House of Assembly, on Tuesday adjourned indefinitely as the Deputy Speaker, Mr Ifeanyi Uchendu and the Majority Leader, Chief Solomon Akpulonu, narrowly escaped being relieved of their positions.

    The Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Paul Taribo, of (PDP–Ukwa East) had moved the motion for the removal of the two principal officers.

    The Minority Leader, Chief Chijioke Chukwu, (APC—Bende South) supported the motion.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development caused commotion and delayed proceeding as shout of order by the Speaker, Mr Chinedum Orji, was ignored.

    The Speaker had demanded reasons for their removal and evidence for the allegation but none was given.

    NAN gathered that the allegation may not be unconnected with incompetence.

    However, Taribo, who moved the motion, insisted: “I’m saying that these two officers should be relieved of their duties’’.

    Mr Obinna Ichitta, (APGA—Aba South) also gave his support to the motion.

    “I’m so happy that my colleagues have spoken the way they did and I support everything they said,” Ichitta said.

    Also, some members had demanded that the motion be subjected to a voice vote but the Speaker adjourned the House sitting.

    Meanwhile, the House had earlier confirmed the nominations of Mr Henry Balogu, Mr Clement Ugorji, Mrs Ngozi Ukwenyi and Mrs Joy Nwakamma as Chairman and members of the state Judicial Service Commission respectively.

    The House also received from the Auditor-General of the State, the state’s third and fourth quarter audited report ending Dec. 31, 2021.

  • [Osun 2022] Ex-Reps Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yusuff set to battle Gov Oyetola, obtains APC guber form

    [Osun 2022] Ex-Reps Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yusuff set to battle Gov Oyetola, obtains APC guber form

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff finally on Thursday obtained his governorship form at the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that the Engineer turned politician stormed the APC secretariat in Abuja with some of his entourage to obtain his nomination and expression of interest forms.

    Recall that Lasun had declared his intention to battle Gov. Gboyega Oyetola for 2022 gubernatorial ticket of the APC in Osun State.

    The former lawmaker came second behind Oyetola during the 2018 governorship primaries of the APC.

    The APC last month announced that governorship forms for Osun and Ekiti elections will be sold at N22.5m.

  • Gunmen kidnap younger sister of Katsina Assembly Deputy Speaker

    Gunmen kidnap younger sister of Katsina Assembly Deputy Speaker

    Gunmen have kidnapped the younger sister of the Deputy Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Shehu Dalhatu Tafoki.

    The victim, identified as Asma’u Dalhatu, was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday.

    The gunmen took her away after they attacked Tafoki village in Faskari Local Government Council of the State.

    The Deputy Speaker, who confirmed the abduction to Channels Television on Monday, explained that the gunmen suspected to be bandits stormed the village around 1 am on Sunday and moved straight to the village head’s residence, which is his family house, and kidnapped two of his sisters.

    He said while trying to make their way into the forest, the hoodlums encountered some members of the vigilante group who engaged them in gunfire. In the process, one of the kidnapped sisters escaped and returned home safely.

    The Deputy Speaker said the incident has been reported to the security agencies.

    The police authorities in the state have yet to comment on the incident. The Police spokesperson in the state, Gambo Isah, could not be immediately reached for comment. No ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers.

    The attack comes less than 48 hours after gunmen stormed Kurami village in Bakori Local Government Area of the State and abducted the wife and two children of the member representing Bakori constituency in the state House of Assembly, Dr. Ibrahim Kurami.

    Bakori LGA is about 42 kilometres from Faskari LGA where the latest abduction took place.

    Katsina State has within the week witnessed a different pattern of abductions where the trend seems to have been shifted to kidnapping relatives of political office holders in the state.

  • Electoral Act/PIB: Deputy Speaker’s CoS congratulates Northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers

    Electoral Act/PIB: Deputy Speaker’s CoS congratulates Northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Idris Wase has congratulated all the northern caucuses for rubbishing southern lawmakers o er the passage of the controversial Electoral Act Amendment Bill and PIB, passed on Friday.
    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the letter signed by Hon Aminu Ibrahim was well circulated among northern lawmakers through their WhatsApp pages.
    The letter reads:
    “On behalf of the Deputy speaker Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase and the Northern caucus leader Hon. Musa Sarki Adar. I am directed to write and formally congratulate and appreciate all the Northern caucuses for standing firm through their wisdom and strength to ensure the Northern interest in both PIB and Electoral act is adequately place in a position of advantage.
    “There is no doubt a house united will forever get whatever it wants giving the advantage we have in size. May God almighty continue to unite and bind us stronger. May HE bless and reward us all abundantly. Remain bless and wish you the best Holidays and Sallah celebrations. Thank you all.