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  • Strong political parties key to delivering dividends of democracy – Dogara

    Strong political parties key to delivering dividends of democracy – Dogara

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called for the strengthening of political parties in Nigeria in order to make them more competitive.

    He said this while receiving a delegation from the International Republican Institute, led by its President, Mr. Daniel Twinning.

    Dogara said that though the electoral process is of utmost importance, emphasis must also be laid on ensuring that credible elections translate into good governance and delivering dividends of democracy.

    “The concern before was that when you begin to talk about democracy, people just go straight to the ballot. Even though the ballot is essential for the growth and sustenance of democracy in ensuring that the will of the people is not supplanted in the process of translating that will from the choices the citizens have made to positions in governance. But the ballot has also produced enemies of democracy and democracy has to be competitive.”

    “For it to be competitive, the political parties must be very strong in the sense that they can cooperate but at least, they must remain competitive. If they are not competitive at the end of the day, it may be one political structure mushrooming into other political structures. We had that kind of situation in Nigeria here, where I think one of the late sages in Nigeria described the five political parties in Nigeria as fingers of a leprous hand.”

    “The challenge is not just organising elections that are transparent, competitive and meet all the criteria of a democratic election, but the point is what does that election translate into in the effective running of the government and the delivery of what we know here locally as dividends of democracy?”

    The Speaker further stressed the need to deepen democracy in Nigeria in order to live up to the yearnings and expectations of the Nigerian people.

    “It may not be the best, but the point is, it is the best that we know and we have to do everything possible to ensure that we deepen our democratic experience and practices in such a way that governance will meet the expectations and yearnings of citizens.”

    He also raised concerns about prevalent practices in political parties whereby elected officials are termed leaders of the party. He said that this prevents parties from being truly independent and warned of attendant consequences on the democratic process.

    “There is one problem that we must address in this country and that is that elected officials, especially those in the Executive, are always regarded as leaders of the political party. That is where we have a very serious problem in this country and if an elected Executive is the leader of the political party, the situation you find on ground is that every political actor within the entire party architecture must pander to the whims and caprices of that elected official.”

    Speaking further on the need to strengthen political parties, the Speaker made reference to current happenings in South Africa which, he said, demonstrated that political parties in the country are actually independent.

    Speaking earlier during the visit, the President of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Mr. Daniel Twinning stated that the work of the organisation is focused on helping political parties to be more competitive, more transparent and supporting democratic engagement.

    He revealed that a major underlying reason for the meeting is to get political parties to interact more with elected officials and stressed the importance of following manifestos.

    Mr. Twinning also spoke on the importance of Nigeria to democratic development not just in Africa, but on a global scale.

    “We think Nigeria is central to the future of Africa and central to the future of the world. We are really excited by what is happening in Nigeria. We see all over the world how democracy is under pressure including in the developed world from populism to extremism from young people who don’t feel connected to the system. Part of our work is really about trying to optimise democracy and help it deliver for the public.”
    The Speaker thanked the delegation for the work done on the Continent and pledged the support of the House towards strengthening political parties and attaining other democratic ideals.

  • Refine crude locally to end embarrassing fuel scarcity, Dogara advises FG

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has advocated for local refining of crude oil to make fuel available and easily accessible to all Nigerians, saying every other measure to put an end to the recurring problem of fuel scarcity will work temporarily which he described as embarrassing.

    The Speaker made this known when he received the executive members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), in the National Assembly.

    Hon Dogara said while consultation is ongoing on the part of leadership at different strata, the results will only achieve temporary relief until refineries are functioning enough to refine crude locally to meet the demand of Nigerians.

    He said, “Unless we are able to refine crude locally, we will never be in a position as a nation to say bye to fuel scarcity and that is the truth. Anyone who thinks we can depend on importation and still solve this problem is deceiving himself.

    “You see, when you import, you are depending on so many variables. These variables are not within your control and anything can happen along the line that may result in this. The solution is to refine crude locally and end this shame once and for all.

    “The final solution will be to refine this crude, put it in the filing station and say bye to fuel scarcity.”

    The speaker also called for capacity building for workers to discharge the responsibility to yield optimal results.

    While thanking PENGASSAN for taking the right path by engaging with legislators on areas of concern on developments in the petroleum sector, he noted that dialogue between citizens in the form of associations, unions and civil society groups, and the legislature, will deepen the process of democracy by making the government more responsive to their demands.

    Hon Dogara also assured them that the House and the Senate are jointly working on the remaining components of the Petroleum Industry Bill to ensure that their passage are expedited. He also advised them to take the opportunity of the joint public hearing of both petroleum committees of the National Assembly to make their input to the Bill.

    Earlier, president of PENGASSAN, Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson, commended the House for its effort at ensuring accountability and transparency in the oil and gas industry, as well as the National Assembly for passing the PIGB.

    He said the fuel scarcity Nigerians are experiencing is embarrassing and urges the House to collaborate with them on finding a sustainable way to end the crisis and prevent a resurgence by revamping and rehabilitating the nation’s refineries with timelines and strategies that will lead to adequate and sustainable crude supply.

    The PENGASSAN president also asked that all encumbrances associated with importation of refined products into the country should be addressed along with enhancement of infrastructural facilities, while appealing to the lawmakers for support for initiatives that will lead to job creation and improved security.

  • Dogara calls for speedy completion of 2nd Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara on Tuesday called for the completion of the Second Niger Bridge and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, saying that they are pivotal to national development.

    Dogara made the call while declaring open a two-day investigative hearing on the nature of the contract or concession arrangement on the projects, organised by the House Committee on Works.

    Represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Chukwuka Onyema, Dogara said that the investigative hearing became critical given that the projects were constant ugly features in national discourse.

    While stating that proactive steps must be taken to ensure early completion of the projects, the Speaker said that the projects constitute vital arterial network for the country’s road transport system.

    “They have become media sensations and highly politicized to the extent that it now seems that we are playing games with the lives of our people.

    “Past administrations have celebrated progress ostensibly made on them while achieving little or nothing in reality,’’ Dogara said.

    According to the Speaker, the House observed that contracts for the projects continued to feature in annual budgets without any seeming signs of their completion or total amount required to do so.

    “The Minister for Power, Works and Housing stated that funds for the projects in 2017 Appropriation Act were reduced, so they run the risk of becoming white elephant projects because they are not under concession or Public-Private Partnership arrangement.’’

    He added that the manner of execution of the projects was not in accordance with any defined method of projects execution.

    “The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority had spent about N18 billion on the Second Niger Bridge as the financier during their early stages.

    “As a result of these observations, the House, by resolution, urged the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to provide funds in the 2018 budget for the completion of the projects,’’ the Speaker said.

    Dogara noted that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had become a subject of litigations as the government vacillates between executing it through PPP arrangement and direct funding.

    “Unfortunately, the same affliction is seeping into the execution of the Second Niger Bridge.

    “If the House of Representatives, in its oversight responsibility, does not step in at this time, we run the risk of continuing this path and the rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway will remain a mirage and the Second Niger Bridge will never get constructed,’’ Dogara said.

  • Killings: No sanctuaries for killers anywhere in Nigeria- Dogara

    Killings: No sanctuaries for killers anywhere in Nigeria- Dogara

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has said there are no sanctuaries anywhere in the country for killers and other hardened criminals who feed on the blood of people, adding that the solution to the mindless killings and bloodletting lies in the ability to shun buck passing.

    Reacting to the killings in Rivers State, Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Adamawa, Edo and other States, he said during his opening remarks at the resumption of the House of Representatives from its Christmas break that that there are no sanctuaries anywhere in the country for killers and other hardened criminals who feed on the blood of other people.

    Going further, he stressed that as leaders, they cannot afford to fold their hands and pretend that all is well with the country, saying , “We have a responsibility to all Nigerians regardless of creed or ethnicity in line with the constitutionally stated primary purpose of the government we serve in, which is securing the welfare including the lives and property of our people. This we must do by ensuring that every law abiding Nigerian is protected where ever he choses to live in the country and every one who is up in arms against our citizens is quickly brought to justice where ever they are in the country. That there are no sanctuaries anywhere in the country for killers and other hardened criminals who feed on the blood of our people.”

    “We are all painfully aware of the wave of murders of innocent Nigerians that has been sweeping through the nation. From the senseless killings in Rivers State, to the killing rampages in Benue, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Adamawa, Edo and other States; our dear country is now being painted red with the blood of the innocents on account of unremitting bedlam callously promoted by cold hearted merchants of death.

    “On behalf of the House of Representatives, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the governments, people, and especially families of those who have lost loved ones in these primitive, mindless and despicable rounds of bloodletting across our dear country.

    At these moments of intense outpouring of grief across the nation, it is important that we shun buck passing and accept responsibility for these wanton killings without which we will never find a solution to this evil.

    He added that no one or group should be allowed to foist the reign of tragedy and group polarisation on Nigeria, while noting that while violence does not result in victories, democratic ways of addressing conflicts through compromise and consensus should be adopted for their effectiveness.

    “Those who pride themselves in violence must be reminded of the self defeating nature of violence: the fact that violence only begets violence and that true victory has never been won by violence. It was Mahatma Gandhi who delivered a timeless rebuke to the fools who worship brute force by reminding them that, “victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat for it is momentary”.

    We have to preach this message to our people who must not only accept the inevitability of conflict as well as the necessity for tolerance but must learn not to pursue conflict violently but democratically, in ways that result in compromise and consensus as the culture of democracy demands.”

    While expressing condolence to the government, people and victims of the attacks, he disclosed that himself and the Senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, were briefed by President Muhammadu Buhari on measures been taken to contain killer herdsmen and other criminals who kill with impunity across national flash points, saying if implemented as planned, it will put an end to the sad incidents.

    On the issue of the alleged reintroduction of fuel subsidy and scarcity of the product, the Speaker charged the relevant committees of the House to unravel the causes and claims, saying except the Executive adduces compelling reasons why the reverse is the case, it will amount to a betrayal to still pay subsidies after they had been assured that it had been ended.

    “We expected that with the legislative cooperation given to the Executive arm, to effect an increase in the fuel price from N87 per litre to N145, and based on their assurances, incidents of fuel scarcity would be a thing of the past. We were also assured that fuel subsidy had come to an end. From recent developments on this subject, except the Executive adduces compelling reasons why the reverse is the case, we will be justified in feeling betrayed.

    “As a parliament, we must unravel the causes of this scarcity and the alleged re-introduction of fuel subsidy. I charge our relevant Committees to get to the root of these issues through the instrumentality of oversight to enable the House take an informed position on this totally undeserving precarious situation that our already overburdened citizens are subjected to. This has to be done with minimal delay.”

    Hon Dogara charges his colleagues to finish all work on the 2018 budget proposal expeditiously and ensure that their legislative duties so not suffer as political activities pick up.

     

  • Breaking: Saraki reacts after emergency meeting with Buhari, says President must act

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has reacted after an emergency meeting the leadership of the National Assembly held with President Muhammadu Buhari on proffering lasting solution to the incessant killings by Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    TheNewsGuru reports President Buhari held the emergency meeting with Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara on Sunday to especially proffer solution on securing Benue state.

    “The President must act in this area, and those responsible for this must be held accountable. There must also be long term solutions. Part of this long term solution is that the members of the committee on security must objectively look into this,” Saraki said in series of tweets today.

    https://twitter.com/SPNigeria/status/953303260722589696

     

  • Security challenges: Presidency stays mute after meeting with Saraki, Dogara

    The Presidency has released photos of the extraordinary meeting President Muhammadu Buhari held with the leadership of the National Assembly but has stayed mute on the outcome of the meeting.

    TheNewsGuru reports yesterday President Buhari met with Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara on the security situation in Benue and other parts of the country.

    The President called the meeting to brief the National Assembly on federal government’s ongoing efforts on securing Benue state, the Presidency stated; however, details of the meeting are yet to be disclosed.

    Security challenges: Presidency stays mute after meeting with Saraki, Dogara
    L-R: Senate President Saraki, President Buhari and Speaker Dogara pose for photograph during extraordinary meeting on securing Benue

    President Buhari had condemned the reported killings in Benue and ordered security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the dastardly act for prosecution.

    The President had on January 2 expressed shock and outrage at reports of killings of innocent persons in Omoku, Rivers, and the traditional ruler of Numana, Kaduna State, the Etum Numana, Dr Gambo Makama, and his wife.

    The traditional ruler and his wife were killed in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State in the New Year, while 10 villagers were reportedly killed at Dangaji and Ungwan Gajere villages, both in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of the state on Friday night by suspected gunmen.

     

  • Breaking: Buhari holds extraordinary meeting with Saraki, Dogara on securing Benue

    President Muhammadu Buhari has called an extraordinary meeting with the leadership of the national assembly to proffer lasting solution to the incessant killings by Fulani herdsmen across the country.

    As at the time of filing this report, President Buhari is presently meeting with Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara.

    The President called the meeting to brief the National Assembly leadership on ongoing efforts at securing Benue.

    The security situation in Benue and other parts of the country would be discussed according to the Presidency.

    TheNewsGuru will bring you details of the meeting shortly.

     

  • Dogara, Tambuwal, El-Rufai, Atiku, others mourn Lawal Kaita

    Dogara, Tambuwal, El-Rufai, Atiku, others mourn Lawal Kaita

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara has expressed sadness over the demise of second republic Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita who died at the age of 85.

    In a statement, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker described the late elder statesman as a man of outstanding character and a committed Democrat, who devoted his life to working for the development of democracy in Nigeria.

    While noting the exploits and positive contributions of the late Alhaji Kaita as a member of Constituent Assembly that midwifed Nigeria’s Constitution and Governor of old Kaduna State, Dogara said he will continue to be remembered for his selfless service, patriotism and abiding faith in the unity and progress of the country.

    ” Alhaji Lawal Kaita was a very courageous man who left a legacy of service and built bridges of friendship and unity across the north and the country in general”.

    “He will continue to be honoured and remembered by present and future generations for his dedication to the service of his people during his tenure as a Governor and even after”.

    ” Painful as his death is, we are however consoled with the fact that Alhaji Kaita left an indelible footprint and legacy of service to the society as well as commitment to the ideals of democracy and nationhood “.

    While condoling with the bereaved family, the government and people of Katsina state, Speaker Dogara prayed God Almighty to grant the deceased eternal rest.

    Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has also condoled with the government and people of Kaduna State over the passing of Kaita.

    In a statement issued by his spokesman, Imam Imam, the governor said Mr. Kaita made invaluable contributions to the development of the country.

    “He was an acclaimed pacesetter who, along with other patriotic Nigerians of his generation, fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria at the turn of the century. His life is an example in dedication and commitment to democratic norms and values.

    “Nigeria will remember the deceased as a man who gave his best years towards the development of multi-party politics. His contributions have enriched governance process at state and federal levels,” he added.

    While praying to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the loss, Mr. Tambuwal appealed to both the Kaduna and Katsina state governments to immortalise the deceased for the benefit of future generation.

    Similarly, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, described the late Mr. Kaita, as a fearless democrat whose immense contribution to Nigeria’s democratic struggles would be etched in brass.

    Reacting to the demise of Kaita at 85, the former vice president said Mr. Kaita, who was his political associate, was a man of remarkable virtues who inspired whoever interacted with him.

    According to Mr. Abubakar, few Nigerian politicians have the courage to disagree with the people in power in order to sustain political patronage for survival.

    He explained that the late Mr. Kaita was never afraid to speak his mind in pursuit of his principles, including his insistence that political parties must respect internal democracy in order to be credible.

    He noted that the late Mr. Kaita had left an unblemished public service record because politicians of his generation were motivated by the passion for service.

    He recalled that his close association with Mr. Kaita was a beneficial experience because he was a man of vast knowledge of politics and intricacies.

    President Muhammad Buhari had earlier expressed his condolence in a similar message.

    In his reaction, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai described Mr. Kaita as “a quintessential leader and patriot”.

    Mr. El-Rufai in a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, said the deceased had exhibited courage in leadership and patriotism in all his political engagements during his life time.

    “Alhaji Lawal Kaita was a quintessential and courageous leader who served the old Kaduna State with dedication and commitment in the course of his leadership in 1983.

    “As an elected governor of the old Kaduna State, he contributed immensely to the development, unity and progress of the old Kaduna state.

    “Alhaji Kaita was a patriot and a role model for present and future leaders.’’

    Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) said it received the news of the death of Mr. Kaita, one of its foundation members, with shock; adding that the deceased was a bridge-builder.

    “Nigeria has lost one of its illustrious elder statesmen, a bridge builder and democrat.

    “Late Kaita will be remembered for his humility, commitment to national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

    “May Allah grant his soul eternal peace in Aljanna Firdaus,’’ the ACF said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim.

     

  • New year: Dogara charges Nigerians to renew commitment to unity, progress

    New year: Dogara charges Nigerians to renew commitment to unity, progress

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has enjoined Nigerians to review and renew their resolve and commitment to the unity and progress of Nigeria as a people of common destiny in the New Year.

    In his New year message to Nigerians, , the Speaker urged Nigerians to draw on the lessons learnt in the outgoing year to strengthen the bonds of unity, solidarity and peace amongst us.
    Dogara, who commended the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the midst of daunting challenges, expressed optimism that better days are ahead.
    ” The new year presents an opportunity for stock taking and a strong resolve to sustain the gains of Nigerias exit from economic recession. Improvement of Nigerias economy, security and welfare of Nigerians must remain our priority in the new year.”
    He also urged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate love and exhibit compassion towards one another and extend hands of support to the less privileged and vulnerable members of the society.
    ” As a people, we must continue to imbibe the spirit of togetherness and love for one another. We must also support government at all levels by contributing our quota in the generation of wealth and alleviation of poverty in the land”.
    “Although employment generation and wealth creation remain priorities of our APC led administration in its change agenda, it is imperative for us to create more employment opportunities for our youths and women in order to underscore our drive for economic recovery and growth”.
    “We should also endeavour to attend to those needs that have direct bearing on the lives of the people and dire consequences on our nation, as democracy cannot succeed where poverty thrives”.
    On our part in the House of Representatives, we will continue to pass laws that will better the lives of Nigerians, create conducive business environment for investment and secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.
    The Speaker wishes Nigerians a happy and prosperous new year.

  • Dogara Establishes Football Club To Harness Talent In Bauchi State

    In order to boost sports in Bauchi State and promote youths with football talents from the state, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has announced the formation of a football club to be sponsored by him.

    The Speaker disclosed this at the finals of the Dogara Unity Cup competition in Bogoro local government area.

    Teams from 7 local government areas in his Senatorial Zone, participated in the competition, with Spiders, Dass team coming second place and 3sc of Bauchi team clinching the championship. The 4th to 1st place team got cash prizes ranging from N150,000 to N750,000.

    Speaking at the event, the Speaker said he was not happy that no Bauchi State indigene is currently in the lineup of the Nigerian national football team and announced that as from 2018, he will be sponsoring a football competition for teams from all the 20 local government areas in Bauchi to participate in order to brush up their talents.

    He also added that he will invite officials from the Nigerian Football Association and local league to bring their scouts to the event from the quarter finals stage so that they can possibly pick from the best players for their teams.

    This way, he said, Bauchi State will be put in the National football scene and grow to showcase her indigenes on the world stage.

    Hon Dogara also announced the formation of his personal club whose players will be drawn from players from the teams that participated in the just concluded Dogara Unity Cup.