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Tag: Dogara

  • Democracy Day: APC govt has recorded commendable achievements

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara of the House of Representatives has scored the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of President Muhammadu Buhari high as it marks its second year in office, saying many commendable achievements have been recorded within the period.

    The Speaker also congratulated President Buhari, acting President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors and the entire leadership and all Nigerians for the 18 years of democracy in the country and second anniversary of the administration.

    While restating the commitment of the government to bringing succour to the common man, he saluted all Nigerians for their resilience in the face of challenges they encounter daily and argued that there is no alternative to democracy.

    “We know that within the two years of this administration, the government has achieved a lot in the area of security. In transportation, we are talking about railways, in Agriculture and in diverse fields of our endeavours a lot has been achieved and a lot need to be done, but we are committed to bringing succour to the common man,” he said.

    “I further thank and appreciate our country men and women for the dedication, patience, hope and resilience that they have shown, that in spite of the biting economic recession, we have held on to our hope for a better nation and we have not given up.

    “So I want to congratulate all of us and implore us to continue to hope and pray for everyone in position of authority in this country and to assure us that we’ll surely get to our destination.”

    Dogara also noted that despite challenges, democracy remains the best form of government, adding that the government of the day is committed to strengthening institutions and fighting corruption.

    “Thank God we have a president who is determined and who has an uncompromising stance against corruption, and we are building strong institutions that will deal with the hydraheaded monster”, the speaker stated.

    Calling for unity among Nigerians across the country, he stressed that “Nigeria represents the best hope of a Black man and that hope cannot be realized in a factionalized state with no unity and with every one trying to fight for self determination.”

    He added, “If there’ll be any black nation that will fulfill the destiny of a black man, which is that of greatness, it’s going to come out of a unified Nigeria. I don’t think there’s anything each of these pockets will achieve that will be greater than what a unified Nigeria can achieve.”

    “I know there are challenges but these challenges are not peculiar to us. So many countries have had to face these kind of challenges in their developmental strides.”

  • Invest in people, not politics, Dogara advises leaders

    Invest in people, not politics, Dogara advises leaders

    …says good leaders always think of next generation

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has implored political leaders at all levels to invest in the people rather than politics.

    Dogara, who spoke at the Government House, Owerri, during his visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha, said that mentoring people and investing in them were the surest ways of improving their lives and generating wealth. He also commended Okorocha for initiating and executing people oriented policies and programmes.

    He said, “To be candid, when we drove from the airport, the Speaker was showing me some of the landmark projects, I was surprised, I must confess that I’ve been to many states of the Federation, but I don’t think I’ve seen such primary schools anywhere. There are people who claim to have built such, but I haven’t seen one in the states I’ve been to, maybe I’ll still discover in the course of my stewardship.”

    “Apart from providing you with quality leadership, he’s investing in the next generation; that is what leaders do. Politicians don’t do that, politicians are always mindful of the elections, leaders are always mindful of the next generation. When you come in contact with real leaders even by accident, you know because they develop their people even in the rural communities, so that they can truly aspire to enjoy the proceeds of democracy which is the pursuit of happiness.”

    Dogara also urged Governor Rochas to invite captains of industry and other political leaders to the commissioning of projects in his state, so that other leaders may be inspired to replicate such projects.

    The Governor had earlier described Speaker Dogara as a long standing personal friend of his and the entire people of Imo state, and commended him for showing exemplary leadership in the green chamber.

    Dogara, who was accompanied by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Onyeama Chukwuka and other members of the House, was earlier received on arrival at the Airport by the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Acho Ihim.

  • Children’s Day: We are committed to securing future of Nigerian child – Dogara

    The House of Representatives will continue to work towards building a society that will be conducive for the overall growth and development of the Nigerian child, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara has said.

    In a press statement signed by his special adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, to mark the 2017 Children’s Day, the Speaker maintained that issues concerning the welfare of children, especially those of the poor and vulnerable in the society, were top priority to the legislature.

    Dogara stated that it was in line with this that the House supports free basic education for all Nigerian children, as it has the potential to unlock their ties to poverty and open a new vista of opportunities to them to generate prosperity for themselves, their families, the society and the nation at large.

    “For a society to develop, the young children must be given an avenue to express themselves and explore their potentials to the fullest.

    “The most veritable, most effective tool for this is education. Education is the key to breaking the chains of poverty and opening opportunities to prosperity in all spheres of human endeavour,” the Speaker noted.

    While expressing joy that more of the Chibok school girls had regained freedom and will be spending this Children’s Day with their families, he assured that the National Assembly will continue to render full support to the executive in the efforts to secure the release of the other girls who are still in captivity of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Dogara also expressed confidence that children who are internally displaced in the country, will soon return to their homes to live proper lives as the government is not resting on its oars in ensuring that they reunite with their fami lies before long.

    The Speaker urged states, which were yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act to do so in order to halt the spate of unwarranted crimes against children, as well as uphold their rights.

  • Nigerians ignorant of legislature’s role in nation building – Dogara

    In spite of the country’s 18 unbroken years of democracy, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, said on Saturday in Kabba, Kogi, that many Nigerians were still ignorant of the role of the legislature as a vital arm of government.

    Dogara said the glaring ignorance on the part of many Nigerians had continued to put the legislature under “tremendous pressure and challenge”.

    “Constituents inundate legislators with requests and demands that are clearly outside the functions of the parliament,” said Dogara, who was in Kabba to inaugurate some projects initiated by Rep. Tajudeen Yusuf.

    He urged Nigerians to be abreast of the constitutional duties of the parliament, saying its role is purely law making, oversight and representation.

    Dogara said the 8th Assembly would continue to intervene in critical areas of infrastructural across the country.

    “It is in realisation of this national call to service that many legislators through the Zonal Intervention Initiative provide some incentives and projects that are expected to drive the economic activities in our various constituencies.

    “As a parliament, we are fully committed to making laws that will improve the well-being of Nigerians, ensure meaningful growth and development as well as promoting peace, unity, fairness, equity and justice,” the speaker said.

    Dogara lauded Yusuf for initiating the projects which, he noted, would impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots and urged residents of the communities where the project are located to make the best use of them.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dogara inaugurated three skill acquisition centres and information communication centres.

    Yusuf, who represents Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House, said the facilities and the empowerment tools were provided in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people.

    “I have always had a pro-people approach to issues. For me, my passion and commitment to the general well-being of the people is non-negotiable. I have kept faith with this principle.”

     

     

    NAN

  • 30-year-old Nigerians will soon be eligible to run for president – Dogara

    30-year-old Nigerians will soon be eligible to run for president – Dogara

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has assured that very soon, Nigerians below the age of 40 will be running for the office of the president.

    Dogara said the House was committed to passing the NotTooYoungToRun# bill in order to lower the age requirements for elective offices to ensure youth inclusion in politics and leadership.

    Addressing the plenary session of the Nigerian Youth Parliament in Abuja on Wednesday, Dogara stated that as elected representatives, it was their duty make sure that their constituents’ voices were heard, especially in a country with a youth population of over 60%.

    He said as a result that “we committed ourselves in our Legislative Agenda to give priority to – ‘necessary legislative interventions to promote equality and inclusion, and entrench the rights of women, youths and vulnerable groups in the society”.

    He said the bill which seeks to alter sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution is aimed at reducing the age of eligibility for elective offices across board, and to introduce independent candidacy to our electoral process.

    Dogara, however, said that while the Bill will not immediately correct the marginalization of young persons in Nigeria, but that it will, however, open up opportunities hitherto unavailable to young persons in politics.

    The Speaker maintained that a major challenge afflicting Nigeria’s youth population is unemployment, and as “your elected representatives, this gives us nightmares.

    “It is also my strong view that creativity and innovation are critical elements in engendering economic growth and development. Indeed the world is open for the youths to excel, especially in the area of technological development. Nigerian Youths can compete strongly in the technological field in the new world economy. We only need better technological education, funding and exposure to best practices.

    “At every opportunity, I have also used my office to promote the potentials of this country in order to attract investment into diverse sectors of the economy through legislative diplomacy promoted with leaders of various countries. We have therefore deliberately set up Parliamentary Friendship Groups between Nigeria’s House of Representatives and various countries to promote economic, legislative and political cooperation between our countries.”

  • Photos: Saraki, Dogara, Patience Jonathan, others attend Melaye’s book launch

    Photos: Saraki, Dogara, Patience Jonathan, others attend Melaye’s book launch

    Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and other political heavy weights made it to the book launch of Senator Dino Melaye taking place on Monday (today) in Abuja.

    The book, titled ‘Antidotes for Corruption’, which is divided into 14 chapters with 600 pages, is currently being presented at the Umaru Ya’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    Barely 30 minutes into the program, the former First Lady, Mrs. Jonathan, made a surprise appearance, which led to a loud and resounding ovation from other dignitaries already seated in the hall.

    In his opening remarks, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Na’Abba said the book was timely as it would help in reorientation of the youths and leaders of the country on the dangers of corruption.

    He said, “Corruption is not only about financial misappropriation, it is defined by social defiance and failure of leadership. Nepotism is also corruption”.

    Other dignitaries at the book launch are; Ike Ekweremadu, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Bello Mohammed, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Dr. Chris Ngige and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Anyim Pius Anyim.

    Others are Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Molori, serving and past members of the National Assembly, with Former President of Ghana, Jerry Rawlings and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote being ably represented.

    See photos from the event:

     

     

    Saraki, Dogara, Patience Jonathan, others attend Melaye’s book launch

     

     

  • #OpenNass: Nigerians hail Saraki, Dogara for unveiling NASS budget, ending 8-yr of secrecy

    The National Assembly, Thursday, for the first time, published the details of its budget, beginning with the 2017 budget, to underscore transparency as earlier promised by the President of the 8th Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

    Reacting to the recent landmark, some Nigerians who expressed their views on the internet hailed the law making body and its leadership, Senator Bukola Saraki and Hon. Yakubu Dogara for complying with their earnest call for #opennass.

    Recall that Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, had earlier promised Nigerians that he’ll heed the calls for an Open National Assembly (#OpenNASS) in order to ensure everyone gets to see the line-item allocations of the legislative arm.

    The Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives separately presented their harmonised reports of the budget for consideration and subsequent passage on Thursday.

    According to the report, N434.4 billion was appropriated for statutory transfers to the National Judicial Council (N100 billion); Niger Delta Development Commission (N64.02 billion); Universal Basic Education (N95.2 billion); National Assembly (N125 billion); Public Complaints Commission (N4 billion); INEC (N45 billion); and National Human Rights Commission (N1.2 billion).

    The seven establishments are to get allocations on first line charge. In practice, the spending details of these offices are not made public.

    But the spokesperson for the Senate, Aliyu Abdullahi, told Journalists details of the National Assembly budget are included in the whole national budget, ending eight years of secrecy.

    “We have opened our budget,” he said. “Details are in the (whole) budget, that’s what I have come to tell you.”

  • Dogara lauds Buhari over release of 82 Chibok Girls

    Dogara lauds Buhari over release of 82 Chibok Girls

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has commended President Buhari for his continued dedication to the safe return of the abducted Chibok Girls.

    This is coming in the wake of the release of 82 schoolgirls who were abducted, along with others, by Boko Haram terrorists in April 2014.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Dogara described the development as “delightful and heartening”, and commended the efforts of the security agencies and all others who were involved in the negotiation process.

    “Last month, the House of Representatives adopted a motion urging the Executive to expedite negotiation for the release of the schoolgirls who remain in captivity, and the news of the release of 82 Chibok girls is delightful, to say the least.”

    “President Buhari has further proven that he is a man of his words, as he could have used the initial inaction by the previous administration as an excuse to not take action, but he didn’t. It has been said in many quarters that true leadership is defined not by apportioning blame, but by solving challenges irrespective of their genesis, and the President deserves all commendation for this feat.”

    “It is extremely gladdening that these 82 girls will finally be reunited with their families; it is my ardent hope that they get the required medical attention, and that the other girls – and all others – who remain in captivity are released soon.”

  • Pray for your leaders despite their poor performance, Dogara urges Nigerians

    Pray for your leaders despite their poor performance, Dogara urges Nigerians

    …holds special prayer session with constituents for Buhari

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and his constituents, on Saturday collectively offered both Christian and Muslim prayers for the full recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The special prayers were led by Rev. Kefas Galadima, Chairman, Christian Association, (CAN), Dass branch and Sheikh Hamza Dass, at the launching road project in Bogoro/Dass, Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency.

    The Speaker urged the people to remember the leadership of the country in their daily prayers.

    “Please, as you have been told and you know, he has health challenges.

    “Pray for the leadership of this country, pray for Vice President, pray for the governors and council chairmen, even when they are not doing well, that God will give them wisdom to improve.

    “Pray for them so that they will see themselves to be working for the people,” he said.

    The speaker also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for restoring peace and stability in the North East and the nation in general.

    He added that the National Assembly would continue to support the president’s efforts in sustaining lasting peace in the country.

     

     

    NAN

  • Dogara clears patients’ N3.76m bills at ATBTH

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on Friday spent N3.76 million to settle bills of patients at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi.

    The bills of N1.26 million for five patients with critical issues were settled while N2.5 million dropped with the hospital’s management to cover the bills of other patients.

    Out of the critical cases, N500, 000 was paid for a cancer patient, N300, 000 for an orthopaedic case, N200, 000 each for a policeman with gunshot injury and an unsettled bill, and N60, 000 for a man with renal problem.

    Dogara, who made the gesture during a visit to hospital, said he was there to assess the quality of facilities and to assist indigent patients.

    He said that the settlement of the bills was with the assistance of some his colleagues, who had concern for patients in need.

    “We came to assess the quality of facilities here to see where we can assist. As lawmakers, we appropriate funds for Federal Government agencies and the visit is to identify areas we can assist.

    “I want to say that with the contribution from some of my colleagues, I will settle the bills of some of the cases we came across”.

    Dogara said that visit to the hospital was part of his tour of projects in his constituency “and to thank the people of the state for their support’’.

    Receiving the speaker, the acting Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Abubakar Kadas, said that the institution has been facing financial difficulties in providing its services.

    He commended the speaker for picking the bills of the patients, and for his continued support to the hospital.

    Kadas stated that the management of the hospital would continue to count on the House of Representatives for necessary assistance.

    One of the patients, Mr Ismaila Sule, said that he was glad for the speaker’s visit and intervention.

    He appealed to other politicians to emulate him.

    Some members of the National Assembly, including Sen. Suleiman Nazif, Sen. Ali Wakili, Rep. Halliru Jika, Ossy Prestige, Edward Pwajok, Hassan Saleh and Benjamin Iorember accompanied the speaker on the visit.