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  • C’River Tribunal Chairman tasks lawyers, others on self conduct as sittings begin

    C’River Tribunal Chairman tasks lawyers, others on self conduct as sittings begin

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Justice Oken Inneh, Chairman of the panel for the Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal in Cross River, has warned legal practitioners and journalists at the tribunal to conduct themselves as sittings begins.

    Inneh gave the warning in Calabar on Tuesday at the inaugural sitting of the Cross River Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal.

    The chairman promised that noted that the tribunal sitting would not entertain any form of delay or antics from legal professionals.

    “While I urge lawyers to cooperate with the panel, the tribunal will work in accordance to the law and will be fair to all.

    “Members of the press, please report what you hear and don’t quote the judges or lawyers out of context; if you are not clear, get clarification from the secretary.

    “As we officially commence sitting on Tuesday May 23, I appeal to all Nigerians to remember us in their prayers for the wisdom to interprete the law effectively,” she said.

    Speaking also, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Counsel to the All Progressive Congress, (APC), Mike Ozekhome pledged the support of his team to ensure that the tribunal dispenses justice within the constitutionally allowed time.

    He said, ” adding one more day to the duration of the petition could be injurious to any party. everything must be accommodated within the legal organogram provided for by the electoral act, 2022.” He stated

    Similarly,, Joshua Musa, SAN, Counsel to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Joshua Musa also assured the tribunal of their cooperation to achieve the aim of setting up the tribunal .

    Musa added, “we are challenging the election of the governor elect and his deputy because they are not qualified having been nominated by their party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) to run for the governorship election.

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  • Akpabio, Barau, others storm APC National Secretariat to show appreciation over endorsement

    Akpabio, Barau, others storm APC National Secretariat to show appreciation over endorsement

    10th National Assembly Senator-elects across political parties on Tuesday stormed the National Secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to show solidarity and appreciation for the endorsement of former Akwa-Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin

    Recall that the National Working Committee of the ruling APC had
    settled for Akpabio (South-south) and Jubrin (North-west) for the senate president and deputy senate president respectively.

    But the zoning formula proposed by the NWC generated protests by aggrieved members of the party for endorsing the duos

    Akpabio, while delivering his remark during the visit said they are at the party’s headquarters to show solidarity and appreciation for the endorsement after wide consultation with stakeholders in Nigeria.

    Akpabio Recall that the South-South part of the country last had a senate president in 1979 about 44 years ago when Joe Wayas from NPN became the number 3rd citizen of the country

    He said: Our brothers from the South East with very capable people have held the position since 1999 for about eight years and also producing the deputy senate president for twelve years till the current dispensation. The north central produced David Mark for 12 years, and Bukola Saraki and Ahmad Lawan.

    “Since the president is from the South and the vice from the north, it is right that the senate president is coming from the South. Of course, the South West is out left with the South-South hoping that there brothers from the East will support them.

    ” The wise men from the national working committee graciously zoned it to the South South. And a party man who served six years in the executive, eight years as governor, served as the minority leader of the Senate and minister to lead the tenth senate.

    ” I want to thank you on behalf of the senate who are here and to say that the tenth senate is totally different from all other senate.”

    Speaking earlier, Senator Ali Ndume, Borno South, Said the group of seven members of senators elect of the coming 10th senate are seventy who have supported zoning the senate presidency to the South South.

    He said: “Yesterday it was sixty-nine when we went to Lagos but this morning coincidentally a senator from your State appended his signature and we are seventy.

    “We are called stability group, it came from you and the president elect that this country needs stability. And this will come from fairness, equity,

    Also speaking, Senator  Barau Jibrin the deputy Senate Presidential hopeful thanked the party  for the endorsement given us to them.

    He assured the leadership of the party that they will abide by the manifestoes and programs of the party.

    “We want to assure you that we shall continue to be loyal and stand for everything this party stands for knowing that it is for the good of Nigerians.

    “We shall by every means draw the attention of our colleagues who are yet to identify with this endorsement”.

    The national chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu on his part, said the announcement also clearly mentioned that the party need further and better consultation.

    “From what you just said there is ample evidence that their have been consultation and we will not relent to ensure that if it were possible for all senators elect agree. Whatever we do, whatsoever signature we collect, the final decision will be on the floor of the Senate and also the house,” he said.

    Senators in attendance were:
    Senator Godswill Akpabio, Jubrin Barau, Ali Ndume, Gbenga Daniel, Ibrahim Gaidam, Solomon Olamilekan, Opeyemi Bamidele, Mohammed Tahir Moguno, Idiate Adebule, Tokunbo Abiru, Ipalebo Harry, Aziz Musa, Titus Zam, Darlington Nwokocha, Neda Imazuen, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Shuab Salusi, Yemi Adaramodu, Sadiku Oheire, Oyenkachi Nwanba, Sarafadeen Ali, Yuniz Akintunde, Mutari Muhammad, Jim Kuta, Kenneth Eze, Ethan Williams, Emmanuel Demdi, Dekat Plang, Bola Ashiru, Jide Ipinsagba, Wasiu Esinlokun, Howell Eyinsu, Karimi Sunday, Cyril Fasuyi, Isa Jubrin, Salihu Mustapha, Nasiru Sani, Kaka Shehu Lawan, Ndubusi Patrick, Ibrahim Mohammed, Rufai Hangar

  • SPEAKERSHIP: 107 opposition parties lawmakers are solidly with us -Hon Abass

    SPEAKERSHIP: 107 opposition parties lawmakers are solidly with us -Hon Abass

    …as Gov Zulum advises him, Kalu to be inclusive in their leadership

    …Lalong, Mohammed say politics is about loyalty and respect

    One of the top contenders for the 10th House speakership position, Hon Tajudeen Abass has said 107 opposition parties members-elect are solidly behind him.

    Also, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the Speaker and deputy Speakership candidates for the presiding officers’ positions in the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (APC, Kaduna), and Rt. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC, Abia), to do something about endemic political corruption in the country when they assume leadership of the House.

    Governor Zulum made the call when a campaign delegation of the duo led by the chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo paid him a courtesy visit on Monday night in Abuja.

    The governor who expressed delight in the composition of the campaign team which is comprised of members-elect from all the 8 political parties with seats in the incoming House, noted that little development is being achieved in the country at the moment due to political corruption that has robbed the people of the benefits of abundant resources.

    “Most importantly, I urge you to look into the issues of political corruption in Nigeria when you take over the mantle of leadership at the National Assembly. We have unlimited resources in Nigeria but endemic corruption will not let us see the benefits of what the people have been blessed with by God. And if we keep glossing over the issue of corruption Nigeria will continue to go round in circle without achieving anything meaningful in terms of development or advancement.

    Another thing that I want to implore you is to extend hands of fellowship to other aspirants seeking the same position when God willing you get there. I’m happy that we have opposition parties in this movement, we have PDP and other opposition parties supporting you. So carry everyone along in your leadership.

    “Inclusivity is very important. Plus Don’t distribute the cake now, because if you do, you won’t be fair to everybody. Wait for all the grievances to be settled and frayed nerves calmed before you do that. As people from Borno we would have been very happy and proud to have both the VP and Speaker. But since the party has endorsed you and the President and VP-elect have endorsed you, in Sha Allah you’ll be the Speaker and deputy Speaker. But don’t do a winner takes all. Make sure you form a unity leadership and a united House for the purpose of having a common front for the benefit of Nigerians”, Zulum said.

    Also addressing the Abbas/Kalu campaign team in his official residence in Abuja on Monday night, the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, while congratulating members for winning their elections, called on the Speaker and deputy Speakership candidates to remain true to the attributes that endeared them to the party’s leadership which informed their selection and endorsement. He also stressed the need for respect and loyalty to the party at all times irrespective of personal political interest.

    “So let me first congratulate all of you for winning your elections, and also congratulate your supporters who made you to win the elections. It’s not easy. And you know that if you have been in politics, you will know that politics is about loyalty. Politics is about being obedient. Not the other obedient (laughs). Being obedient to your leaders, our own leaders. And being respectful to the party. So when we finish like this there are bound to be different opinions, there are bound to be different interests. I was also a legislator. I was just sharing with him how I became the speaker.

    “As DG campaign, I was very loyal, and I remain loyal to the President-elect who was my boss and also the Vice President-elect and also to the leader of the party for now, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “So today we have elected a President, and have elected a Vice President. Definitely, their words will be our wisdom. So I will say that I have listened to you. I can say you are even the first person to have come to me, inspite of the fact that I have two of my own that also indicated interest. But I granted you audience to see you. And I saw you. When I said I saw you, you know what I mean. But if you become the Speaker and deputy, look at some of our interests too in the North Central Zone. Not that they are crying, they are crying on our behalf. So if you get it please don’t forget us in the North Central. But as I have received this message, I want to assure you that I will carry it forward. Even in the absence of the President-elect the Vice President-elect is already moving and the DG must support him for us to move forward.,” Governor Lalong assured.

    Briefing the Governor on reasons for the visit earlier, both Hon. Abbas and Hon. Kalu, as well as the Joint Task Coalition Chairman, Hon. Kumo congratulated him for a job well done at the just concluded Presidential election.
    They expressed appreciation for the sacrifices he mad to take on the challenges of marketing the party’s presidential ticket even in the face of mounting pressure and propaganda

    They however, informed the Governor that theirs is a unity project that seeks to reestablish national loyalty and cohesion in the polity, just as the Speakership candidate, Abbas disclosed that as at Sunday evening, not less than 107 members-elect from opposition parties have joined the movement.

    “So we are here your Excellency, inspite of the fact that you have two candidates, to plead with you to support our course, because our course is a Nigerian course. We are a unity project members here. We have membership across all the 8 political parties. And I can tell with confidence sir that our last count as at yesterday (Sunday), we have 107 minority party members onboard this project.

    Speaking to journalists after an hour long meeting with the Candidates behind closed doors, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State stressed the importance of showing respect for constituted authority.

    He said while it’s not in his place to assess the candidates who already enjoy the support of the ruling party and the President and Vice President-elect, he will sit with members-elect from his State to discuss on the need to be on “the winning team.”

    “I’m not in a position to assess the candidates. As a politician I know he’s the endorsed person by the President-elect and the Vice President-elect, and as someone who has a lot of experience in democracy and parliamentary practice I know there should be respect for constituted authority. I know there should be synergy between the executive and the legislature. And that is what is typefied by this endorsement that I should advice my members-elect to look positively into because I know that at the end of the day, they are going to be independent and they’re going to work to enhance the welfare and independence of the legislature under any leadership.”

    The Governor stated further that while he may be an opposition governor, he shares in the responsibility to ensure a harmonious working relationship between the executive and the legislature, noting that peace or conflict between them will determine the direction of the entire country and the people irrespective of party affiliation.

    “And of course it is not my business to know who was endorsed but it’s my business to see that there’s peace, there’s collaboration, there’s synergy between the two arms of government and of course my legislators (members-elect) are also going along with the winning team, ensuring that Bauchi is in the scheme of things and not excluded.

    “Hon. Abbas, of course I have seen his pedigree, I’ve seen his resumé and I have seen the support of the federal government, definitely we will sit down with my legislators (members-elect) and we will take a decision,” the governor assured.

  • 10th NASS: We are happy with zoning decision – Ohanaeze tells APC to ignore Orji Kalu

    10th NASS: We are happy with zoning decision – Ohanaeze tells APC to ignore Orji Kalu

    Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has waded into the controversy over the zoning of principal offices of the 10th National Assembly.

    The group’s reaction was over the protest by Abia Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu.

    Recall that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), zoned the position of Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives to Rep Ben Kalu from the same  State.

    But Senator Kalu, a former governor of the State, who is aspiring for Senate President’s position is insisting that the South-East deserves more than Reps Deputy Speaker.

    Reacting to the developments, the Ohanaeze Youths in a statement by its National President, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike urged Senator Kalu not to jeopardise the interest of the South-East by hiding under faceless groups to issue self-serving statements.

    While commending the APC and the President-elect for nominating Ben Kalu for Deputy Speaker, the Ohanaeze Youths said it was a decision based on merit.

    “Why Ben Kalu’s nomination is justified is because of his numerous works and capabilities shown in 43 bills and 22 motions and 2 laws signed by the President, making him the highest among his mates, especially those contesting.

    “He brought the largest investment to Igbo land from the federal government that runs into billions without diverting same and has been visible on the floor and all over the media as the face of Ndigbo.

    “As a spokesman, he did so well that Nigerians marked Igbos good on image making and public relations.

    “He stood by his party despite all odds; he is credible and dependable and will not bring Igbos shame.

    “The incoming government is happy with him and he will use that to attract more dividends for our people.

    “He won his elections based on what he did visibly for his people despite the wave he was saved by his works.

    “Those attacking him are those who feel his political positioning will shake their positions of leadership. They are doing it for selfish interest, not the region.”

    Okwu warned those sponsoring what he called “selfish campaigns against Hon. Ben Kalu to stop before we open their Pandora box on how they held Benjamin Kalu down for 22 years with nothing to show for his loyalty. We will also reveal how he fought his elections in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 in a graphic manner.

    “We are happy with what has been zoned to us, we are not ingrates, let those who worked more eat more.”

    He urged the Reps members-elect to cast their votes for Ben Kalu, assuring that he would give in the best for the unity and development of the country.

  • SPEAKERSHIP: Party’s supremacy Should not be Jettisoned on alter of political interest – Kalu (Photos)

    SPEAKERSHIP: Party’s supremacy Should not be Jettisoned on alter of political interest – Kalu (Photos)

    …as Abia stakeholders stage rally in support of APC’s zoning

     

    The Deputy Speakership candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 10th Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has called on his colleagues, particularly aspirants for the speakership seat of the House to place the supremacy of the party above any other political interest.

    Kalu stated this on Monday while addressing representatives of Coalition of Abia Stakeholders under the aegis of Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative who paid him a courtesy visit at the Campaign Sacretariat of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition in Abuja.

    Kalu who currently chairs the 9th House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs also called on members-elect from the South East zone to rally support for the Abbas/Kalu joint ticket, saying that it is one which is anchored on the diversity and multiplicity of interest in Nigeria.

    He noted that having provided the political vehicle that conveyed all winners of electoral offices to their desired destinations, the party’s position should be respected by all as a mark of honour and loyalty to the party.

    “I’m a man who believes that the party’s supremacy should not be jettisoned for our political interest. The party provided the vehicle for us to get to where we are, and their decision should be binding on us. That’s the only way we are going to make our party stronger, that’s the only way we are going to make people respect our party. Because our victories came through them.”

    Kalu also assured his visitors that if given the mandate to preside, the House under Hon. Abbas and himself will sustain the current tripartite approach to governance adopted by the outgoing administration, adding that the party’s decision to chose him and Abbas was based on the need for competence and maturity in understanding the objectives of the coming administration.

    “So the tripartite arrangements established by this current government is going to be sustained by the incoming administration where the party will sit with the Executive and the Legislature to come up with policy directions that will help our nation grow.

    “And the House through the partnership and the support I will give to my principal, who is the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas by God’s grace, that we will be able to buy into the national objective. It’s not wearing a boxing gloves to fight the government. We should understand that this government is our government. Three arms of government with one national objective..so this is what we need if we are going to take the nation from where it is to the next level.

    “I’m also happy that you are supporting the joint ticket that includes the Speakership candidate, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. He is a thoroughbred who has the highest number of bills in the House. He will be able to give to the House the kind of maturity in management that the House needs to manage the national objective that I have been preaching about.

    “So when it comes to comparative analysis between me and other members from the south East, I rank the highest with 43 bills to my name. And out of those 43 bills, about 2 to 3 of them have been assented to by Mr President. In motions also. I rank the highest in the nation in in terms of bills amongst new members, I also rank the highest in both old and new members from the South East.

    “So keep spreading this message not only to people who are within your constituency. Go outside your constituency and speak to people to speak to their representatives because we may not be able to reach all at once even though we will try our best.

    Kalu who assured that the 10th House will ensure the independence of the parliament whilst cooperating with the executive, noted that having all political parties represented in the Joint Task coalition was to cross fertilize ideas that represent the yearnings of Nigeria’s diversity, just as it will have at the core of its priority the national objective which includes equality and cohesion.

    “”So we believe that by the time we meet together, we can push for the independence of the parliament, what I call the parliamentary independence. And one of the things that we believe in also is the balancing of inequality. This is what the Joint Task stands for. We believe that building the nation, it doesn’t take one, it takes all. So all hands must be on deck and we must look at the existing inequalities and find a way of balancing these inequalities.

    “And doing that is very important because it will encourage national loyalty and cohesion in the heart of all the people from different geopolitical zones of the country which is the unity that we profess in our coat of arms which is ‘Unity, Peace and Progress’. So we want what will help us srentghten that unity so that we can progress as a nation in an atmosphere of peace. So in the spirit of section 14 of the Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria on Character, the balancing of positions around the country was what my party considered, and not because I’m not qualified to be the speaker.

    “Thank you for coming all the way from Abia State to tell me that as one of your brothers, you are backing me and it’s very important that the support is coming from home and it’s growing,” Kalu said.

    Speaking earlier, the Convener of the Coalition, Mr Dike Uche told the Deputy Speakership candidate that they were at the Joint Task Secretariat to pay a courtesy visit on the outgoing House Spokesman after a citywide rally they held in support of his campaign.

    “We came to do a courtesy visit as a fallout of a rally we just held in front of the National Assembly and other strategic places in Abuja. The rally was attended by over 200 groups from Abia and at the end of the rally, we now selected a representative from each of the groups to come and pay you a courtesy visit and to reemphasize our confidence in you the Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whom we had desired that you would become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

    “That was the position we had been canvassing then, but because the party had zeroed down its zoning and said that you will become deputy Speaker, even though it’s against our wish and which we would have insisted, but having listened to you in the media accepting the party’s decision to become the deputy Speaker, so we also now understand that between Speaker and deputy is a joint ticket.

    “And we also feel that the new government that’s to be inaugurated on May 29 will not function effectively without proper representation from the South East. And that has been our position, because we all know that Nigeria is built on a tripod. And that tripod if you remove one of the legs, cannot stand on just two. Irrespective of whatever the outcome of the election was, we feel that there should be inclusiveness. And we saw in you our dear Benjamin Okezie Kalu as someone who has all the qualities to be Speaker. Because you must have the quality of a Speaker before you can even become a deputy Speaker.

    “We are proud of you and we have been following your strides over the years, even the constituency projects you attracted to Bende Federal Constituency. Now we want to tell you that you are not going be just a representative from Bende Federal Constituency, but a representative of the entire South East, because you are going there to protect the interest of the South East. Both the women, the elderly and even we who are in the political class as stakeholders.
    We will continue this agitation until June the 13th when we are sure that this project is actualized and that is just the first leg of it.

    We will continue to press on it, we have granted interviews encouraging the new members-elect that you should be returned unopposed. You Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu should be returned unopposed as the candidate for the deputy Speakership post of the 10th Assembly,” Mr. Uche said on behalf of the coalition.

  • Speakership race: PDP Members-elect optimistic over peaceful resolution of lingering crisis +Photos

    Speakership race: PDP Members-elect optimistic over peaceful resolution of lingering crisis +Photos

    …insist majority of us in Greater Majority group have endorsed Betara – Hon. Inuwa

    Notable Members-elect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday assured Nigerians that the lingering crisis trailing the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly would be resolved amicably.

    The lawmakers who spoke during a media chat at the sideline of the ongoing Induction of returning and newly elected lawmakers organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), expressed support for the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu’s ambition.

    Speaking exclusively with Parliamentary Correspondents, former Speaker, Gombe House of Assembly, Hon. Garba Inuwa described Hon. Betara as the most qualified Aspirant after wide consultation with other Aspirants who have so far expressed interest in the Speakership race.

    “The focus of the Greater Majority is to have a very focussed and purposeful leadership for the 10th Assembly that will bring all members together for a good working relationship.

    “That should be based on track record, experience and commitment. Most of us in the 10th Assembly believe that Aliyu Betara has what quality to give to Nigerians what we want in the 10th House of Representatives.

    “Nigeria is already in a serious problem and to come out of this problem starts and ends with having a good leadership.

    “Once many of us coming from the Opposition Parties see reason to team up with somebody from the ruling party, you should know that such a person will be committed and has the will to carry all of us along as Members and has very good understanding of the tenets of the legislature and good relationship. The beneficiary of that will be the government in power.

    “I can tell you that the only person who qualify for the position and has all these qualities and is prepared and committed is Muktar Aliyu Betara.

    “Majority of us in the Greater Majority group have endorsed Betara for the position and I can assure you that if today, we go in for the contest, Betara will be the Speaker. His Speakership will be the gain of Nigerians. For somebody to choose a Speaker for us is a misnormal.

    “That is undemocratic and unconstitutional. We will vote for the person that will do justice to Nigerians and I can assure you that the next Speaker of the House of Representatives is Aliyu Muktar Betara,” Hon. Inuwa, a former Chairman, Conference of Speaker of State Houses of Assembly said.

    Also speaking with Parliamentary Correspondents, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo state who kicked against the APC National Working Committee’s plot to impose its preferred Aspirants on the House,

    He said: “I believe that the independence of the parliament is an important foundation for any progress that will be recorded. At the same time, stability and harmonious co-existence is also very important if we must achieve what we promised our people out there.

    “Right now, there seems to be so much confusion. But in the days ahead, after consulting party leaders, one can speak clearly on these divisions and this contest viz-a-vis the need for an independent parliament, the need for stability and the need for harmonious co-existence.

    “These disagreements are political in nature and they keep coming every four years. But I think that conversation must be shifted to the agenda of the 10th National Assembly.

    “I think people are focusing so much on this leadership contest without discussing these people who want to be Speaker. What is their Legislative agenda as it has to do with the urgent need to restructure the country, to secure the country, eradicate poverty, to ensure economic wellbeing of the people.

    “Now everybody is talking about who wants to be Speaker, who the party wants or does not want. But nobody is talking about what the Nigerian people want.

    “We now have a country where the rate of poverty keep increasing. Those who don’t have keep increasing, those who cannot sleep with two eyes closed keep increasing. The educational system is bad; there is so much disunity and division which also bring to the front burner the issue of how to unite the country and reduce the cost of government.

    “How do we ensure that every segment of the country feel entitled to to equity, fairness and justice. I think we should first x-ray these Candidates to know their capacity and how they understand the deep rooted nature of legislative business and the kind of legislation that will impact on people’s life.

    “We must find a way of bringing these issues to the table instead of focusing more on who the party want or don’t want. After the end of the leadership contest on June 13, they will be faced with the business of lawmaking and if we elect people who don’t have interest and concern for the key issues facing Nigerians today, then we are going to have a problem,” Hon. Ugochinyere warned.

    On his part, Hon. Cyril Hart (PDP, Rivers) observed that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulates the “procedure that we should adopt as members to elect our presiding officers. I share the sentiment that the Majority Party should produce the leadership of the House even though I am of the PDP.

    “Whatever you are seeing now will calm down and at the end, Nigeria will get the best out of it. So, there is no cause for alarm because it is all politics.

    “Contest is free and anyone is free to contest, but my simple opinion is that the majority party, the APC with the highest number of Members-elect should produce the leadership. It’s an APC affair and I believe that they should be allowed to produce the leadership of the 10th Assembly.

    “So, whatever they are are doing is their business. I am only praying that the best emerges. What you are seeing is politics. The dust will settle and at the end of the day, Nigerians will get the best. So, no course for alarm,” he noted.

  • 10th House: Masari, Radda, Aliero throw weight behind Abbas for Speakership+photos

    10th House: Masari, Radda, Aliero throw weight behind Abbas for Speakership+photos

    …insist party’s decision is supreme

     

    A top aspirant and APC’s choice for the position of Speaker in the incoming 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has secured the backing of both the outgoing and incoming governors of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and Dr. Dikko Umar Radda respectively.

    The endorsements came when Abbas led a delegation of members-elect from the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members from the eight political parties that have won seats in the 10th Assembly, on separate visits on Masari and Radda.

    Speaking during the late night visit on Sunday, Masari, a former Speaker of the House, said as a loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he believed the party’s choice should be respected.

    “You said I’m a party man; you’re right. So, I’ll align myself with what the party says. Once the party takes a position, I’ll make sure that I stand with the decision and make it succeed,” Masari said.

    A statement issued by Abbas’ Campaign office on Monday quoted the former Speaker as advising Abbas and his team to intensify efforts and work hard to realize the party’s decision, noting that the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State has shown capacity over the years.

    On his part, Dr. Radda said as party men, they would ensure that the APC’s decision on zoning was implemented to the latter, saying he is a product of the party hierarchy being a one-time national welfare secretary of APC.

    “I am a party man, and I believe we should work with what the party said. I called all our members-elect and told them to work with whatever the party decided. This is our project. This visit is just a formality.

    “We in the Northwest thank the party and the President-elect for ceding the position of Speaker to us. We have done a lot for the party, so we may ask for more. I am happy to see the kind of people with you. This is a pan-Nigerian project.

    “You need the support of each and every person among the aspirants. You should reach out to each and every person to have their cooperation and support. Don’t forget to carry members of Katsina State along if God gives you the position,” Dr. Radda said.

    Both Masari and Radda in their remarks during the separate visits in Abuja emphasized on party supremacy. They said the political party under whose platform a legislator got elected should be respected at all times.

    Similarly, Hon. Abbas secured the endorsement of a former governor of Kebbi State and serving senator for Kebbi Central, Muhammad Adamu Aliero, during a visit on Sunday.

    Aliero, who is also a former minister of FCT, said he was highly impressed by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas’ credentials both in and outside the Legislature.

    He promised to mobilize the PDP members-elect from Kebbi State for Abbas, saying the Kaduna Rep. is the kind of leader the House needs at the moment.

    “When I learnt that Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was visiting me, I said this is the moment I was waiting for. I had eminent Nigerians waiting for me, but I decided to wait for you.

    “I know very well that APC has taken a stand on zoning. I want to congratulate you for getting the APC endorsement. All we’re waiting for is the inauguration day. God willing, you’ll be there. I must commend you on your bipartisan approach. The best advice anyone can give you is to be fair and just to all the people that give you their support.

    “Treat everyone equally. Don’t discriminate. Whatever comes to you, look at it nationally. You should be just to all. When there is justice, everything will be okay in the society. I can boast of giving you five members from Kebbi State. One of them is Hon. Tanko Sununu who’s already working with you,” he said.

    Speaking during the visits, the frontline aspirant, Tajudeen Abbas, congratulated Radda on his victory as governor-elect for Katsina State and the APC victory at the national level. He also congratulated Aliero on his victory at the polls.

    He said he has been in the House of Representatives since 2011 representing Zaria Federal Constituency, noting that he is the current chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport.

    Most importantly, Abbas said, he is the member that sponsored 74 Bills in the 9th Assembly, 21 of which were signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Additionally, Hon. Abbas said he is the treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU), Africa, a member of the governing board of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as well as the leader of the Kaduna Caucus in the 9th House.

    Hon. Abbas noted further that he came to the Parliament after serving as a teacher for many years, teaching in both secondary and tertiary institutions where he established three different departments in different institutions in 1989, 2001 and 2005 respectively before joining politics.

    The delegation also visited the Enugu State governor-elect, Hon. Peter Mbah, who offered some words of advice to the Tajudeen Abbas team.

    Abbas holds the record of the member with the highest number of Bills in the 8th Assembly.

    He was accompanied on the visits by members-elect from APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, among others.

  • Expect 50-year masterplan from incoming administration, says Akande

    Expect 50-year masterplan from incoming administration, says Akande

    Elder statesman and founding Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, has said the president-elect Bola Tinubu, is most prepared to be president of Nigeria

    Akande disclosed this at the 97th birthday lecture of a foremost nationalist and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

    Akande said: “We thank God that this time around; Nigerians have elected a leader who has planned for a long time to be our President.

    “When Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State, he did not just plan for his eight years in office; he did a Master Plan for Lagos which has since been running for more than the past 20 years and which has transformed the city-state into the powerhouse of the Nigerian economy.

    “Therefore, it is right and necessary to expect a 20 or 50 years Master Plan for Nigeria from President to be Tinubu when he assumes office. This will transform this blessed country into a great one.”

    To the political class, putting Nigeria first must be a priority, he advised.

    “In our country, we know the President cannot be the sole agent of change. There are leaders and there are followers”

    He advised all good patriots to get involved and keep all hands on deck in order to align modernity with development.

    “We cannot be in love with the products of modernity like cars, telephones and air travels while we continue to live in dreadful underdevelopment. But presently, to our collective shame, almost all the cars on Nigerian roads are imported.

    “We import foods, wines, spirits, clothing, perfume, body sprays, toothpick and toiletries and then turn around to complain that the Naira is not strong. Let us, as followers, make the Naira strong by changing our ways.

    “Let us learn to make our own cars, produce our own food, drink our own wine and wear our own clothes because those individuals, corporate entities or countries, who think deeply daily, plan meticulously and work assiduously towards the realisation of their plans would continue to devise all means to confuse, exploit and enslave the lazy, fun-loving and planless pleasure seekers.

    “All good living can only happen when we change the way we think and the way we educate the next generations.”

     

  • Leadership tussle: Heed Akeredolu, stakeholders’ advice on Speakership, Group urges APC

    Leadership tussle: Heed Akeredolu, stakeholders’ advice on Speakership, Group urges APC

    A youth group in the All Progressives Congress, APC, APC Youth Alliance For Progress, APC-YAP, has called on the party and the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to heed the progressive and patriotic advice of some leaders of the party to jettison the present zoning arrangement.

    The APC-YAP in a statement on Sunday in Abuja stressed that ignoring the well-meaning advice of prominent stakeholders like the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, was recipe for a fractured National Assembly, especially the House of Reps.

    Governor Akeredolu had in a statement titled, “Proposed APC Zoning Formula for NASS Leadership Positions is a Skewed Arrangement that Reinforces Injustice And Enhances Inequity,” noted with great concern that the purported zoning arrangement released by the party “represents early signs of steps aimed at attempts to cabin the hard-earned presidency for our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by a few individuals with eyes on ASO ROCK POWER BUTTONS.”

    The youth group statement signed by Isa Pai and Wahab Adeyemi noted that it “stands logic on the head for the party to reward indolence and perpetrate injustice at a time for inclusion and national healing. It is urgent for the party to discard the notion of handpicking officers for the 10th House of Reps. Nigerians are already wary of the party and not attempt should be made to reinforce the idea that the party does not care about party development and democracy.”

    Referencing the Ondo governor, the APC-YAP wondered why the party that allowed an open field in the presidential primaries will now micro zone offices for the National Assembly as if it was a department of the party.

    Akeredolu had stated, “It is an insidious permutation that North-east will be deprived in the face of the unsavoury generosity dispensed through two slots to a particular geo-political zone. It is self-repudiating for one to argue, therefore, that the Speaker of the House of Representatives cannot also emerge from the North-east.”

  • Speakership: Why Tajudeen Abass must be rejected now, True Democrats tell members-elect

    Speakership: Why Tajudeen Abass must be rejected now, True Democrats tell members-elect

    The coalition of True Democrats at the weekend rose from an emergency meeting opposing the ongoing moves to impose Dr Tajudeen Abass as Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

    National Coordinator of the group, Dr Mustapha Yusuf in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja argued that the move is antithetical to the tenets of democracy and the rule of law.

    The group warned House of Representatives members elect to guard against any action that would compromise the independence of the legislature.

    The group called on members elect to freely choose from among aspirants jostling for the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives based on their pedigree level of acceptability, competence and experience over the years.

    The group thereby urged the President Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the APC to drop the idea of imposing Tajudeen Abass on members of the House in the interest of peace and tranquility in the country.

    The group noted: “The President Elect must not allow anti democratic forces not to cajole him into interfering in a function exclusively provided for the legislators by the Nigerian Constitution.

    “Those behind it are doing so for their own personal and selfish biddings which is inimical
    to our nations democracy.

    “For those who crafted the word democracy and indeed separation of powers. The idea is to have an independent arm of government called the legislature for the purpose of providing checks and balances in such a manner to avoid the concentration of powers in one body as this would lead to usurp of powers and consequently degenerate to dictatorship, tyranny and operation.

    “Section 50 (1a) and (1b) is clear and unambiguous as it states that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker shall be elected by the members of that House from among themselves.

    “This simply implies that any other person or persons or group of persons nominating the principal officers of both houses other than the representatives themselves is Null, Void and Unconstitutional, therefore amounts to an aberration which tantamount to usurping the powers of the legislators thereby exposing the fragile democracy of Nigeria to jeopardy.

    “We must do things the right way. We must not allow imposition of principal officers of the national Assembly on our legislators.”