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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • PDP Rep kicks as House adopts direct/indirect primaries in electoral act amendment bill

    PDP Rep kicks as House adopts direct/indirect primaries in electoral act amendment bill

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday re-adjusted clause 84(2) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2021 to include an option for both direct and indirect primaries in the nomination of candidates by political parties.

    This is sequel to the re-introduction of the Bill recently rejected by the President Muhammadu Buhari, on the floor of the House and reconsidered at the committee of the whole.

    Presiding officer, Femi Gbajabiamila had earlier informed the House noting that the “bill was committee of the whole on Wednesday 19, 2022. we move for the consideration of the observation made by the president in his letter.”

    “A letter was written by Mr President after declining assent to the bill and the relevant portion of the letter, paragraph 5.

    The Speaker had before commencing the proceedings cited relevant rules of the House guiding the process, noting that the House was constrained by the rules to only consider the item which formed the basis of the President’s refusal to grant assent.

    “It is this letter that has brought us where we are, and in line with the provision of our rules, we are in order to recommit and reconsider based on the observation officially communicated to us as a House. The relevant rule here is Order 12 Rule 20 which the sub head is reconsideration of Bills.

    “And it says “any bill referred to the House of by the president withholding assent may be reconsidered through a substantive motion by the House which has been the motion shall include all the clauses objected to by the president which shall be reconsidered in the committee of the whole,” which is what we are about to do. And I believe there is only one clause objected to by Mr President.

    “Sub three, “if necessary, the House may rescind its decision on this affected clause and reconsider the bill in the committee of the whole.

    “So basically our rules have tied our hands. We cannot even go outside that clause to inject any other thing even if we so desire.

    “We would go straight to Clause 84, which reads, “a political party seeking to nominate candidates for election under this Act shall hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions.

    “That establishes that primaries would be held and it goes on in subsection (2), “the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions shall be by direct or indirect primaries,”. this is the original copy that came to the House, Gbajabiamila stated.

    The Bill as re-amended was voted and carried by the House.

    At this point, an opposition lawmaker, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Dagomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) raised a point of order demanding that all the clauses be taken one after the other and allow members to make inputs.

    According to him, there are still clauses left in the Bill requiring that every presidential candidate must hold a special convention at state levels including the FCT.

    He said: “I read. A political party that adopts the system of indirect primaries for the choice of its candidates shall adopt the procedure outlined below:

    “A. In the case of nomination for the position of presidential candidates, a political party shall hold special conventions in each of the 36 states of the federation and FCT, where delegates shall vote for each of the aspirants at designated centers in each state capital on specified dates.

    “Mr Chairman if you go further, a national convention shall be held for the ratification, so you don’t elect at the national convention. The election of the presidential candidate would remain at the various state levels. That is what this English says sir. And it is not the way the primaries have been held.

    “This is not the intent of the electoral act that has been passed that was referred back to us to continue to consider the inclusion, to give Nigerians the option of direct or indirect. This thing still negates the principles of what we have always done here. And it is my suspicion, Mr Chairman, that it is intended for this Electoral Act not to be signed. These are all obstacles that have been put on the way of Nigerians to actually determine who governs them so they can provide effective leadership.

    “Mr Chairman we have to take all these clauses one after the other and allow members to make inputs,” Abiante said.

    Gbajabiamila, in his response said:

    “As a seasoned legislator I have read the rules of the House to you and you know that we are confined to the observations made by Mr President. We have a near perfect document. It may not be perfect, but we have a near perfect document. We adjourn to plenary.”

    While briefing the Press after the plenary, the House Spokesman, Benjamin Kalu, stated that the safety and advancement of democracy was prioritised in the decision to toe the line of the president in the amendment, adding that sticking to the guns would have been counterproductive.

    He noted that though the concept of direct primaries was a laudable one that should be considered by the country in its journey to electoral and political maturity, it was however important that such an ideal step is not used as a stumbling block to the attainment of other important reforms already embedded in the amendment which the president also agrees with.

    Kalu urged Nigerians to keep faith with the Parliament as the Bill when signed into law can still be amended in the future, saying: “no law is cast on stones.”

  • Electoral Act: We’ll quickly reintroduce bill on Wednesday to pass it for Buhari’s assent – Gbajabiamila

    Electoral Act: We’ll quickly reintroduce bill on Wednesday to pass it for Buhari’s assent – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has said the Electoral Amendment Bill will be quickly reintroduced and passed in record time for President Muhammadu Buhari to assent.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila made this assertion in his welcome address as Reps reconvene after the Yuletide recess.

    He said “I remain convinced that the proposal for direct primary elections is valuable for building accountability in our political system.

    ” But we must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Therefore, the House will reintroduce the amendment this tomorrow. And we will work quickly to address the mitigating concerns, pass the Bill and send it back to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    “As to the issues relating to inelegant drafting and other technical errors in the Bill. This is a matter of concern as it appears the version sent to the President differs from what is circulating in the public domain. However, in December of last year, I appointed a technical team to look into the issue.

    “I expect to have their report within the next day or two so that we can proceed to the next stage. We have less than thirteen months to the next general election, so time is of the essence. A credible electoral law is what the people want.

    ” It is what the people deserve, and we must give to them. The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill includes many other provisions that will serve our democracy well, and we cannot throw away the baby with the bathwater.

    Read full address below:

    Good morning honourable colleagues.
    1. I welcome you all back to the House of Representatives. I thank you all for being here this morning. And I am delighted to see you all looking refreshed and energised, ready to do the people’s business. I thank God almighty for protecting us through our travels and for his many mercies upon our lives.

    2. The 9th House of Representatives, despite the limitations imposed on us by a global pandemic, has been an unusually productive parliament. We have taken legislative action to address longstanding challenges of governance and economics in our country. We have passed landmark legislation to fix our oil and gas industry, reform the police and reorganise the corporate administration system in our country.

    3. We have considered and passed meaningful legislation that impacts all areas of our national life. Some of these bills are the Police Service Commission Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act (Amendment) Bill, amongst others. Just before we adjourned in 2021, we passed a slate of bills to reform the aviation sector and clean up our airports so that these critical national assets can be properly administered to the best expectations of the Nigerian people.

    4. We have used the appropriations process and the power of parliament over the public purse to pursue community and constituency development across the country. We have invested in primary, secondary and tertiary education infrastructure. We have provided ICT training centres to facilitate learning and enhance educational outcomes. There is, at the moment, virtually no constituency in the country that hasn’t benefitted from significant investment to improve primary healthcare, rehabilitate classrooms and schools and provide community roads.

    5. In reminding us of these things, it is not my intention to encourage complacency or give the impression that our work here is done, far from it. I intend to remind us all of what can be achieved when dedicated public servants work with purpose and precision in the public interest. And I want us to be inspired, in this last year of our present term in office, to work harder, work faster and achieve more than we ever did in the past.

    6. Too often, the legislator’s work and the benefits that derive therefrom are not uniquely recognised and acknowledged. Active measures are required to change that, and it is our responsibility to make sure that the people we serve have sufficient information to judge us on the facts. Therefore, it must be a priority for us this year to document our efforts and our success and communicate the same to our constituents across the nation so that we can be judged individually and collectively by our evident accomplishments.

    7. Honourable colleagues, we have a lot still left to do in a very brief time. Principal amongst these priorities is the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. First, let me express my profound gratitude to all of you for your work to pass this most critical legislation. I want to commend you all for the work done. Unfortunately, that Bill did not receive presidential assent, and it is unlikely that it will in its current form. Now, we have to choose between sticking to our guns regarding the provision to mandate direct primary elections for political parties or reworking that provision to save the rest of the Bill.

    8. Now let it be clear to all that our only objective in introducing that provision was to strengthen the foundations of our democracy so that it works for all of our nation’s people. The process by which political parties nominate candidates for election is essential, perhaps even just as important as the general election itself. A primary nomination process that deprives the majority of party members of the opportunity to choose who represents them in the general elections is susceptible to bad outcomes and ought to be fixed.

    9. Some argued that political parties do not have proper registers of their members, which was a reason to reject the direct primary option. This is an appalling admission that political parties in the country do not have credible and up to date registers of their members. We are left to question how those parties have thus far managed their affairs, including conducting congresses and primary elections, whether by direct or indirect means. Besides, it can be inferred that the failure to maintain a proper register of members violates the spirit of the constitution, as it makes it impossible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enforce the constitutional requirement for political parties to ensure that their membership reflects the federal character of Nigeria.

    10. Nonetheless, it is disappointing that the failure of political parties to adequately document their membership is being used to not give the Nigerian people the power to fully participate in our nation’s politics. If nothing else, including a direct primary mandate in the law, would have forced political parties to properly register their members within the shortest possible time. This would have been the singular most significant reform of our political party system in a generation.

    11. I remain convinced that the proposal for direct primary elections is valuable for building accountability in our political system. But we must not allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good. Therefore, the House will reintroduce the amendment this tomorrow. And we will work quickly to address the mitigating concerns, pass the Bill and send it back to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

    12. As to the issues relating to inelegant drafting and other technical errors in the Bill. This is a matter of concern as it appears the version sent to the President differs from what is circulating in the public domain. However, in December of last year, I appointed a technical team to look into the issue. I expect to have their report within the next day or two so that we can proceed to the next stage. We have less than thirteen months to the next general election, so time is of the essence. A credible electoral law is what the people want. It is what the people deserve, and we must give to them. The Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill includes many other provisions that will serve our democracy well, and we cannot throw away the baby with the bathwater.

    13. Our current constitutional review effort is as crucial as the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. Amending our nation’s constitution to address longstanding areas of disagreement and remove the vestiges of militarism from our democracy is one of the central commitments we made in the 9th House. It is a commitment we must meet or risk the harsh judgment of history. Therefore we will prioritise action to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives. Fortunately, we are in the final stages of that effort and will shortly conclude this all-important work. According to the deputy speaker, the first set of amendments will be forwarded to the state assemblies for consideration before the end of February.

    14. This is the final year we have to conclude work on our legislative agenda and fulfil the obligations of “Our Contract with Nigerians”. Let us approach this last stretch with the forthright focus and earnestness that comes from knowing that we are in a race to make good history. The entire purpose of the legislative agenda is to direct our legislative resources and efforts in a coordinated effort to ensure the wellbeing of the individual in a life of safety and freedom. That is a high ambition, but it is well worth the effort.

    15. Honourable colleagues, once more, I welcome you all back to the House of Representatives. I look forward to a fruitful year of considerable achievement in the joint task of nation-building. And I thank you all most sincerely for your presence here this morning. God bless you all, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • We will pass electoral act amendment bill – Gbajabiamila

    We will pass electoral act amendment bill – Gbajabiamila

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila has vowed that the National Assembly will pass the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila made the vow while commissioning some projects in Surulere, Lagos State.

    He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari must have declined assent to the bill out of good intentions and based on advice that he got.

    The Speaker stressed that the National Assembly will look at the reasons why the President declined assent and consider removing the clause and pass the bill.

    Gbajabiamila, however, re-emphasized that the direct primary clause was inserted into the electoral act amendment bill to ensure that people participate in elections.

    He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will revisit the electoral act amended bill, and ensure that an amended electoral law is in place for future polls.

    “If you followed the history of the amendment of the direct and indirect primary bill, I initiated that amendment bill for a good reason and it is for people to participate in elections. These are the people you see around when you campaign every four years come rain, come shine.

    “For me, it does not make sense that these people do not have a voice in who represents them. It is part of being used and I didn’t like that.

    “Most of us are reformers and one of the ways to reform the system is to make it more accountable and to make the people have a voice in who represents them as opposed to a few people sitting in the four corners of a wall and writing results. That is what the amendment was all about. Again, there is a process.

    “The president has, in his wisdom, rejected it and I believe he did it with good intentions based on the advice that he got. He weighed everything. Again, maybe times are different. He has people who advised him and I guess they advised him against the amendment bill.

    “There is a process. When we come back, as I said, the House will look at those amendments. We will sit as the National Assembly, look at the reasons and at that point, consider removing that clause and pass the bill so that we do not do away with the baby and the bath water.

    “But then, it is not my decision to make. It is the decision of the National Assembly, if they determine that the reasons are not good enough, then, there is a process prescribed by the constitution,” Gbajabiamila said.

  • Electoral Act Amendment: We’ll resume next year to reform our elections system to suit Nigerians – Gbajabiamila

    Electoral Act Amendment: We’ll resume next year to reform our elections system to suit Nigerians – Gbajabiamila

    …says we must not throw away the baby with bath water

    …insists budgetary envelope system needs to be reformed

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on Tuesday said the Electoral Act Amendment Bill reforms rejected by President Muhammadu Buhari will get adequate attention as it will be treated to suit what Nigerians want.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila made this assertion while delivering his end of year speech on the floor of the House as lawmakers prepare to pass the 2022 Budget.

    Hear him:”This year, despite the differences of opinions, all of us in the House of Representatives and indeed, the entire National Assembly, worked to pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

    ” We included in that bill, provisions we hoped will significantly enhance the conduct of our national elections and improve public confidence in our electoral outcomes.

    ” As it is now, that bill has not received presidential assent, and it falls to parliament to decide the best way forward. When we return in the new year, we will resume our efforts to reform the electoral system in our country. And we will do it together. That is what the Nigerian people expect of us, and we will do our duty for God and country.

    “Whichever way it pans out, we must not throw out the baby with the bath water and must deliver a credible and enduring electoral system to Nigerians. Every law is a living document and as long as it has breath, it must survive.

    Read full speech below:

    ” This is the last plenary session of the year, and what a year it has been. I thank God almighty for his grace and mercy upon us. I remember our colleagues we lost this year, and I pray once more for the eternal repose of their souls. I remember all the families across the country who suffered the loss of loved ones, and I pray that the souls of all the dearly departed rest in peace.

    ” Today, we will pass the Appropriation Bill 2022 in the House of Representatives. This is in keeping with the new tradition of operating an annual national budget from January to December. I thank the Chairmen of Committees of the House and all the members who worked hard to ensure that we pass the budget in time to maintain the record we have set in this regard.

    “In the 9th National Assembly, we have, with each budget cycle, sought to improve the appropriations process to ensure more effective and efficient allocation and use of our national resources. A recurring challenge is how best to ensure that the ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government adher strictly to the letter of the appropriation law. This is a subject of grave concern, especially now when we must contend with the reality of limited resources amid significant developmental challenges. Therefore, in the new year, the House of Representatives will explore further options for legislative action in this regard.

    “During consideration of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, we were inundated with requests for funding from Ministries, departments and agencies of government, all of whom require additional funding to effectively discharge their mandates. We recognise the genuine urgency of many of these requests and we have tried within the reality of limited revenues to meet the most critical needs. However, one thing that is now abundantly clear, is that the legislature needs to act to reform the envelope system currently in place because it imposes conditions that do not make for optimal outcomes. At the same time, we must begin also to consider options for merging agencies where there is a significant overlap in functions and responsibilities, and scrapping other institutions where their utility is no longer apparent.

    ” Last year, like the rest of the world, Nigeria was immersed in the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, the pandemic still persists, evolving in ways that portend danger for our people here at home and all over the world.

    ” Two areas of particular concern are the issue of vaccine hesitancy and the international response to emerging variants in ways that seem to target the African continent. We have seen through years of scientific evidence that vaccines work. They have worked to combat yellow fever and measles and to end polio. At the height of the pandemic, we prayed for deliverance from the trap of this deadly disease. Vaccines are the answer to that prayer, and as leaders in our communities, we should encourage people to take advantage of the protection offered by science to prevent illness and death.

    ” Just as importantly, it is evident that the ability to cross boundaries and participate in global trade in the coming months will depend on proof of vaccination. We cannot afford to isolate ourselves or allow others to cut us off from global civilisation at a time when our national economic indices remain lower than they ought to as a direct consequence of the contraction in international trade due to the continuing pandemic.

    “The troubling reality of financial hardship for many Nigerians requires that government continues to invest in infrastructure and education and diversify our economy from a dangerous overreliance on fossil fuels. This is the only real long-term option for addressing the problems of unemployment and economic disenfranchisement in our country.

    ” Our ability to do these things will be significantly reduced if we cannot participate fully in the international order.

    ” Last year, the House of Representatives initiated a long overdue effort to reform the statutory framework for public health emergency response in our country. At that time, our good faith efforts were willfully mischaracterised by individuals who saw the moment as an opportunity to score cheap political points and earn the passing accolades of the ignorant and misinformed. Today, the whole world is grappling with the issues we sought to identify and address then. There are many lessons to be learned from that experience.

    ” Most paramount of them all, is that public policy is serious business and the welfare of the Nigerian people must never be surrendered on the altar of cheap populism or the pursuit of short term political advantage.

    ” This year the House of Representatives took particular interest in strategic reforms to improve the national security architecture in our country. We passed meaningful legislation, such as the Police Service Commission (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Act. At the same time, we are taking expedited action on proposals to amend the Armed Forces Act, the Police Act and the enabling statutes of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    ” With these reforms, our intention is to address structural inadequacies of our internal security systems that have left us dangerously exposed. We will continue our efforts in this regard so that evident improvements to our national security will count as part of the legacy of the 9th House of Representatives.
    10. By the time we resume next year, we will be closer to the end of our tenures, with national elections rapidly approaching.

    “In the past, election years have witnessed a decline in governance activities as political pursuits cloud the calendar. That will not be the case this time around.

    “As you are aware, we have a legislative agenda in this 9th House of Representatives, which we tagged ‘Our Contract with Nigerians’. I expect that we will do everything within our power to keep the commitments we made in that document.

    “So that when we appear before our various constituencies, we can stand tall in the knowledge that despite challenges and difficulties, we did what we promised to do, and given a chance again, will do even more.

    ” This year, despite the differences of opinions, all of us in the House of Representatives and indeed, the entire National Assembly, worked to pass the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

    “We included in that bill, provisions we hoped will significantly enhance the conduct of our national elections and improve public confidence in our electoral outcomes. As it is now, that bill has not received presidential assent, and it falls to parliament to decide the best way forward. When we return in the new year, we will resume our efforts to reform the electoral system in our country. And we will do it together. That is what the Nigerian people expect of us, and we will do our duty for God and country.

    “Whichever way it pans out, we must not throw out the baby with the bath water and must deliver a credible and enduring electoral system to Nigerians. Every law is a living document and as long as it has breath, it must survive.

    “Honourable colleagues, I wish, at this time, to pay special tribute to the men and women who serve our country in uniform. I speak of those of our fellow citizens who serve in the armed forces, and at significant cost to themselves and their families, take action every day to protect our country. I honour their service and sacrifice, and I ask you to join me in doing the same.

    “I also celebrate all Nigerians who, despite challenges, still believe in the promise of Nigeria. And who acting in that belief, continue investing in Nigeria and innovating here. I want to assure you that you have the gratitude of the 9th House, and more importantly, our support in every way required.

    ” Honourable colleagues, I speak to you today in the assurance that we are God’s people – a country of diverse cultures united by our incomparable ability to bloom and thrive despite adversity. I remain confident that through whatever trials we might face, the triumphant spirit of the Nigerian people will overcome as we continue our march to peace, progress and prosperity more abundant. And I am thankful to God almighty for the grace and fortune to lead this assemblage of distinguished Nigerians in the 9th House as we work together in this joint task of nation-building.

    ” Please, use the recess to rest and recover, to engage with your constituents and be informed by their concerns and opinions. This will allow us to be more effective legislators when we return in the New year. I wish you safe travels, and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

  • Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki mourn Wayas

    Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki mourn Wayas

    The trio of Ahmad Lawan, Nigeria’s Senate president; Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki have expressed sadness over the death of Dr Joseph Wayas, a former president of the Nigerian Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lawan, Gbajabiamila and Saraki expressed sadness over the passing of Wayas in separate statements released on Thursday.

    The President of the Senate, Lawan sent his condolences to the family of Wayas, who died on Thursday. He commiserated with the family of Senator Wayas, the Government and People of Cross River State, friends and political associates of the late elder statesman.

    He described the death of Senator Wayas as a great loss for Nigeria.

    “Senator Joseph Wayas was a great lawmaker and political leader who served his country and people with dedication and integrity.

    “As the Senate President in the Second Republic, Senator Wayas led the upper chamber with competence and passion. He was a great symbol of his political era.

    “Senator Wayas continued to contribute to nation-building, democracy and socio-economic development of Nigeria even after he left public office in 1983.

    “He played a significant role as Deputy Chairman of the 1994-95 National Constitutional Conference and took part in many other national assignments.

    “Nigeria will sorely miss his wealth of experience,” Lawan said

    The Senate President prayed to God to grant Senator Wayas’ gentle soul a sweet repose and to his loved ones the fortitude to bear his loss.

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbajabiamila expressed sadness over the demise of Wayas, who served as the third President of the Senate from 1979 to 1983.

    Gbajabiamila, while condoling the government and people of Cross River State over the loss of the elder statesman, noted that his contributions to the deepening of democracy in the country can not be overemphasized.

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman, the Speaker enjoined the family, friends and the people of Cross River State to take solace in the fact that the ex-President of the Senate, a founding member of the defunct All People’s Party (APP), contributed his part to the political development of Nigeria.

    On his part, Saraki noted that Wayas was President of the Senate while his father, Dr. Olusola Saraki served as Senate Leader between 1979 and 1983.

    He recalled how Wayas used to visit their home when he was much younger, revealing that he consulted with the late Wayas regularly on issues relating to the running of the Senate when he was Senate president.

    “My prayers are with the Wayas family over the passing of Dr. Joseph Wayas, who was the President of the Senate while my father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, served as Senate Leader between 1979 and 1983.

    “I remember when I was younger, whenever Oloye used to visit Dr. Wayas, or Dr. Wayas came to our home on visits, he always had a knack for wanting to ensure that everyone was carried along in the solutions to the problems of the day.

    “During my time as Senate President, knowing fully well how closely he and my father worked, based on his experience, I consulted with him regularly on issues relating to the running of the Senate. He was a guest at a few of our anniversary events in the 8th Senate.

    “This is why, today, as we mourn the passing of this great statesman, experienced legislator, and people-centered politician, I thank Almighty God and his family for sharing him with us. I also commiserate with the people of Cross River State over Dr. Wayas’s demise, and pray for strength for his family, friends, political associates, and supporters,” Saraki stated.

    TNG reports Wayas died in a London hospital on Thursday, aged 80.

  • Reps plan free healthcare for every child in Nigeria

    Reps plan free healthcare for every child in Nigeria

    Healthcare delivery to all children in Nigeria may become free soon, the House of Representatives has said.

    A bill to achieve this passed the second reading stage on Wednesday at the House of Representatives.

    Wednesday’s plenary of the House, where the bill scaled second reading, was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    The long title of the bill, sponsored by the member representing Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency of Kebbi State, Rep. Bello Kaoje, reads, “A Bill for an Act to make Healthcare Service Delivery free for all Children in Nigeria; and for Related Matters.”

    However, some debate ensued on the floor before the bill eventually passed second reading.

    A number of lawmakers held the view that the bill might conflict with the National Health Act, which already empowered the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency to provide free medicare to children and women in rural communities.

    The Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, for example, sought that the bill should rather be an amendment to the National Health Act to avoid duplication of functions.

    The Speaker, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila observed that the House needed to be convinced that the existing Act indeed made a provision for “free” medical service to all children in Nigeria.

    The majority of members spoke in support of passing the bill passed for second reading and was referred to the committee stage.

    The bill was passed for second reading by a majority voice vote.

  • We’ll ensure exhaustive work on 2022 budget – Gbajabiamila

    We’ll ensure exhaustive work on 2022 budget – Gbajabiamila

    …tasks MDAs on accountability, timeliness at budget defence

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the National Assembly would “ensure exhaustive consideration” of the 2022 budget that President Muhammadu Buhari presented to the federal legislature on Thursday.

    The Speaker, who said the National Assembly was committed to the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill as it did in the last two years, noted that the next two to three months will be for the strictest scrutiny of the budget estimates and emphasized that lawmakers would hold government agencies accountable for the previously appropriated funds.

    In a remark at the budget presentation before a joint session of the National Assembly, Gbajabiamila recalled that upon inauguration, the 9th Assembly committed itself to pursue long-awaited and critical reforms to the appropriations process for better delivery on the promise of national development.

    “Over the last two budget cycles, by the joint effort of the executive and legislature, we have made significant progress in this regard and achieved reforms that will stand the test of time and count in our favour,” he noted.

    Speaker Gbajabiamila added that while working to deliver the previous budgets, the lawmakers worked “through the day and night, forgoing all other considerations in a joint effort to deliver a national budget that meets the highest expectations of the Nigerian people.

    “Therefore, I am confident that the National Assembly will give this Appropriation Bill the prompt consideration it demands.

    “However, let me use this opportunity to say to the heads of ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria that the determination of the National Assembly to deliver a timely budget will not derogate from our responsibility to ensure exhaustive consideration of the Bill.

    “We will demand a thorough accounting for the funds previously appropriated, disbursed and expended. And we will take steps to hold to account those who fail to provide the records we need to make informed decisions on the Appropriation Bill. This is the responsibility of the National Assembly, and we will live up to it.”

    The speaker noted that the reforms introduced by the 9th Assembly in the appropriations process, “including establishing a January to December budget cycle, improving oversight procedures, and ensuring greater fidelity to the letter and spirit of our appropriation laws, have led to measurable improvements in public infrastructure, access to education and housing, healthcare and transportation, amongst others.

    “These improvements, which have had a positive impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians across the country, inspire us to do more.”

    He said innovations in technology, the changing nature of global trade, the challenges of cross-border insecurity and the increasing interdependence of nations have continued to “present challenges we must overcome and opportunities we must embrace.”

    As legislators and leaders in government, the speaker said, “we have a continued obligation to ensure that in considering this Appropriation Bill, we make all deliberate efforts to ensure that we continue to make critical investments in education and healthcare, public infrastructure and national security.

    “Through these investments, we can hope to build an economy that provides enough well-paying jobs for our young population so that we can, in our lifetime, end endemic poverty in our country and eradicate the social ills that derive therefrom.”

    The speaker said the House has, in the last one year, passed several important resolutions relating to healthcare, primary education and national security that require actual funding.

    “Where these resolutions have not been included in the Appropriation Bill, the House will work with the Senate and with the Executive to see to it that the final version of this Appropriation Bill includes necessary allocations to implement these resolutions and give full effect to the best wishes of the House.”

    Gbajabiamila thanked President Buhari for coming to present the budget estimates personally as usual, and commended the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, the Budget Office, Honourable Ministers and all those who contributed to drafting the Appropriation Bill.

    “The National Assembly will build on your efforts. Together, we will deliver an Appropriation Act that provides real solutions to national problems, unlocks economic potential, secures our country and brings a future we can all look forward to and be proud of.”

    He also paid glowing tributes to senators and members of the House for their “unmatched determination to delivering the annual budget on time, in line with our commitment to a January to December budget cycle.”

  • BREAKING: Nigeria opposition parties call for impeachment of Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    BREAKING: Nigeria opposition parties call for impeachment of Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila

    The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has urged the National Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The spokesperson, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere made the call on Wednesday at a press conference.

    He alleged that the President had abused his office, grossly misconducted himself and failed to protect the lives and property of Nigerian citizens.

    Ugochinyere said life was now so cheap in Nigeria that leaders “do not even show empathy anymore”.

    The CUPP said people are becoming unfeeling since wanton killings have become the order of the day and every new death is taken for granted.

    The parties called on opposition lawmakers to work “in alliance with patriotic members who are imprisoned in the APC and seeking liberation to commence action and impeach the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila immediately”.

    The CUPP alleged that both leaders of the chambers of the National Assembly have failed to guide their colleagues to act as checks and balances on the Executive.

    “They do not have respect again as several members of the Executive ignore them even when they are officially summoned.

    “Lawmakers are no longer respected and are ignored even when they officially summon officials of the Executive because they are daily moving form office to office begging, blackmailing and grabbing anything and everything they can grab.”

    Ugochinyere announced that the CUPP has filed a suit at the Federal High Court to seek an order of mandamus to compel the National Assembly to perform its constitutional duty by investigating the several allegations of gross misconduct against Buhari.

  • Nigeria@61: Gbajabiamila advocates peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians

    Nigeria@61: Gbajabiamila advocates peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Nigerians to be more united for the common purpose of building a country that meets the best expectations of all Nigerians.

    Citing the well-known aphorism, United We Stand and Divided We Fall, Gbajabiamila in a statement on Thursday said unity is priceless, urging every Nigerian to drop their sentiments and work together for a better nation.

    In a message marking Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary, the Speaker re-echoed the fact that Nigeria is “the only country we can call our own,” noting that, “As far as I am concerned, there is no country on earth like Nigeria, and I know every patriotic Nigerian holds this view.”

    He added that Nigerians must all work together to fulfill the dream of a nation of peaceful coexistence and abundant prosperity.

    He said in the past 61 years, Nigeria has grown and developed beyond imagination, though he recognised the fact that, “we still have significant challenges we must overcome together.”

    Speaker Gbajabiamila said Nigerian leaders were doing their best to see an end to the challenges facing Nigeria, especially the insecurity across the country.

    He noted that such efforts required the support of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliations.

    The Speaker reassured Nigerians that the 9th Assembly would always give the necessary legislative interventions to other arms of government to smoothen the task of governance.

  • Why lawmakers voted for, against electronic transmission of election results – Gbajabiamila

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should work together to conduct credible elections in the country.

    This is according to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who briefed reporters in Abuja on Tuesday.

    “INEC is empowered by our laws and the constitution to conduct elections and NCC has the mandate in terms of technology and capacity and all of that. So they need to work together for us to have credible elections,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila also spoke on the decision of the House to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill, moments after opposition lawmakers walked out of the heated session at the National Assembly chambers in Abuja on Friday.

    The house passed the majority of the 158 clauses of the bill intact including Clause 52 (2), which had led to controversy and debate.

    Clause 52 (2) reads, “Voting at election and transmission of results in this Bill shall be in accordance with the procedure determined by the Commission.”

    The Speaker explained that the capacity of the constituents influenced the voting, noting that the citizens should not blame lawmakers who were in support and others against the electronic voting.

    He added, “Those who voted against electronic transmission believe that their constituents would be disenfranchised and you cannot blame me for that.

    “Because I am not disenfranchised does not mean I should look dispassionately at what the other person is saying and those who voted for it believe that their constituents would not be disenfranchised.”

    While calling on Nigerians to await the recommendation of both INEC and the NCC on the issue, Gbajabiamila maintained that the House voted to allow the electoral body to have the discretion to determine how they want to do it.