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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki greet Muslims

    Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari, Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Saraki greet Muslims

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and a host of other influential Nigerians have sent congratulatory messages to Nigerians on this year’s occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, the President emphasised the significance of the celebration, and appealed to Muslims “to demonstrate the good virtues of Islam.

    The President said: “Taking advantage of the celebration to exploit fellow citizens through outrageous prices of food and rams is inconsistent with the fine virtues of Islam.

    “As practising believers, we shouldn’t seek obscene profits by making life difficult and miserable for others. We should not seek happiness at the expense of others. Remember that Islam is a religion of charity that urges us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

    President Buhari added: “I urge all Muslims to continue to live in peace and harmony with their fellow Nigerians of other faiths in the spirit of peaceful coexistence. Let us pray for the progress of Nigeria at all times. Let us expose undesirable elements among us who are creating security problems for the country”, he said.

    The Senate President on his part called on Nigerians and Muslims to work for peace, unity and progress of the country.

    In a message, he said: I felicitate with all Nigerians and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.

    “Every true Muslim is always grateful to Allah the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful for the privilege to celebrate Sallah, regardless of our circumstances.

    “The best way to demonstrate our gratitude to Allah is to share His blessings with our neighbours and show love and kindness to all, as taught us by Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

    “I also want to use the occasion to urge the faithful and all Nigerians to be steadfast in working and praying for the peace, unity and progress of our beloved country.

    “The current challenges are painful but this is a passing phase in our historical process of nation-building.

    “The government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined that we get the challenges behind us and steady our nation’s march to its manifest destiny of greatness.

    “The Ninth Senate and entire National Assembly will continue to facilitate the legislative environment needed for the success of all the efforts at the public and private sectors targeted at the security, peace and prosperity of Nigeria.”

    In a similar message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila called for prayers and unity of purpose among Nigerians urging them to use the Eid-el-Kabir to pray for their leaders as they find solutions to the country’s problems.

    Gbajabiamila said Nigerians must remain united and steadfast to be able to face the challenges confronting the country.

    He called on Muslims to imbibe the habit of sacrifice and love for one another as characterised by the Holy Prophet, Muhammad (SAW).

    Speaker Gbajabiamila said there is more that unites us as a people, hence the need for togetherness and peaceful coexistence.

    His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, in a statement, said the Speaker urged Nigerians to conduct themselves in a patriotic manner as “we have no other country we can call our own than Nigeria.

    He said: “I congratulate my Muslim compatriots for marking this year’s Eid-el-Kabir. This is a time for us to be more united as a people.

    “As Muslims, we must make frantic efforts to emulate the virtues of the Holy Prophet, whose life is a perfect example of what we all should be.

    “The act of sacrifice, one of the major lessons of the Eid-el-Kabir, should be part of our lives. We must make sacrifices for ourselves, our families, our friends, our neighbours, and of course, our country.

    “I enjoin all of us to continue to be good citizens and make meaningful contributions for our continuous peaceful coexistence.”

    In his own goodwill message, the immediate Past Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki congratulated Muslims across the world on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration while also calling on the ummah in Nigeria to continue to demonstrate fear of God which he described as a key ingredient in building a better Nigeria.

    Saraki in his Sallah message released in Ilorin and signed by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, also noted that, like last year, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival is holding with the Covid-19 pandemic still prevalent while the challenge has prevented many Muslims from embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

    “The essence of Eid-El-Kabir is the demonstration of the fear of Allah by Prophet Ibrahim (ASW) and his son, Prophet Ismail (ASW). If all of us can imbibe the fear of Allah, then our society will be better. Our country will develop if leaders display fear of Allah in taking key decisions that will affect the interests of the country and lives of the ordinary people.

    “Only the fear of God will compel leaders to always take decisions that will engender unity, peace, justice, equity and development in the country. Also, if ordinary people display the fear of God, we will all obey the laws and justifiably insist on the government initiating the right policies at all times.

    “Therefore, my muslim brothers and sisters should focus their prayers during this festival period on how Allah can help us to entrench fear of God in our society and in us as individuals, families, governments, corporate bodies and institutions. This is all we need to restore peace, prosperity, development and build a more efficient country that can serve the interest of all and sundry”, Saraki stated.

    He further prayed for God’s protection and success for all members of the security agencies on the frontline fighting against insurgents and other criminals. “May Allah heal our land and give us victory over all threats to the territorial integrity of our country. Eid mubarak !”, he added.

  • Electoral Act: Whatever you are doing is a nullity – opposition Reps tell Gbajabiamila

    Electoral Act: Whatever you are doing is a nullity – opposition Reps tell Gbajabiamila

    Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Friday declared that whatever the Speaker of the House, Femi is doing on the Electoral Act amendment is a nullity.

    The lawmakers sensing the situation, politely staged a walk out from the chamber to address the press

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Ndudi Elumelu the minority leader of the House without mincing words made it clear that there is no way Nigerians can accept an Electoral Act amendment without electronic transmission of results.

    Elumelu flanked by other opposition lawmakers said the controversial clause is being hoarded by the House for obvious reasons.

  • Electronic voting: We did not alter Electoral Bill – Gbajabiamila

    Electronic voting: We did not alter Electoral Bill – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said the National Assembly (NASS) did not alter the report on the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill 2020.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila stated this on Tuesday while reacting to claims that the leadership of NASS altered the report on the Electoral Bill that is still awaiting consideration by the Legislature.

    The speaker dismissed the claims, saying that it existed only in the “realm of speculation.”

    Gbajabiamila clarified that nothing had happened to the authentic report on the bill, adding that the House would pass it in the next few days.

    Recall that there had been claims that the leadership of NASS had altered the report, especially the provision on electronic voting, where it allegedly reversed the committee recommendation that election results should be transmitted electronically.

    However, addressing a point of privilege raised on the floor on Tuesday on the allegation, the speaker said it was mere speculation and urged Nigerians to discountenance it.

    Gbajabiamila expressed surprise that anyone would accuse the leadership of altering the report of a bill still in the custody of the Committee on Electoral Matters.

    He stated, “I really don’t want to speak on a report that has yet to be presented to the floor….Ordinarily, I will not comment on a matter that is not before us yet.

    “I don’t believe there is any alteration to the committee’s report.

    “Only the authentic report of the committee will be submitted for consideration. So, all that is being said remains in the realm of speculation.

    “I have asked the chairman of the committee and she told me that there has been nothing like that (alteration).”

    Recall that both the Senate and the House had announced last week that the bill would be passed before July 14.

  • BREAKING: Finally, Senate fixes date to consider joint committee report on PIB

    BREAKING: Finally, Senate fixes date to consider joint committee report on PIB

    The Nigerian Senate has finally fixed a date to consider the report of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream); Petroleum (Upstream) and Gas Resources on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2021 (SB. 510).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senate President Ahmad Lawan made this known on Tuesday, saying the Senate will consider the joint committee report on the PIB on Thursday, July 01, 2021.

    The PIB, which was first presented at the National Assembly in 2008, is an omnibus law to regulate the entire spheres of the industry.

    The bill, intended as a complete overhaul of Nigerian oil and gas sector, seeks to among others ensure an increased level of transparency and accountability by strengthening governing institutions to attract investments in the industry.

    TNG recalls that the PIB had passed all the stages and public hearing at the National Assembly and a committee was set up to finalise the findings on the bill.

    President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had at several fora assured that the bill would be passed in June.

    Disclosing the date to consider the joint committee report on the PIB, Lawan said, “We will be considering the report on Thursday. We have today, tomorrow and Thursday to look at the report so that when we consider the report, we will be doing so on the basis of what we have been able to read from this very important report.”

    The Senate President urged the Joint Committee to provide lawmakers with copies of the bill ahead of its consideration to enable them study its content.

    “Let me use the opportunity to thank our Joint Committee for working so hard, selflessly and patriotically to produce the report on the Petroleum Industry Bill.

    “This report, a copy each, must be made available to each and every Senator today, this afternoon.

    “I don’t know how the Committee would arrange it, but every Senator must have a copy today.

    “And we would be considering the report on Thursday.

    “So, we have today, tomorrow until the beginning of Thursday to look at the report so that when we consider it, we will be doing so on the basis of what we have been able to read from this very important report,” Lawan said.

  • Nigeria witnessing bloodshed usually associated with war -Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said the rising security crises across Nigeria can be likened to war, saying it appears like the country is living on borrowed time.

    Gbajabiamila stated that the recent Special Summit on National Security organised by the House would address some of the issues, especially relating to the clashes and rivalry between security agencies.

    The Speaker said this in his opening address as the House resumed plenary on Tuesday.

    He said, “Over the last couple of weeks, across our country, there has been a marked increase in the incidents and severity of violent outbreaks, kidnapping, banditry, and murder in broad daylight. From Owerri in Imo State to Igangan in Oyo State; from Niger to Kaduna and across the states of the North-East, we are witnessing bloodshed and violence of the sort usually associated with war.

    “These are trying times for all (of) our nation’s people. Families are in mourning; communities are under siege and even those who have thus far escaped the direct impact of the escalating violence cannot help but feel as if they are living on borrowed time. We are reminded of the urgent need for coordinated and targeted action by governments at all levels to address this menace and save our nation.

    “Two weeks ago, the House of Representatives hosted a Special Summit on National Security to harness the views of citizens and stakeholders, experts from within and outside, to define a new strategy for combating the different manifestations of insecurity in our country. The contributions we received from across the country and the recommendations made therein have already begun to inform legislative action in the House of Representatives.”

     

     

  • LG autonomy not for NASS to address – Gbajabiamila

    LG autonomy not for NASS to address – Gbajabiamila

    Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that the issue of local government autonomy is not for the National Assembly to address.

    Gbajabiamila said this during a two-day leadership capacity training, organised by the Minority Leader of the House, Mr Ndudi Elumelu, for ward councillors from Delta, on Monday in Abuja.

    He said that since the process of constitutional amendment was ongoing and the areas of possible amendments thrown open, it was for Nigerians to decide whether to have local government autonomy or not.

    “We did it the last time but when we went back to the states, we could not get the required two-thirds. So it is a process and we have followed the process.

    “While we were working on constitutional amendment, two-thirds of the states did not agree with us. So it is certain that it is the people that will decide whether they want autonomy for local government or not,” he said.

    The speaker, however, said that as responsible lawmakers in the Ninth Assembly, they would continue to do all that was in the overall interest of Nigerians.

    Gbajabiamila expressed confidence that at the end of the training, the councillors would have received a lot of education on leadership.

    He stated that while some people were born leaders, others acquired leadership, adding, however, that either way, there was the need to go through training to be able to garner necessary experience.

    The speaker urged participants to put the leadership qualities they might have acquired from the training to use to maximise their potentials.

    According to him, the best place to start exhibiting such potentials is the local government, as that is the bedrock of democracy and the closest to the grassroots.

    “It is important to know what it takes to have followers. As leaders, you must understand that you have followers and you have to deal with them on the issues of governance,” he said.

  • Gbajabiamila, Minority caucus laud Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO Head

    Gbajabiamila, Minority caucus laud Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO Head

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on her emergence as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

    Gbajabiamila, in a statement by Lanre Lasisi, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Monday in Abuja, said that Okonjo-Iweala’s track record speaks volumes.

    Similarly, Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives through Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, the House Minority Leader,
    congratulated the former Minister of Finance for her successful emergence as WTO director-general in spite of all hurdles.

    Gbajabiamila said Okonjo-Iweala’s unanimous confirmation by the General Council of the WTO to head the body was “a testament to her years of experience in the financial sector, both at home and abroad”.

    The speaker said that the former two-time Finance Minister of Nigeria came to office with a wealth of experience that spans several decades, noting that her track records speak volumes.

    He said with Okonjo-Iweala’s pedigree, she would take the World Trade Organisation to enviable heights during her term.

    Gbajabiamila said her confirmation had once again proved that Nigeria has experts that could compete favourably, both at home and abroad.

    He then called on the new WTO director-general to make Nigeria and Africa proud, while wishing her a successful tenure in office.

    In his remarks, Elumelu commended Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as WTO chief officer, adding that her emergence had reinforced global confidence in international consensus.

    He said it had also added to the recognition of competence and proficiency over provincial considerations.

    “Indeed, the election of Okonjo-Iweala to head the WTO is well-deserving, given her wealth of experience, competence, commitment and track records of performance in global finance and economy,” Elumelu said.

    This, according to him, was evidenced in her successes as the Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Managing Director of the World Bank and various other international development bodies.

    “We commend the global community for having confidence in Okonjo-Iweala and particularly, the U.S President, His Excellency Joe Biden, for the unwavering support given to her by his administration,” he said.

    The minority leader said that the election was clearly in recognition of Okonjo-Iweala’s competence.

    Elumelu said that the caucus commended the understanding and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee, in withdrawing from the race.

    He said it was another loud testament to Okonjo-Iweala’s suitability for the task ahead.

  • Slain Abuja vendor’s wife disassociates self from N500m lawsuit against Gbajabiamila

    Slain Abuja vendor’s wife disassociates self from N500m lawsuit against Gbajabiamila

    Mrs Josephine Okereke, wife of Abuja newspaper vendor killed by a security detail, has disassociated herself from the N500 million compensation lawsuit.

    Okereke told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that she was not privy to the N500 million compensation requested by the family.

    She said what was paramount now is how to get justice for her late husband.

    On Nov. 23, a letter signed by Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), counsel to Okereke’s family, had demanded a N500 million compensation from the speaker.

    The letter also stated that failure to comply with the N500 million demand within seven days would led to legal action against the Speaker.

    She however said that the Speaker had since reached out to the family with a promise to take care of the children.

    “Gbajabiamila carried my new born child when he came to our house and said he was not a speaker when he knew my husband.”

    Okereke said that what she needed at the moment is justice and not N500 million, stressing that she will never be in support of the N500 million compensation.

    The bereaved wife said the speaker had done what was unexpected of someone in authority with a promise to take care of the children education and other needs.

    “I was in my house when within 10 minutes my father in-law came from Abia, he went out along with his other son and the next day I heard that my husband’s people are demanding N500 million as compensation.

    “I was shocked and asked how will they be doing that and how will the speaker help the children again with such demand.

    “All I want now is that the person that killed my husband to face justice, he was the bread winner of the family and he just secured a job with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “But COVID-19 prevented him from resuming, it was the Minister, Dr Chris Ngige, that helped him secured the job, but since COVID-19 prevented him from resuming he went back to vendor so as to eke a living,” she said.

    The 36-year-old mother of two said she was also a vendor when they both met in 2013 and the union had since produced two children.

    Recall that Ifeanyi Okereke, the vendor was shot in the head on Nov. 19 by a security detail attached toGbajabiamila when the speaker’s convoy passed through the Federal Secretariat.

    Mr Wilfred Okoye, the Legal Adviser to Newspaper Association of Abuja (NPA), had condemned the death of Okereke by the security aide, Abdullahi Hassan.

    In an emotion laden voice, he said Okereke’s death was most painful, adding that the NPA is pained by the gruesome murder of the late vendor.

    He called for justice to the bereaved family to serve as deterrent to other security details.

    Okoye commended the speaker for the role played so far in assuaging the feelings of the family, expressing confidence that the Department of State Security that deployed Hassan to the speaker will do the needful.

    “I have not seen such empathy by people in authority in my 12 years of legal practice, the Speaker should not be discouraged , he should put up the trust fund quickly to secure a future for the children,” said the lawyer.

    He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to take immediate steps that would address overzealous security operatives in the country.

  • Speaker Gbajabiamila visits wife of slain Abuja vendor [PHOTOS]

    Speaker Gbajabiamila visits wife of slain Abuja vendor [PHOTOS]

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on Sunday visited the wife of Ifeanyi Okereke Elechi, the newspaper vendor reportedly shot dead by one of his security aides.

    The woman was just delivered of a child and the family was preparing for the naming ceremony before the unfortunate incident.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Speaker Gbajabiamila is meeting with the wife of the late Abuja vendor after the parents arrived in the federal capital territory (FCT).

    Gbajabiamila had vowed to the family that he would support the wife and the immediate family left behind.

  • Speaker Gbajabiamila reveals identity of killer aide

    Speaker Gbajabiamila reveals identity of killer aide

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila has revealed the identity of his security aide who killed Abuja vendor, Ifeanyi Okereke Elechi.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Gbajabiamila revealed the aide’s identity on Friday following street protest by association of newspaper vendors in the federal capital territory (FCT).

    In a statement, Gbajabiamila revealed the security operative as Abdullahi M. Hassan, saying he has been handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS) for investigation and appropriate administrative and judicial action.

    The statement reads: “The unfortunate death of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke at the hands of one of my security aides has left me deeply shaken.

    “Mr. Okereke was a citizen going about his business, trying to make a living for himself and his family. There is no reason for his life to have ended the way it did.

    “This morning, I have handed over the security operative, Abdullahi M. Hassan, to the Department of State Security (DSS) for investigation and appropriate administrative and judicial action. In the interim, he has been suspended from the convoy.

    “I expect, and I will see to it that the family of Mr Ifeanyi Okereke receives the full measure of justice so that their bereavement is not compounded by any actions that can cause them further pain and suffering.

    “I have expressed my personal condolence to his family and have arranged to meet with them when the parents of Mr. Okereke, who are already on their way, arrive in Abuja.

    “Additionally, I have committed to them that I will support his wife and the immediate family he has left behind.

    “I commiserate with the family of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke and ask all Nigerians to join me at this time to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul”.