The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that there is a need to come up with a legislation on cryptocurrency, which is gradually becoming acceptable all over the world.
The Speaker said the legislation became necessary to regulate transactions involving cryptocurrency for Nigeria not to be left behind.
Gbajabiamila who spoke during a visit by the board of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) led by its chairman, Ronke Sokefun, said he believed the corporation’s mandate was critical to the financial sector of Nigeria’s economy.
He said the House would structure the corporation to enhance the agency’s statutory functions, saying the House would look at the law establishing the agency to make amendments that would ensure that some of its functions do not overlap with that of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“On the issue of cryptocurrency, I think block-chain technology is novel and coming up strong. We don’t want to be left behind
“Not too long ago, a group of world leaders, G20 met in Osaka, Japan and one of the issues they discussed was block-chain technology and cryptocurrency.
“They had a sub-group of leaders called the V20 established from that meeting. It’s an assemblage of virtual currency representatives. I think the world is taking the issue of cryptocurrency and block-chain technology seriously. We don’t want to be left behind, and we have to take it seriously.
“The House is ready to work with you on that so that we don’t get left behind, and within legislation and regulation of block-chain application that will put Nigeria within that rank of advanced technology.
“I’m aware that we trade on different platforms about $12 million on yearly basis in this country, and a lot of these things, as you said, are in the air but not captured. It is time we begin to look seriously at this advancement in technology,” the Speaker said.
On structuring the corporation, the Speaker said “there seems to be a blurry line over some of your functions and that of CBN: some overlapping functions.
“I think we need to structure NDIC so that the lines are clearly defined. I’m sure if that hasn’t happened already, there will be times, if not now but in the future when those grey areas might cause issues between you and the CBN.”
Speaker Gbajabiamila also assured that the yet-to-be-constituted House Committee on Banking and Currency would pay adequate attention to the activities of the corporation and that suggestions on how to collaborate with the House would be welcomed.
Earlier, the NDIC chairman Sokefun said the visit was to congratulate the Speaker on his emergence and acquaint him with the basic functions of the corporation being a critical player in the Nigerian financial sector.
She said the corporation has achieved remarkable success in its 30 years of operations, noting that it was the first public sector institution in Nigeria to receive three international standards certification.
She said NDIC the corporation has been remitting pension and national housing funds, among others, to the appropriate quarters and that it was adjudged the best performing ministerial sector unit by SERVICOM.
Tag: Gbajabiamila
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Gbajabiamila seeks legislation for cryptocurrency
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Ninth NASS 'll be gender sensitive – Gbajabiamila
From Jonas Ike, AbujaSpeaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the 9th National Assembly would be sensitive to the issues of gender and ensure more women participation in politics.Speaking at the 100 Women Lobby Group’s Roundtable in Abuja, Gbajabiamila said there is need to change the nomenclature of the Federal Character to include a Federal Character and Gender Commission. In a speech titled ‘Women are a priority,’ the Speaker said he was very passionate about finding solutions to the challenges affecting women and the opportunities that appropriate policy and legislation could offer in addressing them.“We have spent decades talking about the importance of gender equality, equity, and fairness. However, while we speak, the situation gets worse. Anyone who has kept abreast with social media and the scandals that have been unfolding will agree with me that there is a national emergency on women issues.“I want to assure you and the women of Nigeria that you have my support. I will work to ensure that this 9th Assembly is deliberate in its consideration of policies and legislation that impact women and girls, and this roundtable will be the foundation for a partnership for lasting change,” the Speaker said.Responding to questions from some of the women at the roundtable, the Speaker said: “Let me acknowledge the fact that you women are fortunate. To champion your course, you have very vibrant women in parliament.“For me, it’s not just about the quantity, but it’s about the quality. All of you know Hon Nkeiruka Onyeajocha and Hon Aishatu Dukku. They’re women that will champion your cause.“On the issue of security, I agree that there’s an indirect correlation between security issues and the advancement of women. Just yesterday, I was in Zamfara where six people were released to us, and they’re mostly women.“We will definitely look at the issues of constituency participation through town hall meetings. We’ll focus on women groups. If you have any proposal, you can send that to us.“I don’t think we should look at the past. I think we should be looking at the future and move forward and make things better. Once again, let me assure you that the 9th House would be gender sensitive; we will champion your cause.”Speaking, the National Coordinator, 100 Women Lobby Group, Mrs. Felicia Onibon, said the roundtable was to establish new strategic alliances to develop a comprehensive national blueprint for the expansion of spaces for increased participation of women in politics and governance.She said the Nigerian women would want an increased to women sensitive policy areas such as health and education as well as greater transparency in oversighting the utilization of appropriated funds and the activities of gender desks in all the ministries to ensure that women are adequately impacted.While calling for a review of the constitutional provisions and legislation that discriminate against women’s citizenship rights, she also called for a consideration of the gender impact of selected constituency projects. -
Security Challenges: Speaker Gbajabiamila visits Zamfara on Sunday
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila will on Sunday July 14, 2019 visit Zamfara State as part of his efforts to assess security challenges in some states across the country.
During the visit, the Speaker is expected to travel to some specific Local Government Areas in the state that are most affected by activities of bandits and kidnappers.
The Speaker, who will be in company of some members of the House, will also meet specific individuals such as government officials, including the state governor, community and religious leaders.
The Speaker’s visit would afford him the opportunity to see the situation on ground, return to the House and together with members make necessary recommendations to the Executive arm of government.
It is expected that the Executive arm will leverage on the assessment of the House on the security situations in the affected states and take further action.
After his emergence as Number 4 Citizen, Speaker Gbajabiamila promised to visit the states that have been facing security challenges.
This is in line with the Speaker’s campaign slogan themed ‘Nation Building: A Joint Task.’
After Zamfara State, the Speaker will also visit other states such as Katsina, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, among others. -
Gbajabiamila appoints Media Team
The Speaker of the House of Representative, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, has appointed Mr Olanrewaju Lasisi, as his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Gbajabiamila said that the appointment along with five others is with immediate effect.
Until this appointment, Lasisi, 46, was the parliamentary correspondent of Channels Television with over 10 years experience reporting activities of the House.
He was also the producer and presenter of a weekly television programme, ‘The Gavel’ which focuses on the Nigerian parliament.
Lasisi holds a Masters Degree in Performing Art from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and has participated in media exchange programmes both in Nigeria and United States of America.
Gbajabiamila also appointed Mr Musa Krishi as his Chief Press Secretary.
Until this appointment, Krishi, 33, was a Daily Trust Newspaper correspondent at the National Assembly with six years experience.
Krishi was also the Assistant Political Editor at Daily Trust between 2014 and 2015.
He joined Daily Trust newspaper in 2012 as part of the newspaper’s policy of automatic employment for best graduating students of mass communication.
Krishi hails from Kokona Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State.
Gbajabiamila also appointed Mr Bukola Ogunyemi as his Special Assistant on New Media who until his appointment was a social media specialist with World WildLife Fund in Washington DC, USA.
Ogunyemi, 32, is a former social media manger for Chocolate City Group, where he influenced social engagement of eight labeled artists.
He has managed more than 100 social media accounts, digital campaigns for companies, businesses, governments, and non-profit organisations.
Ogunyemi, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, owns the verified Twitter handle @Zebbook where he discusses public policy, advocacy, current events, and technology with over 33,000 followers.
He is an active member of Data and Marketing Association, Internet Marketing Association and International Public Relations’ Association.
The speaker also appointed Mr Dele Anofi as his Special Assistant on Print Media.
Until his appointment, Anofi, 52, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was the Nation Newspapers’ Politics Correspondent at the House for seven years.
He was also a Public Relations’ Officer at the Federal Housing Authority between 1996 and 2001.
Anofi is an alumni of the United States (US) International Visitor Leadership Program, Washington DC and hails from Ilorin, Kwara State
The speaker also appointed Mr Kunle Somoye, 26, a young media strategist, researcher and communicator as Special Assistant on Electronic and Broadcast Media.
Until this appointment, he was a member the Buhari Presidential Media team and also served the Election and Monitoring Directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.
Somoye is a graduate of University of Abuja.
Gbajabiamila also appointed Mr Ayo Adeagbo as his Special Assistant on Visual Communication as well as Official Photographer.
Adeagbo, 25, a graduate of University of Ibadan was a documentary photographer to former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly.
Adeagbo also served as Assistant Chief Photographer to former Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi. -
Gbajabiamila's Chief of Staff loses father
The Chief of Staff to the Hon. Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Speaker,Zamfara State House of Assembly,Hon. Sanusi Rikiji has lost his father, Alhaji Garba Rikiji.
He died at the age of 80.
Alhaji Garba Rikiji, who until his death was a community leader ,philanthropist and an industrialist hailed from Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State. He contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of Zamfara State and was until his death was the Chairman, Rikiji and Sons Group of Companies.
Alhaji Garba Rikiji is survived by wives and children among whom are Rt. Hon. Sanusi Rikiji, Alhaji Lawali Garba Rikiji, Chairman Danmaikyau and Sons limited and others.He has been buried according to Islamic rites in Gusau. -
Gbajabiamila advocates return to January-December Budget Cycle
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday on Sunday urged the Presidency to ensure the early submission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, to allow for the early passage of the 2020 budget.
Gbajabiamila, spoke during a courtesy visit by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha and his team at the National Assembly,, adding that its to help the country return to a January to December budget cycle.
He said: “Again, part of the reforms which we want to achieve is; I will want a situation where before we go on long break in the next week, maybe three week, I would want a situation where the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF will be submitted to this House so that we can pass it before going.
“And then, when we come back in September, may be by the end of September, the budget is before us. Because by finance laws, the budget is based in the MTEF. The MTEF needs to be submitted. At the end if the day, we don’t want the budget to be brought in December.
“So, this is the timetable that we have set. One, the MTEF to be submitted. Two, we work on it and go on our long break and then come back. At the end of September, present the budget to us. And what does that do? It leaves us with three months to pass the budget. It brings us back to that circle of January to December. And by January 1, we pass the budget as envisaged in the constitution.
“We want you to help us with this process. We want to streamline the budget process because the input of the members cannot be negotiated. So, if that input can come before the presentation of the budget, fine. So that when the budget comes, we just need little things here and there but not to rewrite a whole budget because we have not been carried along from onset. I think those are the issues.”
Gbajabiamila while stating that “We want good collaboration,” also made some demands on the SGF t”o allow for better working conditions in the National Assembly.”
He said the NASS will be coming to the executive “with a shopping list which will make our work easier.
“The list will include things like Library, world class, international standard library. we will be needing your intervention in that regard. We will need to make the House IT complaint.
“But I am glad to announce that even by tomorrow as we resume sitting, one of our reforms will already be in place. The chambers is more or less 80% IT compliant. We have a new set of equipment that allow easy face recognition and electronic registration or internet server as they say. This was done on our own in the last 2 to 3 weeks because they were promises we made and we must fulfill.”
The Speaker further said “there is independence and also interdependence of all three arms of government. You need me and I need. It’s going to be a symbiotic relationship between all three arms of government. No one is an island. And the three of us need to work together for the good of the people who we seek to govern.
“We will handover the maintenance of this building to the FCT because as it is today, the building is almost collaping. Maintenance is at zero level. We believe that it should be handed over to the FCT where it will a lot easier. ”
Speaking earlier, the SGF said he had come on a courtesy call to congratulate the lawmakers on a bipartisan and transparent election.
Mustapha who came to the National Assembly in company of the Special Senior Assistants to the President on National Assembly matters in both chambers, Senator Ita Enang and Hon. Umar el Yakub, said:
“This is a courtesy call to pursue the path of a working together to ensure that the people get the dividends of democracy which they truly desire,”
He expressed confidence ” that the calibre of people elected in the 9th Assembly would to along way in proffering solution that would bring succour to our people.” -
Court dismisses suit against Gbajabiamila’s election
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja has dismissed a suit filed against the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The plaintiff, Phillip Undie had filed the suit on May 21, 2019, asking the court to sack Gbajabiamila as a member of the House of Representatives and disqualify him from contesting the leadership of the lower legislative chamber.
Undie had claimed that Gbajabiamila was convicted by the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia in the United States of America in 2007 for fraud and dishonesty and therefore, was not qualified to be elected a member of the National Assembly and a Speaker of the House of Representatives.
On June 14, 2019 Undie’s lawyer, Akeem Olasupo announced his withdrawal from the case, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/539/2019.
Olasupo, who was represented by Michael Ayan on June 14, 2019 said: “I want to inform the court that the plaintiff’s lawyer said he no longer wants to appear in the case again. Olasupo Akeem, who is representing the applicant, is no longer interested in representing the plaintiff in this matter,” Ayan said.
Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Femi Adedeji queried Olasupo’s decision to withdraw his appearance without withdrawing the case.
Lawyers to the other defendants did not oppose Olasupo’s withdrawal as plaintiff’s lawyer, but noted that he ought to have withdrawn the case too.
Ruling, Justice Ekwo granted Olasupo’s request to withdraw from the case, but noted that: “The plaintiff’s counsel withdrew from the case, but he did not withdraw the case, meaning the case is still before this court,” and adjourned till June 17, 2019.
At the resumed hearing of the case, a new lawyer engaged by the plaintiff, S.D Okoro adopted a notice of discontinuance of the suit filed by the plaintiff and prayed the court to strike out the case.
Gbajabiamila’s lawyer, Adedeji did not oppose the plaintiff’s decision to discontinue the case, but argued that, since parties have joined issues, with the defendants filing counter processes, the appropriate order for the court to make was that of dismissal.
Adedeji also urged the court to grant the cost of N1million against the plaintiff.
He also prayed for a cost of N1m to be awarded against the plaintiff.
Ruling, Justice Ekwo said: “On the last day of hearing of this case, Mr. Okoro appeared for the plaintiff, but there were no processes before the court, showing that there was a change of counsel. Today (June 24, 2019), I take notice of a process titled ‘change of counsel’ by Mr. Okoro dated June 20, 2019.
“Therefore, I am satisfied that Mr. Okoro has authority to represent the plaintiff in this case and therefore, entitled to conduct the case in accordance with the law. Now, Mr. Okoro has adopted the notice of discontinuance, dated June 17, 2019 and this is happening after issues have been joined in the substantive matter. Mr. Okoro is praying that the matter be struck out.
“I have listened to Mr. Adedeji; counsel for the 1st defendant, and on the consequential order to be made at this stage. It is the law that when parties have joined issues and the plaintiff seeks to withdraw the case, the proper order is that dismissing the suit.
“It is in this like that I agree with the learned counsel for the 1st defendant, and I hereby make an order dismissing this suit. On the issue of cost, I will not make any order as to cost, since parties decided to end the matter peacefully. I allow them to go home without grudges against each other,” Justice Ekwo said.
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Ninth NASS: PDP constitutes committee to ascertain roles played by members in emergence of Lawan, Gbajabiamila
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a fact-finding committee on the role played by some of its members at the election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Monday in Abuja.
The Chairman of the Committee, according to Ologbondiyan, is a former President of the Senate, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, and former National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, as the committee’s Secretary.
Other members of the committee include: Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Austin Opara, Sen. Abdul Ningi, and Mrs Margaret Icheen.
The terms of reference of the committee, according to Ologbondiyan is to find out why some of the PDP lawmakers failed to abide by the decision of the party during the National Assembly leadership election.
It is also to find out whether there was any involvement of the ruling party in the decision taken by the members involved.
“To find out where there are established reasons for taking the action by members, the committee should identify such so that the party can create mutual and political atmosphere for reasonable interaction with senators and Honourable members.
“To find out and recommend ways to checkmate such tendencies in the future and ensure that, moving forward, all members work together to defend the interest of the party at all times and circumstances.”
Ologbondiyan said that the committee was given three weeks from the date of its inauguration to report to the party’s NWC.
The PDP at early hour of the June 11 inauguration of the 9th national assembly announced it endorsement of Sen. Ali Ndume for Senate President and Umar Bago as Speaker of House of Representatives.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Sen. Umar Tsauri, said the decision was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the party’s NWC, leaders, state governors as well as the then senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.
Tsauri said the decision was in the best interest of the nation, in line with the party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, while advising the then PDP lawmakers-elect to be guided accordingly.
Meanwhile the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Ahmed Lawan, emerged as the President of the Senate, and Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives, against the wish of PDP.
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We’ll perform better than Saraki, Dogara’s eight assembly, Speaker Gbajabiamila boasts
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday said Nigerians should expect better service delivery from the ninth National Assembly.
Gbajabiamila gave the commitment in Lagos while speaking at a reception dinner organised for him by the state government.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dinner was attended by prominent personalities including Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State.
National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; a former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba; and a former governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajumobi, were also among those present.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, were with Gbajabiamila to receive guests at the dinner.
The Speaker said though the eighth National Assembly did its best, Nigerians expected the ninth one to surpass the achievements of the last assembly.
He promised that the new assembly would do better than the eighth assembly and would meet the expectations of Nigerians.
The speaker said the new assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, would do things differently to get better results.
Gbajabiamila assured Nigerians that the new House would make hard work and commitment its watchwords in order to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
”There is so much work to be done but little time to do it.We are going to work hard, we are going to do things differently.
”We can’t do a thing over and over again and get a different result. The ninth assembly is going to do things differently for the good of Nigerians.
”The eighth assembly did its best, but we will do better. We will do our best in the service in the service of the country.
”We started with a slogan nation-building is a joint task, it cannot be done by one person. The ninth assembly would work for the good of the country.
”We will put into practical terms the meaning of leadership; we are not just going to talk the talk, but we are going to walk the talk,” he said.
Gbajabiamila promised to be the speaker of all and not that of any particular region or state.
He thanked the people of Lagos for electing him for a record fifth term in the House of Representatives, saying he would not take their support for granted.
The speaker also thanked his family members and his colleagues in the House of Representatives for their consistent support.
He said he was indebted to Tinubu for inspiring him politically and helping to nurture his career.
Gbajabiamila said without Tinubu, he would not have gotten to where he was.
The speaker said he found the narrative before the House leadership election that a vote him was giving the Speakership to Tinubu very ridiculous.
He said those peddling that were doing so out of ignorance, as Tinubu only wanted the good of the country.
Gbajabiamila thanked the state government for the reception dinner, saying he felt really loved by the gesture.
Speaking, Sanwo-Olu described Gbajabiamila as a very cerebral and competent lawmaker.
He said the state was proud to see him emerge as the Speaker of the ninth House of Representatives.
The governor, while congratulating Gbajabiamila, said people expected so much from him.
He urged him to use his office to better the lot of the people.
NAN reports that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Ahmed Wase; Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin and other members of the lower chamber spoke in turns, highlighting the leadership qualities of Gbajabiamila.
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Ninth House: The Intrigues, Political Forces that led Gbajabiamila to victory
From Jonas Ike, Abuja
There is no gainsaying that the election of the Senate President, Speaker, Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker of the two chambers of the National Assembly has come and gone with intrigues and permutations now laid to rest.With the emergence of Sen.Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the third and fourth citizens of Nigeria, there are high hopes that the nation is matching in its destined path to greatness.Lawan and Gbajabiamila are not in any way two strange bed fellows. The duo who are the All Progressives Congress APC anointed candidates for the headship of the two chamber legislature have overtime demonstrated qualifications to head the apex parliament.The two presiding officers of the apex parliament are undoubtedly experienced legislators who have held sensitive positions in the previous assemblies of the apex legislature.Prior to the election that led to the emergence of the two lawmakers as presiding officers, they had held the position of Majority Leader in both the upper and lower legislative houses of the apex parliament.Gbajabiamila a fifth term Lagos born lawmaker had previously held the position of Minority Leader, Majority Leader and having polled the highest number of votes in the speakership contest is now the Speaker of the 360 member House.He was the Minority Leader in the 7th National Assembly, Majority Leader in the 8th, and now Speaker of the House in the 9th National Assembly.Gbajabiamila narrowly lost the speakershilp position to Hon. Yakubu Dogara who won the election with only a difference of 8 votes in 2015 is no doubt an elated man.Whereas Dogara polled 181 votes in the 2015 contest, Gbajabiamila lost narrowly with 172 votes. His loss threw the leadership of the APC into confusion at that time.The APC the ruling party at the national level anointed Gbajabiamila for the exalted position twice but he only clinched the position this time with tacit support from leaders of the party.Prior to the election, there were campaigns, endorsements, permutations, meetings of both group and individual lawmakers for the speakershilp election.It was said that the National Leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was the brain behind the APC endorsement of Gbajabiamila for the position.There were closed door and party caucus meetings, party leadership meeting and high wire intrigues that culminated in the choice of the lawmaker by the ruling party.These meetings were what cleared the coast for the fifth term lawmaker to go into the speakership contest with almost 100% assurance of victory as most of his colleagues that indicated interest in it withdrew from the contest.And so on the 11th June 2019 when the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari proclaimed the 9th National Assembly, and there was election of the presiding officers of the parliament, the erstwhile House Leader coasted home to victory.He polled 281 votes to defeat his opponent Hon.Umaru Bago another All Progressives Congress APC lawmaker who polled 76 votes to come a distant second in the speakership election.