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  • HoR Minority Caucus condemns killings in Plateau, Benue states, demands presidential decisive actions

    HoR Minority Caucus condemns killings in Plateau, Benue states, demands presidential decisive actions

    The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has condemned killings in Plateau and Benue states demanding immediate presidential decisive actions.

    This was contained in a statement jointly signed by leaders of the caucus, Rep Kingsley Chinda, leader, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C
    Minority Whip ,Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader ,Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip.

    The caucus in the statement outrightly condemned the disturbing trend of killings, maiming, and kidnapping of innocent people across the country.

    ” Following the killings of over 50 people in Bokkos, Plateau state; loss of many lives in twin attacks in Otukpo, Benue state, coming a few days after the Uromi, Edo state unfortunate incident, the Caucus is seriously worried about these growing acts of brigandage and unprovoked attacks on law-abiding citizens.

    The Caucus is deeply concerned that with reckless abandon, deliberate disrespect for human lives, and disregard for the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, these marauders inflict merciless torture, unexplainable pains, and callous killings of helpless, and defenceless Nigerians.

    These gruesome murders and the shedding of the blood of innocent lives happening in quick successions in three locations across the country, stands condemnable by every conscionable Nigerian.

    The ferociousness and sporadic nature of the vicious actions perpetrated by yet unknown persons remains shocking.

    Worried about the dangers this portends to the security of lives and properties of Nigerians; which is the main purpose of government, the Caucus calls on President Bola Tinubu to take deliberate, intentional, and timely decisions towards nipping the disturbing tide in the bud.

    Good, he has directed that the perpetrators should be apprehended. However, given the severity of these incidents, and implications on national security, the Caucus urges the president; through the National Security Adviser to ensure that all security agencies embark on comprehensive and strategic collaboration towards arresting those involved in these heinous and gory incidents.

    The government should ensure the immediate release of the numerous innocent people that were kidnapped during the dastardly incidents.

    The Caucus commiserates with the government, and people of Plateau, and Benue states over the unfortunate incidents. The Caucus also expresses deep condolences to the families of the victims, and pray for the quick release of those kidnapped.

    Finally, as a responsive and responsible group of lawmakers, the Caucus promises to pursue legislative actions; where and when necessary towards finding realistic solutions to these negative developments in our country.

  • Just in: HoR endorses N54.99 Trillion Budget for 2025

    Just in: HoR endorses N54.99 Trillion Budget for 2025

    The House of Representatives, during Thursday’s plenary session, endorsed the 2025 budget totaling N54.99 trillion.

    Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, presented the committee’s report for the House’s consideration, leading to its adoption.

    He said: “That the House do consider the Report of the Committee on Appropriations a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N54,990,1 65,355, 396 (Fifty-Four Trillion, Nine Hundred and Ninety Billion One Hundred and Sixty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira) only, of which N3,645,761,358,925 (Three Trillion, Six Hundred and Forty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-One Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira) only is for Statutory Transfers N14,317.142,689,548 (Fourteen Trillion, Three Hundred and Seventeen Billion, One Hundred and Forty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Eight Naira) only is for Debt Service, N13,064,009,682,673 (Thirteen Trillion, Sixty-Four Billion, Nine Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Three Naira) only is for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure while the sum of N23,963, 251,624,250 (Twenty-Three Trillion, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Three Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Six Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty Naira) only is for contribution to the |Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on the 31 December, 2025 (HB. 2021) and approve recommendations therein”.

    On December 18, 2024, the House received the committee’s report on the 2025 Appropriation Bill. The following day, December 19, 2024, lawmakers conducted a clause-by-clause review of the bill, which contains 12 clauses, outlined as follows:

    Embassies shall constitute their Tender Board as in a Parastatal’s Tenders Board (PTB) within the requisite threshold in compliance with the extant Executive Circular and the Provisions of the Public Procurement Act.
    “11. Detailed estimate: The detailed estimates of expenditure are set out in the Second Schedule to this Bill.
    “12. Expiry Constitution, 1999: In line with the provisions of section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this Bill expires after 12 months, starting from 1st day of January to 31st day of December, 2025 when asented to.
    “Short Title: This Bill may be cited as the Appropriation Bill, 2025”.
    The House convened in the Committee of Supply, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas overseeing the review of budgetary allocations.

    During deliberations, Rep. Chinedu Ogar noted the absence of funding for light rail projects in the South East. In response, the Speaker assured that the matter would be brought to the President’s attention and could be addressed through a supplementary budget.

    The estimates of expenditure are set out in the Second Schedule to this Bill.
    “12. Expiry Constitution, 1999: In line with the provisions of section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this Bill expires after 12 months, starting from 1st day of January to 31st day of December, 2025 when assented to..

    “Short Title: This Bill may be cited as the Appropriation Bill, 2025”.
    The House convened in the Committee of Supply, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas overseeing the review of budgetary allocations.

    During deliberations, Rep. Chinedu Ogar noted the absence of funding for light rail projects in the South East. In response, the Speaker assured that the matter would be brought to the President’s attention and could be addressed through a supplementary budget.

    Following this, the House resumed plenary, where Majority Leader Rep. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the adoption of the report as a working document. The motion received unanimous approval, leading to the final reading and passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

  • HoR postpones resumption of Plenary to Tuesday, February 4

    HoR postpones resumption of Plenary to Tuesday, February 4

    The House of Representatives has announced the postponement of its plenary resumption, previously scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

    The new date for resumption is now set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

    This development was communicated to Honourable Members through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, on the directive of the House Leadership.

    The postponement is necessary to allow Committees sufficient time to conclude ongoing budget engagements and defences with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

    This measure ensures a thorough and comprehensive approach to legislative responsibilities.

    The House remains committed to fulfilling its legislative mandate for the benefit of Nigerians and appreciates the understanding of all stakeholders.

  • Ethiope: Constituents demand immediate recall of Ibori’s daughter from HoR [VIDEO]

    Ethiope: Constituents demand immediate recall of Ibori’s daughter from HoR [VIDEO]

    After holding an exhaustive critical stakeholders meeting of Ethiope Federal Constituency in Delta State, it was collectively agreed that Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu should be recalled from the HoR.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this demand was announced by the leader of Ethiope Federal Constituency, Senator Atuyota Amori in a video.

    Recall that she defected to the ruling party APC despite taking an oath not to defect from PDP.

    Watch video below:

  • Edo govt crackdown on elected Council chairmen: HoR Minority caucus asks Tinubu to wade in now

    Edo govt crackdown on elected Council chairmen: HoR Minority caucus asks Tinubu to wade in now

    …threatens to use legislative instruments to curtail situation

    The House of Representatives Minority caucus has urged President Bola Tinubu to wade into the crackdown on elected local government chairmen and their voice in Edo State.

    The Caucus in a statement jointly signed by Rep. O. K. Chinda
    Minority Leader , Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C Minority Whip, Hon. Aliyu Madaki ,Deputy Minority Leader and Hon. George Ozodinobi
    Deputy Minority Whip demand an immediate intervention by President Bola Tinubu.

    The Caucus also called on the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebolo and agencies to wave the big sticks they’re carrying with caution to avert breakdown down of law and order in the state.

    In the statement, it outrightly condemned growing actions by the Edo state Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and some of his appointees to forcefully remove from office constitutionally elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of LGAs.

    The Caucus declared: “It is disheartening that the Edo State Government (EDSG) has embarked on illegal, and unconstitutional methods ranging from coercion, intimidation, lawlessness, and propaganda to eject these elected officers which is tantamount to extermination of constitutional democracy.

    “These acts of brazen executive recklessness, gross abuse of office, and disrespect for Nigeria’s constitution, if left unchecked, can lead to breakdown of law and order in the state.

    “It is highly preposterous, and shamelessly ludicrous that the EDSG; governed by a lawmaker, with senior appointees who have legal backgrounds have the effrontery to disrespect the court judgement delivered by the state Chief Judge; Justice Daniel Okungbowa which upheld that the state (and/or it’s agencies) have no legal right to suspend or dissolve elected government councils.

    ” Indeed, it is very disturbing that even when the EDSG knows that Justice Okungbowa in his ruling, cited, and aligned with the Supreme Court judgement delivered in July 2024, in a suit filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation, and Minister of Justice; Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria which declared unconstitutional, null and void attempt by any state government or state House of Assembly to dissolve or suspend elected LGA Councils, the EDSG is bent on having its way.

    The Caucus is deeply concerned that the flagrant disregard for judiciary, continued unlawful actions, and the deliberate disrespect for Nigeria’s constitution portends grievous threat to democracy.

    ” The serial harassment, coercion, intimidation, and forceful attacks on the LG Councils executives, party leaders, officials, members, and supporters across the state is a dangerous precedent that may snowball into constitutional crisis, and affect the peace, and unity of the state.

    “Worried about the dangers of the illegal and unlawful actions of the EDSG, as well as the likely damage it may have on the image, and credibility of the present administration, the Caucus appeals to President Bola Tinubu to urgently call Governor Monday Okpebholo to order, and stop him from bringing our nation’s democracy to the gutters, and global disrepute. Mr. President needs to take immediate actions to rein in Governor Okpebholo, and take other measures that will inspire confidence in the minds of Edo state indigenes and residents; majority of who are terrified, apprehensive, and disillusioned about the growing tensions across the state.

    “From various reports of the incidents, officers and men of the Nigerian Police, and other security agencies are allegedly being used by the EDSG, and other state actors to perpetrate these undemocratic actions, and unlawful shenanigans across the state.

    “The Caucus charges the Inspector-General of Police; Kayode Egbetokun, and the leadership of other security agencies to intervene by giving marching others to their personnel to play their roles as unbiased enforcers of law and order.

    Finally, as a responsible and responsive group, the Caucus reiterates that it may resort to legislative actions against further illegal and unconstitutional methods to forcefully remove elected LG Councils members from office by the EDSG, and rubbish democratic ethos.

  • HoR to hold live citizens’ engagement session twice every year – Speaker Abbas

    HoR to hold live citizens’ engagement session twice every year – Speaker Abbas

    The House of Representatives, on Friday, held a live interactive session with Nigerians, the first of its kind in the history of the National Assembly, with a promise to have such engagement twice a year.

    At the event, televised live on two national televisions – NTA and Channels TV – the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, led the leadership and some key members of the House to inform the public on the activities of the parliament from January to December.

    Speaker Abbas said henceforth, the House would prioritize “speaking with the people” as against only “speaking for the people.”

    The Speaker engaged the citizens in company with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Majority Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere; Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda; Chairperson, Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Hon. Zainab Gimba, and Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Patrick Umoh.

    While the legislative year of the National Assembly starts in June, Speaker Abbas noted that the interaction was strategic in December as it marks the first half of the current legislative year. He said the public engagement will continue.

    The Speaker stated that the ‘People’s House’ took the remarkable step to further open up the parliament to the people.

    Stakeholders at the session include a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), led by the President, Dr. Ike Neliaku and other members of his leadership; the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, representative of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Kemi Yesufu, and NUJ chairperson, Abuja Chapter, Grace Ike.

    Also in attendance were the chairman, Albino Foundation, Jake Epelle; Speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Dr. Azeezat Yishau; representatives of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria; civil societies; representatives of traditional rulers, among others.

    Former speakers of the House, Rt. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara as well as an ex-deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. Babangida Nguroje, were in attendance.

    The Speaker-led panel of the House also answered sundry questions from the audience. The questions bothered on economy, security, education, health, youths, and people living with disabilities, among others.

    While answering some questions, the Speaker disclosed that 11 percent of the bills sponsored by members of the House in 2024 were on infrastructure. He, however, noted the limits of the legislature concerning infrastructure. “Implementation (by the Executive) could be another problem,” he said.

    Speaker Abbas also stressed the need for the government to shore up revenue.

    “For us to expand our infrastructure, we need to expand our revenue base. That is the number one area where we must work. Unless we have enough revenue, we cannot be able to build our infrastructure the way we want,” he stated.

    On plans to continue the live citizens’ engagement, Speaker Abbas declared that the interaction will hold biannually, with the next coming up in June 2025 when the National Assembly will conclude the current legislative year.

    The Speaker recalled how he promised the Nigerian youth at an engagement in July that the House would engage with them twice a year, a promise which has been fulfilled through the two separate town halls held on July 31 and December 16, 2024, respectively.

    He said: “We delivered that promise less than a week ago. I want to assure Nigerians that this kind of engagement will be taking place twice in a year.”

    Members of the panel also informed Nigerians how the House has introduced sign language during the plenary to communicate the proceedings of the House to more Nigerians, especially those with hearing difficulties.

    While disclosing plans for youth and gender-friendly budgets, the lawmakers assured the audience of more engagements with all stakeholders.

    In a remark, former Speaker Etteh noted that the House has achieved a lot within the last 18 months, saying such achievements should be communicated to Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, in their local languages.

    She also encouraged the House to act quickly on its already committed resolve to have more women in governance and leadership positions through the instrument of the law.

    For his part, ex-Speaker Dogara, argued that there was the need to have more engagements with the citizens to hear their yearnings and aspirations rather than just speaking for them.

    Dogara noted that the citizens remain the cornerstone of democracy, which is why getting their inputs in legislative activities was crucial to the sustain of representation.

  • Confusion in HoR as another LP member defects to APC

    Confusion in HoR as another LP member defects to APC

    There was confusion in the House of Representatives on Thursday during plenary, as opposition members protested the defection of another Labour Party (LP) member to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The lawmaker, representing Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau State, announced his defection, prompting opposition members to demand that his seat be declared vacant.

    Tis defection, brings the total number of Labour Party members joining the ruling APC to six within a week, witnessed by former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong.

    In his letter of defection, read by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the lawmaker cited internal crises in the Labour Party and his desire to align with the policies and developmental goals of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government.

    He stated, “I believe my decision to offer effective representation to my constituency can be better achieved within the APC. My defection is not for personal gain but to contribute to national development and peacebuilding.”

    Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi, while not opposing the defection, remarked, “Even though there is no crisis in the LP, I don’t want to repeat myself. I wish those defecting good luck. We’ll meet again in 2027, and the end will justify the means.”

    Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, PDP , Obio/Akpor Fed Constituency, however, rejected the defection, stating: “The letter of defection should not be accepted because the lawmaker has not fulfilled constitutional provisions. He should first join the APC at his ward level before submitting his defection letter to the House and facing the consequences.”

    Chinda accused the House of accepting the defection prematurely, and said, “The House is putting the cart before the horse by accepting the letter without following constitutional procedures.”

    In response, Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau) defended the defection, arguing that the lawmaker had fulfilled all constitutional requirements. He added, “Section 40 of the Constitution allows anyone to form or join a political party. Out of the eight House members from Plateau State, seven are now in the APC.”

    Mark Esset (PDP, Akwa Ibom) urged lawmakers to uphold the Constitution, he said, “As parliamentarians, we must show Nigerians that we respect the law by correctly applying its provisions.”

    Former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase supported the Speaker’s acceptance of the defection letter, cautioning against using inappropriate language in Parliament.

    He said, “The Speaker acted within the law in accepting the letter.”

    The session ended without resolving the dispute over the legality of the defection.

  • Tax reform Bills palaver: HoR in rowdy session over member’s comment

    Tax reform Bills palaver: HoR in rowdy session over member’s comment

    The House of Representatives was thrown into a rowdy session on Tuesday following a comment made by the House Spokesperson and Chairman Commitee on Media and Publicity, Rep. Akin Rotimi on the controversial tax bills.

    Trouble started started when Rep. Rotimi stood up to present a report on Nigerians Content Development and Monitoring, on behalf of the Commitee chairman, Rep Boma Goodhead who was absent on the floor.

    He said: “My name is Akin Rotimi Jr. I represent the people of Ekiti North comprising Ikole and Oye Local Governments. Mr Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorse the tax bills”.

    At this point Lawmakers got offended and started to chant No! No! No! then the house was thrown into a rowdy session.

    However, the Speaker waded in, and said: “He is expressing his personal opinion.’ He was just talking on a lighter note. Let’s not take it serious.
    “Restrict yourself to the person you are representing here. We are not talking about tax bills. It is a very controversial issue.

    He was not allowed to present the report and was forced to step the report down.
    “I seek the leave of the Speaker and Hon members to stepdown the report” he said.a

  • Police nab HoR member Ikwechegh for molesting Bolt driver

    Police nab HoR member Ikwechegh for molesting Bolt driver

    Police nab HoR member Ikwechegh for molesting Bolt driver

    Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said that a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh is being interrogated at its Maitama Divisional headquarters.

    Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, was alleged to have molested an e-hailing driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya.

    In a viral video, the lawmaker slapped the driver when he requested the delivery fee, querying if the driver knew who he was talking to.

    The lawmaker also threatened to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences.

    In a statement on Monday, the Federal Capital Territory’s command spokesperson, Superintendent Josephine Adeh said that investigation had commenced into the matter.

    She added that already, preliminary investigation revealed that Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery.

    Adeh said” “Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on 27 October 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

    “The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.

    “The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident”.

    Adeh slammed the lawmaker for bringing the name of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun into disrepute by daring the driver to make calls through to him after slapping him.

    She said: “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

    “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning”.

    Adeh added that FCT Police Commissioner Tunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

    She said: “Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.

    “The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken”.

  • HoR: After battling both APC and PDP in court, Denis Agbo of LP, finally receives CoR

    HoR: After battling both APC and PDP in court, Denis Agbo of LP, finally receives CoR

    Honourable Dennis Agbo, the member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency of Enugu be be sworn-in on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 for the second time as member of the 10th House of Representatives by the Speaker Hon.Tajudeen Abbas after legal tussles with both PDP and APC.

    This followed the issuance of certificate of return (CoR) to him by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) on Friday afternoon at commission’s Headquarters by the Hon. National Commissioner for South East, Kenneth Nnamdi Ukeagu on behalf the Chairman, Professor Mamood Yakutia.

    Hon. Agbo of the Labour Party, (LP) floored his Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) counterpart, Engineer Simon Atigwe at the Enugu Division of Appeal Court on Wednesday to consolidate his earlier victory at the Re-run Election Tribunal in Abakaliki after the February 3, 2024 re-run election in the constituency.

    Hon. Agbo was the man who had the original mandate of his people to represent Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency with an overwhelming votes in February 2023 National Assembly Election.

    That mandate was subsequently truncated in November, 2023 on the strength of an appeal filed against him by Oby Aji, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) who came a distant third in the February 25th, 2023 election.

    The APC candidate’s ground of appeal was her party logo was omitted in the result sheets used in 165, out of the 532 polling units of the constituency during the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election.

    The Appeal Court consequently ordered a rerun in the affected polling units within 90 days.

    The rerun was eventually conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the 3rd of February, 2024. The rerun election became heavily marred by gross irregularities intended to return Hon. Atigwe at all cost.

    With incontrovertible evidences in pictures and videos Hon. Agbo contested the outcome of the election and won at the Re-run Election Tribunal but Atigwe appealed the judgement which has also ended in Labour Party candidate’s favour.