TheNewsGuru

Tag: House of Assembly

  • BREAKING: To forestall APC impeachment moves, Gov Obaseki orders renovation of Edo House of Assembly complex

    BREAKING: To forestall APC impeachment moves, Gov Obaseki orders renovation of Edo House of Assembly complex

    To forestall impeachment moves by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and following the reported invasion of the Edo State House of Assembly, the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has ordered the immediate removal of the roof of the House of Assembly complex for renovation.

    The Governor also ordered the heaping of sand at the front of the Edo State House of Assembly complex to further forestall the forceful takeover by security agencies. Several artisans were seen going about the renovation works which is currently ongoing.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports security agencies, believed to be drafted from Abuja on Thursday stormed the Edo Assembly complex to provide security cover to 17 lawmakers loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    The move, TNG gathered, which was to allow fresh inauguration of the APC loyalists, and the impeachment of the Speaker, Frank Okiye; the Governor and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, was however foiled when Obaseki, Shaibu and supporters stormed the complex.

    Our correspondent later observed that trucks and tippers from the Government House were already heaping sand and other construction materials at the front of the Assembly gate. The move is likely to prevent the APC and the Abuja forces from forcefully taking over the Assembly.

    Recall that Edo State lawmakers had been sitting inside the Edo State Government House for over a month, with the claim that the Assembly complex at ring road was being fumigated over Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) scare.

    However, on Thursday morning, there was heavy security presence at the Edo State House of Assembly, ring road, with reports of takeover by the 17 lawmakers loyal to the APC and Pastor Ize-Iyamu. The development is coming a day after the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Yekini Idiaye was impeached reportedly by 7 lawmakers loyal to the State Governor for pledging loyalty to the APC and Ize-Iyamu. A member of the Edo APC executive, who pleaded anonymity, said the security measures were to allow the fresh inauguration of the 17 lawmakers loyal to the party and its candidate.

    The crisis in the Edo Assembly began when the Assembly was inaugurated under controversial circumstances at night by the Governor with only nine out of 24 lawmakers-elect on June 17. All the 24 lawmakers were members of the APC until the recent defection of about 7 to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alongside Governor Obaseki.

    When contacted, Speaker Frank Okiye said he was not aware of the security presence. But a government official fingered Oshiomhole in the planned takeover.

    Meanwhile, the PDP in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan has charged the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed to immediately stop the invasion and attempt to forceful takeover the Edo state House of Assembly by security operatives.

    The party posits that the invasion and occupation of the state legislature by security agents allegedly deployed by sacked national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, is a direct coup against the democratic order of Edo state and a recipe for anarchy, chaos and bloodletting.

    “We urge the Inspector General to act with dispatch to curb this nefarious situation, which has heightened tension in the state, and if not halted, may results in a bloody clash as the citizens are already charged to defend their symbol of democracy from a forceful takeover.

    “The Police hierarchy is urged to note that this provocative and lawless act by the APC is part of its plans to overheat the polity and create a security situation with the view to unleash violence on the people, derail the democratic order in the state and blame it on security agencies.

    “We condemn this notorious resort to self help by the APC and their agents to forcefully takeover power in Edo state through the back door.

    “Our party has been informed that the plot is to use the illegal security operation to seize the processes of the House of Assembly and illegally inaugurate certain individuals whose seats have been lawfully declared vacant with plans to use them to pull down democratic structure in the state.

    “The PDP has also been made aware of grand plots by Oshiomhole, working in alliance with the impeached Deputy Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, to import a fake mace, cause anarchy and then push for the imposition of a state of emergency in the state, seeing that they cannot win the forthcoming governorship election.

    “Our party therefore charges the IG to wade in and immediately withdraw the illegally deployed security officers and protect democracy and peace in Edo state.

    “Our nation cannot afford to have a breakdown of law and order in Edo state at this critical time as such is capable of having a spiral effect on other states in the Niger Delta region, which will further result in dire consequences to our nation.

    “We therefore restate our call to President Muhammadu Buhari to rein in Adams Oshiomhole before he triggers a serious crisis in this country,” the statement reads.

  • Cross River Assembly resumes from recess

    Cross River Assembly resumes from recess

    The Cross River House of Assembly has resumed plenary after its two months working recess.

    Mr Hope Obeten, the Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Calabar.

    “Speaker of the House, Mr Eteng Jonah-Williams wish to welcome all members to plenary and thank each and everyone for their support, cooperation and commitment in the last three months.

    “He has urged members to resume duty in full force to enable them finish all their agenda for the year.

    “The Speaker also assured that the House is further re-energized for better performance,” Obeten said.

  • Oborevwori emerges Speaker of Delta 7th Assembly

    Oborevwori emerges Speaker of Delta 7th Assembly

    Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly was on Monday re-elected at the inauguration of the 7th Assembly of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Oborevwori (PDP-Okpe) was first elected on May 11, 2017 following the impeachment of Chief Monday Igbuya(PDP-Sapele) over alleged misconduct.

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa had earlier inaugurated the 7th Assembly through a letter read by the Clerk, Mrs Lyna Ochulor on Monday in Asaba.

    The re-election of the speaker followed his nomination by the immediate past Majority Leader of the House, Mr Tim Owhefere, (PDP-Isoko North).

    The motion for nomination of the speaker which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the clerk was seconded by Mr Festus Okoh (PDP-Ika South).

    Oborevwori, a second timer was elected alongside his Deputy, Mr Christopher Ochor, (PDP-Ukwuani).

    Ochor’s election followed his nomination by Mr Anthony Elekeokurie (PDP- Ika North East).

    The motion for his election which was unanimously adopted when put to a voice vote by the Clerk, was second by Mr Reuben Izeze-Ughelli South).

    In his acceptance speech, Oborevwori, who commended the lawmakers for giving him the opportunity to serve for a second term, assured them that they would not be taken for granted.

    “I am aware of the various challenges of law making, but be rest assured that I will not take you for granted. I will always draw from your advise as colleagues to improve on our deliberations,”he said.

    Oborevwori also stressed the need for the lawmakers to improve on their legislation, especially through adequate representation of their various constituents.

    “Everyone of us is here today because of the mandate of our constituents and we must ensure that we deliver to our various constituents,”he said.

  • 313 candidates contest for governorship, House of Assembly seats in Adamawa

    313 candidates contest for governorship, House of Assembly seats in Adamawa

    No fewer than 313 candidates from 29 political parties will be contesting for Saturday Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Adamawa.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa, Mr Kashim Gaidam, the told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that 29 candidates would be contesting for governorship, while 284 candidates from various political parties are vying for the 25 state House of Assembly seats.
    Among the 29 contestants for governorship seat are four women; Lami Musa of People’s Party of Nigeria (PPN), Na’ama Bulama of Progressive People Alliance (PPA), Rukayya Audu of Action People’s Party (APP) and Elizabeth Isa of Change Advocacy Party (CAP).

    Also 25 women are among the 284 candidates for the legislative poll.
    Meanwhile, many residents see the governorship election as a tough contest between four major contenders of the 29 in the race.

    The contenders are the incumbent Gov. Muhammadu Bindow of APC; former Adamawa Speaker and two-time acting governor-Umaru Fintiri of PDP; current serving Sen. of Adamawa Central, Abdul-Aziz Nyako of ADC; and former House of Representatives member, Chief Emmanuel Bello of SDP.
    NAN also reports that some of the gubernatorial candidates have within the week announced their withdrawal from the race to endorse the candidates of the APC, PDP, ADC or SDP.

  • 268 candidates to contest 25 assembly seats in Cross River

    268 candidates to contest 25 assembly seats in Cross River

    A total of 268 candidates from various political parties will be contesting for the 25 seats in the Cross River House of Assembly on Saturday in the state, according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Frankland Briyai, made the disclosure on Thursday in Calabar.

    Briyai said that 38 candidates were female.

    The REC also confirmed receipt of all sensitive materials for the election, adding that 95 per cent of the sensitive materials arrived in the state on Monday for the conduct of the legislative and governorship polls.

    He said that the Commission was ready for the elections on Saturday.

    Briyai said although All Progressives Congress (APC) did not have candidates for the elections, its logo would be on the ballot papers.

    He said that this was in compliance to a Federal High Court order which directed INEC to delist candidates of the party pending when the party would submit names of its candidates.

    The court gave the order following a leadership tussle in the party between the faction led by John Etim and the other led by Mr John Ochalla.

    It asked INEC to recognise the Etim-led State Executive Council of the party and recognise its list of candidates.

    Consequently, the Commission requested the party to submit a fresh list of candidates for the elections.

     

  • INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for House of Assembly election in Edo

    INEC begins distribution of sensitive materials for House of Assembly election in Edo

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Edo office on Thursday, began distribution of sensitive materials to the 18 local government area of the state.

    The materials are meant for the House of Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday.

    The distribution of the materials began at about 10.a.m at the Benin branch of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The materials were transported in articulated trucks and accompanied by some buses conveying security personnel, electoral officers and political party agents.

    Mr Timidi Wariowei, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Edo INEC, told newsmen that the first set of materials were moved to Uhunmwonde, Owan East, Owan West and Akoko-Edo local government areas of the state.

    “The second batch of materials went to Etsako East, Etsako West and Etsako Central local government areas.

    “The third batch also went to Esan West, Esan Central, Esan North East, Esan South East and Igueben local government area of the state respective.

    “We have so far distributed materials to 17 local governments, the last truck will be going to Oredo local government area,” he said.

    Wariowei noted that the process was going on smoothly under the watchful eyes of security personnel and the party agents .

    Edo is one of the few states where governorship election will not take place on Saturday.

     

  • Gunmen abduct APC’s House of Assembly candidate, kill lawmaker’s orderly

    Unknown gunmen on Thursday abducted the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Michael Ohio-Ezomon, in his house at Eme-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state.

    The Chairman of the local government, Mr Frank Illaboya who confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eme-Ora on Thursday, said Ohio-Ezomon was abducted by three gunmen around 1 a.m. on Thursday.

    According to Illaboya, the candidate’s orderly was killed by the abductors who whisked him away through the window.

    “Our candidate in the forthcoming election has been abducted by three gunmen at his house at about 1 a.m. this morning.

    “The orderly attached to him was killed and our candidate was taken away by gunmen through the window.

    “As I speak to you now, there has been no contact from the abductors,” Illaboya said.

    Also speaking, the Edo Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu, told NAN at the scene of the incident that investigation would commence immediately.

    He also said that no contact had been established with the gunmen.

    Meanwhile, the body of the orderly has been deposited in a mortuary in the area.

    The abducted APC House of Assembly candidate had earlier represented Owan West Constituency in the State Assembly between 2011 and 2015.

     

  • Yobe House of Assembly speaker resigns

    Yobe House of Assembly speaker resigns

    The Speaker, Yobe House of Assembly, Adamu Dala-Dogo, has resigned his position.

    Dogo tendered his resignation through a letter sent to the house which was read on the floor of the assembly by the Deputy Speaker, Dr Ibrahim Kurmi.

    He thanked members of the legislature for giving him the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

    The house, therefore, replaced Dala-Dogo with Alhaji Zannah Machina, following a motion for nomination of a new speaker moved by Ibrahim Kallalawa and seconded by Ishaku Daya.

    Dogo, who is representing Karasuwa constituency in the house, served as the speaker of the house for 7 years.

    The leader of the house, Usman Kabaruma, representing Tarmuwa Local Government Area, told newsmen that Dala-Dogo voluntarily tendered his resignation to the house.

    NAN

  • Breaking: Senate orders police to vacate Akwa Ibom Assembly complex

    The Nigerian Senate has ordered security agents, including the police, to vacate premises of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the Senate gave the order after an extensive debate during Thursday’s plenary sitting.

    Senators put the matter to an open debate, before the resolution, for the police and other security operatives barricading the Assembly complex to vacate the premises, was reached.

    The Senate also ordered the police and the other security operatives not to prevent the State legislators from having access to the chambers.

    TNG reports a combined force of Police, Army and Civil Defense took over the entire complex of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Wednesday morning, barring even staff from gaining access.

    Senator Bassey Akpan, representing Akwa Ibom North-East in the National Assembly, citing orders 42 and 52, informed the Senate of the development during plenary on Wednesday.

    The Senate then directed its police committee to investigate circumstances surrounding sealing of the Assembly complex to find out what happened, and report back within 48 hours.

    During Thursday’s plenary session, Senator Akpan again draw the attention of the Senate to the situation.

    “Security agents are still there. No legislator has been allowed in or out. We owe the people of Akwa Ibom this responsibility. It is not right. An injury to Akwa Ibom State is an injury to Nigeria,” Akpan opined.

    Reacting, Senator Ahmad Kaita said if the police vacates the premises, the legislators will go in there with their supporters and create fracas.

    “The police are only there to promote peace. Let us, as a Senate, verify the facts of this issue before taking any action,” he further stated.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki stated: “I think the discussion or the issue really is the problem of the police occupying the premises of the House of Assembly. The issue on whether the court gave power or did not give power to one side is also under discussion.

    “We have already permitted the Committee on Police, but I think the question is if the police have the right to occupy the premises and prevent the assembly from functioning.”

    Senator Emmanuel Paulker said, “It is a very sudden situation in Akwa Ibom State. The police have to rise to see that this situation ends.

    “What is paramount is for this Senate, without any political standing, should come together and ask the police to leave the House of Assembly. The police are biting more than they can chew.”

    Senator Sam Anyanwu suggested the Committee on State should join the Committee on Police to look into this matter.

    “This is Democracy and we should defend it,” he said.

    Senator Bala Na’allah said “The Committee on Police has to look into this issue. At this very moment, we cannot act on speculation because we are yet to decipher the problem.

    “Taking a decision now may not be in the best interest of the Senate as a whole”.

    Reacting, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu said, “Our Democracy will be at risk if we keep putting such matters aside. It is Akwa Ibom State today, it may be another State tomorrow”.

    Senator Saraki surmised the matter by saying, “This is a very serious matter and I think it is a matter that is non partisan. It is an action that is against the law that exists. Members of the parliament should have access.

    “Police can provide law and order without necessarily preventing members of parliament to have access. The police has the responsibility to maintain law and order but at the same time, parliamentarians must have access to chambers.

    “We cannot allow this to happen now or in the future. A situation where the police can seal the chambers for more than 24 hours, is not something we should be a part of and not something we should support — irrespective of whoever is involved, I think we should stand for prosperity on the right side of history. The police should vacate but still provide necessary security.

    ”The parliamentarians should still have access to the chambers there, or in any part of the country where we have a parliament”.

     

  • Senate condemns, investigates sealing of Akwa Ibom House

    The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday directed investigation into the sealing of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly by security operatives.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the Senate directed its police committee to investigate the circumstances to find out what happened and report back within 48 hours.

    A combined force of Police, Army and Civil Defense took over the entire complex of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on Wednesday morning, barring even staff from gaining entrance.

    Senator Bassey Akpan, representing Akwa Ibom North-East in the Senate, citing orders 42 and 52, informed the Senate of the development.

    “Laying siege on the State Assembly is a serious offense,” Senator Shehu Sani stated.

    Condemning the development, Senate President Bukola Saraki said, “As parliamentarians, we should not go partisan on this issue. If it’s true that security agents have invaded the House of Assembly, it is wrong and I must condemn such brutality; but if it’s so, we should not support it.

    “There should be an investigation quickly to establish this and that committee should report back to us and tell us once it’s confirmed. Then we can take it from there”.