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Tag: House of Assembly

  • BREAKING: Edo Assembly impeaches deputy gov, Philip Shaibu

    BREAKING: Edo Assembly impeaches deputy gov, Philip Shaibu

    The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday impeached the embattled state deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

    The impeachment followed the adoption of the report of the seven-man investigative panel set up by the state Chief Judge to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

    The panel in its reports said the allegation of perjury was not proved beyond reasonable doubt by the complainant against the deputy governor, while that of disclosure of government official documents was proved beyond reasonable doubt against the deputy governor.

    At the plenary, 20 members attended,18 members voted in favour of the panel’s reports, while one voted against.

    The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbrbaku directed that a clean copy of the impeachment decision by the House be sent to the Governor of the State, Godwin Obaseki for assent.

    Details to follow…

  • Plateau speaker inaugurates 9 of 16 new lawmakers

    Plateau speaker inaugurates 9 of 16 new lawmakers

    The Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has inaugurated nine out of the 16 members who won their cases at the Appeal Court.

    Dewan, at a brief ceremony on Friday in Jos, explained that the nine members met the criteria to be sworn in, while the other seven did not.

    The speaker also stated that the House of Assembly had been intact, and that there was no crisis, as was being wrongly portrayed in the media.

    He stated that the inauguration was delayed because the house was following due process  in order not to flout any law or laid down rules.

    “Yesterday I was informed that nine of the 16 members met the criteria to be sworn in and today I swore them in.

    “Everything has been going on smoothly in the assembly.

    “We have extended the tenure of the Transition Implementation Committee in the local governments areas as requested by the executive.

    “This is to give the executive time to prepare for the election of substantive local government executives,” he said.

    According to reports, those sworn in include Mr Dickson Chollom – Barkin Ladi, Mr Abdul Adamu- Mangu North, Mr Daniel Nanbol – Langtang North  Central and Denti Laven  – Pankshin South.

    Others were ; Mr Abel Nansak – Langtang North, Mr Bendel Nanchuat – Langtang South, Mr Sylvester Wallangko – Bokkos,  Mr Mathew Kwarpo – Mangu South and Mr Bako Ankala – Rukuba.

    Meanwhile, Isa Madaki Ajiji, representing Jos East State Constituency, was elected Deputy Speaker, while Mr Joseph Bukar of Shendam Constituency emerged Majority Leader.

  • Kano Assembly confirms 4 commissioner nominees

    Kano Assembly confirms 4 commissioner nominees

    The Kano State House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed four commissioner-nominees sent to it by Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

    The House had, after initial preambles on resumption of plenary on Tuesday in Kano, dissolved committee of the whole to screen the nominees earlier sent to it by the state governor.

    Those confirmed are: Mustafa Rabi’u-Kwankwaso, Adamu Aliyu-Kibiya, Abduljabar Garko and Shehu Aliyu-Yanmedi.

    The House majority leader, Lawan Hussaini (NNPP-Dala), later moved the motion for the confirmation of the nominees, seconded by the Minority Leader, Labaran Madari (APC-Warawa).

    The Speaker, Ismail Falgore (NNPP-Rogo), after unanimous vote on the motion, confirmed the nominees and directed the clerk to forward the decision of the lawmakers to the office of the governor.

    Gov. Kabir-Yusuf had on March 26, forwarded list of four new commissioner-nominees and four new ministries created by the administration for assignment to the new appointees.

    The new ministries are; Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Internal Security and Ministry of Solid Minerals.

  • Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 new commissioners

    Ondo gov, Aiyedatiwa nominates 12 new commissioners

    Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has forwarded another list of 12 commissioner-nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

    Aiyedatiwa had on March 1, 2024 sworn in six commissioners.

    “The letter containing the list of the nominees was addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi,” Adeniyan said.

    The nominees are Pastor Segun Ayerin, Mr Olaolu Akindolire, Mr Hamidu Takuro, Dr Banji Ajaka, Mr Boye Ologbese, Mr Sunday Akinwalere, Mrs Lola Fagbemi, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye and Mr Rasheed Badmus.

    Others are Mr Olayato Aribo, Mr Adewale Akinlosotu and Mr Gbenga Olaniyi.

    Adeniyan said the governor urged the Assembly to give immediate consideration to the confirmation of the nominees.

  • Rerun: Kano Assembly Speaker swears in 2 new members

    Rerun: Kano Assembly Speaker swears in 2 new members

    Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Ismail Falgore, on Monday, administered the oath of office to two new members.

    The new members: Mohammed Butu-Butu (NNPP-Rimin-Gado/Tofa) and Zakaria Ishak (NNPP-Kura/Garunmalam), won the Feb. 3 rerun elections in their respective constituencies.

    The speaker, while performing the swearing-in during plenary, urged the new legislators to work for the development of their constituencies and the state in general.

    “On behalf of the entire members of the Ninth Assembly, I welcome the newly-elected lawmakers to the chamber.

    “We wish you more success in the discharge of your legislative assignment,” Falgore said.

    According to reports, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier issued a certificate of return to the two members of New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) who defeated their opponents from All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The speaker also swore in Mohammed Butu-Butu (NNPP-Rimin-Gado) as deputy speaker, the position he had held before the annulment of his election.

  • Ondo Assembly confirm Ajulo, Sowore, 3 others as commissioners

    Ondo Assembly confirm Ajulo, Sowore, 3 others as commissioners

    The Ondo State House of  Assembly, on Tuesday, screened and confirmed five out of the six commissioner-nominees forwarded to it by Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

    Aiyedatiwa had on Feb. 2 submitted the names of six commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly.

    The nominees screened and confirmed included  Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, Mr Razaq Obe, Pastor Emmanuel Igbasan; Mr Akinwumi Sowore, and Mr Oseni Oyeniyi.

    Mrs Omowumi Isaac, the sixth commissioner-nominee was, however, not available for the screening exercise, but no reason was given for her absence.

    Presenting the report of his committee to the Assembly, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, Chairman, the Selection Committee, said that the nominees possessed the relevant academic qualifications and were found physically and mentally fit to serve as commissioners.

    He asked the state lawmakers to confirm the nominees.

    Subsequently, Mr. Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, APC-Owo 1, therefore moved a motion for the confirmation of the nominees and Mr Felix Afe, Akoko North-West Constituency II, seconded the motion.

    Chief Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the House, commended the efforts of the committee for a job well done.

    Oladiji said that the assembly had acted on the extant law following the presentation of the nominees for confirmation.

    According to him, the legislative have found them competent to serve the people of the state.

    He asked the commissioner-designates to join hands with the state governor to facilitate the dividends of democracy get to the people of the state.

    Oladiji also enjoined them to diligently serve the people and to move the state forward.

    Responding, Igbasan, who spoke on behalf of others, appreciated the assembly, and promised that the commissioner-designates would support the state governor in achieving greater success.

  • Ogun Assembly passes motion on regulation of explosives used in mining

    Ogun Assembly passes motion on regulation of explosives used in mining

    Following the Jan.16 explosion that rocked Ibadan from illegal miners’ stored explosives, Ogun House of Assembly passed a resolution on Thursday calling on regulatory agencies to enforce safety precautions in the handling of explosives.

    This, the house noted, had become necessary, especially bearing in mind the indiscriminate use of dynamites by miners in quarries in Ogun.

    The passage of the resolution followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Yusuf Sheriff (APC-Ado Odo Ota1) and seconded by Bisi Oyedele (APC-Ipokia) during plenary session on Thursday.

    Opening debate on the motion, the Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye (PDP- Odogbolu), submitted that the Ibadan explosion that claimed lives and properties in neighbouring Oyo State remained worrisome.

    Adeleye explained that it had become imperative to address the potential dangers posed by numerous mining sites in Ogun and controlled mostly by unregistered foreigners who often disregarded environmental safety laws.

    The lawmaker added that the state’s Ministry of Environment and that of Industry, Trade, and Investment, should be mandated to enforce and ensure strict compliance with safety regulations in the mining sector.

    He noted that such proactive approach was crucial to prevent disasters and protect the lives and property of residents and public infrastructure.

    Other lawmakers, who contributed to the debate, corroborated Adeleye’s submissions and cited examples of various environmental infractions posed by illegal miners.

    Acknowledging that the mining sector was under the Exclusive List of the Federal Government, the lawmakers insisted that the state needed to put necessary measures in place to monitor and safeguard its people.

    They urged Ogun residents to report any unsafe mining practice or storage of dynamites in their vicinity to relevant government agencies.

    The lawmakers noted that the motion was a proactive measure to further put relevant government agencies on their toes to ensure the protection of lives and ensure environmental safety.

    Before the vote was taken, the Speaker, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide (APC-Odeda), implored all agencies connected with upholding safety measures to shun anything that could compromise safety, peace and tranquillity in the state.

    At least five persons were killed, while 77 others were injured when the Ibadan explosion occurred at Bodija, a residential area.

    The impact of the explosion was said to have been felt as far away as 15km from the scene of the blast.

    The explosion affected some structures at the state government secretariat and many other structures in the adjoining areas.

    It also destroyed at least 10 cars and left about 30 houses at different stages of destruction in its track.

    Oyo State government is interrogating a suggestion that the blast arose from explosives stored in Bodija by illegal miners.

  • Ondo Assembly confirms Adelami as Deputy Governor

    Ondo Assembly confirms Adelami as Deputy Governor

    The Ondo State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Dr. Olayide Adelami as the deputy governor of the state.

    Gov.  Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday sent the name of Adelami to the parliament for screening and approval.

    At resumption of plenary on Thursday in Akure, Mr Benjamin Jayeola, the clerk of the assembly read the letter of the governor on the floor of the house.

    Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, APC/Owo 1,   moved the motion for submission and consideration of the House’s Selection Committee’s report on the nominee.

    The motion was seconded by Hon. Felix Afe, Akoko North West 2/APC.

    Speaking on the report, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, Ilaje 1/APC, said that the report on Adelami showed that the nominee if confirmed would function effectively as deputy governor of the state owing to his wealth of expeience and track record.

    Akinruntan, who is the Chairman of the Selection Committee, said that the nominee was physically and mentally fit for the office of deputy governor.

    The motion for the confirmation of Dr Olayide Adelami was subsequently passed by a voice vote by the lawmakers.

    Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, the Speaker of the assembly, tasked the nominee to impact on people of the state and use his office judiciously for growth and development of the state.

    Appreciating the legislators for his confirmation, Adelami said that the new responsibilty was a call to service, and promised to do his best.

    Adelami said that he would promote good relationship between the executive and the legislature and ensure to bring back the aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress ( APC).

    According to him, he will not betray emotion and confidence reposed in him by the state governor for nominating him.

    He also seized the opportunity to condoled with the family of late Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the former governor who died on Dec. 27 after a protracted illness.

    Adelami was a former deputy clerk of the National Assembly and a governorship aspirant in the 2020 governorship primaries conducted by the All Progressivess Congress.

    NAN

  • Court remands 5 suspected arsonists of Rivers’ assembly in prison

    Court remands 5 suspected arsonists of Rivers’ assembly in prison

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, ordered that the five suspected persons arraigned for allegedly burning the Rivers House of Assembly on Oct. 29, 2023, be remanded in a correctional centre.

    Justice Bolaji Olajuwon gave the order following their arraignment on seven-count charge bordering on terrorism.

    Justice Olajuwon, who declined to take their bail plea, held that their application for bail was not ripe for hearing.

    The Inspector-General (I-G) is the complainant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, Chime Eguma Ezebalike, 37; Prince Lukman Oladele, 47; Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, 40; Osiga Donald, 42; Ochueja Thankgod, 35, are 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

    The police alleged that the defendants, alongside Hon. Edison Ehie, former factional speaker of the assembly loyal to Gov. Siminalayi Fubara and others at large, committed the offence.

    Ehie, representing Ahoada East Constituency, had, in December, resigned as a member of the  Rivers assembly and speaker of the minority lawmakers.

    The resignation was said to be part of the agreements reached in the bid to reconcile Fubara and former Governor, Nyesom Wike, now the FCT Minister.

    Upon resumed hearing, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, who announced appearance for Ehie, said though his client was not listed as a defendant, he was in court to represent him because his name was mentioned virtually in all the counts.

    The police counsel, Audu Garba, said the matter was fixed for arraignment and they were ready for the defendants to take their plea subject to the convenience of the court.

    After the charge was read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

    “In view of the denial by all the defendants of the allegations leveled against them, we shall be asking for a date for trial to invite our witnesses,” Garba said.

    Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, who represented Ezebalike and Oladele (1st and 2nd defendants), informed the court that a bail application was filed on their behalf on Wednesday and that the prosecution had been served.

    Terkaa Aondo, representing Kpasa (3rd defendant), said he had equally filed a bail application earlier in the day and that the prosecution had been served.

    Responding, Garba said he was just being served today and would need more time to study the applications.

    But Fagbemi, who prayed the court to allow his bail application to be taken, said his clients had been in detention since Nov. 4, 2023.

    Aondo, while aligning himself with Fagbemi’s plea, said his client was detained since Jan. 5.

    They, however, asked for a shorter date should their requests were not granted.

    Justice Olajuwon, who refused to grant the plea to take their bail applications, adjourned the matter until Feb. 2 for hearing of the bail application.

    The judge ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.

    NAN, however, observes that Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod (4th and 5th defendants) were not represented in court by any lawyer.

    Count one of the charge alleged that Ezebalike, Oladele, kpasa,  Honourable Ehie and others now at large, on or about the 29th day of October, 2023, at Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers, while acting in concert, conspired together to commit felony.

    It alleged that they commited the “act of terrorism by the wilful destruction of public properties of invading, attacking, destroying and burning of the Rivers House of Assembly.

    The prosecution said the offence is punishable under Section 26 [1] [a] of the Terrorism [Prevention and Prohibition} Act 2022,” among other counts.

  • Why we impeached Oluomo – Ogun lawmaker

    Why we impeached Oluomo – Ogun lawmaker

    The lawmaker representing Obafemi Owode Constituency, Hon Oludaisi Elemide has revealed what led to the impeachment of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kunle Oluomo.

    Oluomo was impeached on Tuesday, with Hon Oludaisi Elemide appointed as the new Speaker in his place.

    According to the lawmaker, Oluomo lied that the governor, Dapo Abiodun, was not giving the House any money.

    Kayode said members found out that the Speaker was not informing them that the governor had been giving them money.

    “We never wanted him, but the leadership of the party thought he was a former Speaker, so we should allow him to continue as a Speaker. We all agreed as faithful party persons.

    “Now the situation is: Oluomo will go everywhere; he will come to us as members and tell us the governor has not approved for us any money, the governor has not given us any money, and that we should manage.

    “We keep managing. We later found out that the governor had been giving us money. He takes a memo to the governor, the governor gives him money, and he comes back to tell us he did not give him any money.

    “Let me give you a good example of this: the quarters allowance. When we came back, the governor gave us money for renovation. Oluomo took the remaining one and embezzled it.

    “Now, 18 of us came together and said we cannot be the same. How can we manage our future? He keeps inciting members against each other. This is so bad we cannot take it anymore.

    “We have now changed the leadership of the House. The House is now under the leadership of Hon Elemide and we remain the same. He (Oluomo) should go and clear his name with the EFCC, he said.”