Tag: House of Assembly

Nasarawa speakership crisis: Ogazi steps down for Abdullahi

Mr Daniel Ogazi, All Progressives Congress (APC- Kokona East) and factional Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has stepped down to pave way for Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, (APC-Umaisha/Ugya) to emerge as the speaker of the assembly.

Ogazi announced his withdrawal from the contest at a press conference on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Ogazi and Abdullahi were elected at different locations, on June 6, thereby creating two factions of the 7th Assembly in the state.

Abdullahi was elected a sitting at the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by 11 members-elect, while Ogazi was elected by 13 others at the State Assembly complex.

Ogazi said that the decision to stepdown his ambition was in the best interest of the development of the state.

He noted with concern that while other states were moving on, Nasarawa was negatively impacted due to lack of functional assembly.

He explained that himself and other members loyal to his course were worried that his ambition to be speaker of the 7th Assembly had aroused opposition with an attendant negative consequence on governance in the state.

He further said that the unfortunate development was a serious course for concern, hence the need for him to reconsider his stance and come to a compromise.

“I compromised not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is a decision that best serve our collective interest as a state in order to make any reasonable progress.

“While other states of the federation since the inception of this new dispensation have recorded tremendous successes, ours is negatively impacted due to lack of a functional assembly.

“A situation that has plunged the state into needless constitutional crisis, attracting negative attention from within and outside the state.

“I hereby, set aside my speakership ambition with an assurance to henceforth unite and work for the collective good and in the overall interest of the State,” he said.

Ogazi appealed to his supporters to see reasons with them on why Nasarawa State must make progress regardless of any personal interest.

He appreciated all the stakeholders, who intervened towards ending the impasse, especially Gov. Abdullahi Sule for ensuring that normalcy was restored at the Assembly.

He, therefore, on behalf of other members of the group pledged to work with the speaker of the 7th assembly to make laws and support Gov Sule for the overall development of the state.

July 21, 2023
Nasarawa Assembly crisis: Two factions fail to reach agreement

The two factions in the lingering leadership crisis in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly have failed to reach an agreement as to who leads the assembly as the 7th Speaker.

The meeting between the two factions of Daniel Ogazi and Ibrahim Balarabe which lasted for more than three hours at the Nasarawa State Government Lodge in Abuja on Wednesday, ended in a deadlock.

It was that the lawmakers left the venue disappointed even as Gov. Abdullahi Sule arrived and waited for their resolution.

The two factional speakers declined speaking to newsmen who were waiting patiently for the outcome of the meeting.

However, Ogazi send a text message that the meeting ended in a deadlock and expressed hope that they will meet again while all efforts to hear from Balarabe was unfruitful.

Last week, the governor met with the twenty four lawmakers and pleaded with them to resolve the leadership impasse and report back to him in two days.

On June 8, the leadership crisis rocking the state assembly took another dimension as the 13 factional members during plenary passed a resolution suspending the 10 other factional members.

It is also reported that as a result of having two factional speakers of the state assembly, the inauguration of the 7th Assembly was postponed.

After the postponement, leadership crisis erupted where two speakers emerged with Balarabe and Ogazi leading different groups.

While Balarabe was elected at a sitting in the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state by 11 out of 24 members, Ogazi was elected by 13 out of 24 members at plenary at the State Assembly complex.

As the crisis escalated, the state’s APC led by its Chairman, John Mamman on June 9 endorsed Balarabe as the Speaker for the State 7th Assembly.

Not relenting, on June 10, Ogazi went to a Federal High Court in Lafia seeking to stop Balarabe and Mr Jacob Kudu from parading themselves as speaker and deputy speaker of 7th Assembly among other requests.

NAN

July 19, 2023
Makinde forwards list of 7 commissioner-nominees to Oyo Assembly

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has forwarded a list of seven commissioner-nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and approval.

The Speaker, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, made this known on Wednesday at the plenary while reading the governor’s letter to the assembly.

The list included: Messrs Seun Asamu and Akinola Ojo, who were Commissioners for Energy and Finance respectively during Makinde’s first tenure.

Others nominees were: Mrs Fausat Sanni and Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, both former Commissioners for Women Affairs and Public Works and Transport respectively.

Also on the list were: former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde and his Agriculture and Rural Development counterpart, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi.

Mrs Toyin Balogun, who was Makinde’s Women Mobilisation Director in the last general elections, also made the list.

The nominees are expected to appear before the lawmakers next week for screening.

June 21, 2023
Just In: Agbebaku emerges Speaker of Edo 8th Assembly

Mr Blessing Agbebaku (PDP-Owan West), on Friday emerged as Speaker of the 8th Edo House of Assembly.

Agbebaku was the Chief of Staff to the immediate past Speaker, Marcus Onobun

Agbebaku was elected by the lawmakers shortly after a letter of proclamation of the assembly by Gov. Godwin Obaseki was read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr Yahaya Omogbai, in Benin.

Mrs. Maria Edekor (PDP-Esan North East II) was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.

24 members-elect were also inaugurated into the 8th assembly.

Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Agbebaku promised a unified assembly that would move the state to greater heights through effective legislation.

He thanked God for his protection and guidance throughout the electoral process and for his emergency as the speaker.

He expressed gratitude to his colleagues for giving him the privilege and for believing in his capacity and competence to serve as speaker.

“Choosing me to lead this assembly is a great honour and privilege bestowed upon me with a sense of responsibility and acceptance.

“I will not take this position for granted. I will carry everyone along irrespective of their political affiliations.

“I commend the 7th assembly for setting the template in legislative activities which has placed the assembly on the right track.

“I assure all that we will put Edo people first as we perform our oversight functions and make the state great again,” he said.

Agbebaku thanked Gov. Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, for leading the party in the right direction

June 16, 2023
Edo Assembly confirms 15 commissioners

The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed four bills and confirmed 15 civil commissioners at its valedictory session marking the end of the state seventh assembly in Benin.

The bills are a bill for a law to make provision for the emolument of elected political officers and public officers in 2023, a bill for a law to provide for the pension rights of the governor and the deputy governor 2023.

Others are a bill for a law to provide for sanitation, pollution and waste management and a bill to establish the unified local government agency.

The house also amended and adopted new house rules which threw up some controversies before its adoption.

House Speaker Marcus Onobun had earlier called on the members representing Esan North East I and Esan South East, Assemblyman Francis Okiye and Assemblyman Sunny Ojiezele respectively to second the adoption of the motion.

But the two lawmakers declined, saying that they had no idea of the content of the new house rules.

Also at plenary, the house confirmed 15 commissioners as civil commissioners in the state.

They are Mr Christopher Nehikhare, Mr Monday Osaigbovo, Mr Isoken Omo, Mr Joan Oviawe, Mr Ethan Uzamere, Mr Stephen Idehenre, Mr Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi and Mr Patrick Unaseru.

Others are Mr Samuel Alli, Mr Adeze Aguele-Kalu, Mr Kingsley Uwagbale, Mr Uyi Oduwa Malaka, Mr Joshua Omokhodion, Mr Ojeifoh Enaholo and Christabel Omo Ekwu

The house also approved the request of governor Godwin Obaseki to obtain N3.5 billion contract and asset finance auto-loan facility.

According to the governor, N2 billion will be used for the procurement of hospital equipment for Stella Obasanjo hospital and N1.5 billion will be used to procure vehicles for the 24 incoming legislators and the state chief judge.

Thereafter, the speaker, Macus Onobun, opened the floor as he thanked his colleagues and staff of the assembly for their support over the years.

Onobun in his valedictory speech stated that the seventh assembly passed 54 bills, 48 of the bills were assented to and also passed 118 resolutions.

“The turbulence that characterised the inauguration of the seventh assembly made us heroes of democracy having done the job of 24 members,” he said.

Onobun, however, thanked his constituency, the governor and the people of Edo for the privilege to serve.

House Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, member representing (PDP Orhiomwon south), thanked his constituency and the governor for the enabling environment for the house to function.

Former House Speaker Francis Okiye, member representing (PDP Esan North East I), reflected on the milestones the house recorded in the last four years.

Okiye said “we have sojourned together in the last four years through challenges and I believe that each of us contributed his quota to the development of the state”.

Other lawmakers also took turns to appreciate God and their constituencies for the privilege to represent them in the house

The seventh assembly came into being by a proclamation by governor Godwin Obaseki On June 17, 2019.

All 24 seats were won by the then-ruling party, APC, however, before the proclamation, the politicking of who becomes the speaker tore the legislators elect into two major factions.

At the inauguration on June 17, only 10 members out of 24 presented themselves for inauguration.

The house, thereafter, adjourned sine-die (with no appointed date).

June 8, 2023
Panic in Anambra Assembly as armed men try to whisk away member-elect

There was panic at the Anambra State House of Assembly as four armed men, suspected to be operatives of the Directorate of Security Services (DSS), tried to whisk away member-elect for Nnewi North constituency, Mr Onyekachukwu Ike.

The armed men drove into the Assembly complex in three vehicles and grabbed the member-elect after he participated in a valedictory thanksgiving mass for the seventh Assembly.

They forced the member-elect into their vehicle and were trying to drive out of the Assembly complex when security personnel quickly locked the exit gate.

The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs Esther Aneto, and other senior staff lamented that the suspected DSS operatives did not inform them or even the Police personnel at the Assembly before trying to whisk Ike away.

One of the suspected DSS operatives, however, explained that they had a court order to arrest the member-elect.

It took the intervention of the Speaker, Dr Uche Okafor, and the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, who came to represent the Governor at the Valedictory session of the seventh Assembly, before the member-elect was released.

June 8, 2023
Why I left U.S. for politics in Nigeria – Osun speaker

Mr Adewale Egbedun, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, on Thursday, said he returned to Nigeria from America in 2016, to join politics in order to serve and provide his people with a better life.

Egbedun made this known while meeting with the staff of the Osun Hosue of Assembly Commission, on the Assembly floor, after his swearing-in on Tuesday.

He said he came back to Osun to ensure people of the state people had quality governance and that he was not into politics to make money.

He assured the staff of the Assemply of an improved and better welfare, saying: ” I will make your welfare my number one priority.”

“My priority now is to make impact, make a name, and not here to make money.

“I have passion to help my people, to make the people happy.

“I had a dream in April 2016 while living in Texas in America, and I told my wife, I am going back to Nigeria to do politics and serve my people.

“Some Nigerians in the U.S., even my pastor, thought I was under enchantment, but I had a conviction that I wanted to do politics to serve my people and make their life better,” he said.

He, however, appealed to the assembly staff to work with him and his colleagues so they could have a successful tenure.

He said the opportunity the Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had given to him to be a speaker, must be justified and that he needed them to work with him to succeed.

He promised to run an open door policy and would ensure that their welfare was well taken care of by making them happy, even if it meant using his personal resources.

Speaking also, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Akinyode Oyewusi, appealed to the staff to work with the lawmakers to achieve growth and development.

Oyewusi said, “Don’t look at us as young people, let’s work together to achieve a common goal of delivering the best legislation. ”

Mr Simeon Amosun, the Clerk of the Assembly, on behalf of the workers, promised to work with the lawmakers and assist them to achieve the development agenda of the governor

June 8, 2023
We’re determined to change governance in Enugu State – LP

The Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State says it is determined to usher in a different governance structure in the state.

The state Chairman of LP, Mr Casmir Agbo, said this on Friday during a one-day retreat organised by the party for the 14 LP members-elect to the State House of Assembly.

Agbo said that as the majority in the assembly, the party stood the chance to chart a new course for the state.

“With you as the majority in the house, you must show example. You must show why our people trusted us and gave us the mandate.

“Do not fight anybody but you must take your rightful positions and lead my example,” he said.

Mr. Chijioke Edeoga, the governorship candidate of the party in the state, said the retreat was organised to chart the way forward for the new legislators.

He said, though the party was sure of reclaiming its victory at the tribunal, there was need for the party to put the legislators on the right part.

He advised them to shun greed and respect the wishes of the electorate who toiled to vote them into office.

“You are there because someone paid the price. You are there because someone sacrificed for you to be there.

“So, you must make the difference, so that people will not see you as the same, and our victory will be blown away in a jiffy,” he said.

Edeoga said that when LP reclaimed its mandate in the state, he would invite technocrats, who are ready to work to form the government.

A guest Lecturer, Prof. Jude Udenta of the Department of Political Science and Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), advised the members-elect to have unity of purpose.

He said that for the legislators to succeed in the house, they should unite and take over all the legislative positions to make it easier for them to achieve their objectives.

Labour party won 14 out of 24 assembly seats while PDP won 10 seats.

May 12, 2023
Sokoto Assembly passes Bill to regulate marraige expenses

The Sokoto State House of Assembly has passed a bill to regulate marriage expenses in the state.

The bill to regulate marriage in the state was passed on Tuesday, May 9.

The Bill, sponsored by Alhaji Abubakar Shehu (APC-Yabo) and Faruk Balle (PDP- Gudu), was earlier referred to the House Committee on Religious Affairs.

Shehu, who is the chairman of the committee, presented the report of the committee at plenary, which was unanimously adopted and passed into law.

The Bill seeks to control extravagant spending on marriage, naming, circumcision and other local ceremonies across the state.

Shehu said, while tabling the report, the committee met with necessary stakeholders who made positive contributions which were captured in the Bill.

After deliberations at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, the Bill was unanimously passed by the lawmakers.

NAN

May 9, 2023
Delta lawmaker-elect, Augoye assures of vibrant 8th House of Assembly

Chief James Augoye, the lawmaker-elect representing Okpe State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly has assured of a vibrant 8th House of Assembly.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chief Augoye gave the assurance as management of the State House of Assembly flagged off a 5-day pre-inauguration induction course for the 29 members-elect of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday.

Other lawmakers-elect, who spoke in separate interviews, commended the management of the 7th Assembly for the Programme and as well expressed optimism of a vibrant 8th Delta State Assembly.

Those who spoke include members-elect of Isoko South II, Ferguson Onwo; Warri North, Fred Martins; Burutu II, Pereotu Oloye; Oshimili South, Bridget Anyafulu and Oshimili North, Frank Esenwah.

They all acknowledged the need for the induction course as they prepare for their inauguration in June.

TNG reports all the twenty-nine members-elect for the 8th Assembly, including 9 returning lawmakers and 20 first-timers, are participating in the pre-inauguration induction programme.

The 9 returning lawmakers are the Majority Leader of the House, Ferguson Onwo, Isoko South II; Deputy Majority Leader, Oboro Preyor, Bomadi; Majority Whip, Festus Okoh, Ika South and Deputy Majority Whip, Fred Martins, Warri North.

Others include Hon Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West; Emeka Nwaobi, Aniocha North; Austin Uroye, Warri South I; Emomotimi Guwor, Warri South West and Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani Constituency.

The 20 first-timers include Arthur Akpowhowho, Ethiope East; Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, Ika North East; Blessing Achoja, Ethiope West; Prince Emeka Osamuta, Ndokwa East; James Augoye, Okpe; Collins Egbetamah, Udu; Mathew Omonade, Ughelli North I; Spencer Ohwofa, Ughelli North II; Frank Esenwah, Oshimili North, and Bridget Anyafulu, Oshimili South.

Others are Isaac Anwuzia, Aniocha South; Perkins Umukoro, Sapele; Festus Utuama, Ughelli South; Edafe Emakpor, Uvwie; Benson Obire, Warri South II; Chukwudi Dafe, Ukwuani; Pereotu Oloye, Burutu II; Bernard Odior, Isoko North; Bino Obowomano, Isoko South I and Anthony Alapala, Burutu I Constituency.

The programme with the theme: “Effective Collaboration and Partnership for Optimal Performance”, is being held in Abuja, the nation’s capital city as part of a management strategy to avoid distractions.

Governor-elect, Delta State and Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in a goodwill message at the opening session, said expectations are high, hence the need to prepare the elected representatives of the 29 constituencies on the task before them in the next political dispensation of the State.

Oborevwori explained that every necessary step must be taken to ensure that the Delta State Legislature maintain its leading position in the comity of States legislature in Nigeria.

Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor said members-elect are expected to have sound knowledge of lawmaking procedures, oversight functions as well as rules and standing orders of the House.

Stressing that Delta State Assembly prides itself as the most vibrant House in the country, the Clerk emphasized that there was the need to enhance the enviable track records in the 8th Assembly.

Mrs Ocholor, who is the Chairperson, Forum of Clerks of the State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, maintained that the Delta State Legislature has been very prominent in the affairs of the nation, including the Speaker’s emergence as Governor-elect and Deputy National Chairman of Conference of Speakers of States Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

She noted with joy the active participation of members elect in the induction course, featuring Lectures and Mock Plenary Sessions, amongst others.

“This programme is aimed at introducing members Elect to the rudimentary steps of opening a new parliament, and to acquaint you with the necessary tools that will make you effective in the art of law-making, oversight function and representation of your constituents, which are the primary functions of a legislator.

“To the returning members, this programme will serve as a refresher course for you. Some of you have passed through this class a couple of times. But there is always a fresh perspective to Learning. This is the beauty of the Legislature”.

Ocholor disclosed that resource persons who are seasoned technocrats in legislative matters, including John Mutu, Dr Shuaibu Danwanka, Dr Aminu, Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe, Dr Ben Ekeyi, and Barr Ibrahim Usman would take participants through selected topical issues during the pre-inauguration induction programme.

She listed the topics to include, “Powers, Privileges, Immunities and Limitations of the Legislature”, “Principles of Separation of Powers and Doctrine of Checks and Balances”, “General Functions of the Legislature and Role of a Lawmaker”, “Introduction to Standing Orders of the Delta State House of Assembly”, “The Committee System and Oversight Process in the Legislature”, “An overview of the Appropriation Process”, “Role of the Bureaucracy and Legislative Aides”, “Laws and Regulations Guiding the use of Public Funds and Legislative Fund Management Law’ as well as “Visioning, Strategic Planning and Agenda Setting in the Legislature”.

“I wish to thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker and Governor-Elect of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and the Principal officers of the house for not only approving this induction programme but also for releasing the required funds to enable the Management of the Assembly put this programme together”, she added.

The Chief Executive Officer of the African Parliamentary Resource Centre, APRC, Mr John Mutu, who is the lead resource person for the programme, while setting the agenda, objectives, methodology and expectations for the induction course, expressed optimism of a vibrant 8th Delta State Assembly.
Mr Mutu charged the members elect to make meaningful contributions during the course of the programme, saying that the induction course would promote efficiency in the Assembly.

May 9, 2023