TheNewsGuru

Tag: House of Representatives

  • Reps pass bills to review death penalty, LG reforms, citizenship laws

    Reps pass bills to review death penalty, LG reforms, citizenship laws

    The House of Representatives passed for second reading bills seeking to alter the Constitution to review death penalty, ensure Local Government reforms and review indigene and citizen status in the country.

    The bills were sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

    The bills which were presented by the Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) include a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to review the penalties for certain capital offences in aignment with relevant international best practices and for related matters.

    He also presented a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to review the framework for Local Government Administration.

    The bill seeks to establish a robust legal regime, strengthen administrative efficiency, and to promote transparency, accountability.

    The bill also seeks to deepen democratic practices at the local government level and for related matters.

    Ihonvbere also presented a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to guarantee indigene status to persons by reason of birth or continued residence for a period of not less than 10 years or by reason of marriage and for related matters.

    The majority leader also presented a bill for an Act to alter the Constitution to include citizenship by investment as one of the classes of citizenship in Nigeria.

    To provide for the acquisition of Nigerian citizenship by qualified foreign investors who meet specified investment thresholds and for related matters.

    Other bills presented by Ihonvbere include for an Act to alter the Constitution to provide for the inclusion of Tourism and Tourism related matters on the Concurrent Legislative List and for related matters.

  • Just In: Reps begin debate on Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers

    Just In: Reps begin debate on Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers

    On Thursday, the House of Representatives began the debate on the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers.

    A rep member, at the commencement of the debate, demanded a head count of members present in the session to ensure that two-thirds necessary to form a quorum were present in the House.

    TheNewsGuru reports that in the House of Reps, 240 members will have to agree and support the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State for it to be constitutionally binding.

    Details later…

  • Insurance act was due for review, says CIIN commending the House of Reps

    Insurance act was due for review, says CIIN commending the House of Reps

    The Council of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has commended the House of Representatives for passing the Insurance Reform Bill, expressing that the insurance act of 2004 was an old law that definitely due for review in terms of the kind of transformation that is currently needed.

    The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, passed the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act Bill, 2024.

    The bill aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the regulation and supervision of all types of insurance businesses in Nigeria.

    The passed bill, if signed by the President, will repeal the Motor Vehicle (Third Party) Insurance Act, Cap M22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    It also repealed the National Insurance Corporation of Nigeria Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and the Nigerian Insurance Reinsurance Corporation Act, Cap N131, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

    Mrs Yetunde Ilori, President of CIIN, described the development as a significant milestone in efforts to reform the insurance industry in Nigeria.

    Ilori said with the proposed legislation, the industry was expected to become more competitive and contribute positively to the country’s economic growth.

    She said that the insurance industry was eagerly awaiting the President’s final assent to the bill.

    She commended the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) and the legislative arm for their outstanding  efforts in facilitating the passage of the bill.

    “I congratulate the entire insurance industry; I thank the legislative arm; the Senate and the House of Representatives for getting to this stage,” she said.

    Ilori attributed the current development to the tireless efforts of key stakeholders in the industry.

    “Whatever we have now is as a result of collective effort of the various arms within the industry, especially NAICOM, which played a vital role in this.

    Speaking on the Third party motor insurance policy introduced by the Federal Government, Ilori advised Nigerians to embrace the policy .

    She said that Nigerians could opt for the comprehensive insurance cover, which provides broader protection, including coverage for damage to their own vehicles.

    Ilori explained that the Third-party motor insurance cover only damage to the other person’s vehicle and property in an accident.

    She said the comprehensive insurance covers both vehicles, third-party damages, including theft, fire, and other events.

    The CIITN President  noted that the Third-party motor insurance fee was the least compared to other West African countries.

    She commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for deploying his team to ensure the enforcement of the policy as well as public sensitisation on it.

    Ilori urged the media to upscale sensitisation on the policy.

  • House of Reps approve tax reform bills

    House of Reps approve tax reform bills

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Faleke (APC-Lagos), has assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills will produce widely acceptable laws.

    Faleke gave this assurance on Thursday after the House considered and adopted the report on the four tax reform bills during its session in Abuja.

    The bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.

    “These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterward, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause.

    “I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations,” Faleke said.

    He expressed appreciation to fellow lawmakers and Nigerians who engaged with the bills, assuring that the resulting laws will be acceptable to all.

    Faleke also thanked the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax bills and presenting them for consideration.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date as far back as 1959.

    “We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.

    Deputy Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), said no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform bills.

    He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders, ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.

    Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from all geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.

    “The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders.

    “These were never seen as perfect documents. The Executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version,” he added.

    Also, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the Executive making adjustments to reflect public interest.

    “In spite of being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue.

    “This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage,” Ugochinyere said.

    In his part, Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said all stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.

    “This is a great day for Nigeria. The necessary reforms have been approved by the House, and we now await Senate concurrence,” he said.

  • NNPCL must act -Reps on vandalized Ore depot

    NNPCL must act -Reps on vandalized Ore depot

    The House of Representatives has passed a resolution urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to expedite the rehabilitation of vandalized pipelines that link to the Ore depot in Ondo State, with the objective of facilitating the immediate resumption of operational activities at the facility.

    This resolution was adopted following the presentation of a motion by Rep. Festus Adefiranye (APC-Ondo) during the plenary session on Wednesday.

    Inaugurated in 1979 with a 22 million liter capacity, the Ore depot is essential for petroleum distribution and price stability, Adefiranye noted.

    He stressed its importance as a hub for the South-West and surrounding states, facilitating economic activities and lowering transportation costs for consumers and marketers.

    Rep. Adefiranye stated that the pipelines responsible for supplying and evacuating products to and from the Ore depot have been subject to vandalism for an extended period without any remediation efforts.

    This prolonged neglect, he emphasized, has resulted in a disruption of petroleum product supply, an increase in the costs of such products, and undue hardship for Nigerian citizens.

    Restoring the Ore depot’s functionality would significantly reduce road accidents, vehicle wear, fuel costs, and operational risks, according to Adefiranye.

    He further emphasized that the facility’s neglect undermines federal efforts to diversify the economy, create jobs, and improve business conditions for petroleum-dependent SMEs.

    Adefiranye argued that revamping the Ore depot would improve fuel availability and affordability, boost economic activity, create jobs, and increase government revenue.

    Speaker Abbas then directed the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) to assess the depot’s condition and ensure prompt restoration.

  • Urgent clarification on Counter Subversion Bill

    Urgent clarification on Counter Subversion Bill

    …House welcomes robust discussions on the Bill, and how to address concerns

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has reacted to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

    The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security.

    However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

    1. The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.

    2. The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.

    3. Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.

    4. The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.

    5. By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading, where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.

    6. The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.

    7. After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.

    The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

    Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.

  • BREAKING: Another House of Representatives member, Ekene Adams is dead

    BREAKING: Another House of Representatives member, Ekene Adams is dead

    A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, has passed on.

    Hon. Ekene was confirmed dead early Tuesday morning by his wife.

    The lawmaker who was until his death was the Chairman House Committee on Sports, had battled ill-health in recent times.

    His death occured few days after his former colleague from Oyo Olajide Akinremi Jagaban passed on.

    Hon. Ekene represented Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna state in the House of Representatives.

    Details later…

  • Corruption allegations: Tinubu’s minister drags House of Reps committee chair to court over defamation

    Corruption allegations: Tinubu’s minister drags House of Reps committee chair to court over defamation

    The minister of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has dragged the House of Representatives committee chair, Kafilat Ogbara to court over an allegation of corruption in her Ministry.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the House Committee and the minister engaged in a heated argument during a panel hearing in which the committee alleged misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors in the Women Affairs Ministry. 

    The committee said it is investigating the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion earmarked for the payment of contractors, including N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and N1.5 million for vehicle fuel, all which Ohanenye denied. 

    Clarifying the reports on Thursday, the women minister, via a statement on X,  emphasizes her unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. She asserts that all program and project payments are meticulously authorized, following established civil service regulations.

    She further maintained that supporting documents to susbstantiate the accuracy of all financial transactions involving the Director of Finance and Accounts, with final assent by the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry’s accounting officer, has been presented. 

    She stated that a lawsuit with case no (Suit No.E 500/2024) has been filed against Hon. Kafilat Ogbara for libel and defamation. 

    She nugded the committe to present any evidence or proof of alleged misappropriation in the court of law, after which reiterated her commiment to collaborating with the Federal Lawmakers and addressing the pressing needs of Nigerian women and children.

    In her words “As far as I am the Minister of Women Affairs, I will continue to use the Resources judiciously for the benefits of Nigerian Women and Children; there will be no room for Financial Recklessness, Misappropriation of Resources and every Training will be backed up with Sustainable Empowerment”.

  • Why NASS supports privatisation of teaching hospitals – Committee Chairman

    Why NASS supports privatisation of teaching hospitals – Committee Chairman

    The House of Representative says it will support the campaign for the privatisation and commercialisation of the federal teaching hospitals, to enhance efficiency and better healthcare delivery.

    Mr Amos Magaji, Chairman House Committee on Health, and member representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba, Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday evening, after the committee’s oversight visit to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria.

    Magaji said the House of Representatives would support the initiative to strengthen service delivery, adding that the Federal Government should also take a critical look into health insurance, and increase its capitation before venturing into such a project.

    He added that the health insurance should capture senior citizens age 70 years and above into the scheme because with good capitation from health insurance, people will be able to pay their bills when the hospitals were commercialised.

    “At the moment there is a huge burden of out of pocket expenses on health; and so if you privatise or commercialise the National Teaching Hospital, it is similar to giving Nigerians death sentences,’’ Magaji said.

    The chairman said governance was for the people, and as such, policies of the government should have a human face and tally with the aspirations of people.

    On the visit to ABUTH, Magaji expressed the committee’s dissatisfaction over the number of personnel of the hospital, noting that the prestigious tertiary health facility with 1000-bed capacity, should have adequate workers to man the facility.

    The chairman pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring all grey areas in the health sector were tackled, in the overall interests of all Nigerians.

    “The oversight visit to the hospital was not to find fault or witch-hunt anybody, but to assist the facility in its business of delivering quality and affordable healthcare services to Nigerians.

    Earlier, Prof Hamid Umdagas, Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, told the committee that dearth of manpower and electricity supply, were the major challenges of the hospital.

    Umdagas said that the hospital, which had six satellite stations, 40 clinical and non-clinical departments, was barely managing with only 2,805 personnel as at June 27.

    According to him, the “Japa’’ syndrome was hitting hard on the facility’s human resources, as some of its health facility just simply disappeared, while a few had retired.

  • 50 lawmakers write Tinubu, demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release [SEE LIST]

    50 lawmakers write Tinubu, demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release [SEE LIST]

    About 50 members of the House of Representatives from different parts of Nigeria and political parties, known as Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South East, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention.

    The lawmakers, who hail from different political parties and geopolitical zones across the nation, also appealed to President Tinubu to commence a presidential peace initiative to address all issues and challenges bedeviling the southeast region of Nigeria.

    These appeals were contained in a three-page letter signed by the lawmakers, dated June 19, 2024, and addressed to the President.

    The signatories include Hon Obi Aguocha (Abia), Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Hon Midala Balami (Borno), Hon Afam Ogene (Anambra), Hon. Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), Hon Dominic Okafor (Anambra), Hon Etanabene Benedict (Delta), Hon. Shehu Dalhatu (Katsina), Hon Chinedu Emeka Martins (Imo), Hon. Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Hon. Muhammed Buba Jagere (Yobe), Hon Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), Hon Koki Sagir (Kano), Hon Amobi Oga (Abia), Hon Gwacham Chinwe (Anambra), Hon Uchenna Okonkwo (Anambra), Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga (Kogi), Hon. Osi Nkemkama (Ebonyi), and others.

    They urged the President to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial. According to the lawmakers, they believe it is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace restoration and inclusivity as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations.

    They recalled that the President extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, and Sunday Igboho.

    The concerned legislators lamented that the South-East is in turmoil and unsafe for various reasons, including a breakdown of security, a downturn of economic activities, families running away from their homes, and businesses crumbling.

    They opined that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing the President’s commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.

    They also stated that addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the southeast. Expressing optimism about a positive response from the President, the concerned lawmakers added that this would enhance President Tinubu’s administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress.

    The letter read in part, “Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the RENEWED HOPE agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all. It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial. We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.

    “Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the Southeast to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances. This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.

    “Moreover, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No. FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, and others. All these recorded tremendous successes, especially in resolving the crisis within the North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger-Delta region, which have helped in many ways.

    “The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger-Delta, Niger-Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, various host community laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.

    “It is, therefore, our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy. It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political and judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawlessness. We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South-East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and improve the resources and economic activities in the South-East.

    “The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.

    “Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalization, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the Southeast. It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritizes national unity, peace, and progress. We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to a positive response.”