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Tag: House of Representatives

  • Reps to intervene in labour strike

    Reps to intervene in labour strike

    The House of Representatives has resolved to interface with the Senate, toward finding lasting solution to the ongoing strike by the organised labour.

    The resolution was reached during plenary in Abuja on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance, by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

    Moving the motion, Kalu made reference to the content of the recently launched legislative agenda of the 10th House, urging the house to engage with the Senate and the organised labour to find lasting solution to the problem.

    He also urged the NLC to have faith in the parliament and agree to a dialogue.

    “I pray that the National Labour Congress, NLC and all the unions in Nigeria that they should trust us once again. That we will use diplomacy where necessary to engage as usual.

    “They should trust us again to come together to find lasting solution for their pain.

    “We can dialogue, I pray for the House leadership and that of the Senate sit with this aggrieved NLC, as soon as possible to enable us find lasting solution to their need,” he said.

    Lawmakers took turn to contribute to the debate, saying that the strike had resulted in untold hardship on Nigerians and appealed to the labour to call it off.

    In his ruling, the Speaker, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen who presided over said that the leadership of the House would meet with the senate on the issue.
    Tajudeen said the action was to ensure that urgent steps were taken to end the strike.

  • Rep seeks local adaptation strategies to climate change

    Rep seeks local adaptation strategies to climate change

    Rep. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment has called for the development of local strategies on climate change adaption.

    Ugbor made the call on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the Development Agenda in collaboration with the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

    The theme of the conference is “Climate Change and COP28: The Way Forward for Nigeria.”

    The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) is scheduled to hold in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.

    Ugbor said everyone needs to look inward and adopt things that could help us to take action “on our own before we think of attracting international support.

    “We need to look inward and develop local adaptation strategies; every one of us should take a stand and make efforts personally so that in our own little way we contribute to climate change adaptation.

    “Wipe of energy system and other models that can help us to reduce climate issues in our environment.

    “If we have this mindset and put our money where our mouth is we may not need international support,”he said.

    Ugbor who said that Nigeria has several laws on climate change emphasised that with the establishment of Nigeria Climate Council, there is hope for a climate change adaptation in the country.

    According to him, he expects that we have a unified focus to be able to attract as much investment as possible.

    On his part, Mr Michael Terungwa, Executive Director of Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation, urged the media to hold international organisations accountable for their financial commitment to developing nations on climate change adaptation.

    Terungwa who identified climate financing as a big challenge to Nigeria and Africa as a whole, expressed concern that climate change adaption was not been financed.

    According to him, there was a need to connect climate change and its local impact down to the grassroots.

    He challenged the media on the implementation of policies on climate change issues.

    Terungwa urged the media to intensify awareness on climate change at the local level.

    He said that a lot of people at the grassroots are unaware of the implication of some of their activities to the environment

    “There is need for awareness. We need to frame climate change as a bipartisan issue and sustained enlightenment programme at the grassroots,” he said.

  • Reps urge Wike to prioritise security, revenue generation in FCT

    Reps urge Wike to prioritise security, revenue generation in FCT

    The House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT to focus on enhancing the security of lives and property in the nation’s capital.

    The committee also emphasised the importance of leveraging his experience and network to boost revenue generation for funding the FCT’s infrastructure development.

    Rep. Muktar Betara stated this at the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja on Thursday.

    He urged committee members to dedicate themselves to realising President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and fulfilling the trust placed in them by FCT natives and residents.

    He said the committee’s oversight responsibilities encompassed various agencies and aspects related to the FCT administration and development.

    Betara highlighted the need for increased revenue generation, stating that Abuja was losing revenue but added that the committee will support the minister.

    The chairman said this would ensure that he gets more revenue for the development of infrastructure in the FCT.

    He urged the FCT authorities to adopt efficient practices, such as sending notifications for vehicular renewals and facilitating the processing of title documents for estates in Abuja.

    The lawmaker also urged property owners to promptly pay ground rent for undeveloped land to avoid sanction.

    Rep. Saidu Abdullahi expressed  the committee’s commitment to working towards restoring the capital’s former glory.

    Rep. Regina Akume (APC-Benue) said that demolition of illegal structures illegal structures in the FCT should be slowed down, considering the challenges faced by the less privileged individuals.

    The Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr Adesola Olusade, who represented the minister urged the committee to work on bills related to the city’s development and decongestion.

  • Delta rep. bolsters investor ties for youth empowerment

    Delta rep. bolsters investor ties for youth empowerment

    The Member of the House of Representatives representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency Nnamdi Eziechi, has reiterated his commitment to fostering strong partnerships between investors and the Delta State government.

    During a visit to Asaba by investor teams, he assured them of the state government’s dedication to generating employment opportunities for the youth, adding that Delta State provides a peaceful and secure environment for businesses to prosper.

    Acknowledging the role of the private sector in achieving empowerment for the teaming youths of the state, Eziechi praised the visiting investor teams and pledged to facilitate the necessary processes for a successful partnership.

    He affirmed his ongoing support for initiatives that enhance the well-being of Delta’s youth.

    The Chairman of First Rhema Solutions Mark Obi, conveyed the team’s investment ideas and its potential to bolster job creation and revenue generation in the state.

    Obi urged the lawmaker to assist in facilitating the team’s meeting with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to discuss the details.

     

  • Reps move to address multiples taxation

    Reps move to address multiples taxation

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has said the 10th national assembly has resolved to address  issues surrounding  multiple taxation in the country.

    He said this will be done through a bill that would address the anomaly.

    Abbas said this when Mr Lee Hun Seung the South Korean Ambassador to Nigeria paid him a courtesy call in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He said a committee to address the anomaly had been set up, adding that there was a mutual understanding between the two countries to address it so as to help businesses thrive.

    He South Korean has over 20 companies in Nigeria plus investment worth over N3 billion, adding that it would augur well to encourage the country to do more.y

    This according to him is by way of lifting the burden of multiple taxation.

    He commended the relationship that existed between South Korean and Nigerian parliaments since 2015.

    He described such as a worthy investment, adding that the focus of the 10th assembly was to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries.

    He called on South Korean parliament to continue to collaborate with Nigeria parliament on legislation that would further improved the ties between the two countries.

    He further called for increased business promotion by organising trade fare and investment in the mining and petroleum sector.

    Speaking, Seung  urged Nigeria to cement the economic ties between the two countries, adding that it was ready to help Nigeria in the area of technology.

    He said since Korea has technology, it would be willing to establish partnership that would profit the two countries, adding that Nigeria has the largest trading partner in the Africa continent.

    He said in Sept. there would be a G20 meeting and President Bola Tinubu would attend, adding that the South Korean President and Tinubu would have further discussion on partnership.

    He said the meeting would provide a new foundation for more relationships between Nigeria and South Korea, while congratulating the President for his election.

  • Discrimination Act: Tolu Bankole lauds house of representatives’ support

    Discrimination Act: Tolu Bankole lauds house of representatives’ support

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), National Leader, PWDs, Tolu Bankole has commended the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for insisting on the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 without further delay.

    The House of Representatives had on Thursday during plenary called on President Bola Tinubu to consider allotting 10% of appointive positions for the physically challenged persons in Nigeria.

    This was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, Lawmaker representing Kosofe federal constituency of Lagos State.

    In her lead debate, Honourable Ogbara said that the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 was passed into law in a bid to ensure that the rights of Persons With Disability in Nigeria are safeguarded.

    Consequently, the Lawmakers during the debate equally pointed out that Section 29 of the Act provides that all employers of labour in public organisations shall as much as possible, have Persons With Disabilities constituting at least 5% of their employment.

    Reacting to the development in a press statement on Friday, Bankole thanked Honourable Mrs Ogbara and other honourable members for their bold, timely and articulate intervention.

    He said, “I thank Honourable Kafilat Ogbara and other honourable members for their bold, timely and articulate intervention which if heeded would change the socioeconomic status of millions of Persons With Disabilities and there dependents across the country.

    “Disability is never by choice, and nobody is immune. We are PWDs either by birth, negligence by our parents and guardians, accidents, war, age, disease and epidemic. However, the full implementation of the Disabilities Prohibition Act, 2018 will ensure the economic and social inclusion of PWDs.

    “I use this opportunity to appeal to the distinguished Senators in the red chamber and all the State Houses of Assembly to lend their voices to this call to unlocking the full potential of Persons With Disabilities by breaking down the systemic barriers that limit their full participation in society. This is not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do”

  • Alleged forgery: House to investigate allegation by JAMB

    Alleged forgery: House to investigate allegation by JAMB

    The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an Ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged manipulation of UTME results by Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma.

    This was sequel to a motion raised by Hon. Awaji-Inombek D. Abiante during plenary on Wednesday

    In his lead debate, Hon Abiante observed that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board,JAMB,is primarily charged with the general control of the conduct of Matriculation Examinationsfor admissions into
    Universities,Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile lawmakers during plenary had also observed that graduating Secondary School leavers and others with prerequisite WAEC, NECO and other qualifying results apply to sit for the UTME through the JAMB every year inorder to gain admission into Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

    Consequently, the House further noted that students who sat for the UTME are expected to log into the JAMB portal to check their results once released by
    the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.

    Lawmakers said they are aware that Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Nnewi,
    Anambra State sat for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations and scored 362.

    Lawmakers have also informed that they were also aware that on July 2, 2023 JAMB, Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin made a public pronouncement accusing Miss Ejikeme Mmesoma of
    manipulating her UTME results that she actually scored 249 instead of the 362 as claimed.

    The House is further aware that Miss. Ejikeme Mmesoma came out to defend herself,that she actually
    printed the result from the JAMBB uncharitable and had been a brilliant child all through her Nursery and Tertiary education coming first in all the Examinations she has been taken before the UTME, hence she posited that she is not capable of manipulating her UTME result.

    Cognizantof the fact that uploading or downloading result of examinations or polls electronically, in Nigeria, glitches can occur at any time, hence the need to establish the
    facts before any blames.

    The House has however, expressed worried that Fabian Benjamin, JAMB Head of Public Affairs and Protocol alleged that some of the 2023 UTME Candidates are parading fake scores in order to get undue advantage from the public, hence the need to investigate the allegation.

  • Uproar in House of Representatives over sitting arrangement, office allocation

    Uproar in House of Representatives over sitting arrangement, office allocation

    Some House of Representatives members in Abuja on Tuesday protested against alleged discrimination in allocation of seats and offices for the members.

    The lawmakers, numbering about 100 who openly protested against the perceived tendencies, said the ugly trend was capable of causing setback on legislative activities.

    The House Committee on Welfare, chaired by Rep. Olawale Raji (APC-Lagos), was saddled with the responsibility of allocation of seats for members.

    The protesting lawmakers were mostly first timers, who described the seats allocated to them at one of the temporary chambers as unconducive as they were allocated seats in the third floor.

    Also Some of the lawmakers protested against allocation of offices to the members.

    According to the list issued by the Welfare Committee, 240 members were allotted for the second floor, while a few members, including some first timers, were allocated seats on the ground floor.

    Responding to the development, the Speaker of the House,  Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, called for calm, while assuring that the main Chamber which is currently undergoing renovation, would be completed before the House resume from recess.

    Rep. Khadijat Bukar-Ibrahim, Chairman, Ad hoc Committee on Media,  said that there was a slight uproar during the plenary session.

    She said the allocation of offices is the responsibility of the Welfare Committee which had actually done the work and allocated offices to each and every member.

    “And as far as the seats are concerned, you know we are in a temporary seating area, so there are not enough seats for all members to sit downstairs. So, some have to be accommodated upstairs.

    “So, there was a slide uproar not a huge one about not hearing the mic from the downstairs,” She said.

    “Mr. Speaker had since directed that members should occupy any seat they find downstairs and everybody was happy,” Bukar-Ibrahim added.

    NAN

  • Speakership: Kalu quits race, declares interest in another position

    Speakership: Kalu quits race, declares interest in another position

    As the race for the 10th House of Assembly speakership race hots up, One of the candidates, Benjamin Kalu,  has withdrawn from the race.

    Kalu made this known in a press statement made available on Tuesday May 9,2023.

    According to the Abia politician, he would now concentrate on becoming the deputy Speaker of the HOR.

    The lawmaker who represents Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, thanked his supporters throughout the period of contesting for the Speakership seat.

    He further applauded the All Progressives Congress for nominating him for the position of Deputy Speaker.

    Recall that the  All Progressives Congress, on Monday, nominated Abbas Tajudeen as the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    ”I wish to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all who have tirelessly supported my candidacy for the Speakership position of the 10th Assembly. I believed this position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years.

    ”However, as a firm believer in Party supremacy, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for the Speakership Position and fully accept the nomination for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly in line with the directives of our Party the All Progressives Congress. This decision aligns with the Party’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in all of its leadership selection processes.”

  • Members-elect kick against secret adoption of Abbas, Kalu by outgoing Speaker, others 

    Members-elect kick against secret adoption of Abbas, Kalu by outgoing Speaker, others 

    …says it’s an affront on lawmakers

    Democrats Alliance for Good Governance (DAGG) on Saturday condemned in strong terms the report making rounds on the “secret adoption” of one of the Aspirants for the position of the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

    In the same vein, a group of Members-elect who frowned at the purported “secret adoption” which reportedly took place on Friday night, described the exercise as “an affront on the Parliamentarians and the National Assembly as an Institution.”

    The Coalition’s National Coordinator Dr. Williams Martins stated this in a statement made available to Journalists in Abuja.

    He said: “We are most jolted and sincerely betrayed especially when we got the hint that the preferred Aspirant was taking by hand to be introduced to the President-elect.

    “This development for us is not only demeaning, but degrading and absurd for the calibre of Nigerians who were elected by over 50 million Electorates who voted during the 25th February and Supplementary elections.”

    According to the Group, “Men of goodwill and Conscience as well as elected Public Office holders can not afford to fold out hands to allow someone who is being reported to be adopted as Chief of Staff to the incoming President-elect, although a Member-elect in the 10th Assembly, to in a reckless manner feels he can succeed in imposing any Candidate on the People’s Parliament.

    “To allow such means, they (Members-elect) are unfit for the task of representation and will definitely fail in holding the Executive Arm of Government to account when the need arises within the span of four years of the 10th Assembly.

    The Coalition’s National Coordinator therefore warned against any action that may frustrate a united 10th Assembly and tenets of democracy.

    “To put it succinctly, all the actors in the Nigerian projects should be seen as honourable men and women who honour gentlemen discussion and reciprocate same at all times.

    “Rather than doing this, we wish to State unequivocally that none of the us as Parliamentarians will subscribe for anything short of what the Constitution stipulates on Independence of the Legislature.

    “You’ll recall that some of the Aspirants met with the outgoing Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to express our grouse about the unhealthy and unparliamentary actions and inactions of adopting his stooge.

    “As if they were taken for a ride, the Convener of the meeting, denied the allegation of adopting our Colleague, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas from Kaduna State and Hon. Benjamin Kalu from Abia State as the Deputy Speaker,” he noted.

    While calling for a rethink, the Group Coordinator urged President-elect and the outgoing Speaker to desist from any act that could bring their names into disrepute.

    “We actually thought that with the way the Speaker spoke to his Colleagues during the closed door meeting was done in genuine faith, but as you can all see it was a deceptive meeting,” he lamented.

    Meanwhile, one of the aggrieved lawmakers who spoke under condition of anonymity dismissed insinuations over the alleged ill-feelings against Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and the Spokesman of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia).

    He said: “While we do not have anything against the person and aspiration of the gentleman, we wish to stress that the will of the people and by extension of Constituents will determine the choice of who to lead the 10th Assembly.

    “For us, what played out some few weeks back has further exposed the hidden agenda of the promoters of division among his contemporaries. Rather than reciprocating the kind gestures extended to him by most of the Ranking Members who out of persuasion and honour, stepped down their Speakership ambitions in the wake to the inauguration of the 9th Assembly.

    “But it is glaring that nothing can be done to change the nature of the chameleon.

    “History will not forgive us if we fail to put in perspective the fallback of the similar antics that produced the anchor of this failed project of imposition and the ill-feelings created by some of the offers dangled before some of the reception adopted to ensure the emergence of the Tajudeen Abbas project. This time, “No Green Card will work”! I repeat again, “No amount of Green Card will work in the 10th Assembly!!!”

    “On this note, we wish to State categorically that we will not cave-in to ongoing plan to impose any Candidate on the House by whosoever until a level playing field is created for all the Aspirants who have their own right to choose their Leaders.

    “It is worthy to also put on record that, discussions are ongoing among the Aspirants to turn the Parliament into an appendage of the Executive arm of Government.

    “Our position remains that as Democrats, we shall not under any guise subscribe to any form of ‘Master and Servant relationship’ in the 10th Assembly.

    “Therefore we call on all men of goodwill and lover of democracy to speak against ongoing moves to deepen “godfatherism” in the country.”

    “We must stand up to resist Femi Gbajabiamila’s imposition on members, we will not buy in,” the lawmaker said