The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan has congratulated Malam Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha over their re-appointments by the President.
Lawan, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mohammed Isa said the re-appointments confirmed the confidence and trust the president reposed in them.
“The re-appointments of Mallam Kyari and the SGF by the President is an appreciation of their commitments and contributions to the President’s successes in the last four years.
“As key figures of this administration, the roles played by the Chief of Staff and the SGF in achieving the successes recorded so far by President Buhari cannot be over emphasised,” he said.
Lawan urged the Chief of Staff and the SGF to use their renewed mandate to redouble their commitment.
He also charged them to deploy their wealth of experiences to assist the president in achieving his next level agenda.
Tag: Lawan
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Lawan congratulates Kyari, Mustapha
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Minimum Wage: Shelve proposed nationwide strike in public interest, Lawan begs NLC
The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan on Wednesday appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC)to shelve its proposed industrial action over alleged delay in implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage.
Lawan made the appeal when the executives of the NLC and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, (PASAN) led by Mr Ayuba Waba and Sunday Sabiyi paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Lawan called for further understanding and patriotism, adding that some states had started paying the agreed minimum wage.
“We should not encourage personal issue to overshadow our collective responsibility to nation building.
“We will journey with you to ensure absolute implementation of the minimum wage by the Federal government.” Lawan pleaded.
He also assured PASAN to collaborate with the management and leadership of the National Assembly, urging it to present issue-based arguments, instead on engaging strike action to press home its demands.
He also said the ninth assembly would not be detracted, but remained focused in pursing growth in every sector of the country.
The NLC President later presented a congratulatory card to Lawan on his emergence as the Chairman of the National Assembly.
He also pledged the commitment and collaboration of the labour unions to the legislators.
Earlier, the Chairman, PASAN, Sunday Sabiyi congratulated Lawan on what he described an impressive emergence as the President of the Senate.
He urged him to put into use , his wealth of experience as a ranking senator to the service and protection of the interests of Nigerians.
Sabiyi used the occasion to present the demands of the parliamentary staff in National Assembly.
He listed the demands to include implementation of 2018 arrears of 28 per cent and balance of 50 per cent consolidated Legislative salary, implementation of condition of service, recently approved by the eight National Assembly, training of staff, health insurance and life insurance premium. -
JUST IN: Buhari, Lawan meet in Aso Rock
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met behind closed doors with Senate President Ahmad Lawan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Lawan arrived the forecourt of the State House around 3.25pm.
He was still in the President’s office at the time of filing this report.
Details shortly…
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Ninth NASS: PDP constitutes committee to ascertain roles played by members in emergence of Lawan, Gbajabiamila
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has set up a fact-finding committee on the role played by some of its members at the election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly.
The party disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Monday in Abuja.
The Chairman of the Committee, according to Ologbondiyan, is a former President of the Senate, Sen. Adolphus Wabara, and former National Secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo, as the committee’s Secretary.
Other members of the committee include: Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Austin Opara, Sen. Abdul Ningi, and Mrs Margaret Icheen.
The terms of reference of the committee, according to Ologbondiyan is to find out why some of the PDP lawmakers failed to abide by the decision of the party during the National Assembly leadership election.
It is also to find out whether there was any involvement of the ruling party in the decision taken by the members involved.
“To find out where there are established reasons for taking the action by members, the committee should identify such so that the party can create mutual and political atmosphere for reasonable interaction with senators and Honourable members.
“To find out and recommend ways to checkmate such tendencies in the future and ensure that, moving forward, all members work together to defend the interest of the party at all times and circumstances.”
Ologbondiyan said that the committee was given three weeks from the date of its inauguration to report to the party’s NWC.
The PDP at early hour of the June 11 inauguration of the 9th national assembly announced it endorsement of Sen. Ali Ndume for Senate President and Umar Bago as Speaker of House of Representatives.
The party, in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Sen. Umar Tsauri, said the decision was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the party’s NWC, leaders, state governors as well as the then senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.
Tsauri said the decision was in the best interest of the nation, in line with the party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, while advising the then PDP lawmakers-elect to be guided accordingly.
Meanwhile the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Ahmed Lawan, emerged as the President of the Senate, and Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House of Representatives, against the wish of PDP.
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Lawan bows to APC pressure, drops Adedayo as media adviser
Dr Festus Adedayo, who was appointed Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President of the Senate on Tuesday, has been dropped.
A statement from Office of President of the Senate on Thursday in Abuja, said that it reviewed the appointment of Adedayo and rescinded its earlier decision on it.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Isa, Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Publicity.
It said “the Office of the President of the Senate has reviewed the appointment of Mr Festus Adedayo as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President of the Senate and decided to rescind its decision on the appointment.
“The office wishes Mr Adedayo the best in his future endeavours.’’
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dropping of Adedayo may not be unconnected with pressure on the Senate leadership to do so following mounting criticisms from All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders over the appointment.
A reliable source close to President of the Senate’s office told NAN that the decision to drop Adedayo was reached on Wednesday night in a meeting by key officers of the Red Chamber.
The meeting was said to have held in the residence of President of the Senate, Mr Ahmad Lawan, who chaired the session.
No sooner was the appointment of Adedayo, a PhD holder in Political Communication, was announced by than outcry and criticisms started pouring in, saying he was unsuitable for the position.
The outcry which was loud, especially on social media and was championed by Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) and some members of All Progressives Congress (APC), tagged Adedayo “anti-Buhari media personality’’.
To press the matter home, the groups resorted to re-broadcasting of anti-government social media posts linked to Adedayo.
NAN confirmed that Office of the Senate President has begun the process of finding a replacement for him.
A similar outcry is also trailing the re-appointment of four other media aides announced by Lawan to serve him. The aides also served his predecessor, Sen. Bukola Saraki.
The aides include Mr Mohammed Isa, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity; Olu Onemola, Special Assistant on New Media and Tope Olowoeye, Senior Legislative Aide on Media and Publicity (Photography).
NAN, however, learnt that Lawan stood his ground on the aides, saying he would retain them.
“The Senate concluded last night that the SA Media should be relieved of his appointment instantly owing to public outcry.
“But, the Senate President is retaining all the other media aides already announced, against all pressures.
“He is already getting some recommendations for replacement of Adedayo from media consultants, subject to background checks,” the source said.
Adedayo was yet to assume office before the current development.
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NASS Elections: Tinubu congratulates Lawan, Gbajabiamila, urges harmonious relationship with Executive
All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Sen. Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday urged the new 9th National Assembly to extend hands of fellowship and friendship to the Executive to achieve progress in the country.Tinubu made the call in a congratulatory message entitled: “Nurturing and Deepening National Assembly Institution, Democracy,” released by his media adviser, Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos.He also urged the assembly to do all within their powers to nurture and deepen the institutions of the Legislature and the country’s promising democracy.According to him, their task is to complement and support President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver on his administration’s progressive agenda to take the country to the Next Level with detailed, timely and progressive legislative initiatives.“It is imperative that the new leadership quickly departs from the adversarial posture of those that came before and extends hands of fellowship and friendship to the Executive.“A convivial and cooperative relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government is our best chance at achieving the progress that we, as Nigerians, deserve and it’s incumbent on our new leaders to make this a reality in this next dispensation.“Our system speaks of complementarity between the Executive and Legislature and does not preclude the Legislature from working harmoniously with the Executive in the service of our people, ” he said.Tinubu congratulated Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and their deputies, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and Alhaji Ahmed Idris Wase, on their election as presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly.“To have been selected by such overwhelming majorities by their peers is a wonderful honour and a clear demonstration of the implicit confidence reposed in them as leaders and legislators.“The offices these leaders have been entrusted with are sacred and must not be toyed with.“Their emergence as leaders of the 9th National Assembly comes at a crucial time in our nation’s history. As we celebrate 20 years of uninterrupted democracy and our new National Democracy Day of June 12.“We look backwards to recognise the sacrifices and valour of our heroes past. We also look forward with hope for the future of our nation and our democracy, “he said.Tinubu said that the election of the assembly leaders was free, fair and transparent, saying that it is a further demonstration that the nation’s democracy is functioning well.He said that their election also reaffirms party supremacy as the leaders were also the choice of the governing APC and the party’s caucus in the National Assembly.The APC leader also congratulated those who contested the various positions but did not win at present for putting up a gallant fight.“However, the time has now come to put aside all differences and rally round the new officers to work together.“I wish the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker and all their colleagues in the National Assembly a successful and impactful tenure and once again congratulations,” Tinubu said. -
NASS election: PDP, APC congratulate Lawan, Gbajabiamila
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the victory of its candidates at the election of principal officers of the 9th National Assembly is a triumph of democracy and party politics.
Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He added that it was a triumph of democracy over the brazen lawlessness of anti-democratic forces and a defeat of impunity of minority party.
He congratulated President, Muhammadu Buhari, the party’s National Chairman, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, its governors, stakeholders and members on the success of the election.
Sen. Ahmad Lawan emerged as President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly while Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege emerged as Deputy President of the Senate.
Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and Idris Wase emerged as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
He added that the APC had consistently maintained that the leadership of the National Assembly belonged to the party in the majority.
The APC spokesman maintained that outcome of the elections had clearly validated the party’s efforts to institutionalise party discipline and loyalty.
“It is triumph of internal democracy, anchored on consensus building, to which we lay claim, over anti-democratic methods that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had foisted on our democracy over 16 years.
“We are deeply humbled by the honour bestowed on our great party,” he said.
He added that while the party’s members were entitled to savour this victory, they should avoid pettiness and continue to stretch hands of fellowship to progressive forces in other political parties and groups.
This, Issa-Onilu said, was critical to consolidate the country’s democracy.
“We must recommit to cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms of government; the support of the National Assembly remains critical as an arm of government,”he said.
This, he said, was necessary to enable the APC-led administration to continue to deliver on its infrastructure scheme in the country, to boost economic development.
According to him, more synergy between the Executive and the Legislature will also boost the fight against corruption and give more impetus to national reorientation and the efforts to secure the nation.
He said there was, therefore, need to make a new start and move forward to address the country’s challenges.
He stressed that the 9th National Assembly must immediately address itself to delivering critical legislative intervention
He said it would enable the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to succeed for the benefit of Nigerians.
He added that this was critical to ensure the smooth running of government.
He congratulated National Assembly members on the platform of the APC on their inauguration after their victories in the 2019 National Assembly elections.
He also applauded the electorate nationwide, whose representatives in both chambers of the National Assembly had entrusted the leadership of the legislature in the hands of APC members.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the new leadership of the bi-camera federal legislature to jealously guard the independent of that critical arm of government.
The main opposition party, in a congratulatory message, acknowledged the new set of the leadership of the two chambers and congratulated them for their electoral victories in the keenly contested positions.
In a statement, Tuesday night by the spokesman for the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the party also commended all those that made the contests robust for helping to deepen democratic practice.
The PDP said it will always stand on the side of decency and utmost respect for the institution of the National Assembly and the values we hold as a people.
The statement said, “Our party therefore charges the federal lawmakers, as representatives of the people, to place the welfare, wishes and aspirations of Nigerians above every other considerations by ensuring a strong and independent legislature that upholds the tenets of democracy and the dictates of our constitution.
“The 9th National Assembly therefore must work hard to save our nation from the prevailing despondency caused by the misrule of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, by effectively applying its statutory legislative instruments to guarantee good governance and fiscal prudence, curb corruption, check the excesses of the executive and protect the rights of Nigerians from incessant violations”.
The party charged the lawmakers to bear in mind that their allegiance is to the people and the constitution, and not to any particular leader or group.
“Our party, therefore, charges the legislature to work only in the interest of our nation and resist the manipulations and pressure that might come from quarters that seek to undermine our democratic order.
“On our part, the PDP, as a party, will remain truly committed to the welfare of Nigerians. We shall continue to keep our focus on the quest for good governance, national cohesion and economic wellbeing of the people, even as we pursue our collective aspiration for the successful retrieval of our stolen Presidential mandate at the tribunal”, the statement added.
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Ninth Senate: Ndume congratulates Lawan, promises to work with him
Senator Ali Ndume on Tuesday pledged to work with the newly elected Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and his deputy, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Speaking immediately after the election, which he lost to Lawan, the Borno South Senator said that he will work with Lawan in the interest of the country.
He described Lawan as a well experienced lawmaker, who is four years ahead of him.
He explained that he happily went into the election for the position of Senate President in line with democratic norms.
Ndume expressed optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not see his action as a rebellion but as an act to deepen democracy in the country.
He asserted that his action made the election of Senate President credible.
Ndume said: “Ahmed Lawan is my brother who is well experienced having been here four years ahead of me.
“I will give him all the necessary supports. I insisted on contesting against him in order to deepen democracy.
“I hope the party would agree with me that what I did was in the interest of democracy and I do know that power belongs to God. It’s God’s will that my colleague becomes the President.
“I will do all I can with others for him to succeed because his success is our success.”
Ndume was the main challenger to Lawan in election that Senator Ahmed Lawan won 79 votes.
For Ndume, election time is over.
He said: “This is the time to settle down to face legislative functions.”
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BREAKING: Lawan defeats Ndume, emerges Senate President of 9th assembly
Senator representing Yobe North, Ahmed Lawan has been elected the Senate President of the 9th Senate, as he defeated his contestant, Senator Ali Ndume.
At the end of counting, Lawan polled 79 votes to defeat Ndume, who scored 28 votes.
TNG correspondent, Jonas Ike narrates how Lawan’s victory happened:
Voting at the inauguration of the 9th Senate ended at 10:56 am as the Clerk to the National Assembly Alhaji Mohammed Sanni Omolori announced the end of the excercise at the apex parliament.
Omolori who announced the commencement of the voting also hinted that the method of voting at the election will be open secret ballot.
After the roll call of the number of senators present for the voting and inauguration, he announced that there are 107 Senators-elect that are eligible to vote at the election.
Immediately after counting of the votes at the election, the CNA announced that Lawan polled 79 votes to defeat Sen. Ali Ndume who polked 28 votes
There were signs that the APC anointed candidate Sen. Ahmed Lawan iwas leading his opponent Sen. Ali Ndume immediately the counting of the votes commenced.
Earlier after the proclamation of the 9th National Assembly, the CNA had called for the nomination of the candidates for the election wherein Sen. Yahaya Ibrahim OLoriegve (Kwara, APC)
nominated Lawan for the position of Senate PresidentLawan’s nomination was immediately seconded by Sen. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Lagos).
The new Senate President was immediately sworn-in as he was administered the oath of office and oath of allegiance by the CNA.
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BREAKING: Battle ready Lawan, Ndume arrive NASS for 9th Assembly inauguration/election
Two major strong contender for the position of the Senate President in the 9th National Assembly, Ali Ndume, and Ahmad Lawan have arrived at the premises of the federal parliament on Tuesday.
According to reports, Ndume arrived at exactly at 7:20 am and exchanged pleasantries with some of his supporters and went straight to the mosque within the premises to pray.
On the other side, Lawan entered the chamber accompanied by a large number of senators. The chamber is almost set for inauguration which is scheduled to commence by 10am.
The major contenders who stood in the race till the end are three lawmakers all from the All Progressive Congress, APC: Ali Ndume, Ahmed Lawan and Kabiru Gaya but the latter withdrew some days ago.
While the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) has endorsed the candidacy of Mr Lawan; the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Congress, PDP threw its weight behind, Mr Ndume and ordered all its senators-elect to vote for him.
The winners among the candidates will be revealed in some hours’ time after an election which is scheduled to hold by 10 a.m.
Meanwhile, one remarkable dynamic as regards today’s vote is the expectations on the mode of voting – recall TheNewsGuru, TNG reported yesterday that there was a court on that ordered the National Assembly to return to its 2011 rules which provides for open ballot.
However, as at the time of filing this report, the National Assembly management has not made any announcement in regards of the court order.