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Tag: Lawan

  • Senate President expresses worry over out-of-school children

    Senate President expresses worry over out-of-school children

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated with Nigerian children on the occasion of the 2020 Children’s Day.

    Lawan noted that the day was set aside to highlight the realities of children in a society with a view to promoting their well-being and happiness now and for the future.

    The Senate President said the surest route to a happy and fulfilling future for our children is to provide them quality education and healthcare and to protect them against all forms of abuse.

    Lawan said it was this realization that led the Federal Government in 1976 to introduce Universal Primary Education, which in 1999 was expanded to the Universal Basic Education, and also to enact the Child Rights Act in 2003.

    The Senate President, however, expressed concern that despite all such efforts, Nigeria is still heavily burdened with a high number of out-of-school children, a situation which he said portends grave danger for the country and is unacceptable.

    “I want to use the opportunity of this occasion to assure our children that the National Assembly is fully aware of the challenges that they face and will continue to work to guarantee them and our country a better future.

    “I also call on the authorities at the sub-national level who have not done so, to domesticate the Child Rights Act for the sake of the future of our children,” Lawan said.

    The Senate President called for collaboration between the Federal and state governments in comprehensively addressing issues relating to the plight of Nigerian children.

    On the part of parents, Lawan urged them to dutifully play their own role in providing the immediate needs for their children, for the future peace of the children, parents, and the country.

  • Lawan, Gbajabiamila hail journalists

    Lawan, Gbajabiamila hail journalists

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan yesterday congratulated journalists as they joined their colleagues all over the world to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

    Lawan, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, noted that the day was specially set aside to highlight the heroic contributions of journalists to human struggle for justice, peace and development.

    The Senate President said Nigerian journalists in particular should be proud of the frontline roles they play in nation-building and entrenchment of democracy in the country.

    House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila has urged the media to rise above fake news, as no nation can survive in an atmosphere of fake and unsubstantiated news.

    The Speaker, in a statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), said journalists must be more factual about their reportage of activities, to promote development.

    In the statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker hailed the doggedness of the media in reporting and helping in finding solutions to the challenges facing the country over the years.

    He stressed that although the media has contributed a lot in stabilising the country, it would not be out of place to advise it to rise to the challenge of fake news, especially as the country battles the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He said journalists must resist every temptation that would make them promote reportage that is anti-people.

    Speaking about this year’s theme for the World Press Freedom Day, which is ‘Journalism Without Fear or Favour,’ Gbajabiamila said no country will thrive if the media spreads falsehood.

    According to him, the media must also support the government in its drive to make meaningful impact in the country. “The choice is ours: either to make our country great through good reportage and analysis of issues, or to allow fake news and, in many cases, flagrant falsehood to take over the space. At this age of social/online media, the onus is on the real journalists to make a difference.

    “But I believe that the media will not do anything that will take us backwards. I also want to believe that journalists are committed to seeing the country move forward.

    “If that is the case, we must show patriotism in our dealings as media men and women. We must fight fake news, especially at this time of COVID-19 pandemic. I also wish to pay tribute to journalists who have been working hard at the frontline of reporting this pandemic at great personal cost,” he said.

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged journalists to observe ethical codes of the profession in their reportage.

    NUJ President Mr. Chris Isiguzo, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said that WPFD was a day to reflect on the enhancement of professionalism in practice.

    He said: “It is the celebration of the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

    “We enjoin journalists on this auspicious occasion of the 2020 World Press Freedom Day, to work assiduously towards promoting ethical journalism without fear and favour.”

    Isiguzo said that no democracy could grow and flourish without a vibrant independent media that would be a catalyst for good governance and rule of law.

     

  • May Day: Senate President greets Nigerian workers

    May Day: Senate President greets Nigerian workers

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated with Nigerian workers as they join their counterparts the world over to mark the Workers’ Day.

    Lawan congratulated Nigerian workers for sustaining their heroic struggle for the liberation of the country from poverty and underdevelopment even in the face of the daunting challenges at various work places.

    The Senate President acknowledged the role of workers as the creator of wealth in the society and stressed that it is for this reason that they should be appreciated at all times.

    “The best way to appreciate the enormous contributions of the Nigerian workers is to always consider their welfare as of utmost importance.

    “As a legislature, we are ever ready to work in collaboration with the organised labour Unions to rid our statute books of any anti-labour laws,” Lawan said.

    The Senate President said as part of the effort of the ninth National Assembly to strengthen the economy and improve the standard of living of the people, it is determined to make the country’s financial year predictable through timely passage of the 2020 budget.

    Lawan said the National Assembly has in the same respect made critical amendments to some laws to ensure smooth implementation of the budget. He said the Legislature would continue to move relentlessly in that direction, despite the unforeseen challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Senate President noted that this year’s celebration of Workers’ Day comes at a time the entire world is facing the health emergency brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic.

    Lawan said the resilience and never-die spirit of the Nigerian people will boost the efforts of the government to overcome the pandemic.

    The Senate President urged the Nigerian workers, as they mark their day, to adhere strictly to all the prescribed public health protocols of social distancing, wearing of face mask, use of hand sanitizer, observance of personal hygiene, and to endeavour to stay at home and stay safe.

  • Lawan mourns Senator Rose Oko

    Lawan mourns Senator Rose Oko

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Monday said he received with shock the news of the death of Senator Rose Oko, who until her death, was the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Senator Oko, who represented Cross River North Senatorial District at the Senate, died on Monday at a medical facility in the United Kingdom where she was receiving treatment.

    Lawan commiserated with the deceased Senator’s family and the loved ones she left behind.

    The Senate President also condoled with the people and government of Cross River State over this loss.

    Lawan said Senator Oko’s death was a great loss to the Senate and also to Nigerian women in politics.

    The Senate President said that the late Senator will be greatly missed by her Distinguished colleagues in the Ninth Assembly.

    He prayed that the Almighty God will comfort her family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Abuja not ready to combat Coronavirus outbreak – Senate President

    Abuja not ready to combat Coronavirus outbreak – Senate President

    President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has expressed fears over the level of preparedness in Abuja to combat the raging coronavirus.

    Going forward, Lawan asked the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, to immediately release the sum of N620m to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), an amount budgeted for emergency response to the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) outbreak.

    Lawan made the call on Wednesday when the leadership of the Senate undertook a tour of Isolation Centres located at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada.

    The Senate President, while speaking to journalists after an inspection of two facilities, bemoaned the lack of preparedness and expressed frustration at the state of the isolation centres which were yet to be completed.

    Speaking on the findings of the Senate leadership, Lawan said, “First of all, let me say that the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the management of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital are in high spirits, looking determined to discharge their mandates and obligations.

    “But from our inspection here, the temporary isolation centre is really not in good shape, it doesn’t look ready to receive any patient, and I believe that this is something that we need to fix between now and tomorrow.

    “We are in an emergency, even if we don’t have people who are affected, we shouldn’t just rest on our oars. We have to do everything and anything possible to fix that temporary isolation centre to be prepared to receive anyone who falls sick in this respect.

    “I am sad, we are indeed actually sad, that of the N620 million that was supposed to be released to this place for fixing of everything here to NCDC, not a kobo has been released.

    “We are going to get across to the Minister of Finance and all the other authorities that have anything to do with this to release this money latest between today and tomorrow.”

    The Senate President, further lamented that Nigeria, despite being a country with the largest economy in Africa, is yet to have a completed Isolation Centre in any of the geo-political zones that would provide emergency response to disease outbreak in the country.

    He charged those saddled with leadership responsibilities in the country to live up to expectations through timely discharge of their mandates and duties.

    “There’s no way that Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, with a population of two hundred million, and yet the Federal Capital and six surrounding states of the North Central, you don’t have one room that you can call an isolation centre, where anyone who unfortunately falls into this crisis will be taken to. This is not acceptable.

    “So, we are going to ensure that the money is released, we are not going to put pressure. This is what they are supposed to do, and they must do it.

    “I also believe that we should have a replication of the permanent site, we should be able to complete this and then have five others across the remaining geo-political zones of the country.

    “Let’s spend money for our people, we waste money for some things that are less important. This is about the health and lives of the people of this country, and therefore, no investment is too much.

    “So, we should be prepared at all times. We had Ebola, SARS, now we have Coronavirus, we do not know what else will come, but we should be prepared and ready for any eventuality, and no investment is too much.

    “The contractor said by the end of this month this should be ready, we pray it should be faster, but by the end of tomorrow, that temporary site must be ready.

    “There’s no generator, no electricity, nothing. There were two or three air conditioners brought this morning, maybe because yesterday we said we were coming here. This is not acceptable.

    “As leaders given responsibilities, we have to do what is right. This is unfortunate. So, the Ministry of Finance should release the N620 million between today and tomorrow.”

    The Senate President assured Nigerians that the relevant committees of the Senate will carry out a follow-up on Thursday (today) to ensure that work on the isolation centres begins and is completed.

    “The Senate Committee on Health will come back tomorrow (Thursday), we want to see that temporary isolation centre fixed.

    “We need to be committed, we need to be very serious, and this is the essence of our oversight, but because it is very important, we decided that the leadership of the Senate should lead this oversight,” Lawan said.

  • I ventured into politics with a vow never to deceive those who elected me – Lawan

    I ventured into politics with a vow never to deceive those who elected me – Lawan

    Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, on Friday disclosed that his foray into partisan politics came with a vow never to deceive those who elected him.

    According to the Senate President, his decision to be transparent in his dealings as a lawmaker stems from his determination to deliver effective representation to his people, and by extension in service to the nation.

    Lawan stated this during the conferment of a traditional title of Mukaddam of Nguru in Yobe by the Nguru Emirate Council, according to a statement by his Special Assistant (Press), Ezrel Tabiowo, in Abuja.

    “The people of Zone C gave me the opportunity to serve them, and I’ll remain eternally grateful for that opportunity.

    “I made a promise when I entered into politics or partisan politics in 1998, when I served as Vice Chairman of the All People’s Party (APP) in Yobe.

    “But in 1999 when I was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, I promised that I will not deceive the people who elected me.

    “I will always tell them the truth, even if it is bitter, and I will do my best at all times to represent them very well.

    “I’m still on that, and thank God from my federal constituency, to the larger Yobe North zone C, I have understood my people and my people understand me,” the Senate President said.

    After the conferment of the traditional title of Mukaddam of Nguru on him by the Emir of Nguru, Lawan disclosed that plans were underway to establish a skill acquisition Centre in Yobe North senatorial district.

    He said the move to so do was in line with providing employment to the youths so as to address the surrounding problems of unemployment and insecurity in the state.

    “Your Royal Highness, this title will make me work harder during my tenure and after my tenure, because I have to leave at some point.

    “But while I serve as Senator representing this senatorial district, I will do everything possible to ensure that the people of Zone C, Yobe North, get their fair share of Federal presence and also opportunities in terms of employment.

    “Only two or three days ago, I had discussion with a government parastatal that we are going to establish a Skill Acquisition Centre in Nguru.

    “What we want to do with that acquisition Centre is to look for our youths, especially those who have nothing to do, train them in tiling, interlocking and so many other things that we have to borrow people from somewhere else.

    “When they are trained, we will give them something to work with, that way, the employment and even our security situation will be addressed,” Lawan said.

  • Lawan holds emergency meeting over security threat to NASS

    Lawan holds emergency meeting over security threat to NASS

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan has called on the nation’s heads of security agencies to tighten security at the National Assembly to avert any security breach.

    Lawan said he had received a report of security threats to the seat of parliament and such cannot be taken for granted.

    A statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, said Lawan spoke at an emergency meeting of the Senate leadership with top security officials at the National Assembly Abuja.

    The statement said those at the meeting included the DSS Director-General and representatives of the Defence, the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), fire service and other security agencies.

    At the meeting, Lawan said: “Personally, I have a report from the Department of State Services (DSS) that we had a security threat. Many unknown and uninvited people came or are coming into the National Assembly complex and we felt we shouldn’t take this lightly.

    “From today, we have to find temporary solutions to support the security arrangement here. We will find a more permanent solution by the time the entire environment is remodelled.”

    Lawan said the security of all Nigerians is a collective responsibility of the legislative and executive arms of government.

    “We are working hard; we are working round the clock. We have a very active ad hoc committee that is already engaging with the security agencies.

    “As principal officers of the National Assembly, or let me say in the Senate, in this respect, our responsibility and obligation is to ensure that our senators, members of the House of Representatives, workers of the National Assembly, our visitors and indeed all those who have a lawful business to do in this National Assembly are safe.

    “For a very long time, this National Assembly will always have people who have no business coming here.

    “With the heightening insecurity in the country, the time has come for this National Assembly to be properly secured for its members to carry out their legislative and other functions under a very safe atmosphere.

    “Of course, our workers and our visitors too. What that means is that if someone has no business here, that person shouldn’t be in the National Assembly.

    “Because we are a parliament, we are a place or an institution where our constituents who feel very strongly about any issue can come and express their opinions.

    “Some will come for protests; some will attend public hearings in the committee rooms. Some will visit the gallery; or, in some cases, even enter the chamber when allowed to do so.

    “So, we want everybody, as far as the security of this National Assembly complex is concerned, to be at his place. Those who work here directly with us, the security agencies know what we are talking about.”From the gate, people who shouldn’t be here at all, find themselves in. And then people come in, moving from one office to another, looking for nothing because they have no appointment with anyone. Yet, they pass through all the security systems that we have in place,” he added.

  • Insecurity: Nigeria now at crossroads – Lawan

    Insecurity: Nigeria now at crossroads – Lawan

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Monday bemoaned rising insecurity in the country and declared that “Nigeria is at the crossroads.”

    “Today, we are challenged by insecurity, sadly it is all over the country,’’ Lawan lamented.

    “The story is bad, everyday it is either kidnapping, assassination or some kind of banditry that leaves our people and communities shattered and destroyed,” he told the audience at the 60th birthday celebration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State.

    Speaking at the event in which the governor presented a book titled These Times: Selected Writings and Speeches by Nasir El-Rufai, he said with 13 million or 14 million out-of-schoolchildren in the North is “dangerous for the country.”

    Lawan said: “Nigeria is at the crossroads and more than ever now requires the unity of the people. The issues bedeviling Nigeria today requires that all leaders, at all levels and in all parts of Nigeria need to come together to ensure that the security and welfare needs of the people are adequately met.”

    According to him, Nigeria is at a point where the provision of infrastructure alone cannot sufficiently address the underlying causes of the growing insecurity and illiteracy in the country.

    “What we need is not only infrastructure, we need the capacity building of the people. In this part (North) of the country, this report has been consistent and apparently, little has been done to reverse it,” he said.

    Lawan called on the Federal Government to immediately introduce policies that would return the over 13 million or 14 million out-of-school-children in the North back to the classrooms.

    His words: “Until we are able to reverse this kind of trend, no matter how much infrastructure you put, you will still have that social angle that will actually lead to serious insecurity, the kind that we experience or even worse, God forbid. So, we need to look at the people.”

    The Senate President admonished Nigerian leaders to live up to the responsibilities of their respective offices by demonstrating courage and acting expeditiously to guarantee the protection of lives and property in the country.

    “Today, we are challenged by insecurity. Sadly, it is all over the country. This requires that all of us at every level of government come together and work to ensure that lives and properties of citizens are protected.

    “I want to take the opportunity of this celebration to send this message, that, as leaders, we owe the people, not only the explanation, but actions.”

  • Insecurity: Lawan, Gbajabiamila beg Buhari to increase funding for Nigeria police

    Insecurity: Lawan, Gbajabiamila beg Buhari to increase funding for Nigeria police

    The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila on Monday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to increase funding of the Nigeria Police Force.

    The two presiding officers of the National Assembly disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists at the State House, Abuja, on the outcome of the meeting with President Buhari.

    Gbajabiamila said the leadership of National Assembly told Mr President of the need to increase funding of the Nigeria Police Force and recruit more personnel to tackle the current challenges.

    He said the lower chamber had constituted a committee involving the two arms of government and the party to periodically review the issue of security across the country.

    He downplayed the resolution of the House calling for the resignation of Service Chiefs over insecurity since the Inspector General of Police was responsible for internal security of the country.

    The Senate President, while speaking, said the recent security challenges facing the country requires close collaboration.

  • Ex Senate President, Ebute writes Lawan, urges him to find solutions towards ending insurgency

    Elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Ameh Ebute, has called on Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, to engage other politicians, technocrats as well as businessmen from the northeast to join hands to help in complementing roles that will solve the lingering security crises in the region.

    Ebute wants the Senate President as the most senior political appointee from the north east zone to convoke and lead the Northeast reconciliation and peace to end Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorism bedeviling the area.

    The ex-legislator decried a situation where everyone including some politicians who are responsible for the crisis blame President Buhari or the patriotic Service Chiefs for the problem instead of playing their roles with a view to ending it.

    He was reacting to the recent call by the national assembly on president Buhari to sack his Service Chiefs over the security situation in the country.

    Ebute, a former lawmaker from Benue South, in the letter addressed to Senator Lawan on Wednesday, said all hands must be on deck as the fight against insurgency should not be left alone for the Service Chiefs of Mr. President.