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Tag: Lawmakers

  • Bauchi Assembly crisis implodes, six lawmakers injured

    Bauchi State lawmakers were attacked by hoodlums on Monday at their guest house during an overside function in the state.

    According to reports, the House was embroiled in a leadership crisis last Thursday with 22 members passing a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, and principal officers of the assembly.

    Mr. Babale Abubakar, the Majority Leader of the House, told newsmen in Bauchi that the latest attack which happened at about 4 p.m as the lawmakers were having a meeting, left six of them injured.

    “At least six vehicles were destroyed by the invaders who also smashed window glasses.

    “They were over 100 and were carrying guns, sticks, and machetes,” he said.

    “It was terrifying. Some of us ran towards the exit door and were badly hurt,” the majority leader added.

    Abubakar said no sooner than the Special Adviser on State and National Assembly Laison to the state governor, Mr. Sani Mohammed Burra, left them that the hoodlums unleashed their mayhem.

    According to him, one of them held me by the neck and asked if l was still a leader in the house.

    “He said they were ready to kill me. Six members were injured in the process. Some were taken to the hospital and l believe they would be fine.

    “It was a scary situation. It is sad,” he said.

    He however said the matter had been reported to the Commissioner of Police in the state.

    Reacting to the development, Burra dissociated himself and the executive arm from the attack.

    He described it as uncalled for and unnecessary at a time efforts were being made to resolve the leadership crisis rocking the legislature.

    The governor’s aide also called on security agencies to investigate the incident, and arrest and prosecute those involved in the bastadly act to serve as a deterrent.

  • Kogi Assembly impeach 4 principal officers, suspend 3 others

    The Kogi House of Assembly on Friday impeached four principal officers and suspended three others for “undue gross misconducts.”

    The lawmakers made the impeachment and suspension during an emergency sitting at the assembly complex following the adoption of a motion raised by Assemblyman Enema Paul (APC-Dekina II).

    Those impeached by 17 lawmakers that sat at plenary are Mr Ahmed Mohammed; Deputy Speaker; Mr Bello Hassan Abdullahi; Majority Leader, Mr Ndako Idris; Deputy Majority Leader and Mr Edoko Ododo; Deputy Chief Whip.

    The motion, among other allegations, accused the four impeached officers of the 25-member house of gross misconduct and called for their immediate impeachment and replacement.

    After the impeachment, Mr Enema Paul, in his contribution, called for their replacements, arguing that the house could not afford a vacuum.

    According to him, they should be replaced pending the outcome of investigations into their alleged misdemeanour.

    He said: “We, the undersigned honourable members of the Kogi State House of Assembly do hereby resolve to impeach the following principal officers.”

    The lawmakers have also replaced the impeached principal officers with Mr Rabiu Alfa, as Deputy Speaker, Mr Bajeh Mukhtar; Majority Leader; Mr Umar Isa; Deputy Majority Leader and Mr Enema Paul; Deputy Chief Whip.

    Earlier ruling on the motion, the Speaker, Assemblyman Matthew Kolawole, put the question whether 17 members actually signed the impeachment and suspension document and they answered in affirmation of their position.

    Kolawole then directed the Clerk of the House to call out the new principal officers who were immediately approved.

    The legislators also dissolved the standing committees and constituted new ones to upscale performance of their oversight functions in the remaining lifespan of the assembly in the state.

  • 9 PDP lawmakers in Kano Assembly defect to NNPP

    9 PDP lawmakers in Kano Assembly defect to NNPP

    Nine lawmakers in Kano State House Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) on Friday.

    The lawmakers announced their decision in a letter sent to the Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Alhaji Hamisu Chidari, on Friday in Kano.

    The speaker’s spokesman, Malam Uba Abdullahi, said in a statement that the members cited leadership tussle in the leadership of the PDP at the state and national levels as reason for their defection.

    According to the statement, the speaker after receiving the letter officially, congratulated them and wished them well.

    The members defected to NNPP are Isyaku Ali-Danja, member representing Gezawa; Umar Musa-Gama, member representing Nassarawa; Aminu Sa’adu-Ungogo, member representing Ungogo; and Lawan Hussain, member representing Dala constituency.

    Others included Tukur Muhammad, member representing Fagge; Mu’azzam El-Yakub, member representing Dawakin Kudu; Garba Fammar; member representing Kubiya; Abubakar Galadima, member representing Bebeji; and Mudassir Zawaciki, member representing Kumbotso constituency

  • See full list of Cross River lawmakers sacked for defection

    See full list of Cross River lawmakers sacked for defection

    A Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja, on Monday, ordered 20 lawmakers from Cross River to vacate their seats over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in a judgment, dismissed the defence argument that the PDP (plaintiff) had no locus standi (legal rights) to institute the case.

    According to reports,PDP had filed the suit to challenge the lawmakers’ defection to another party.

    Two members of the House of Representatives from the state; Michael Etaba and Legor Idagbor, and 18 other lawmakers from the House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Eteng Williams, were sacked in the judgment.

    Justice Taiwo dismissed all the preliminary objections raised by the sacked lawmakers.

    Justice Taiwo ruled that the argument of the lawmakers that there was rancour in the PDP which necessitated their defection to APC was a ploy to mislead the court.

    The judge, who granted all the reliefs sought by the PDP, held that it was disheartening that politicians in the country treat citizens as if they do not matter once they get into office.

    “A day must surely come when elected officials, must ask the people who voted for them before defecting to other political parties, instead of defecting to another party without recourse to the law and the citizens.

    “We cannot continue in sin and expect grace to abound,” he held.

    He noted that “the lawmakers wined and dined under the umbrella of the PDP,” but later pitched their tent with the APC, even when there was no justification for their action.

    “The defendants’ documents were contrived and filed with loopholes. The papers are manifestly defective,” the judge said while granting all the reliefs sought by the PDP.

    Taiwo held that despite the fact that major cause of action arose in Calabar, it had both “territorial and subject matter” jurisdictions to entertain the suit.

    The defendants in the suit were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Speaker, House of Representatives, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Cross River House of Assembly, the Clerk of the State Assembly, the 20 lawmakers and the APC as 1st to 26th defendants respectively.

    The PDP filed the suit on Aug. 27, 2021, following the lawmakers’ defection alongside the Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade, on May 20, 2021 to APC.

    The affected lawmakers include Michael Etaba, Legor Idagbor, Eteng Williams, Joseph Bassey, Odey Agbe and Okon Ephraim.

    Others are: Regina Anyogo, Matthew Olory, Ekpo Bassey, Ogbor Udop, Ekpe Okon, Hillary Bisong, Francis Asuquo, Elvert Ayambem, Davis Etta, Sunday Achunekan, Cynthia Nkasi, Edward Ajang, Chris Ogar and Maria Akwaji.

    While Mr Etaba represents Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River, Mr Idagbor represents Obudu/Obaliku/Bekwarra Federal Constituency of the state.

    In arguing its case, PDP’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, sought the court’s interpretation of the provisions of Section 109(1)(g) of the constitution, which prohibits a lawmaker from defecting to another political party without justifiable reasons.

    Ukala also drew the court’s attention to the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Abegunde versus Ondo State House of Assembly (2015).

    He contended that the lawmakers being persons whose election to the parliament was sponsored by the PDP and having become members of another political party, their seats should be declared vacant.

    In the originating summons filed before the judge, the PDP prayed for “an order of injunction restraining the lawmakers from acting as members of parliament both in Abuja and Calabar, the Cross River capital.

    The plaintiff also sought “an order of injunction restraining INEC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, clerk of the National Assembly, the House of Assembly for Cross River State and the clerk of the State Assembly from according recognition to the dismissed lawmakers.”

    In addition, the party urged the court to make “an order of mandatory injunction compelling INEC to accept from the PDP the list of candidates for the purpose of filling the vacancies created by the exit of the lawmakers from the parliament on account of their defections.”

    Meanwhile, counsel to the sacked lawmakers, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, in an interview shortly after the judgment, said the court decision would be challenged at the Court of Appeal.

  • Elephants invade farmland, injure farmer in Ogun

    Elephants invade farmland, injure farmer in Ogun

    A member of the Ogun House of Assembly, Mr Sola Adams, has cried out over invasion of farmlands by elephants which also injured a farmer at Itashin in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state.

    Adams, who spoke under personal explanation during plenary in Abeokuta, noted that the recent incident where elephants attacked villagers in his constituency remained worrisome.

    The lawmaker stated that the injured farmer was receiving treatment at Ijebu Ode General Hospital, calling on relevant agency to do the needful and return the elephants to where they should be.

    Responding, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, the Speaker, condemned the invasion of elephants into farmland to the extent of injuring a farmer.

    The speaker advised farmers to stop further encroachment on natural habitat of elephants, which had now left their habitat to attack people and destroy farmlands.

    According to him, the issue of elephants’ incursion into town which occurred at Itasin in Ijebu East, required the state Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry to engage the Nigerian Conservative Foundation.

    ”This is towards preserving the species and the entire ecosystem,” he said.

    Also during plenary, the speaker challenged the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Security Matters, Mr Olusola Subair, to explore the State Security Trust Fund for the procurement of more security apparatus across the state.

    The speaker added that there was need to procure more security apparatus especially the riverine areas to beef up security of lives and property of residents.

    He made the call while responding to the submission of his Deputy, Akeem Balogun and Deputy Chief Whip, Olusola Adams.

    The lawmakers spoke on the need to tighten security around the border areas with Lagos and Ondo States, especially around Ode-Omi, Iwopin in Ogun Waterside and Imobi in Ijebu East Local Government Areas, respectively.

  • 2023: Tinubu takes presidential bid to NASS to meet APC lawmakers today

    2023: Tinubu takes presidential bid to NASS to meet APC lawmakers today

    Leader of the All Progressives Congress APC, Bola Tinubu will take his presidential quest to the National Assembly today to forge an alliance as the March 26 national convention of the party draws close.

    The Asiwaju Oba of Lagos will first meet with the caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC)today at 2.30pm in the Senate before proceeding to the Green Chamber.

    Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, revealed this in a letter he read at the start of plenary on Wednesday.

    The letter was signed by the Senate Leader, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North).

    “There will be APC Senate caucus meeting with His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu today, March 16, 2022”, Lawan said.

    The meeting between the APC Senate caucus and presidential aspirant is scheduled to hold in the Senate President’s conference room.

    Immediately after meeting with the Senate caucus, Tinubu will move over the House.

  • Ebonyi House of Assembly declares 3 seats vacant

    Ebonyi House of Assembly declares 3 seats vacant

    Ebonyi House of Assembly has declared the seats of three members elected under the People Democratic Party (PDP) vacant.

     

    The lawmakers asserted that their resignation was stated in a letter purportedly written by the three lawmakers.

    According to the letter, the three lawmakers are Ali Okechukwu (Ishielu North); Franca Okpo Abakaliki North) and Victor Aleke (Ebonyi West).

    The three lawmakers and their PDP colleagues were not at the sitting.

     

    Fifteen All Progressive Party (APC) lawmakers however attended the sitting.

     

    Speaker Francis Nwifuru read the letters on the floor of the House after which he declared the seats of the three lawmakers vacant.

    He also ordered the clerk to write to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to notify the electoral body of the development and the need to conduct fresh elections in the affected constituencies.

  • BREAKING: Zamfara State deputy governor impeached

    BREAKING: Zamfara State deputy governor impeached

    Zamfara State lawmakers on Wednesday impeached the Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Mahdi Gusau.

    Gusau was impeached during plenary after the House received the report of the committee.

     

    The committee was set up by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kulu Aliyu, to investigate the allegations against him.

     

    The House had been investigating Aliyu-Gusau for alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office.

     

    His impeachment came months after he parted ways with Governor Matatwalle over his alleged refusal to defect with the governor to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

     

    He is one of the youngest deputy governors to be elected at his age since Fourth Nigerian Republic.

    The impeached deputy governor is a son to General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, who is the former Minister of Defence.

     

  • Defection: Ebonyi Assembly speaker, lawmakers challenge court’s jurisdiction

    Defection: Ebonyi Assembly speaker, lawmakers challenge court’s jurisdiction

    The Speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru and 16 other lawmakers have challenged the hearing of their defection suit before the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.
    Justice Inyang Ekwo had fixed March 8 for judgment in a suit, praying the court to sack Gov. David Umahi and lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
    Nwifuru and his colleagues, in Novenber 2020, defected from the PDP, alongside the governor, for APC.
    Reacting, the PDP filed a suit before Justice Ekwo, urging the court to declare the lawmakers’ seats vacant on account of alleged violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provision that forbids defection without justifiable reasons.
    The party also filed a separate suit to challenge Umahi’s defection.
    Governor Umahi had attributed his defection to the “injustice” done by the PDP to the south-eastern region of the country.
    NAN reports that, in an originating summons marked FHC/ABJ/CS/920/2021, the PDP is praying the court to make a declaration that by defecting from the party on which the speaker and his colleagues were sponsored and elected as members of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, they have resigned or deemed to have resigned from office.
    But, in their preliminary objection, the lawmakers, through their lawyer, Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume, SAN, contested the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.
    Ume argued that since the defendants, comprising the lawmakers and the APC as well as the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) “are desirous of this suit being transferred to the Federal High Court” in Abakiliki, Ebonyi, on the ground that “all the parties either work or reside” in the state.
    According to him, the hearing of this suit in Abuja will cause great inconvenience as well as occasion great financial loss to the defendants.
    Mr Ume had argued in court papers filed on Jan. 26.
    Citing civil procedure rules in the application filed on Jan. 26, the lawyer said, “By virtue of Section 22(1) of the Federal High Court Act, this court has the power to transfer a suit to any other judge of the court.”
    He further contended that, “By virtue of Order 2 Rule 1(3) of the Federal High Court (civil procedure) Rules 2019, a suit should be commenced and determined in the judicial division in which the defendant resides or carries on substantial part of his business or in which the cause of action arose.”
    Also, a commissioner in Ebonyi, Joseph Ekumankama, in an affidavit in support of a motion on notice, questioning the court’s jurisdiction in Abuja to hear and determine the suit, said the defendants had filed several requests seeking the transfer of the suit to Abakiliki division of the FHC but to no avail.
    Ekumankama referred to the Jan. 19 proceedings of the presiding judge, Ekwo, where he “lumped the hearing and determination of the applicants’ motion on notice and all their other applications questioning the various aspects of the jurisdiction of the Court.
    He argued further that the defendants’ applications touched on both the “territorial, cause of action and constitutional jurisdiction of the court.”
    Also, the deponent recalled the filing of a similar suit by the PDP and one Fred Udeogu on July 26, 2021, in which they challenged the defendants’ defection to the APC.
    Ekumankama said the Chief Judge of the FHC, John Tsoho, in September 2021, transferred the said suit to the Abakiliki judicial division of the court.
    According to him, the cumulative effect of the refusal and failure to have transferred this suit as was done in the plaintiff’s earlier suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/729/2021, is an act of discrimination.
    In the affidavit dated Jan. 25, the Ebonyi commissioner noted that “these founded lack of confidence” by the defendants in “this proceeding is certainly vitiating this Hon Court of its inherent and absolute authority jurisdiction over the 2nd to 20th defendants/applicants.”
    He pointed out that it would “occasion a miscarriage of justice for the court to determine the issue of transfer of this suit as well as the judgment on the merit or otherwise of the suit simultaneously, instead the ruling should be on a different day well separated from the day for hearing in the main suit.”
    Similarly, the defendants’ lead counsel argued that Umahi was sworn-in by the Ebonyi cheif judge and not by the chief judge of the FHC, therefore, his removal from office could only be pursued through the state House of Assembly and High Court.
    NAN reports that the governor and his deputy had approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking interpretation of some constitutional issues arising from the suit filed by the PDP.
    The applicants in their motion urged the appellate court to restore the powers of the state high courts.
    They argued that only courts clothed with the exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the question as to whether the term of office of a member of the house of assembly of a state, a governor or deputy governor has ceased or become vacant.
  • Security Alert: DSS uncovers bandits, kidnappers’ strategies to attack, abduct lawmakers during Yuletide

    Security Alert: DSS uncovers bandits, kidnappers’ strategies to attack, abduct lawmakers during Yuletide

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday raised alarm that certain groups and individuals intend to cause a breakdown of law and order in the country.
    The Service said this is more so as it has observed that some persons who are desperately seeking power use wrong and skewed narratives to not only mislead citizens but overheat the polity.
    It said already, such persons are exploiting and politicising the issue of insecurity in parts of the country for pecuniary and other selfish reasons.
    Addressing reporters at the DSS headquarters, Public Relations Officer of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, said many simply want to use the situation to cause divisions among citizens, seek cheap popularity and/or present the country as ungovernable.
    The Service also raised alarm that recessing members of National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly and other public and private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.
    This, it said, also applies to Nigerians who may travel from within and outside the country to join their loved ones for the celebrations. These individuals, the Service said, are susceptible to kidnapping, hijack, assassinations, armed robbery and political manipulations
    The DSS also accused the legal team of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of misleading the public with fake news about how their client is treated in custody. It said contrary to what is being peddled, Kanu is not being starved or ill treated in any way.
    Afunanya said: “The Service, therefore, warns that those who are involved in these should desist from such destabilising acts.
    “It also enjoins politicians to play by the rule and avoid statements or activities capable of inflaming the fires of division and violence prior to 2023 elections.
    “Opinion moulders like the clergy, religious and traditional rulers are also to guard their utterances and avoid inciting pronouncements.
    “In a related development, it is common knowledge that criminal elements will heighten their inglorious activities before, during and after the festive periods.
    “Therefore, religious and community leaders, hoteliers and operators of markets, parks, recreational and relaxation centres are to be at alert and watch strange movements and activities around their facilities.
    “Such facilities include places of worship, palaces, markets, schools and other public buildings.
    “Owners and operators of these public spaces and their patrons should endeavour to isolate and report suspected rogues to security agencies for prompt response.
    “Consequently, the Service’s interactive website and complaint lines will remain active and available to the public.
    “Its formations at the State and local Government levels will be open 24 hours of the day. This is in line with the Service’s commitment and support to the populace.
    “As schools vacate and students return home for holidays, there is likelihood that subversive gangs will target them for recruitment for undesirable intents.
    “These may include but not limited to financial crimes, armed robbery, civil disobedience and violent protests, substance abuse, banditry and kidnapping.
    “In this respect, parents and guardians are advised to be watchful of their children and wards and ensure that they do not engage in unlawful acts.
    “Aside students, recessing members of National Assembly/State Houses of Assembly and other public/private sector workers on vacation may be predisposed to threats of various degrees.
    “This also applies to Nigerians who may travel from within and outside the country to join their loved ones for the celebrations.
    “These individuals are susceptible to kidnapping, hijack, assassinations, armed robbery and political manipulations.
    “They are advised to be security conscious in order not to fall victims of these attacks and destructive political maneuvers.
    “Let me reiterate at this juncture that those who sponsor kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all kinds of attacks on security agents, civilians and vulnerable populations should have a rethink.
    “These persons, whether in the North or South, know themselves. There is no doubt that they have crossed the lines and it is now time to crush them.
    “On IPOB and the alleged ill-treatment of its detained leader, the Service has, without any fear of contradiction, applied restraint in making public statements over the matter.
    “The reason is simply because it avoids joining issues especially over a matter that is sub-judice. But for the sake of transparency and democratic accountability, the Service has decided to make some clarifications.
    “It (the Service) denies all the inciting allegations by IPOB and states that:
    “Nnamdi Kanu is not, in any way, maltreated in custody. Accusations of maltreatment negate the Service’s Standard Operation Procedure on the implementation of rights of a suspect;
    “Nnamdi Kanu enjoys full luxury in the holding facility incomparable to any of its type anywhere in the country. He is accorded full rights and privileges. He is never denied his right of worship or freedom from his select religious practice.
    “Adequate attention is paid to Kanu’s health. He has unhindered access to the best medical care and doctors.
    “Kanu, himself, has confirmed to his visitors that the Service has never, in any way, maltreated him. He even confirmed this to the quartet of Senators Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe; Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church, Nigeria and Co-Chair, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace and Ambassador Okechukwu Emuchay, MFR, Secretary-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who saw him on Wednesday, 8th December, 2021.
    “The story of Kanu being starved is fallacious. He could not have been starved as he enjoys meals of his choice. That he is not allowed change of clothing is also false.
    “He is regularly allowed change of clothing as against what is presented to the public by IPOB propagandists. Assuming he is being maltreated, how come his visitors told him he was looking well?
    “All the allegations of violation of his rights as a suspect, victimization and starvation among others are not true.
    “It is unfortunate that some elements have decided to use outright misinformation to represent the state of affairs.
    “Those who make these false stories do so to attract undue attention for the singular purpose of achieving a desired end.
    “Rather than focus on how he should get justice, Kanu’s legal team and some mischievous elements among them have chosen to use fake news to mislead the public.
    “While the Court in its wisdom ordered that Kanu be remanded in the safer DSS Custody, some of his legal representatives, for reasons best known to them, preferred Kuje Prison and have failed to explain the rationale for such choice.
    “It may interest the public to note that a particular lawyer among Kanu’s Team is feasting on the matter such that one can conclude that his interest is beyond getting justice for his client. Be that as it may, the Court has the final say on the matter.
    “Instructively, the media is reminded of its duty in national security. As influencers, media practitioners are called upon to use their platforms to pursue peaceful coexistence.
    “They must commit themselves to the unity of the country and shun misinformation, fake news, hate speech and such other misleading narratives.
    “Journalists, while discharging their constitutional roles, are enjoined to be objective, conflict-sensitive and patriotic in their reportage.
    “Overall, citizens and residents are advised to cooperate with security and law enforcement agencies for lasting peace in the country.
    “They should be wary of efforts designed from within and outside the shores of the country to misdirect or use them to undermine public order. Therefore, they should exercise caution in the way and manner they may conduct their affairs during the festivities and beyond.
    “On its part, the Service will continue to collaborate with other sister agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all law abiding citizens and residents pursue their legitimate businesses without hindrances.
    “While it has become expedient to issue these warnings and advisories, the Service maintains that it will not hesitate to deal, in accordance with the law, with those who may wish to test its resolve in ensuring internal security and national stability before, during and after the yuletide.
    “For those that wish to, they must note that nemesis and the long hands of the law will definitely catch up with them.
    “For emphasis, no one, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to take laws into his or her hands.
    “Finally, the DG, Management and Staff of the DSS appreciate everyone who has supported the Service in its effort to ensure peace and security in the country.
    “Let us remember that security is the responsibility of everyone. Let us support security agencies to achieve the desired peace for our country.
    “We wish every one of you and indeed all Nigerians a hitch free yuletide season. As we look forward to a new year, we wish you a prosperous 2022.”