Tag: NASS

  • Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy on late Police Inspector, Peter’s body

    Lawyer writes NASS, demands autopsy on late Police Inspector, Peter’s body

    Lagos based Lawyer, Ohemu Boni, has petitioned the National Assembly, over the mysterious death of Inspector Sunday Peter.

    Late Inspector Peter was a Police Officer, attached to the ‘Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos Police Command, before he was murdered.

    In a letter addressed to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Barr. Boni expressed the disappointment of the family over the role played by the colleagues of the Late Inspector, calling for thorough investigation, to ascertain the real cause of Peter’s death.

    The petition which was received on Friday at Senate President’s and Speaker’s offices, was also copied to the Chairmen of Committee on Public Petitions of both chambers.

    “The Late Insp. Sunday Peters, on the 16th May, 2024, in the normal course of active duty, went on a patrol with his team members along Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos State and he was hale and healthy.

    “Our client, Mr. John Peter, a brother of the late officer said he was called on his GSM phone about 7am on 17th May, 2024 in the morning, and was asked if he is the deceased officer’s brother, which he answered in the affirmative and was told that his brother is dead. Our client made effort to know the cause of his brother’s death but nobody was giving any answer.

    “It was upon getting to the RRS office that he was informed that his late brother’s body has been taken to the mortuary in Yaba, Lagos. Several efforts made by him to see the body of his brother were rendered abortive, until the RRS Commander later permitted him to go and see his late brother’s body.

    “It is pertinent to state that, the only information supplied to him officially at the RRS Office is that, his late brother complained to his colleagues of uneasiness and he was taken to the Police Hospital, Falomo, Lagos, that he walked to the hospital himself and eventually died”, the petition read in part.

    The Lawyer suspected fowl play in the manner in which the late gallant Inspector died and how his colleagues deposited the corpse in the morgue before informing the family.

    He averred that, Inspector Peter was already death before taken to the hospital and, contrary to the position of the Police that he was ill, a discreet investigation at the mortuary revealed that the late Inspector was murdered.

    Barr. Boni said, “However, our client who reviewed his late brother’s body maintained that, there were bruises, cuts and blood on the deceased’s body, hence, his team members have more information they are concealing as to the cause of the late officer’s death. Find attached, copies of photographs showing our client’s late brother’s body.

    “Following the above stated facts, the entire family of Peter Ogoyi as well as the deceased’s immediate family have been thrown in disarray as the mysterious death of Late Insp. Sunday Peter has caused them, especially the aged father, serious pains, trauma and pangs”.

    The petitioner therefore, craved the indulgence of the Honourable House and the Senate, “to wade into this matter and cause the Inspector General of Police to direct that a discreet investigation be conducted and an autopsy examination of the deceased body done, to ascertain the real cause of death”.

    Meanwhile, a source close to the family hinted our correspondent that, the Police authority in Lagos State was secretly discussing with the wife of the deceased, who is also a Police personnel of Edo State origin, to hurriedly bury the corpse in Inspector Peter’s home town, Otukpa, Benue State next week; against the wish of the family.

    “As we speak, the Commissioner of Police has sent out signal and the police have printed posters and commenced burial arrangements to hurriedly bury our brother, against our wish.

    “Because they know the wife is not from our place and she is a Police woman, they decided to cajole her to allow them bury her husband like a chicken.
    “We are from Otukpa. We are Idomas and our tradition doesn’t allow such burial until we know the cause of the death of our brother. If not, it would lead to more deaths. We won’t allow that to happen. The Police should come out and tell us what and who killed our bread winner. We won’t take it,” the source stressed.

  • Ex-Rep Deputy Speaker warned against stoking crisis in Plateau

    Ex-Rep Deputy Speaker warned against stoking crisis in Plateau

    The member representing Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Idris Wase has been warned against stoking political crisis in Plateau State.

    A socio-political group known as Plateau Patriotic Front gave the warning, following Wase’s call for the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) to intervene in the affairs of the Plateau State House of Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Plateau Patriotic Front described the call as an invitation to stoke violence and disrupt governance in the State.

    The group in a statement issued on Tuesday on the heels of the call and signed by its Chairman, Mani Imman said for Wase, a former Deputy Speaker to describe the situation as “the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly” portrays him as “a lover of crisis”.

    The statement reads: “It has come to our notice the development at the floor of the House of Representatives as reported in the media that the former Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase raised a motion during the plenary.

    “He called on the leadership of the National Assembly to intervene in “the crisis surrounding the swearing-in of new members of the Plateau State House of Assembly.”

    “It baffles us the consistent love that Mr. Wase has for graphic words like “crisis, threat to security” at the time that the State Governor, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the security agencies, and people of goodwill are working to ensure relative peace for the State and its citizens.

    “We view this alarm as an attempt to stoke problems and disrupt governance and the peaceful atmosphere under the guise of a crisis in the State House of Assembly.”

    Recall that Wase had been quoted to have said: “The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly has refused to swear in all the new members, instead demanding that they submit letters of resignation with accompanying court affidavits as a condition for swearing-in.

    “Failure to address the delays and biases in the swearing-in of the new members poses a threat to security in the state and undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and democracy.

    “The Court of Appeal hearing appeals arising from judgments of the Plateau State Election Tribunal made decisions which resulted in the nullification of Certificates of Return of 16 sitting members of the Plateau State House of Assembly and ordered the issuance of new Certificates of Return to the new Members by the Independent National Electoral Commission.”

  • NASS told to investigate mass retrenchment of CBN workers

    NASS told to investigate mass retrenchment of CBN workers

    The Conference of Autochthonous Ethnic Communities Development Association (CONECDA), has urged the National Assembly to investigate the recent mass sack of some workers of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Mr. Paul Dekete, the North Central Coordinator of CONECDA Youth Wing, made the request in a statement on Sunday in Jos.

    Dekete, who faulted the manner in which the affected workers; largely directors, deputy and assistant directors, were dismissed, said that the process violated the bank’s established procedure.

    The coordinator also maintained that the move would grossly affect the operations of critical departments within the apex bank, adding that 16 departments were affected by the action.

    Dekete decried that the affected personnel were those with avalanche of experience and expertise in their various fields, needed to move the apex financial institution forward.

    ”This is why we are calling on the National Assembly to investigate the CBN to understand the rationale behind the mass sack of its staff and the criteria used.

    ”The National Assembly should ensure that CBN follows established procedures for staff reduction as laid out in its HR (Human Resource) manual and best practices worldwide.

    ”That the insensitive termination letters should be withdrawn and replaced with more appropriate documentation that reflects the employees’ work records.

    ”The National Assembly should ensure all the decisions are reviewed to ensure compliance with CBN HR policy and public service rules,” he said.

    Dekete also appealed to the lawmakers to ensure that employees, who were dismissed without proper justification, were reinstated.

    He said that the dismissed staff deserved fair compensation to mitigate the economic hardship caused by the management’s decision.

  • Falana mocks NASS members demands passage of Minimum Wage Act in 48hrs As they did for National Anthem

    Falana mocks NASS members demands passage of Minimum Wage Act in 48hrs As they did for National Anthem

    Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Femi Falana, SAN has urged the National Assembly to hurriedly pass an enactment to set a new minimum wage that will resonate with current economic realities in the country as they did for the national anthem a few days ago.

    Falana, in a statement made available to the media on Monday morning, argued that the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 has expired and there is a need for the government at all levels to review and pass a new law to that effect.

    The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress had vowed to commence an indefinite strike today (Monday).

    Falana wrote: “Pursuant to the National Minimum Wage Act 2019, the national minimum wage was fixed at N30,000. By virtue of section 3(4) of the Act 2019 the national minimum wage expires after five years, and it shall be reviewed in line with the provisions of this Act.

    “Since the commencement date of the Act was the 18th day of April 2019, the national minimum wage of N30,000 has since expired. Hence, the Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Honourable Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced during the last May Day rally in Abuja that the new national minimum wage would take effect on May 1, 2024.

    “Following the removal of fuel subsidy last year, the Federal Government had announced an additional N35,000 wage award (wage subsidy) for six months, starting from 1 September 2023. During the 6-month period, the total monthly wage payable to a worker was N65,000. In the same vein, the various state governments awarded various sums as wage subsidy to their workers. Both Lagos and Edo State Governments have since announced a minimum wage of N70,000.

    “Curiously, the Federal Government turned round to offer a minimum wage of N48,000. Hence, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have embarked on an indefinite strike due to the failure of the Federal Government and other employers of employment to pay a realistic new minimum wage to Nigerian workers.

    “However, it has been reported that the leaders of the National Assembly have intervened in the planned strike.

    “The National Assembly should, therefore, pass speedily a new National Minimum Wage Act like the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours, last week.”

     

    Earlier, the organised labour said it would go ahead with its plan to commence an indefinite strike (today) Monday despite last-minute moves by the National Assembly leadership to avert the industrial action.

    The representatives of organised labour on Sunday said they lacked the power to call off the strike, adding that there was no going on the industrial action on Monday.

  • BREAKING: Fresh details emerge on NASS meeting with labour unions

    BREAKING: Fresh details emerge on NASS meeting with labour unions

    The leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) and Organised Labour made up of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) held a crucial meeting on Sunday ostensibly to forestall the nationwide strike that commenced today.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, and other principal officers of both Chambers were present during the meeting.

    Others from the executive side are the Secretary to Government of the Federation, George Akume, Ministers of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Finance, Wale Edun and Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

    Also in the hall are budget and national planning minister, Atiku Bagudu, science and technology minister, Uche Nnaji, agriculture and food security minister, Aliyu Abdullahi, and Head of Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan.

    Also present, representing Organised Labour, are the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC); Comrade Festus Osifo, and other Labour Leaders.

    The meeting which held late Sunday at the Senate, was at the instance of the National Assembly Leadership, as part of efforts to forestall the effects of a nationwide strike action at this time.

    At the meeting, stakeholders noting that the position of Organised Labour is valid given the general economic situation in the country, agreed on the need for on-going negotiation to continue, allowing for continuous engagement on the issue of wages.

    Organised Labour gave the National Assembly Leadership a period of eight (8) weeks to engage with stakeholders from the Executive. The Labour Leaders however, declined to call off the nationwide strike action in the immediate as they requested more time to consult their respective National Executive Councils (NEC), and organs, in adherence to the Constitution of their Unions.

    In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, cautioned, “While addressing the legitimate concerns of Organised Labour is imperative, we must be mindful that an unsustainable wage increase could trigger inflationary pressures and potentially lead to layoffs. It is crucial that our approach balances the need for fair wages with the overall economic stability of the nation.”

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, remarked: “I am sure some would recall what I said during the Independence Anniversary lecture, that one thing that this government and this country can do to eliminate corruption in the long-run is to embrace a ‘living wage.’ There are no two ways about it. But we should also be mindful that the issues of numerous decades cannot be repaired within one day. It will be a gradual process.”

    Among other resolutions reached at the meeting; the Federal Government committed to the immediate implementation of all previous agreements with Labour as authorised by the President. These agreements include the recent Wage Award announced by President Bola Tinubu and the bonus implemented by Government as negotiated by the previous Administration (Amounting to N72,000).

    Government further committed to expediting the ongoing nationwide roll-out of conversion to LNG-operated vehicles and address all challenges relating to the supply chain to bring immediate succor on transportation to Nigerian workers.

    The leadership of the National Assembly was asked to engage and brief the President on the position of Labour and the need to consider a marginal increase in the interim, to accommodate the position of Labour.

    Organised Labour were also charged to deepen advocacy with State Governments and organised private sector to ensure viability and sustainability of the anticipated minimum wage increase.

    Strike: Senate urges FG to continue payment of N35,000 wage award

    Meanwhile, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to continue the payment of N35,000 wage award to workers, following the yet to be concluded negotiations on minimum wage.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio said this at the end of a four hour closed door meeting with leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and some Ministers over planned industrial action by the union.

    Akpabio also appealed to the union to shelve the proposed strike action in the interest of Nigerians and the nation.

    “We have been making appeal and asked the NLC and TUC to shelve the proposed strike and return to the negotiating table to resolve the issue.

    “I appeal that the strike be suspended for negotiations to continue in the interest of Nigerians and the nation.”

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, said that government’s position on the wage award was that it should continue the payment until the negotiations for the minimum wage is concluded.

    “The position of Government is that the Federal Government will continue to pay its workers the wage award of N35,000 that was started in Oct 2023 until a new wage regime is instituted.”

    He said he was optimistic that labour would suspend the proposed strike, following the lengthy conversation with the leadership of the National Assembly, organised labour and the federal government delegation.

    He said that Nigeria could not afford strike at this moment given the challenges faced on the economy.

    Idris said all hands must be on deck to ensure prosperity of the nation as strike was not the best option at this point.

    “And we have pleaded with labour to see reasons with the Federal Government and everybody while the strike cannot continue in the interest of every body.”

    The minister said that government was sensitive to the demand of labour and called on the unions to see reasons to heed to the request of government.

    He said that Nigeria could not afford the payment of N9.5 trillion additional financial burden based on labours” demand of N494,000 demand made by labour as minimum wage for workers.

    However, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Festus Osifo said both parties were aware of what the issues were.

    He said the leadership of the union did do have power to call off the strike, saying that there were processes involved in suspension of an industrial action.

    “We have listened to them, we will take the request of the National Assembly leadership to our organs, because we don’t have power to call off strike.

    “The power to call off strikes lies with our organs, who would sit to decide.”

  • NASS moves to mediate FG, labour dispute to avert strike

    NASS moves to mediate FG, labour dispute to avert strike

    Disturbed by the scheduled industrial action by the organised labour beginning on Monday, the leadership of the national assembly has waded in to avert an imminent shut down of Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports this was contained in a statement jointly signed by both spokespersons of the two legislative chambersJointly Signed,
    Senator Yemi Adaramadu and
    Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr
    on Sunday stating that:

    “The National Assembly acknowledges the announcement by Organised Labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024, nationwide.

    “The decision followed the deadlock between the Federal Government and the Labour Unions in agreeing on a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.

    “As a responsive parliament, the leadership of the National Assembly, comprising the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, which would have severe repercussions on the populace and economy.

    “The National Assembly notes that both parties have tenable reasons for their respective positions.

    “In view of this, the National Assembly Leadership and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment and Productivity respectively, Senator Diket Plang, and Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.

    “The 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.

    “We further urge all stakeholders to remain patient and co-operative as we work diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.

    *Jointly Signed,*

    *Senator Yemi Adaramodu*
    Senate Spokesman

    *Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.*
    House Spokesman

  • First year in office: What Tinubu told NASS members

    First year in office: What Tinubu told NASS members

    President Bola Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to continue to collaborate with the Executive for further development of Nigeria and prosperity of the people.

    Tinubu said this when he addressed a Joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “So please continue to collaborate, work together to build our country, we have no other choice, it is our nation.

    “No one, no other institutions or personality will help us except we do it ourselves, no amount of aids that may be coming from foreign countries, or any other nation.

    “Let us work together as we are doing to build our nation, not only for us but for our generations yet unborn,” he said.

    Tinubu also urged the lawmakers to: “Nourish this democracy, build this nation, so that the future of our great grandchildren will be sure of prosperity and progress.

    “You are foremost leaders that speak for our people and you have been in the forefront of this struggle.

    “Charting a new course and the question for development, I have submitted the last budget, you expeditiously passed it, we are walking the talk.

    “I will soon bring the year 2024 supplementary appropriation bill.”

    Tinubu commended the lawmakers for their efforts in sustaining democracy.

    “This institution, the hallow chamber represents the consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.

    “Without this house, probably, I may not find the part to the presidency, ” he said.

    Responding, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio said, the National Assembly would be expecting the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill for consideration.

  • Speaker Abbas tells NASS members what to do if they are not familiar with new National Anthem

    Speaker Abbas tells NASS members what to do if they are not familiar with new National Anthem

    Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has advised members of the National Assembly (NASS) on what to do if they are not familiar with the newly adopted National Anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Speaker Abbas gave the advice on Wednesday during a joint sitting of the NASS, which had President Bola Tinubu in attendance.

    The Speaker presided over the sitting along with Senate President Godswill Akpabio as President Tinubu led the joint sitting of the NASS to sing the newly adopted National Anthem.

    Abbas told members to Google the new anthem so they could recite it correctly, stressing “those who are over 59 years old  will know the wordings”.

    Earlier  when it was put to vote, the lawmakers agreed that the band should lead the anthem. However President Tinubu led the joint sitting of the National Assembly to sing the old National Anthem.

    Senator Akpabio had announced before the joint sitting that a new national anthem would begin from today, following Tinubu’s assent.

    Meanwhile, Rep Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun) said he was not too keen on the new national anthem because it was delivered by the colonial master.

    He added that a blend of the old and the new one would have sufficed rather than discarding the old outrightly.

    “Since the majority agreed that we should revert, I followed what the majority said, but in my own opinion, we could have done a blend of the two.

    “The new national anthem was composed by a foreigner, the old one (Arise o compatriot) was composed by a Nigerian and some of the lyrics also invoke the spirit of nationalism.

    “This is in recognition of the sacrifice of our heroes past,” he said.

    Also speaking, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said that it was a win-win situation as the second stanza of the national anthem would now be used as the national prayer.

    He said the national anthem is a source of building patriotism, adding that the former national anthem was not apt in terms of its lyrics.

  • BREAKING: NASS uses Nigeria’s old National Anthem as Tinubu visits

    BREAKING: NASS uses Nigeria’s old National Anthem as Tinubu visits

    President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the amended National Anthem Bill into law, thereby reverting the country to the use of the old National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”.

    The National Anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee,” was sung for the first time today during a joint session of the National Assembly (NASS) after it was enacted into law by President Tinubu.

    The House of Representatives had approved a motion to invite President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Heads of State, the Senate President, Senators, and other distinguished individuals to join a joint session.

    The joint session of the NASS was part of activities to mark the first year anniversary of the current administration.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Justice Minister advises NASS on National Anthem bill

    Justice Minister advises NASS on National Anthem bill

    Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged the National Assembly to consult widely before passing the bill seeking the return of the old National Anthem.

    The Minister said this on Monday, at a public hearing by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters in Abuja.

    Fagbemi urged the two chambers of the National Assembly to allow inputs from Nigerians before passing taking a decision on the bill.

    “Against the background of the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the revered issue of choice of a national anthem should not come into being only by legislative fiat, or presidential proclamation alone.

    “It is not out of place for Nigeria to be guided by the process of evolution of a national anthem in other jurisdictions.

    “Consequently, it is my considered view that the decision to change Nigeria’s National Anthem whether by replacing it with the old one or a new one, should be subjected to a wider process of citizen.

    “There should be participation through zonal public hearings, resolutions of the Federal Executive Council, Council of State, National and State Assemblies, etcetera,” he said.

    He said that for most African countries, the national anthem symbolised the end of colonialism, hence, former British colonies jettisoned God Bless the Queen to adopt their home-made national anthems which were all written by their own citizens.

    “I appreciate the opportunity extended to me to make observations on the very salient issue of reversion of national anthem to the previous one which was adopted in 1960, following independence from the United Kingdom.

    “I would like to observe that it is generally accepted that a national anthem is considered a major symbol of national identity and culture,” he said.

    Fagbemi said that a national anthem was meant to reflect the people’s hopes, values and history.

    “A national anthem is expected to enjoy universal acceptance and veneration among the citizens for it to attain the status of an official song that commands respect, patriotism and national consciousness,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Muhammad Monguno said the National Assembly (NASS) had gone on with its plans to pass the bill.

    “The Bill has passed first and second reading at the Senate and the Public Hearing was advertised. Those who are not here have probably agreed with intendment of the proposed legislation,” he said.