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Tag: NASS

  • ZLP lauds NASS on old National Anthem

    ZLP lauds NASS on old National Anthem

    The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has commended the National Assembly for passing the bill seeking to revert Nigeria to the old National Anthem.

    The National Chairman, ZLP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu said this when he spoke with newsmen on Monday in Abuja, calling on President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill into law.

    Nwanyanwu, also the 2023 presidential candidate of the ZLP, said that the move was a right step in the right direction.

    “The 1960 National Anthem touches on the very core of our diversity and religious complexities.

    “I congratulate the National Assembly for passing the bill to repeal the current National Anthem and revert to the original National Anthem which commenced with the independence of Nigeria on Oct. 1, 1960.

    “I feel vindicated by this noble act of the 10th National Assembly which was in complete consonance with my presidential manifesto for the 2023 presidential election where I vigorously canvassed for the return to Nigeria’s original National Anthem.

    “What the National Assembly has done, has not only proved that it is sensitive to the yeaning’s of the people but it is also abundantly clear that there was no justifiable reason to have tampered with the 1960 National Anthem of Nigeria to the extent of replacing it with the current anthem,” he said.

    Nwanyanwu said that the current national anthem does not reflect Nigeria’s diversity and yearning for unity as captured by the old anthem.

    “Many countries have retained their National Anthem for several centuries as long as they existed as a nation,’’ he said.

    He said that the National Anthem of a country was so symbolic saying that it was strange to see the military, repealed Nigeria’s cherished National Anthem by a fiat without consultation.

    Nwanyanwu said that the old National Anthem evoked emotions and called for a united Nigeria where equity justice reigned supreme with no citizen oppressed or any section being preponderant over others with clear equality of citizens.

    “Nigeria we hail thee, our own dear native land, though tribe and tongue may defer, In brotherhood we stand Nigerians all, and proud to serve our own sovereign motherland.

    “This touches the very core of our diversity, and religious complexities; these are the reasons I gave when I canvassed for the reverting to the original National Anthem.

    “I join all well-meaning Nigerians in commending the National Assembly and its leadership for their courage and patriotism in this regard.

    “I urge Mr. President to waste no time assenting to this bill without delay and history will record the enactment of this landmark Act to his credit,” he said.

  • FLEX: Tinubu presidency positioned to make or mar NASS – OrderPaper Report

    FLEX: Tinubu presidency positioned to make or mar NASS – OrderPaper Report

    *As Sani, Uzodinma, Diri, 7 other Governors listed for performance rating

    A new report by OrderPaper Nigeria has posited that the Bola Tinubu administration will exert the highest influence and impact on the National Assembly in the history of the country’s presidential democracy in a way that either strengthens the legislature or reinforces its widely perceived rubber stamp status.

    The report, which focuses on the transition of politicians ‘From the Legislature to the Executive (FLEX), is a niche edition of OrderPaper’s Quarterly Policy Review (QPR) series. The FLEX edition establishes that the character and composition of the Tinubu government are defining factors not only of its relationship with the National Assembly but also the legacy of governance and democratic imprints the president will leave behind in office.

    At the sub-national level, the report identifies ten state governors elected into office from the National and State Assemblies, thereby creating a common denominator for a specialised performance rating regarding governance and relationship with their state legislatures.

    The report reveals that 22 out of the 48-member federal cabinet appointees were members of the National or State Assemblies, thereby giving President Tinubu the record of transitioning the largest number of politicians from the legislature to the executive in one fell swoop.

    Besides the fact that President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima are both FLEXes themselves (having both served in the Senate at various times), the President has a horde of other appointees with cognate legislative background and experience. These include Femi Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, and George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who served three terms in the Senate. Instructively, both positions are perhaps the most critical statutory organs of the presidency that can facilitate the optimal delivery of the vision, goals and manifesto of the Tinubu administration.

    In line with tradition, President Tinubu’s two liaison officers to the National Assembly, Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel and Ibrahim Olarewaju Kunle, who officially serve as presidential aides to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate and House of Representatives respectively), are FLEXes.

    Going by these, OrderPaper, Nigeria’s foremost independent parliamentary monitoring organisation and policy think tank that bridges the gap between people and parliament, asserts that the FLEX phenomenon will play defining roles in determining President Tinubu’s legacy concerning service delivery and democratic consolidation.

    According to the QPR report, a knowledge product of OrderPaper, the legacy of 10 state governors, like that of President Tinubu, will also be substantially determined by the fact of their transition from the legislature to the executive branch of government.

    The state governors are Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa; Bassey Otu of Cross River; Umar Bago of Niger; Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta; and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi. Others are Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, and Uba Sani of Kaduna. In addition, there are three deputy governors of Bayelsa, Bauchi and Akwa Ibom, which produced the lone female FLEX in the class of governors and deputies.

    In a statement, Oke Epia, Founder/Executive Director of OrderPaper Nigeria, said the FLEX report delves into critical but hitherto unexplored facets of Nigeria’s governance architecture and sheds light on the intricate dynamics between the legislature and executive branches of government, adding that the work presents a challenge to academics and research institutions, policymakers, media practitioners and public analysts, among others, to deep dive into the phenomenon in a bid to enhance governance and democracy in Nigeria.

    “FLEX is our modest contribution to the quest for democratic accountability in Nigeria, laying a solid and objective basis to not only gauge the democratic temperament of the current administration, specifically in its checks-and-balance relationship with the legislature, but also measure the ongoing stewardship and legacy of President Tinubu and the state governors concerned,” Epia said.

    Revealing that OrderPaper will partner with relevant stakeholders to establish FLEX as a viable performance-tracking platform, he announced that the publication can be accessed online via https://orderpaper.ng/flex/

    In a foreword by Rt. Hon. Samson Osagie, the former Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, commended OrderPaper for the novel work, saying, “this publication unarguably, given its unique analytical focus, represents a unique perspective into studying and evaluating the implications of some developments in the polity that have hitherto escaped the attention of public affairs analysts and even academics.

    “This is undoubtedly a commendable contribution not only to the advancement of knowledge but to the deepening of the understanding of the dynamics that characterise the growth of democratic governance in Nigeria and OrderPaper’s submission on the populace’s huge expectations for a positive impact on governance is well placed.”

    Similarly, Dr Dakuku Peterside, former Member of the House of Representatives and ex-DG/CEO of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), challenged FLEXes to live up to public expectations by bringing their “experience and exposure in parliament to smoothen relations between branches and advance the delivery of policy outputs that fulfil democratic dividends,” and not “become instruments of wilful and inordinate subjugation of the legislature and, by extension, undermine the core principles of separation of powers and checks and balances upon which modern-day democracy is built.”

    Signed:
    David Oputah,
    Senior Programme Executive (Editorial and Business Development), OrderPaper

  • Constitution amendment: NASS told to scrap immunity for Governors

    Constitution amendment: NASS told to scrap immunity for Governors

    A chieftain of the Labour Party, Lamidi Apapa has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to repeal the law which gives immunity to governors and their deputies against  prosecution.

    Apapa, a former factional National Chairman of the Labour Party, made the call in  an interview on Tuesday in Lagos.

    He was speaking on issues that should be given prominence in the ongoing constitution amendment process.

    According to him, removal of immunity clause from the constitution will reduce corruption and promote development in States.

    “I think the National Assembly should  scrap the immunity clause from the  constitution in the ongoing  constitutional amendment process.

    “It is encouraging corruption. I think we should be equal before the law in a democracy.

    “When you allow a Nigerian or somebody to feel special and be above the law for eight years and after the eighth year, he or she moves to the National Assembly to further his political career, such a person will continue to escape punishment for his wrong actions.

    “That aspect should be removed, we don’t need it. It does not encourage accountability as   governors  can steal public  funds  without facing the law at the end of the day,” Apapa said.

    According to him, anywhere justice is delayed or consequences for actions is prolonged, impunity will reign supreme.

    “If they know there is no immunity, everybody will behave well  while in office.

    “It is only in Nigeria you see people who steal billions of naira walking freely.It is in  the same country where people are lynched for stealing phones not worth more than N10,000.

    “I think everyone should be equal before the law,” he said.

    Apapa, however, said immunity should be retained for the president to allow him concentrate on his job.

    On state police, Apapa said that the prevailing insecurity in the country is enough reason for adoption of state police.

    “I think we need it (state police) now. I have said this several times.

    “About 20 years ago, as the Chairman of Labour Party in Oyo State, I led a team of some people to our House of Assembly, where I said we needed a state police.

    “People express the fear that state governors will abuse it, but the truth is, as of today ,the federal police too is being abused by some people.

    “All we need to do is to put some clauses around the operation of state police to check abuse,” he said.

    According to him, the citizens need general protection now, not individual protection.

    “State police will cover every part of the state,” he said.

    He said  the idea of a central police could not address the many security challenges faced by the country,adding federal police does not have the numerical capacity to provide security.

    “We are saying we need it (state police) now, especially at this time that we are facing issues of banditry, kidnapping everywhere in the country. “he added.

    The 10th National Assembly has begun the process of amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

    The Senate had, in February, constituted a 45-member Constitution Review Committee,headed by the Deputy Senate President , Sen.Jibrin Barau.

    Senate President, Sen.Godwill Akpabio, while inaugurating members of the committee in Abuja, said the review of the constitution had become imperative “in order to put certain things right”

    Also, the House of Representatives has inaugurated its constitutional review committee for the amendment of the 1999 Nigerian constitution as amended.

    The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, while inaugurating the committee, said that the step marked another significant moment in the democratic journey towards a more ‘perfect union’.

    He said that it was expected that the sixth alteration under the tenth National Assembly would be the most comprehensive

    Areas listed for possible consideration in the amendment include creation of  state police, local government autonomy, and reform of the electoral system.

  • NASS plans investigative summit on Aviation Sector

    NASS plans investigative summit on Aviation Sector

    Rep. Abiodun Akinlade, Chairman, House Committee on Aviation Technology, says the National Assembly (NASS) plans to organise a National Summit on the Aviation Industry to investigate suspected sharp practices in the industry.

    Akinlade said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation and Aviation Technology have resolved to organise a National Summit on the Aviation Industry.

    “Relevant and critical stakeholders in the aviation industry within and outside the country are expected to participate in the proposed National Summit to makeinputs that would make Nigeria’s airspace safe for all,” he said.

    He said that the summit would address challenges in the aviation sector to proffer solution to them.

    He urged Airlines operators not to play kites with the lives of the citizenry, adding that the aviation business remained a critical industry.

    “We will not tolerate the idea of cutting costs at the expense of endangering passengers lives,” he said.

    He said the sector must prioritise the welfare of passengers above all other considerations.

  • Just In: Senators quarrel over sitting arrangement in renovated Chamber

    Just In: Senators quarrel over sitting arrangement in renovated Chamber

    The first day of Senate’s plenary in the rearranged Chamber on Tuesday, was marred by quarrels among Senators over sitting positions .

    Excitement of holding plenary proceedings in the renovated chamber first enveloped the session at the beginning, but trouble started when the President of the Senate , Godswill Akpabio started reading names of Senators who marked their birthdays during the forty days recess.

    Specifically , Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u ‘ ( APC Zamfara North) , angrily stood up from the seat allocated to him to complain on it , to the Leader , Senator Micheal Opeyemi Bamidele ( APC Ekiti Central) ,

    His complaints to the Leader which started on hushed tone, aggravated to shouting match between the two and consequently sparked reactions from other Senators and eventually degenerated into rowdy session .

    During the rowdy session which lasted for about 30mins , Senator Ya’u angrily pointed his finger at the Leader , complaining that the Seat , allocated to him at far right of the chamber was not befitting, being a ranking Senator who held principal position of Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate during the 9th National Assembly.

    The verbal counter punching between the Leader and Senator Ya’u , festered further when Senator Danjuma Goje ( APC Gombe Central ) , joined them.

    Goje also complained to the Leader , that ranking Senators were not well positioned in the sitting arrangement .

    However, in a trouble shooting move , the President of the Senate , called on the Leader and aggrieved Senators surrounding him , to approach the Chair , which they did , and eventually paved way for Akpabio to read his welcome address.

    After Akpabio’s welcome address , an emergency executive session was called for by the leader apparently to diffuse the bottled anger among Senators over sitting arrangement .

    Details shortly…

  • 2024 UTME: NASS backs 18 years university admission age

    2024 UTME: NASS backs 18 years university admission age

    The National Assembly says it will come up with a robust legislation to support 18 years old as entry limit for admission into tertiary educational  institutions.

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on tertiary institutions and TETFund, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, said this at the ongoing monitoring of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The Katsina South senator was accompanied on the visit by other members of his committee as well as his counterparts from the Committee on Higher Education in the House of Representatives.

    Dandutse said though age should not be a barrier to tertiary educational institutions, but the age limit of 18 years as proposed by the Minister of Education is sacrosanct.

    His counterpart, Sen. Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, said there had been a
    law mandating admission to be given to candidates who are 18 years old.

    According to him, the law has been there but with what is happening, “we are going to amend it and make it robust”.

    “Specifically, everybody should have access to education, your age either 40 or 50 or 60 years doesn’t mean you cannot enter the university.

    “Age should not be a barrier but there is also an age limit and minimum, you cannot be 12, 13, 14 years and enter into the university.

    “Before you can enter primary school, you have to be six years, before you can enter secondary school, you have to be 12 years,  so before you can enter the university, you have to be 18 years,”  Karimi said.

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman had earlier given a directive that admission into tertiary institutions should not be given to candidates less than 18 years.

    He decried the activities of some parents, who were pressuring their underage students to get admissions into tertiary institutions.

    The minister said that the 18-year benchmark is in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education.

  • Electricity tariff: Speaker Abbas to promote bill for compulsory NASS, stakeholders consultation

    Electricity tariff: Speaker Abbas to promote bill for compulsory NASS, stakeholders consultation

    …says critical problems in power sector, value chain must be addressed

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has announced plans by him to propose a law that would make it mandatory for the relevant Federal Government bodies to consult the National Assembly and other stakeholders before fixing Electricity tariff.

    “Accordingly, I will sponsor a bill to provide administrative procedures that entrench proper consultation and legislative review of process for tariff setting in Nigeria’s electricity and other public services,” he said while declaring open a power sector stakeholders interactive dialogue/workshop organised by the House Committee on Power.

    The event was themed: ‘Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as the Nation Migrates to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market: A Legislative Intervention.’

    The intervention by the Speaker is coming at a time when Nigerians are criticising the recent electricity tariff increment.
    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission had earlier in April approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification, with the customers paying N225 kilowatt per hour, up from N66.

    Band A customers are those who enjoy not less than 20 hours of electricity supply daily. They represent 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity customers in the country.

    The Speaker said he would have expected that the forum and extensive consultations would have preceded the implementation of the new multi-tier electricity system.

    “Having this consultation now appears to be an afterthought and goes contrary to the Electricity Act, 2024, which mandates consultation with all relevant stakeholders in determining just and fair tariffs,” he stated.

    Speaker Abbas cited Section 33 of the Electricity Act 2024 as establishing the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a public agency subject to the oversight responsibility of the National Assembly under Sections 80-88 of the Constitution.

    He stated that Section 34 of the Act specifically empowers the NERC ‘to ensure that the prices charged by the licensee are fair to consumers and are sufficient to allow licensees to finance their activities and to allow for reasonable profit for efficient operation’ and to ‘ensure that regulation is fair and balanced for customers, licensee, investors and other stakeholders.’

    Speaker Abbas said: “I hope this forum allows all stakeholders to interrogate whether the new system meets the criteria outlined in the Act.

    “The fundamental principles of just and fair pricing of electricity as laid out by a leading authority in this field are (1) simplicity, (2) understandability, (3) acceptability, (4) non-controversial, (5) stability, and (6) non-discriminatory. The question before you today is whether the new tariff model meets these principles.
    “In framing the way forward, we can look towards best practices and successful models from other countries that have implemented similar market structures. Notable strategies include strong regulatory oversight to ensure fairness and transparency across all tiers.”

    The Speaker stressed the need to address the problems bedevilling the power sector and electricity value chain in Nigeria.
    Speaker Abbas also stated that the House’s commitment to “transforming the power sector into a model of efficiency and sustainability is unwavering.”

    He said despite the challenges, together as stakeholders, a reformed power sector that drives national growth and enhances the quality of life for all Nigerians is achievable.

    Speaker Abbas noted that discussions at the forum were set against the backdrop of the significant challenges and remarkable opportunities within our power sector.

    He said: “The government’s objective is clear – to foster a resilient, efficient, and sustainable power sector capable of supporting our nation’s ambitious economic and developmental goals.

    “Historically, the Nigerian power sector has grappled with challenges that have stifled its growth and hampered its efficiency. These challenges include inadequate generation capacity, dilapidated infrastructure, frequent disruptions in power supply, and financial inefficiencies that have eroded the sector’s viability.

    “Moreover, the inadequate metering and the consequent revenue losses have perpetuated a cycle of debt and underinvestment that has undermined the sector’s potential.”

    The Speaker said as the nation navigates these challenges, the stakeholders must foster collaborative efforts that leverage both public and private sector expertise and resources. “This dialogue embodies such collaboration and is crucial in charting a forward path,” he said.

    Speaker Abbas also said the shift towards a multi-tier electricity market represents a strategic pivot in our approach to power sector reform. He added that this model envisaged a structured market segmentation that allows for differential pricing and service levels tailored to diverse consumer needs and capacities.
    He stressed that it promised enhanced efficiency through competitive practices, encouraged investment by delineating clear market segments, and improved reliability and service delivery across the board.

    The Speaker noted: “However, this is just one side of the coin. Despite the much-touted benefits, the transition to a multi-tier market is challenging. These include regulatory complexities, the need for substantial capital investment, the risk of market segmentation leading to disparities in service quality, and resistance from different stakeholder groups due to changes in tariff structures.

    “We must acknowledge that numerous stakeholders and industry experts have expressed concerns that the proposed increase in electricity tariffs could lead to significantly higher utility bills. This increase could reduce disposable income for consumers, escalate operational costs for businesses, and increase the prices of goods and services, disproportionately affecting low-income earners in Nigeria. Some experts argue that these changes might drive more individuals into poverty, especially as inflation and foreign exchange issues continue to strain households and businesses.

    “Additionally, critical problems within the electricity value chain need to be addressed. Technical and commercial losses, which have not been effectively tackled, add inefficiencies that consumers are indirectly forced to cover, contributing to the cost recovery efforts. These losses amount to billions of naira.”

    Speaker Abbas commended the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its “unwavering commitment and robust drive towards overhauling the power sector.”

    He recalled that the first bill to be signed into law by the President, barely a few weeks after his inauguration, was the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which authorised states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. He noted that the law repealed the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005.

    The Speaker also commended Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo, and members of the committee for their relentless commitment and leadership in spearheading the legislative framework that supports the transformative agenda of the President.

    “This is in line with our Legislative Agenda, which prioritises economic growth and transformation of key sectors of the economy, especially power,” he said.

    At the event were Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and heads of agencies under the ministry; former Minister of Power and Chairman of Geometric Power Ltd., Prof Bartholomew Nnaji; former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana; Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; Generating Companies (GenCos), Distribution Companies (DisCos), among others stakeholders.

  • Draft new one instead of panel-beating 1999 Constitution – SAN tells NASS

    Draft new one instead of panel-beating 1999 Constitution – SAN tells NASS

    Mr Mohammed Ndarani, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has called on the National Assembly (NASS)) to draft a new constitution instead of panel-beating the 1999 constitution made by the military regime.

    Ndarani said this in an interview while referring to his memorandum on the review of the 1999 Constitution which he submitted to the House of Representatives on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said the National Assembly had the power to draft an entirely new constitution, urging it to invoke its power to make a people’s constitution for Nigeria.

    “Developments in this country today justify the complete overhaul and comprehensive amendment to our 1999 constitution, which was only made as an annexure to a Military Decree.

    “We have attempted to beat into shape and modify it through a myriad of amendments, but these efforts have still left much to be desired as they have not yielded the desired dividends.”

    The SAN said the memorandum was an affirmation of absolute faith and confidence in the National Assembly.

    “We believe that they will, without bias, collate and harmonise our views and other public views in this regard to produce a formidable document that will effectively, and truly reflect the historical, cultural, and traditional values of all Nigerians.”

    He said that in their submission, they proposed a constitutional amendment that would reintroduce the Parliamentary form of government.

    “We contend that the present Presidential form of government has outlived its usefulness.

    “Western liberal democracy has not worked for Africa and the historical and traditional antecedents in Nigeria favour parliamentary governance.”

    He disclosed that they also proposed the adoption of the six geopolitical zones to act in the capacity of regional governments.

    He said they also recommendeded the independence and autonomy of the Local Government in tandem with the parliamentary system of government being proposed.

    “We support and recommend the formation of State Police in all the states of the federation, which we consider long overdue.

    “We recommended a comprehensive and all-embracing reform of the judiciary to make it capable of standing, performing optimally under the Parliamentary system of governance’’.

    Ndarani said that they also recommended Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections.

    “There is an overwhelming need to re-strategise, overhaul and amend or enact a new electoral act and regulations to make the process responsive to the will, yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

    “We have submitted our own recommendations hoping that the new constitution, or such amendments, would make provision for a referendum as a condition for the passage of any law or amendments being anticipated thenceforth.

    “This, in our opinion, is what will give the said constitution or act the touch of the people and imbue it with the much-needed legitimacy and bring the laws closer to the people and the people closer to the law and the lawmakers,’’ he said.

  • PHOTOS: NASS will continue to partner Executive for national development -Akpabio

    PHOTOS: NASS will continue to partner Executive for national development -Akpabio

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly under his leadership, to continue to partner with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration in the provision of infrastructure for the people and the improvement of the economy.

    Akpabio stated this while commissioning some urban and farm roads in Ikot Ekpene and Essien Udim Local government areas of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District on Friday.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, “the commissioning of these roads today, is a clear demonstration of the fulfillment of this current administration to our people that their lives would be bettered through the provision of physical infrastructures like good road network, hospitals, water and empowerment of our youths and women.

    “The Senate under my leadership will continue to support and collaborate with the current administration to ensure that our people at the grassroots, enjoy the dividends of democracy and that is exactly what we are doing here today.

    “This is just the beginning of good things to come in this senatorial district and the entire state. What the state government cannot provide, I will make it available and what I cannot make available, the local government administration will make sure it is done, because that is the real essence of politics and government”.

    Akpabio further stated that, the commissioning of the feeder roads were to ensure speedy evacuation of farm produce from the hinterland to the city.

    “This is just a tip of the iceberg on what the district stands to gain from the Tinubu-led administration, because of the massive support you gave President Tinubu, during the last general election and that is why I am kick-starting my constituency projects from here in appreciation of your massive support for the All Progressives Congress (APC )”, he noted

    Akpabio stated that, he was ready to also collaborate with the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno in the area of erosion inorder to safeguard the various infrastructures in the state which are being swept away by erosion. ” I am ready to support and work with the state governor to tackle the menace of erosion in the state to save our infrastructures from being swept away by erosion”.

    He thanked the people of the local councils for trooping out in their thousands, particularly, the local government traditional council members to witness the commissioning of the roads.

    The roads commissioned include, Esa Atan road, water works road leading to Itak Ikot Udo, Nkana road in Ikot Abia Idem, and Ikot Esse road. These roads it was gathered , were in deplorable states for years rendering the people and the community inaccessible.

  • Senator Plang reveals how N1.5trn was added to 2024 budget

    Senator Plang reveals how N1.5trn was added to 2024 budget

    Senator Diket Plang (APC/Plateau Central) has said the National Assembly (NASS) did not pad the 2024 budget.

    Plang, a member of the Senate appropriation committee, who stated this on Monday in Jos while interacting with newsmen, said that the NASS passed a budget of N28.77 trillion.

    The lawmaker stated that President Bola Tinubu, on November 29, 2023, brought before a joint session of the National Assembly a budget of N27.2 trillion.

    He said that on the request of the executive, the National Assembly added about 1.5 trillion to make it N28.77 trillion.

    “On the request by the executive, we added the said sum because of critical issues such as food security.

    “Hunger had come in as a result of fuel subsidy  removal and devaluation of the naira and there was a need for some measures.

    “They were not in the initial budget. There was an urgent need to provide additional money for the security agencies to enable them to purchase weapons.

    “There are classified expenditures like those for the security agencies that are not captured in the printed budget,’’ he said.

    Plang stated that the 10th National Assembly was lucky to be working with President Bola Tinubu, who knows the workings of the legislature, having been a former senator.

    According to him, the executive arm was populated with former lawmakers, including the vice president, the chief of staff, the secretary to the government of the federation, and the wife of the president.

    “There is a cordial working relationship between the two arms of government because the executive understands lawmaking and knows what the National Assembly wants,” he said.