TheNewsGuru

Tag: NASS

  • Uproar as NASS set to distribute N130m worth utility Prado jeeps to lawmakers

    Uproar as NASS set to distribute N130m worth utility Prado jeeps to lawmakers

    The decision of the National Assembly (NASS) to procure and distribute utility Prado jeeps worth N130 million to lawmakers has sparked uproar on social media.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Rep. Rotimi Akin, Spokesperson of the House of Representatives confirmed the procurement plans in a statement in Abuja on Sunday night.

    Rep Akin confirmed that the NASS is in the process of procuring and distributing utility Prado jeeps, worth N130 million to lawmakers, coming at a time Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.

    Akin, defending the move, said the initiative aligned with existing procurement laws, adding that it was a customary practice in previous assemblies.

    He said the distribution concerned vehicles tied to lawmakers’ oversight functions in the discharge of their duties within the standing committees, and they are not personal gifts.

    “For the duration of the 10th assembly, spanning from 2023 to 2027, these vehicles will remain the property of the National Assembly.

    ”However, should the government’s extant assets deboarding policy still be in place at the end of the assembly’s tenure in 2027, lawmakers may have the option to purchase the vehicles before they become their property,” Akin said.

    He emphasised the importance of the vehicles in enhancing the performance of lawmakers’ duties, especially when it comes to oversight functions in various regions of the country.

    Akin said the aimed was to ensure that government interventions, programmes, and policies were effectively carried out, no matter where Nigerian citizens reside.

    He highlighted the percentage of the legislature’s budget as part of the national budget which had steadily decreased over the past decade, currently standing at 0.5 per cent of the federal budget.

    He urged stakeholders to focus on reducing costs in the right areas while supporting lawmakers in their efforts to fulfill their duties effectively and with integrity.

    He said the vehicles were work tools and not status symbols, intended to facilitate improved representation, constituency outreach, and oversight functions by elected representatives.

    Reacting, @realkelvin07 on X wrote: “The National Assembly lacks empathy. They don’t know how to read the room. You procure 2023 SUVs in a budget cycle where the government is struggling to secure a $3bn loan? Both the Senate President & Speaker are a disgrace to Nigerians!”

    Also, @FinPlanKaluAja1 on X wrote: “If the National Assembly spent those billions to order Made in Nigeria cars from Innoson and NORD, it would be stimulative, it would create jobs and boost the GDP of Nigeria. The National Assembly of Nigeria is a first-line waste of taxpayer funds”.

  • Falana faults NASS over attempt to amend UBE Act

    Falana faults NASS over attempt to amend UBE Act

    Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,
    has called on the National Assembly to stop paying lip service to basic education in the country.

    Falana made this call in a statement on Sunday titled, ‘National Assembly should stop paying lip service to Universal Basic Education in Nigeria.’

    he also faulted the lawmakers for attempting to amend the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004 by introducing severe penalties for parents who fail to send their children to school.

    “The needless resolutions are indeed unfortunate because they show that the federal law makers are seemingly lacking in institutional memories of even the progress made by the legislature in making laws to promote universal access to basic education,” he stated.

    “Since each of the 36 States of the Federation has adopted the Child’s Rights Act and enacted a Child’s Right Law, it has become the joint responsibility of the Federal, State and Local Governments to ensure that every Nigerian child is given access free and compulsory education.”
    Noting that individuals of the political class have failed to pay enough attention to basic education by failing to ensure that the counterpart fund required to be paid by states is paid to UBEC, he faulted the political class for not demonstrating any commitment to the education of every child in Nigeria.

    “Hence, the members of the legislative and executive organs of governments have failed to appreciate the danger of having 18.5 million out-of-school children, the highest number in the world. Therefore, amending the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act to make it more strings for parents who will not work in a poverty-stricken environment.

    “What the National Assembly should do instead is address the refusal of state governments to make counterpart contributions to the Universal Basic Education Fund pursuant to section 2 of the Compulsory Free Universal Basic Education Act.

    “As a matter of urgency, the National Assembly should ensure the amendment of the Constitution to empower the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct from the source the counterpart fund payable by every state government to the Universal Basic Education Fund.”

  • NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    NASS committed to biotech innovations for crop improvement, says Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has assured of National Assembly’s unwavering commitment to developing in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement.

    Kalu gave the assurance on Monday while declaring open the maiden conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association (NPBA), in Abuja, said the lawmakers have taken significant strides in that direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021.

    The Deputy Speaker stated that the conference themed, “Advancing Plant Breeding Through Biotechnology Innovation: Fostering one Health and Nigeria’s Agenda 2050,” underscores the imperative for Nigeria to embrace innovation, particularly in the realm of biotechnology, to drive precise and efficient crop improvement for sustainable agricultural growth.

    While commending plant breeders for their efforts which enable farmers to have access to diverse crop varieties, Kalu noted that it is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations, thus motivating breeders to continue their crucial work.

    He advised the country’s plant breeders to explore ways in which they can contribute to global food security, such as collaboration with international organizations and sharing best practices, as it will be instrumental in achieving Agenda 2050 goal.

    He said, “It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to extend a warm and hearty welcome to all participants, both in person and those joining us online, to this groundbreaking event—the maiden conference of the Nigeria Plant Breeding Association (NPBA). The Association is a collective of brilliant minds who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of enhancing agriculture in our nation. I must emphasize that “plant breeding is a profoundly noble profession.” By this, I mean that no individual can excel in any other profession without the foundation of adequate and nutritious food.

    “These crops, in turn, nourish our citizens, contributing to their overall well-being. We must underscore the vital role that plant breeding plays in ensuring food security and addressing malnutrition. With the global population steadily increasing, we need crop varieties that are not only resilient to climate change but also capable of providing higher yields and improved nutritional content. It is incumbent upon the government to commit to funding agricultural innovations in plant breeding, thus motivating our breeders to continue their crucial work of creating novel crop varieties capable of mitigating the challenges posed by our ever-changing climate. Biotechnology is the key to unlocking the full potential of plant breeding. Embracing biotechnological advancements allows us to accelerate the development of crop varieties with desirable traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and enhanced nutritional value.

    “The integration of cutting-edge technologies like gene editing and precision breeding techniques should be at the forefront of our efforts. Nigeria’s Agenda 2050 encapsulates the hopes and aspirations of our nation for the future. Among these aspirations is the development of mechanisms to ensure a sustainable environment in alignment with global concerns about climate change. We should explore ways in which our nation’s plant breeders can contribute to global food security. Collaborations with international organizations and sharing best practices will be instrumental in achieving this goal.

    “I stand here today, on behalf of the House of Representatives, to solemnly declare our unwavering commitment to developing our in-house capacity for the advancement and utilization of biotechnology innovations in crop improvement. We have taken significant strides in this direction with the recent passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act 2021. In essence, this legislation is designed to ensure that all plant breeders reap the benefits of their painstaking work. I anticipate that this will serve as a powerful incentive for our breeders to continue bringing their best to the table, resulting in the development and dissemination of the finest crop varieties to Nigerian farmers, with tangible effects on our nation’s economy.”

    Signed:

    Udora Orizu, Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Akpabio’s aide dismisses reports of imminent NASS leadership change

    Akpabio’s aide dismisses reports of imminent NASS leadership change

    Eseme Eyiboh, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President of Senate, says that the National Assembly under the leadership of Sen. Godswill Akpabio is stable and harmonious.

    Eyiboh said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, describing reports on the purported imminent change in the leadership of the senate as false.

    He said that the senate cannot be distracted by innuendo and what appeared to be a syndicated media attack from outside the National Assembly.
    Eyiboh said that the reports were complete imaginations and laced with malice to achieve what senators were yet to comprehend.

    “Senators are presently concluding their holidays in their constituencies and other places they have chosen to spend their time after the rigours of the inauguration and ministerial screening and other constructive engagements.

    “All senators are also refreshing themselves ahead of the resumption, therefore, any suggestions that they are presently engaged in other subversive plots against the institution is rather uncharitable.

    ” It is mostly uncharitable for those senators who initially did not support the emergence of the leadership but who have all unanimously endorsed the Akpabio-led leadership.
    ” Continuing to link these senators with needless conspiracy with barely disguised innuendo is rather unkind,” he said.

    He urged the media not to give in to conspiratorial tales and damage its reputations built over time.

     

  • Tribunal upholds election of ex-Niger governor

    Tribunal upholds election of ex-Niger governor

    The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Abubakar Sani-Bello as Senator representing Niger North Senatorial District.

    Justice Angela Otaluka delivered the judgement in Minna on Wednesday.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Sani-Bello of the All Progressive Congress (APC) winner of the election held on Feb. 25.

    Sani-Bello, the immediate former governor of Niger, defeated his closest rival Shehu Abdullahi, the senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Abdullahi, however approached the tribunal challenging the declaration of Sani-Bello as winner, on the premise that  the election was marred by irregularities, including multiple voting.

    In his petition, Abdullahi prayed the court through his counsel Mr Hussaini Garba to nullify Sani-Bello’s election and declare him winner, having scored the highest number of valid votes.

    In the over three hours judgement, Otaluka said that the tribunal, having reviewed the whole proceedings, ruled that the petitioner had failed in totality to prove the issue of over voting raised in the petition.

    She also said that the petition lacked merit and dismissed it in its entirety.

    The tribunal uphold the election of Sani-Bello, and directed the petitioner to give N250,000 as cost to the respondent.

    Similarly, the tribunal has upheld the election of Sen. Peter Ndalikali of the PDP, representing Niger South Senatorial District.

    Sen. Mohammed Bima of the APC had filed a petition against Ndalikali’s election, claiming that he scored the highest number of valid votes during the Feb. 25 national assembly election.

    Bima prayed the tribunal to nullify the election of Ndalikali and declare him the rightful winner of the election.

    Otaluka while dismissing the petition, declared that the allegations raised by Bima were not substantiated, and dismissed the petition for lack of merit.

  • Abia at 32: Let’s key into FG’s renewed hope agenda for better tomorrow- Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Abia at 32: Let’s key into FG’s renewed hope agenda for better tomorrow- Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has enjoined all Abians not to despair in the midst of all the sociopolitical, economic challenges facing them but remain optimistic in the possibility of a better future.

    The deputy speaker made the plea while rejoicing with the government and the people of Abia on the occasion of 32nd anniversary of the State

    Abia, God’s Own State, was created on August 27, 1991 by the government of former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida out of old Imo State, south east, Nigeria.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu on Sunday, Kalu said that all hope of a better tomorrow is not lost.

    Asking the people of the state to key into the renewed hope agenda of the federal government, the deputy speaker also urged them to be supportive of the government and performance their civic duties, even as he charged them to hold the government accountable in all their actions and inactions to engender good governance.

    Kalu further stated that Abia has the capacity of feeding Nigeria if all its agro and economic potentials were developed.

    While appreciating the steps taken so far on infrastructure and other new policies of government which should include making the “gold mine” of Abia State, the Ariaria international market to operate effectively, the deputy also called for the reactivation of moribund industries in the State especially in Aba.

    He said: “We can reactivate the industries in Aba for which Abia was known for. Industrialisation is also key. We can leverage on the gas-to-energy federal policy and the state’s proximity to gas to achieve this”.

    The deputy speaker therefore asked all hands to be on deck for the overall development of the state.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • NASS will ensure women’s inclusiveness in governance – Akpabio

    NASS will ensure women’s inclusiveness in governance – Akpabio

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has pledged the commitment of the Senate toward inclusion of more women in governance in the country.

    Akpabio said tahis at the International Conference on Women in Governance, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said that the outcome of the 2023 General Election, in terms of the number of women elected into various positions, showed that more work needed to be done and that past efforts had not yielded the desired results.

    “In recognition of this strategic importance of women, the renewed hope agenda of President, Bola Tinubu, provides for women empowerment.

    “The policy document recognises that if Nigeria is to reach its fullest potential, every segment of the population must be given a fair chance to make their best contribution to the well-being and advancement of the country.

    “The agenda highlights the specific need for social inclusion and political empowerment. In this regard, the President will work with the National Assembly to pass a law that promotes greater employment for women in all government offices, ministries and agencies to increase women’s participation in government to at least 35 per cent.

    “The legislation, when prepared, will also mandate the Federal Executive to reserve a minimum number of senior positions for women and the private sector shall also be strongly encouraged to do likewise,” he said.
    Akpabio added: “It is gratifying to note that the president has already achieved some milestones, with women constituting about 20 per cent of the newly inaugurated cabinet.

    “Although this falls short of the 35 per cent affirmative action, it is a significant improvement from the previous cabinet, which had 15 per cent women representation.

    “In the coming months and years, the National Assembly will work closely with Mr. President to achieve the lofty goals outlined in his agenda.”

    He said that the senate would ensure that commercial banks in Nigeria provided support to women-owned businesses through concessionary loans and incentive schemes.

    He said fighting domestic violence and abuse through specialist police units, promoting educational parity for the girl-child and improving the conditions of disadvantaged women through social intervention programmes would be prioritised.

    In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas assured that House would do everything possible within its powers to ensure that women’s proper representation were brought to light.

    He said that he understood the frustration of women following the rejection of agenda bill by the 9th house of assembly.

    “That bill failed to pass was because of the challenges of finding working modalities but the house will be revisiting the bill as part of our legislative agenda.

    “We believe that working together with the women on stakeholders, we should be able to have a law that will benefit the women and all Nigerians to improve governance in Nigeria,” he said.

    Earlier, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said that conference was convened in line with the mandate of the institute to deepen democratic culture and promote political participation and inclusion.

    He said that the institute had consistently collaborated with partners, including UN Women, to advance this mandate.

    “The last two years, they have heightened advocacy for gender budgeting to ensure that public resources are used to increase gender equity.

    “Since its establishment in 2011, we have undertaken a gender audit of the National Assembly and developed a Gender Mainstreaming Manual for the Nigerian legislature.

    “The institute’s Strategic Plan (2019-2023) specifically outlines the institute’s commitment to promoting a gender-sensitive legislature in Nigeria and fostering gender equality.

    “In line with this, we have generated and published numerous research studies that respond to women’s needs and interests in government structures, operations, methods and work processes,” he said.

    Sulaiman said that the institute had consistently invested in capacity development for female candidates, female members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly and other women stakeholders.

  • Kalu urges Umahi to consider roads investment fund for infrastructure development

    Kalu urges Umahi to consider roads investment fund for infrastructure development

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has urged the new minister of works, Senator David Umahi to consider using roads investment fund for the development of infrastructure.

    Likening the fund to that of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Kalu said it will help the ministry raise fund in the light of the economic challenges to achieve its mandate.

    The deputy speaker made the suggestion while delivering his goodwill message at the reception held in honour of the Minister in Abuja, shortly after been sworn in.

    Kalu also urged Umahi to priotize a clear road map for infrastructure projects according to the economic needs of the people.

    He said: “let me remind you that you applied a collaborative strategy as the governor of Ebonyi State by working closely with your House of Assembly for you to achieve a lot. The importance of collaborative approach between you and our office in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasized because it is going to help us achieve these infrastructure goals.

    “I want to assure you that the National Assembly under the leadership of both the Senate President and the speaker will give you all the support that is needed to make sure that this is achieved.

    “We are promising that it’s important to begin to look at other areas. We heard people mention here that you might be struggling with funds given what the nation is going through at the moment, we need to think about roads investment fund, that the office of the office of the ministry of works should think about roads investment fund.

    “We will like to see you dedicating road investment fund that is similar to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). And this infrastructure fund will help to bridge the gap.

    “I want to emphasize that it will give a stable fund for your operation because these ideas you are bringing on board, if the funds are not there, you may not be able to achieve them. So, it’s important that your offices thinks in that direction.

    “We are suggesting the importance of developing a clear road map for infrastructure project priotization based on needs, economic impact and feasibility. This is one of the things that you will bring on board to the federal level like you did in Ebonyi State. This will ensure that resources are rotated efficiently and projects are completely in time and within budget.

    “Maintenance and sustainability is one of the approaches you used when you were governor and so, we are suggesting that this is a significant proactive approached towards ensuring that in the next 4 years whatever you bring on board will be sustained”.

    Kalu also urged the minister to revisit the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure that the roads were well maintained.

    The deputy speaker also pledged the support of the national assembly at all times to ensure efficient delivery.

    “FERMA needs you visiting it in a way different from how it’s been operated before now in regards to maintenance of our roads.

    “Public private partnership is an area we are looking at at the national assembly that you consider you explore the potentials in this public private partnership that will help us achieve more. You used community engagement when you were governor. We are also encouraging you to enhance that that what will be provided for the community is what they need.

    “Monitoring and Evaluation is what you carried out in Ebonyi State. Please, bring it on board here so that efficiently, our job will be easier by the time we come on board to oversight you, knowing that you have done a good job.

    “Let me remind you that you are one of the exports from the south east to the nation. The world is watching to see the value you will bring on board. I watched you from a distance to see how you priotize transportation infrastructure in Ebonyi State. Please do the same here for the federal republic of Nigeria.

    “For us in the 10th national assembly, it is important for me to highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure in our country’s development agenda. I will like to emphasize that one of the core priorities of the 10th assembly is to significantly improve the country’s road transportation network. Once that is done, it will help us improve the economic growth and enhance connectivity within the regions and also improve the overall quality of life for our citizens.

    “We have confidence in you and we are pledging to support you at the national assembly”, the deputy speaker said.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

  • Speaker Abbas condemns Zaria killings, seeks immediate investigation

    Speaker Abbas condemns Zaria killings, seeks immediate investigation

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned, in strong terms, the killings of two individuals at the Kofar Gayan area of Zaria during an attack by suspected bandits on Saturday night.

    The suspected bandits, who invaded the area, were reported to have shot sporadically, killing the two individuals, while they made unsuccessful attempt to kidnap several others.

    The Speaker said the killings, coming just over 24 hours after the death of several individuals during the collapse of parts of the Zaria Central Mosque, were most unfortunate, barbaric and abhorrent.

    Expressing disgust at the killings of the two innocent people, Speaker Abbas noted with concern the recurring attacks in parts of Zaria and environs in the past few years.

    In a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker said the lives of Nigerians, wherever they are, should be protected, hence the need for the security agencies to up their game in the protection of Nigerians and their property.

    Speaker Abbas, who represents Zaria Federal Constituency, called for a thorough investigation into the attack and the killings to unravel those behind the dastardly act.

    He noted that the Zaria people are peace loving and have been living peacefully over the years, saying the activities of the bandits should not be allowed to disrupt the tranquility in the ancient city.

    “The attack that led to the killings of our two innocent brothers at Kofar Gayan was most calamitous, horrendous, tragic, heinous and disgusting.

    “It was most unfortunate that when innocent people were going about their normal and legitimate activities, others were planning evil to disturb the peace enjoyed by everyone.

    “The action of those behind this dastardly act stands condemned, and I call on the security agencies to swing into action immediately to fish out the perpetrators. This evil act must not be allowed to go unchecked.

    “My heart goes out to the families of those that lost their loved ones. I pray that Allah (SWT) will grant the departed Jannatul Firdaus and give the families the fortitude to bear the painful and irreparable loss,” Speaker Abbas said.

    The Speaker also commiserated with the Kaduna State Government, the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli and the people of Zaria over the unfortunate incident.

    Signed:

    Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • We’ll provide legal framework to boost direct foreign investments – DS Kalu

    We’ll provide legal framework to boost direct foreign investments – DS Kalu

    …says President Tinubu has robust economic agenda for Nigeria

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has assured that the House of Representatives will priotize legislations that will boost Direct Foreign Investments, DFIs and make Nigeria the best business destination in Africa.

    Kalu gave the assurance on Friday when the Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Hungary, Ambassador Gabor Krauss paid him a courtesy visit.

    The deputy speaker also stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has a robust economic agenda that will reposition Nigeria’s business climate.

    He said: “Nigeria is big with regards to playing a major role in the global market and anybody who sees the opportunity now and steps in stands to benefit from the market share that is going to spring up from Nigeria.

    “I say so because we will be leveraging the Africa continental trade agreement, that we are all signatories to, that will be commencing soon. Most companies around the world are seeing beyond their own continents and looking into the continent of Africa.

    “You know if you come to African continent, the biggest market is Nigeria. So anyone who’s going to be strategically positioned to benefit from the Africa continental trade agreement cannot avoid Nigeria.

    “So what you’re doing now is good for your country, by sniffing out opportunities, closer to your people to embrace. I want to promise that from this office which is the office of the Deputy Speaker, ours is to make sure that we provide the legal framework that will enable foreign direct investments and increase confidence in the business environment. All policies that will have to increase the confidence of investors, we will make sure we champion that through legislative interventions.

    “Because we have seen, though from another arm of government, that the current president, means well for the nation. Being a man who has been in the private sector for many years, public sector as a governor, as a member of the parliament who has done critical analysis, I can assure you he has a sharp focus on what he wants to do in Nigeria, economically speaking.

    “We are here to give him all the support, so any foreign direct investor that wants to come in should have at the back of their mind, that he’s only going to get support from the executive but the legislature is another place they can run to for comfort. We will make sure we fine tune all the areas of bottlenecks to enable new companies spring up. Thank you for this visit. I’m sure it won’t be the only time we will engage. If there’s anyway we can help, kindly let us know”.

    Speaking earlier, Ambassador Krauss said his mission was to communicate to the deputy speaker their plan to bring more investments and humanitarian projects to Nigeria.

    Krauss said that they recently visited Abia State where they sought to establish a factory as a joint venture that will see the Hungarian government bringing the technology while the state will provide the land.

    He said that there were more Hungarian companies which will be doing business in the country, adding that his country has equally offered a lot of scholarship opportunities to Nigerian students.

    Signed:

    Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria