TheNewsGuru

Tag: NASS

  • Update: ‘Wahala’ brewing as APC disowns Principal Officers announced by Abbas, Akpabio

    Update: ‘Wahala’ brewing as APC disowns Principal Officers announced by Abbas, Akpabio

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has disowned the principal officers announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday.

    As announced, the majority cacaus of the senate, Akpabio named Opeyemi Bamidele, Majority Leader; David Umahi
    Deputy Majority Leader; Mohammed Ali Ndume, Senate Majority Whip; and Lola Ashiru
    Deputy Majority Whip.

    In the HoR, Abbas named Julius Ihonvbere, lawmaker representing Owan east/Owan west Federal Constituency of Edo was announced as the majority leader; legislator representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro of Kogi, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, as deputy majority leader.

    The speaker also named Bello Usman Kumo, representing Akko federal constituency of Gombe as the chief whip; and Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo north federal constituency in Ogun, as the deputy chief whip.

    While addressing Governors of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, the National Chairman, said the party had no input in the names of lawmakers.

    “The election of the principal officers of the Senate by the Senate President and Deputy Senate President. The election of the speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives have been determined and announced and their responsibilities.”

    “The remaining offices will be determined by the two chambers is yet to be done. I had a courtesy call on Saturday from the President of the Senate and his Deputy.

    The following which was Sunday, I received the visit by the Speaker and his Deputy Speaker coming to me for Sallah’s homage.

    “But, I am just hearing as a rumour now from the online media that there have been some announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives.

    “The national headquarters of the party of the NWC has not given any such information or communicated about the choice of offices.”

    “And until we formally resolve and communicate with them in writing which is the norm and practice, it is not our intention to break away from traditions. So whatever announcement is done either the President of the Senate, Deputy Senate President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker, is not from this secretariat.”

  • Just In: ‘Wahala’ brewing as APC rejects announced NASS leadership

    Just In: ‘Wahala’ brewing as APC rejects announced NASS leadership

    ‘Wahala’ seems to be brewing as the All Progressives Congress APC, National Working Committee has disowned the list of principal officers announced by the National Assembly declaring that it has nothing to do with it.

    The National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu stated that the usual practice is for the party to communicate to NASS on the line of action to be taken.

    Details shortly….

  • BREAKIING: Senate confirms body of principal officers as Bamidele, Umahi, others make final list

    BREAKIING: Senate confirms body of principal officers as Bamidele, Umahi, others make final list

    Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has announced the names of the majority leadership of the Tenth Senate.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that a lawmaker representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Opeyemi Bamidele emerged as the Senate Leader.

    The leaders, who are all of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged through consensus.

    See list:

    Opeyemi Bamidele – Senate Majority Leader

    David Umahi – Deputy Majority Leader

    Mohammed Ali Ndume – Senate Majority Whip

    Lola Ashiru – Deputy Majority Whip

  • Lawmakers intensify lobbying to get super C’ttees as NASS reconvenes tomorrow

    Lawmakers intensify lobbying to get super C’ttees as NASS reconvenes tomorrow

    After the Sallah break lawmakers will be back to the National Assembly to continue their lobbying efforts towards getting super committees.

    This is a common practice in the legislative parlance worldwide and in the Nigerian legislature, heads of caucuses and zonal coordinators play vital roles.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reliably gathered that most of the lawmakers who arrived at the weekend from their various constituencies are reaching out to zonal coordinators and caucus leaders.

    A source privy to this development told TNG that “it’s no crime for lawmakers to lobby for whatever you journalists call juicy committees. But don’t rule out the possibility that those who actively participated in ensuring that the right thing was done must definitely smile.

    “Don’t forget that this is a unique assembly because of the onslaught of other parties in this dispensation.

    “We’re doing everything humanly possible to ensure that both chambers don’t get their hands burnt this time around considering the manner the leaders emerged.

    In the Senate there are 63 committees and other various sub-committees while in the House of Representatives there are 89 standing committees and other committees.

    In the Senate, the issue of who gets what is always not knotty because there are 109 senators while in the House of Reps it is always a ‘Dugbe’ market affair as more than 350 members jostle for juicy committees.

    Another lawmaker who also spoke to TNG under the condition of anonymity said: ” in other climes it’s usually a walkover as they know those that have the capacity to handle certain sensitive committees because of their backgrounds.

    “Here we look at faces and give legislative positions to both the capable and the grossly incompetent ones but this time around the situation may change for the betterment of all.

    “Those in charge in both chambers are men who had proven that they can always right the wrongs.

  • 10th NASS to prioritise climate change issues ‐ Deputy Speaker

    10th NASS to prioritise climate change issues ‐ Deputy Speaker

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, has assured that the 10th National Assembly would strive to positively address issues on climate change.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the deputy speaker and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.

    The statement is in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of the Parliament.

    Kalu said that the event was a global issue introduced in 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution.

    According to him, the Day affords the parliaments across the globe to review the progress they have made in achieving their outlined goals in their areas of responsibility.

    He added that it also allow the parliaments to carry out self assessments on the implementation of their goals such as inclusion of more women and youths as members of parliament and adapting to new technological innovations.

    The lawmaker said that the 2023 occasion, themed: ‘Parliaments for the Planet’, was to mobilise and make parliaments more responsible and responsive to the climate change issues and other related emergencies.

    The deputy speaker explained that climate change was negatively affecting lives by destroying lives and property development, peace and security all over the world.

    “Climate action begins at home. Parliaments and those who work in them can take concrete steps towards reducing their carbon footprint, both as institutions and individuals.

    “By adopting greener policies and embracing a culture of sustainability, parliaments can help in addressing the crisis caused by the climate change.

    “As a newly inaugurated National Assembly member, I want to assure Nigerians and the key stakeholders on climate change issues that as the parliament settle down we would prioritise climate change issues.

    “The 10th Parliament would lead by example. We shall prioritise the greening of our parliament, greening the way we work, and we will lead and foster a culture of sustainable change,” he said. 

  • NASS, governors assure President Tinubu of support

    NASS, governors assure President Tinubu of support

    President Bola Tinubu has received the assurance of support from the leadership of 10th National Assembly and state governors on his Renewed Hope agenda.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio gave the assurance when a delegation of senators, governors and captains of industry paid Tinubu a Sallah courtesy visit on Wednesday in Lagos.

    The Renewed Hope was Tinubu’s campaign agenda that touched all aspects of national life from economy, health, education, youth empowerment to international relations.

    “The president has clearly shown a roadmap of his administration in the decisions taken within his first few days in office.

    “These decisions and policies are going to turn the fortunes of the country for good. The assembly will match such expeditious measures with its full legislative processes.

    “I will like to assure Nigerians that whatever will improve their standards of living will receive the backing of the National Assembly,” he said.

    Akpabio said that the assembly would hit the ground running immediately it resumes in order tofacilitate laws for the good of the country and its people.

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo also said that states would match the speed of the Federal Government in the task of nation building.

    He said that Tinubu has declared the intention to turn around the economic, legislative and judicial systems for the best, adding that the states were equal to the task.

    “You can see that the impact of the president’s decision on subsidy removal and reversal of the multiple exchange rate regime has started impacting on the economy.

    “It has received national and international recognition because it was a hindrance to the growth of the nation. We will just appeal to Nigerians to further be confident of the new administration.

    “As he stated in his Sallah message, we all need to be united, work for peace and stability to attain a greater height in the comity of nations,” said Uzodinma, Chairman of Progressive Governors.

    Similarly, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, said that state governments would reciprocate the people-oriented policies of the Federal Government.

    He said that Tinubu was already showing the way forward with his recent decisions and policies that states could key into.

    “We have seen what he did in Lagos State as governor, which is still a model among other states. That surely will be replicated at the federal level.

    “Lagos will continue to exploit the laudable programmes and policies of the Federal Government as a model to attaining a society of our dream,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Among those who visited Tinubu were the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Secretary to the Federal Government , George Akume and NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari.

    Former governors of Kano and Kebbi, Abdullahi Ganduje and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively were also there.

  • Abbas’ choice of aides proves his readiness to succeed – NASS group

    Abbas’ choice of aides proves his readiness to succeed – NASS group

    A leadership Support Group for the 10th National Assembly has hailed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas over his appointment of 35 personal aides to assist him in the discharge of his legislative duties.

    The Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, in a statement on Monday, stated that the new appointees was charged by Abbas to discharge their duties in compliance with the new schedule of duties in the office of the speaker with utmost commitment to the implementation of the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives.

    On the list were Engr. Jamil Ahmed Muhammed (Chief of Staff, Administration), Dr. Dunkwu Chamberlain (Deputy Chief of Staff, Legislative), Hon. Ahmed Dayyabu Safana (Special Adviser, Special Duties), Dr Hamisu Ibrahim Kubau (Special Adviser, Political Matters), Bar Samuel Ajayi (Special Assistant, Legal Matters), Bar Osazee Melody Ogudijie (Special Assistant, Legislative Matters), Bar Aminu Ramalan (Special Assistant, Finance), Chief Press Secretary, Leke Bayeiwu and Special Assistant, Print Media, Ahmed Musa Baba.

    Also appointed are Amb. Ibrahim Hamidu Gusau (Special Assistant, Inter-parliamentary Affairs), Lamir Umar Ibrahiam (Special Assistant, Youth Matters), Yetunde Adeniji (Special Assistant, Women Affairs), Hon. Rachael Nnana Igbokwe (Special Assistant, Intergovernmental Affairs), Zakari Aliyu (Principal Private Secretary), Nura Adamu (Special Assistant, Broadcast Media), Olabamiji Enitan Jowosimi (Special Assistant, New Media) and Aliyu Garba Waziri (Special Assistant, Executive Relations and Job Creation).

    Others include Mohammed Salame (Special Assistant, ICT), Hon. Friday Itullah (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South South), Hon. Godfrey Gaiya (Special Assistant, Political Matters, North West), Mark Tersoo (Special Assistant, Political Matters, North Central), Hon. Zakari Galadima (Special Asssitant, Political Matters, North East), Abdulsalam Babakayode (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South West), and Hon. Okwudili Christopher Ezenwankwo (Special Assistant, Political Matters, South East).”

    Reacting to the news, the NASS support group in a statement signed by its Directors, Ernest Njesi and Charles Oka praised Abbas, saying that his choice of Aides is evidence that he’s ready to lead a successful 10th parliament.

    The statement reads: “The Speaker already hit the ground running with these new appointments, this shows that he’s ready to lead a successful 10th parliament. From the calibre of people chosen, you can tell that Abbas is a man who prioritises competence and unity of Nigeria.

    “He and his aides, we are sure are well prepared for the task ahead. He would not disappoint Nigerians, and under his leadership and his Deputy, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu, the 10th House will take Nigeria to the next level of good governance”.

  • Nigerian writers urge Tinubu, NASS to address insecurity, revisit book policy

    Nigerian writers urge Tinubu, NASS to address insecurity, revisit book policy

    Nigerian writers have urged the Federal government to urgently address the pending security challenges in the country as it settles down with governance in this new political dispensation.

    In a press release signed by the President, Nigerian Centre of PEN International (PEN Nigeria), Folu Agoi and the General Secretary, Dagga Tolar, they claimed that the rising wave of terror attacks has made it difficult for them to interact physically with their colleagues across the country.

    “With the inauguration, on May 29, 2023, of the new regime headed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Centre of PEN International (aka PEN Nigeria), a worldwide association of writers, feels obligated to articulate the anxieties of over 200 million Nigerians over the palpable air of insecurity compounded by multidimensional poverty across the length and breadth of the country. In view of the rising wave of terror attacks, a trip across the country now seems to be like playing Russian roulette.

    “This has made it extremely difficult for us, writers, in particular to interact physically with other members of the literary community across the country, just as many farmers now dread going to their farms because of the issue of insecurity which is a threat to food security,” the statement reads partly.

    PEN appreciated the steps taken so far by the government to confront the problem, while hoping that the tide of terror attacks would be stemmed in no time so that citizens can begin to move freely for cultural collaboration and integration, and growth in socio-economic and other activities.

    They further pleaded with the Honourable Members of the National Assembly to revisit and approve the National Book Policy (NBP), “which is meant to take care of the interests of writers/ authors, publishers, editors/proof-readers, printers, marketers/distributors, booksellers, librarians and archivists, besides readers, including students and teachers.”

    According to the writers, the Policy, which is essential for educational development, good value system, good governance and advancement of civilisation, was first submitted to the August Assembly in 2013, 10 years ago.

  • 10th House’ll work for all classes of Nigerians – Abbas

    10th House’ll work for all classes of Nigerians – Abbas

    …pledges support for gender-based legislation

    …as Speaker, Deputy visit Tinubu’s wife

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has assured that the 10th House of Representatives would work for all Nigerians.

    He said the overwhelming mandate given to him by his colleagues would spur him to work assiduously with every member to achieve a Nigeria that every citizen desires.

    Speaker Abbas was speaking over the weekend in Abuja when he led a delegation of members, alongside his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to thank the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the support given to them to emerge as the Presiding Officers of the 10th House.

    He said they did not take the First Lady’s support for granted, which was why they resolved to visit and thank her, saying the 10th House would give the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration all the support to succeed.

    Abbas said the current administration would have a smooth sail as the President, the Vice President, the First Lady, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation were all members of the National Assembly, a development that would make them relate with the Parliament from the point of knowledge.

    “This is the first time we are having this kind of arrangement in our history,” the Speaker said, adding that the 10th House would ensure that the government succeeds.

    He said: “Today is a very historic day. We have come to thank you for your support. We were here before to seek your support and prayers. Here we are today; we have won. It was through your collective efforts—Mr. President, yourself, governors and all the other stakeholders.

    “We have emerged in an unprecedented manner—353 out of 359 voted for me. It has never happened in our history. Our leadership is a leadership for all Nigerians.

    “This is your leadership. We’ll collaborate and partner, particularly in one area that you requested last time, which is to carry the women along.”

    He said the 10th House would ensure that gender-based bills being passed by the 9th Assembly but not signed into law were reconsidered and passed by the 10th House.

    The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in her remark, congratulated the Speaker and his deputy on their victory, saying with the caliber of leadership and membership of the 10th Assembly, Nigeria would be great again.

    “We didn’t come out to play. We came out to build and unite the old path that generations will take. Nigeria deserves all that we can put to keep it back on its feet. We have a great Nation,” she said.

    “Your victory, it’s God that did it because without God, even if we put all our strength, it won’t happen. By the grace of God, we will work,” she said, calling on other political parties to join hands and work for Nigeria.

    Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, said the visit was to thank the First Lady and assure the first family of their readiness to work with the Executive for the growth and development of Nigeria.

    He said the president and his wife inspired and encouraged them before, during and after the contest for Speaker, noting that President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) made the right choice by endorsing the current leadership of the National Assembly.

    “We want to pledge again. We won’t fail you. What happened means stability had been given to this government. He has encouraged people who believe in his mission and vision.”

    Also speaking, the chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello, whose forum ran the Abbas/Kalu Campaign, said as responsible and respectful individuals, they deemed it fit to visit the First Lady and thank her for the role she played in the emergence of the two Presiding Officers.

    “We are here to say thank you to you for being supportive of your husband. Your Excellency, you are unique. The country is lucky to have you as the mother of the nation. You’re coming from the point of knowledge because you were with him when he was governor, you were in the National Assembly, and now you’re the mother of the nation.

    “You have given us a lot of support for Tajudeen and Kalu to emerge. We also want you to thank our father, the father of the nation, for what he did to us. We want to reiterate our unflinching loyalty to the President and the country. We know you’d advise him from the point of knowledge to make the country better.”

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

  • NASS polls: After defeat, Wase hails Abass, Kalu emergence as speaker, deputy

    NASS polls: After defeat, Wase hails Abass, Kalu emergence as speaker, deputy

    After defeat, immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Idris Ahmed Wase, has hailed the newly elected Speaker of the 10th House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on their election.

    Wase in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen thanked his colleagues for their support and counsel, those who voted for him, those who did not and those who would have voted him but voted his opponent against their will and added that he has enriched his experience.

    He assured that he will continue to show “Charity towards all and Malice towards none”.

    He stated: “Although we were on different sides of the political space, we have, nevertheless always acknowledged that we were all partners in the project of deepening our parliamentary democracy.

    “I believe my contest in this Speakership election was much more about making a case for what I considered a lack of equity and fairness in the manner in which my Party’s zoning was done much more than it was about winning. As a politician who has been engaging in elections since 2007 and has returned to the House for the 5th term, I verily understand that every contest must generate its necessary contentions.

    “I thank all my Honorable Colleagues for their support and counsel. I thank those who voted for me. I thank those who did not vote for me. I thank those who voted my opponent even when their heart was with me. I am eternally grateful to you all and must say that I have been further enriched by the experience. I assure all my colleagues that I will continue to, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, show ‘Charity towards all and Malice towards none’”, Wase stated.

    The former Deputy Speaker who has been in the Green chamber for four terms said he intends to fervently and actively participate in all Legislative Business of the 10th Assembly.

    “However, in the end, we have to come together to confront the bigger matters of stability of the Parliament and enriching Legislative Governance to deepen our collective democracy.
    In this light, I wish to once again congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu on their victory and urge my supporters and well-wishers, as well as my fellow contestants to give them all the cooperation required to achieve a stable and united 10th House of Representatives. I intend to fervently and actively participate in all Legislative Business of the 10th Assembly and will continue to proudly represent not only the good people of Wase Federal Constituency but Nigerians at large.

    “I thank my mentor and Leader, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR for his continuous fatherly support and counsel which he has sustained from my early days in ACN till date. I am immensely indebted to you sir and will continue to be.

    “I thank my constituents who have consistently demonstrated their unalloyed faith in and support for me by continuously returning me to the Green Chambers now for the 5th term to represent them. I will continue to represent you well.

    “I thank my Campaign Team and supporters for their ceaseless efforts throughout the campaign. I am very much indebted to you.