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Tag: NASS

  • 10th Assembly won’t be a ‘rubber stamp’ legislature – Gana

    10th Assembly won’t be a ‘rubber stamp’ legislature – Gana

    A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Joshua Gana (PDP-Niger) says the 10th Assembly will not be a ‘rubber stamp’ legislature for the Executive.

    Gana made known in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The lawmaker, who represents Lavun, Mokwa and Edati Federal Constituency of Niger, said Nigerians had elected rich minds to represent them in the parliament and that the members would not throw their integrity into the mud.

    Gana said though the leadership of the 10th Assembly was largely influenced by the Executive and the political parties, the members were ready to work for Nigerians.

    He said that all the members of the 10th Assembly are committed to the electorate and would commence and go about their assignments, day and night.

    “No, it will not be a rubber stamp, the name does not even exist; if you look at the rich crop of people that have been elected, you will know that Nigerians have selected their own leaders.

    “We came to select the best out of the best because we are all the best that came to one room, so it is the best among equal that was selected.

    “With all our integrity and all we have done over the years we won’t go and throw it away because of one person.

    “The house is of 360 minds and the senate is of 109 minds and you think one mind will rule over us because he is the president, no that will not happen.

    “He will work closely with us and we will respond to the stimulus with which he wants to lead Nigeria to prosperity,” he said.

    The legislator said that there had been a history of the rough relationships between the Executive and the Legislative which had not helped the economy grow.

    According to him, now we look forward to a government where both the legislative and executive arms will work together

    He said that the national leadership is beginning from the President, Vice President, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were former legislators.

    Gana said that the leadership of the Executive  understood the challenges of the legislature saying that it would be easier to work seamlessly together to bring the dividend of democracy.

    Also, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, said that Nigerians expected  rapid development from the 10th Assembly.

    He said that the country had been moving at a very slow speed in the last eight years and that the population was galloping.

    The former minister said that given the lessons learnt in the last 20 years of democracy, the Executive and Legislature should combine to move forward rapidly.

    “Move forward with infrastructural development, because there cannot be real development without basic infrastructure of roads and railway to move goods and services.

    “Sound agriculture development to food over 200 million, we have the resources, then industrial development, sound education, sound healthcare services.

    “So we expect from them cooperation with the Executive so we move forward rapidly into genuin development, people are tired, since Nigeria has given APC another opportunity, let them move this nation forward rapidly.

    “We won’t take another excuse, they have learnt enough and I think Nigerians are just so good to have given them again,” he said.

  • Inauguration: Okumagba hails Onowakpo, Dafinone, Waive, other fed lawmakers from Delta

    Inauguration: Okumagba hails Onowakpo, Dafinone, Waive, other fed lawmakers from Delta

    Prominent leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and member of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, has congratulated the APC as well as other National Assembly members representing Delta State on their successful inauguration, on June 13, 2023, as members of the 10th National Assembly.

     

    In a Press Statement, he commended them for the hard work they have put in thus far, and the commitment to serve their respective constituencies in Delta state. He therefore urged them to ensure equitable distribution of development among their constituents, stay true to their commitment to social justice, accountability and good governance, in the course of their tenures in the red and green chambers, respectively.

     

    The former Commissioner of Finance in Delta State reminded them of the state of the nation and the need to support President Tinubu’s far-reaching agenda to reform the country on the path of sustainable growth through the administration’s “progressive good governance in furtherance of the Nigerian ideal” captured in Tinubu’s five governance principles which include “governing according to the constitution and the rule of law; to defend the nation from terror and all forms of criminality that threaten the peace and stability of our country; and to remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty.”

    As representatives of the leading oil-producing state, the NDDC Board member urged them to also assist in President Tinubu’s avowed commitment not to tolerate economic sabotage and his instruction to the security agencies to crush the menace of oil theft, wherever it is coming from.

    Okumagba noted that one of the major layers of leakages in the economy is losses from the oil sector through theft and leakages of aging infrastructure, which costs the nation about 300,000 barrels of crude oil per day, amounting to about N250 billion a month. Curtailing these losses and saving the amount therefrom, which President Tinubu is committed to, according to him, when ploughed back into the nation’s economy will greatly benefit the Niger Delta region and Delta State tremendously.
    As they commence legislative duties, Okumagba also admonished them to commit to enriching lives in Delta State’s communities by supporting legislation that will generate important economic activities in the State. He also reminded them of their noble task to help maintain a checks and balance system, and that working together with all other members of the national assembly, the Delta state representatives will advance a robust legislative agenda that will support growth and sustainability in the country to the benefit of all.

  • Omo-Agege reacts after Akpabio emerged as Senate President

    Omo-Agege reacts after Akpabio emerged as Senate President

    As his term as Deputy President of the Senate ended on Tuesday, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who represented Delta Central in the 9th Assembly, congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio who emerged the new President of the upper legislative chamber.

    Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial poll in Delta State also felicitated Senator Jubrin Barau who emerged as the Deputy President of the Senate.

    Omo-Agege also sent his felicitations to Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbass who is the new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Similarly, he congratulated others who emerged principal officers in both arms of the National Assembly.

    For Senator Ede Dafinone who succeeded him as the representative of Delta Central in the Senate, Omo-Agege extolled his virtues, doggedness and vision, assuring the district and Delta State that Dafinone is coming with the determination to make the National Assembly more responsive.

    Also, Senator Omo-Agege congratulated Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South), who he described as a thorough professional desirous of serving the people of the Delta South Senatorial district.

    Omo-Agege expressed confidence in the leadership qualities and drive of Akpabio, stating that with him at the helm, the National Assembly is in safe and reliable hands to compliment the executive branch in charting a new course for Nigeria.

    According to a press release issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sunny Areh, Omo-Agege sought the cooperation of Nigerians for the 10th Assembly, noting that the great and diverse representation bodes well for the country.

    “The fact that we now have more political parties with significant representation in the National Assembly bodes well for the country. I believe this will make the 10th assembly more robust and inventive. And with Senate President Godswill Akpabio steering the ship, federal lawmakers will more positively engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in giving the people greater hope for the future”, Omo-Agege stated.

  • 10th NASS: I am ready for the task ahead – Senator Dafinone

    10th NASS: I am ready for the task ahead – Senator Dafinone

    The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS) Senator Ede Dafinone has said he is ready for the task ahead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Dafinone was speaking shortly after inauguration of the 10th NASS when he said he is hoping and praying the Assembly will follow the lead already given by President Bola Tinubu.

    He said: “It was a great day. The 10th Senate has been launched. We have a dynamic Senate President with an outstanding Deputy both with excellent reputation and excellent track records.

    “We are hoping and praying they will follow the lead already given by  President Bola Tinubu who has hit the ground running.

    “He has shown Nigerians that he is ready to get the job done and the National Assembly must support him to do that.

    “With two dynamic leaders in position, I hope Nigerians will see that the Senate is ready to hit the ground running as soon as possible.”

    Dafinone said that he would bring his 30 years experience and qualification in accounting to bear as he takes up the task of legislation.

    “In terms of the environment and accounting, I have quite some expertise.

    “But aside from that, I’m a manufacturer and exporter. I have a rubber plantation in Delta. We export rubber to Europe and China. I have been doing that for over 20 years,” Dafinone said.

  • 10th NASS: What Senator Godswill Akpabio said after emerging Senate President

    10th NASS: What Senator Godswill Akpabio said after emerging Senate President

    The new President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has said the 10th Senate will work to renew hope of Nigerians via people oriented legislations, given the current state of the nation.

    Senator Akpabio especially said the Senate under his leadership will put members of the executive on their toes, particularly the ministers, when they are appointed and follow project by project.

    He said the Senate will also ensure improved revenue stream and proper oversight of MDAs to reduce waste of resources.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Akpabio said this shortly after his election as President of the 10th Senate.

    According to him, the country is at a crossroad, grappling with lots of challenges.

    “We have just Inherited an economy that requires renewal, revitalisation, and I want to thank our President, Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for steps taken so far that have given a lot of hope to the entire Nigeria Federation and West African sub region,” Akpabio said.

    He said the Senate would try its best to make laws that would ensure foreign direct investment into the country .

    He said the Senate would pay attention to issues relating to persons with disability and the vulnerables via engagement of legislative action that would bring about empowerment to stop youths from been recruited into banditry, unknown gunmen, Boko Haram among other vices.

    “We will pay attention to insecurity to ensure that our roads are free for people to travel to any parts of the country.

    “We will expand legislations to improve the revenue stream of the country, our current president has a track record to improve revenue of the country.

    “We are here to do our national duties. This Senate is about Nigeria and Nigerians, so long as the policies that comes to this chamber is about empowering Nigerians,we shall dwell and deliberate on them.

    “We will work closely with the executive while maintaining the independence of the legislature.”

    Akpabio said he did not believe in politically motivated infrastructure, saying that the 10th Senate would ensure serious oversight functions on MDAs.

    This, he said, was to discourage waste of resources of the country.

    “We will put members of the executive on their toes, particularly the ministers, when they are appointed, we will follow project by project and will do our best in terms of appropriation.

    “We will make efforts to assist the President ensure that we produce what we eat for the prosperity of Nigeria.

    “We must tackle issues that relates to lean sources of revenue, we must emphasis economic viability, social acceptability, tackling environmental issues and therefore bring about sustainable growth.

    “We will provide the required legislative framework and legal environment that will enable President Bola Tinubu to anchor the policies of the government.

    “For the 10th Senate we are going to hit the ground running and make sure that our constituents are proud of us.”

    The Senate  President urged the lawmakers to support good policies and programmes of the Federal Government.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, saying that Nigeria must begin to produce its own fuel and encourage production of diesel.

    He said the dreams , aspirations and wellbeing of Nigerians would be at the heart of legislative activities of the Senate and urged Nigerians to pray for the lawmakers.

  • BREAKING: Hon. Ben Kalu declared unopposed as deputy speaker

    BREAKING: Hon. Ben Kalu declared unopposed as deputy speaker

    …takes oath of office as DS 10th House

    Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, member representing Bende federal constituency has been declared unopposed as deputy speaker of the 10th house of representatives.

    Kalu was adopted by a unanimous voice vote by Members-elect when the speaker asked if they were more nominations for the position of Deputy Speaker.

    The House chorused “No”.

    Presided over by the Speaker 10th House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, he moved for the nomination of candidates for the position of Deputy Speaker.

    Hon. Babajimi Benson nominated Hon. Kalu for the position of Deputy Speaker and was seconded by, Members-elect kafilat Ogbara, representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State and Khadijah Bukar Ibrahim from Yobe state.

    The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, administered the oath of office to Kalu.

  • Meet the 10th Speaker of House of Reps: What you need to know about Tajudeen Abbas

    Meet the 10th Speaker of House of Reps: What you need to know about Tajudeen Abbas

    Hon. Tajudeen Abbas on Tuesday emerged as the Speaker of House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly (NASS).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Abbas emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, following inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    Abbas emerged Speaker unopposed after two speakership aspirants, Aliyu Betara and Yusuf Gagdi stepped down from the race.

    Abbas was the preferred candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Speakership position

    Who is Abbas?

    Abbas is the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 on the platform of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).

    Abbas comes from the Zazzau Emirate. He is a prince from the emirate and holds the tradional title of the Iyan Zazzau.

    Based on the tradition, he is in line of succession to become the Emir of Zazzau. He had a distinguished career in both public and private sectors before coming to the House.

    The Zazzau prince had been a primary school teacher and later became a polytechnic and university lecturer. He was the pioneer head, Department of Accounting and Finance, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria between 1989 and 1993.

    He also pioneered the Department of Business Administration at the same institution in 2001 before joining the Kaduna State University (KASU), where he established the Department of Accounting as the pioneer HoD in 2005.

    The new speaker had worked at the Nigerian Tobacco Distribution Company, now British-American Tobacco Company between 1993 and 1996.

    He quit the academia and joined politics in 2010, where he contested for the House of Reps seat for Zaria Federal Constituency and won.

    In the 8th Assembly – between 2015 and 2019 – he held the record of a single member that sponsored the highest number of bills in the entire National Assembly.

    When he returned to the 9th House – from 2019 to date – Tajudeen Abbas singlehandedly sponsored record breaking 74 bills, out of which 21 were signed into law.

  • BREAKING: APC candidate, Tajudeen Abbas elected Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives

    BREAKING: APC candidate, Tajudeen Abbas elected Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives

    …as he wins over two-third majority votes

    Hon. Tajudeen Abbas from Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna State has emerged winner of the Speakership contest of the 10th House of Representatives.

    Abbas has gotten over two third votes from 358 Members-elect on the floor of the House.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls the ruling All Progressive Congress APC had chosen Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon Benjamin Kalu as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House respectively.

    But this did not go down with other contenders called the G7 who vowed to continue in the contest. But members of the G7 had one after the other dropped their aspiration as Speaker of the 10th Assembly, due to pressure, counsel or personal conviction.

    Two days ago Hon. Betara and Hon. Yusuf Gagdi had after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, stated that they would not be continuing with their desire to be Speaker of 10th Assembly.

    Two members of the G7 Hon. Ahmed Wase and Hon. Aminu Jaji continue in the race for speakership, making the total numbers of nominees 3.

    The process commenced before 10am as the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, joined by the Clerk of the House presided over the session.

    The DCNA took the roll call for all 359 Members-elect after which he called for nomination of candidates for the position of Speaker of the 10th House.

    First Ado Doguwa nominated Tajudeen Abbas, while another lawmaker from Kwara state nominated Ahmed Idris and Hon Doro nominated Aminu Jaji fort he position of Speaker.

    The three contestants accepted the nomination, after which the DCNA closed the nomination and proceeded to conduct the election which he said would be open ballot according to the amended House rule.

    The house adopted the open ballot method as enshrined in its amended House rule that states that when there are more than two nominations each member-elect shall openly declare his/her candidates of choice for the position of Speaker.

    As the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlami, called the Members-elect begining from Abia state, Tajudeen Abbas was mentioned.

    The states were Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Zamfara, states and the Federal Capital Territory all voted Tajudeen Abbas for speaker of the 10th House.

    About 4 members dared to go against the party’s choice of Abba, as they voted Idris Wase or Aminu Jaji respectively.

    While Sani Jaji got 3 votes, Idris Ahmed Wase got 2 votes.

  • 10th HoR: Reps Adopt Open Voting System to Choose Speaker

    10th HoR: Reps Adopt Open Voting System to Choose Speaker

    Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th Assembly the House of Representatives has begun the process of choosing the Speaker of the 10th House.

    The process presided over by the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly , Kamoru Ogunlamu alongside the Clerk of the House, Sani Danzaria.

    The nominations for the position of speaker are Tajudeen Abbas, Ahmed Wase and Aminu Jaji.

    The three nominees accepted the nominations and described the day as a day of history.

    The DCNA now announced the commencement of voting after he declared the nomination closed.

    The DCNA announced that the voting process shall be open. As names of members-elect were called, they will name their candidates of choices.

    The voting commences with Abia state as member-elect stated the candidate of their choices openly.

    Details later….

  • VIDEO: Accredited journalists, visitors barred from entering NASS

    VIDEO: Accredited journalists, visitors barred from entering NASS

    Several accredited journalists and visitors on Tuesday were denied entry into NASS to cover the ongoing leadership election.

    The main gate to the complex was sealed by security operatives and the SGF gate was thrown open till 8 am.

    Immediately it was 8 am, the SGF gate too was locked up by the operatives but allowed only lawmakers-elect entry.

    In a video captured by TheNewsGuru.com stranded journalists could not access the SGF gate.

    Watch:

     

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