TheNewsGuru

Tag: NASS

  • BREAKING: Ministerial nominees arrive NASS for confirmation

    Some ministerial nominees including Mr. Adamu Adamu, Sunday Dare, George Akume, Ogbonnaya Onu and Olorunnimbe Mamora, have been sighted in the National Assembly complex ready for the screening exercise, scheduled to start today.
    The confirmation of the would-be ministers is the only item on the Senate Order Paper.
    Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday said that the screening and confirmation of the nominees would begin on Wednesday.
    He added that other legislative activities in the chamber would take back seat to ensure the speedy completion of the important assignment.
    The screening and confirmation is according to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution.
    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sent 43 ministerial nominees for confirmation.

  • BREAKING: Channels TV reporter shot, 2 NEMA vehicles burnt as Shiite, police clash in Abuja

    Many people were injured in a violent clash between the members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as Shiite, and the police on Monday.
    We can confirm that a journalist with Channels TV was among the victims as he was shot and rushed to the hospital.


    Also, the Shittes members burnt down two operational vehicles belonging to the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA.
    TheNewsGuru, TNG had earlier reported that there was sporadic shooting at the National Assembly and Federal Secretariat complex in the afternoon of the same day as unknown persons clashed with some security agents manning these two national institutions.
    The two vehicles were stationed at NEMA operational office near the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs before they were set ablaze by the Islamic fundamentalists.
    Penultimate Tuesday, July 9, 2019, the members of the Islamic sect invaded the apex legislature and engaged security agents in a fierce battle of supremacy in which many lives and vehicles were destroyed.
    It is not immediately clear if there were some arrests made by security agents at the Federal Secretariat complex where the two vehicles were burnt.

  • BREAKING: Gunshots in NASS, as police disperse protesting Shiites

    BREAKING: Gunshots in NASS, as police disperse protesting Shiites

    The police fired shots on Monday morning to forcefully disperse protesting members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN at the entrance of the National assembly complex.
    Hundreds of IMN members started their protest towards the National Assembly gates shortly before they were barricaded by armed security operatives.
    The police eventually used tear gas and gunshots to disperse them, which led to confusion among motorists and a
    also disrupted activities at the legislative house.
    TheNewsGuru, TNG correspondent said commuters were ordered by the security details to return to the complex. Also, the presidential villa entrance was said to have been cordoned off by DSS operatives as commuters around the area were redirected to the Muhammadu Ribadu Road to link main Asokoro outside the presidential villa.
    The Shiites are demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who has been held without trial by the government.

  • Edo Assembly Crisis: Reps adopt report on take over of House by National Assembly

    Edo Assembly Crisis: Reps adopt report on take over of House by National Assembly

    From Jonas Ike, Abuja.

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a report of its Ad-hoc Committee on Edo State House of Assembly Crisis which recommended a full take over of the Edo State legislature if the crisis fails to normalize in line with the provisions of Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
    The House Ad-hoc Committee in a 5 point recommendation had recommended among others: (a) That Edo State Governor Mr.Godwin Obaseki in the interest of peaceful co-existence of the state should issue a fresh proclamation within one (1) week in line with Section 105 (3) of the 1999 Constitution as (amended) stating the date and venue and publish in any National Daily and Television Station.
    (b) That all actions taken by the members should be declared null and void pending the proper inauguration.
    (c) That all members of the Edo State House of Assembly both those who have been inaugurated should dissolve their factions in the interest of peace and stability of the House with the view to moving the state forward.
    (d) That the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Director-General of the Department of State Service DG DSS should shut down the Edo State House of Assembly and provide adequate security to allay further fears of intimidation and threat as alleged by members-elect.
    (e) That where all the recommendations (a–e) above fail, the National Assembly should invoke the provisions of Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to take over the State House of Assembly until the situation normalizes.
    After a clause by clause consideration of all these recommendations by the Ad-hoc Committee, the House at the Committee of the Whole adopted the report.
    Deputy Speaker of the House Hon.Idris Wase had rejected the intervention of some lawmakers notably Hon Uzoma Abonta (Abia,PDP) who had argued that it is the Clerk and not the Gorvernor that should reconvene the House.
    The presiding officer noted that constitutionally, it is the Governor that has powers to issue proclamation for the inuaguration of the House and not the Clerk.
  • I will redefine public perception of NASS – Gbajabiamila

    I will redefine public perception of NASS – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has promised to bring reforms that will redefine the legislature in the eyes of the public.
    Gbajabiamila made the pledge at his maiden meeting with members of his media team in Abuja on Saturday.
    “I will bring reforms that will help shape and redefine the Nigerian legislature in the eyes of the public.
    “Some of the reforms are already being rolled out such as the e-parliament and electronic voting,” he said.
    Gbajabiamila expressed excitement over the membership of the team, saying, “I am excited because my media team is populated by young people who are vibrant and ready to work in the interest of Nigeria.’’
    He said as far as he could remember, this was the first media team by any speaker with the highest number of young people.
    Gbajabiamila said although the task ahead of the team would be tough, he believed the members had the capacity to deliver.
    “I am so excited by this team because you are mostly young people. I did my personal search on each of you and I came to the conclusion that you all should be part of my media team.
    “I am not the only one excited about your appointments, a lot of people are excited about you people, and I feel good about that.
    “Of course moving forward, Nigeria is all about young people; I know the task ahead of you will be very tough, but I also know that you all have the capacity to deliver,” he said.
    The speaker restated his commitment to his campaign slogan, which is ‘Nation Building: A Joint Task,’ and called on the team to join him in achieving that.
    Responding, the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Mr Olanrewaju Lasisi, who is the leader of the team, thanked the speaker for finding him and others worthy of the appointment.
    Lasisi said members of the team would bring experience to bear on the job to justify the confidence the speaker had on them by appointing them.
    Other members of the team appointed on Thursday include Mr Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dele Anofi, Special Assistant on Print Media, and Mr Kunle Somoye, Special Assistant on Electronic and Broadcast Media.
    Others are Mr Bukola Ogunyemi, Special Assistant on New Media, and Ayo Adeagbo, Special Assistant on Visual Communication/Official Photographer.

  • Again, Shi’ites besiege NASS, demand release of El-Zakzaky

    Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria popularly known as Shi’ites on Thursday besieged the National Assembly, demanding immediate release of their leader Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.
    The Shi’ites members carried various banners and posters with the pictures of El-Zakzaky .
    Their presence caused the main gate of the NASS to be closed with a detachment of police men surrounding the gate to prevent entrance into the complex.
    According to the spokesman of the sect, Ibrahim Musa, there is a clear and present danger as the health of El Zakzaky has taken a downturn for the worst.
    He said the group is demanding the immediate release of El Zakzaky from detention as he has been poisoned with lead
    According to him, even if their leader was released immediately, there is still the need for a quick medical intervention to save his life as investigations by experts have revealed that the level of lead in his blood is at a critical level.
    However, the House Leader, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, who met them at the gate assured that their message will be relayed to the appropriate quarters.
    Doguwa said:”This place called the National Assembly provides a window where you come and ventilate your concern and anger.
    “But I assure you, I give you my commitment and the commitment of this institution, that we will address this issue that you raised.
    “And in promising you, I will collect the contacts of your leaders. And by time I am able to convince my colleagues and superiors, we will get back to you and discuss further. This we will do with immediate alacrity.”
    Doguwa commended the members of the group for the peaceful manner they had conducted themselves.
    El-Zakzaky has been in detention since December 2015 after a clampdown on his members by soldiers.
    He had been charged for alleged conspiracy, abating culpable homicide, among other offences.
    Despite a December 2016 order for his release by the court, the government has failed to release him, prompting incessant protests by his members.

  • BREAKING: NASS adopts secret ballot as voting commences

    The National Assembly has adopted the 2015 Standing Rule for Senate [Secret ballot] as voting exercise to decide principal officers who will preside over the affairs of the upper legislative chamber commences.

    Speaking on why the 2015 Standing Rule was followed the N/Assembly Clerk, Mohammed Sani Omolori said, “I did not receive any court order directing the use of 2011 Standing Order for the election of presiding officers of the Senate.”

    Recall TheNewsGuru, TNG reported yesterday that there was a court ruling which ordered the National Assembly to return to its 2011 rules which provides for open ballot.

    – Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, (APC, Kebbi) North nominates Ahmed Lawan to take chair as Senate President.

    Lawan speaks after nomination: Delivering his speech on the floor, Sen. Ahmed Lawan advice lawmakers that is an opportunity for all to remain United and to provide sustainable governance in the country.
    He advised that they should be devoid of partisanship in carrying out their work.
    “If you elect me, I’ll work with all of you. I’ll ensure that our political differences will not hinder our progress as a nation.
    Shortly after his speech,
    Senator Isiaku Abu, Adamawa North nominates Ali Ndume to take chair as Senate President. This was seconded by a senator from Rivers…

    Ndume words after nomination: Sen. Ali Ndume on his part, advice that the office of the Senate President be removed. He said the seat should be made one among equals.
    He also talked about the financing of the budget of the country. He said the timeline for the passage of the budget should not be more than three months adding that the timeline for bills passage should be taken into consideration as well.
    Speaking further, the senator adviced that they should be a legal backing framework for constituency projects.
    He therefore concluded saying the past senators in the country should be well utilized in lawmaking and other National Assembly matters.

    The voting proper which is open secret ballot as announced by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Omolori is ongoing now.

  • NASS Leadership Election: PDP endorses Ali Ndume, Umar Bago

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed support for Sen. Ali Ndume for the position of the President of the Senate of the 9th National Assembly (NASS).
    The party in a statement issued by its National Secretary, Sen. Umar Tsauri, early on Tuesday also endorsed Mr Umar Bago for the post os Speaker of the House of Representatives.
    TSauri said that the endorsement was arrived at after very extensive consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the inauguration of the 9th NASS
    “The final resolution on Sen. Ndume and Bago was reached at the end of a decisive meeting of members of the National Working Committee, party leaders, state governors as well as senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP.
    “This decision is in the best interest of the nation in line with our party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, strict compliance with the principle of separation of powers as well as constitutional checks and balances in the polity.”
    “All senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP are to be guided accordingly,” he said.
    Ndume from Borneo is running against Sen. Ahmed Lawan from Yobe, who is the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
    Bago, a three-time member of the House of Representatives, will contest against Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, also chosen by the APC leadership.
    Lawan and Gbajabiamila became the leader of the Senate and leader of the House of Representatives respectively in the 8th NASS after losing contests for the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House in spite of the endorsement of the party in 2015.
  • NASS elections: Court orders NASS to adopt open ballot system

    NASS elections: Court orders NASS to adopt open ballot system

    An Abuja High Court presided over by Justice O.A.Musa, has granted an interim injunction restraining the clerk of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the senate and the Sergeant At Arms to the senate and others from relying or enforcing the senate standing orders 2015 (as amended) in the conduct of election of Presiding officers of the senate of the 9th Assembly, pending the determination of this suit.

    The court however ordered the senate to apply the senate standing Orders 2011 (as amended) by the senate on the 24th May, 2011 which prescribed the use of open ballot rather than secret ballot mode in the election of presiding officers of the senate.

    The order in suit number FCT/HC/BW/CV/136/2019 with Motion NO M/266/2019, was given after the court read the motion on notice and the accompany affidavit of Senator Jibrin Barau filed by his Counsel Ebere Nwanya Esq.

    It will be recalled that the APC senators had faulted the use of senate standing orders 2015 (as amended) which they argued the former leadership of the senate smuggled in the use of secret ballot mode for voting without the approval of members of the senate.

    They argued that the matter is still before the court therefore the standing orders 2015 of the senate (as amended) cannot be applied in today’s voting until the matter is decided by the court.

    However the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Court No 13, Bwari, Abuja, ordered that “an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents and each of them, whether by themselves, servants or agents or otherwise from further using, relying or enforcing the senate standing orders 2015 (as amended) for the purposes of conducting any legislative business or affairs in the 9th senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria including but not limited to the election of Presiding officers of the senate to commence on the 11th of June, 2019 and any other day pending the hearing and determination of the Originating Motion in this case.

    “An interim order restraining the 1st & 2nd Respondents and each of them whether by themselves or otherwise not to use any other senate standing orders for the inauguration of the 9th Assembly whatsoever including but limited to the election of Presiding officers of the senate on Tuesday, 11th June 2019 and any other day except the senate standing Orders 2011 (as amended) by the senate on the 24th May, 2011.

    “As the order was heard and made ex-parte any paerty aggrieved shall file a motion to set aside or vacate the said order and serve same on the Applicant or counsel before the next adjourned date”. The court therefore adjourned to 13th day of June, 2019 for definite hearing.

  • Falana, SERAP demand NASS action as presidential panel okays state police

    Falana, SERAP demand NASS action as presidential panel okays state police

    Rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana said the 1999 Constitution must first be amended before the government can implement the recommendation on state or local government police.

    Falana made the statement in reaction to President Muhammadu Buhari’s acceptance of a report recommending the establishment of state and local government police.

    The recommendation was contained the report submitted to the President at the State House, Abuja, by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Presidential Special Panel on Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Reforms.

    He said that without going through the National Assembly, a single-handed implementation by the President would be null and void.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu clarified President Buhari’s position on the recommendation.

    He said that the President’s specific directive was that a three-man panel be set up to produce the white paper.

    The statement reads: “The report of the white paper committee will form the basis of the decisions of the government on the many recommendations, including the setting up of state and local government police made by the Ojukwu panel.

    “Until a white paper is produced, it will be premature and pre-emptive to suggest that the recommendations contained in the report have been approved by the President in part or whole.”

    Falana words: “State police is a constitutional issue; there must be an amendment of the constitution in order for the President to approve the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission.”

    Meanwhile, SERAP Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said, “What I see in it is that whatever concerns and affects us as a country must be addressed and treated frontally. We have been having security problems and they seem not to go hastily.

    “And that is why I think the directive of the President to the IG to solve the security problems must be taken seriously. What must happen is that the three-month ultimatum given to the IG must be adhered strictly to, for effective results.”