TheNewsGuru

Tag: National Assembly

  • Buhari’s impeachment will not be entertained – Saraki

    Buhari’s impeachment will not be entertained – Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has said moves to impeach President Muhammadu Buhari would not be entertained.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Saraki stated this while fielding questions during a world press conference he addressed in Abuja on Wednesday.

    According to Bamikole Banks Omisore, Special Assistant, International Relations to the Senate President, who highlighted the point, “focus is to strengthen our democracy and provide enabling environment for free and credible elections”.

    Bamikole Banks Omisore tweets about Buhari’s impeachment

    Saraki, at the world press conference, stated that the 8th National Assembly stands committed to doing the utmost to ensure that the responsibility and functionality of governance are met.

    “We want to reassure Nigerians that, on our part, we remain committed to working for a country governed by the rule of law.

    “We stand committed to doing our utmost as lawmakers to ensure that the responsibility and functionality of governance are met.

    “We remain confident in the support of my colleagues and their focus on the job at hand, which is to serve the Nigerian people.

    “My confidence is unshaken. We remain committed to the success of the historic 8th National Assembly, and to the continued progress of our country,” he said.

     

  • FG treating 2019 elections as an emergency – Dogara

    FG treating 2019 elections as an emergency – Dogara

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has said that the legislature is committed to free, fair and credible elections in 2019, and decried that the federal government is treating the 2019 elections as an emergency.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Dogara stated this during a meeting of the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu.

    The Speaker, who acknowledged gains recorded during the last election cycle in 2015, urged the electoral umpire to ensure that standards are improved upon.

    “I want to reiterate that we are committed to an electoral process that will better our experiences of our 2015 general elections. We’ve already set a standard where the world has avowed our electoral process to be fair to a certain degree and we must not go below that standard,” Dogara stated.

    He pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to enabling INEC to achieve this goal through appropriation.

    The Speaker further expressed concerns about what he described an emergency approach being taken towards the 2019 elections.

    “As leaders of the National Assembly, we are committed to appropriating whatever is needed within the confines of the resources of the nation for INEC to be able to actualise this and that is why this meeting is important.

    “However, personally, I have some questions that I intend to raise, but I will raise these in the process of discussion because it appears that we are treating this 2019 election as an emergency, which it ought not to be, so that is just my concern,” said Dogara.

    The INEC chairman Professor Yakubu, on his part, thanked the leadership of the National Assembly for their continued support.

    “Let me, on behalf of the commission, thank your excellencies and the leadership of the National Assembly for this meeting. We are now reenergised and more reassured that our plans for the 2019 general elections are absolutely on course as far as funding is concerned,” he said.

    He, however, stressed the need to act quickly, especially as elections are “exactly a hundred and ninety-one days away”.

     

  • NASS siege: Boma Goodhead stands out – Saraki

    NASS siege: Boma Goodhead stands out – Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Wednesday praised Honourable Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives for the role she played during the invasion of the National Assembly by armed security operatives on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports Saraki saying “I believe that Honourable Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives, stands out” at the world press conference he convened to address the invasion of the NASS.

    “She looked a masked security operative in the eye and dared him to shoot. She let it be known that Nigerians would not stand for the barricade at the National Assembly, that we would not be cowed.

    “It was another pointer to what is possible in this country when women take their place in leadership,” Saraki said.

    Boma on Tuesday dared operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to shoot her and others blocked from entering the National Assembly.

    The lawmaker represents Asalga/Akulga federal constituency of Rivers State.

    Infuriated that people were stopped from gaining access into the premises, Goodhead charged towards the DSS agents.

    “Start shooting, shoot this gun”, she said pointing to operatives’ rifles.

    “How many people can you shoot down here, how many?” she screamed.

    However, the operatives kept their cool and said no word.

    At a point in the video, a voice was heard appealing to Boma to calm down.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BmN8Hm9B1ob/?taken-by=thenewsgurung

     

  • Breaking: Saraki addresses world press conference [Live update]

    Breaking: Saraki addresses world press conference [Live update]

    Senate President Bukola Saraki is currently addressing a world press conference to address issues related to the invasion of the National Assembly (NASS) by armed security agents on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports Saraki at the world press conference said “The ensuing standoff was a show of shame that played itself out over several hours in full view of the country”.

    “In no circumstances should this have happened. And we as a nation reaped the bitter fruits instantaneously,” he added.

    Read full statement”

    “It is a matter of record that yesterday, lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly were prevented from entering the @nassnigeria Complex by heavily armed security agents of the Department of State Services (DSS). All entries to the Complex were blocked.”

    “The National Assembly, the seat of democracy in Nigeria, was under lockdown. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives were prevented from gaining access.”

    “The ensuing standoff was a show of shame that played itself out over several hours in full view of the country. In no circumstances should this have happened. And we as a nation reaped the bitter fruits instantaneously…”

    “…as evident in media images relayed around the world, images that shame us as a democratic nation. The siege was also an act of cowardice by those seeking to carry out an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate in flagrant disregard of the law.”

    “People who seek control at all costs, by whatever means, never minding the injury to democratic norms. I have to say that this is not about me – Abubakar Bukola Saraki as an individual. It is not about Ike Ekweremadu, nor is it about Yakubu Dogara.”

    “I am speaking for my colleagues when I say that this is about the soul of Nigeria, what we represent as a country, and our standing in the comity of nations. This is a country where so much is expected of us…”

    “…so many rungs of the ladder that we are supposed to have ascended as a nation. Instead we are wallowing in impunity and illegal show of force, all of which retard our progress. This is most disheartening. I don’t get any joy in saying: I said so. I don’t.”

    “However, some of you may recall that about two years ago, I stated that there was a government within this government, to a purpose that was not in the interest of what the people voted for. I said it then, and now we are beginning…”

    “…to see the manifestations of that government within a government. It beats one’s imagination how the head of an agency could have authorized the brazen assault on the legislature that we saw yesterday.”

    “Despite the threat to our lives, we shall continue to fight impunity and injustice in this country. Happily, by the actions that Nigerians took yesterday, they demonstrated our strong resolve as a nation not to give ground to oppression.”

    “The legislature, more than any other institution in this country, more than any other arm of govt. represents the will of the people. We are elected by the people, & an assault on the legislature is an assault on the people of Nigeria.”

    “The forcible shutdown of the legislature was an unconscionable assault on a national institution, and thanks to all your efforts, the aggressors have been put to shame. The resistance mounted by staff of the National Assembly…”

    “…my colleagues in both chambers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who refused to leave the entrance of this Complex until the siege was broken, strengthens my faith in the people of this country.”

    “The rain fell, the sun rose, but Nigerians stood their ground in defence of democracy. With the strength of will demonstrated by everyone against unwarranted and unconstitutional militaristic might, the siege could not stand.”

    “By this, we have shown that Nigerians can resist government within government in whatever guise, and this is humbling for me. Those who sought to attack the National Assembly under my leadership…”

    “…for their selfish ends have only affirmed my belief in this country. They attempted to execute an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate without the backing of the law, but they faltered.”

    “I am confident that, together, we shall always defeat acts of unconstitutionality. The rule of law shall always prevail.”

    “I thank the thousands who monitored the situation on radio, television & social media, voicing their outrage at the siege, thereby sending a clear message to those that hatched the plot that the Nigerian public would not buy this…”

    “…act of gangsterism using instruments of state such as the DSS. I also thank the international community-particularly the European Union-& the international press, for their prompt reactions to the invasion of the National Assembly.”

    “CSOs and Socio-cultural groups were emphatic in their statements during the crisis, and we very much appreciate their vigilance. Among the many that come up for special mention…”

    “…I believe that Honourable Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives, stands out. She looked a masked security operative in the eye and dared him to shoot. She let it be known that Nigerians would not stand for…”

    “…the barricade at the National Assembly, that we would not be cowed. It was another pointer to what is possible in this country when women take their place in leadership. I applaud all who kicked against the atrocity & who stood firm until sanity prevailed.”

    “I am proud of how everyone conducted themselves in what was no doubt a tense standoff. The principled stance and defiant reactions to the ugly incident, proved crucial to the failure of the plot.”

    “This is what we have been saying about the power of the people. The role of the people in defending democracy is paramount. I thank the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for his handling of the situation we were all confronted…”

    “…with yesterday. His decisive action went a long way towards restoring confidence. It sent a powerful message – that the DSS cannot be recklessly deployed against institutions of our democracy.”

    “The path of leadership is not by party, & we must commend it wherever it is found. Mr. Acting President did the right thing. However, the damage control so far does not address the question of how this atrocity happened in the first place.”

    “This is an incident concerning which we have on good authority, has been in the planning for months, & yet it was allowed to happen. How is it that such an atrocity was not prevented? How is it that the masterminds were not deterred?”

    “Very serious questions remain that can only be answered by a full investigation. We call for an investigation,& we demand that all perpetrators are brought to book. We owe it to ourselves to ensure that such a situation never occurs again.”

    “Many agencies have abused their powers and acted outside the ambit of the law on occasion. Where abuses occur, similar actions must be taken immediately and full investigation instituted.”

    “I must say that when we fought for Change, we could not have envisaged a scenario such as unfolded yesterday – an atmosphere where people cannot tolerate dissent, or mere differences of opinion as to the future of our dear country.”

    “This is not the Change we fought for. We did not fight for instruments of state to be used to oppress Nigerians & their lawmakers. I know that I, certainly, did not fight just so the legislature could be undermined & subjected to this onslaught.”

    “There are many lessons to be drawn from the ugly incident we all witnessed yesterday. For one, govt. must ensure that security agencies remain neutral & act in line with the position of the constitution as well as their enabling laws.”

    “Heads of Agencies should be accountable, and those who step out of line must be held responsible for their actions. Enough with impunity. Enough with the reckless and senseless deployment of militaristic force. Enough.”

    “In this dark cloud, we can see the silver lining,& that silver lining is the commitment of Nigerians to defending their hard-won democracy. I am more than encouraged by the strength, the determination & the resolve of ordinary Nigerians..”

    “…to see to it that democracy survives and thrives in this country. I am also strengthened by the determination of the media to report and analyse the truth as they see it. I want to reassure Nigerians that, on our part…”

    “…we remain committed to working for a country governed by the rule of law. Our desire is to have a society where there will be equity and justice, not oppression.”

    “We stand committed to doing our utmost as lawmakers to ensure that the responsibility and functionality of governance are met. Although we are on annual break, we are daily reviewing the situation…”

    “…which is to serve the Nigerian people. My confidence is unshaken. I remain committed to the success of the historic 8th National Assembly, and to the continued progress of our country.”

    “In the spirit of that, we also appeal to Mr. President to sign the 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill which has been sent for his assent. I remain confident in the support of my colleagues and their focus on the job at hand…”

    “…which is to serve the Nigerian people. My confidence is unshaken. I remain committed to the success of the historic 8th National Assembly, and to the continued progress of our country.”

     

  • How security operatives halted Saraki’s plan to foment violence – APC Scribe

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said its investigations have uncovered the sinister plot hatched by Senate President Bukola Saraki to foment violence in the legislative chamber following Tuesday’s incident at the National Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru reports Mr. Yekini Nabena, Ag. National Publicity Secretary of the APC, in a statement, said the party’s investigations uncovered and noted the following:

    “We are now aware that the timely intervention of the security operatives forestalled the planned violence which could have led to possible deaths, injuries and destruction of property in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

    “Why did the Senate President mobilise thugs to the National Assembly who almost lynched Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma, the only APC federal lawmaker present but for the timely intervention of security operatives.

    “Why did the Senate President reconvene the National Assembly? Ostensibly as a pre-emptive move to frustrate federal lawmakers move to impeach him.

    “Is it not curious that only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) federal lawmakers were present in their numbers-some as early as 7am, while the majority APC federal lawmakers were elsewhere holding a caucus meeting on the state of the nation”.

    The party in the statement called on security agencies and relevant bodies to as a matter of urgency probe these findings and take all necessary and legitimate action to stop these illegalities which it said pose a direct and ominous threat to the nation’s democracy.

    “As espoused in our earlier statement, whilst our contention with the leadership of the National Assembly as currently constituted is a matter of public record, we still believe that the legislature as an independent arm of government must be allowed free reign for vibrant contestation of ideas and values amongst its members within the context of their constitutional mandate and for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

    “Finally, we reiterate our call for the Senate President to resign from the position immediately as he no longer has the moral and legitimate ground to occupy that position as a member of the minority PDP. Going by the popular axiom, the majority will have their way, but the minority will have their say,” the statement further read.

     

  • UK condemns DSS siege at National Assembly, demands respect for lawmakers

    The British High Commission on Tuesday condemned the invasion of the National Assembly siege by masked officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    The United Kingdom Government reiterated its commitment to the actualisation of a democratic process that recognises the rights of Nigerians to participate in election process.

    “We are aware of media reports of a situation at the National Assembly this morning. We are closely monitoring the situation and other political developments in Nigeria.

    “The United Kingdom supports a process whereby the people of Nigeria can exercise their democratic right to vote and be voted for. We favour a free, fair, credible and peaceful process and the independence of institutions, which allow for that,” Joe Abuku, a spokesperson for the UK Embassy in Abuja, said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

    The statement comes hours after Ben Murray-Bruce, a senator from Bayelsa State, asked that foreign sanctions be meted on those involved in the siege at the parliament.

    Murray-Bruce accused senior officials of the Buhari administration of being involved in the blockading of the National Assembly by masked officials of the State Security Service, saying he would help ensure that their visas and those of their families are revoked by Western countries.

    The National Assembly was taken over by SSS operatives, supported by the police, earlier Tuesday, amidst claims that there was an attempt to forcibly remove Senate President Bukola Saraki from office.

    Scores of senators and members of the House of Representatives were initially blocked from entering into the National Assembly premises, but all of them were later allowed to move in after threatening to force their way in.

    The security operatives also blocked all other staff members of the National Assembly, including the clerk of the parliament, as well as journalists and other independent observers of legislative process.

    There was a protest by civil society groups to force the security agencies to back down, but they declined. All the lawmakers who entered the premises were unable to conduct much legislative process since the clerk and other staff members were unavailable.

    The development has been widely condemned by opposition politicians, including Atiku Abubakar and several state governors, who warned against the use of security agents as repressive tools against an independent arm of government.

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who has been called on to act to check the excesses of security agencies, responded by summoning Lawal Daura, the head of SSS, and Inspector-General Ibrahim Idris.

    Daura was summarily dismissed and asked to hand over to the most-senior official behind him, a move that has sent ripples through the country’s political and security circles.

  • Saraki, Dogara postpone leadership meeting

    Following invasion of the National Assembly complex by men of the Department of State Services (DSS), Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara have condemned the action of the security agents and described it as another attempt to subevert the nation’s democracy.

    TheNewsGuru reports the NASS leaders alleged that legislators and members of staff, including the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Omolori, who is the administrative head of the Federal legislature, were harassed in the invasion.

    In a statement jointly signed by the two presiding officers of both Chambers of the National Assembly, Saraki and Dogara stated that the heavy presence of armed security men who unnecessarily militarized the legislative complex and harassed legislators and the workers in the complex could not be justified in a democracy.

    The Senate President and Speaker further noted that today was a sad day for democracy as very early in the morning, they got reports backed by video and pictures, from members of staff of the National Assembly, their colleagues from both chambers and other individuals, about the heavy presence of the security personnel who insisted that nobody would enter the complex except certain Senators who were to be conveyed into the complex in a Coaster bus.

    “By 6.30 am, the reports started coming in and by 7am, there were pictures and video online showing armed security men preventing Senators and Honourable members from coming into the Complex. Some of our colleagues then mobilized other members in both chambers from their respective abode so that they could pressurize the Security men from allowing them to gain entry.

    “Obviously, the public outcry from Nigerians and members of the international community against this illegality, this desecration of the sanctity of the legislature and this flagrant abuse of powers forced the government to relax the directives given to the security men as they later allowed the legislators to walk from the main gate into the foyer. Still the lawmakers were not allowed to drive in, in their vehicles and were denied access into the main building housing their offices.

    “It is not clear what the plan of the government is but information reaching us indicated that some Senators who are pro-executive arm are being camped somewhere here in Abuja and they are being compelled to sign an impeachment notice that would later be brought to the Assembly complex. The Senate Chamber will now be forced open to enable an illegal change of leadership take place in the Senate.

    “It should be noted that the Senate formally adjourned on July 24, 2018 and it stands adjourned. To reconvene, there is a process which has to be followed. Also, it should be clear that these Senators who are camped somewhere know the procedure for changing the leadership of the Senate. Both the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency officials masterminding this illegality know that they do not have the numbers to lawfully carry out this action.

    “Therefore, we call on members of the international community to view this development as a coup against democracy. This is a throw-back to the inglorious days of military rule where dissent is not tolerated and freedom of association and other fundamental human rights are willfully and carelessly violated.

    “We urge Nigerians and the international community to condemn this illegal invasion of the National Assembly complex and the attempt to asphyxiate the legislature as undemocratic, uncivilized and irresponsible.

    “Let us use this opportunity to thank our colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives who immediately mobilized to resist this coup against democracy. Their action will be recorded as one taken at a time when the soul of this country is being imperilled. They have acted to avert the breakdown of constitutionalism and collapse of the rule of law. They have stood up to dictatorship and demonstrated that this country belongs to all of us.

    “We also thank members of the press, local and international, and all Nigerians whose support for the cause of democracy have sustained us this far.

    Following this unpleasant development, the joint leadership meeting slated for this afternoon has been postponed till further notice because under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot guarantee the safety of the 20 members from both chambers expected at the meeting”, Saraki and Dogara stated.

     

  • Breaking: Saraki holds world press conference Wednesday

    Following Tuesday’s drama at the National Assembly (NASS), Senate President Bukola Saraki will on Wednesday hold a world press conference.

    TheNewsGuru reports Bamikole Banks Omisore, Special Assistant to the Senate President on International Relations, who made this known, said the conference is expected to hold at 12 noon.

    Recall the Senate President yesterday convened an emergency meeting of leadership NASS for Tuesday to touch on pressing national issues seeking the urgent attention of the NASS.

    The officials were expected to meet for one hour beginning at noon, before also having a meeting with Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, at 1 p.m.

    The drama at the NASS complex today meant that these meetings could not hold.

    Men of the State Security Service (DSS) took over the NASS and prevented lawmakers, journalists and staff from entrance.

    The DSS men who appeared battle ready took strategic positions at all the gates leading to the NASS premises.

     

  • History will not be kind to you- Ksolo slams Osinbajo

    History will not be kind to you- Ksolo slams Osinbajo

    Nigerian ace music producer and singer, Ksolo has condemned the drama that occurred at the National Assembly on Tuesday.

    The outspoken entertainer slammed the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo stating that history will not be kind to him for being part of ‘this nonsense’.

     

    He wrote on Twitter:” VP @ProfOsinbajo history will not be kind to you for being part of this nonsense. We will not forget how a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria joined ranks with @MBuhari to destroy our institutions. The attack on the the legislature today is a shame”.

     

    VIDEOS: Female Lawmaker led others to DSS Siege into NASS Chamber

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Breaking: APC denies Oshiomole’s involvement in NASS brouhaha

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied its National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole is part of the drama that rocked the National Assembly (NASS) on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports the party made this known while stressing that like every concerned Nigerian the party was monitoring the developments at the NASS.

    “Our attention has been drawn to mischievous attempts in some partisan quarters to link developments at NASS to the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

    “While the Party is monitoring the developments at NASS like every concerned Nigerian and stakeholder, there is absolutely no basis for the false allegations and attempt to blame the National Chairman for the development there. It is strictly a legislative matter,” the APC stated.

    Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Comrade Timi Frank, had earlier accused the National Chairman of the APC, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DG-DSS), Lawan Daura and 30 APC Senators – led by the Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan, of spearheading a fresh plot to illegally impeach the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    Frank who raised the alarm in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday morning, said the group met last night in Abuja to perfect strategies on how to carry out the plot.

    He said that he has reliable information that the meeting was at the instance of Oshiomhole who is currently pressurizing President Muhammadu Buhari to accept his proposal of using “crude tactics” to topple Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    He said according reliable information emanating from the meeting, National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of the APC, Chief Adeniyi Adebayo, joined Oshiomhole in pushing for the illegality while some APC Senators and House of Representatives members at the meeting kicked against the plot saying any “forceful removal of Saraki without due process will not fly with Nigerians.”

    The lawmakers, according to Frank, were said to have further alerted Oshiomhole and the APC leadership that they only have 30 Senators on ground which will fall short of the 73 Senators required to lawfully impeach Saraki.

    According to them, while other APC Senators have since travelled out of the country on vacation, a proposal to appoint Senator Lawan from Yobe State as Saraki’s replacement would be a direct violation of the Federal Character Principle since the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara is from Bauchi in the Northeast zone like Lawan.

    Following the red flag raised by some of the APC Senators who warn of the consequences of the proposed illegality, according to Frank, the meeting was said to have been rescheduled to reconvene by 11am this morning to enable Oshiomhole to call Mr. President in London at 9am this morning to brief him on the progress made so far.

    It was further learnt that Oshiomhole is expected to present the candidature of both Senators Lawan and George Akume to the President to make his choice during his proposed telephone conversation with Mr. President by 9am.

    He added that the Presidency through the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has increased the $400,000 it is already offering to lure individual lawmakers to support the plot to illegally impeach Saraki to $500,000. He said the lawmakers are also being wooed with offers to drop all corruption charges against them by the Federal Government.

    He insisted that Saraki’s life and personal safety is at stake while appealing to Nigerians and leaders of the international community to urgently speak out to protect the President of the Senate, Saraki, and safeguard democracy in Nigeria.

    He said that the illegal plot to break into the Senate Chambers to illegally impeach Saraki, if allowed to happen, could lead to chaos and anarchy of unimaginable proportion in the country, capable of burying the nation’s democracy apart from the danger it portents for the lives, security and safety of Nigerians.