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Tag: National Assembly

  • NASS turns down N14bn budget estimates, summons minister

    NASS turns down N14bn budget estimates, summons minister

    The National Assembly (NASS) joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives has turned down the proposed budget for the Nigerian judiciary.

    The committee on Wednesday expressed outrage over the “grossly inadequate” allocation, citing its detrimental impact on the judiciary’s ability to function effectively.

    It also gave the Minister of National Planning and DG Budget 24 hours to appear before it.
    According to the committee, the budget compromised the independence and ability of the judiciary to effectively function.
    The Judiciary has been allocated N5.3 billion for capital expenditure and N8.8 billion for recurrent expenditure in the 2024 budget.

    This is according to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, who had appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary a few days ago to seek additional funding.

    The minister urged the committee to support the Ministry, as it was fundamental in driving the current administration’s roadmap for the justice sector.

    The Attorney General stressed that the ministry is involved in defending the country in international litigation and arbitration which are expensive to prosecute or defend in terms of payment of administrative fees.

  • Senate swears in Adamawa-North senator, Yohanna to replace Abbo

    Senate swears in Adamawa-North senator, Yohanna to replace Abbo

    Sen. Amos Yohanna, (PDP-Adamawa- North), on Wednesday at plenary, took his oath of office and allegiance.

    Yohanna’s oath of allegiance followed his declaration as winner of the Feb. 26 senatorial election by an Appeal Court.

    The Clerk of the Senate, Mr Chinedu Akubueze, administered the oath and allegiance on Yohanna at plenary on Wednesday.

    Yohanna, who now represents Adamawa– North, had challenged his election before the election tribunal, which dismissed his application as lacking in merit.

    Yohanna had sued Sen. Elisha Abbo of the APC and the INEC before the tribunal to challenge the outcome of the senatorial election.

    In the petition marked EPT/AD/SEN/02/2023, Yohanna had argued that Abbo’s election should be invalidated by reasons of corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

    He had stated that Abbo was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast.

    He said there was over-voting at various polling units, false entries, alteration and cancellation of votes at several polling units.

    He had said some of the alterations and cancellations were not signed by the presiding officers of the polling units.

    Yohanna had prayed the tribunal to nullify Abbo’s election and declare him as the duly elected senator for Adamawa North.

    Not satisfied with the tribunal’s verdict, he approached the appeal court, asking it to nullify INEC’s declaration of Abbo as winner of  the election.

    The court of appeal in its judgment, voided the tribunal’s verdict and upheld Yohanna’s prayers.

  • Ohanaeze calls on FG, National Assembly for the creation of new states in southeast

    Ohanaeze calls on FG, National Assembly for the creation of new states in southeast

    The Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, on Tuesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to ensure that a new state is created in  southeast in order to address the injustice of the region having only five states.

    Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu,  the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, who stated this while briefing journalists in Owerri, also said the organisation will have no choice but to seek a proper interpretation of Nigeria’s constitution in court if the Federal Government fails to respond positively to this request.

    Iwuanyanwu said “Ohaneze is concerned about the obvious inequality and injustice manifested in the recent appointment of members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC). Altogether, 48 members were appointed and sworn in, but only five were appointed from the southeast, By the principle of Federal Character, the Southeast ought to have gotten at least eight ministers.

    “This action has put the southeast in an absolute minority in the Federal Executive Council. For the avoidance of doubt, the Ohaneze Ndigbo stands for equity and justice. Ohaneze-Ndigbo believes that equity and justice are fundamental prerequisites for an enduring harmonious relationship in a country such as Nigeria with many diversities, The Federal Character enshrined in our Constitution is a major step towards the management of Nigeria’s many diversities.

    “We have, in the past few years, patiently watched some people in authority deny the Southeast our rights. For example, there is no explanation whatsoever for giving Southeast five states only, whereas other zones have six or Seven States.

    “This situation has put Southeast in a very serious handicap. For example, many appointments are made based on the equality of states. On this premise, Southeast has lost a lot of appointment opportunities.

    “In the legislature, Southeast has lost a whole State legislative assembly, the Federal House of Representatives, and three senators. The impact of this is also felt during the presidential primaries, where delegates are drawn from states and local governments.

    “We have also incurred a lot of financial loss in the past 30 years as revenues are allocated based on equality of state.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Southeast is committed to the peace, progress, and development of all parts of Nigeria; we, therefore, appeal to the President and the National Assembly to look into our case and ensure that the National Executive Council is adjusted to reflect the Federal Character.”

    Ohaneze, while demanding that action be taken to create a new state in the Southeast in order to address the injustice of the Southeast having only five states, said, “Some of the reasons given by some political leaders are that the Southeast did not vote for them during their elections. In the course of the trial by the judiciary, Nigerians will be told clearly whether denial of opportunities should be regarded as legitimate punishment for a group who did not vote for a political leader.

    “If the Federal Government fails to respond positively to this request, Ohaneze Ndigbo will have no choice but to go to court to seek a proper interpretation of our constitution.”

  • National Assembly is the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy – Ezekwesili

    National Assembly is the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy – Ezekwesili

    Oby Ezekwesili, a former Education Minister has described the National Assembly as the biggest threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

    Ezekwesili made the remark while reacting to the proposed purchase of 360 Toyota SUVs for lawmakers.

    The former minister made the remark on her official platform X while warning the senators that the Nigerian youths will soon chase them and the  House of Representatives members away due to their serial bad behaviour.

    Her post reads: “So that vexing news turned out to be accurate.

    “I read the extremely ludicrous and duplicitous statement released by the Spokesman of the @HouseNGR on their insensitive purchase of 360 Toyota SUVs for themselves.

    “You all had the audacity to spend scarce public resources in luxury cars at a time majority of their citizens cannot feed, transport themselves, pay school fees and hospital bills due to cost of living crisis?

    “At this stage, it is evident you want to continue with your serial bad behaviour.

    “Since not even 1 of you fellows @nassnigeria @HouseNGR @NGRSenate saw the heartlessness of that decision to buy 360 new Toyota SUVs for yourselves at this time of severe economic distress of the citizens and country, please know that you all are the biggest threat to our Democracy.

    “Just know that a day cometh and very soon too, when it would be your fed-up Nigerian Citizens and not the Military that will rise up and collectively chase all of you grossly irresponsible and insensitive people out of office. And very soon too.”

  • SERAP urges Akpabio, Abbas to reject bills regulating social media

    SERAP urges Akpabio, Abbas to reject bills regulating social media

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has advised the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas “to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill which if passed would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy.”
    According to SERAP, the duo should request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to drop any ongoing efforts to put pressure on Google, YouTube, TikTok, and other social media companies to unduly restrict these fundamental human rights.
    Continuing, SERAP said the bill would “criminalize the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.”
    The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) last week reportedly stated that “one of Nigeria’s major problems now is social media”, and described social media as “a monster”.In the letter dated 14 October 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “the social media is neither Nigeria’s problem nor a monster. Any regulation of it would have arbitrary and excessive effects, and cause incalculable damage, both in material and human rights terms.”

    SERAP said, “Any move to regulate social media would be inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international human rights obligations.”

    According to SERAP, “The proposed bill raises serious concerns about the rights to freedom of expression and privacy, and would lead to digital siege.”

    The letter, read in part, “Rather than rushing to pass the social media regulation bill, the National Assembly should encourage the Federal Government to maximize opportunities around social media access, and address the growing social and economic inequalities in the country.”

    “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are immediately taken upon the receipt and/or publication of this letter. SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions against the National Assembly and the Federal Government if the social media regulation bill is ever passed into law.”

    “We urge you to request the administration of President Bola Tinubu to publish the details of any ongoing discussion and engagement with Google, YouTube, TikTok and other social media companies.”

    “The reintroduction of the social media regulation bill would lead to deterioration of the human rights situation in the country and carry major economic costs for all sectors, as well as exacerbate social and economic inequalities.”

    “It would effectively deepen digital divides in the country and seriously undermine the Tinubu administration’s expressed commitment to develop this sector.”

    “Under international law, all restrictions on the operation of social media companies and other intermediaries must comply with the requirements of legality, legitimacy and necessity.”

    “The regulation of social media may be incompatible with the services of major social media and private messaging intermediaries, negatively impacting the free flow of information and ideas, and affecting economic and social activities.”

    “The National Assembly should put pressure on the Federal Government to comply with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and the country’s international human rights obligations regarding the rights to freedom of expression, privacy and participation.”

    “Access to social media is widely recognized as an indispensable enabler of a broad range of human rights. It is central to freedom of expression and the realization of many other human rights including education, freedom of association and assembly, access to information, and participation.”

    “The Federal Government has the legal obligations to promote and facilitate the enjoyment of human rights, and to take all steps necessary to ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to social media. The authorities should refrain from unduly interfering with access to digital communications platforms.”

    “Under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, any restriction on freedom of expression constitutes a serious curtailment of human rights.”

    “The Nigerian Constitution and these human rights treaties protect everyone’s right to freedom of expression, which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information of all kinds, regardless of frontiers. States have the obligation to respect and ensure the right to freedom of expression, without distinction of any kind.”

    “The Nigerian Constitution and human rights treaties protect a broad range of expression, including political discourse, commentary on one’s own and public affairs, canvassing, discussion of human rights, journalism, and artistic expression.”

    “This includes information that may be regarded as offensive, false or untrue by some people but is considered legitimate political discourse by others. Restrictions on the right to freedom of expression are only permissible when they meet the requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.”

    “The onus to show that restrictions comply with those requirements is on the State seeking to restrict rights. Social media regulation bills generally do not meet those requirements.”

    “The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has called upon States not to engage in or condone any restriction of access to the Internet or other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.”

    “According to our information, the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Balarabe Ilelah, recently stated that the social media regulation bill has been sent to the National Assembly. The bill is reportedly seeking to repeal and reenact the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

    “According to the NBC, ‘We have already submitted a bill to amend the NBC act. One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country.’”

    “Similarly, Mrs. Francisca Aiyetan, Director, Broadcast Monitoring of NBC, recently reportedly said that without regulation, young people could be misguided. According to NBC, the Federal Government is currently engaging with Google or YouTube, and TikTok, ‘so we know the faces behind these [social media]

  • Ex-Reps spokesman, Eyiboh optimistic of return to National Assembly

    Ex-Reps spokesman, Eyiboh optimistic of return to National Assembly

    A former spokesman for the House of Representatives, Hon. Eseme  Eyiboh has expressed optimism in getting justice at the Appeal Court even as the Akwa Ibom State National Assembly Election Tribunal dismissed his case against his opponent, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

     

    A three man panel of justices sitting in Uyo on Thursday in the elections petition tribunal fir the Eket/ Esit Eket/Onna/ Ibeno federal constituency brought before it by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Eyiboh against the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Okpulupm Etteh dismissed the petition on the grounds that the petitioner failed to prove the allegations of forgery.

     

    But reacting to the judgement, Hon. Eyiboh argued that the “Tribunal totally avoided making any pronouncement on petitioner’s arguments that since the WASC was not obtained before the ND and other certificates, the OND was a false document that told a lie with intent to deceive and therefore amounted to forgery as held by many Supreme Court decisions cited by petitioner’s counsel”.

     

    Speaking through his counsel, Uyo-0bong Jumbo Esq,

    he said there are very many areas of interest in the judgement, which would be used to upturn the verdict at the higher court.

    Instant areas of contention, he said the “Tribunal upheld the petitioner’s objection that, since Election Tribunal matter is sui generis, OKPOLUPM ETTEH’s, defence was filed outside the statutory 21 days allowance and same was struck out in favour of Eyiboh. This means he had no defence before the Tribunal.

     

    “Tribunal upheld the petitioner’s objection that Okpolump Etteh’s reply on points of law was in excess of the allowed 10 pages and in violation of the Election Petition practice direction and same was struck out in favour of Eyiboh.

     

    “Tribunal upheld the petitioner’s objection to the 2nd respondent(PDP) whose reply on points of law was a re-argument and was also in excess of the 10 pages allowance by the practice direction. Same was struck out in favour of Eyiboh.

     

    “Tribunal upheld petitioner’s contention that it was impossible for Okpolupm Etteh to have obtained his First School Leaving Certificate(Primary School)in 1988 and gained admission into the Polytechnic in 1990 for his OND just 2 years interval without a secondary school education or equivalent

     

    “Tribunal agreed with the petitioner that at the time Okpolupm Etteh said he gained admission for OND in 1990, he had no secondary school certificate or any qualifying requirements to gain admission into a tertiary institution. He obtained his WASC in 2002, 7years after his NYSC in 1997.

     

    “Tribunal agreed that WASC or equivalent was a condition for admission  into tertiary institution .

     

    “Tribunal held that although Okpolupm had no defence to the petition, he can rely on what PDP filed and its witnesses.

     

    “Tribunal overuled petitioner and admitted and relied on documents tendered by PDP even when none of the documents were pleaded by 2nd respondent(PDP) but only Okpolupm whose defence was already struck out thus the pleadings on those documents were no longer existent.

     

    “Tribunal agreed with petitioner that since Okpolupm Etteh asserted that the School of Management he obtained his OND had changed its name, he had the burden to prove that such a school existed but later changed its name.

     

    “Tribunal agreed the name of the school was non existent on the list of approved institutions but that evidence of Eyiboh that he went to Abia state and confirmed the school of management and did not exist anywhere was hearsay.

    Regardless of the Petitioner Counsel’s argument with Supreme Court authorities that, a document made falsely with intent to deceive amounts to forgery, the Tribunal deviated to rely on another Supreme Court authority cited by respondents that to prove forgery petitioner ought to have tendered two set of documents being one original and the forged one to enable a comparison and that since petitioner did not do so he failed to prove forgery and the case was dismissed.

    The petitioner’s case was that, the school of management did not even exist anywhere and no original could thus be obtained.

     

    “On the difference between the names in the Primary School Certificate(FSLC)and other certificates presented by Okpolupm Etteh, the tribunal held that petitioner ought to have called as witness any person who claimed to have been the owner of the first school certificate”, he submitted.

     

    The three man tribunal comprises Hon Justice Kudirat Jose as chairman, Hon Justice M`uazu Abubakar and Hon Justice Philomena Nweke, members

  • Ministerial Screening: Why I tweeted in anger against Nigeria – Bosun Tijani

    Ministerial Screening: Why I tweeted in anger against Nigeria – Bosun Tijani

    The Senate on Saturday quizzed Bosun Tijani, one of the 48 ministerial nominees of President Bola Tinubu, when he appeared before them for screening on August 5.

    In a vexatious post, on the 21st of July 2019, Dr Bosun tweeted against Nigeria saying he does not appreciate the Nigerian passport and Nigeria as a nation.

    Senator Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, began to tackle the 46-year-old Tijani, an Information Technology expert, shortly after he (Bosun) read his profile to the lawmakers.

    Senator Abdulfatai  asked the nominee to clarify whether he still believes in Nigeria and the country’s passport.

    Reacting to the question, Tijani said he is very passionate about Nigeria and he is committed to the country’s development. The nominee said he tweeted as a result of a frustrating experience he had with the Chinese Embassy.

    “I tweeted in anger,” the ministerial nominee from Ogun State admitted.

    Senator Ishaku Abbo representing Adamawa North Senatorial District immediately rose to Tijani’s defense, saying that the nominee tweeted out of a mixture of frustration and love for Nigeria.

    Also, Senator Solomon Adeola from Ogun West Senatorial District defended the nominee from his state, saying his “youthful exuberance” and “shortcoming” should be forgiven.

    Adeola, who chided the nominee, said Tijani has what it takes to use his skills to develop Nigeria’s IT industry, saying the baby should not be thrown away with the bath water.

    Similarly, Senate Minority Leader representing Plateau North Senatorial District, Simon Mwadkwon, read another “non-patriotic” by Tijani which was posted sometimes in 2021.

    Also, Senate Majority Leader representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, described Tijani as an “EndSARS protester”.

    Bamidele said his daughter also protested police brutality and extrajudicial killings in October 2020.

    He said said Tijani was trying to speak for his generation and should not be haunted for the tweet.

    The Senate Leader said Tinubu wants to work with young people like Tijani to bring harmonise their ideas for the betterment of the country.

    Bamidele asked youths to learn from Tijani’s situation and thereafter urged his colleagues to forgive the nominee.

    The nominee subsequently apologised for his non-patriotic tweets and Senate President Godswill Akpabio said his apology was accepted.

    “We are all fathers and we cannot throw the baby away with the bath water…On behalf of the Senate, I want to accept your apology,” Akpabio said and asked the nominee to take a bow.

  • N’ Assembly members to get N70bn from Tinubu’s N500bn palliative

    N’ Assembly members to get N70bn from Tinubu’s N500bn palliative

    Members of the National Assembly will be given N70 billion out of the N500 billion palliative to cushion the effect of removal on subsidy on the lawmakers.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu on yesterday wrote the House of Representatives to amend the 2022 supplementary Appropriation Act for subsidy palliatives.

    However, at the resumed plenary on Thursday, the House passed and adopt the Bill for an Act to authorize the issuance of the sum of N500 billion from the 2022 supplementary appropriations of over N820 billion for the provisions of palliatives to Nigerians to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    The House passed the bill for both second and third reading.

    The summary of the Bill shows that: “N185,236,937,815 to Ministry of Works and Housing to alleviate the impact of the severe flooding experienced in the country in 2022 on road infrastructure across the 6 geopolitical zones.

    “N19,200,000,000 to Federal Ministry of Agriculture to ameliorate the massive destruction to farmlands across the country during the severe flooding experienced last year.

    “N35 billion to National Judicial Council; N10 billion to Federal Capital Territory Administration for critical projects

    “N70 billion to National Assembly to support the working conditions of new members.”

  • Tenth Assembly Leadership Struggle Intensifies as Parties Vie for Power

    Tenth Assembly Leadership Struggle Intensifies as Parties Vie for Power

    In the Nigerian political landscape, the struggle for leadership in the country’s Tenth Assembly has reached a boiling point, with political parties and factions maneuvering to secure positions of power.

    As the assembly prepares to commence its new session, intense negotiations and backroom discussions have taken center stage, reflecting the high stakes involved in determining the nation’s legislative leadership.

    The Tenth Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, holds significant sway in shaping national policies and legislation. Both chambers play crucial roles in checks and balances, lawmaking, and representing the interests of their constituents.

    The two major political parties, the ruling party and the main opposition party, are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for dominance in the assembly.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), currently in power, is keen on maintaining control and ensuring a smooth legislative process that aligns with its policy objectives.

    On the other hand, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) seeks to exert its influence and provide a formidable opposition force to hold the government accountable.

    Within the APC, internal power dynamics are at play as different factions compete for key positions. Aspirants for Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have emerged, each vying for the support of their party colleagues.

    Lobbying, consultations, and strategic alliances are underway as contenders seek to garner the necessary backing to secure victory.

    The PDP, recognizing the significance of the Tenth Assembly, is also engaging in intense deliberations to select candidates who can effectively represent the party’s interests and ideology.

    With the goal of presenting a united front, the party is carefully considering its options and exploring potential alliances with like-minded individuals and smaller political parties.

    It is worth noting that the leadership positions in the Tenth Assembly go beyond mere titles; they hold the key to influencing legislative agendas, committee appointments, and shaping the nation’s political landscape.

    As such, party leaders and legislators are under immense pressure to make strategic decisions that will have far-reaching implications for governance and policy formulation.

    The struggle for leadership in the Tenth Assembly is not only a contest between political parties but also an opportunity for lawmakers to demonstrate their capabilities, political acumen, and ability to build consensus.

    The country’s citizens are keenly observing these developments, with expectations of effective representation, good governance, and legislative actions that address pressing national issues.

    As the assembly inauguration date draws near, all eyes are on the lawmakers-elect as they navigate the intricate web of alliances, negotiations, and power play.

    The outcome of this leadership struggle will undoubtedly shape the course of Nigeria’s legislative agenda and set the tone for the nation’s political landscape in the coming years.

    In the midst of these dynamics, the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to democratic principles becomes paramount.

    Ultimately, the success of the Tenth Assembly hinges on the ability of its leaders to rise above personal ambitions and prioritize the collective interests of the Nigerian people.

  • House of Reps postpone plenary by one week

    House of Reps postpone plenary by one week

    The House of Reps has postponed the plenary to May 16 a week ahead of the initial agreed date of May 9th, 2023.

    The clerk of the House, Dr Yahaya Danzaria made this known via a statement signed and released on Monday evening via the HOR official Twitter Handle. (@HouseNGR).

    The reason for the postponement is to allow members of the House to participate in the ongoing induction programme of the 10th National Assembly.

    The statement reads partly: “This is to inform all Hon Members and the general public that the House of Representatives will not resume plenary on Tuesday 9th May 2023 as earlier adjourned. The next adjourned date will be Tuesday 16th May 2023.

    “This change is intended to allow Members to partake actively in the ongoing induction program of the 10th National Assembly. All inconveniences are highly regretted,” the statement read.