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Tag: Ovie Omo-Agege

  • Official: Omo-Agege retains Delta Central Senate seat, as Waive wins

    Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege has been declared winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District in the last Saturday National Assembly election.

    The Returning Officer in the District, from the University of Benin, Prof. Godfrey Ariavie, declared Omo-Agege the winner of the contest.

    Ariavie said Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Congress (APC), polled a total of 111,100 to defeat his closest rival, Everlyn Oboro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 99,422 votes.

    Similarly, Francis Waive, the APC candidate for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, polled a total of 41,385 votes to defeat Mr Samuel Marierie of the PDP who scored 35,126 votes.

    The House of Representative Returning Officer in the Constituency, Dr Eghosa Igbinovia, declared Waive as winner having polled the highest number of votes.

    Responding to the victory, Waive thanked the people for believing in him, particularly those who had worked tirelessly to ensure his victory.

    “I seek the support of everybody across party lines to bring development and the dividends of democracy to Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.

    “I also want to thank my brothers who contested against with me for putting up a good fight, but as one big family, let us join hands together to advance the course of our constituency.

    “We will welcome any idea that will bring about development of our Constituency,” he said.

  • Buhari appointment of Odibo as NPC commissioner excites Urhobo nation

    Buhari appointment of Odibo as NPC commissioner excites Urhobo nation

    Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate has said the Urhobo nation is excited at the appointment of Sir Richard Odibo as an Honourable Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC).

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Sir Odibo and 22 other commissioners of the NPC were sworn into office on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari following clearance by the Senate.

    Senator Omo-Agege in statement signed by his legislative aide, Nathaniel Dortie, said the Urhobo “people are very proud of Mr. President’s decision to appoint Sir Odibo who is undoubtedly one of Delta’s finest leaders and technocrats”.

    “We have full confidence that the highly respected Sir Odibo will add great value to the NPC with his huge wealth of leadership experience, deep wisdom and management skills”.

    The Delta Central Senator vowed to continue to pray and work with President Buhari and the Federal Executive under his leadership and all relevant stakeholders to promote his agenda for the greater good of the nation.

    “It is the earnest desire of the Most Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege that our very best leaders, technocrats and seasoned professionals should take their rightful place of true service in our national affairs.

    “Finally, it is our prayer that God Almighty grants Sir Richard Odibo good health and extraordinary strengths and wisdom to serve with patriotism, distinction and honour,” the statement read.

     

  • Omo-Agege messages House over suspension resolution [Full statement]

    It has been brought to my notice that on Tuesday 10th July, 2018, the House of Representative purportedly resolved to suspend me, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, APC, from the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for 180 legislative days. The said resolution was made pursuant to a certain Ad-hoc Committee investigative report presented by Hon. Betty Apiafa (PDP or CUPP) on my alleged involvement in an incident that occurred in the Senate Chamber which led to the removal of the Senate’s mace by some persons on April 18, 2018.

    Without much ado, I state without equivocation whatsoever that the purported House resolution is just an act of utter lawlessness by one ordinary first among equals in the Senate who prides himself as a most intolerant dictator. The Urhobo people that I represent with honour in the Senate do not respect oppressors or dictators. To this extent, I will never ever bow down to a lawless emperor. Instead, I visit all the contempt, scorn, and disdain in this world upon the supposed resolution, especially its originator, knowing that the very good men and women of that most Honourable House did not willfully make such a manifestly inoperable and laughable resolution. Very soon, one would soon receive similar disrespectful resolutions from the Kwara State House of Assembly or Local Government Legislative Houses in Kwara State where he prides himself without justification as a demi-god and now seeks to do so on the national stage. Before then, I must ask those who were deceived to make this so-called resolution and the emperor in the Senate who lacks the civilized mind, wisdom and capacity to manage ordinary democratic dissent to eat the worthless resolution or better still, shove it.

    With humility, I am a good student of constitutional law unlike the one who knows nothing about the law yet misuses our legislative processes and instruments to violently violate my rights as a Senator of the Federal Republic duly elected by my people to represent them in the Red Chamber just like him. Not being a member of the House of Representatives, I cannot be subjected to any form of investigation or disciplinary action by the House. Very importantly, by the clear letters and living spirit of Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly has no power whatsoever to investigate any alleged crime. The removal of the Senate’s mace was described in the Senate as a “heinous crime”. For this reason and much more, it is a matter now under an active criminal investigation by the police. Usurping the constitutional functions of the police, Hon. Betty Apafia ignored this fact and elected to submit a so-called report on this incident and inflicted incalculable harm on my person thereby. There must be consequences for this.

    Furthermore, it has been decided in a plethora of judicial decisions that legislative houses cannot suspend their members. Some of these cases are: Hon. Danna v. Bauchi House of Assembly, Dinno Melaye & Ors v. Speaker House of Representatives, Sen. Ali Ndume v. Senate President, Hon. Abdulmumin Jubril v. Speaker, House of Representative and, of course my recent case, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege vs The Senate President. And in this instance, the matters are already before a court of competent jurisdiction and therefore subjudice. It is elementary that parties are not supposed to take steps to force fait accompli on a court that is already seised of issues between such parties.

    But some would rather turn the Senate to a Banana Republic by arrogating to themselves powers they do not have and acting with disgusting lawlessness and brazenness. The irony is that some of these same people were allowed to enjoy the full benevolence that our legal system provides by remaining ‘unsuspended’ or ‘unremoved’ from their legislative positions when they had challenges with the law. Even much more ironical is that these same intolerant dictators often dare to unjustly accuse our dear President Muhammadu Buhari of some fairy dictatorship!

    In all, let me say that if they ever assumed that I will be a victim of the travesty of justice, violation of our constitution, and untrammeled impunity being piped from the Senate by a dictator, they are dead wrong. My people and I will lose nothing as a result of this sickening dictatorship in the senate. This is a fight the Senate dictator and drummer must lose. He has bitten more than he can chew. Our Constitution and constitutionality will surely prevail in this.

     

  • Omo-Agege: Taiga congratulates Urhobo nation

    The President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, has rejoiced with the Urhobo nation over resumption of duties of the Senator representing the Urhobo nation in the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    In a press release, Olorogun Taiga said while the suspension of Omo-Agege lasted, it was the Urhobo nation that suffered because it was robbed of his voice in the Senate.

    He reiterated his call on the Senate leadership to stop further appeal on the matter and face more urgent matters of national importance.

    “We have many problems in Nigeria to keep the Senate busy and it should refrain from chasing shadows.

    “The rejection by the court of the Senate’s plea of stay-of-execution of the earlier judgment declaring Senator Omo-Agege’s suspension illegal further attests to the futility of the Senate’s continuous pursuit of the case,” Olorogun Taiga asserted.

    Olorogun Taiga used the opportunity to urge Senator Omo-Agege to redouble his efforts in his service to his fatherland, especially the Urhobo nation that sent him to the senate.

     

  • Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege appears before Senate in plenary

    Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege on Wednesday appeared before the Senate in plenary.

    The News Agency of Nigeria correspondent reports that Omo-Agege was seen signing the attendance register within the upper chamber.

    The Senate on April 12, suspended Omo-Agege (APC-Delta) over a “dissenting comment’’ on decision of the Upper Chamber on adoption of conference report on Electoral Act (2010) Amendment Bill.

    Omo-Agege, however went to court to challenge his suspension and the court in its ruling, declared the action unconstitutional, saying that the Senate could not suspend a member beyond 14 days.

    The Senate appealed the ruling but said in a statement that while it was waiting for a stay of execution, it would not stop the lawmaker from resuming plenary.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, of Federal High Court on May 10, held that while the National Assembly had the power to discipline its erring members, the premise on which Omo-Agege’s suspension was anchored was illegal.

    Although the court refused to grant any of the seven prayers sought by the senator, ‎it held that the suspension could not hold on grounds of the “violence” it did to the Constitution.

    The judge noted that from the wording of the report of the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee which recommended Omo-Agege’s suspension, he was punished for filing a suit against the Senate after apologising to the legislative house over the allegation leveled against him.

    “Access to court is a fundamental right in the Constitution, which cannot be taken away by force or intimidation from any organ,” the judge ruled.

    The judge also added that the Senate’s decision to punish Omo-Agege for filing a suit against the Senate and for punishing him while his suit was pending constituted an affront on the judiciary.

    He added that even if the Senate had rightly suspended the senator, it could only have suspended him for only a period of 14 days — as prescribed in the Senate rules.

    He also ruled that the principle of natural justice was breached by the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee by allowing Senator Dino Melaye, who was the complainant, to participate in the committee’s sitting that considered the issue and also allowed him to sign the committee’s report.

    The judge therefore nullified Omo-Agege’s suspension “with immediate effect.”

    He also ordered that the senator be paid all his allowances and salaries for the period he was illegally suspended.

     

  • Breaking: Court floors Senate’s Stay of Execution on Omo-Agege

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has declined the Senate’s application for Stay of Execution of its judgment quashing the suspension of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

     

    Details shortly…

     

  • Omo-Agege: Taiga urges Senate to discontinue appeal

    Omo-Agege: Taiga urges Senate to discontinue appeal

    The President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, has urged the Nigerian Senate to discontinue its appeal against the victory of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege.

    This is coming even as Olorogun Taiga congratulated Senator Omo-Agege on his victory, saying it was not only a victory for the Senator alone, but the entire Urhobo nation.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Senate filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution on a High Court judgement nullifying the suspension of Senator Omo-Agege at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

    The Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified the suspension of the Delta Central Senator by the Senate describing the action as unconstitutional, after the Senator instituted a suit challenging his suspension.

    Taiga, while speaking with newsmen at the weekend, said the Urhobo nation was being denied representation at the red chambers and that there is an urgent need for the leadership of the Senate, especially Senate President Bukola Saraki to see to it that Senator Omo-Agege is immediately recalled to take his rightful place in the upper chambers.

    Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 days by the Senate after he accused his colleagues of working against President Muhammadu Buhari by amending the electoral act.

    The Senate said the suspension was not because of Omo-Agege’s comments on the election re-oreder but for his move of approaching the court over the matter.

    Nullifying the suspension of the Delta Central Senator, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held that while the National Assembly had the power to discipline its erring members, the premise on which Omo-Agege’s suspension was anchored was illegal.

     

  • Senate invasion: Saraki visits wounded female Sergeant-at-Arms Officer [Video]

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Sunday visited Mrs. Sandra Davou, Sergeant-at-Arms Officer who was wounded when thugs reportedly sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege invaded the Senate on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports Mrs. Davou suffered various injuries after she was assaulted when the thugs invaded the Senate chambers of the National Assembly.

    The Senate President, who was away in Washington when the incident happened, had condemned the invasion of the Senate and said the red chambers will stop at nothing to bringing those responsible to book.

    He also commended the leadership and all members of the Senate for standing up firmly in defense of democracy and the rule of law with their decision to defy those who machinated the attack on the red chambers of the National Assembly.

    “I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

    “My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

    “With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

    “I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice,” Saraki said.

    https://www.facebook.com/bukola.saraki/videos/10156365678829962/

     

  • FCT Police release Omo-Agege as Senator denies stealing mace

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has denied making away with the symbol of authority of the Senate.

    TheNewsGuru reports the National Assembly was on Wednesday invaded by thugs suspected to be supporters of the Delta Central Senator. They carted away the Mace of the Senate in the process.

    The Senator in a statement emanating from his office, and signed by Barrister Lucky Ajos said he never invaded the red chamber nor made away with the mace.

    “Based on legal advice and his understanding of the current position of the law, Senator Omo-Agege today resumed work and sitting with his colleagues.

    “A few champions of the unconstitutional, invalid and tyrannical suspension tried to stop him but those who opposed it welcomed and protected him throughout the sitting,” the statement read.

    TheNewsGuru reports on Thursday April 12, 2018, the Senate suspended Senator Omo-Agege over the remarks he made at a press conference that the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act which changes the sequence of elections set by INEC is targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Following the invasion of the National Assembly today the Senator was arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police and Divisional Police Officer (DPO).

    https://youtu.be/FCBwDnnZsWs

    “We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the Mace of the Senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.

    “Following media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege. He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the Police. Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter,” the statement read.

    The statement by the barrister also responded to Senate Spokesperson press statement on the invasion of the National Assembly.

    “We are also aware of a statement allegedly issued by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi. Without any investigation, Senator Sabi willfully, deliberately and unfairly made very serious allegations against Senator Omo-Agege on the Mace incident.

    “We are carefully studying Senator Sabi’s allegations to ascertain their full ramifications. Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary,” the statement read.

     

  • NASS invasion: We’ll get to the roots of this – Senate President

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has condemned the invasion of the National Assembly in which the symbol of authority of the Senate was carted away by suspected Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sponsored thugs.

    TheNewsGuru reports Senator Omo-Agege allegedly sponsored five thugs to invade the red chamber of the National Assembly on Wednesday and forcefully carted away the mace of the Senate.

    In his reaction to the developments, Saraki, who has been away in Washington where he is attending the Spring Meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF), said the National Assembly will get to the root of the matter.

    He commended the leadership and all members of the Senate for standing up firmly in defense of democracy and the rule of law with their decision to defy those who machinated the attack on the red chambers of the National Assembly.

    Saraki also lauded the swift reaction by the leadership and members of the House of Representives in demonstrating their solidarity with the red chamber and thereby sending a strong signal that enemies of democracy and those who want to undermine the legislature will be resisted by all parliamentarians.

    “I have just been informed that some hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers, forcefully taken away the mace and assaulted some of our Sergeant-at-arms on chamber duties. I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

    “My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

    “With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

    “I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice,” Saraki stated.