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Tag: Reps

  • Bill to create new state in South East passes 2nd reading in HoR

    Bill to create new state in South East passes 2nd reading in HoR

    A Bill seeking to create a new state in the south-east geopolitical zone has passed second reading at the house of representatives.

    The proposed legislation, which is co-sponsored by three lawmakers from the region — Amobi Ogah (Abia), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (Enugu) — scaled a second reading during plenary on Thursday.

    The lawmakers are proposing to alter the 1999 Constitution to create a new state from Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

    The new state will be known as Etiti, with Lokpanta as its capital.

    The state will have 11 LGAs: Aninri, Awgu, Isuikwuato, Ivo, Oji-River, Ohaozara, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orumba north, Orumba south, and Umu-Nneochi.

    In his legislative brief, Ogah said the bill seeks to address a “longstanding” issue of regional parity and administrative efficiency within the south-east.

    “The establishment of Etiti state is not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance,” Ogah said.

    It responds to the aspirations of the people of a very important region to this country and aligns with the principles of equity and inclusivity enshrined in our democratic ideals.

    “Suffice it to say that it is a long overdue step in the right direction to foster equitable representation, enhance governance efficiency, and promote socio-economic development within the region.”

    The bill was voted for when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

    The bill was read for the first time on July 2.

    On Thursday, the senate also introduced a bill seeking to create Tiga, a new state, from Kano.

  • Speaker Abbas mourns Oyo Rep, Akinremi

    Speaker Abbas mourns Oyo Rep, Akinremi

    …as House adjourns sitting in honour of late lawmaker

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed sadness over the demise of a member of the House, Hon. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi.

    Hon. Akinremi, who was the member representing Oyo North Federal Constituency, died on Wednesday morning. He was the chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions.

    The Speaker, in a condolence message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said he was shocked to receive the news of the death of Hon. Akinremi.

    Describing the late legislator as a patriotic and dedicated Nigerian, who represented his people with zeal, the Speaker said Hon. Akinremi would be sorely missed.

    Announcing the demise of Hon. Akinremi at a brief plenary session on Wednesday, Speaker Abbas, said, “Honourable Members of the House, it is with a heavy heart and sorrow that we announce the passing of the esteemed Hon. Prince Olaide Adewale Akinremi, affectionately known as Jagaban. A dedicated member of this House, he represented the Ibadan North Federal Constituency with unwavering commitment and distinction.

    “Prince Akinremi’s devotion to public service was exemplary. As Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutions, he made significant contributions to both his constituency and the nation. His leadership in distributing palliatives and his support for local artisans, traders, and social groups during challenging times highlighted his deep commitment to the welfare of his constituents.

    “Beyond his political career, Prince Akinremi was a successful businessman and philanthropist. His efforts to empower women, youth, and the less privileged have left an indelible impact on his community. His dedication to fostering unity and development within Ibadan North earned him admiration and respect across political lines.

    “Prince Akinremi is survived by his beloved wife, Mrs. Adama Akinremi, and their five children. His legacy of service, compassion, and leadership will continue to inspire us all. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

    The House observed a minute of silence in honour of the late legislator. In line with the tradition of the Green Chamber, the lawmakers adjourned plenary to Thursday.

    Speaker Abbas prayed for the repose of the soul of the late lawmaker.

  • Aliko Dangote not above parliament – says Reps panel

    Aliko Dangote not above parliament – says Reps panel

    The House of Representatives Committee investigating the arbitrary increase in cement prices has stated that Alhaji Aliko Dangote is not above the parliament.

    The joint Committees on Commerce, Industry, Special Duties, and Solid Minerals had summoned the management of Dangote Cement for questioning over alleged arbitrary increase in the prices of cement in Nigeria.

    The committee, therefore, threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it failed to appear at its next hearing.

    This followed the absence of officials of the cement company during an investigative hearing to address the problem of cement increase in the country.

    The special panel, led by Rep. Jonathan Gaza while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices.

    According to the committee, “no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”

    He committee bemoaned the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

    The committee directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to cause appearances before the committee in the next two weeks.

    This, the committee said, it was to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.

    “They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

    “On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

    “Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly.

    “No single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly.”

  • Reps to FG: Withhold allocation to states running TIC

    Reps to FG: Withhold allocation to states running TIC

    The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to withhold allocation to states running a Transition Implementation Committee (TIC).

    The House also urged the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to create a special account where allocations due to local governments run by unelected officials would be paid.

    The House stated that the money should be withheld until elected representatives are put in place by such state governments.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Gaza Jonathan (SDP-Nasarawa) and Rep. Ademorin Kuye (APC-Lagos) on the floor of the House in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The motion titled,” Urgent need to address the refusal of state government to uphold democratic principles in the local governments and the financial impropriety of unelected local government officials.

    Presenting the motion, the duo noted that the local government, as envisaged by the constitution, was the most important tier of government.

    They stated that the LG was the closest to the people and forms the foundation of both the state and federal governments.

    According to them, the dissolution of democratically elected councils is in direct contravention of section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution.

    “The Supreme Court pronouncements on such matters, states that it is a deliberate affront on democracy.”

    They noted that the number of states acting with impunity and in utter disregard to the constitution continued to increase.

    They noted that not less than 21 state governors are
    currently running local government councils with caretaker committees.

    The duo said that the impunity and disregard to the constitution was a deliberate effort to upstage democracy, frustrate accountability and transparency in the local government and also thwart their development potentials.

    Adopting the motion, the House mandated the committees on state and local government affairs and finance
    to work with the RMAFC to withhold allocations to local governments run by unelected officials.

    The House also urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to institute legal action against any state that terminates the unexpired tenure of a local government.

  • Just In: Reps ask FG to halt Samoa deal immediately

    Just In: Reps ask FG to halt Samoa deal immediately

    The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa Agreement until all all details are adequately spelt out.

    A member of the HoR, Aliyu Madaki, on Tuesday drew attention to the clause which highlights “gender equality” and describes it as a Trojan horse which could violate the morals of the country.

    The House also mandated its relevant committees to investigate the controversial provisions of the agreement.

    Recall that controversy has enveloped the Samoa Agreement signed by the Federal Government with the European Union, with many frowning upon what they thought was the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights by the Nigerian government.

    The Samoa deal sparked a barrage of reactions online with many opposing LGBT rights, which is contrary to the anti-same-sex marriages and gay relationships law enacted in 2014 by then President Goodluck Jonathan.

    At the press conference on Saturday, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; alongside his counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria won’t enter into an agreement that was antithetical to the constitution as well as the religious and cultural sensibilities of the heterogeneous people of Nigeria.

    Bagudu said Nigeria signed the agreement to boost food security, and inclusive economic development, amongst other vital areas.

    Last November, the European Union, its 27 member states and 79 member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) signed an agreement in Apia, the capital of the Pacific island country of Samoa. Hence, it was referred to as the ‘Samoa Agreement’.

    With the new agreement which succeeded the Cotonou Agreement, the parties are expected to be better equipped to address emerging needs and global challenges, such as climate change, ocean governance, migration, health, peace and security.

    Nigeria signed the agreement on June 28, 2024, but it became public knowledge this week after a disclosure by Bagudu.

    CONFUSION:
    In a review of the Samoa Agreement, after it was signed last November, the European Parliament observed that the initial draft agreement contained the LGBT provision but noted that member states “were reluctant to see the foundation agreement mention sexual orientation and gender identity (LGBTI rights)”.

    Parties, however, reached a compromise to commit only to the implementation of existing international agreements on the matter.

    Subsequently, LGBT rights were expunged from the final agreement and replaced with “gender equality”.

  • 10th HoR working to realize LG autonomy, recognition for traditional institutions – Speaker Abbas

    10th HoR working to realize LG autonomy, recognition for traditional institutions – Speaker Abbas

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the 10th Assembly under his leadership has taken steps aimed at actualising constitutionally recognized roles for traditional institutions and the autonomy for Local Governments in Nigeria.

    The Speaker, who stated this at the day-two of the ongoing ‘Open Week’ celebration to mark the first anniversary of the 10th House, noted that it is in furtherance of the objectives that the House constituted two special Standing Committees to drive the process of actualizing constitutional autonomy for Local Governments, as well as granting recognition to traditional institutions in Nigeria.

    “The 10th House, under my leadership, will do its best to give recognition to the traditional rulers during our constitution amendment exercise. Many amendments were made in the past to grant constitutional recognition to traditional rulers, but they never saw the light of day.

    “Because most of us in the House honestly believe that traditional institutions are the backbones of our society, we believe that the welfare of our people will be more enhanced with a legal role for the traditional institutions.

    “We also believe the security of our country will be more enhanced if the traditional institutions are given better roles. That’s the reason from the onset, we decided to create Committees, two different ones, actually. One of them is the Committee on Traditional Institutions to drive the process of giving legal recognition to the traditional institutions in this coming constitutional amendment. The second one is the Committee on States and Local Governments,” he said.

    Speaker Abbas added that “if we must make headway with the ongoing constitution amendment, state governments, State Houses of Assembly, Local Government Councils and their councilors must be considered. That’s the reason we decided that another committee dealing with issues of States and Local governments should come on board.

    “These two Committees, we believe, will drive the process of reaching out to critical stakeholders in the states to ensure that the goal of local government autonomy is realized.”

    Also contributing to the conversation as panelists were traditional rulers led by the Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, who recalled the historical background of traditional institutions in Nigeria.

    He added that during the colonial era, the traditional institution was already established, which was why the colonialists went through the institution to administer their rules.

    “So, we are urging this Assembly to use the ongoing constitution review exercise to re-establish the roles of traditional institutions in the country so that we can assist governments at all levels to monitor and maintain security and peace in our various domains.”

    Also making case for traditional institutions having constitutional roles is the Nigerian Bar Association represented by the President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), who urged the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to revisit all legal and legislative encumbrances hindering the realization of the full potential of traditional institutions in the country.

    He commended the Speaker for championing the cause of returning traditional institutions to their glory days by carving roles for them in the constitution, free from the overbearing influence of political actors.

    He noted that for such roles to be effective and sustainable, the constitution must also take care of the issue of job security for the traditional rulers, whom he said are currently at the mercy of politicians.

    Other panelists representing traditional substitutions from various parts of the country, as well as Members of the House also made case for the constitutional recognition of traditional institutions for the purposes of complementing government’s efforts toward maintaining peace and security.

    They specifically harped on the need to create line items in the budget with a view to funding activities of traditional rulers in their various domains towards fighting insecurity and promoting peaceful coexistence among their subjects and settlers alike.

  • Rep Hart stages a walk out of plenary over new members discrimination

    Rep Hart stages a walk out of plenary over new members discrimination

    A member of the House of Representatives, representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency, Rivers State, Cyril Hart, during Tuesday’s plenary, staged a walk-out after accusing the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, of discriminating against new members during parliamentary debates.

    Hart, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, raised thiss allegation a few minutes after the lawmaker representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok Federal Constituency, Borno State, moved a motion condemning the recent suicide bombings which claimed lives in the North-Eastern State.

    The motion had drawn comments from many lawmakers, including the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Idris Wase; the Chairman, Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson and a host of others who were recognised to speak by Kalu who presided over the plenary in the absence of the Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas.

    But most of the lawmakers recognised by Kalu to contribute to the motion were ranking members of the legislative chamber.

    After the debate, but before Kalu put the motion to a vote, Hart raised a point of order.

    He said, “You do not give preference to first-timers. You don’t.

    “Virtually all those who spoke are ranking members. This is what you always do. You need to allow first-timers to make their contributions.”

    Hart’s statement drew applause from his colleagues, commending him for his intervention.

    Kalu in his swift response said, “There is no discrimination in the parliament. I was also a first-timer at a time.”

    The deputy speaker added that lawmakers are often recognised to speak based on their sitting arrangement, stressing that they may be overlooked if someone is not in the designated row.

    It was at this point that Hart walked out in protest from the chamber, complaining as he left.

  • Reps to investigate promotion stagnation in civil service

    Reps to investigate promotion stagnation in civil service

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate promotion stagnation in the Federal Civil Service from 2013 to 2023.

    The resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Rep. Salman Idris, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Agric Colleges and Institutions in Abuja.

    He said that promotion remained the progression of civil servant as well as a motivational incentive for productivity.

    Idris decried the incessant stagnation in promotions across Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

    This according to him had resulted in loss of service delivery, decline in highly specialized skills, low levels of productivity and performance, employee unrest, corruption and dampened morale.

    “The menace of promotion stagnation in the civil service calls for urgent attention and intervention of this hallowed chamber, if the policies and programmes of Government must be achieved.”

    He said that the civil service remained the engine room of government, adding that it required a holistic reform that could promote global best practices.

    He added that the issues of promotions and recommendations as and when due was imperative and should not be overlooked.

    Idis said some civil servants who eventually get promoted and undergo mandatory examination as required by civil service rules were promoted notionally but not financially.

    He added that every NDAs Ministry, often make provision for such recurrent expenditure in the yearly appropriation.

    He said that every promotion stagnation would have effect on the career of the officer.

    He added that every civil servant was expected to rise to the pinnacle of their career within 35 years in active service or by the retirement age of 60 year.

    The house ruled that the committee on public sector and institutional reforms should investigate promotion stagnation in the Federal Civil Service from 2013 –2023.

    The house stated that this is with a view to having a robust civil service at this critical stage of the nation’s development and report back to the House within 4 weeks.

  • Reps probe CBN’s N1.12trn anchor borrowers scheme, NIRSAL’s N215b loan

    Reps probe CBN’s N1.12trn anchor borrowers scheme, NIRSAL’s N215b loan

    The House of Representatives has ordered probes into the N1.12 trillion anchor borrowers scheme, an initiative of the Federal Government’s interventions and agricultural funding through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Also included in the probe is the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), the Bank of Industry (BoI) and other agencies.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Chike Okafor (APC-Imo) on the floor of the House in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Presenting his motion, Okafor linked the growing food scarcity and malnutrition in Nigeria to the alleged mismanagement of agricultural funds intended for agricultural development in the country.

    He said the Federal Government had expended N8 trillion in 8 years on various schemes and interventions in the last eight years with the view of making food available for millions of Nigerians.

    He added that the alleged mismanagement, misapplication of funds and abuse of the programmes had left Nigeria with the twin challenges of food scarcity and malnutrition.

    Okafor said that funds advanced to end users of the various Federal Government interventions had also been allegedly misused, misapplied and channelled to non-farming and non-agricultural purposes.

    This, he said was responsible for the current acute scarcity of food in the country.

    Adopting the motion, the House mandated the Committee on Nutrition and Food Security as well as the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services; Agricultural Colleges and Institutions and Finance, to probe

    The Committees were mandated to thoroughly investigate CBN’s alleged mismanagement of the Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP) for which ₦1.12 trillion was to be disbursed to 4.67 million farmers.

    The farmers who were said to be involved in either maize, rice or wheat farming through 563 anchors.

    The committees are also to look into NIRSAL’s disbursement of ₦215,066,980,274.52, to facilitate agriculture and agribusinesses.

    The house gave the committees four weeks to report back to the House.

    The house also mandated the  committees to equally assess how the Bank of Industry (BOI) disbursed N3 billion to 22,120 small holder farmers through the Agriculture Value chain financing (AVCF) Programme.

    The committee is to also investigate the handling of the N5 billion loan facility to the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) for livestock farmers across the country.

    This will anls include the management of the National Agricultural Development N1.6 billion Recovery Fund for the Ginger Blight Epidemics Central Taskforce (GBECT).

    This is for the control of Blight disease in Ginger, among other interventions.

  • Reps demand NCAT director, auctioneer’s arrest over 2 choppers sale

    Reps demand NCAT director, auctioneer’s arrest over 2 choppers sale

    The House of Representatives has demanded the arrest of an alleged unlicensed auctioneer and Director, Quality Control, Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, for providing false information on oath.

    The alleged false information was in respect of the sale of two helicopters for $1.2 million.

    The lawmakers want the duo to be arrested by the police in the National Assembly.

    Rep. Ademola Kuye, Chairman, Committee on Public Assets, said this was part of the resolutions of the committee after interacting with the management of NCAT and other relevant bodies in Abuja on Tuesday.

    He called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation into the alleged illegal sale of the two choppers by NCAT.

    In December 2023, the House commenced an investigation into the state of public assets in the country.

    He said the committee’s mandate was to recover assets and moribund public assets within and outside Nigeria.

    This, he said, said the aircraft was sold without the approval of the Federal Executive Council.

    Kuye expressed worry that the two choppers bought at $2.4 billion were sold at $1.2 billion without following due process.

    “We requested documents of any kind of joint venture; there has been no response to that, whether you have one or not.

    “We requested a list of assets, including a comprehensive description and specification of all your listed assets, rented apartments, including acquisition dates and methods, and the current status and conditions of such assets.

    “We cannot specifically say that you have satisfied all of these requests. Though you tried to answer some of them, your responses are not adequate,” he said.

    The lawmakers also queried the use of an unlicensed auctioneer who failed to provide the needed response to inquiries.

    Mr Musa Alkali, Coordinator of Nigerian Army Aviation, said urged the recovery of the two helicopters.