TheNewsGuru

Tag: Reps

  • JUST IN: Innoson chairman reacts to rejection of Innoson Jeeps for Toyota Camry

    …Says House Free To Make Their Choice

    The Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Co. Ltd, the first indigenous vehicle manufacturing plant in Nigeria, Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, popularly known as Innoson, has said that the house is free to buy any vehicle that they like.

    Speaking on Wednesday following a report that the house rejected Innoson jeeps, to spend N5bn on Toyota Camry, he said that it is a matter of choice whether you buy Innoson or Japanese products.

    “Buying Innoson products is as good as buying Japanese products, with Mitsubishi engine or some American products.

    “It is not purely a local technology yet, as the engine of the vehicles are imported from places like Japan and America. It has all the advantages of Made- in- Japan vehicles like fuel efficiency. Yet the vehicles were built for Nigerian roads.”

    According to him one of the advantages of buying Innoson products is that the owner of the vehicle can return the vehicles to the factory for refurbishment.

    “At the end of the day, your vehicle would come out almost as new. Our raw materials are sourced locally, except the ones that cannot be gotten locally.

    “Presently, the company has made in-road into some African countries, such as Mali, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Chad, Niger, Togo.

    As the first indigenous motor manufacturing company in Nigeria. Chukwuma has proven that Nigerians can produce a motor car.

    Its record, within just a decade, confirms this: over 10,000 vehicles manufactured, over 7,000 human resources, and markets covering over 25 African countries.

  • Exclusive: Reps reject Innoson jeeps, to spend N5bn on Toyota Camry

    Exclusive: Reps reject Innoson jeeps, to spend N5bn on Toyota Camry

    The House of Representatives would spend a whooping N5 billion to purchase 2020 Toyota Camry for Reps after they outrightly rejected Innoson made in Nigeria Jeeps.

    Each of the cars will cost $35,130, which is equivalent of ₦12,541,410 naira only.

    While 400 pieces of it would cost the sum of $14,052,000, which is equivalent of ₦5,107,902,000.00 naira only.

    In most cases the House purchases 400 pieces to accommodate other top civil servants.

    After a two hour executive session on Tuesday, it was reliably gathered that the 360 member House rejected the idea of buying Innoson Jeeps as official vehicles.

    Recall that in the 8th House, members had rejected same Innoson Jeeps and opted for Peogeot 508.

    The Yakubu Dogara led House had to immediately change course which led to late arrival of the cars which came in batches.

    The Femi Gbajabiamila led House in the last seven months had developed a proactive approach to solve problems, “this may not pose any problem,” a source confided in TNG.

    He said “as it’s we cannot do otherwise other than to support the collective decision of all members”.

    Special Features of the car:

    * It has plenty of active safety features, and some of the best fuel economy estimates in the segment.

    * A smallish trunk and noticeable cabin noise are among its few faults.

    Pros & Cons

    * Great fuel economy

    * Engaging ride

    * Generous list of standard features

    * Good predicted reliability rating

    * Below-average trunk space

    * Noisy cabin.

  • Reps uncover N65bn non-remittance in FAAN

    Reps uncover N65bn non-remittance in FAAN

    The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has uncovered over N65 billion of unpaid revenue remittances from Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    Chairman of the committee, Rep. Abiodun Faleke made this known during an investigative public hearing with the leadership of FAAN led by the Managing Director, Captain Rabiu Yadudu on Tuesday.

    Faleke said that the total sum of expected revenue remittance was N74.66 billion from FAAN from 2014 to 2019, but only N9 billion was remitted.

    “We have given you information that 2014 we expected N9.48 billion from the actual money collected but you remitted ₦500 million.

    “In 2015 we expected N10 .89 billion was expected but you remitted only N2.151 billion. This is according to your records. We are not even dealing with Accountant-General’s records; even your remittances do not tally with Accountant-General’s record.

    “In 2016, we expected N11.6 billion. You remitted N1.565 billion. 2017, we expected N13.19 billion; you remitted N1.511bn.

    “In 2018, the government expected N14 billion; you remitted N1.788 billion. 2019, you were expected to remit N15.49 billion but you remitted N1.35 billion.

    “Between 2014 and 2019 the government, by our law, should have earned N74.663 billion from FAAN but what was earned was just N9 billion. You are part of the system that underpaid the government.”

    The committee chairman emphasised that what the federal government borrowed to finance the agency’s budget was “not up to the amount you under remitted”.

    “You did not build new airports; even if you had built new airports, you do not have the authority to spend that money. You have to seek the approval of the National Assembly,” he said.

    The committee gave the management of FAAN three weeks to report back with relevant documents.

    “I just want you to have records when you are coming back; the records we need from you.

    “We expect all original receipts from 2014 to 2019 for your remittances; the list of invoices you issued to your customers and the value; the reason for the difference between your remittance and the actual collection; your internal auditor’s report; comprehensive details of contracts awards from 2014 till date showing tax deducted and the original treasury receipts of those remittances, and your bank statements for First Bank and Zenith Bank and any other bank.

    “We need the documents four days before our meeting date.”

  • Reps Summon NIMASA DG over Refusal to Submit Audited Report

    The House of Representatives Public Account committee on Monday ordered the Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA boss, Hon Dakuku Peterside to appear before it within 48hours over the inability of Agency to submit its audit accounts in the last four years.

    The members of the Committee currently
    Investigating the alleged deliberate and reckless refusal by non Treasury Funded MDAs to render audited accounts to the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation took the decision after the submission of the Director, Mr Victor Onuzuruike , who represented the Agency.

    The Committee described the explanations of the Director that the audited report for the period under review was ready but that it has not been approved by the Board of the Agency as unacceptable and after thought

    The members frowned at the attitude of Agency for failing to render the audited Account for over four years and consequently directed the Clerk of the Committee to write to the NIMASA boss to appear before the Parliament within 48 hours failure which a bench of warrant of arrest would be issued against him.

    While expressing displeasure over the failure of some accounting officers of some of the invited MDAs to be at the hearing, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Wole Oke lamented that the MDAs stayed off despite the adequate notice in newspaper advertorials and invitation letters.

    He said the refusal of the agencies to render their audited accounts not only violated the constitution but a deliberate efforts to sabotage governance in the country..

    He declared that the refusal by some partially funded and revenue generating agencies of the federal government was a flagrant violation of the constitution.

    Rep .Oke, who described the statistics of violations as alarming noted that the development indicated an outright disregard for the constitution which was the grand norm of the country

    He also warned the heads of the MDAs to stop hiding under the guise of absence of governing Boards that would approve their audited Accounts as reasons for not coming before the parliament with the documents as the long arm law would catch up with such people.

  • [VIDEO] Gbajabiamila frustrated as Security Chiefs sends their accountants to reps on insecurity discourse

    [VIDEO] Gbajabiamila frustrated as Security Chiefs sends their accountants to reps on insecurity discourse

    The attached video shows the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila lamenting over the nonchalant attitude of the Security Chiefs of the nation.

    According to Speaker Gbajabiamila, he called a meeting of the service chiefs to know what they want and how to assist them but rather than honour the invitation they sent their accountants respectively.

    A visibly frustrated Gbajabiamila said: “I’m almost embarrassed!”

    Watch video:

  • Insecurity: Reps summon IGP Adamu

    Insecurity: Reps summon IGP Adamu

    The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to appear before the House over recurring incidences of extra-judicial killings in the country under the guise of accidental discharges by the Police and personnel of other security agencies.

    The resolution of the House followed a Motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Deputy Whip, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (APC-Abia), Reps Ozuruigbo Ugonna (PDP-Imo) and Princess Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo).

    Onyejeocha called on the House to summon the Police Chief to brief the lawmakers on the increasing incidences of accidental-discharge deaths in the country.

    She condemned: “In its entirety, the incidences of accidental discharges, wrongful use of firearms and commiserate with the families of victims” and demand that the House.

    “Mandate the Inspector General of Police to investigate and bring to Justice and culprits in the killing of Hon. Ndubuisi Emenike and indeed Theo killing attributed to wrongful use firearms by Security agents”.

    She also asked the House to direct “the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Armed Forces, and all other Security Agencies authorized to carry firearms, to desist/ be prohibited from shooting/discharging firearms for amusement, celebrations, jubilation or otherwise other than for the purpose of protection of lives and properties”

    The House, she said, should: “mandate the House Committees on Police Affairs, interior and other relevant House Committees to invite the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the other stakeholders to brief the House of Representatives on measures being taken to ensure that these kind of incidences are forestalled and culprits face the weight of the Law”.

    She recalled several incidences where members of the Security agencies “used their firearms for purposes other than the protection of lives and properties including, but not limited to discharging/shooting at public events such as rallies, weddings, burials etc often for amusement or wild celebrations”.

    The House is also to investigate the accidental discharge in Imo, that killed Late Emenike and to commiserate with his family.
    The House also adopted a similar motion by Rep. Solomon Maren(PDP) calling on the Police, to stop killings in Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency of Plateau State.

  • Reps call for resignation of Service Chiefs

    The House of Representatives has called for the resignation of all Service Chiefs following the deteriorating security situation in the country.

    This was sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno) at plenary on Wednesday.

    The House urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Service Chiefs, if they fail to resign.

    Moving the motion earlier, Monguno said that territorial integrity of Nigeria was being threatened following the resurgence of insurgency in the North East.

    Mongonu who represents Monguno/Marte/Nganzai Federal Constituency of Borno said that the attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East zone have lingered for more than seven years.

    He recalled that when President Muhammadu Buhari came into power in 2015, the activities of insurgents were reduced to the barest minimum.

    Monguno said that the feat achieved by the Nigerian Armed Forces had led to increased economic activities within the North-East zone.

    He however said, “Recently, the Boko Haram insurgents who were relegated to the background are now unleashing terror in Borno and Yobe states.

    “The insurgents have forced the Nigerian Military to close traffic on the Damaturu-Maiduguri road for some days; the Damaturu-Maiduguri road is the only access from Maiduguri to other parts of Nigeria.

    “The closure of the road is an indication that the Boko Haram insurgents have seized the road and attacked communities on that axis.”

    According to him, incessant attacks on communities along the Damaturu-Maiduguri road, have forced the residents to flee to refugee camps in Maiduguri for safety.

    Also, Rep. Ahmadu Jaha (APC-Borno) called for the sacking of the service chiefs, saying that they have failed to decimate Boko Haram in the North-East.

    Jaha who represents Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency of Borno said that contrary to the claims by the military, his constituents were still being attacked and displaced.

    “I know what I am saying; I know that tomorrow, people can come for me; I am calling for immediate removal of all the service chiefs and their immediate replacement with competent ones.

    “The truth of the matter is that they have overstayed and the officers under them are not stimulated (motivated) to work, perform and to end this war,” he said.

    After unanimous adoption of the motion, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila mandated the Committee on Defece to ensure implementation of the resolution.

  • We are having sleepless nights over Nigeria’s security situation – Reps

    We are having sleepless nights over Nigeria’s security situation – Reps

    The House of Representatives has said that the cries of victims of insecurity in the country are giving it sleepless nights, noting that urgent legislative measures were needed to stem the tide.

    The chairman House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Benjamin Kalu(APC, Abia), who spoke at a press briefing on Tuesday also disclosed that the House would henceforth take steps aimed at changing the negative narrative about it in particular, and the National Assembly in general.

    He said: “We’re going to look at what pains you and pains us, that is insecurity that is in the land. The insecurity in the land is much. It is alarming. We can no longer paint it with beautiful colours, we can no longer discuss about it in low tunes”.

    “The cries of the people that have lost their lives are giving us sleepless nights. And something needs to be done about it. So this 9th Assembly is going to look at the various legislative interventions with regards to the insecurity in the land to ensure that Nigerians are safe, better than they have been in recent years.

    “Because that is the core mandate of every government, to protect lives and property. If you don’t protect lives, then who are we structuring our government for?”, Kalu queried.

    He noted further saying that the dimension of introducing the police into the fight against internal terrorism was a step in the right direction, just as he acknowledged the strength and capacity of the nation’s police force to effectively tackle internal security challenges.

    “You and I are both aware of what is happening with the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East and the recently proposed introduction of the police into the fight against it.

    “And as you are aware, it is the responsibility of the police to take care of internal security. So its not a wrong decision for them to be called upon to play this role that the constitution gave them mandate to play.

    “Now, there is this doubt, this aspersion against the police that will they be able to do it or not? The recent report we are getting has also shown that the police is capable of handling our internal security.

    “There are some success stories coming from what they are doing at the moment and so we are going to use legislative interventions to support them in that regard.

    “And not only that, all other players within the armed forces, we will make sure that the people are motivated the more to serve Nigeria and to protect Nigerians better,” Kalu added.

  • APC wins Reps seat in Cross River

    APC wins Reps seat in Cross River

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Alex Egbonna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the House of Representatives election for Yakurr/Abi Federal Constituency in Cross River.

    Dr Alalibo Johnson, State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), announced the result on Sunday at the collation center in Ugep, Yakurr Local Government Area.

    Alalibo said that, the APC candidate got 29,716 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Mr John Lebo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 26,039 votes.

    The commission also declared Mr Davies Etta of the PDP as winner of Abi constituency seat in the State House of Assembly.

    The PDP candidate garnered 13, 349 votes to defeat his closest rirval, Mr Eyeng Iwqara of the APC who had 8, 792 votes.

    The REC, however, said that, INEC cancelled election in Afafanyi/Igonigoni Ward, consisting of eight polling units with combined total of 5,616 registered voters, due to violence.

  • PDP, House of Reps caucus urge Christians to pray for Peace of Nigeria

    PDP, House of Reps caucus urge Christians to pray for Peace of Nigeria

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Caucus at the House of Representatives have urged Christians to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria, particularly against the backdrop of the numerous of challenges facing as a nation.

    Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, Leader of the PDP caucus at the House of Representatives stated this in a goodwill message on the occasion of the 2019 Christmas celebrations across the country and world entirely.

    The caucus leader in the message narrated that the country needed prayer to overcome numerous challenges especially in the area of poor management of the country’s economy and resources by an inept government, and flagrant abuse of human rights.

    Hon. Chinda added: “Among other challenges are continuing rape of democracy and the destruction of the time-worn principles of separation of powers, as well as the several avoidable killings of Nigerians and general state of insecurity in the country.

    “While we rejoice and celebrate with Christians on this event which marks the birth of Jesus Christ, we also urge Christians to continue to exhibit the qualities of Christ, for which the spirit of tolerance, sacrifice, mutual love and peaceful co-existence with other Nigerians are the hallmarks.

    “We hereby for ourselves, our families, constituents, and the Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the House of Representatives, felicitate with Christians across the globe, particularly those in Nigeria on the occasion of this year’s Christmas celebrations.

    “Once more, congratulations and we wish all Christians happy and joyous Christmas celebrations.”