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Tag: Reps

  • Rep Ibrahim replaces late Onanuga as Deputy Chief Whip

    Rep Ibrahim replaces late Onanuga as Deputy Chief Whip

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Tajudeen Abbas, has appointed Rep Isiaka Ibrahim (APC Ogun ) as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

    NAN reports that Abbas made the announcement at the plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, the new deputy chief whip replaces the former occupier of the office, Rep Adewunmi Onanuga, who died on Jan. 15.

    the speaker explained that the appointment was made after consultations with relevant stakeholders and the APC South-West caucus.

    Ibrahim represents Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in Ogun.

  • Another PDP Rep, Amos Magaji, defects to APC

    Another PDP Rep, Amos Magaji, defects to APC

    Mr Amos Magaji, representing Zangon Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency of Kaduna State, has defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Speaker, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, made the announcement on the floor of the House of Representatives during plenary on Tuesday.

    Abbas, who attributed the lawmaker’s defection to the crisis in PDP, urged the APC members of the house to welcome him to their fold.

    The Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, however, counter the defection, citing Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which prescribed the consequences of defection.

    Chinda quoted the section as saying that once a lawmaker defected to another political party, such a lawmaker would lose his/her seat in the house.

    His point of order was, however, met with shouts of disapproval from many of his colleagues.

    In his reaction to the development, the speaker urged Chinda to channel his point of order to the appropriate quarters in writing.

    NAN reports that this section, as it were, may not be absolute, considering a proviso which appears to be a safe haven for defectors.

  • Bode George faults proposed 31 new states

    Bode George faults proposed 31 new states

    A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Chief Olabode George, has faulted calls for the creation of 31 additional states in the country.

    Speaking in an interview with NAN on Sunday, the PDP chieftain said  creation of additional states would not solve the country’s challenges or promote its development.

    Recall that the  Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, had on Thursday said the House had received proposals for the creation of 31 new states.

    Kalu, who is also Chairman of the House Constitution Review Committee, said that six new states were proposed in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West ,five in the South South, five in the South East and seven in the South West.

    According to him, the proposed states include Okun, Okura and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano State Kainji from Kebbi; , Adada from Enugu; Orlu from Imo and Aba from Abia,Etiti and Urashi in the South East.

    Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.

    Some political stakeholders have, however, vehemently opposed the idea, describing it as unnecessary.

    Reacting, George said what was needed in the country at this time was not creation of additional states.

    He argued that the fact that some existing states were not viable clearly showed that state creation would not solve the country’s deep structural problems.

    Instead, George called on the National Assembly to make efforts to  ensure the country achieves true  federalism.saying it was a sure way to achieve  accelerated development .

    “Don”t tell me we should create more states.Forget about more states.We want to create more states and then everybody will be rushing to Abuja.This is not sustainable.

    “Let us look at our federal structure first,the same federal system we run with America.Why are we not running it as they run their own?

    “Go to New York City, the Mayor of New York controls the airport ,the John Kennedy Airport,he controls the ports ,the sea ports.The Mayor of New York ,not the governor.

    “Go to New Orleans,the mayor there controls the ports.The same in Texas ,all oil companies are not controlled by the President. That is federalism.Those people don’t run to Washington every hour to meet the President .

    “In America, they have state police and even county police .Why can’t we have such here ? Creation of more states is not sustainable.What we need now is to address the problems in our federal structure”,he said.

    Calling for devolution of power , George said power devolution would catalyse the development of the country.

    He, however, said the present constitution was not working and there was the need to have a new constitution to drive the country’s development.

    The PDP chieftain said the current constitution put too much power in the centre, leaving the states and local governments helpless and incapacitated.

    “There is no state in this country that The Almighty has not endowed. It is either agriculture or minerals or human resources.

    “But the constitution of this country is not right.We need to revisit it and now allow all.those states to manage themselves ,manage their resources.

    “That is the beginning of the cleansing of this country .Nothing is working because the foundation is faulty,”he said.

    George called for the adoption of the recommendations of the 2014 Confab  to achieve true federalism and address the country’s numerous challenges.

  • Reps back Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget increase

    Reps back Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget increase

    The House of Representatives has pledged to prioritise the interest of all Nigerians in increasing the 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.

    Deputy Spokesperson for the house, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

    President Bola Tinubu had, in December 2024, presented the 2025 budget of 49.7 trillion to the joint sitting of the National Assembly for consideration.

    However, in a letter addressed to both chambers of the national assembly on Wednesday, the president requested that the budget be increased to N54.2 trillion.

    Agbese said that the house was in support of the  proposal to increase the 2025 budget, stating that the development was driven by additional revenue from key government agencies.

    He said that in scrutinising the budget, the house would be guided by its commitment to ensuring that every naira allocated was utilised in the best interest of the common man.

    According to him, this bold move, driven by additional revenue from key government agencies, demonstrates the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to revitalising the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.

    He assured Nigerians that the house would go the whole distance to ensure implementation of a value-for-money budget in the 2025 fiscal year.

    “As we begin our scrutiny of the proposal, we will continue to be guided by our commitment to ensuring that every naira is allocated efficiently, effectively and in the best interests of Nigerians.

    “As we delve into the details of the proposal, we are particularly encouraged by the focus on strategic sectors, such as agriculture, which will receive a significant boost through the injection of funds into the Bank of Agriculture.

    “This initiative has the potential to empower our farmers, stimulate rural development and enhance food security.

    “We also noted the proposal’s emphasis on enhancing national security, particularly the construction of barracks for our troops.

    “This investment in our military’s welfare and infrastructure attests to the administration’s dedication to protecting our nation and its citizens,” he stated.

    Agbese said that both chambers of the national assembly would debate the budget estimates in the weeks ahead, preparatory to its passage before the end of the month.

  • Reps to probe NPA over alleged mismanagement of public assets

    Reps to probe NPA over alleged mismanagement of public assets

    The Public Assets Sub-committee of the House of Representatives has pledged to investigate alleged mismanagement of public assets under Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    In a statement in Abuja, Chairman of the sub-committee, Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, said that the investigation was aimed at ensuring that public assets were properly maintained and utilised.

    He said that the sub-committee would not hesitate to move for revocation of concession and lease agreement of any company found culpable.

    The lawmaker said that the sub-committee, in the process of investigating, would invite all the stakeholders to appear and give account of their stewardship.

    He listed the companies to appear before the sub-committee to include: Crown Flour Mill, GMT Nigeria Ltd., Management Enterprises Ltd. and Dangote Green View and Bulk Oil Terminal Company.

    Others are: Asharami Energy, Leaders Marketing Agency, Nosak Agency Ltd., Oando Marketing Plc, Practoil Ltd., Reliable Firm Nigeria Ltd. and Standard Floor Mills.

    Isiaka said that the committee would notify each of the companies on the specific date and time to appear before the committee at the National Assembly.

  • Reps ‘ll prioritise Nigerians’ interest in increasing 2025 budget to N54.2trn – Agbese

    Reps ‘ll prioritise Nigerians’ interest in increasing 2025 budget to N54.2trn – Agbese

    The House of Representatives has pledged to prioritise the interest of all Nigerians in increasing the 2025 budget from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion.

    Deputy Spokesperson for the house, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Friday.

    NAN that President Bola Tinubu had, in December 2024, presented the 2025 budget of 49.7 trillion to the joint sitting of the National Assembly for consideration.

    However, in a letter addressed to both chambers of the national assembly on Wednesday, the president requested that the budget be increased to N54.2 trillion.

    Agbese said that the house was in support of the  proposal to increase the 2025 budget, stating that the development was driven by additional revenue from key government agencies.

    He said that in scrutinising the budget, the house would be guided by its commitment to ensuring that every naira allocated was utilised in the best interest of the common man.

    According to him, this bold move, driven by additional revenue from key government agencies, demonstrates the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to revitalising the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.

    He assured Nigerians that the house would go the whole distance to ensure implementation of a value-for-money budget in the 2025 fiscal year.

    “As we begin our scrutiny of the proposal, we will continue to be guided by our commitment to ensuring that every naira is allocated efficiently, effectively and in the best interests of Nigerians.

    “As we delve into the details of the proposal, we are particularly encouraged by the focus on strategic sectors, such as agriculture, which will receive a significant boost through the injection of funds into the Bank of Agriculture.

    “This initiative has the potential to empower our farmers, stimulate rural development and enhance food security.

    “We also noted the proposal’s emphasis on enhancing national security, particularly the construction of barracks for our troops.

    “This investment in our military’s welfare and infrastructure attests to the administration’s dedication to protecting our nation and its citizens,” he stated.

    Agbese said that both chambers of the national assembly would debate the budget estimates in the weeks ahead, preparatory to its passage before the end of the month.

  • Rep dismisses alleged N480m request for approving varsities’ 2025 budgets

    Rep dismisses alleged N480m request for approving varsities’ 2025 budgets

    The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on University Education, Rep. Abubakar Fulata  (APC-Jigawa), has dismissed media reports alleging that lawmakers demanded N480 million as condition for approving some varsities’ 2025 budgets.

    Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Fulata said that the allegation was designed to undermine the efforts of the committee to improve the standard of education in the country.

    He said that his reaction to the allegation was to avoid misleading the general public about the activities of the committee and the 10th House of Representatives.

    The lawmaker said it was ridiculous for anyone or group to suggest that lawmakers were demanding for a “kobo” as condition for approving budget proposal.

    Fulata, who listed some plans by the house to improve learning conditions in the universities, said some university managements were avoiding giving their account of stewardship.

    He said that the committee had, in 2024, carried out oversight visits to all federal universities under its supervision, except Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara.

    Fulata alleged that the institution’s authorities did not only block the legislators from accessing the school but also failed to provide documents regarding budget performances for 2022 and 2024 as well as the 2025 budget proposal.

    He said that if President Bola Tinubu could find time to present the Federal Government’s budget to the National Assembly,
    there was no reason for any vice-chancellors not to come and defend his university’s budget proposal.

    “Instead, they (vice-chancellors) have resorted to blackmail, smear campaigns and sponsorship of public outcry against the committee.

    “The committee has placed the matter before the leadership of the house, insisting that the house should not approve the budgets of all institutions whose chief executives refused to come and defend their budgets,” Fulata said.

    He appealed to media practitioners to always cross-check the pieces of information at their disposal before disseminating them.

    The lawmaker said that the committee and the entire house were committed to ensuring uninterrupted academic activities in tertiary institutions and improve on the standard of education in Nigeria.

  • N.8trn budget ‘too tiny’ to solve road problems -Works minister, Umahi tells Reps

    N.8trn budget ‘too tiny’ to solve road problems -Works minister, Umahi tells Reps

    The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.

    Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.

    Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.

    “We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.

    Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.

    The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.

    “When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.

    “Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.

    In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.

    The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.

  • Reps query CBN over mass sack of staff, demand explanation on N50bn severance

    Reps query CBN over mass sack of staff, demand explanation on N50bn severance

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, has requested the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide explanations for the recent dismissal of approximately 1,000 members of staff and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.

    Speaker Abbas made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the ad-hoc committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff on Thursday in Abuja.

    He charged the ad hoc committee chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo to properly investigate the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing the country.

    Represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for transparency in the matter, ensuring that the welfare and rights of the affected employees are protected.

    Acknowledging the imperative of running a learner, more efficient government, and the inherent powers of the apex bank to determine its policies, Speaker Abbas however said there is a need to strike a balance against the welfare of the employees.

    He also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50 billion severance package was determined, ensuring that principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were adhered to.

    He said: “The committee has been tasked with examining several critical aspects of this issue. First, we aim to understand the rationale behind the decision to lay off over 1,000 staff members, particularly during these challenging economic times. The impact of such a significant workforce reduction on individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.

    “Furthermore, the committee will scrutinize the process through which the 50 billion Naira severance package was determined. We must ascertain whether the principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were strictly adhered to in arriving at this figure.

    “Transparency in such matters is key to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our institutions.

    “As a legislative body, we recognise the widely accepted principle of running a leaner and more efficient government. We also understand the CBN’s prerogative in determining policies that align with its operational efficiency. However, such decisions must be balanced against the welfare and rights of employees, as well as the long-term implications for institutional stability.

    “The House of Representatives cannot and will not remain silent when Nigerians feel aggrieved or when there are allegations of coercion or injustice against those who have been lawfully employed. We must provide a platform for all affected parties to be heard and to ensure that their concerns are addressed fairly and justly”.

    Speaker Abas urged the CBN and other affected agencies of government to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust and confidence in government institutions.

    “Your cooperation is vital as we seek to uncover the facts, provide clarity to Nigerians, and ultimately restore confidence in the integrity of government institutions.

    “As we proceed with this investigative hearing, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, accountability, and the greater good of our nation. I hope that at the end of this hearing, all controversies will be cleared, and we can be assured that the CBN’s actions align with the principles of fairness, equity, and the rule of law”, the Speaker said.

  • Interactive session with Nigerians: 18 months after, Reps reel out achievements as leaders insist House not a rubber stamp(Photos)

    Interactive session with Nigerians: 18 months after, Reps reel out achievements as leaders insist House not a rubber stamp(Photos)

    … passed 89 Bills

    … carried out several interventions on behalf of Nigerians

    Apparently peeved by comments that the HoR is a rubber stamp, the House leadership last Friday at an interactive session with Nigerians declared that “our own House can never be a rubber stamp.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports House Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere who represented the Speaker, Dr Tajudeen Abbas did not mince words while engaging participants at the citizens engagement when he declared that:

    “The tax reform Bills with us has not passed second reading as we are adequately consulting all critical stakeholders to deliver good results.

    “Describing the HoR as a rubber stamp is uncalled for and we cannot be one.

    Speaking in the same vein, the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda said: “Our approach to legislative inputs, outputs and actions is quite different.

    “We don’t fight in the public, we engage ourselves at our executive sessions and if there’s need to exchange blows we exchange but we must disagree to agree on topical matters.

    “And don’t forget, this is a unique tenth HoR with seven opposition parties unlike what’s obtainable in the past.

    While reeling out the tenth HoR scorecard, the Speaker said:” Over the past 18 months, from July 2023 to December 2024, the House has shown unwavering dedication to its legislative agenda. Key achievements include the introduction of 1,351 bills, marking the highest number presented in any first session since 1999.

    ” From these, 89 bills were successfully passed, showcasing our commitment to legislative efficiency.

    ” Noteworthy among these are the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which encourages investment in renewable energy and enhances the power sector’s efficiency; the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which strengthens financial oversight and combats corruption; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023, which modernises our criminal justice system to ensure fairness and uphold human rights; and the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023, aimed at bolstering national security and curbing violence.

    “Moreover, we have made significant advances in regional and sectoral development. The Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023, prioritise regional development and socio-economic growth.

    “The Nigerian Medical Research Council (Establishment) Bill, 2023, fosters advancements in healthcare delivery. Social sector reforms include the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2023, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, addressing barriers to accessing tertiary education.

    “The House has consistently demonstrated its commitment to oversight and public engagement. By July 2024, our committees had conducted numerous public hearings, processing a total of 679 motions of which 672 were referred to committees for further action, reflecting a vigorous legislative process.

    ” Furthermore, committees undertook 107 oversight visits to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and alignment with our legislative goals.

    “Over the past year, the House addressed 240 public petitions and resolved forty cases, highlighting our responsiveness to the concerns of citizens.

    “The 10th House has played a vital role in mediating conflicts, notably facilitating dialogues with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to avert nationwide strikes, resolving disputes with the Nigerian Teachers Union to minimise disruptions in the education sector, and engaging with the Nigerian Medical Association to address crucial healthcare issues.

    ” These interventions underscore our commitment to fostering harmony across various sectors.
    In addition, we have actively advocated for gender equality and necessary constitutional reforms.

    ” The House has championed increased representation of women in governance and partnered with organizations such as UN Women to promote gender equality.

    “On 10th October 2024, in a symbolic gesture, the Speaker vacated his seat for a 16-year-old girl to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

    ” The constitutional review committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, continues its engagement with stakeholders on pivotal issues, including local government autonomy, electoral reform, and judicial independence.

    “On 18th December 2024, President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The House has committed it to committee review and will host a Town Hall in January 2025 to gather public input, ensuring that the budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians.

    ” We recognize the economic challenges arising from recent reforms, including removing subsidies. In solidarity with the Nigerian populace, Members have willingly relinquished 50% of their salaries to support government efforts to mitigate these challenges’ impact.

    READ FULL PRESENTATION BELOW:

    Fellow Nigerians, it is with great humility that I, on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, and the leadership of the House, warmly welcome you to this important interactive session. Today, we come together to engage with you— the very citizens we represent— to share insights on our legislative activities since the mid-year presentation of our scorecard.

    This session embodies our commitment to an open parliament, where active citizen participation is pivotal in shaping our legislative journey.

    I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, especially the Ford Foundation, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), for their invaluable support in making this programme a reality.
    In July 2024, the House of Representatives hosted a week-long “Open Parliament” initiative, where we presented our legislative scorecard and invited Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to evaluate our efforts, share their perspectives, and provide constructive suggestions.

    The feedback gathered was instrumental in refining our operations, particularly in oversight, constituency outreach, constitutional review, and representation.

    The positive outcomes of this initiative have inspired today’s ‘State of the House’ interactive session— a platform to update you on our progress and extend our best wishes for the upcoming year.

    This session serves multiple objectives: first, to provide a thorough update on our activities since our last gathering; second, to convey our sincere appreciation for the invaluable support and feedback we have received from citizens through public hearings, constituency interactions, and various channels; and lastly, to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

    We stand before you today because you have entrusted us with the vital responsibility of voicing your concerns; democracy thrives when the public actively engages.

    Over the past 18 months, from July 2023 to December 2024, the House has shown unwavering dedication to its legislative agenda. Key achievements include the introduction of 1,351 bills, marking the highest number presented in any first session since 1999.

    From these, 89 bills were successfully passed, showcasing our commitment to legislative efficiency. Noteworthy among these are the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which encourages investment in renewable energy and enhances the power sector’s efficiency; the Federal Audit Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which strengthens financial oversight and combats corruption; the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2023, which modernises our criminal justice system to ensure fairness and uphold human rights; and the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill, 2023, aimed at bolstering national security and curbing violence.

    Moreover, we have made significant advances in regional and sectoral development. The Niger Delta Development Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the South East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023, prioritise regional development and socio-economic growth.

    The Nigerian Medical Research Council (Establishment) Bill, 2023, fosters advancements in healthcare delivery. Social sector reforms include the Federal Fire and Rescue Service Bill, 2023, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024, addressing barriers to accessing tertiary education.

    The House has consistently demonstrated its commitment to oversight and public engagement. By July 2024, our committees had conducted numerous public hearings, processing a total of 679 motions of which 672 were referred to committees for further action, reflecting a vigorous legislative process. Furthermore, committees undertook 107 oversight visits to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and alignment with our legislative goals.

    Over the past year, the House addressed 240 public petitions and resolved forty cases, highlighting our responsiveness to the concerns of citizens.

    The 10th House has played a vital role in mediating conflicts, notably facilitating dialogues with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to avert nationwide strikes, resolving disputes with the Nigerian Teachers Union to minimise disruptions in the education sector, and engaging with the Nigerian Medical Association to address crucial healthcare issues.

    ” These interventions underscore our commitment to fostering harmony across various sectors.
    In addition, we have actively advocated for gender equality and necessary constitutional reforms.

    ” The House has championed increased representation of women in governance and partnered with organizations such as UN Women to promote gender equality.

    “On 10th October 2024, in a symbolic gesture, the Speaker vacated his seat for a 16-year-old girl to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

    ” The constitutional review committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, continues its engagement with stakeholders on pivotal issues, including local government autonomy, electoral reform, and judicial independence.

    “On 18th December 2024, President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The House has committed it to committee review and will host a Town Hall in January 2025 to gather public input, ensuring that the budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians.

    ” We recognize the economic challenges arising from recent reforms, including removing subsidies. In solidarity with the Nigerian populace, Members have willingly relinquished 50% of their salaries to support government efforts to mitigate these challenges’ impact.

    “Such sacrifices are essential for building a self-reliant and prosperous nation, and we remain dedicated to alleviating the burden our citizens face.

    “As we open the floor for your questions, I assure you that the House of Representatives will remain steadfast in our commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.

    “Together, we will navigate these challenges and work towards building a stronger, more resilient nation. I welcome you again to this interactive session on behalf of the Speaker and the entire House leadership. Let the dialogue commence.