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Tag: Reps

  • Reps summon CDS, COAS over arrest of Miyetti Allah’s leader

    Reps summon CDS, COAS over arrest of Miyetti Allah’s leader

    The House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Army to release Bello Badejo, the detained president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

    Following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mansur Soro (PDP, Bauchi) during Tuesday’s plenary session, the House resolved that the military should also apologise to Mr Badejo for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.

    Mr Badejo was reportedly arrested on 9 December at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, by officers of the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

    Moving the motion, Mr Soro described the detained leader of the herders’ group as a “distinguished community leader”.

    He accused the military of acting like the police instead of focusing on their mandate of protecting Nigeria against external threats.

    “The House is disturbed that the continued detention of Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for in Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” he stated in his motion.

    Mr Soro also claimed that Mr Badejo was arrested over a dispute between a retired general and the Maliya community.

    “The arrest is allegedly in connection with a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community,” Mr Soro added.

    Following the presentation of the motion, the House also resolved to invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; and the Commanding Officer of the 117 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20 December 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why officers under their command violated the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    Mr Badejo’s ordeal with the law
    Mr Badejo’s group, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, is a socio-cultural association of predominantly Fulani pastoralists, whose members are often blamed for violent clashes with farmers and residents in Benue, Nasarawa and other states.

    Some of their members have also been accused of being responsible for kidnap-for-ransom in different parts of the country. But the group vehemently denies the allegations, maintaining it is a peaceful association of law-abiding citizens.

    In March, Mr Badejo was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), in which he was accused of violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The government accused him of unlawfully establishing an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. He was held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

  • Reps move to probe Customs over alleged smuggling by its personnel

    Reps move to probe Customs over alleged smuggling by its personnel

    The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate alleged smuggling activities by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

    The House took the decision at a plenary session on Wednesday following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Oluwaseun Whingan.

    Whingan cited an incident involving a journalist in Badagry, Lagos state earlier this month who was assaulted while attempting to make video recording of activities at a location he described as a “smuggling zone.

    Among other things, he called for the investigation of the Nigerian Customs Service’s legal framework and the activities of officers of the agency while carrying out their duties

    The motion has however been referred to the Committee on Customs and Excise.

    Also during plenary, a bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 to provide for compulsory counselling and training for convicts of corruption-related offences scaled second reading in the lower chamber.

    The bill was sponsored by Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode, representing Lagos Island.

    The lawmaker who moved the motion raised eyebrows over the behaviour of the Customs officers.

    Among other things, he called for the investigation of the Nigerian Customs Service’s legal framework and the activities of officers of the agency while carrying out their duties

    The motion has however been referred to the Committee on Customs and Excise.

    Also during plenary, a bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 to provide for compulsory counselling and training for convicts of corruption-related offences scaled second reading in the lower chamber.

    The bill was sponsored by Hon. Akiolu Moshood Kayode, representing Lagos Island.

    Leading the debate during plenary on Wednesday, Kayode said the bill seeks to amend Section 67 of the Principal Act by expanding it with additional three provisions which stipulate that magistrates and judges shall not only sentence convicts of corruption-related offences to imprisonment and/or fines but shall also impose on them a mandatory period of counselling and training.

    Speaking on the general principles of the bill, Kayode clarified that the compulsory anti-corruption counselling and training of persons convicted of corruption-related offences are in recognition of the strong connection that exists between mental disposition and the primitive accumulation of wealth.

  • Reps seek reduction of checkpoints along Onitsha-Enugu highway

    Reps seek reduction of checkpoints along Onitsha-Enugu highway

    The House of Representatives  has called on security agencies to reduce the number of checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway.

    The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Amobi Ogah (LP-Abia), during plenary in Abuja.

    Presenting the motion, Ogah expressed concern over the current approach of mounting excessive security checkpoints, adding that it was counterproductive and undermined the economic stability of the region.

    He said that the house was fully aware that the security agencies in Nigeria were mostly involved in mounting security checkpoints on the nation’s major roads.

    The lawmaker said that they included the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC).

    “It is disturbing that, in a journey of 105 km, there are approximately 28 security checkpoints; that is, at an average of 3.7 km each,” he said.

    The house called on all the security agencies to ensure that security operatives acted within the bounds of the law, and do not use their positions to harass or exploit citizens.

    Adopting the motion, the house noted that the mounting of numerous checkpoints along the motorway violated the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to free movement.

    The House also directed affront to the dignity of the people, particularly in the South-East, where such levels of militarisation were more pronounced.

    “It is worrisome that these security checkpoints appeared to be more of a tool for harassment than a genuine effort to ensure security,” it said.

    The house urged the Joint Committees on Defence, Army, and Police Affairs, to dialogue with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police, to explore alternative security strategies that would not subject people to undue hardship.

    It also mandated its Committee on Road Safety to dialogue with the FRSC Corp Marshal, with a view to regulating the number of its checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu Motorway.

    The lawmakers urged its Committee on National Security to engage its relevant agencies and advocate for community-based security initiatives and improved intelligence gathering.

    This, according to the lawmakers , would effectively address regional security concerns, other than the use of excessive security checkpoints on the motorway.

    Members mandated the joint Committees of Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security, to intensify strict oversight to ensure that security operatives act within the bounds of the law.

  • You must unfreeze NSIPA’s account within 72hrs, Reps tell President Tinubu

    You must unfreeze NSIPA’s account within 72hrs, Reps tell President Tinubu

    The House of Representatives has issued a 72-hour ultimatum for President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun to unfreeze all accounts of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) within 72 hours.

    The House also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Nentawe Yilwatda to ensure that all the administrative bottlenecks hindering the smooth operations of all programmes of NSIPA are immediately removed.

    The lawmakers who also resolve to transmit this resolution to the Senate for concurrence, said this has becomes necessary to enable the smooth recommencement of all programmes and the release of funds to NSIPA for the payment of outstanding stipends owed to 395,731 N-Power beneficiaries nationwide.

    These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, and 19 others.

    Moving the motion, Kalu noted that NSIPA was established pursuant to the National Social Investment Programme Agency (Establishment) Act, 2023, with the mandate of empowering unemployed persons, vulnerable widows, orphans, children, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable senior citizens, etc.
    He also noted that NSIPA oversees critical social intervention programs such as Grant for Vulnerable Groups, N-Power, the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT), and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).

    He further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Government gives emphasis to the mandate of the NSIPA to cushion the effect of economic shocks on the poor and the vulnerable.

    The Deputy Speaker expressed concerns that despite the programmes of NSIPA being vital for poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, and economic inclusivity in Nigeria, the agency’s functionality has been hindered due to administrative bottlenecks, insufficient funding, and frozen accounts.

    He recalled that the effort of the government and the laudable programmes of NSIPA were truncated by alleged financial mismanagement by handlers of the programmes leading to the suspension of programmes and freezing of the agency’s account and subsequent investigation by anti-corruption and security agencies.

    The lawmaker said, restoring NSIPA’s account aligns with the President’s vision, ensuring that poverty alleviation efforts remain effective, efficient, and impactful, and that it is essential to act swiftly to resolve this issue to maintain momentum toward the administration’s poverty eradication goals;
    Kalu expressed concern that; “the smooth operations of the programmes and the fulfillment of the mandate of NSIPA are hindered due to the suspension (freezing) of the accounts of the agency and other administrative bottlenecks, which has remained in force even more than 3 months after the President reconstituted the new management of NSIPA.

    “The NSIPA Frozen account contradicts the President’s mandate on poverty alleviation by hindering and halting social welfare programs, including conditional cash transfers, small business grants, and school feeding initiatives; undermining economic empowerment initiatives; delaying in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and causing erosion of public confidence and administrative paralysis in fighting poverty, among other things.

    “As a result of the suspension of accounts of the NSIPA, the N-Power programme has been so negatively affected that 395,731 beneficiaries are owed outstanding stipends to the tune of N81, 315, 440, 000 (Eighty-One Billion, Three Hundred and Fifteen Million, Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Naira)—a fund already captured under the 2023 and 2024 amended Appropriation Acts, which will lapse by the year ending 31st December, 2024.”

    The House on adoption of the motion, agreed to transmit its resolution to the Senate for concurrence.

  • Reps endorse motion to flush out CCT Chairman, Umar Danladi

    Reps endorse motion to flush out CCT Chairman, Umar Danladi

    The House of Representatives has passed a motion to flush out the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Umar Danladi.

    This was sequel to a motion promoted by the Majority Leader of the House, Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo), who cited Section 17(3) of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

    Constitutional requirement stipulates that Danladi could only be removed by a two-thirds majority of the 360 members of the House.

    TNG recalls that the Senate last week also recommended Danladi’s removal, following a motion moved by Opeyemi Bamidele, the majority leader.

  • Speaker Abbas leads Reps on advocacy walk against gender-based violence

    Speaker Abbas leads Reps on advocacy walk against gender-based violence

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Monday led the leadership and members of the House in a remarkable action to commemorate this year’s celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

    Accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; Majority Leader of the House, Hon. (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere; Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, and several other members of House and senior aides, Speaker Abbas led a walk against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

    Prominent participants in the exercise include Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; National Youth Leader, All Progressives Congress, Dayo Israel, among others.

    The advocacy was part of this year’s 16 Days Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which aimed at the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

    The slogan for this year’s campaign is ‘No Excuse for Violence!’

    The advocacy train moved from the National Assembly Complex to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, where the House presented a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to demand proper investigation and prosecution of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

    Addressing the crowd at the main entrance to the National Assembly, midway into the journey, the Speaker declared that the 10th House was ready to do more in the campaign against GBV and VAWG.

    Speaker Abbas said: “This day is the day of history; a day that the National Assembly has chosen to become an active partner with other groups in the country to fight against gender-based violence. This year’s programme came at a time when, all over the world, women are crying, in anger and frustration. This is the year that the United Nations has issued a damning report, that every 10 minutes, a woman is being killed across the world.”

    He added: “This is an unacceptable trend. This is an unforgivable trend. We in the parliament must have to unite – more than ever before – with the relevant authorities particularly the law enforcement in ensuring that we curb this dangerous trend to the barest minimum.

    “I want to say it categorically clear that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated in the very near future.

    “I also want to announce that the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, will play an active role in the next national action plan against violence against women, which will be coming up very soon. We will send our representatives. We will also participate actively in ensuring that pro-poor policies are enacted to significantly reduce the incidences of violence of all kinds against women, against children, against girls.”

    Speaker Abbas, then, declared open the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

    Thereafter, the Chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Ogbara, led the delegation to the Force Headquarters, where she presented the petition on behalf of the House, demanding thorough investigation into cases of violence against women and girls.

    There are other activities lined up for the 16 days activism against gender-based violence, which the House would be actively involved in for the next 16 days.

  • Reps to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

    Reps to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

    In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

    This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

    According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

    This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

    “This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

    Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

    1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
    Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

    2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
    A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

    3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
    This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

    The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

    *Details of the March:*

    • *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
    • *Time:* 8:00 AM
    • *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
    • *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

    Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

    Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

  • Reps vow to reintroduce rejected bill on 6-year single term

    Reps vow to reintroduce rejected bill on 6-year single term

    The 34 House of Representatives members who sponsored the bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for a six-year single term for the president have resolved to reintroduce the bill.

    Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) said this in a statement in Abuja on Friday, following the rejection of the bill on Nov. 21 during plenary.

    The bill sought the introduction of a six-year single term for the president, governors and local government chairmen. The bill sought zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding all elections in one day.

    Ugochinyere, however, said that all hope was not lost on the bill, as more consultations would be done.

    The lawmaker, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, said that the decision on the floor of the house would not put an end to agitation and hope, insisting that the objective behind the bill would be realised.

    “The struggle to reform our constitutional democracy to be all-inclusive and provide an avenue for justice, equity and fairness has not been lost.

    “The decision on the floor of the house yesterday (Thursday) not to allow the bill for six-year single tenure and all elections to hold in one day will not end the agitation,” he said.

    Ugochinyere described the rejection of the bill as a temporary setback that would not affect the campaign for an all-inclusive democratic process.

    “We are going to review this decision and find possible ways of reintroducing it after, following due legislative procedures.

    “All I can tell Nigerians is that we will continue the advocacy and convince our colleagues to see reason with us. If elections are held in one day, it will reduce cost and rigging.

    “If power rotates, it will help de-escalate political tensions and six-year single term will go a long way in helping elective leaders to focus on delivering their democratic mandate,” he said.

  • Constitutional amendment: We’ve received 161 areas for review -Reps

    Constitutional amendment: We’ve received 161 areas for review -Reps

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, says the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has received proposals for amendments in approximately 161 areas.

    The Reps deputy speaker stated this in an interview with newsmen shortly after his presentation with state governors at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) meeting in Abuja.

    Kalu, who is also the Chairman of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution, was accompanied by the principal officers of the house.

    Describing the meeting as ‘productive’, Kalu noted that without engaging the governors, the wheel of progress in achieving the ongoing constitutional amendment would be slow.

    “We informed them that we are going to be visiting their states and the geopolitical zones to advance the opinions of the public in their various zones with regards to the thematic areas of the constitution that we are looking at.

    We informed them that we have received about 161 areas to amend in the constitution and we are going to give them the breakdown of all of them in the coming engagement,’’ he said.

    The deputy speaker said that the committee would continue its engagement with the governors, especially for their input on the amendment of the constitution.

    He said that the committee also requested the governors to nominate an anchor person, like a state liaison officer, between the state and the committee to fast-track their inputs and the committee’s feedback

  • Hajj: Reps demand explanation over unequal distribution of subsidy for pilgrims

    Hajj: Reps demand explanation over unequal distribution of subsidy for pilgrims

    The House of Representatives has expressed anger over inconsistencies in subsidies for pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

    This was the discovery by the Ad-hoc Committee investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board over the 2024 Hajj exercise on Tuesday, in Abuja.

    The Committee Chairman, Rep. Sada Soli accused NAHCON of using these discrepancies to benefit certain interests.

    The Commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Saleh Usman, was absent and was represented by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, to Prince Olarewaju Elegushi. However, Soli insisted that the Chairman appear in person, even directing Elegushi to call him during the hearing.

    Soli questioned the unequal subsidy distribution, asking, “How come you are giving full subsidy, half subsidy, and some none, yet they are all Nigerians?”

    Elegushi explained that those excluded registered after the subsidy allocation had closed. Soli rejected the explanation, stating, “As long as they are Nigerians and pilgrims, they are to enjoy the same privilege.”

    The Committee criticized NAHCON’s handling of funds and privileges, saying, “You are giving subsidies at will because you have the authority. Did the Federal Government direct you on how to use it? You are selective because it benefits you.”

    Rep. Soli emphasized the need for discipline and fairness, particularly for average Nigerians who save for years to afford the pilgrimage.

    The Committee also addressed issues such as discrepancies in travel allowances, exchange rates, and the preference for foreign airlines over local carriers. Soli assured that the investigation would be thorough and unbiased.

    Committee member, Rep. Mohammed Umar Bio described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure despite substantial funding, including N90 billion from the Federal Government. “With all this funding, NAHCON’s performance was abysmal,” he stated.
    When NAHCON Chairman Usman eventually joined the hearing, he admitted to irregularities within the agency.

    Soli bluntly told him, “Mr. Chairman, NAHCON is very dirty,” to which Usman responded, “Yes, I agree.”

    In his opening remarks, Soli highlighted the Committee’s commitment to improving future Hajj operations.
    He stated, “Our goal is to ensure every pilgrim’s journey is safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling. Unfortunately, this year’s Hajj faced numerous challenges, from logistical issues to inadequate services. This investigation aims to identify the root causes and develop strategies to prevent a recurrence.”
    He acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including NAHCON officials, travel agencies, airlines, and pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in finding solutions. Soli assured transparency and fairness in the investigation, pledging to submit a detailed report to the House.