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Tag: Reps

  • 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.

  • Reps begin two weeks recess

    Reps begin two weeks recess

    The House of Representatives has begun a two-week recess, and will reconvene on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

    This recess is designed to allow Honourable Members to undertake critical oversight of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of Government and to ensure proper accountability on behalf of the Nigerian people.

    This decision was first communicated to Honourable Members via an announcement titled “Pre-Budget Oversight” during plenary on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.

    The schedule was further adjusted today through formal internal correspondence to Honourable Members from the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on the directive of the House Leadership.

    “As we approach the close of the year, this period of oversight is essential for assessing the performance of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring accountability and efficiency within the public sector and fulfilling our obligation to the Nigerian people. I therefore urge all members of Parliament to approach this assignment with the seriousness that it deserves,” Speaker Abbas noted.

    During the announcement, the Speaker called on Honourable Members to utilise this time to enhance governance and uphold their oversight responsibilities. He also urged the MDAs to cooperate with visiting lawmakers in compliance with relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the House’s Standing Orders.

    “I call on all MDAs to extend their full cooperation, providing members with all necessary information and access to facilitate thorough and meaningful assessments,” he added.

    The public is advised that the recess will only affect House plenary sessions, while other legislative activities, including constituency outreach, committee meetings, and essential consultations in preparation for the forthcoming budget sessions, will continue as usual.

    The 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability while effectively addressing the needs of the Nigerian people.

    Signed:

    *Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.*
    Spokesman, House of Representatives

  • Reps want sales of alcohol, illicit drugs banned in motor parks

    Reps want sales of alcohol, illicit drugs banned in motor parks

    The House of Representatives has urged governments at all levels to immediately ban sales of alcoholic drinks and other drug-related substances in and around motor parks across the country.

    The lawmakers also urged the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to extend its services to the parks and carry out random tests for drivers to ensure that they were not under any influence.

    NAN reports that the call followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Abbas Adigun (PDP-Oyo) at the plenary on Thursday.

    Moving the motion earlier, Adigun said that consumption of psychoactive drugs and alcoholic drinks could increase the risk of motor accidents, leading to loss of driving coordination, poor judgement, poor vision and consequently, loss of lives and property.

    He said that it was a global practice that alcohol and other substances that could be abused were limited to the pubs and not in parks and public transport areas.

    According to the lawmaker, motor parks have become sales points of alcohol and illicit drugs where drivers, prior to their take-off, consumed the substances, thereby endangering the lives of passengers.

    Adigun said that alcoholic beverages were freely available and openly displayed at motor parks, except for narcotic drugs that were usually traded and consumed clandestinely.

    “Many drivers take alcohol or hard drugs before embarking on their journey simply because they are being sold at the motor parks, thereby endangering the lives of passengers and pedestrians,” he said.

    The house urged transport business owners with private parks to discourage sales of alcoholic drinks in their parks.

    The legislators urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to beam its searchlight on motor parks across the country to arrest and prosecute dealers and consumers of illicit drugs.

    In his ruling, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, mandated the Committee on Drugs and Narcotic to ensure compliance.

  • Reps reject call to restore Niger Delta ministry

    Reps reject call to restore Niger Delta ministry

    The House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a motion that sought to restore the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    The motion, which was sponsored by Rep. Oboku Oforji (PDP-Bayelsa), was dropped following Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’ announcement that the President was willing to sign the South-South Development Commission Bill.

    Abbas told the House that he got the President’s assurances over the bill in a meeting, saying that the motion had been overtaken by events.

    The Majority Leader of the House, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo) said that the issues contained in the motion were germane.

    He, however, said that the conversion of the Niger Delta Development Ministry to that of Ministry of Regional Development will not in any way deny the Niger Delta region of its due development.

    According to him, it will reduce its impact in the region, but it had only broadened its scope to develop other regions.

    It would be recalled that President Tinubu had on Oct. 24, scraped the ministry and replaced it with the Ministry of Regional Development.

    The change expanded the mandate of the new ministry to encompass developmental activities in all the six geo-political zones in the country.

    Earlier, Oforji recalled that the Ministry of Niger Delta Development was created on Sept. 10, 2008 by late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who appointed Ufot Ekaette as the first minister.

    He explained that the ministry was created to promote and coordinate policies for the development, peace,unity and security of the Niger Delta region.

    The Rep. said that the ministry was to ameliorate the suffering, agitations and neglect of the oil rich region for decades by successive governments.

    He said that the years of oil spillage, lack of arable land and social amenities in the region had necessitated the emergence of militancy in the region.

    “It was in the short term of late President Yar’Adua ‘s leadership from Katsina State that dialogue was initiated with major stakeholders in the region and militants culminating in the Amnesty Programme that has brought relative peace to the region.

    “These were prelude to the creation of the ministry, which was aimed at infrastructural development, environmental protection and empowerment of the youths in the region.

    “The people of Niger Delta believe that the lofty dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers of the region will be actualised someday, hence their embrace of the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development,” he said

    Oforji said that the oil rich region witnessed palpable tension following the announcement of the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.

    The House, however, resolved to step down the bill and to expedite actions on the bill on South-South Development Commission, which currently exists in other geo-political zones and controlled by the new Ministry of Regional Development.

  • Reps want INEC’s Local Gov’t offices relocated

    Reps want INEC’s Local Gov’t offices relocated

    The House of Representatives has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to relocate its Local Government offices to neutral and secured locations to protect the integrity of the commission.

    The call followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Sunday Nnamchi (LP-Enugu State) at plenary on Wednesday.

    Nnamchi said that Section 157 of the Constitution guarantees INEC unhindered autonomy and independence to conduct national elections.

    He said that INEC has a critical role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country, in accordance with the law.

    He noted that majority of the INEC’s local government offices were situated within local  government headquarters.

    “This is potentially hampering and compromising the independence of INEC in the conduct of national elections.

    “This proximity exposes INEC to manipulation and control by council Chairmen, particularly in areas dominated by a single political party.

    “This impedes INEC’s impartiality as enshrined in Section 6 of the Electoral Act (2022). Hence, the need to maintain public trust and confidence in the electoral processes,” he said.

    In his ruling, the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on INEC and other relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and report to the House for further legislative actions.

  • Reps dole out N100m to victims of Jigawa tanker explosion

    Reps dole out N100m to victims of Jigawa tanker explosion

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, led a delegation from the House to sympathise with the people and government of Jigawa State over last week’s petrol tanker explosion, which led to the death of over 170 persons.

    This is even as members of the House from the North-West zone, as well as others from other zones, donated the sum of N100 million to the families of the victims.

    The incident took place at Majiya town in Taura Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, October 15.

    The House delegation, which was at the Government House in Dutse, the state’s capital, sympathised with Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the unfortunate incident.

    The Speaker said: “It is indeed with deep sense of loss, sadness that members of the House of Representatives are here to commiserate and condole the good people of Jigawa State over the unfortunate incident the happened a few days ago.

    “We received the news with great shock and dismay but with that total submission to the Almighty Allah. Whatever happens to a man, we believe is predestined. All we can do as faithful is to pray for the repose of those who passed away.

    “Your Excellency, I will like you to know that the House is with you at this period of loss and sorrow; the House is with you in looking for ways and means of preventing future occurrence in Jigawa State and Nigeria as a whole. The House is with you in looking for solutions to other major issues bedeviling our region in particular. We are with you in finding succour to those who are affected by this tragedy.”

    The Speaker then announced the donation of the sum of N100 million from the members of the North-West caucus and other zones to the victims of the tanker explosion.

    “The House, in its own little way, has decided to give a symbolic contribution to show our sympathy and empathy to the great people of this state, particularly the victims of this unfortunate incident.

    “The House has mandated me and other members here present to announce a donation of N100 million towards the treatment of those who are in the hospital and to give additional support to the families of those who lost their lives.”

    Speaker Abbas extended the condolences of the House at this moment of grief, praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and quick recovery for individuals who sustained injuries.

    “May the Almighty God grant those who died eternal peace and Jannatul Firdaus. May those who recorded various degrees of injuries recover in record time.

    “Your Excellency, please accept the profound condolences and consideration of the House on this tragic incident. May God continue to protect us, bless our governor, bless our state, and bring lasting peace in our lives.”

    Part of the delegation were the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Leader of the Northern Caucus, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Leader of the North West Caucus, Hon. Sada Soli; chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; ex-Deputy Speaker and chairman, Committee on Federal Character, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Hon. Nazif Sani; Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, and Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed.

    Governor Namadi, in his response, expressed profound appreciation to the Speaker and the House for visit and “this show of generosity and brotherhood.” He assured that the donation would get to the affected victims.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Jigawa State, I want to thank you and the members of the House of Representatives. Despite your busy schedule, you created time to come and condole with us at this moment. This has shown the sign of commitment to the nation.

    “With this singular act, the House of Representatives has demonstrated to the Nigerian people that it is the true representatives of the people, and you are with the people at the times of need. We are sincerely grateful.

    “You did not only lead this delegation. You also donated the sum of 100 million for the victims. This is more than a call of duty. We thank you very much for this generosity and show of brotherhood.

    “I want to assure you that this money will go to the intended people in Sha Allah. This incident is really devastating to us as a people. But with people like you, we feel strengthened; we feel there is hope, and we feel Nigerians are with us in the time of need.

    “As a nation, this shows we are concerned with the problem of one another. May Allah continue to be with you and strengthen you in your service to this nation. We are sincerely grateful.”

  • Abandoned N1.6bn contract: Reps threaten to arrest Works ministry PS

    Abandoned N1.6bn contract: Reps threaten to arrest Works ministry PS

    The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works a five-day ultimatum to appear before it and answer questions regarding the alleged abandonment of a federal road construction project in Kaduna State, valued at ₦1,461,376,553.75.

    PAC Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam announced the directive after the Permanent Secretary failed to respond to two previous invitations.

    The committee made the resolution while entertaining issues bothering on non-compliance with financial regulations, the procurement act, and to assess the value for money concerning the project.

    The road construction contract, which spans 115 kilometer and was awarded to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd on October 5, 2022, was expected to be completed within 12 months.

    The committee frowned at the attitude of the Permanent Secretary whom it said has formed the habit of treating the invitation of the committee with levity and stated that, this time, it will never be Business as usual.

    The Permanent Secretary did not appear or respond to invitations sent on August 5th and October 11th, 2024 respectively.

    Rep. Salam emphasized that the committee requires an explanation for the full payment made to Jam-Jam Dynamic Platform Ltd. despite no evidence of project execution.
    Consequently, a motion to the effect was moved by Rep. Dauda Nyampa, amended and seconded by Rep. Ari Mohammed and was unanimously supported by the members.

    “Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has issued a five-day ultimatum to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of works to show cause why a warrant of arrest should not be issue against him by the house of representatives for failure to respond either in writing or to appear before this constitutional committee to explain why a sum of N1.4 billion was paid to Jam-Jam Dynamic platform Ltd. for the construction of Gidanwanya-Guaran, Dutse-Waman, Ravi-Saminaka-Kano Road awarded on the 5th October 2022 to be completed within 12 months received full payment without execution of the project,” Salam said.

    The committee has made it clear that if the Permanent Secretary does not appear or respond by October 29, 2024, a warrant of arrest will be sought for his failure to address the allegations surrounding the substantial payment made for the abandoned road project.

    Public Accounts Committee also said that the Permanent Secretary has up to Tuesday, October 29 to respond and appear before it.

  • Reps urge CBN to increase agric lending to 7%

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise agricultural lending from 1.4 per cent to 7 per cent of its total lending over the next five years.

    The House also urged the CBN to ensure that 50 per cent of the lending goes to smallholder farmers through microfinance institutions, farmer cooperatives and value chain commodity associations.

    This, according to the house, should be at interest rates between 7.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent.

    This resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo (LP-Anambra) during plenary in Abuja.

    The motion was titled, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and De-Risking Agribusiness in Nigeria”.

    Okonkwo attributed Nigeria’s struggling economy, widespread poverty and increasing hunger to declining agricultural productivity, driven by low capital investment and insufficient funding.

    He noted that NIRSAL’s objectives include strengthening agricultural and financial value chains by promoting best practices in agricultural financing, loan utilisation and repayment, thereby reducing the risks of agricultural lending.

    He expressed concern that despite agriculture contributing 40 per cent to the nation’s GDP and providing over 60 per cent of employment, the sector had continued to experience slow growth and underperformance, despite its vast potential.

    Okonkwo recommended allocating an additional $3 billion to NIRSAL to support lending to agricultural value chain actors and reduce interest rates for borrowers to between 7.5 per cent and 10.5 per cent.

    The House adopted the motion and directed the Committees on Banking Regulations, Agricultural Production and Services, Nutrition and Food Security, and Finance to monitor compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

  • Constitution Review: Reps to engage NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others

    Constitution Review: Reps to engage NGF, NGE, LG Chairmen, CSOs, Others

    … Kalu announces membership of sub-committees

     

    The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has said that it will engage the Nigerian Governors Forum, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Conference of Speakers of State Legislature, Chairmen of the 18 Political Parties, Civil Society Organisations, amongst others, as part of activities for the ongoing review.

    The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu who made this known during the committee’s meeting in Abuja, also said that the House will be holding an international legislative dialogue on women on October 28 and zonal public hearings in January.

    In his remarks, Kalu assured that the committee is on track to deliver to Nigerians, a new Constitution by December, 2025, noting that the essence of the engagements is to get the input of various stakeholders and brief them on what the committee is doing.

    He said that the Committee in carrying out most of its assignments, will be broken down into subcommittees, which will not be exhaustive as additional members will be included later on to ensure that everyone is carried along.

    The Sub-committees members according to thematic areas include: Local Government Matters, “Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Hon. Onwuzibe Ginger Obinna, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya , Hon. Jimbo Inemesiti Clement, Hon. Ibrahim Tukura Kabir, Hon. Abeji Leke Joseph, Hon. Olawuyi Olatunji Raheem, Hon. Ahmed Idris.”

    Judiciary, “Rt. Hon. Bello Kumo ii. Hon. Ogene Victor Afamefuna ii. Hon. Manu Zoro Mansur iv. Hon. Agbedi Fredrick Vv. Hon. Benson Babajimi Adegoke vi. Hon. Gbewfi Gaza Jonathan, Hon. Mamudu Abdulahi vili. Hon. Sada Soli.”

    Electoral Matters: “Rt. Hon. Ali Abdulahi Ibrahim ii. Hon. Tarkighir Dickson iii. Hon. Aliyu Muhktar Betara iv. Hon. Ofionu Goodwin Odey Ekpo v. Hon. Osoba Olumide Babatunde vi. Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati vil. Hon. Oke Olubusayo Oluwole vill. Hon. Abiodun James Faleke.”

    Security Architecture, “Hon. Isa Ali JC li. Hon. Pondi Julius G. ii. Hon. Chinedu Nweke Ogah, Hon. Akpatason Peter, Hon. Olayide Adedeji Stanley, Hon. Ajang Alfred Iliya,cHon. Bob Solomon, Hon. Igariwey Iduma Enwo.”

    Gender Issues – “Rt. Hon. Onanuga Adewunmi Oriyomi li. Hon. Rotimi Akintunde Oluwaseun li. Hon. Mohammed Audu iv. Hon. Fatima Talba Vv. Hon. Zainab Gimba vi. Hon. Princess Miriam Odina vii. Hon. Akume Regina viii. Hon. Ogbara Adetola Kafilat.”

    Devolution of Powers & Other Special Matters: “Rt. Hon. Chinda Kingsley Ogundu ii. | Rt. Hon Madaki Aliyu Sanni iii. Hon. Obed Paul Shehu, Hon. Amadi Akarachi Etinose, Hon. Fulata Abubakar Hassan vi. Hon. Kabir Amadu vii. Hon. Mohammed Danjuma Hassan viii. Hon. Francis Waive.”

    Members of the Committee on Human Rights include: Rt. Hon. Ozodinobi George Ibezimako, Hon. Magaji Amos Gwamina, Hon. Yusuf Rabiu, Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Ahmed v. Hon. Sunday Cyriacus Omehia, Hon. Ajiya Abdulrahaman and Hon. Dasuki Abdlsamad.”

    The Deputy Speaker, thereafter assured that clear actionable recommendations from the women summit holding next week will be taken forward in the constitutional alteration exercise.

    • He added that the summit will help in building of political will and eliciting of commitments from political leaders and stakeholders.
  • Reps angry with Navy over purchase of foreign platforms without insight

    Reps angry with Navy over purchase of foreign platforms without insight

    The House of Representatives has expressed anger with the Nigerian Navy for indiscriminate acquisition of foreign platforms without its knowledge, and failed to respond to its letters demanding for documents to facilitate effective oversight of the security agency.

    Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Rep Yusuf Gagdi stated this while addressing journalists after a closed door meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Navy, during an oversight visit, on Monday in Abuja.
    He said:

    “We cannot say anything now until we have gone to see those projects, the platforms that are being built, then we can come back here, and have another interaction”.

    Gagdi also provoked with the Nigerian Navy over at manner in which the case of a personnel, Seaman Haruna Abbas, was handled, leading to his dismissal after six years in detention.
    Abbas was allegedly held in detention for the period without trial over some disciplinary issues. As a result, his wife had cried out through a popular Abuja radio programme, Brekete Family Radio and Television programme on Human Rights Radio. This sparked wide condemnation before the Navy tried and subsequently dismissed him from service.

    “We came for an oversight function, you all know every committee has the Constitutional power, so we came to the Navy to ask questions on tax payers’ money, how monies appropriated to the Navy is being spent.
    “We came to ask questions on how interventions by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is being spent by the Navy. How the junior officers are being treated by the senior officers, including the famous case of Seaman Haruna, how he was suddenly dismissed. It is our responsibility on behalf of the Nigerian people to ask questions on these pertinent issues.

    “We’ve asked them, but we are generally uncomfortable with them, so we’ve said that we are going to go on oversight visit, to perform a deep rooted oversight to know how resources are being applied and how disciplinary matters are being handled by the Navy.
    “So by the special grace of God, it’s not a new thing, we are only doing our job. And I have told you without any fear of contradiction that the committee is not satisfied.
    “Beyond the Seaman Abbas issue, we are not satisfied with the non-response to letters written by this committee, for documents demanded to guide us in our oversight function and so on, and the acquiring foreign platforms without the knowledge of this committee, and so many things.
    “We cannot say anything now until we have gone to see those projects, the platforms that are being built, then we can come back here, and have another interaction”, he added.
    In his brief earlier, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, told the committee that the Navy was facing several challenges hinging on but not limited to “inadequate resources to effectively carry its operations.”
    The CNS stated that beyond its military responsibility, the Navy also performs the function of policing the waterways, complementing the Nigeria Customs which has no deep-sea policing capacity.