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Tag: Senate

  • Screening: Bianca Ojukwu tells Senate “our embassies are dilipadated, portrays bad image for Nig

    Screening: Bianca Ojukwu tells Senate “our embassies are dilipadated, portrays bad image for Nig

    Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, nominated by President Bola Tinubu as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, narrated her experiences as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain during her Senate screening.

    She revealed the challenges she faced, including living in a hotel for a year due to the poor condition of the Nigerian embassy in Madrid.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed concern that the embassy’s dilapidated state did not reflect Nigeria’s image abroad.

    She began an extensive refurbishment project aimed at restoring both the embassy and the ambassador’s residence.

    Bianca said, “I would like to say that my past records speak for me. As an ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, I spent an entire year in one hotel room because when I got to Spain, the mission building was in such an appalling condition.”

    She recounted that the building’s ruin was particularly embarrassing given its location.

    She recounted that the building’s ruin was particularly embarrassing given its location.

    “The embassy was located very close to the upscale estate of Galagao, where people would pass by on their way to various events and matches.

    “It was disheartening that this decadent structure represented Nigeria in such a prestigious area,” she stated.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu explained that she took immediate steps to address the issues, organising significant repairs and preservation efforts to overhaul not only the mission building but also the ambassador’s residence and other Nigerian-owned properties in Spain.

    “The Nigerian embassy in Madrid that you see today is the product of my time in that country,” she said, noting that her focus was to restore Nigeria’s image to one that “truly deserves a designation of outstanding.”

    She also highlighted the ongoing challenges Nigerian embassies face worldwide due to limited funding, which often constrains ambassadors in performing much-needed maintenance.

    She added, “In most missions, because of no more funding, most ambassadors are constrained when it comes to carrying out refurbishments.

    This shortage of funds, she said, ”prevents embassies from showcasing Nigeria’s stature, impacting the country’s standing on the global stage.”

    “It is unfortunate because a lot of embassies are going through this situation, and it has, to a large extent, diminished our standing around the world,” she added.

    Emphasising the importance of respectable diplomatic representations, Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged the Nigerian government to prioritize embassy maintenance under the current administration.

    She cited the nation’s foreign policy objectives of promoting democracy, development, and the Nigerian diaspora as critical areas that require embassies with dignified facilities.

    “This is something that the government, under this president, should look into,” she said, pointing out that embassies often host international delegations, study tours, and exchanges, making respectable surroundings crucial.

    “It is imperative that when you are in those exchanges, you meet your patrons and colleagues in environments that reflect Nigeria’s true standing,” she said, concluding her remarks with a plea for urgent intervention.

    After her response, she was thereafter asked to take a bow and go.

    Bianca is one of the seven ministerial nominees currently being screened by the Red Chamber.

  • Senate removes CBN power to appoint CEO of NDIC

    Senate removes CBN power to appoint CEO of NDIC

    The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has been stripped of its power to appoint the CEO of the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC.

    Nigerian Senate on Tuesday stripped the CBN its power through an amendment of the Bank Deposit Regulator’s Principal Act.

    This followed a report submitted to the upper legislative Chamber by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru which was debated on Tuesday. The Central Bank of Nigeria had the power to appoint the Chairman and Board members of the NDIC in the principal Act.

    The provision had been a subject of argument, but the amendment which passed a third reading after rigorous debate at a plenary presided by the Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, now consolidated the power of the President to appoint the Chairman and members of the board of the NDIC while the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN which hitherto recommend to the appointees, would now concentrate on supervising the corporation.

    The passage of the bill was also meant to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation to safeguard depositors, ensure the stability of financial institutions, and promote trust in the banking system. The legislation, titled, “Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act No 33 of 2023,” was sponsored by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East) and all the members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions. In the principal Act, Abiru explained that the NDIC will enjoy its autonomy and independence in line with the current realities across the world.

    He said: “The NDIC based on the new amendment of its Act, would focus on the examination of the banks and despite the fact that the NDIC 2023”, the Act made substantial improvements to the 2006 Act, its implementation had been fraught with continuous debates. He specifically said stakeholders had consistently been engaging in a series of appeals on the need for an amendment of the Act to address all the issues that have been raised concerning it. He said, “The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is thus a critical piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the Nigerian financial system.

    He said, “Considering the above, therefore, the general consensus among stakeholders was that it is important that the legal framework is reviewed. “This is to make the Corporation more effective in discharging its functions, safeguard its independence and autonomy and bring it in line with current realities and best practices.

    This is particularly because the Corporation plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of depositors and promoting confidence in the financial sector. “The evolving challenges in the global and domestic banking environments necessitate the amendment of the current law to keep pace with these developments and ensure the NDIC remains fit for purpose.”

    After consideration of the report, the bill was passed into law by the Senate President

  • Senate postpones ministerial screening, to hold on Wednesday

    Senate postpones ministerial screening, to hold on Wednesday

    The Senate has announced a postponement of the scheduled screening for ministerial nominees, initially set for today.

    This delay aims to provide all nominees with sufficient time to complete their documentation and pre-screening processes.

    This is contained in a press release signed by Senator Basheer Lado,, Special Adviser to the President Tinubu on Senate Matters.

    The screening has now been rescheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 12:00 PM.

    The Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation.

  • Just in: Senate receives report on local and foreign debts

    Just in: Senate receives report on local and foreign debts

    The Senate has received the committee report on local and Foreign debts.

    Presenting the report, the deputy chairman of the committee, Senator Haruna Manu (PDP Taraba central), noted that programme for the refund to Kebbi and Nasarawa state government on the newly constructed airports projects executed on behalf of the Federal government of Nigeria.

    Haruna called on his colleagues to support the report and urged Federal government to refund the states.

    Details shortly…

  • Senate Bill seeking establishment of Fed Medical Centre Gembu scales second reading

    Senate Bill seeking establishment of Fed Medical Centre Gembu scales second reading

    A Bill seeking legal framework for the establishment of Federal Medical Centre Gembu has scaled through second reading in the Senate.

    The establishment Bill sponsored by Senator Haruna Manu representing Taraba Central Senatorial District of Taraba passed first reading last July.

    If eventually passed into law, the FMC will service Gembu which is 6 to 7 hours drive from Jalingo and other environs such as Gashaka, Karumi and villages, it’s definitely not for people on the Mambila, Sardauna LGA alone as this will bring healthcare closer to so many communities.

    The Bill presented on the floor of the Senate by the Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele and passed for second reading.

  • Illicit drugs: Senate probes NDLEA’s allegation against Senator Ashiru

    Illicit drugs: Senate probes NDLEA’s allegation against Senator Ashiru

    The Senate on Tuesday constituted an ad-hoc committee to investigate drug distribution allegations by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against Sen. Oyelola Ashiru.(APC-Kwara).

    This followed the adoption of a point of order brought by Ashiru under Order 42 of Senate Standing Rules which entailed personal explanations.

    NAN reports that the committee has Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe as Chairman.

    Other members of the committee are: Senators Ede Dafinone, Afolabi Shaibu, Shehu Kaka and Lawal Usman.

    The committee, which has one week to present its report, is to invite NDLEA to speak to the allegation and justify its claims against Ashiru.

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had, before announcing the composition of the committee, said Ashiru had actually approached him about the breach of his fundamental rights and privileges.

    Akpabio, however, said whatever the NDLEA did was based on Ashiru’s submission, when he said that the integrity of NDLEA officials should be looked into.

    He said it was surprising that NDLEA had never invited, arrested or charged Ashiru to court on any drug-related issue before now.

    “If they felt you were a drug baron, they would have arrested you when you were 30, 50, 60, 65 years, not at the age of 68, when you made contributions on the floor of the senate on a bill to establish a drug rehabilitation centre.

    “We in the senate see you as a gentleman to the core and we must take this issue seriously and call this agency to order because an injury to one is an injury to all.

    “So it is my personal view that the senate invites NDLEA to come and justify the allegations, falling to do so, the senate will take very drastic action,” he said.

    Earlier in his  explanation, Ashiru said he had expressed his concern and contributions on the bill based on information from his constituency on the negative effects of drug consumption and trafficking.

    He said one of his constituents had asserted that in the last two years, more than 50 persons had lost their sanity because of drugs.

    The senator said there were visible drug barons who were making money from distribution of drugs.

    He said that the increase in drug-related crime had resulted in his contribution, advising that the senate looked into the operation of NDLEA officials, especially on the allegations of corruption among them.

    Ashiru said that he had also supported the establishment of an institute for awareness and rehabilitation of persons affected by drugs.

    He said that he was presenting his personal observations in order to explain and clear himself of the insinuations that he was involved in drug distribution.

    “I want to ascertain that in my life, I am 68 years old now, I cannot even identify cannabis or any drug.

    “Beyond taking water, I don’t take alcohol; I don’t even take carbonated drinks, beyond taking water and other foods,” he said.

    Ashiru said the basis for the debased publication against him could only be traced to his contributions at the plenary on a bill to establish a drug rehabilitation centre.

    He said rather than NDLEA addressing the issues raised by the senate, it resorted to deceit.

    The lawmaker further stated that the report was an attempt to infringe on the senate’s right to free debate on issues of national interest.

    He said the resolve of the senate on the bill was that the menace of drug abuse should be frontally confronted, no matter the personality involved.

    Ashiru described NDLEA’s allegations against him as unfounded and malicious.

    He said it was an attempt to undermine his credibility as a senator and impede his ability to fully participate in parliamentary debates.

    “For the protection of the senate, we must do something about it,” he said.

  • SEE full list as Senate confirms appointment of 21 RMAFC commissioners

    SEE full list as Senate confirms appointment of 21 RMAFC commissioners

    The Senate has confirmed the appointments of 21 federal commissioners for the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports the Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nominees after Yahaya Abdullahi, senator representing Kebbi north, presented a report.

    President Bola Tinubu appointed the nominees in August and therefater sought the senate’s confirmation.

    Abdullahi, chair of joint committee on national planning and economic affairs and finance, said all the nominees are fit to hold public office.

    The ex-majority leader said with these appointments, every state in the country is represented on the RMAFC board.

    “That the senate do confirmation of the 21 nominees that makes the commission to be of its full complement,” he said.

    “That means every state now has a represenation at the board.”

    The new commissioners are:

    Linda Oti (Abia)

    Akpan Effiong (Akwa Ibom)

    Enefe Ekene (Anambra)

    Prof. Steve Ugba (Benue)

    Chief Eyonsa (Cross-River)

    Aruviere Egharhevwe (Delta)

    Nduka Awuregu (Ebonyi)

    Victor Eboigbe (Edo)

    Wumi Ogunlola (Ekiti)

    Ozo Obodougo (Enugu)

    Kabir Mashi (Katsina).

    Adamu Fanda (Kano)

    Dr. Kunle Wright (Lagos)

    Aliyu Abdulkadir (Nasarawa)

    Bako Shetima (Niger)

    Samuel Durojaye (Ogun)

    Nathaniel Adejutelegan (Ondo)

    Saad Ibrahim (Plateau)

    Modu-Aji Juluri (Yobe)

    Bello Garba (Zamfara)

    Mohammed Usman (Gombe).

  • How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    How Moro misinformed Senate over Benue LG election – Gov Alia

    Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday said that the Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro (PDP/Benue South), misinformed the Senate over the just concluded local government election in the state.

    Alia stated this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sir Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi. The governor recalled that Moro, while moving a motion on the floor of the Senate, described the election as a charade and sham.

    He also recalled that the lawmaker also called for the suspension of federal allocations to local councils in the state.

    Alia stated that the election was conducted in strict compliance with democratic principles and existing electoral laws.

    According to him, Moro’s attempt to paint the elections as a sham was rooted in a known personal vendetta rather than a genuine concern for the democratic process.

    “The elections were conducted by the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) and were widely recognised as credible and violence free.

    “Their collective actions, as usual, seem to serve a singular agenda of discrediting the current people-orientated administration in Benue rather than addressing the needs and concerns of their constituents

    “Furthermore, that crooked outing on the floor of the hallowed chambers once more projected their known pattern of treachery.

    “This is not the first instance where Moro and his colleagues from the state have sought to undermine the administration,” he said.

    The governor pointed out that the video used by Moro to support his claims was nothing more than a poorly orchestrated attempt to discredit the Benue Government.

    He said that the lawmaker and his colleagues from Benue must recognise that their actions were alienating them from their constituents.

    “It is crucial for these politicians to reflect on their roles and the trust placed in them. A genuine apology to their constituents and a commitment to serve rather than sabotage could be their path back to relevance,” he added.

  • Put end to scandals in NSIPA – Akpabio tells new CEO

    Put end to scandals in NSIPA – Akpabio tells new CEO

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Dr Gbadamosi Lawal to put an end to the ceaseless scandals that has bedevilled the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) in the past.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Senate has confirmed Dr Lawal as the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the NSIPA during plenary on Thursday.

    The confirmation of Lawal’s nomination followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Social Investments during the plenary session.

    Presenting the report, Chairperson of the Committee, Sen. Idiat Adebule, said that during the screening of Lawal, he answered satisfactorily questions on topical issues related and not limited to social investments in the country.

    “The nominee displayed competence and absolute knowledge on social investment concerns. He has the requisite qualifications and knowledge of the job,” Adebule said.

    Supporting the recommendation made by the committee, Sen. Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) said the nominee is “mentally alert and very responsible.

    “I will like in as much as we are screening people, we should go beyond their qualifications and experiences, we should also determine how alert they are.

    “This type of assignment that is national that has to do with Nigerians and selection of beneficiaries, we need people who are healthy and mentally sound.”

    In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio said that the agency had been bedevilled with scandals in the last few months.

    “I believe that his coming will put an end to all these. I wish him well on behalf of the 10th Senate,” he said.

    Recall President Bola Tinubu had on August 8, nominated Lawal for the position subject to Senate’s confirmation.

    The new CEO of NSIPA was a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Katsina State.

    Lawal replaced Halima Shehu, the former CEO of NSIPA, who was suspended by the President over alleged financial improprieties.

  • Senate stands with Supreme Court on local government autonomy, says Akpabio

    Senate stands with Supreme Court on local government autonomy, says Akpabio

    The President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the Senate is fully in support of the Supreme Court judgement on granting of financial autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria.

    Akpabio said this, shortly after senate resumed from a closed session over a motion sponsored by Sen.Tony Nwoye, (LP-Anambra).

    The motion by Nwoye, was on an alleged attempt by some state governments through their Houses of Assemblies to enact laws to circumvent ruling of the supreme court to grant financial autonomy to local governments.

    Akpabio said: “We stand solidly behind the Supreme Court judgement and pronouncement on the local government autonomy.

    “We have looked at the motion and saw that some of the prayers would conflict with the existing provisions within the constitution, and we have jointly agreed on two prayers.

    “Because we believe strongly that if there is any legacy that this adminstration and indeed the 10th Senate and National Assembly will live behind, it is the legacy of sanitising the local government.

    “Also by ensuring that the local government funds are fully utilised for the benefits of rural people,”.

    Senate, thereafter, approved the two prayers out of the six prayers advanced by Sen.Tony Nwoye in his motion.

    Senate consequently urged all state and local governments to fully comply to the recent Supreme Court judgement on disbursement and utilisation of funds accrued to all local governments in Nigeria.

    Senate also pledged to ensure alterations to relevant provisions of the constitution to provide full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria.

    Akpabio thanked the lawmakers for all their contributions especially Sen. Tony Nwoye, who brought out the motion on attempt to circumvent the ruling of the supreme court.

    “I want to assure you that the national assembly will alter any aspect of our constitution and amend any section of our law to ensure full autonomy for local government administration in Nigeria.”