TheNewsGuru

Tag: Senate

  • BREAKING: NSA, Service Chiefs in closed-door meeting with Senate over security crisis

    BREAKING: NSA, Service Chiefs in closed-door meeting with Senate over security crisis

    National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the nation’s service chiefs have entered a Closed-Door meeting over the security in the country.

    Those in attendance include the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar and the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla.

    Others are the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director General of the State Services, Yusuf Magaji Bichi, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

     

    Ministers in attendance include the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    Prior to the closed-door session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio apologised for commencing behind schedule.

    “I want to thank the service chiefs who were earlier here in the Senate before we adjourned. The only addition is that we now felt that the ministers should also come because they are supervising most of the finances of these security agencies”

    “We can talk security but we need money also procure equipment and to do a lot of things. Your presence here will give us insights into how funding is being handled to ensure the security of lives and properties.

    “The Senate decided to take this option for us to have a session because of the various petitions that we have received from our constituents. As part of our major oversight function, we decided to do this through the Committee of a Whole.”

    The  meeting comes a week after the Red chamber invited the security chiefs but postponed it following the absence of the defence chief and the NSA.

     

     

     

  • Senator Onyesoh mourns death of his brother, constituent, Wigwe, Wife, and Son

    Senator Onyesoh mourns death of his brother, constituent, Wigwe, Wife, and Son

    The Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District and Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs, Senator Chief Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, (DSSRS) has expressed shock over the sudden demise of his brother and constituent, Dr. Herbert Onyewumbu Wigwe who tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in the United States of America over the weekend.

    Dr. Wigwe, who was Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, died in the crash with his wife Doreen, their son Chizi, and former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group PLC, Mr. Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

    Since joining Access Holdings PLC in 2002 and subsequently becoming its CEO in 2014, Dr. Wigwe has played an outstanding role in establishing the bank as a household name in Nigeria and beyond the African continent.

    Senator Onyesoh noted that Dr. Wigwe has left a huge vacuum in the banking sector and the corporate world by extension, urging the corporate organisations that he served to sustain his lasting legacy.

    The Senator mourn the untimely loss of Dr. Wigwe, whose departure is felt all over the World especially in Rivers State, where he was regarded as a true gem.

    Senator Onyesoh further extends his heartfelt condolences to Dr. Wigwe’s immediate family, the people of Rivers East, and the entire nation. He prays for God’s strength and solace to be with them during this challenging moment.

  • Just in: Akpabio swears- in three newly elected senators

    Just in: Akpabio swears- in three newly elected senators

    The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday supervised the swearing-in of three newly elected senators during plenary.

    The lawmakers are, Prince Pam Mwadkon (Action Democratic Party, Plateau North); Professor Anthony Ani (All Progressives Congress, Ebonyi South), and Mustapha Musa (All Progressives Congress, Yobe East).

    The oath-taking was administered by the Clerk of the Senate, Mr. Chinedu Akubueze at about 11:41 am.

    They were subsequently led to their respective seats after the swearing-in.

    Details soon…

  • Senate promises to tackle “one chance“ menace

    Senate promises to tackle “one chance“ menace

    Sen. Banigo Ipalibo says the senate will take steps to tackle the menace of ‘one chance’, a notorious criminal gang operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other major cities.

    Ipalibo, the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Health gave the assurance when she led members of her committee on an ‘on the spot assessment visit’ to Maitama District Hospital in the territory on Thursday in Abuja.

    The committee was on the visit to assess the situation that led to the recent tragic passing of one Greatness Olorunfemi as a result of the activities of one chance operators in the area.

    Recall that the visit was sequel to a motion moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) , mandating the Senate Committee on health to investigate the situation that led to the death of one Olorunfemi.

    Olorunfemi until her death was a community developer and member of the Young African Leaders Initiative Network.

    She was reportedly forcibly ejected from a moving vehicle along the Maitama-Kubwa highway after being stabbed by criminals who had robbed her.

    Bystanders who witnessed the incident promptly rushed her to Maitama District Hospital, but she was allegedly denied treatment for failure to produce a police report which resulted to her death.

    The lawmakers were received by Dr Olugbenga Bello, acting Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, FCT and were showed Closed-Circuit Television footages on series of the events that occurred the day Olorunfemi was rushed to the hospital.

    “We have listened to a number of testimonials and insights in the unfortunate incidence that led to the unfortunate death of Greatness Olorunfemi.

    “All of us are quite pained at what happened because one life is definitely very important and for a young lady who was still very active in her community services.

    “We really condole with the family. Unfortunately no member was able to be here. The father had sent a letter earlier.

    “Having gone wards around the hospital, we have seen definitely that there exist some systemic gaps which requires closure”, Ipalibo said.

    The lawmaker assured that the Senate would definitely take some actionable steps to close those gaps in the nation’s hospitals.

    She, however, expressed appreciation to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike and his team who provided more couches for the hospital.

    “This is because that day, there was no even one to carry the victim out for examination.

    “We believe that with the various actionable steps that we will be taking, we will definitely do what we have been called to do, as people’s representatives.

    “To ensure we make available those things that can provide timely and urgent treatment for our citizens in accident situations and in other situations”, the lawmaker said.

    Ipalibo further urged the management of the Maitama District Hospital to ensure the activation of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance (NEMSAS), responsible for medical emergency services in the country.

    Earlier, the acting Director-General Hospitals Management Board FCT, Dr. Bello, tendered the Board’s apology.

    He said: “However, after assessing this patient by three people we don’t really need exotic gadgets to assess whether somebody is alive or not.

    “We had checked the pulse, the doctor used the stethoscope to check the heart beat and there was none. These are evidences of absence of life.

    “And I think it is at that point that they considered that this was no longer an emergency. She was brought in dead.

    “All the same, we apologise for assessing the patient in the car and for taking a while to do that.”

  • Ribadu, CDS, absent at Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    Ribadu, CDS, absent at Senate’s interface with security chiefs

    The planned interface of the Senate with Service Chiefs was stalled on Wednesday, following the absence of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa and others at the National Assembly.

    The Senate had Jan. 30 summoned the Service Chiefs and heads of security agencies for an interface on Wednesday.

    Speaking, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that the NSA sent apologies for the inability of the security chiefs to attend the meeting as scheduled.

    Akpabio said that the proposed interface had been expanded to include other heads of security agencies.

    “It is important to invite the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Minister of Interior, Minister of Finance, and the National Security Adviser among others.

    ”We received reports that even security officials have lost their lives in the course of struggling and fighting to bring the situation under control.

    ”While we welcome you, we want you to know that it is not because we are passing the buck or blaming any of you for anything.

    ”We believe you are doing your best; we want to hear from you and also make contributions on how to improve the situation,” he said.

    Akpabio added: ”We received apologies from the National Security Adviser that he us in a bilateral discussion with the representative of security chiefs from United Kingdom.

    ”While we welcome you, we believe the team is not yet complete, I don’t know if the Senate will want to proceed but my personal opinion would be that we would like to have with you the Chief of Defence Staff.

    ”We would also like to have the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Police Affairs, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Minister of Interior, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy.”

    The motion to adjourn the security briefing by the service chiefs was thereafter moved by Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele and seconded by the Minority Leader, Sen. Abba Moro.

    Akpabio thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, for honouring the Senate’s invitation

    He also thanked the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Malam Yusuf Bichi.

    “We thank you all for honouring our invitation for the very important interface on way out of the lingering security crisis at hand.

    ”But due to the absence of the NSA and the Chief of Defence Staff , the interactive session will no longer hold today,” he said.

  • Senate calls for robust partnership with Germany to tackle security and power challenges

    Senate calls for robust partnership with Germany to tackle security and power challenges

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the German Government to collaborate with its Nigerian counterpart in the areas of security and power, to enhance the socio-political development of Nigeria.

    Akpabio made the call when he led some of his colleagues to receive in courtesy, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annette Gunther, in his office on Wednesday.

    A statement by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted the chairman of the National Assembly as saying, ” we are looking for partnership and guidance from Germany in the area of security and power generation. There is no doubt that we enjoy a very robust relationship with Germany and I see a much better relationship between Nigeria and Germany under your tenure as the Ambassador.”

    Akpabio stated further that “Nigeria wants to improve on the existing relationship between us, and the Nigerian Parliament would be very glad to join the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to improve on that relationship. Anything we need to do in terms of legalizing or in terms of legislation to make most of the policies and programmes that you are embarking on with the government possible, would be done. We want more German companies to join those that are already here.”

    Speaking further, Akpabio said,” we are taking the security in Nigeria very seriously and we believe that with more companies coming in to establish here, and creating more employment opportunities, a lot of our youths would be gainfully employed. We also want to implore Germany to take more active part in resolving most of the war in the crises prone areas, such as the Ukraine and Russia imbroglio and the current very bad situation in the Gaza.”

    ” We also have a problem of infiltration from other countries. We require assistance from Germany in the area of security because when we had the Boko Haram issues in the North East, it might not have escalated to level it did, if we had the support of major players like Germany and others. It was very difficult for us to get support from America at that time, maybe due to what they read on social media concerning us. If the developed countries stop listening to social media, they would be willing to assist developing countries”, he declared.

    Akpabio noted that,” the recent decision of Germany to deport illegal Nigerians back to the country numbering 12 thousand is something you have to look into for us, because of its security implication. As a result of the current political situation in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, almost every black person in Germany, would claim to be a Nigerian because they don’t want to return to crises prone countries.”

    He disclosed that “dumping 12 thousand illegal immigrants in Nigeria, would lead to the escalation of insecurity in the country. There is, therefore, the need for your country to allow our immigration officers to assess, who exactly is a Nigerian amongst them. If they allow them in here, without any kith and kin and they have to survive, the result would be nothing but militancy or insecurity.”

    In his speech, the German Envoy said she was honoured to be received by the Senate President and his colleagues, assuring his hosts, of the commitment of Germany to assisting Nigeria to over come its security and power challenges.

    According to her, we are honoured to be here today. Nigeria and Germany being the largest economies and population in their respective continents, needs to come together in their peoples’ interest. Nigeria is Germany’s second largest trading partner in sub-Sahara Africa.

    ” The Siemens’ energy project is often mentioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and I hope this may be our small contribution to improving electricity in the country. Germany is very active in somany areas like climate change and energy, she stressed.

    The security situation in Nigeria, she noted, ” is worrisome to Germany as well as Nigeria. We have taken that up already because it is the most important prerequisite for socio- economic development, peace and human development. The security sector support reform is also where Germany is deeply involved. Over the years, we have spent quite a lot of money and we are very happy to see that going well under the leadership of the Natonal Security Adviser.”

    #Forwarded by:

    #*Public Relations Directorate*
    #*Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District Indigenes – Abuja*

  • Senate summons CBN gov, Cardoso on free flow of Naira

    Senate summons CBN gov, Cardoso on free flow of Naira

    The Senate, through its committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions has  summoned the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso to appear before it on Tuesday.

    He is to explain  the state of the economy and free flow of Naira at the forex market to the senate.

    Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru made this known while speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja,  after a closed-door session.

    Abiru said  the state of the economy, especially the inflation index was of great concern to the law makers.

    He said: “We have held a meeting essentially to focus on the direction of the Nigerian economy.

    “We are all living witnesses of what is going on. Underlining the major issue of the economy is the way the inflation index has been and of course it is a major concern to us.

    “We have deliberated among ourselves. Critical issues were addressed and we believe that the next line of action is to summon the governor of the CBN  on Tuesday at 3 pm,  to brief us properly on the state of the economy.

    “We have resolved and will communicate to the governor of the central bank after which we will have further communication with members of the press.”

  • Senate invites Service Chiefs over security challenge

    Senate invites Service Chiefs over security challenge

    The Senate has invited Service Chiefs for an interaction over increasing security challenge in the country.

    This followed the adoption of a motion by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamideleat plenary after a closed-door session.
    Presenting the motion, Bamidele said that the motion was sponsored by the entire 109 senators.

    The motion was titled: “Motion on Spate of Insecurity in Nigeria”.

    Bamidele noted with sadness, the rising spate of killings, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities in the nation.

    “Senate further notes the recent killings in Agata local government area of Benue, which led to lost of lives including security personnel and wanting destruction of property.

    “As well as the brutal killings of eleven residents of Logo local government area of Benue.

    “Senate equally notes the various kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where victims have been killed after collecting ransom.”

    Opeyemi said the several cases of kidnappings all over the country where huge ransom had been paid and several of the victims still got killed.

    “The recent killings of two traditional rulers in Ekiti state and the abduction of primary school pupils in Ekiti had further aggravated the level of insecurity in the country.

    “There was also the unfortunate bomb explosion at Bodija in Ibadan, Oyo where no less than five lives were lost and several residential houses, schools, hotels and religious centres were destroyed.

    “The Senate equally notes the killing of several residents of Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi communities in Plateau.”

    In his remarks, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the Senate would after the meeting with the security chiefs, discuss the outcome with President Bola Tinubu.

    “After the interactive session with the security chiefs, which we agreed that it should be next week, we would also fix a time to discuss the outcome with Mr President.

    “We have a responsibility to collaborate with the executive and contribute our ideas to ensure that our constituents and ourselves, including our children can sleep with their two eyes closed.

    “Security is everybody’s business and without security, we cannot have progress.”

    Akpabio said that the Senate was very determined to make laws and pass resolutions aimed at ensuring rapid progress of the country and the immediate improvement of the Nigerian economy.

    “This will not be possible without a secured nation. We will take this up with Mr President after interaction with security chiefs,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Senate has adjourned till Feb. 6 to allow the senators participate in the forthcoming bye-elections.

  • Scholarship: Senator Adeola Yasi gives N200m cheques to 1600 beneficiaries

    Scholarship: Senator Adeola Yasi gives N200m cheques to 1600 beneficiaries

    The Chairman, Senate Appropriation Committee and Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Saturday, began his scholarship and bursary scheme by empowering 1,600 students across the five local governments in the senatorial district.

    The education support scheme tagged: 1st Yayi Scholarship/Bursary Award Programme, held in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, saw selected indigent students in 53 tertiary institutions benefiting from the financial support.

    Speaking at the event, Senator Adeola said the scheme was in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people and youths of Ogun West.

    He explained that the programme which was basically meant to come to the rescue of brilliant students facing some financial challenges in the course of their studies, was facilitated in conjunction with the Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria and the Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria.

    The senator added the scheme was equally in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him, the scholarship and bursary awards apart from being designed to assist parents, it is also to complement the laudable educational initiatives of the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, particularly in the area of provision of educational infrastructure across the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “For the effective implementation of this programme, I constituted a team of top educationists, academicians, and selected stakeholders led by Professor Tope Popoola to organize the modalities for the success of the programme. I am glad they have not disappointed in their professional handling of the educational support fund for our youths that I now refer to as “Yayi Scholars”.

    “Today a total number of 532 students spread across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in different parts of the nation are to be awarded scholarships to the tune of N200,000 for university scholars; N180,000 for polytechnics and N150, 000 for Colleges of Education upon successful verification of their academic records in line with the set out criteria and guidelines. I have also included a Bursary Award of N100,000 for 1,000 students of the senatorial district distributed to all the 5 local governments at 200 per local government”, Senator Adeola stated.

    He, however, urged the beneficiaries not to spend the funds provided on frivolities, but for the payment of their school fees and not free money to buy phones, bags, and clothes.

    “The whole idea was to assist your parents and to ensure that no brilliant student of Ogun West extraction drops out of school as a result of non-payment of school fees. I believe strongly that with this token, there will be some succour tin alleviatingthe problems that could arise as a result of a recent increase in school fees across the nation.

    “My motivation for this financial empowerment for the education sector is based on a vision that acknowledges the liberating role of good education in any kind of development”, he said.

    Senator Adeola promised to continue both the educational support fund for “Yayi Scholars” as well as expand education infrastructures in the Ogun West Senatorial district, submitting “I will also continue to support all legislative initiatives for the good education of our students as well as the provision of requisite education funding for our educational institutions”.

  • BEWARE: There’s nothing like Senate’s Online loan application-Akpabio’s media office warns

    BEWARE: There’s nothing like Senate’s Online loan application-Akpabio’s media office warns

    The Media office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has cautioned Nigerians that there’s nothing like Senate President loan application online.

    This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Hon Eseme Eyiboh Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Friday.

    Read full statement below:

    The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to a fake “N200,000 Palliative Loan By the Senate” bearing the picture of Senator Godswill Akpabio with the coat of Arms and Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) logo on the Facebook handle of one Templeshort requesting unsuspecting members of the public to apply and “Get instant Loan Approval”.

    We wish members of the public to know that this advertisement did not emanate from the Office of the President of the Senate but it is the handiwork of fraudsters and unscrupulous elements who are out to exploit hapless Nigerians.

    The general public should note that the Office of the President of the Senate have nothing to do with Templeshort and does not in any way have any connection with anyone operating a Facebook handle by the name Templeshort.

    The President of the Senate does not and is not operating any loan programme or palliative arrangement; neither is Senator Godswill Akpabio working in conjunction with the CBN or any other financial institution on any loan facility as palliative.

    We, therefore, advise members of the public to be wary of these criminal elements, who are experts in employing underhand methods to prey on unsuspecting Nigerians and disregard this advertisement and similar advertisements purportedly being sponsored online by the Senate for loans or palliative. No such loan or palliative exists in the office of the President of the Senate or in the name of Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    Hon Eseme Eyiboh
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate