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Tag: senator

  • BREAKING: Popular Nigerian senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, reportedly passes away in London

    BREAKING: Popular Nigerian senator, Ifeanyi Ubah, reportedly passes away in London

    Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial district and popular oil mogul, Ifeanyi Ubah is reportedly dead.

    According to reports, he passed on in London.

    Ubah, who joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, a few months ago, was billed to seek the party’s ticket ahead of the Anambra State governorship election.

    Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed Ubah’s death on Saturday.

    He said, “It’s confirmed, but I am sending an official statement soon.”

    In September 2022, Ubah escaped assassination when he was attacked by gunmen on his way to Nnewi in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State.

    His convoy was shot at, and at least five persons, including two policemen, were killed.

    Details to follow…

  • BREAKING: APC suspends Jimoh Ibrahim

    BREAKING: APC suspends Jimoh Ibrahim

    The All Progressives Congress, APC, Ondo State chapter has suspended Senator Jimoh Ibrahim representing Ondo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

    He was suspended for alleged anti-party activities.

    The lawmaker was suspended by members of the APC Executive Committee of Igbotako Ward 11 in Okitipupa Local Goverment Area of Ondo State.

    The notice was signed by ward executive members including Bakere Usuf, Tore Obwoselu, Oloyinmi Idowu, Borewaye Louyomi, Oladipupo Bose, Alkimbobola Seyi, Lawal-Babatunde, Aritawe-Ademole, Akinkuoju Olarewaju and Fabioye Ajoke.

    Ibrahim’s suspension is coming after he lost out in the party’s governorship primary election in the state.

    Details to follow…

  • No regrets donating burial materials to my constituents – Senator

    No regrets donating burial materials to my constituents – Senator

    Sen. Rufai Sani Hanga said on Monday that he has no regrets donating clay pots and textile materials, used in burying corpses, to his constituents.

    Hanga, who represents Kano Central in the Senate, said this on Monday in Kano during a news conference.

    He was reacting to criticisms by members of the opposition in the state that the lawmaker was honouring the dead instead of empowering his living constituents.

    “I have no regrets whatsoever purchasing and donating burial materials to my constituents. I did not use constituency project money to buy them; I used my personal money.

    “Furthermore, the gesture is a tradition in my family as I grew up witnessing my father carrying it out.

    “Before I became a senator many people knew me with the gesture; when I became Senator, some groups came requesting that I should purchase materials for them to maintain their graveyards.

    “And I decided to spread the gesture to all the 15 Local Government Areas of my constituency,” the lawmaker explained.

    He said apart from the purchase and donation of pots and other burial materials, he had been delivering other dividends of democracy to his constituents.

    “As part of my constituency project we are building roads in about 10 Local Government Areas, and Women Centers in about 6 Local Councils.

    “This is after giving women and youths monetary incentives to selected beneficiaries from the 15 Local Government Areas.

    “In the education sector we have sponsored no fewer than 2000 students to study at the Kano State Polytechnic.

    “`We paid school fees 1500 Bayero University, Kano (BUK) students as part of our support to their education,” Hanga said.

    Similarly according to the lawmaker, following a request by some Islamic Scholars, he built an Islammiyya School at Dan Dishe town.

    He said he had also distributed 450 bags of assorted grains such as rice and millet as well as spaghetti to each of the 15 Local Government Areas in his constituency.

  • Akpabio tasks Scout Association of Nigeria on Ethics, Civic Education+Photos

    Akpabio tasks Scout Association of Nigeria on Ethics, Civic Education+Photos

     

    The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has urged the Scout Movement of Nigeria to inculcate in Nigerian youths virtues of national ethics and the need to be prepared for any eventuality in life all the time.

    Senator Akpabio gave the charge when the Chief Commissioner of The Scout Association of Nigeria, Dave Padopads-Awunah led other executive members of the Association on a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate at the National Assembly.

    A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as having advised the Association on the need for discipline, continuous education on issues like climate change and artificial intelligence.

    According to Senator Akpabio, “I don’t know at what stage that Nigeria stopped having organizations like yours in primary and secondary schools. In my time, we had Scout Movements in primary and secondary schools. We even use to have the female counterpart, The Girls’ Guide.

    “These Movements inculcated right ethics and ethos on the young ones, getting them to know their country, the national pledge, national anthem and respect for national symbols like the national flags and currency.

    “The Scout Movement should prepare the youths for leadership in all spheres of life and that is why the motto of the Scouts, “Be Prepared” appeals to me. You should be prepared for situations that are favourable, be prepared for the rainy season and dry season; be prepared for the season of bountiful harvest and even famine,” he said.

    Senator Akpabio extolled the Scouts Movement as a disciplined organization which should be encouraged through training and retraining on contemporary issues like climate change and artificial intelligence and pledged the support of the National Assembly in their programmes.

    Mr. Awunah who led the delegation intimated the Senate President on the forth-coming Nigeria Scout Parade and President’s Medal Awards, sought the collaboration of the National Assembly in executing their programmes that would ne of immense benefit to Nigerian youths.

  • May Day: Akpabio assures Nigerian workers of better welfare

    May Day: Akpabio assures Nigerian workers of better welfare

    …says tough times will soon be over

    President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government would work collaboratively to give them a living wage and better working conditions.

    The Senate President gave the assurance in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh to congratulate the workers as they commemorate the 2024 May Day.

    Akpabio, in the message, extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker saying “A Nigerian worker is noted for his patriotism, hardwork, resilience, and dedication to duty.

    “I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker in the last more than 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly”

    Speaking on this year’s theme for Workers Day, “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” Akpabio promised that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the Nigerian worker adding that, “No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions. We will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best”

    The Senate President reiterated that the theme for this year’s celebration was apt and in tune with the international best practices assuring that Nigeria will never be left behind.

    According to him, the 10th National Assembly was fully committed to providing the required legislative enablement aimed at protecting the interest of the Nigerian worker, creating a befitting workplace environment and a pay that takes them home.

    “On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day. We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication. And I want to assure you that your sacrifices can never go in vain. The tough times will never last forever and in fact, they will soon be over”.

  • Ebonyi: APC settles quarrel between senator, council boss

    Ebonyi: APC settles quarrel between senator, council boss

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi, has settled the protracted rift between Sen. Ken Eze (APC–Ebonyi Central) and the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government, Mrs Euphemia Nwali.

    The rift had caused political tension in the area, pitching the council’s councillors and stakeholders in opposing camps.

    The situation heightened when defectors to the APC who are from the area, joined opposing camps despite being new to the party.

    The State Chairman of the party, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, who brokered the peace on Thursday, told newsmen that the contending issues were settled amicably.

    “It was a situation of I erred in certain areas, I am sorry and we ended it there.

    “We told them to take their followers home, talk to them in sustaining the peace,” he said.

    The chairman said that the gladiators were urged to check social media activities of their supporters in order not to relapse the peace pact.

    “Let your actions and activities promote you not what is said on the social media.

    “We don’t want such things in the party as many of the social media operators conduct their activities to extort you,” he said.

    He noted that to consolidate the peace pact, subsequent meetings would be hosted by the gladiators and other stakeholders.

    “The next meeting will be hosted by the chairman followed by the senator and then other stakeholders.

    “This will make any supporter who sees his master eating and dining in the house of his supposed foe realise that peace has come,” he said.

    Okoro-Emegha remarked that the peace pact will also guarantee peaceful Local Government Area elections in the area in July.

    “We will discuss internally before consultations and whether anyone will serve only one term or get a second term is not a problem.

    “The most important thing is that we are a family and no outsider will hear anything about us.

    “When we put ourselves together we would solve all security challenges in the area,” he said.

    Sen. Eze said that contending issues were resolved amicably and their supporters would be sensitised to take a cue from their leaders.

    “You can see the Council chairman besides me, alongside other stakeholders as the resolution was all encompassing,” he said.

    Nwali thanked the party chairman for brokering the peace, noting that it will usher a new lease of life in the area.

    APC

  • Ex-Kwara Senator is dead

    Ex-Kwara Senator is dead

    Former Senator who represented Kwara South Senatorial District, Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim is dead.

    He died on Wednesday morning, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and profound impact, according to a statement by his family.

    “We kindly request your prayers and support during this difficult time. His burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.

    “We pray Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” the statement added.

  • Akpabio Calls for West African Unity, deepening of Regional Integration+Photos

    Akpabio Calls for West African Unity, deepening of Regional Integration+Photos

    President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said that the Economica Community of West African States(ECOWAS) should be used to ensure unity and deepening of integration of the West African region.

    In a welcome address titled: “A Call for West African Unity” which he delivered at the Inaugural Session of the Sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, on Thursday in Abuja, Akpabio said it is through unity and solidarity that the region could overcome any adversity and achieve its shared goals.

    The Senate President said: “Let us use ECOWAS to ensure that national boundaries are not Berlin walls separating kith and kin, but bridges of unity and progress.

    “The road ahead is filled with new challenges and opportunities. Our task is to build upon the foundation laid by our predecessors and to forge a path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.

    “We must strive to deepen regional integration, enhance trade and investment, and promote the free movement of goods, services, and people within our Community.

    “Together, we can harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and dialogue to overcome the obstacles that lie before us.

    “Let us remember that the strength of our Community lies in our diversity, and it is through unity and solidarity that we can overcome any adversity and achieve our shared goals.

    “It is concerning that in spite of our region’s abundant natural resources and deep human capital, our region has not attained the heights envisioned by our founding fathers.”

    Speaking on the achievements and progress made so far by the ECOWAS Parliament, Akpabio said: “through our collective efforts, we have fostered regional cooperation, promoted democracy, and strengthened governance across our member states.

    “We have worked tirelessly to address the challenges facing our region, from economic inequality to security threats, and have sought innovative solutions to foster sustainable development and prosperity for all.

    “However, let us not rest on our laurels. Look around you and you would discover that some of the festering scars of colonialism have become the gangrenous sores of today.

    “Colonial regimes created national boundaries which separated people and lumped people together with different cultures and traditions.”

    The Senate President said the Inaugural Session of the Sixth Legislature, which was declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marked the birth of a new era, where critical procedures would be carried out to shape the future of the Community Parliament.

    Akpabio expressed his heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu who is the current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his visionary leadership and for setting the stage for this historic gathering.

    “It is courtesy of his unwavering commitment to the enhancement of the powers of the ECOWAS Parliament that we find ourselves here today, united in purpose and driven by the shared goal of regional integration and development.

    “An old Italian proverb has it that the right man comes at the right season. This is the story of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, both as the President of Nigeria and as the Chairman of ECOWAS.

    “Those who thought that he came to steady the ship of state have been sorely disappointed. He did not come to steady the ship of state, he came to steer the ship through rough and fair waters to the right direction and to the right destination.

    “So, in spite of the bumps and craters, we are coasting home because of his deft handling of the affairs of the Nation,” he said.

    The newly elected representatives for the the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament took their oath during the opening session.

  • CJN to earn N5.3m monthly as Reps pass Bill on salaries and allowances for Judicial Office Holders

    CJN to earn N5.3m monthly as Reps pass Bill on salaries and allowances for Judicial Office Holders

    Good news as the House of Representatives has passed into law an act prescribing the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits for judicial office holders in Nigeria.

    The bill, submitted to the House by the President on Tuesday, received approval on Wednesday, March 20, marking a milestone in addressing the welfare of judicial personnel in the country.

    According to the provisions of the bill, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) is set to earn a total monthly package of N5,385,047.26. Other justices of the Supreme Court will receive a total package of N4,213,192.54, while the President of the Court of Appeal is slated to earn N4,478,415.78 per month. Full List of Nigerian Billionaires Who Own Football Clubs in Europe .

    Furthermore, justices of the Court of Appeal are to receive a total monthly package of N3,726,665.40.

    The bill also outlines the monthly packages for various judicial office holders, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, President of the National Industrial Court, and others, totaling N3,527,022.61.

    This comprehensive monthly package encompasses basic salaries and various regular allowances such as motor vehicle fueling and maintenance, personal assistance, hardship, entertainment, utilities, security, outfit, journal subscription, medical, along with service allowances, restricted or forced lifestyle, dual responsibility, and legal researchers.

    Additionally, the House approved other job-related allowances not included in the total monthly package, including leave allowances, estacode per night of $2000 when applicable, duty tour allowances, and severance gratuity of N80,775,707.70 upon the successful completion of tenure. Furthermore, judicial office holders have the option of a motor vehicle loan, which must be repaid before the expiration of their tenure.

    This legislative move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of judicial personnel and ensuring a conducive working environment for the dispensation of justice in Nigeria.

    By providing competitive salaries and allowances, the aim is to attract and retain skilled professionals within the judiciary, thereby bolstering the integrity and efficiency of the justice system.

    As the bill awaits further processes and eventual implementation, it represents a significant step towards addressing longstanding issues surrounding the remuneration and benefits of judicial office holders, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the judiciary and the rule of law in Nigeria.

  • Northern senators disown Ningi, affirm loyalty to Tinubu

    Northern senators disown Ningi, affirm loyalty to Tinubu

    Senator Ahmed Ningi is obviously in trouble as his brothers from the North have distanced themselves from the troubled Bauchi Senator.

    In a statement released by Senators Iyal Abbas from Adamawa, Ibrahim Bomoi from Yobe, Abdullahi Yar’ Adua, and four others, they made it clear that they do not agree with the statements made by the Forum’s Chairman.

    The statement read: “We, the undersigned on behalf of the Senators from the 19 Northern States and the FCT, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum (NSF), hereby state that Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Bauchi Central), who also happens to be the chairman of our forum, was on his own in the claims he made on the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 budget.

    “As such, the view he expressed was his personal opinion, sentiment and unfortunately skewed, incorrect and misleading.

    “There was never a time where we held a meeting and mandated Senator Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

    “The budget was presented to the National Assembly during a joint session of the two chambers – Senate and House of Representatives – by President Bola Tinubu on November 29, 2023, in line with the requirement of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Both chambers of the National Assembly diligently and meticulously debated, processed and passed the proposal of the President. And satisfied with it, the President assented to it.

    “It is clear that Mr President presented a budget of N27. 5 trillion to the National Assembly and the Assembly passed a budget of N28.7 trillion based on the need to make increases or decreases in the appropriations of the various MDAs, which is in tandem with the legislative powers of the National Assembly in order to address critical projects and services across various sectors.

    “Therefore, the statement made by Senator Ningi that the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly by Mr President was the sum of N25 trillion was not correct and that should not be taken as the position of the Northern Senators Forum.

    “To the best of our knowledge, there was no budget padding whatsoever that was done to the 2024 budget.

    “The assertion by Senator Ningi that certain things were done to the bill is his personal opinion. It is not the view of the generality of us, the Northern Senators.

    “Hence, we strongly and collectively dissociate ourselves from his action which was grossly unparliamentary.

    “That, we, the Northern Senators are solidly behind President Bola Tinubu and we will continue to support him to succeed in addressing the challenges facing our country.

    “Nigeria, at this particular moment, does not need ethnic sentiments but collaborations of all to bring prosperity to our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters from the southern part of the country to move our country forward for the benefit of all and sundry.”