TheNewsGuru

Tag: Speaker

  • Why I left U.S. for politics in Nigeria – Osun speaker

    Why I left U.S. for politics in Nigeria – Osun speaker

    Mr Adewale Egbedun, the Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, on Thursday,  said he returned to Nigeria from America in 2016, to join politics in order to serve and provide his people with a better life.

    Egbedun made this known while meeting with the staff of the Osun Hosue of Assembly Commission, on the Assembly floor, after his swearing-in on Tuesday.

    He said he came back to Osun to ensure people of the state people had quality governance and that he was not into politics to make money.

    He assured the staff of the Assemply of an improved and better welfare, saying: ” I will make your welfare my number one priority.”

    “My priority now is to make impact, make a name, and not here to make money.

    “I have passion to help my people, to make the people happy.

    “I had a dream in April 2016 while living in Texas in America, and I told my wife, I am going back to Nigeria to do politics and serve my people.

    “Some Nigerians in the U.S., even my pastor, thought I was under enchantment, but I had a conviction that I wanted to do politics to serve my people and make their life better,” he said.

    He, however, appealed to the assembly staff to work with him and his colleagues so they could have a successful tenure.

    He said the opportunity the Governor,  Ademola Adeleke, had given to him to be a speaker, must be justified and that he needed them to work with him to succeed.

    He promised to run an open door policy and would ensure that their welfare was well taken care of by making them happy, even if it meant using his personal resources.

    Speaking also, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Akinyode Oyewusi, appealed to the staff to work with the lawmakers to achieve growth and development.

    Oyewusi said, “Don’t look at us as young people, let’s work together to achieve a common goal of delivering the best legislation. ”

    Mr Simeon Amosun, the Clerk of the Assembly, on behalf of the workers, promised to work with the lawmakers and assist them to achieve the development agenda of the governor

  • Oladiji emerges Ondo Assembly Speaker

    Oladiji emerges Ondo Assembly Speaker

    Mr. Olamide Oladiji has emerged as the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

    Oladiji emergence followed the inauguration of the state’s 10th Assembly by the clerk, Mr Benjamin Jayeiola on Saturday.

    Jaiyeoba had initially read a proclamation from Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, paving way for the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    Oladiji (APC), representing Ondo East Constituency, was unanimously elected the Speaker by 26 members of the assembly.

    The motion for the speaker’s nomination was moved by Mr Temitope Akomolafe, representing Ifedore Constituency and seconded by Mr Oladapo Biola, representing Ondo West Constituency 2.

    Oladiji, a businessman and an educationist, was the Deputy Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly.

    Also, Mr. Abayomi Akinruntan (APC), representing Ilaje Constituency 1, was elected the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly unopposed.

    Akinruntan nomination’s motion was moved by Mrs. Tosin Ajirotutu, representing Idanre Constituency.

    In his speech, the new Speaker said that he felt honoured and thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in him.

    He also thanked the state governor for his unrelenting support and for giving the enabling environment to the legislative arm and his strong leadership for peace to reign in the state.

    Oladiji tasked his colleagues to demonstrate utmost accountability and openness in the discharge of their duties, saying that they should not be accused of not doing their best foe the state.

    The Speaker promised to ensure smooth and harmonious relationships with the executive for continuous development of the state.

    Oladiji enjoined all lawmakers in the assembly to join hands with him in moving the state forward.

    The House of Assembly also elected Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (APC), representing Owo Constituency 1 and Ajirotutu as Deputy Majority Leader.

    Four lawmakers out of the 26 were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while the rest are from the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Speaking to newsmen, Ogunmolasuyi promised his constituents better representation.

    He expressed the belief that the 10th Assembly would deliver more for the state considering the calibre of people in it.

    According to him, the new speaker is a person of vast wealth of experience.

    The Majority Leader promised that the entire house would give the speaker the necessary support.

    The House of Assembly then declared six-week recess and it is expected to resume on July 17.

    NAN

  • In tears, Ondo Speaker dissolves assembly

    In tears, Ondo Speaker dissolves assembly

    The Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun, on Friday dissolved the assembly, following the expiration of its four-year tenure.

    In a valedictory speech, Oleyelogun applauded his colleagues and members of staff of the assembly for their loyalty and support.

    He, however, became emotional and suddenly broke down in tears, while expressing his appreciation to God.

    He said that the dissolution was in line with Section 105 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    In an emotion-laden voice, Oloyelogun thanked God that no member of the assembly lost their lives since the inception of the ninth assembly in June 2019.

    He said that the oneness, unity, and togetherness exhibited by the lawmakers contributed to the success recorded by the assembly under his leadership.

    He extended the assembly’s appreciation to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu “for giving the legislative arm the enabling environment to thrive for the betterment of the state”.

    According to him, the assembly was successful because it was able to surmount all the challenges and contributed immensely to the growth and infrastructure development of the state.

    He appealed to those who felt aggrieved and offended by his actions to forgive him, saying that he bore no grudges against anybody.

    Oleyelogun advised the incoming 10th assembly to build on the achievements of his leadership.

    Some lawmakers that also spoke said that the house afforded them the platform to contribute their own quota to the development of the state.

    Mr Sunday Olajide (APC), who represented Akure South Constituency 2, said that he delivered the dividend of democracy to his constituency within his ability.

    Olajide also said that he had gained more knowledge in the course of his legislative duties.

    Similarly, Mr Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi (APC), who represented Owo Constituency 1, thanked his constituents for the confidence they reposed in him to serve them.

    Ogunmolasuyi said he made a lot of sacrifice to add value to his constituency and better the lot of the people and state at large.

    He described Oleyelogun as a father and a good leader, saying that he provided a level playing field for all the lawmakers to function.

    Ogunmolasuyi, who looked excited during the session, moved the motion for the assembly’s dissolution.

    The motion was seconded by Mr Gbenga Omole, who represented Akoko South-West constituency.

  • I’ll be Speaker come June 13, says Tajudeen Abbas

    I’ll be Speaker come June 13, says Tajudeen Abbas

    The All Progressives Congress “anointed candidates” for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker for the 10th House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu on Thursday met behind closed door with President Bola Tinubu.

    The meeting, held at the Presidential Villa Abuja, came on the heels of the inauguration of the 10th leadership of the National Assembly, slated to hold June 13, 2023.

    Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Abbas expressed optimism that he would be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Kalu would be his deputy, come June 13.

    He said that they were at the Presidential Villa to congratulate President Tinubu over his victory in the election and his inauguration on May 29.

    He dismissed the insinuation that the 10th assembly would be a rubber stamp, saying that nobody could manipulate the 360 members to make them do what will not be of national interest.

    Abbas added that the independence of the legislature would not be compromised under their leadership.

    He said, “My name is Hon. Tajjudeen Abbas from the National Assembly. And with me is my colleague, who, by the grace of God, come June 13, 2023, would be the next speaker insha Allah and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Reps of the National Assembly.

    “You may recall that just two or three days ago, Mr. President, the reign of power was handed over to him on May 29. And since then, we did not have any formal interactions.

    ”We felt that it is expedient as the candidates of the party for the number four and number six positions, there is a need for us to formally congratulate him on behalf of all members-elect of the 10th assembly.

    “But that’s just the reason why we’re here to basically congratulate Mr. President over his election and his inauguration as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

    Asked whether they had any discussion with the President on their aspirations to lead the House, he said:

    “We didn’t have any discussion concerning our opponents who are also aspiring to be Speakers and Deputy Speakers. We restricted our discussions to the matters of the day.

    “Issues that have to do with the challenges that this country is facing, particularly the economic and social challenges and what he intends to do within the next few days, beginning with what he has been done on the issue of fuel subsidy.

    ”Issues of other candidates did not form part of what we discussed with Mr. President this afternoon.”

    On speculation in some quarters that they were anointed so that they will remain rubber stamp to the executive, he said: “First of all, I would want them to go back to history.

    ”Let them tell us even in the few instances where the people who were ordinarily not endorsed by the government of those days have done better than the leadership of the ninth assembly, which we all believe was about the first time in 12 years that the thinking of the members of the National Assembly coincided with the thinking of the executive.

    “The ninth assembly is by far and I say it with all sense of humility, the best national assembly that the legislature and the executive had a very mutually beneficial relationship.

    ”So many things were accomplished. So many things that ordinarily we would not have thought or contemplated would be achieved were achieved.

    “So whoever is talking about rubber-stamp National Assembly does not know the workings of the National Assembly.

    “Nobody, speaker or senate president, deputy speaker or deputy senate president, nobody can manipulate the 360 members of the House of Reps to make them do what is not in the best interest of the public.”

    On his part, Benjamin Kalu said, “Yes, in addition to what the speakership candidate just highlighted, what we’re bringing on board is parliamentary sovereignty.

    ”Sovereignty that will ensure that the borders of the mandate of the various arms of government will be respected.

    “But also recognizing that interdependence is key towards achieving any national objective.

    ”We’re going to ensure that though we are three arms of government, that we understand that we are one government.

    ”So the national objective of the executive, if it is what the people want, will remain the national objective of the legislature.

    “We are bringing on board impartiality of this man that just spoke to you now holding the gavel that will ensure that sentiments and emotions will not controlled the direction of the gavel.”

    According to him, the policies they will come out with will be a reflection of the needs of the people of Nigeria.

    “We’re bringing on board institutional trust that will make Nigerians believe more in the institution of our democracy called the legislature which is the fulcrum of our democracy.

    ”Because, the more confidence they have in that institution, the more we will advance this democracy that people like Mr. President has fought for from the days of NADECO to sustain up to now.”

  • 10th NASS: Stop referring Abbas as speaker – Adamu caution members

    10th NASS: Stop referring Abbas as speaker – Adamu caution members

    As the race for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly gathers momentum, the national chairman of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),Abdullahi Adamu, has warned members to stop referring Tajudeen Abbas as speaker until the day of proclamation

    The national chairman said this while hosting the Joint Task Group of incoming 10th National Assembly, at the APC National Secretariat on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The Joint Task Group has since backed the nomination of Abbas and Kalu by the APC as preferred candidate.

    Adamu said: “I want to make one correction so that we will not be misrepresented. A quite number of you have referred to Hon. Abbas as the speaker. Please, please he is one of the aspirants. He will become a speaker on the day of proclamation.

    “The laws guiding that office are very clear, he will earned that on the day of proclamation by the president and commander in chief of the 10th National Assembly. The Clerk to the National Assembly will conduct election there is no option than the election.

    “When he comes out of that election and they raised his hand and when he is sworn in by the speaker, that nomenclature becomes most appropriate. Wait. Continue doing your good work.

    “After reporting to the National Working Committee the discussions we had with the President-elect and leaders like the Vice President-elect, the Senate President, the speaker; my humble self, my deputy north, deputy south and the National Secretary of the party.

    “I reported our deliberations. It was clear in our declaration that there is need for further and better consultations so that we can take as much as we can to message political egos, so that we end up with what we want with National Assembly leadership in both Chambers.

    “We have received all the other aspirants for the president of the Senate and the speakership of the House of Representatives. I on behalf of my colleagues wish you the best of luck.”

    Speaking earlier, Abbas pleaded with the National chairman to use the position God has given him to do whatever he can so as to call all his co-contestants to the table.

    He thanked the NWC for playing a vital role in his emergence as the anointed candidate of the party for the June 13th national assembly election.

    Abbas promised to do everything humanly possible to protect the interest of the party, to protect the interest of the government and to protect the interest of the Nigerian populace.

    He said, “I want to use this opportunity Mr. Chairman to use it to complete one item in your resume, you have conquered parliamentary, several times; you were a party man several times; you were in the executive several times; you have delivered the president-elect of our party this time around

    “What is only outstanding to complete you resume to deliver the leadership of the National Assembly July 13.

    “I want to urge you Mr. Chairman and members of the NWC that if tomorrow you have done one leg of your job,that is the endorsement of the people that will represent the party in the next dispensation.

    “The next is to come all out, to support, to encourage, to convince every member who has a vote to come and vote for you candidate come June 13.

  • 10th Speaker: Opposition parties say no member indicated interest in race

    10th Speaker: Opposition parties say no member indicated interest in race

    Opposition parties members-elect in the 10th House of Representatives have back out from contesting for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker ahead on June 5 inauguration.

    The opposition resolved not to contest for the two seats as they have no member interested in contesting for the positions.

    Rep. Afam VOgene (LP-Anambra), the Co-spokeperson of the caucus known as “Greater Majority” disclosed this at a meeting in Abuja.

    He said at the end of the period given to undertake that assignment, no member of the minority caucus stepped forward to indicate interest.

    The political parties that made up the caucus include the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Labour Party (LP); New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP); Africa Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Others include: Young People’s Party (YPP); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    Newsmen reports that the caucus, called the “Greater Majority” had earlier muted a plan to upstage the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) by contesting for the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

    Newsmen reports that an 11-man Committee charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for presiding officers were set up.

    However, Ogene disclosed that as at the end of the period given to undertake that assignment, no member of the minority caucus stepped forward to indicate interest.

    Ogene said they have also met with APC aspirants and they seem to be qualified, adding that the details of the meeting with the aspirants would not be disclosed until other members were briefed.

    He however said that the caucus would remain united as one of the opposition parties.
    “We did meet with those aspiring for the position of Speaker but because we have not briefed our members, I will not go into details of our interface.

    “I can assure you that everyone that put him or herself running for the position appear to be qualified, ” he said.

  • G-7 will determine next House of Reps Speaker – Rep Betara

    G-7 will determine next House of Reps Speaker – Rep Betara

    Rep. Aliyu Betara, one of the leading aspirants for the seat of the Speakership of the House of Representatives says the G-7 will determine who emerges the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    Betara said this at the formal declaration of the Speakership of a member of the G-7 Rep. Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Reps in Abuja.

    He said their group would arrive at a consensus on who is best suited to preside over the proceedings of the House in the 10th assembly.

    Betara, described Wase as a brother and a comrade who is equally qualified to preside over the House.
    According to him, for us, we formed this group because we are opposed to the zoning arrangement of the party, qe are not fighting and we would not fight. We are in support of a consensus candidate.

    “We can pick the candidate from among ourselves but if we all sit down and decided on it. I assure all of you it is only one person that God would choose to be Speaker.

    ” I assure you that we are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as speaker, ” he said

    Newsmen reports that the G-7 are a group of aspirants for the 10th National Assembly speaker, opposed to the consensus candidate chosen by the APC.

    Members of the group are: Betara, Wase, Sada Soli, Miriam Onuhoa, Yusuf Gagdi, Sani Jaji and Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.

    Sada Soli on his part, squd there was need for fairness, inclusivity and respect for diversity in arriving at the choice of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    He called on members elect to strive to protect the sanctity and freedom of the institution of the legislature.
    Gagdi also warned against a rubber stamped Assembly that would take directive from forces outside the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly

  • Our Coalition will determine the next Reps Speaker, says Betara

    Our Coalition will determine the next Reps Speaker, says Betara

    Mr Muktar Betara Aliyu, the leading aspirant for the seat of the Speakership of the House of Representatives says his group hold the ace to who emerges the next Speaker of the lower legislative chamber.

    Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the Speakership bid by a member of the coalition, Mr Ahmed Wase, he expressed optimism that their group would arrive at a consensus on who is best suited to preside over the proceedings of the House.

    Betara, a fourth termer who chairs the House committee on Appropriation describes Wase as a brother and a comrade who is equally qualified to preside over the House.

    Reiterating his opposition to the move to impose a Speaker on the House of Representatives, he noted: “For us, we formed this group because we are opposed to the zoning arrangement of the party, We are not fighting and we would not fight. We are in support of a consensus candidate.

    “We can picked the candidate from among ourselves but if we all sit down and decided on it. I assure all of you it is only one person that God would choose to be Speaker. I assure we are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as speaker.”

    For Sada Soli, there is need for fairness, inclusivity and respect for diversity in arriving at the choice of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    The Katsina born lawmaker called on members elect to strive to protect the sanctity and freedom of the institution of the legislature.

    ” Anything short of that, the consequences would be dire. We must drop all personal interest geared towards producing a Speaker who would not take directive for some personal aggrandisement, a speaker who would tell you as it is. Lawmaking is a very serious business. It is beyond personal interests.”

    Gagdi who spoke in the same vein warned against a rubberstammp Assembly that would take directive from forces outside the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly.

    “We are determine to protect democracy. The House of Representatives is the House of the Nigerian people. By the time we are working, no leadership of party would be there. Only we and we would be doing the serious business of lawmaking.”

    Mrs Miriam Onuoha, on of the members of the coalition reiterated her opposition to injustice in the polity while calling of inclusivity of women and other vulnerable groups that form over half the population of the country.

    “I stand with the coalition, indivisibility of Nigeria. Legislature is independent. Member elect would rise up to the challenge to ensure the independence of the legislature,” she added.

    Wase said it behooves on the leadership of the party to cede the seat to him having served the interest of the APC, the parliament and the nation over the years.

  • Six years as Speaker: Oborevwori thanks God, colleagues

    Six years as Speaker: Oborevwori thanks God, colleagues

    The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed gratitude to God for his six-year stewardship of the House. He thanked God for His “goodness, faithfulness, and sustaining grace” and eulogised his colleagues for their “support, understanding, and cooperation.”

    Oborevwori was also full of praise and appreciation to the good people of Delta State for standing solidly behind him.

    These commendations were contained in a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu to mark his sixth anniversary as Speaker.

    Part of the statement read:

    “Today makes it exactly six years that I emerged as the Speaker of the most vibrant House of Assembly in the country.

    “First, I am grateful to God for His goodness, faithfulness, and sustaining grace. I express my heartfelt gratitude to my colleagues in the House without whose support, understanding, and cooperation I would not have accomplished much. In my tenure, the House passed several bills that have set the state on a positive growth trajectory. Indeed, members of the 6th and 7th Assemblies that I led stood out for their transparency, courage, dedication to duty, and accountability.

    “I also salute the good people of Delta State for their trust and confidence in me. Your approval of my stewardship of the House was clearly demonstrated in the massive mandate you gave me to be the next governor of the state.

    “Finally, I thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and members of the state executive council for partnering with the legislature to build a Stronger Delta standing on the tripod of prosperity, peace, and progress.”

    Rt. Hon Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria was elected the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly on May 11, 2017. He is the longest serving Speaker in the history of the House. He was elected Governor of the state on March 18, 2023.

  • 10th Speaker: Opposition parties set up 11-member team to scout for candidates

    10th Speaker: Opposition parties set up 11-member team to scout for candidates

    Opposition members-elect of the House of Representatives have setup a committee to screen and selected candidates to run for Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

    In a statement on Monday, the members-elect announced Rep. Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Rep. Victor Ogene as Secretary of the 11-man committee.

    The statement which was signed by Ogene and three other members of the caucus, said that the committee has one week to turn in its report.

    The members, drawn from eight parties which refers to itself as the “Greater Minority” said that with 183 members, they have what it takes to produce the speaker as against the 173 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

    “Based on the common pact which our respective political parties have with the Nigerian people, which is to holding government accountable to the people, we resolved to step into the arena, by offering credible and alternative leadership options.

    “In keeping with this resolve, the “Greater Majority” of the 10th House of Representatives has put together an 11-man Committee – complemented by a chairman and secretary – charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for the Speakership and Deputy Speaker positions.

    “With a long-standing member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Rep. Victor Ogene as Secretary, the Committee has one week to turn in its Report,” they said.

    Members of the Committee include, Rep. Abdulmumini Jibrin, Deputy Chairman (NNPP) Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP) Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP) and Rep. Beni Lar (PDP)

    Others are, Dr Ali Isa (PDP) Rep. Kabiru Rurum (NNPP) Rep. Donatus Mathew Kuzalio (LP) Rep. Yusuf Salisu Majigiri (PDP) Rep. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara(YPP) Rep. Maureen Chinwe APGA, Rep. Idris Salman(ADC) and Rep. Afam Ogene Secretary (LP)

    Nerwsmen reports that the APC dominates the House of Representatives with 175 seats while the PDP has 118 and LP controls 35.

    The NNPP has 19 seats. APGA has five seats, while SDP and ADC have two seats each while the YPP has a single seat.