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Author: Femi Ogunshola

  • Customs official dies during meeting at NASS, Reps mourn

    Customs official dies during meeting at NASS,Reps mourn
    Death
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 25, 2024 (NAN)The House of Representatives has expressed shock over the death of a Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officer at the National Assembly in Abuja ,while attending a committee meeting.
    Rep. Akin Rotimi,  Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said, in a statement on Tuesday, that the death came as a rude shock to the lawmakers.
    “It is with deep sadness and regret that we confirm the passing of an esteemed official of the NCS who was at the National Assembly for an engagement with a House Committee.
    “During the engagement, which occurred around 1.00 p.m. on June 25, the official developed sudden health complications”,he said.
    According to him, in spite of the immediate and diligent efforts of first responders and medical personnel at the National Assembly Clinic, he unfortunately passed away.
    He said the official’s name would not be disclosed at this time,out of respect for his family.
    According to him, the House extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time.
    “We recognise the significant contributions he made to the Nigeria Customs Service and to our nation
    “The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, expressed his condolences, saying the House is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dedicated public servant.
    “Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
    Rotimi said the House would  support efforts to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that it would cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure all necessary protocols were followed.
    The House spokesman  said that further information would be provided on the incident, calling for patience and respect for the privacy of the family during the period of mourning.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/BHB
    ===
    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • Rivers Reps caucus disowns purported leader, spokesperson

    Caucus

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN) The Rivers caucus in the House of Representatives has disowned one of its members, Rep. Dumnamene Deekor as its leader and spokesman, saying he was never instructed to speak on behalf of the caucus.

    Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante, Leader of the Rivers Caucus in the house, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, dismissed a statement credited to the lawmaker.

    The statement had called for sanction of the coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere.

    Abiante said the leadership of the Rivers caucus in the house had always been based on seniority.

    He added that a second term lawmaker could not lead the caucus when there are more senior lawmakers.

    He explained that as a lawmaker, Deekor is aware of the fact that every member had the right to comment on any issue affecting any part of the country.

    This, he said,  was because they had sworn to defend the integrity of Nigeria.

    “The Rivers caucus in the house of representatives read with dismay,  a statement purportedly issued by the member, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Deekor.

    “The statement called for the discipline of the Coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the Green Chamber,  Ugochinyere over his position on vexed issues in the polity.

    “We refused to collectively accede to Deekor’s self serving stands as he has never been elected by the Rivers caucus to speak on our behalf.”

    He said that Deekor being a second term lawmaker,  could not have arrogated to himself, the position of caucus leader in the midst of third and fourth term lawmakers.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/CHOM/MNA
    =========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

  • Emirship tussle: Lawyers, activists hail court verdict

    Emirship tussle: Lawyers, activists hail court verdict

    Court

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 21, 2024(NAN) The National Coalition of Northern Lawyers and a group of activists under the aegis of Public Interest Activists (NCNLPIA), have commended the ruling of the Federal High Court, Kano, which reinstated Alhaji Ado Bayero as Emir Kano.

    Mr Napoleon Otache, NCNLPIA convener, on Friday in Abuja commended the court for what he described as upholding the rule of law and protecting the sanctity of traditional institutions.

    He said at a news conference that the ruling was a victory for justice, truth, and the people of Kano State.

    According to him, the judgment vindicates the popular stance on the illegality of the Kano State Government in dissolving the Kano Emirates.

    He urged Gov. Abba Yusuf to apologise to Emir Ado Bayero for the humiliation and embarrassment inflicted upon him by the dethronement, including the unlawful dissolution of the Kano Emirates.

    Otache advised the governor to respect the court’s decision and work towards peace and reconciliation in Kano State.

    He said that with the judgement, the court had again proven that the judiciary was the last hope of the common man, adding that the court’s ruling has demonstrated that the rule of law must be obeyed.

    He said: “the judiciary has given the rude awakening that it is there to correct the conversion of the Kano State House of Assembly.

    It would be recalled that Justice Abdullahi Liman of the Federal High Court, Kano overturned all the actions taken by Gov Yusuf after the Kano Emirate law was amended by the State House of Assembly on May 23.

    Justice Liman faulted the governor’s assent to the bill and the presentation of an appointment letter to Sanusi on May 24, 2024 in spite an order of court directing all parties to maintain status quo.

    However, through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, the state government gave a different interpretation to the ruling.

    “The Kano State Government acknowledges the ruling by the Federal High Court regarding the Kano Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 and views same as upholding the rule of law.

    “By the ruling of the Court, it has unequivocally reaffirmed the validity of the law passed by Kano State House of Assembly and assented to by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State on Thursday 23rd May, 2024 by 5: 10pm’’, he said. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/KUA
    ========

    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Group faults APC over call for emergency rule in Rivers

    Group faults APC over call for emergency rule in Rivers

    Emergency

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Concerned Citizens Forum of Nigeria (CCFN), a civil society organisation,  has faulted the call for emergency rule in Rivers by Rivers chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mr Promise Ekeanyanwu, the Executive Director of the group, made this known at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that APC, Rivers chapter, on Wednesday called for state of emergency in the state as the political tension there escalated.

    The caretaker committee chairman of the party, Mr Tony Okocha, told newsmen that “APC Rivers state is calling for a state of emergency in Rivers state so that I and you can have peace in this state’’.

    Ekeanyanwu said that declaring a state of emergency would undermine democratic governance.

    He also said the call for a state of emergency, if heeded to, would exacerbate the existing instability in the state.

    According to him, implementing such a measure would erode the trust of the populace in the democratic process.

    He said it would further disenfranchise the people of the state and potentially exacerbate the existing tensions.

    He urged President Bola Tinubu to order an investigation into to determine if APC was involved in the crisis in Rivers and if found culpable hold it accountable for any wrongdoing.

    The CCFN executive director stressed that the security situation in the state should be a concern that required attention.

    He urged the relevant authorities to adopt proactive measures that would address the root causes of the issue.

    “Declaring a state of emergency is not a viable solution, as it will only lead to further violence, displacement and human rights violations’’, he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/DCO/KUA

    ============

    Edited by Deborah Coker/Uche Anunne

  • Reps C’ttee visits UniAbuja, seeks end to ASUU strike

    UniAbuja

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has visited the University of Abuja (UniAbuja), urging the institution’s Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its ongoing strike.

    The Chairman of the committee, Abubakar Fulata, in an interview with newsmen shortly after Friday’s visit in Abuja said the appeal became necessary to prevent destabilising the academic calendar.

    The lawmaker said the visit aligned with the constitutional provisions empowering legislators to carry out oversight functions over Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure compliance with the Appropriation Act.

    He called on the institution’s management to judiciously utilise what was provided in line with the 2024 Appropriation Act.

    He also advised them to seek additional ways to fund the university instead of relying almost absolutely on the government.

    In his remarks, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, commended the lawmakers for their visit and for intervening in the dispute between the school management and ASUU.

    He lauded the committee for its efforts that resulted in the Federal Government removing universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    “The removal of universities from IPPIS helped us from going to the Head of Service of the Federation and several MDAs before carrying out our functions like salary payment, appointments, and promotion among others,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/DCO/MAS
    ===========

    Edited by Deborah Coker and Moses Solanke

  • Reps summon AGIP over failure to pay $80m owed indigenous contractor

     

    Contractor
    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 14, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has summoned AGIP Oil Company to appear before it on June 26,  over  alleged N80 million owed to De Cooon Services Ltd.

    Rep. Michael Etaba, Chairman of the Committee expressed displeasure over non-payment and  non-appearance of AGIP oil at its investigative hearing in Abuja on Thursday.

    De Coon is an indigenous company, run by Prof Nelson Onubogu, the managing director and chief executive officer of the company.

    He said that not paying an indigenous company for a job well done and patronising foreigners for the same job was unfortunate.

    The committee added that the act was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors, adding that it would not augur well to drive Nigeria out of business while encouraging foreigners.

    He stated that it was high time Nigerians began to take themselves seriously.

    Speaking on the issue, a member of the committee, Rep. Matthew Nwogwu, said that the non-appearance of AGIP was disrespectful.

    “It’s unfortunate that people who are supposed to be accountable to Nigerians are not.

    “When a committee like this is mandated by the constitution to handle issues concerning the lives of Nigerians, it summons an organisation but the refusal should call for worry.

    “I don’t know who is protecting who but no one is above the law; the only people who have immunity are the governor and President.

    Onubogu, in his response, said the invitation was well advertised in the media, adding that AGIP deliberately shunned the public hearing.

    He said  the matter started more than five years ago, adding that a situation where a Nigerian company is being strangled by an Italian firm was unfortunate.

    According to him, they owe my company over 80 million dollars paid by NNPCL. The NNPCL has paid the money but it was diverted out of Nigeria.

    “AGIP Oil Company used some cronies to take this money out of Nigeria, and they refused to pay the Nigerian company.

    “AGIP took all my cancelled contracts and gave them to my own staff while they were working for me.

    “All I am saying here is that AGIP should pay my money; AGIP should be mandated by the NNPCL to pay my money.

    He, however, said that he would not settle for anything other than to get his full money.

    “I don’t believe in middle ground; the right thing should be done; they are owing me, and they should pay my money and restore all my contracts as awarded to me.

    “There are rules and regulations for terminating and awarding contracts.”

    He said he was ready for a peaceful resolution of the impasse, provided AGIP obeyed, adding that no one could tell him to forgo his money.

    Onubogu said that he believed that justice must be done in the matter.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/SH

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

  • Human right groups urge police neutrality in Rivers LGA crisis 

    Human right groups urge police neutrality  in Rivers LGA crisis
    Police
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 20, 2024(NAN) A coalition of human rights groups and the Human Rights Advocacy Crusaders (HRAC), have urged the Police and other security agents in Rivers State to maintain neutrality and impartiality in the ongoing local government crisis.
    Pastor Jerry Nicholas, the group spokesperson in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said that taking sides could escalate the crisis.
    He added that it could lead to further violence and clashes between supporters of different parties, resulting in deaths and destruction of property.
    According to Nicholas, the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen and other officials is a constitutional matter, hence security agents should help to maintain the peace in the state.
    “The law is clear: the 1999 Constitution and Section 9(1) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No 5 of 2018 provide for a 3-year tenure for local government chairmen, with a possibility of a second term,” he said.
    He urged the security agents to prevent violence and maintain peace while allowing the democratic process to unfold, and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld.
    Nicholas urged the former chairmen and others who are still eligible to seek re-election into the councils whenever elections are scheduled by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.
    He reiterated that security agents must remained neutral and not take sides with any party.
    It would be recalled that after the expiration of the tenure of LG chairmen, vice and councillors, Gov. Siminalayi Fubara ordered heads of administration in the 23 local government areas to take over the administration of the LGA’s.
    He subsequently swore in caretaker chairpersons in accordance with the law.
    However, some LG chairmen have insisted on holding on to their offices.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/EAL
    ====
    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Minister pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage

    Minister pledges to promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage

    Heritage

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy,  Hannatu Musawa, has pledged to promote Nigeria’s diverse heritage in a bid to sustain the culture of the people.

    This is contained in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Sub-National Engagement and Partnership, Mr Abiola Abdulkreem, in Abuja on Thursday.

    The minsiter’s promise was made at the 2024 Emirate Durbar in Ilorin and other parts of the country after the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Abdulkareem quoted Musawa as saying that her commitment underscored the ministry’s dedication to fostering critical partnerships at both the national and grassroots levels to celebrate and elevate the country’s diverse heritage.

    “I will continue to support and partner players both at the national and grassroot levels to fashion our new ways to promote and celebrate the beauty of our diverse heritage,” she said.

    Musawa emphasised the importance of the Emirate Durbar, not only as a cultural event but as a vital symbol of Nigeria’s historical and social unity.

    She said that the durbar, renowned for its vibrant display of horse-riding regalia, traditional music, and dance, served as a powerful reminder of the nation’s rich and diverse cultural history.

    “The Emirate Durbar in Ilorin is a cornerstone of our cultural heritage.

    “Our ministry is committed to ensuring that such events receive the recognition and support they deserve.

    “We believe that by partnering with local and national stakeholders, we can create new avenues to showcase the beauty of our traditions and bring them to the forefront of national consciousness,” she said.

    Musawa said that the pledge was part of a broader initiative by the ministry to integrate cultural heritage into the national development agenda.

    According to her, by supporting traditional events like the emirate durbar, the ministry aims to foster unity, national pride, and cultural awareness among Nigerians.

    She said that the initiative would boost the local economy by attracting tourism and providing opportunities for local artisans and performers.

    Musawa highlighted the ministry’s strategic plan to collaborate with state governments, traditional leaders, and cultural organizations to create sustainable frameworks for cultural preservation and promotion.

    According to her, the plan includes capacity-building programmes, financial support for cultural events, and the development of cultural infrastructure across the country.

    “Promoting our cultural heritage is not just about preserving the past; it’s about creating a vibrant future where our traditions can thrive and inspire future generations.

    “The Emirate Durbar is a testament to our rich cultural diversity, and we are committed to making it a landmark event on both the national and international stage,” Musawa added.

    She promised to promote cultural celebrations in Nigeria, where the beauty and diversity of the nation’s heritage will be honored and cherished.

    She stated that through these efforts, the ministry  would position itself as a strong player in the cultural sector, dedicated to nurturing and promoting Nigeria’s rich heritage.

    She added that the commitment would not only help to celebrate the past but also paved way for a culturally-enriched future in the country.

    She commended the organisers for a great job and the wonderful hospitality experienced at the event.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ODF/OJI/BRM

    =================

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

  • Reps hail Nigeria Armed Forces for successes against insecurity

    Reps hail Nigeria Armed Forces for successes against insecurity

    Success

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 19, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Defence has hailed the Nigeria Armed Forces for the remarkable achievements and dedication in various theatre operations across the country.

    Rep. Babajini Benson, the Chairman of the Committee gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said that the successes recorded in various operations across the country underscored the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our military personnel to safeguard the nation.

    Benson commended the numerous victories against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements that have threatened the peace and security of Nigeria.

    He said that the achievements were a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, who tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

    “The recent successes of our Armed Forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable.

    “These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings.

    “We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation,” he added.

    Benson assured the armed forces of the house unwavering support, while reiterating the readiness of the legislative body to provide all necessary resources and support.

    This, he said was to enhance the operational capabilities of the military, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

    According to him, we understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations.

    “We will continue to prioritise the welfare, training, and equipment needs of our troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency,” Benson assured.

    He called on all Nigerians to continue to support the Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to national security.

    Benson also urged the citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safer and more secured Nigeria.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
    ODF/FEO/SH
    ===========

    Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Sadiya Hamza

  • 10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    10th Reps have transformed Nigeria’s budgetary process—Don

    Budget

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Prof.  Ifure  Ifure, Country Representative, Centre for International and Strategy Studies, says the 10th House of Representatives has revolutionised Nigeria’s budgetary process with fresh ideas and innovations.

    He said the House replaced the traditional closed-door approach with a transparent open door method after one year in office.

    Ifure disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja in his appraisal of the 10th House of Representatives after one year in office.

    “These days, budget proposals are now subjected to public debates, inputs, and suggestions from members of the public”, he told NAN.

    He said that Rep.  Kabiru Bichi, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation  and his colleagues mplemented a cutting-edge system that harnessed the power of technology and data analytics to optimise resource allocation.

    He further said such innovations in appropriations were well thought out approaches and should be commended.

    “I have the privilege of acknowledging a truly remarkable achievement, one that will go down in history as a testament to the power of innovation and leadership.

    “Their innovation, which has revolutionised the way our nation allocates resources, is a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, determination and expertise come together“, he said.  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/KUA

    ===========

    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Uche Anunne