Category: Politics

Bill

By Kingsley Okoye

Abuja,June13,2024,(NAN)Stakeholders in the financial sector have raised concerns over some sections of the bill seeking to amend the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) Act.

Some of the  stakeholders raised the concerns during  a public hearing organised by Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Services Matters on the bill on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that the bill, sponsored by Sen. Solomon Adeola,seeks  to amend the existing ICAN Act to address contemporary needs and trends in Nigeria’s economic environment.

The bill also seeks  to modernise the law   to reflect changes in professional accounting environment .

The bill, if passed, would be the first significant update to the Act, established 59 years.

Some of the stakeholders included the Chartered Institute of Taxation,(CITN), Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Chartered Institute of Secretaries, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria,Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria,Nigeria Institute of Management(NIM).

According to them, they are not opposed to ICAN amending its Act ,but are  against sections 15, 22, and 28 of the amendment  bill.

They argued that the sections were  designed to take up regulatory functions of other  similar professional bodies in the country.

The stakeholders,therefore ,called for the   removal of the sections they considered inappropriate , saying the bill was self serving.

Mr Samuel Adegbeluyi, President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), said the proposed piece of legislation would embrace  other professions .

“The way they are going about the amendment is what we are against.You cannot use this amendment to annex other professional bodies that have been certified by an act of the National Assembly.”he said

Mr Adedoyin Olumide, Registrar of Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM), said the content of the bill raised significant concerns regarding its scope and potential impact on other professional bodies.

He said inclusion of tax practice in the bill contradicted existing judicial rulings favouring  CITN.

According to him, the scope of the bill may lead to conflicts with existing laws and professional standards.

He said the amendment could create regulatory ambiguities and undermine the professional integrity of other specialised bodies.

“By virtue of this amendment, ICAN is indirectly asking and at the same time calling on the Senate of the Federal Republic to repeal all other pieces of legislation assented to and passed as an act of the National Assembly.

“While ICAN’s efforts to modernise are commendable, the bill’s extensive scope can  disrupt the professional ecosystem and lead to regulatory conflicts.

“We urge this distinguished Assembly  to expunge from this amendment bill, all the listed areas of specialisation already covered and passed into an Act of the  National Assembly.”

He said the ICAN Act  Amendment Bill  should focus on enhancing ICAN’s core competencies in accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, and collaborate with other bodies.

“ICAN should work with other professional bodies to delineate clear boundaries and avoid overlapping jurisdictions.”he said.

President of ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe,however,  said the amendment was to model ICAN Act to meet global best practices and standards in accounting practice.

He urged stakeholders to support the  amendments sought in the bill.

Earlier,Chairman of the committee, Sen.Cyril Fasuyi ,said the public hearing was organised  to receive inputs of stakeholders on the bill.

He assured the stakeholders that their views would be analysed and presented for consideration .

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio,who declared the public hearing open,  said ICAN as a body, played an  important role in the economic development of the nation by ensuring professionalism and ethical conduct of its members.

He said the proposed amendment would further promote ethical standards and excellence in accounting profession.

Akpabio said contributions of stakeholders  would have a lasting impact on generations to come, hence they should uphold highest ethical standards in their contributions, and  strive for integrity and accountability.

Akpabio ,represented by Senate Majority Whip,  Mr Onyekachi Nwaebonyi ,urged all participants to ensure  their contributions promote the economic development of the nation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KC/CHOM/BHB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

INEC publishes final list of candidates for Ondo governorship election

Candidates

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of candidates and their running mates for Nov. 16 Ondo State governorship election.

Mr Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee,disclosed this in a statement issued  in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him ,personal particulars of the candidates and their running mates have been published at INEC state and local government offices in Ondo State.

Olumekun said that in line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, two political parties, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) conducted fresh primaries to replace their earlier nominated candidates and their running mates by the deadline of June 10.

He also disclosed that five parties; the African Action Congress (AAC), the Action Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), replaced their running mates only.

“Overall, 17 political parties are fielding candidates for the election. No political party has nominated a female candidate while one candidate nominated by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a person with disability (a paraplegic).

“The final list also gives the breakdown of the candidates by age and academic qualifications.

“The list has been published at our office in Akure and also uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” he said.

Olumekun said that with the conclusion of the nomination process, political parties were now permitted to start public  campaigns from Wednesday (June 19) till the midnight of  Nov. 14.

“As parties commence this critical phase of the election, the commission once again reminds candidates, agents and their supporters of the provision of the law and the Commission’s guidelines governing such activity.

“For emphasis, parties shall conduct their campaigns with civility and decorum devoid of inciting language, violence, voter inducement and other infractions in accordance with the provisions of Section 92-97 of the Electoral Act 2022,” Olumekun said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OBE/BHB

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Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Bill

By Naomi Sharang

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Senate has passed 25 out of the 447 bills introduced on its floor  since the  inauguration of the 10th Senate in 2023.

Senate Leader ,Mr Opeyemi Bamidele, who disclosed in Abuja on Thursday, also said that the upper chamber adopted 115 resolutions .

He said  the 25 bills fully passed into law, comparatively, accounted for 5.24 per cent of the entire bills introduced within the timeframe.

According to him, aside the 25 fully enacted pieces of legislation, no fewer than 275 bills (57.65 per cent) were read for the  first time within the timeframe.

“About 135 (28.32 per cent) awaiting first reading; 45 (9.43 per cent) awaiting the second reading; 43 (9.02 per cent) currently at the committee stage and three bills (0.63 per cent) were refused on different grounds.

He added that while only 13 (2.73 per cent) of the total bills originated from the executive arm, 464 (97.27 per cent) were private member bills.

“Apart from the bills, the Senate arrived at 115 resolutions, which are far-reaching in consequence; profound in their significance to our economic development and strategic to the cohesion, growth and stability of our nation.

“Each of these resolutions arose from motions of national importance, which different distinguished senators sponsored after due diligence was conducted.” he said.

According to him ,Senate also received and treated petitions from members of the public on diverse matters of grave concern within the timeframe.

“In spite of time constraint, 50 of the public petitions were successfully and satisfactorily resolved.

” The Senate equally screened and confirmed 215 nominees for different political offices at the request of President Bola Tinubu and in accordance with Section 147 (2-6) of the 1999 Constitution and other Acts of the National Assembly.

“Among others, the confirmations include key appointments into the Federal Executive Council, Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the leadership of the Nigeria Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force.

“Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission”, he said .

He explained that the confirmations were key to national development and speeded up the process of forming or constituting the national government at a very critical time when the economy was struggling to stay afloat.

“National security under threat and internal cohesion was seriously gasping for fresh breath.

“Already, the first year has passed by and we have decisively addressed issues of strategic national interest with utmost priority,” he said.(NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NNL/CHOM/BHB

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Buhari Bolaji

Jigawa Assembly passes 19 bills, 27 resolutions in 1 year

Assembly

By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

Dutse, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Eighth Jigawa State House of Assembly says it has passed 19 of the 22 bills brought before it since its inauguration on June 12, 2023.

The Speaker, Mr Haruna Aliyu, disclosed this at a news conference in Dutse on Thursday, to mark his first anniversary in office.

Aliyu listed the bills to include Second State Supplementary Appropriation Law, No. 2 2023; State Economic Empowerment and Youth Employment Agency Law, No. 3 2023; and State Bureau of Statistics (Amendment No. 1) Law No. 6,  2023.

Also among the bills are, Economic Planning Board (Amendment No.1) Law No. 4, 2023, State House of Assembly Service Commission Law and Revised Local Government Appropriation Law, to name a few.

The speaker said that three bills, including Jigawa State Educational Resources Agency Bill – 2024, were pending.

He said that the other two were: A Bill for a Law to Transform State Educational Inspectorate and Monitoring Unit (SEMU) to Jigawa State Education Quality Assurance Agency, and A Bill for a Law to establish Jigawa State Tsangaya Education Board.

According to him, the assembly considered several motions and made a total of 27 resolutions within the period under review.

Giving a breakdown of the sitting of the assembly, Aliyu said it sat 184 times between June 2023 and June 2024.

He said that the assembly would continue to enact quality laws and people-oriented resolutions for the progress and development of the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MNB/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Oyo assembly passed 16 bills, 170 resolutions in 1 year- Speaker

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

Bill

Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday said the 10th Assembly, under his leadership ,has passed 16 bills since it was inaugurated in 2023.

Ogundoyin disclosed this at a special plenary to commemorate the first  anniversary of the 10th Assembly in Ibadan.

The speaker said that nine of the bills had been assented to by Gov. Seyi Makinde.

He also said four other bills were at various stages of legislative process in the Assembly.

Ogundoyin  said that the Assembly also passed 170 resolutions during the period under review.

He added 68 motions were moved by members and 35 oversight reports were presented by different House committees.

Ogundoyin stated that members of  Assembly would  continue to strive for excellence, good governance and socio-economic uplift  of the state.

According to the Speaker,  this will  be achieved through enactment of people -oriented bills, passage of resolutions and motions, among other constitutionally assigned responsibilities.

” There is no doubt that we have witnessed steady progress in the last 12 months.

” We have  not only worked tirelessly to review and pass important bills, we have also  debated on ethical issues, and represented our constituents with dedication and pride.

“We have also remained united and cohesive under “Omituntun 2.0 agenda” of the  governor.

” I commend my fellow legislators for their high level of commitment and patriotism to the welfare of the good people of Oyo state.

” This is in tandem with my acceptance speech during our inauguration, where I promised that the 10th assembly will work vehemently to surpass the achievements of past assemblies.

“From the available records, the achievements of the 10th assembly in its first year has surpassed the achievements of the first legislative record of the 9th assembly,” he said.

Ogundoyin  said that the Assembly  also passed a  bill that aided the implementation of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER Programme) Agenda of the  state government.

The speaker, however, urged his colleagues to do more ,with  sincerity of purpose and determination, to make the House  among the best houses of  assembly in Nigeria.

“The 10th assembly is poised for greater services to the people of our state.

“As legislators, we shall not rest on our oars in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people of our dear pace setting state,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde had on June 13, 2023  proclaimed the 10th state house of assembly.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

SEY/VE/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Edited by Victor Adeoti

Pro-Democracy Groups laud Abbas leadership stride

Leadership

By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Coalition of Pro-Democracy Organisations  have commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas leadership stride in one year in office.

Mr Okwa Dan who spoke on behalf of the coalition at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, hailed Abbas for the passage of key bills.

He commended the speaker for successful oversight of  the executive agencies, and effective representation of constituents’ interests among other notable achievements.

Dan said Abbas made significant strides in legislation, oversight, and representation, aligning with the principles of democracy and the welfare of Nigerians.

He also commended Kabiru Bichi, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation for his committee`s outstanding performance.

Dan said this  had reshaped public engagement by emphasising the inclusive nature of the legislative process.

He said that the speaker had precipitated a paradigm shift in the legislative agenda of the parliament, reinvigorating its purpose and direction.

According to him, his resolute commitment to addressing the most pressing and pervasive societal issues, have shaped a legislative agenda responsive to the needs of the citizenry.

He said Abbas had demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles of accountability and responsibility in oversight function.

He added that he had steadfastly championed the cause of transparency and efficiency in government operations.

“He has ensured that public agencies operate with the highest level of transparency, accountability, and prudence in the utilisation of public resources,“he said.

Dan said this had helped boost public trust in the government and reinforcing the sacred principles of good governance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ODF/GOM/JPE

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

Jibrin`s appointment will inject new life into legislative process-Agbese

Appointment

By Femi Ogunshola

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Rep. Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, says the appointment  of Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin as  Chairman, House Committee on Housing and Habitat will  inject new life into the legislative process.

Agbese, said this while reacting to the minor reshuffling of committees at the House of Representatives during plenary in Abuja.

He said that the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas had demonstrated his capacity as the leader of the lower chamber for his “strategic” choice of Jibrin.

Abgese  who  represents Ado/ Okpokwu/ Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, said  the by reshuffling of the committees,  had shown his commitment to optimising the legislative process.

He said Abbas had also helped in harnessing the skills of members for the benefit of the nation.

The lawmaker described Jibrin as a square peg in a square hole with an impressive track record and a wealth of experience.

“I am happy because members were assigned to committees that aligned with their strengths, expertise, and passions, enhancing productivity and effectiveness.

“This demonstrates commitment to optimising the legislative processes and harnessing the skills of members for the benefit of the nation.

“As a fourth-term member of the House, Jibrin has previously chaired various committees, including Finance, Appropriation, Transport, and Foreign Affairs.

He said that his expertise in housing and habitat is further enhanced by his experience as Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA)(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

ODF/FEO/JPE

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Edited by Francis Onyeukwu/Joseph Edeh

Democracy

By EricJames Ochigbo

Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adebowale Olorunmola, the Country Director, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), says Nigeria’s democracy must strive to address corruption and insecurity in the country.

Olorunmola made this submission in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.

He said that though Nigeria’s democracy was “work in progress”, it must also address quality of governance, rule of law, accountability and competence of public officers.

WFD is the UK public body dedicated to strengthening democracy around the world and has actively supported democracy across continent for more than 30 years.

The WFD country director said that though Nigeria’s democracy had made progress and had witnessed transition of governments over time, it was still not where it should be after 25 years.

He said that the high expectations of Nigerians in the area of good governance, leadership, public service had not been met.

According to him, Nigeria is not yet there  because the rule of law is still very weak;  there is a lot of corruption, impunity and competent people are not getting into the political space.

He decried the cost of accessing political platform to get to power saying that it was beyond the reach of many competent and well intentioned people.

Olorunmola regretted that Nigerians still saw all manner of conflicting pronouncement from courts on same issues.

He said that the judiciary was supposed to be the last hope of the common man but that at the moment looked to be on trial.

The country director said that the judiciary must rise up to overcome the current situation where it was regarded as an instrument in the hands of the powerful, if good governance must be entrenched.

He explained that the Legislature had a responsibility and a duty to contribute to good governance through oversight function, instead of being complacent.

Olorunmola also said that the 10th National Assembly must rise up to the occasion of effective oversight for Nigeria to begin to witness good governance.

He  said that the executive must set targets for itself and work to reach those targets in terms of good governance, services delivery based on budgetary allocation for dividend of democracy to take root.

Olorunmola noted that the situation where citizens who were professionals in various fields were selling their property to relocate en masse  to other countries for greener pastures did not speak well of Nigeria’s democracy.

”Democracy is about the people; however, a situation where about 50 per cent of the population who are women and over 30 million Persons With Disability (PWD) are not represented in government leaves much to be desired.’’

According to him, every country uses the strength of their young people but Nigeria is yet to appreciate the strength of its youth and deliberately use them.

”When we are able to deal with these, then we can be talking of making progress democratically, and importantly when citizens are safe in any part of the country.

”At the moment, Nigeria’s democracy is work in progress just as in every other country.

”But leadership needs to roll up their sleeves and realise that it is not business as usual; there is work to be done and followership also need to be watchful.

”Citizens must be able to call leadership to order and place a demand on leaders to be more productive than.”

Olorunmola, however, disagreed with calls to return to parliamentary system of government and calls to run a one term elective office of five years.

He said that the problem of the country was not the system of governance but getting the right people into office to address growth and developmental challenges.

The country director said that until Nigeria addressed the quality of governance, rule of law, security, corruption, accountability and getting competent people into governance, a change in system of governance would not do much. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

EOO/DCO/CJ/

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Edited by Deborah Coker and Chijioke Okoronkwo