Tag: Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Monday, April 22, that Nigerians have lost trust in the policing system, saying that it is unfortunate that while Nigerians agree on the need to reform the policing system in the country, they were yet to agree on the model that should be adopted.

The speaker, who spoke at the national dialogue on state policing organised by the House of Representatives, said it was imperative to create a policing system in the country that will give the Nigerian people a sense of security to go about their business.

The Speaker spoke of the fear by many Nigerians on the likely abuse of state Police, especially by the political class, but said the role of the legislators was to ensure that any initiative, such as establishing State Policing, adheres to our Constitution and aligns with the broader goals of national security and public welfare

While saying that the House is aware of the divisive and polarising arguments surrounding the issue under review, he said the lawmakers do not have a fixed position as their role is to facilitate dialogue and generate consensus.

He said that creating State Policing systems requires more than just legislative action as it requires a national consensus, adding that every voice must be heard because by embracing these differences and working through them together, “we can forge policies that are robust, equitable, and tailored to the specific needs of each community”.

The speaker said that his push for reforming the police forces is not merely desirable but necessary, but lamented that the Nation was at a stage where public trust in law enforcement is teetering.

He said: “The burden of policing the vast geographical expanse of our country and a rapidly expanding population warrants a reform of the current structure.

“The need for a system that maintains law and order and upholds every Nigerian’s dignity and rights cannot be overstated. Reform is essential to heal and to build – rebuilding trust, rebuilding effectiveness, and rebuilding our shared commitment to justice.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas delegates traditional role to 12 Zaria indigenes

“Whereas most Nigerians agree on the need to reform policing, that is usually where the consensus ends. There is no agreement on how best to proceed with the reform or the best policing model for Nigeria. In considering the path forward, we must recognise that no one-size-fits-all solution exists.

“The vast diversity of Nigeria, with over 300 ethnic groups and a range of geographic, economic, and social conditions, requires a policing model that is adaptable and sensitive to local contexts. As we explore the models of State Policing that have been successful in other nations, we must be judicious in adapting these frameworks to fit our unique Nigerian context.”

The speaker traced the origin of a decentralised police system in Nigeria, saying the system was not new to Nigeria as it has existed in the country from the Colonia era and the first republic before subsequent civilian and military governments adopted a rigidly centralised pattern for the Nigeria Police.

“As such, you should take cognisance of the fact that decentralised policing is not an entirely new proposition. The historical precedent supports the notion that a decentralised approach can be beneficial and effective if properly managed.

In establishing state police, the speaker said: “We must proceed with caution. There is a palpable fear among our citizens – a fear of potential tyranny and the misuse of police powers if control is devolved to the State level.

“These concerns are not unfounded and must be addressed frontally, without bias or sentiments. This emphasizes the need for robust frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable service delivery across all States. Equally important are setting stringent national standards, establishing oversight bodies, and involving communities in the policing process.”

He assured that the House of Representatives, and by extension, the National Assembly, will facilitate consensus building towards strengthening security and policing structures to protect lives and properties better, adding that whatever model Nigerians adopt, our focus must always be on developing a police system that is efficient, responsible, responsive and subject to global best practice in its management and operation.

The speaker said further: “As we engage, issues to consider may include the desirability or otherwise of State Policing, the timeframe for a transition if deemed desirable, suitable model or models for Nigeria that account for context and diversity, appropriate legal and institutional frameworks, essential safeguards against abuse, continuous review and oversight mechanisms, financial arrangements between the different levels of governments, modality for recruitment, management, operation and relationship between State Police and the Federal Police, among others.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has delegated some of his traditional responsibilities to twelve individuals as traditional titleholders under the fold of the Iyan Zazzau.

The speaker, who represents the Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna state in the House, is a prince of the Zazzau Emirate and holds the traditional title of Iyan Zazzau, a position that confers some traditional role on him.

Those assigned with the traditional responsibilities and turbaned under the Iyan Zazzau title are Alhaji Aminu Ramalan (Turakin Iyan Zazzau); Samaila Tajuddeen (Majidadin Iyan Zazzau); Faisal Nuhu Bamalli (Danmorin Iyan Zazzau); Ibrahim Ameer Abbas Tajuddeen (Ciroman Iyan Zazzau); Yahaya Aminu Pate (Mabudin Iyan Zazzau), and Aminu Umar Jamawa (Sarkin Fadan Iyan Zazzau).

Others are Abdallah Abbas Tajuddeen (Dan’Iyan Iyan Zazzau); Bashir Rayyanu (Sulukin Iyan Zazzau); Alhaji Bashir Ahmad Datti (Sarkin Yakin Iyan Zazzau); Alhaji Lamido Shehu (Sarkin Shanun Iyan Zazzau); Alhaji Abubakar Haruna (Zannan Iyan Zazzau), and Lameer Umar (Wakilin Matasan Iyan Zazzau).

Speaking at the turbanning which took place at the family residence in Zaria known as Gidan Iya Abdullahi, Speaker Abbas said those conferred with the traditional titles were carefully chosen and rewarded for their hard work, loyalty, and commitment.

Read Also: Determine to see a better Nigeria, Speaker Abbas urges

While congratulating the newly turbaned titleholders, the speaker urged them to be good ambassadors of the Zazzau Emirate.

He said: “Today is a day for celebration because Almighty Allah has given us the opportunity to reward some sons of the Zazzau Emirate for their good conduct.

“Those turbaned have been carefully selected for the titles. I congratulate them on this recognition. However, I want to caution them that the titles bestowed on them mean an added responsibility. They are now ambassadors of the Zazzau Emirate, as such, they must show good conduct at all times wherever they find themselves.

“I urge you to be trustworthy and emulate the good leaders of the Zazzau Emirate. As of today, you will bear the names of the principal titleholders who bestowed the titles on you.

“Please, do not let us down. You should show good conduct and add value to the Emirate. It is a responsibility that you must carry with all sense of seriousness. I pray that God Almighty will guide and protect you. May God bless you all.”

Also speaking, the Jarman Kudun Zazzau, Malam Nuhu Aminu Bamalli, who also turbaned eight titleholders under his fold, enjoined all those turbaned “to be of good conduct and character.”

Those turbaned under the Jarman Kudun Zazzau were Aminu Yahaya as Danmorin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Tajuddeen Shehu as Mukaddas Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Sani Abubakar Tanko as Madaucin Jarman Kudun Zazzau, and Jafar Abdulkadir Iya Pate as Jakadan Jarman Kudun Zazzau.

Also, Abduljabbar Umar Iya was turbaned as Madubin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Mujahid Nuhu Bamalli as Sulukin Jarman Kudun Zazzau; Buhari Yahaya as Magayakin Jarman Kudun Zazzau, and Mahmud Aminu Pate as Sallaman Jarman Kudun Zazzau.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has called on Muslims and other Nigerians to remain steadfast, patriotic and determined  to see the nation forge ahead.

The Speaker congratulated Muslims on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting and the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr.

The Speaker, in a sallah message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, also urged Muslims to internalise the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan.

The Speaker expressed confidence that Almighty Allah has answered their prayers and supplication. 

Abbas enjoined Muslims to be their brother’s keeper and render a helping hand at all times, noting that one of the lessons learnt from the Holy Month of Ramadan was that of assistance to the needy, which every Muslim should imbibe.

Read Also: Pray for Nigeria, leaders, Speaker Abbas urges at Easter

He urger all Muslim faithful to continue to pray for Nigeria even after Ramadan is over, noting that a peaceful and prosperous nation equally needs prayers to sustain its blessings.

“We thank Allah (SWT) for making it possible for us to witness the Holy Month of Ramadan peacefully. We pray that He accepts all our acts of Ibadah.

“As we celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr, I enjoin Nigerians, especially Muslims, to offer prayers for the country and our leaders. Let’s also remain united as a people,” the Speaker said.

He further called for support for the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while wishing Muslims happy celebrations.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has urged Christians to be selfless and sacrifice for others as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

In his message to Easter celebrate to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Speaker called for prayers for the nation and it’s leaders, especially at this trying times. 

The Speaker said it is only when the leaders and the followers shun self gratification and collectively work toward a common goal that the nation would be stronger and better, and the world would also a better place.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas hails Tinubu, security agencies for release of Kuriga students

He called for prayers for Nigeria to overcome current socio-economic and security challenges, stating that Easter is one of the best seasons to do so as patriotic citizens.

Speaker Abbas urged Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ and imbibe his teachings, including obedience to law and authorities, charity, and holiness.

He said it is in this spirit that Nigerians should pray for their leaders, starting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration, as well as others in the other arms and tiers of the government.

The Speaker wished Christians a happy Easter celebration.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has described as shocking, the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

Oba Balogun, who was crowned the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022 passed away on Thursday passed on at 81.

The Speaker described Oba Balogun’s exit as a great loss to the historical Ibadan land, noting that the late Olubadan was able to stabilise the polity and restore peace to Ibadanland during his two-year reign.

While commiserating with the Balogun family, Olubadan-in-Council, Ibadan people, the people and the government of Oyo State, the Speaker prayed to Allah to grant Oba Balogun Jannatul Firdaus.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu recalled the active years of the highly respected monarch in politics, saying that he contributed immensely to the socio-political development of his State. 

Kalu also said that as a traditional ruler, the late Oba upheld the rich cultural heritages of the people and made notable impacts during his reign. 

Read Also: Abbas seeks united global action against insecurity, others

The Deputy Speaker however regretted that the 42nd Oluibadan died when his elderly advice was greatly needed even as he believed that no one can question God. 

Kalu said that the State, the entire Yoruba race and indeed, the country would surely miss the departed. 

Commiserating with the immediate  family of the deceased, the Olubadan-in-Council, the people and the government of Oyo State, the deputy speaker prayed to God to grant the soul of Alli Okunmade II eternal rest. 

The late monarch represented Oyo Central in the National Assembly between 1999 and 2003 and served as the chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning.

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has called for a united action against global challenges, such as wars and conflicts, climate change, inequality, among  others.

Abbas spoke at the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth at the British House of Commons in London, the United Kingdom (UK).

Represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker expressed delight that Nigeria has contributed greatly towards the political stability throughout the Commonwealth.

He said: “In a world ravaged by wars and conflicts, from the streets of Gaza to the fields of Ukraine, extending to the heart of Africa, our shared humanity is being threatened.

“Though geographically dispersed, these crises remind us of our intrinsic interconnectedness and the undeniable fact that our destinies are intertwined.

“As we look to the future, Nigeria remains committed to leveraging our natural and human resources to contribute to the growth and resilience of the Commonwealth.

Read Also: Abbas calls for united global action against insecurity

“Only by working together can we address the global challenges of our time, including wars and conflicts, climate change, inequality, and the need for sustainable development. Nigeria’s vision is of a Commonwealth that is a model of cooperation in a fragmented world.”

Abbas noted that from peacekeeping missions to diplomatic initiatives to help resolve conflicts, Nigeria has been at the forefront of efforts at maintaining peace and security within the Commonwealth and the wider international community.

He said: “The 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, under the theme: One Resilient Common Future, is a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of unity and cooperation that binds our diverse nations together.

“As we celebrate the Commonwealth, we are also offered a moment to reflect on our collective journey and the pivotal role that Nigeria, as a proud member of this distinguished family, has played in promoting unity, contributing to the growth of the Commonwealth, and fostering global harmony.

“From peacekeeping missions to diplomatic initiatives to resolve conflicts, we have been at the forefront of efforts to maintain peace and security within the Commonwealth and the wider international community. Our role in supporting democratic processes and institutions across the Commonwealth has helped to strengthen governance and promote political stability.

“Our commitment to the Commonwealth ideals of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law remains unwavering, and we shall continue to strive to embody these principles in our actions, both within and beyond our borders.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Monday, March 11, that Nigeria was in dire need of divine intervention now more than ever before.

The speaker congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the world for witnessing another Ramadan, urging them to pray for their country.

The Ramadan fasting, which is observed by Muslims globally, commenced on Monday in many countries, including Nigeria, after the sighting of the moon.

In a message to the Muslim Ummah on the commencement of the Holy month of Ramadan the Speaker said there is no better time to pray for Nigeria than in the Holy Month, stating that the country needs divine intervention more than ever before.

Speaker Abbas urged not only Muslims but all Nigerians to pray for the unity of the country and for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to be able to tackle the numerous socio-economic and security challenges facing the nation.

Read Also: No Nigerian should be in captivity, Speaker Abbas tells security agencies

He also urged Nigerians to remember in their prayers, those who have been abducted by various armed groups across the country and have remained in captivity.

He said: “May Almighty Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and supplications as an act of Ibadah, and grant us the grace to navigate through this turbulent time as a nation.”

Also, deputy speaker, Benjamin Kalu congratulated the Muslim community in Nigeria and all over the world on another Ramadan, appealing for more prayers for Nigeria to overcome its challenges.

Kalu urged the Muslims to use the Holy Month to pray for enhanced peace and security in Nigeria even as he bemoaned the spate of killings and destruction of properties in the country.

He also urged all well-spirited individuals and organizations to remember and support the less privileged in society.

The deputy speaker also said that the parliament will continue to enact laws, policies, and programmes that will help the federal government to solve the economic challenges currently bedevilling the country, assuring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is working assiduously to make the economy rebound.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said on Sunday, March 10, that there was no reason for any Nigerian to be in captivity. 

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker condemned another mass abduction of pupils in Sokoto state by suspected bandits.

According to the speaker, it is unacceptable that another abduction of school children followed the previous ones in Borno and Kaduna States within one week. 

Read Also: Speaker Abbas tasks security agencies over Borno, Kaduna kidnap

Speaker Abbas charged the military and other security agencies to go after the abductors and rescue the victims.

“We must collectively rise to the occasion and stem the tide of abductions, especially of women and children, at a time when the government is making efforts to address the high rate of out-of-school children.

“The schools must be safe for our children. Our security agencies need to act fast,” Speaker Abbas said.

About 15 pupils were reportedly abducted from an Islamic school in Gidan Bakuso, Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Saturday.