Tag: Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, extended his congratulations to Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on her swearing-in as the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23.

Justice Kekere-Ekun, who succeeded Justice Kayode Ariwoola following his retirement on August 22, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

Read Also: 12 things to know about new CJN Kekere-Ekun

The Speaker expressed confidence in the acting CJN’s track record, stating his belief that Justice Kekere-Ekun will introduce reforms to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Nigeria’s judicial system.

He conveyed the readiness of the 10th House to work with the judiciary under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

While wishing the acting CJN a successful tenure, the Speaker urged her to uphold the principle of fairness and justice in undertaking this serious national assignment.

Speaker Abbas also commended Justice Ariwoola for his efforts towards reforming the judicial arm of the government while wishing him a happy retirement.

• Counter Subversion Bill prescribes harsh punishment against offenders

House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has ordered the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill he sponsored to check subversive activities in the country.

The Bill prescribes harsh punishment against those accused of engaging in activities deemed to be subversive.

The proposed Bill sought to impose punishment of between two and 25 years imprisonment or a fine of between N2 million and N15 million, or both, on individuals and organisations, or both, if found guilty of subversive activities.

The objective of the Bill, a copy of which The Nation has sighted, is to (a): provide for a legal and institutional framework to detect, prevent, investigate, criminalise, prosecute, and sanction subversive and related activities; and

(b) regulate the procedure and determine the manner in which the provisions of this Act shall be carried out”. 

The Bill was presented to the House and gazetted as House Bill 1652 on July 23 alongside three other Bills sponsored by the Speaker and listed on the same day.

Read Also; Nigerians and their travails

The others are: Counter Sabotage Bill 2024 (HB 1651), Counter Insurgency Bill 2024 (HB 1653) and Espionage (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2024 (HB 1654).

After an initial statement explaining that the Counter Subversive Bill was not targeted at any individual or group, the Speaker issued another statement withdrawing it.

In the statement, titled: Withdrawal of the Counter Subversion and Other Related Bills, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Speaker Abbas said he was responding to the voices and concerns of the people.

The statement reads: “This decision follows his extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders and a careful consideration of the nation’s current circumstances.

“Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, a champion of the people’s interests, has always prioritised listening to the citizens and fostering unity. His decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that the House remains truly the People’s House.”

“He acknowledges the significance of the concerns raised and the attention the Bill has garnered, reaffirming that he will never support any action that might disrupt the peace and unity of our nation.

“The public is hereby notified of the withdrawal of the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones introduced on July 23, 2024.”

According to the bill which has 24 clauses, any “person who engages in activities that results to mutual suspicion, mistrust, distrust or intolerance which degenerates into conflict and violence that threatens the corporate existence, peace and security of the Federation of Nigeria, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of 10 years or both”.

The Bill also stipulated that “A person who engages in illegal road traffic function, illegal road block, imposition of illegal curfew, conduct of illegal procession, checkpoint and other similar acts, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N2,000,000 or imprisonment for a term of five years or both.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said on Wednesday that the Counter Subversion Bill currently before the House will address security related issues and not targeted at any group of persons. 

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the speaker, however, said that the bill was still at the introductory stage and has not been listed for second reading. 

The statement reads: “The attention of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D has been drawn to reports in sections of the media about the Counter Subversion Bill, which he sponsored.

“The Speaker appreciates the interest Nigerians have so far shown on the Bill, which pertains to our national security. However, it has become necessary to make the following clarifications, considering the tilted reports and misconceptions about the Bill:

“The Counter Subversion Bill, 2024 (HB. 1652) was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D. as the sponsor. Thus, the Bill is still at the introductory stage.

“The Bill falls within the realm of Nigeria’s anti-terrorism framework, and it seeks to address subversive activities by associations, organisations, militias, cults, bandits, and other proscribed groups in Nigeria.

“Similar legislation obtains in other climes with varied appellations. Such countries include the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, Australia, among others.

Read Also: Abbas to Nigerians: You will soon see gains of Tinubu’s reforms

“The Speaker, and by extension the House of Representatives, which is the People’s House, welcome robust engagements and discussions from Nigerians on the contents of the Bill, and how best to address the concerns raised.

“By Parliamentary processes and procedures, the Bill would have to be listed for Second Reading where Members will thoroughly scrutinize its merits and demerits during debate. At this stage, Members can decide to ‘kill’ or allow the Bill to pass. But if it scales Second Reading, it would be referred to the relevant Committee of the House for further legislative action.

“The Committee must as a matter of responsibility invite the Nigerian public, particularly relevant stakeholders, to a public hearing on the Bill. It is expected that citizens would bear their minds either physically or via memoranda on the Bill. Their inputs would form the basis for the Committee’s report, to be laid on the floor of the House.

“After the consideration of the report, the Bill will be passed for the Third Reading and forwarded to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate deems it fit and concurs with the Bill, a clean copy would be transmitted to the President for assent. Mr. President reserves the right to withhold assent to the Bill.

“The Speaker assures Nigerians that the Bill is all-encompassing as it relates to Nigeria’s national security and does not target any group or section of the country.

“Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D further promises that the Bill, and indeed any other draft legislation before the House, will pass through all the legislative processes, and Nigerians would have ample opportunity to make their inputs, which will constitute the final consideration (or otherwise) of the Bill.”

• Says government already addressing grievances

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that Nigerians will soon start seeing the results of the various reforms being carried out by the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Speaker also said that the President has started addressing the grievances of Nigerians leading to the ongoing nationwide protest, while appealing to the people to call off the protest. 

A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said the Speaker made the remark in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The Speaker urged Nigerians on the streets to suspend the ongoing nationwide protests, saying top officials of the government are currently discussing the issues affecting the country.

Read Also: Nigerians will soon see gains of Tinubu’s reforms – Abbas

He said he has since taken the grievances and demands made by the youths at a town hall meeting held by the House to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We have already started reporting what we discussed with the youths to the President. He was okay with our discussion, and he was equally happy with what we did. He also assured that he would do his best to see that all the issues raised are well addressed one after the other.

“We’ll continue to engage with the President on every issue that we know will affect the lives of Nigerians so that necessary measures can be taken. I therefore call on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, to be cautious. We shouldn’t allow the protests to cause destruction in our country,” the Speaker said.

He stressed that while Nigerians have the legitimate right to peaceful protest, history has shown that in most cases, even in advanced countries, unpatriotic elements hijack protests and cause destruction of lives and property.

He said the House was aware of the state of the nation, and that the Tinubu administration was working hard to address insecurity, inflation, and unemployment in the country, assuring that Nigerians will soon start seeing positive changes.

He said some ministers from key sectors were part of the engagement where they offered explanations to the youth on what the government was doing to address their plight.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has said that Nigerians will soon start seeing the results of the various reforms by the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

The Speaker also said that the President has started addressing the grievances of Nigerians leading to the ongoing nationwide protest while appealing to the people to call off the protest which has led to destruction of lives and property in some parts of the country. 

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi said the Speaker was speaking in an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 

The Speaker urged Nigerians on the streets to suspend the ongoing nationwide protests, saying top officials of the government were discussing the issues affecting the country.

Speaker Abbas said he has since taken the grievances and demands at the town hall meeting to Tinubu. 

Speaker Abbas recalled how he led the House to engage with leaders and representatives of various youth organisations at the National Assembly, noting that he had fruitful deliberations with over 25 youth groups.

According to him, after listening to their complaints and demands, he communicated same to President Tinubu with a view to finding solutions.

“We have already started reporting what we discussed with the youths to the President. He was okay with our discussion, and he was equally happy with what we did. He also assured that he would do his best to see that all the issues raised are well addressed one after the other.

“We’ll continue to engage with the President on every issue that we know will affect the lives of Nigerians so that necessary measures can be taken. I therefore call on all Nigerians, young and old, men and women, to be cautious. We shouldn’t allow the protests to cause destruction in our country,” the Speaker said.

Read Also: Abbas to protest organisers: Shelve your action in national interest

He stressed that while Nigerians have the legitimate right to peaceful protest, history has shown that in most cases, even in advanced countries, unpatriotic elements hijack protests and cause destruction of lives and property.

He said the House was aware of the state of the nation and the Tinubu adminstration was working hard to address insecurity, inflation, and unemployment in the country, adding that Nigerians will soon start seeing positive changes.

He said some Ministers from key sectors were part of the engagements where they offered explanations to the youth on what the government was doing to address their plights. 

House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, has appealed to the organisers of the protests, especially the youth, to shelve their action in national interest. 

 Abbas, who noted the frustrations and reservations of the Nigerian youth, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is not relenting in its efforts to bring succour to Nigerians.

The speaker said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, that the House of Representatives has taken measures to continuously engage the youth to hear their earnings and aspirations with a view to addressing them.

“I address you today with a heart full of empathy and a deep sense of duty. We are living through challenging times, and I want to acknowledge the difficulties that many of you, especially our youth, are facing. The economic pressures, social uncertainties, and other related concerns weigh heavily on our nation.

“Your frustrations and reservations are not lost on us. We hear your cries for change, for a better and more equitable Nigeria. I want to assure you that these concerns are taken with the utmost seriousness by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are committed to listening, engaging, and working with you to find sustainable solutions to the issues that confront us.

“The government has initiated several policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of our youth. One of such initiatives is the introduction of student loans to ease the burden of educational expenses and ensure that no Nigerian youth is denied the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams due to financial constraints.”

Speaker Abbas added that, “The Tinubu-led administration has also made significant strides in providing access to funds for young entrepreneurs through various schemes, such as the Consumer Credit Scheme, designed to support innovation and enterprise.

“In addition, we are focusing on job creation and skills development. Programs aimed at enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihoods are being prioritised. We are committed to ensuring that the Nigerian youth are not just jobseekers but job creators.

“I also want to highlight the efforts of the House of Representatives in this regard. We are in the process of developing formal legislative mechanisms to ensure continuous engagement and dialogue with our youth. We believe that your voices must be heard, and we are creating platforms for regular interaction to build consensus on the way forward.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas to holds town hall meeting with youth groups

“Therefore, I urge you to remember that nation-building is a collective task. We must shun violence and embrace dialogue. Your right to protest is acknowledged and respected. Let us use legitimate avenues to express our grievances and work together towards constructive solutions.

“At this juncture, I appeal to the planners of these nation protests to shelve their action for the interest of our nation. Let’s give the government more time. Let’s open doors for purposeful dialogue with the government. As I have mentioned above, there are measures taken by the government to nip our challenges in the bud.

“In conclusion, I want to reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives to stand with you, to work with you, and to ensure that your future is bright.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday, July 30, told planners of the nationwide protest that the government has heard their concerns and is making efforts to address them. 

He, therefore, appealed to the Nigerian youth to shelve their action in the interest of the country and its citizens.

Speaker Abbas, who acknowledged the frustrations and reservations of the Nigerian youth, said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is not relenting in its efforts to bring succour to Nigerians.

The speaker said the House of Representatives has taken measures to continuously engage the youth to hear their yearnings and aspirations with a view to addressing them.

“I address you today with a heart full of empathy and a deep sense of duty. We are living through challenging times, and I want to acknowledge the difficulties that many of you, especially our youth, are facing. 

“The economic pressures, social uncertainties, and other related concerns weigh heavily on our nation. Your frustrations and reservations are not lost on us. We hear your cries for change, for a better and more equitable Nigeria. 

“I want to assure you that these concerns are taken with the utmost seriousness by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. We are committed to listening, engaging, and working with you to find sustainable solutions to the issues that confront us.

“The government has initiated several policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of our youth. One of such initiatives is the introduction of student loans to ease the burden of educational expenses and ensure that no Nigerian youth is denied the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams due to financial constraints.”

Speaker Abbas further said: “The Tinubu-led administration has also made significant strides in providing access to funds for young entrepreneurs through various schemes, such as the Consumer Credit Scheme, designed to support innovation and enterprise.

“In addition, we are focusing on job creation and skills development. Programs aimed at enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihoods are being prioritised. We are committed to ensuring that the Nigerian youth are not just jobseekers but job creators.

“I also want to highlight the efforts of the House of Representatives in this regard. We are in the process of developing formal legislative mechanisms to ensure continuous engagement and dialogue with our youth. We believe that your voices must be heard, and we are creating platforms for regular interaction to build consensus on the way forward.

Read Also: Speaker Abbas to holds town hall meeting with youth groups

“Therefore, I urge you to remember that nation-building is a collective task. We must shun violence and embrace dialogue. Your right to protest is acknowledged and respected. Let us use legitimate avenues to express our grievances and work together towards constructive solutions.

“At this juncture, I appeal to the planners of these nation protests to shelve their action for the interest of our nation. Let’s give the government more time. Let’s open doors for purposeful dialogue with the government. As I have mentioned above, there are measures taken by the government to nip our challenges in the bud.

“I want to reaffirm the commitment of the House of Representatives to stand with you, to work with you, and to ensure that your future is bright.”

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has said the 50 percent salary cut decision by members of the House to help indigent Nigerians amid the current economic challenges can be renewed after six months. 

The Speaker said members of the House share in the  economic situation Nigerians are going through, adding that no sacrifice is too much to cushion the effect of the hardship. 

Members of the House recently offered to forfeit 50 percent of their monthly salaries for the next six months to assist in the procurement of food items for distribution to Nigerians. 

Abbas made the appeal while delivering his remarks through deputy Benjamin Okezie Kalu at the inauguration of the National Legislative Network on Nutrition and Food Security and Investiture of the Speaker as Patron, organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security. 

The Speaker pleaded with the people, especially the youth for patience, saying that concerted efforts are currently ongoing to end hunger in the land, while also appealing to Nigerians to shun the planned protest, emphasized it is detrimental to the development of the country. 

He said: “The growing concern over food security in our country resulting from prevailing  hike in food prices and the economic challenges we are currently facing as a nation reinforce the urgent need for this gathering. 

“Today’s event gives our nation renewed optimism and reassures Nigerians that as representatives of the people, we identify with them at this critical time just as we take concrete steps to support the federal government’s efforts to address the food and nutritional issues in our country. 

“We have therefore commenced a crucial journey today that will restore hope to our suffering masses and guarantee the enhancement of their well-being. 

Read Also: Ministers, head of govt agencies ignoring parliamentary invitations embarrassing – Abbas

“We must admit that this is not the best of time in our nation for all citizens, but as we have demonstrated in our last plenary, we have shown concern with the contribution of 50% of our salaries to support food supplies to the people. 

“This 50 % is renewable after 6 months and if the problem is not solved, then we do it for another 6 months or one year. But that is not enough, we have to work closely with the executive to find sustainable solutions to the food challenges.

“It is important to use this opportunity to reassure Nigerians once again that we share their pains, discomforts, sufferings and depressions following the worrisome costs of food items and decline in nutritional standards.”

Speaker Abbas further said that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated obvious commitment towards finding lasting solution to the current economic situation.

“As today’s event has demonstrated, we are committed to work with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government towards finding lasting solutions to the current situation. 

“As you can see in this hall, major stakeholders with regards to this issue are seated and that shows the commitment of the cabinet of the president of the federal republic of Nigeria who has given them a marching order to find a solution to the hydra-headed problems of this country in this sector and I appreciate you for taking up that order and marching forward. 

“I urge Nigerians to give the executive cabinet members of this cabinet of the president the support that they need to make these dreams and visions become a mission that all of us will be proud of. We cannot afford to fight those who are fighting for the youths and the women. 

“I urge Nigerians to continue to exercise patience, avoid any protest that may aggravate the situation on ground. We are already trying  to manage a problem. Let us not escalate it. Commencing a protest is not the issue. It’s how it ends that matters. Do not listen to the voice of naysayers. Protest is not the solution.

“Let us support government policies and I can assure you with a little patience, this will amount to delayed gratification for a greater gain in time to come. Please, be patient. We will not rest in our pursuit of legislative measures desirable to improve this worrisome situation. You can count on us, we will not rest until you are happy”.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said that the Nigerian parliament is committed to addressing regulatory, infrastructural and financial challenges affecting private sector investments in the Nigerian economy.

Speaker Abbas spoke at a reception organized for him and his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the leadership of the House and some committee chairmen by the Dangote Group.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted the Speaker as saying that the House was working assiduously to create a conducive environment for businesses in the country.

He applauded the Dangote Group for the invitation to undertake a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, adding that the parliament was aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits and access to finance.

He said “the House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in the country. We are working diligently to create a more business friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy and enhance transparency.

“Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors. In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

Read Also: NASS addressing regulatory, infrastructural, financial challenges of private sector – Abbas

“We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote group is essential for sustainable development.

“To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic orders and promote transparency and accountability.”

Speaker Abbas expressed confidence that Dangote refinery will create thousands of jobs and promote local contents, saying “this fundamental project symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry, but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.”