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Tag: Ahmed Lawan

  • Ex-Senate President Lawan loses mother

    Ex-Senate President Lawan loses mother

    Mother of immediate – past President of the Senate, Senator (Dr.) Ahmad Ibrahim, Hajiya Halima (Baba) Ibrahim is dead.

    Senator Lawan’s mother passed on Saturday at her residence in Gashua town, Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State at 86.

    Hajiya Halima Ibrahim will be buried according to Islamic rites tomorrow, Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Gashua by 11am.

    Read Also: Nine APC presidential aspirants set to step down for Ahmed Lawan— Orji Kalu

    Funeral prayers will, thereafter, be said for the deceased at the Gashua Central Mosque, located in the Emir’s Palace.

    According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo: “Senator Ahmad Lawan appreciates the outpouring of love and support already received from friends, relatives, and colleagues.

    “The family would like to extend deepest gratitude to all those who have reached out and offered their condolences, thoughts, and prayers during this time of immense sadness. Your love and support have been a source of strength, and they are forever thankful”.

  • South Africa …Nigerians as endangered species

    Will there ever be an end to the attacks on Nigerians in South African cities? Minister of Foreign Affairs Geofrey Onyeama says enough is enough. But, it seems there is no end in sight, writes OLATUNDE ODEBIYI

     

    • The crisis erupted Tuesday last week in Pretoria Business District as indigenes angered by the death of a taxi operator apparently thought to be killed by a Nigerian went on rampage.
    • There was massive protest march in different parts of Johannesburg which were targeted against foreign nationals
    • The said driver was, however, allegedly killed by a Tanzanian which sparked the violence that resorted to looting of shops owned by Nigerians and some other foreigners in that country
    • Erroneous information was sent to the public that sparked the protest which went out of hand, and before the police could curb it, serious damage had been done on Nigerian investments
    • Properties and businesses belonging to foreign nationals worth millions of Rands had been lost to looting and burning in the past week
    • 13 of the 118 deaths were by the South African Police
    • A Nigerian had eight vehicles in his car lot burnt by the arsonists, while another had his warehouse containing his 16 years investment destroyed.
    • The South African government must, as a matter of urgency, do whatever it takes to protect the lives and property of Nigerians living there, just as Nigerian government remain committed to the safety of South Africans residing here and their investments

     

    SENATE President Ahmed Lawan hosted South African High Commissioner to Nigeria Bobby Moroe in July. Lawan lamented all through the meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital. As at that time, 118 Nigerians had been killed in attacks overs the years.

    Lawan condemned the continuous killings of Nigerians in South Africa, warning that further attacks on Nigerians would no longer be condoned. He said 13 of the 118 deaths were by the South African Police.

    A statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mohammed Isa, said Moroe and his delegation paid the visit to brief the Senate leadership on his government’s investigations to unravel the causes of the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and steps being taken to stop such.

    According to Lawan, the meeting became pertinent considering the incessant attacks on Nigerians in cities in South Africa.

    “We in the parliament must speak and prevent any further killings. These killings must stop. This is the era of social media where corpse of a victim may spark violence that may go beyond the control of government.

    “The South African government must, as a matter of urgency, do whatever it takes to protect the lives and property of Nigerians living there, just as Nigerian government remain committed to the safety of South Africans residing here and their investments.

    “I believe we have faced enough, we will no longer take it anymore. We want to write the names of Nigerians killed, and the South African parliament must act fast to put a stop to this menace.

    “Over the years, 118 Nigerians have been killed, while 13 out of these were killed by South African Police,” he said.

    The meeting did not end without Lawan reminding the envoy of Nigeria’s role in ending the apartheid rule.

    Monroe spoke of the commitment of South African government and its law enforcement agencies to bring to book perpetrators of the attacks.

    “Our government will continue to be committed to the good relationship with Nigeria. Your sentiment has gone deep into our heart, and you will be happy that the same sentiment has been our concern in South Africa.

    “On behalf of the government of South Africa, we express our sincere condolences to Nigerian government for this unfortunate incident,” he said.

    Moroe extended the country’s condolences to the families of the victims, promising that things would change. Instead, the attacks intensified in the last few days forcing Minister of Foreign Affairs Geofrey Onyeama to say enough was enough. Nigerian businesses were targeted and set on fire. The fresh attacks have led to three deaths of foreigners while another is still receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.

    The President of the Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA), Adetola Olubajo, yesterday said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg when a building was set ablaze by an angry mob.

    “The mob also looted several shops that were around the vicinity suspected to be owned by foreign nationals.

    “But the Police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest,’’ he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    “Late in the evening of Sunday, Sept. 1, a group of violent locals suspected to be Zulu hostel dwellers besieged Jules Street in Malvern, Johannesburg looted and burned shops/businesses.’’

    According to a witnesses living on Jules street, the Zulu hostel dwellers were very organised and well-coordinated in looting and burning of any shops/businesses suspected to be owned by foreign nationals.

    Olubajo said that information gathered by members of NUSA in Malvern area, indicated that over 50 shops/businesses were destroyed, looted and burnt over the night.

    “Also, some businesses owned by foreign nationals were looted in Germiston on Sunday evening. A Nigerian-owned Internet Café and computer accessories business was among the looted shops in Germiston.

    “When I got the sad news late yesterday (Sunday) evening, I immediately informed the Police in Jeppestown but lots of damage had been done already.

    “The means of livelihood of people were looted and destroyed by fire overnight which have left many Nigerians traumatised.

    “Nigerian-owned businesses were seriously affected. A car sales business owned by a Nigerian were among the several businesses set ablaze over the night.

    “Although the Police said that many people had been arrested in connection with the unnecessary attacks, the looting and burning of foreign-owned businesses continued till Monday morning,’’ he said.

    He added that properties and businesses belonging to foreign nationals worth millions of Rands had been lost to looting and burning in the past week at different locations in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

    Olubajo said that there was massive protest march in different parts of Johannesburg which were targeted against foreign nationals, noting that some of the areas affected by the violent protest march were Rosettenville, Turfontein, Germison, Primrose and Silverton in Pretoria.

    “We implore the security operatives to be proactive and not reactive as many long years hard earned investments have been lost through looting, destruction and burning.

    “Our government officials in South Africa should also seriously engage their counterparts in South Africa.

    “This proactive move will go a long way to prevent further loss of properties and even lives. The situation is tensed and very dangerous for foreign nationals, hence, we implore Nigerians in South Africa, most especially in Gauteng Province to be vigilant and stay safe,’’ he said.

    The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) also called on the South African authorities to arrest and prosecute those involved in the burning and looting of Nigerian businesses in that country.

    The President of NICASA, Ben Okoli, made this call in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja from Pretoria, South Africa on Friday.

    Okoli said prosecution of the culprits would serve as deterrent to others and forestall such unwarranted occurrence in the future.

    He said that crisis erupted on Tuesday in Pretoria Business District as indigenes angered by the death of a taxi operator apparently thought to be killed by a Nigerian went on rampage.

    Okoli said that the said driver was, however, allegedly killed by a Tanzanian which sparked the violence that resorted to looting of shops owned by Nigerians and some other foreigners in that country.

    He said that it was painful that erroneous information was sent to the public that sparked the protest which went out of hand, and before the police could curb it, serious damage had been done on Nigerian investments.

    According to him, Nigerian-owned businesses looted and burnt include furniture, electronics shops, warehouses, mechanic and motor spare parts among others.

    Okoli said the impact of the attack was much as millions of Naira was lost by Nigerian businessmen.

    He said that though the crisis affected other foreigners, what made the matter worse was that the crisis happened where there were a lot of Nigerian businesses.

    He added that a Nigerian had eight vehicles in his car lot burnt by the arsonists, while another had his warehouse containing his 16 years investment destroyed.

    The NICASA president said that another had the customer’s car in his mechanic workshop destroyed, causing colossal damage to his investment in the country.

    Okoli appealed to Nigerians in that country to remain calm, stressing that the issue had been reported to the Nigerian mission which had pledged holistic action on it.

    He urged the Nigerian mission in South Africa to intervene by ensuring the safety of Nigerians in the country.

    The NICASA president said that it was time the South African authorities ended xenophobic attacks on foreigners and mainly on Nigerians at any slightest provocation.

    “At this juncture, we are appealing to the South African authority to be in control of security of their country, they must not allow these arsonists to take the laws into their hands always.

    “What happened should not have degenerated into chaos if proactive measures were taken by the authority.

    “The culprits should be prosecuted, we are no longer accepting the injustice, the damage is colossal and should not repeat itself,” Okoli said.

  • Senators grill Sunday Dare, Dada, Magashi, Abdullahi

    For four of the 14 ministerial nominees, Thursday’s Senate screening was no walkover.

    Ten others were simply asked to take a “bow and go” — a policy that has been criticized as a mockery of the process.

    Those upper chamber grilled included Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd), Sunday Akin Dare, Mohammed Abdullahi and Ambassador Zubairu Dada.

    Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Abubakar Aliyu, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, Timipre Martin Sylva, Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, Otunba Richard Adeniyi Adebayo and Mohammed Musa Bello were asked to “bow and go”.

    Other nominees, who also bowed and left were Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and Sa’adiya Umar Farouk.

    The upper chamber adopted the controversial “bow and go” policy on Wednesday as a privilege to former senators, members of the House of Representatives and members of the states Houses of Assembly.

    Some senators were, however, uncomfortable with the policy, which they said did not give them any opportunity to ask nominees questions.

    Before the session started, Senator Bamidele Opeyemi spoke of the need for the Senate to clarify the policy of “bow and go” to Nigerians.

    The Ekiti Central senator said that the clarification was necessary because the media was giving the impression that every nominee was asked to take a bow and go.

    Senator Bashir Ajibola said that there was nothing wrong with the policy.

    The Osun Central senator noted that the rule Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje quoted on Wednesday to oppose the policy referred to ranking.

    Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in his ruling, said that there was no need to prolong the debate of the policy.

    Lawan said that the chamber had already a standard which should be followed.

    The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, also questioned the policy.

    Abaribe, who read the constitutional provision that empowers the Senate to screen ministerial nominees before appointment, reminded the chamber that what they were doing was “confirmation hearing and not endorsement hearing”.

    Abaribe said that the Senate should endeavour to go by the dictates of the Constitution.

    The former ECOWAS Monitoring Group Field Commander, Major General Magashi (rtd), told the Senate that infighting among Service Chiefs was affecting military operations.

    He admitted that relationship between Service Chiefs was indeed “not cordial” as expected.

    Senator Orji Uzor Kalu had asked General Magashi how he would address infighting among Service Chiefs if he was assigned the Defence ministry.

    The Kano State nominee noted that infighting among Service Chiefs was unhealthy for successful operations.

    He said: “But, as you rightly said, the operation between the Service Chiefs is not very cordial, I put that in quotes.

    “My relationship is very simple, the creation of the relationship has been in existence since the creation of the office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

    ”In the process, all of our operations that would have been conducted internally and externally are governed by the principles of the hierarchy of command.

    “And where the echelon is weak, probably downwards, we will also be weak.

    “Regarding the Service Chiefs, in my own view, we have come to a situation where you find that each commander or each Service Chief is trying to please the nation.

    “In Nigeria today, there is what we call the command structure; the command structure is now seen as a witness.

    “The military is always ready to acknowledge performance. We don’t want to always hear that we have not performed.

    “The theatre of war, I think we encourage it because every day you find one problem either for north-east or the central or anywhere, then we need troops to cover those areas.

    “I don’t think the current structure shows the true reflection of our requirements.”

    Read Also: Senate screens Alasoadura, Aliyu, Shehuri, Magashi

    Sunday Dare, who is an Executive Commissioner of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), dwelt on what the telecommunications regulator is doing to reposition the sector.

    The Senators appeared to have been overwhelmed by the wealth of experience exhibited by the nominee.

    Unlike most of the nominees, Dare was prepared to answer all the questions posed to him.

    The Senate President was the first to ask the nominee how kidnappers could be tracked with their telephones.

    Dare explained what the NCC had achieved since two years ago when he joined the commission.

    Dada answered questions on the defunct Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Recovery (MAMSER).

    When the Niger State nominee left the chamber, Senator George Thompson Sekiko raised objection that his CV was not clear.

    Sekibo noted that if Dada was allowed to answer his question, he would have cleared some gray areas.

    The Senate President countered that the copy of the CV he had was clear.

    Lawan added that he sympathized with the position of Sekibo.

    Senator Alasoadura (Ondo) was the first to be screened.

    Alasoadura, who represented Ondo Central in the Eighth Senate, chaired the Petroleum committee (upstream).

    Before he was accorded the privilege of “bow and go”, the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) came up.

    Lawan took some time to educate new senators on steps taken to pass the PIB.

    Lawan recalled how the bill’s duplication that made it difficult to identify which was the correct version.

    On the way forward for the bill, the Senate President noted that there was the need for stakeholders to meet to articulate a comprehensive PIB that the National Assembly would work with.

    Former Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno), who read a prepared speech, was asked to take a bow and go.

    He is a former member of the House of Representatives.

    Lawan re-emphasized the fact that the policy of “bow and go” for former MPs was still very much alive.

    Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe made a case for a specific schedule of duty to be assigned to ministers of state.

    Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje countered that the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency has a clear schedule of duties for minister of state.

    Abubakar Aliyu, immediate past deputy governor of Yobe State, the home state of the Senate President, promised to assist the government to take the country to the next level.

    Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) described Aliyu as “a gentleman to the core”.

    Gaya said that the Yobe State nominee should be allowed to bow and go.

    Senator James Manager (Delta South) promptly seconded the motion that Aliyu should be allowed to bow and go.

    According to Manager, the Senate has a tradition, written and unwritten, some of them not known to the public.

    He reminded his colleagues that “this nominee is from Yobe State and we have a tradition here. I will not go further than that.”

    Lawan described Aliyu as  “committed and loyal”.

    All the women nominees who appeared, Aliyu, Ahmed and Farouk, were asked to take a bow and go after introducing themselves.

    The Senate will continue with the screening today, with the consideration of eight nominees.

     

  • I’m under pressure on cabinet list, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday admitted being under pressure to present the list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly.

    He spoke last night over dinner with the leadership of the National Assembly.

    Senate President Ahmed Lawan and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to a source at the dinner, the President said he was under tremendous pressure to release the list.

    He reportedly said that many of the ministers he appointed in his first tenure were not known to him personally.

    The President was said to have expressed his plan “to appoint those he knows, have confidence in and that have the capacity to deliver”.

    President Buhari was quoted as saying: “Many at this dinner meeting are saying they want to see the list of the proposed cabinet so that they can go on leave peacefully.

    “I’m very much aware about it; I’m under tremendous pressure on it. But the last cabinet, which I headed, most of them, the majority of them I didn’t know them. I had to accept the names and recommendations from the party and other individuals.

    Read Also: Just In: Buhari, NASS leadership meet in Aso Rock

    “I worked with them for three and half years at least – meeting twice or two weeks in a month. So I know them.

    “But, this time around I’m going to be quite me – me in the sense that I will pick people I personally know.”

    Addressing reporters after the dinner, Lawan said the Senate was yet to receive the list from the President.

    According to him, ministerial lists are not submitted at dinners.

    Lawan, who was quoted as saying that the list will be out this week, denied saying so.

    When asked if he was now in possession of the ministerial list, he said: “Well, I came for a dinner and the process of receiving list is not at dinners. That is all I have to say about this.”

    Reminded that he promised Nigerians that the list will get to the Senate this week he said: “I never did. Let me take this opportunity to correct that. A senator raised a point of order under personal explanation and he said we should be sent the list of ministers by the executive arm of government.

    “And in my response, I said the executive is working so hard to ensure that the list of Nigerians that will help this Administration work is going to be constituted, we could even receive it this week.

    “Could is conditional and I will urge everybody here to report it as it is.” he added

    Others at the dinner were: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole; Senators Abdullahi Yahaya (Majority Leader); Ajayi Boroffice (Deputy Leader); Orji Uzor Kalu (Chief Whip) and Sabi Abdullahi (Deputy Chief Whip).

    The House of Representatives leaders were: Emmanuel Bwacha (Deputy Minority Leader);  Phillip Aduda (Minority Whip), Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (Majority Leader); Ndudi Elumelu (Minority Leader); Toby Okechukwu (Deputy Minority Leader).

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, was also at the dinner.

  • Mohammed, Fashola, Onu set to retain cabinet seats

    There were strong indications last night that between 12 and 15 ex-ministers will join President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet.

    It was learnt that the ex-ministers’ names are on the list which was reportedly submitted to Senate President Ahmed  Lawan on Wednesday.

    But there was still a pall of uncertainty on the size of the cabinet.

    The President has the constitutional right to have a 36-man or a 42-man cabinet.

    The President is said to have decided to retain some of the ex-ministers on merit.

    Those speculated to be on the list last night are ex-Ministers of Justice and AGF Abubakar Malami ( SAN); Adamu Adamu( Education); Hadi Sirika ( Aviation); Zainab Ahmed (Finance); Aisha Abubakar (Women Affairs); Lai Mohammed ( Information); Babatunde Fashola (Works, Power and Housing); Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Mohammed Musa Bello( FCT); Suleiman Adamu Kazaure (Water Resources); Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (Science & Technology); Solomon Dalung (Sports & Youths Development) and others.

    Although Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, former governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Niyi Adebayo (Ekiti) and Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) were also being speculated last night to have made the list, none of our sources could confirm such speculations.

    The sources confirmed that some ex-ministers, such as Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Okechukwu Enelamah (Trade and Industry) lost the battle to return to the cabinet.

    A government source said: “I know that the two women ex-ministers are returning to the cabinet. We have a few others who have really added value that the President will be retaining.

    “It is not a total overhaul, which you are anticipating. What the President promised was to leave sustainable legacies in his second term.”

    Read Also: Breaking: Buhari to submit ministerial list this week

    As of press time, it was difficult to ascertain whether or not the President of the Senate had received the ministerial list.

    A principal officer of the National Assembly said “Lawan dropped a hint that he will receive the list on Wednesday”.

    Another source said: “I think the list is already with the Senate President and some officers but they said it will not be made public until Thursday.”

    A source in the Presidency simply said: “All things being equal, the Senate will receive the list on Thursday morning. “

    It was uncertain whether or not the President will retain the 36- member cabinet in his first term or expand it.

    Section 147(1-3), provides that the President should have no fewer than 36 ministers at one per state.

    The section reads:   “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation as may be established by the President.

    “Any appointment to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall, if the nomination of any person to such office is confirmed by the Senate, be made by the President.

    “Any appointment under Subsection (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provisions of Section 14(3) of this Constitution:

    ”Provided that in giving effect to the Provisions aforesaid the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state, who shall be an indigene of such state.”

    Lawan confirmed on Wednesday that the list of ministers will be out this week.

    President Buhari had promised to appoint into his cabinet those who would help him to implement his “Next Level” programmes.

    Lawan spoke during plenary on Wednesday, following a Point of Order by Senator Albert Bassey Akpan (Akwa Ibom Northeast).

    Akpan, who spoke under personal explanation, prayed the Senate to mount pressure on Buhari to transmit the list to the chamber.

    The senator reminded his colleagues that the Senate would embark on its annual recess within the next two weeks.

    He stressed the need for Buhari to transmit the list before the recess.

    Akpan said: “Mr. President, in view of the yearly long recess the Senate and the House of Representatives will embark upon in two weeks, there is need to urge President Muhammadu Buhari to forward the much expected ministerial list to the Senate for screening and confirmation.

    “This is very important because if such list is not made available for the required legislative attention before we embark on the long recess, there will be no ministers and, by extension, the federal cabinet for the President to work with till September.

    “Making the list more urgent now from the President before our long recess, is the fact that if it is not made available, the concerted effort being made by both arms of government to return to the yearly budget cycle of January to December will be defeated.

    “On this note, I call on the President of the Senate to inform President Muhammadu Buhari of the need for the ministerial list before we embark on recess.”

    Lawan said: “Let me, on the strength of this motion, inform the Senate that the Executive arm of government is working very hard on the ministerial list.

    “In fact, the list, based on information at my disposal, will be forwarded to us by the President before the end of this week.

    “May I, therefore, appeal to us all to be ready to make the necessary sacrifice in terms of sufficient time to be spent in carrying out thorough screening and confirmation of appointments of the expected ministerial nominees.”

  • ‘Sanwo-Olu didn’t withdraw $470m to fund AFCON’s delegation’

    The Lagos State Government has debunked an allegation by the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu withdrew $470 million to fund his trip and other persons to watch the Nigeria-Cameroon match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    A statement by Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile reads: “There is nothing farther to the truth than this statement, which follows the same pattern of falsehoods usually dished out to the public by the PDP and its mouthpiece.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Sanwo-Olu did not make any withdrawal for the purpose of attending the AFCON in Egypt.

    “It is a public knowledge that Sanwo-Olu was named among some other dignitaries to attend the ongoing African football fiesta in Egypt.

    “Members of the Federal Government delegation to AFCON 2019 are Dr. Ahmed Lawan, as leader of the delegation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

    “Governors nominated and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari are Sanwo-Olu and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu receives Buratai in Lagos

    “Also on the list are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Mr. Habu Gumel and a representative of the Presidency, Captain Hosa Okunbo.

    “The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olusade Adesola and Muhammad Gambo, the ministry’s Director of Facilities, are also members of the delegation, which include a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to complete the 11-man list.”

    It added: “Is it not laughable therefore that PDP will resort to issuing press statements based on fake news on social media? Does it not stand logic on its head to allege that Governor Sanwo-Olu spent $470 million to fund a trip that he was nominated as a delegate?

    “As we have always stated, we will again suggest to the Lagos State PDP and her spokesman to always fact check before putting pen on paper. Opposition politics is not built on lies and fake news.”

  • ‘We’ll act our roles without fear or favour’

    Senate President Ahmed Lawan has told Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that the upper legislative chamber will take its oversight role seriously and perform its assignments without fear or favour.

    Speaking on Sunday during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Bourdillon, Ikoyi, Lagos home, the Senate President said performing parliamentary oversight functions well would keep every appointee of the government on his or her toes.

    “Whoever is given a job must do it well,” he said, adding: “We will perform our job not to create hostility or engender rancour in the relationship between the National Assembly and the executive but to create synergy. Synergy will help us deliver our respective services to the people,” Lawan said.

    He, however, assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari and the government would be supported from the National Assembly.

    Promising to run a bi-partisan and united Senate, Lawan said senators had already formed some ideas about what they wanted to do and how they would operate – through cooperation and collaboration with all institutions and agencies.

    The Senate President thanked Asiwaju Tinubu and the APC for ensuring the emergence of a united leadership of the National Assembly. He also congratulated Asiwaju Tinubu over the Supreme Court judgment on the Osun governorship election.

    Welcoming the Senate president and his team, Asiwaju Tinubu described the National Assembly’s decision to perform its functions dispassionately as good.

    Read Also: Photos: Lawan visits APC National Leader Tinubu in Lagos

    He praised Lawan on his resolve to run a bi-partisan Senate, saying though democracy is the best form of government, it remains the most difficult to practise.

    On the Supreme Court verdict on Osun, he said the government had cleared all the impediments on the way of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and that governance could now begin.

    Tinubu said the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) had exercised and exhausted its rights and that now is the time to support the governor.

    On the Senate president’s entourage were Senators Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, Opeyemi Bamidele, Halliru Jika, Sani Musa and Bayo Osinowo.

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, former Interim Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande and the party’s former National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Chief Pius Akinyelure, among others, received Lawan.

     

  • 9th Senate ‘ll move fast to cover lost grounds — Lawan

    The new Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, on Friday assured that the Ninth Senate will move fast to cover lost grounds and support President Muhammadu Buhari to implement people-oriented projects and programmes.

    He spoke with State House correspondents after observing the Jumat prayer with President Buhari at the State House mosque.

    Lawan also assured of early passage of national budgets.

    He said: “The expectations from Nigerians is a National Assembly that is very focused, that is very united, that is very patriotic and nationalistic, and that is, by the grace of God, the National Assembly that we shall have.

    “From my interactions with my colleagues when I was contesting, every senator there when I was contesting, has one massive experience or another.

    “I saw my colleagues exhibit patriotism and desire to work for Nigerians. Therefore, we hope to have a National Assembly that will work for Nigerians optimally and patriotically.

    “We also hope to have a National Assembly that will work with the executive arm of government in partnership and synergy to ensure that we perform our functions as a government, because we are a single unit.

    “I also foresee a National Assembly that will insist that whoever has a responsibility in government performs that responsibility, because it takes all of us to work together to ensure that no part or nobody is left behind.

    “If there is anyone that is deficient, it would cost the system. So we are going to work very hard. We would like to catch up the lost grounds over the last four years.”

    He noted that the last Senate didn’t perform to capacity.

    Read Also: Election of Lawan was bipartian, says Nnamani

    “I am sure we did not perform to our capacity as a National Assembly in the last National Assembly.

    “This time around, we want to perform to full capacity, and by the grace of God, Nigerians will see a positive difference in terms of delivery of service to our country men and women.”

    On timely passage of budget bills, the Senate President said that the National Assembly is ready speed up their passage.

    He explained that national budgets will be passed before Christmas break if the executive sends the proposal by September or October.

    He said: “Well, this is a crucial thing that worries everyone. Every Nigerian wants to see the National Assembly pass the budget in good time, and we’ve campaigned with that and it’s something all of us in the National Assembly have bought into – that we’ll pass the budget within three months, by the grace of God.

    “But I want to say here that it takes two sides of government to pass the budget in good time, and I am sure that the executive side of the government would like to present the budget before the National Assembly in good time – in September or early October.

    “And by the grace of God, we in the National Assembly will ensure that we carry out the budget defence and do the remaining parts of the processes, and before we leave for Christmas break, the budget would have been passed and Mr President would have the budget before him to sign and assent.

    “It is our desire in the National Assembly that every minister, every chief executive officer of every agency comes to the National Assembly to defend the budget of his agency or her agency before going out of the country.

    “That window is going to be available within the one month. But that is the only window that is going to be available. After that, for example, every minister or head of agency who did not come to defend the budget of that institution, the National Assembly would go ahead to work on such a budget appropriately.

    “I believe that nobody would take pleasure in wasting the time of this administration.

    “We are in a hurry, we are thirsty to perform, we want to support Mr President, we want to see Mr President achieve those legacy dreams that he has, and we are going to work full course and full time to ensure that we give him the maximum support that he requires.”

  • APC excited as Lawan, Gbajabiamila triumph

    The Ninth National Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday, with Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila elected Senate President and House Speaker.

    Ovie Omo-Agege and Ahmed Idris Wase are their deputies.

    Lawan  (Yobe North) polled 79 votes to defeat Ali Ndume (Borno), who scored 28 votes. Gbajabiamila got 281 votes to Umar Bago’s 76

    “Omo-Agege scored 68 votes to beat Ike Ekweremadu, with 37 votes for the deputy Senate president’s seat

    Wase emerged  unopposed as deputy Speaker.

    Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA)  Mohammed Sani- Omolori conducted the  elections in both chambers. He left for the  House of Representatives  after leaving the Senate at about 2:20pm

    The election was not without drama, as there was uproar in the Senate when Sani-Omolori announced that the open Secret ballot would be used.

    Sani-Omolori said its use was as contained in the Senate Standing Orders 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of 2015.

    The announcement did not go down well with majority of the senators-elect.

    Senator Jibrin Barau (Kano North), who obtained an injunction for the use of open ballot as contained in the Senate Standing Order 2011, challenged the Clerk.

    Barau asked the Clerk if he did not receive a court order on the issue

    Sani-Omolori answered in the negative, insisting that the business of the day was election of Senate president   and deputy Senate president.

    He told the senators-elect that no question or motion would be entertained.

    The lawmakers-elect, he explained, did not have any say on the issue, especially when the election would be conducted in accordance with the Senate Standing Order 2015.

    After order was restored, Sani-Omolori directed the Senate Clerk, Nelson Ayewoh, to take the roll call to establish the number of senators-elect in the chamber.

    On being told  that 107 senators-elect were present, the clerk called for nominations for the Senate president.

    Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) nominated Lawan and he was seconded by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West).

    Lawan accepted his nomination and promised to work for the country’s unity and progress, if elected.

    Senator Ishaku Elisha (Adamawa North) nominated Ndume and he was. seconded by Senator Ndidi Barinada (Rivers East).

    Ndume accepted his nomination and promised to unbundle the Office of Senate President for  senators to take charge of things.

    Voting began at  10.50am and ended at 11.56 am.

    Around noon, Sani-Omolori announced: “Today, 11th of June, 2019, gathered in the Senate chamber are 107 Senators-elect. 107 Senators-elect cast their votes.

    “After voting and counting of votes, Senator-elect Ahmed Lawan received 79 votes. Senator-elect Mohammed Ali Ndume received 28 votes. Total votes cast 107.

    “On the strength of this, Senator-elect Ahmed Lawan, having scored the highest number of votes, is hereby declared winner and returned elected President of the Ninth Senate.”

    The Omo-Agege floored Ekweremadu

    For the deputy Senate president, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North) nominated Ekweremadu and he was seconded by Senator Rose Okoh (Cross River North).

    His nomination came after Senator Ahmed Baba Kaita (Katsina North) nominated Omo-Agege and was seconded by Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North).

    Ekweremadu was deputy Senate president for 12 years – serving for eight under Senator David Mark and four under Senator Bukola Saraki.

    Omo-Agege and Ekweremadu accepted their nominations.

    Omo-Agege promised to assist Lawan to perform his functions.  Ekweremadu said the election of the deputy Senate president would be a referendum on the April 18, 2018 invasion of the Senate.

    Ekweremadu told reporters that he contested the election to make a statement on last year’s invasion of the Senate,

    He said: “For over 20 years, I have been very busy with politics and governance. So, I think I can have a rest and reflect on other things.”

    On why he contested, Ekweremadu said: “I believe there must be a referendum. Look at what happened on a day I was presiding and the chamber was invaded.

    “I wanted a situation where we could present a referendum in respect of what transpired.”

    Asked at what point he took the decision to contest, he said: “Early this morning, we were not minded to run for any office, we thought that our friends in APC will present a consensus candidate that we can all be proud of.

    “We need to exonerate ourselves. It was not a contest to win or lose. I wanted to make a statement.”

    In a statement, Ekweremadu congratulated  Lawan and Omo-Agege, saying he appreciated his colleagues, constituents, and Nigerians for their supportt.

    Ekweremadu said on his social media handles: “I congratulate Senator Lawan and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on their elections.

    “I specially appreciate my colleagues, who supported me as I vied for the office again to preserve the hallowedness and honour of the Senate and uphold equity as a priceless ingredient for building a Nigeria of our dreams.

    “I have made my point and my colleagues have made their choice. It is now for us all to join hands across all divides to work for the success of the Ninth Senate and National Assembly as well as the peace and prosperity of our nation.”

    Read Also: Lawan, Gbajabiamila: Triumph of party supremacy

    At the House, Gbajabiamila won  by a landslide, securing 281 votes to Bago’s 76, out of a total of 358 votes.

    Two members were absent; one vote was invalid.

    Bago congratulated Gbajabiamila even before the  conclusion of the counting of votes.

    The voting took less than two hours; there were two voting points.

    Some members made sure that Gbajabiamila, Wase and Abdulmumin  Jibrin displayed their ballot papers after voting before casting it.

    No member attempted to display how he or she voted to Bago, who sat on the third row.

    There was pin drop silence during the sorting of ballot papers, which was witnessed by Jibrin, Linda Ikpeazu, Mark Gbila and Yunusa Ahmad.

    Members began jubilating and congratulating Gbajabiamila before the Executive ended.

    After the sorting, Jibrin bowed and touched the floor with his forehead and went to hug Gbajabiamila.

    Buhari: new dawn is here

    President Muhammadu Buhari led the way yesterday in  congratulating Senate President Ahmed Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

    In a statement by his  Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also saluted members of the National Assembly for their patriotism and non-partisanship before and during the presiding officers’ election.

    Buhari noted the transparent and fair nature of the exercise, adjudging it as a plus for democracy.

    He described the election of Lawan and Gbajabiamila as “a new dawn, different from duplicity and perfidy of the immediate past.”

    The President urged the winners to use their exalted positions for the higher interest of the country’, the people and the growth of democracy.

    He said: “The executive does not desire a rubber stamp legislature. While the separation of powers is essential, collaboration among all arms of government should be the name of the game. Opposition need not be virulent.”

    “Stepping into the Next Level, the legislature has a big role to play for the goals of the administration to be achieved.” This is for the ultimate good of the nation.”

    The President implored those who lost to be gallant and join hands with the victors who should be magnanimous and eschew vindictiveness.

    “At the end of the day, we, the people, who elected our representatives at the national level, are the winners,” the President said.

    Put Nigerians first,  says Saraki

    Former Senate president Bukola Saraki, in his message, hailed Lawan, Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Gbajabiamila, and  Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase.

    “Congratulations to Senate President Lawan, Speaker Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President Omo-Agege and Deputy Speaker Wase as they begin their journey as presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly.

    “As you set forth on your legislative endeavours in the next four years, I ask that you always put the Nigerian people first in all that you do and protect the integrity of the legislative institution.

    “I wish you all, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, utmost success as you work to serve our nation and its great people,” Saraki said.

    Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North Orji Kalu also congratulated Lawan, Gbajabiamila.

    He also hailed Omo-Agege and Wase on their election.

    He extolled the virtues of the presiding  officers, noting that they will develop and sustain a harmonious relationship with the executive and judiciary arms of government.

    Kalu described the presiding officers as experienced parliamentarians with the capacity to drive the National Assembly.

    He said:  “The new leadership of the National Assembly symbolises a new era in the history of Nigeria.

    “Senate President Lawan and Speaker Gbajabiamila have the political capacity, legislative experience and administrative acumen to steer the affairs of the Senate and House of Representatives.

    “Also, Senator Omo-Agege and Hon. Wase will perform well in their new roles.”

    The Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) described the election of Lawan and Gbajabiamila as a good omen.

    A statement by its spokesman, Alex Kalejaye described Lawan as arguably one of the most patriotic, well-cultured, and disciplined senators in the country.

    It described Omo-Agege,  an experienced political tactician, and loyal party man.

    “We heartily rejoice with the National Assembly, and congratulate the Senate President, his deputy, the Speaker, his deputy and other elected officers on their elevation”.

    It added: “Lawan has repeatedly promised to lead a Senate that is devoid of rancour, work harmoniously with the other arms of government, without compromising the independence of the legislative arm. We trust that these would be the hallmarks of his tenure as the President of the Senate.

    “We commend the dexterity, and efforts of all the leaders of APC, particularly that of the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for this laudable feat.

    There was jubilation in Yobe, Lawan’s home state, over his election. Some people said his emergence reflected  the national interest.”

    In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu , the state capital they prayed for his success in office.

    The  Zanna Dujima of Bade, Alhaji Muhammad Gagiyo, described the election of Lawan as a new dawn for patriotism and  national development.

    He said: “Nigeria now has a committed Senate President with a passion to serve the country and improve peoples’ lives.  The Senate President has over the years exhibited commitment with quality representation of his constituency. We are  optimistic that he will provide the required leadership to the senate to see national service over and above selfish interests.”

    An APC member, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman,, said the new leadership would provide the support to move Nigeria forward.

    He added: “Sen. Lawan has the required leadership skills for a friendly and productive senate.”

    The Majidadin Bade, Alhaji Mamman Suleiman, described Lawan’s election as well timed  one to support the policy and programmes of  President Buhari.

    This is our finest hour, says Oshiomhole

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Adams Oshiomhole is excited over his party’s triumph in the National Assembly leadership elections

    “This is the party’s finest hour”,  he told reporters at the National Assembly Ccomplex yesterday.

    Speaking  with reporters after Gbajabiamila’s election, Oshiomhole said: “For those who thought something was wrong with the APC, I think the outcome of the Senate election will humble them, not just for the victory but for the size of the defeat.

    “They insisted on secret ballot which is not good enough because in parliament the constituents must know how their representatives are voting. That will be the basis of supporting them in the future. But if the vote is secret, it means that they are not accountable.

    “But they insisted that it must be secret ballot. It is okay. We have worked hard to let our people  recognise that Nigerians, with their eyes open, gave the APC the executive; they also gave us the overwhelming majority in the two arms of the National Assembly. I think that in doing that, they expect that this time around APC would have no excuse not to deliver.

    “We cannot say that we are being blocked by the parliament. The parliament is ours and those who don’t believe in ‘Change’ cannot be entrusted with the challenge of managing the ‘Change.’ That is why I said we must give the position of responsibility to those who believe in our ‘Change’ agenda.

    “So, today, that has been translated. You can just imagine how I feel; like a mother, we are on the verge of delivering twins in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    “For me it is our finest hour, particularly when you bear in mind what happened in 2015. It is the mischief of 2015 that we have tried to correct, and I am happy that it has been settled.”

  • Senate President Lawan: I’ll be fair to all

    SENATE President Ahmed Lawan has promised to lead as a servant and be fair to all.

    In his maiden address after polling 79 votes to beat his only challenger, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who garnered 28 votes,  Lawan said political, ethnic and religious considerations would have no place under his watch.

    Ndume, who explained that he contested against Lawan to deepen democracy, promised to join hands with the Senate President.

    Lawan (Yobe North Senatorial District), who was the Majority Leader in the Eighth Senate, pledged to ensure that the upper legislative chamber perform its role for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    He said: “Elections are over. It shows that we voted for a unite Senate and it is clear that the outcome is bipartisan. All parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP), voted for me and with this outcome the Ninth Senate is ready to take off as a united Senate.

    “Today means so many things. It is the commencement of another decade of our democracy and we will work to ensure best global parliamentary practice, among other things.”

    Promising to work toward ensuring a secure and a prosperous future for all Nigerians, Lawan said the Senate would be responsive to the needs of the masses who, he said, are the owners of the mandate.

    Read also: NASS leadership election: It’s time to work together, says Gbajabiamila

    Urging his colleagues to work collectively to ensure a robust Senate, Lawan charged them not to settle for anything less than the best, adding: “We will dream big, aim high and take good initiatives.”

    Lawan promised improved Information Communication Technology (ICT) as one of the focal points of the Senate, which will collaborate with the executive to tackle banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping and other crimes.

    “We will work with the executive for sustained pursuit of national ethical renewal,” he said, adding that youth unemployment, suicide, depression, corruption and insecurity would be frontally tackled.

    Bemoaning the estimated 14 million out-of-school children across the nation, Lawan said the Senate would work toward finding lasting solutions to the growing menace, which he described as “embarrassing”.

    He allayed fears and insinuations in some quarters that the Senate under him would be subservient to the executive.

    “The Senate will be independent while working with the executive. We will choose unity of purpose instead of conflict,” he said.

    Lawan promised to strengthen the relationship between the legislature and other key stakeholders, including the media as well as civil society organisations, adding: “We must drive a transformative Senate dedicated to serving the people with confidence, courage and patriotism. In doing so, we are convinced that our past was only a story told while our future can yet be written in gold.”

    Ndume pledged to work with the Senate’s new leadership under Lawan and his deputy, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Speaking immediately after losing the election, the Borno South senator promised to cooperate with Lawan in the interest of the country.

    Describing Lawan as a well-experienced lawmaker who joined the National Assembly four years ahead of him, Ndume explained that he happily went into the election in line with democratic norms.

    Ndume was optimistic that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not see his action as a rebellion but as an act to deepen democracy.

    According to him, his action made the election credible.

    Ndume said: “Ahmed Lawan is my brother who is well- experienced, having been here four years ahead of me. I will give him all the necessary support. I insisted on contesting against him in order to deepen democracy.

    “I hope the party would agree with me that what I did was in the interest of democracy and I do know that power belongs to God.  It’s God’s will that my colleague becomes the President. I will do all I can with others for him to succeed because his success is our success.”