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Tag: Aminu Tambuwal

  • House holds valedictory session for Lar

    House holds valedictory session for Lar

    The House of Representatives held a valedictory session for the late Solomon Lar yesterday.

    Lar, who died in the United States of America in October, was a member of the House in the First Republic.

    The late politician was eulogised during the session, which was attended by ex-Information Minister Prof Jerry Gana, former principal officers of the National Assembly; Ghali Umar Na’abba, Ken Nnamani, Ibrahim Mantu, and former Plateau State Governor Joshua Dariye.

    Also in attendance were the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Barnabas Gemade as well as the widow, Merry, among others.

    Na’abba spoke on behalf of the former principal officers in the National Assembly.

    Gemade and Senator Victor Lar also spoke of the late PDP pioneer chairman in glowing tributes.

    The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, described the late politician, as an emancipator, who loved and preached peace.

    Tambuwal said the leadership of the National Assembly, in conjunction with the Gana-led burial planning committee, decided to dedicate the day to honour Lar because he left legacies of excellence.

    “He was a pioneer, a leader, who decided which path his followers should follow. He left a legacy of excellence as a governor. He abolished daily pay and contract employment and he believed that leaders lived to serve the people.

    “He was not in politics for self aggrandisement. The best way to ensure the legacy he left behind is to remember the things he stood for.”

    Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha described the late Lar as an elder statesman and emancipator of the oppressed.

  • Defection: PDP plots against pro-APC Senators, Reps

    Defection: PDP plots against pro-APC Senators, Reps

    •Tukur to write Mark, Tambuwal

    THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is launching a desperate last move to stop dissenting Senators and Reps from crossing over to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In the event of failing to stop them from defection, the party has decided to get the leadership of the National Assembly to declare their seats vacant.

    No fewer than 22 PDP senators are believed to be on their way to the APC. The number of reps is yet unknown.

    The leadership of the PDP, according to sources, is highly scandalised by the recent defection of five of its governors to the APC and has sworn to stop its National Assembly members who are sympathetic to the governors by all means.

    It was gathered that the embattled National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has already met Senate President David Mark and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives to prevail on senators and reps suspected of planning to defect to reconsider their move or forfeit their seats.

    The affected lawmakers are adamant, according to sources.

    The senators, largely made up of members of the defunct Kawu Baraje-led New PDP, had shunned a peace move launched by Tukur to dissuade them from defecting to the APC.

    Twenty of the New PDP senators boycotted a peace meeting called last Wednesday by the national leadership of the party. Only two of them attended the parley which was meant to give the party an opportunity to convince the lawmakers of the need for them to stay in the party.

    Also in the House of Representatives, scores of PDP legislators are reportedly putting finishing touches to their planned mass defection to the APC.

    Sources said barring unforeseen circumstances, the lawmakers may officially announce their defection on the floor of the House this week.

    “It is no longer a secret that nearly 80 legislators in the lower chamber are now APC members. What is left to be done is an official announcement and that may just happen this week in spite of pressure and intimidation from the ruling party,” a source told The Nation.

    Investigation by The Nation revealed that the leadership of the two chambers in the National Assembly has been under pressure to move against the planned defections by threatening the lawmakers that all defecting PDP lawmakers will have their seats declared vacant.

    It was gathered that both Senator Mark and Speaker Tambuwal have declined to make any such announcement on the ground that since no lawmaker has notified them of his or her intention to defect, it will be unwise to precipitate crisis in the National Assembly with such threat.

    One source said: “Determined to intimidate the New PDP legislators in the National Assembly, the party has been urging the leadership of the two chambers to take a position on the declaration of the seat of decamping PDP legislators vacant.

    “But the Senate President and the Speaker turned all such overtures down. They are both of the opinion that unless there is a notification to the effect that a lawmaker is defecting, it is not proper for them to be the one to start a crisis by making such statement.”

    Determined to brow beat the lawmakers into abandoning their planned defection, the leadership of the PDP, according to reliable sources, may have decided on another approach to the knotly issue.

    “After serious consultations, especially following the refusal of the federal lawmakers to honour the invitation of the national chairman last Tuesday, the PDP has resolved to take the fight to the lawmakers in the National Assembly by formally reminding the leadership of the need to declare the seat of any defecting PDP lawmaker vacant.

    “The idea is to remind those planning to defect of the danger of losing their seats. The party has been saying this since the defection crisis started but we think it will be taken more seriously if it is announced on the floors of the House and the Senate.

    “If the leadership of the National Assembly wants a letter before acting, the national chairman of the PDP is now prepared to give them a letter to be read to our members reminding them of their obligations to the party that gave them a platform to go and represent their people at the national assembly,” our source said.

    The Nation learnt that the move was to pre-empt a situation where the APC will have the majority in the two chambers after the planned defection.

  • Lawmakers will decide when to defect, says Tambuwal

    Lawmakers will decide when to defect, says Tambuwal

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said yesterday that members would decide when to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Tambuwal, who made his position known in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Imam Imam, said it is left to members to activate the process.

    The statement said: “MPs will decide collectively on when to defect. They have their internal process if they decide to cross carpet.

    “Let us wait and see whether they can activate the process or not.”

    The 1999 Constitution allows defection of lawmakers if there is division in any political party.

    Section 68 (1) says: “ A member of the Senate or the House of Representatives shall vacate his seat in the House which he is a member if –

    (a) he becomes a member of another legislative house;

    (b) any other circumstance arise that, if he were not a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, would cause him to be disqualified for election as a member;

    (c) he ceases to be a citizen of Nigeria;

    (d) he becomes President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor or a Minister of the Government of the Federation or a Commissioner of the Government of a State or a Special Adviser;

    (e) save as otherwise prescribed by this Constitution, he becomes a member of a Commission or other body established by the Constitution or by any other law;

    (f) without just cause he is absent from meetings of the House of which he is a member or a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days during which the House meets in any one year;

    (g) being a person whose election to the House was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected:

    “Provided that his membership of the latter political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.”

  • Budget crisis looms over oil price benchmark

    Budget crisis looms over oil price benchmark

    President Goodluck Jonathan aborted yesterday his 2014 budget presentation at the National Assembly. He sent a letter excusing himself.

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal entered the chamber at 11:25 a.m and read the President’s letter.

    Jonathan cited the disparity between the oil price benchmark of the Senate and the House as reason for his action.

    The letter reads:

    “Please recall that I had written requesting the Honourable House of Representatives to grant me the slot of 12 noon on Tuesday 19th November 2013 to enable me address a Joint Session of the National Assembly on the 2014 Budget.

    “However, considering the fact that, whereas the Distinguished Senate has approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) based on a benchmark of $76.5 per barrel, the Honurable House of Representatives has used a benchmark of $79 per barrel, it is infeasible for me to present the budget in the absence of a harmonised position on the MTEF.

    “In the circumstance, it has become necessary to defer the presentation of the 2014 Budget to a Joint Session of the National Assembly until such a time when both respected chambers would have harmonised their positions on the MTEF. It is my hope that this will be in the shortest possible time.”

    This is the second consecutive postponement of the 2014 budget presentation.

    It became glaring at 9:50 am yesterday when the Sergeants-at-arm began removing the labelings and demarcations meant for the joint sitting in the Green Chamber that the President would not honour the National Assembly with his presence.

    The sit- at- home order to the over 3,000 National Assembly workers from grade level 01- 14 by the National Assembly, the closure of all banking and commercial activities, the excessive security screening at the entrances, the facelift of the complex, the prim and proper dressing by lawmakers, the red carpet all cam to nought yesterday.

    Some senators and House of Representatives members were disappointed at the President’s action.

    The presentation, which ought to have been made on November 12, was cancelled based on differences over the 2014-2016 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), especially on the oil benchmark.

    While the Presidency fixed $74 for the benchmark, the Senate passed $76.5 while the House fixed $79 in the passed MTEF.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers went into a closed door meeting to discuss the aborted presentation.

    It was learnt that the APC lawmakers were not disposed to the “drop-on-the-table” budget presentation.

    After Speaker Tambuwal read the President’s letter, the House attempted to treat some bills which the movers said they were stepping down. Consequently, the House adjourned at noon.

    Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila said: “We have not taken a decision on the MTEF because the Senate and the House have different positions and we have to reach a joint decision through executive session and harmonisation and arrive at a joint position.

    “Since the budget is based on the passage of the MTEF, I think the President has given a good and cogent reason for not making it today (yesterday).

    “I don’t know if the House is really expecting the President to make the presentation or not, yes there is some talk about that but to some of us, it is not just about the presentation.

    “This is because, what we are talking about is the integrity of the budget and for the sake of the integrity of the budget, we have to realise that it is not just about our democracy but about the integrity of an arm of government.

    “Under the constitution, it is the President that have to lay it and if it is read that ‘causing to be laid’ is interpreted to mean you can send anybody, then that is setting a bad precedence.

    “It means that a President can decide to send his wife or any of his Personal Assistant on Domestic Affairs or any of his cronies.

    “He may even decide to mail the budget but this is unacceptable; the argument that we had a precedence does not hold water because the President in question (late President Yar’Adua) was incapacitated and we all knew what happened to him unfortunately.

    “It is an exception to the rule. This President is not incapacitated. “

    Another member, Pally Iriase (APC Edo) said the budget presentation was too important for the President not to make the address, considering the fact that there is no State of the Nation address.

    House spokesman Zakari Mohammed said: “It is not our fault that it wasn’t presented because the House is still within the timeframe for passing the MTEF.

    “When we look at it from another angle, the coming of MTEF to the NASS was even belated because, according to the Constitution, the MTEF is supposed to be transmitted to the NASS six months before the end of the year, but we got this in September.”

    He said the reason given by the President could not have been the sole reason for the aborted presentation.

    According to him, the President presented the budget at a time when the Senate had not passed the MTEFF.

    “Last year, the Senate was yet to pass the MTEF but the House had passed it when the President presented the budget; it was not an issue then.

    “The House will go through the legislative process by raising a Conference Committee, harmonise the position of the two Houses, but there is no definitive date for its passage,” he added.

    Senators were angry.

    Senator Kabiru Gaya (Kano South) said: “First of all, let me say one thing. The President gave a date last week that he would be coming and when he gave that date even the interim MTEF had not been discussed.

    “So, he gave a date earlier, so if it was ready for that date we would have received it without even passing the MTEF.

    “So, all I am saying is that the President should have come here today, present his budget and issue of benchmark can be discussed and agreed during the deliberations on the budget.

    “I am sure that was what happened. Even the MTEF was not discussed until after the budget was passed. So, I believe maybe the President has another reason.”

    Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) said: “We have to agree on the same benchmark because that is what the Constitution of Nigeria says. No one has an upper hand above the other.

    “We have to agree as soon as practicable because we have to do away with the issue of arm twisting and impunity because this is getting too much from the executive.

    “Why should you peg the benchmark? You cannot eat your cake and have it. There is separation of power. The issue of budget is the business of the legislature.

    “The Constitution provides that all revenues acruing to the federation be retired into an account and after which it will be disbursed to the three tiers of government.

    “What we have now is that the executive put a benchmark and have excess which was used to cover inadequacies on the increase everyday and it is nobody’s business.

    “It is for the executive to implement. The excess crude account is illegal. That is why, according to governors recently, N5billion is missing from the account. Who removed the money? Funds should be appropriated before they are spent.

    Mohammed Maccido ( Sokoto North) said: “The two chambers have to agree on the same benchmark because that is what the Constitution says. We have to deliberate on this issue and we have not done that.

    “Our leadership at both chambers had sat down with the Minister of Finance too. I was in the meeting too and what was agreed upon was that we should try as much as we could to adhere to $76.50 per barrel but that is within the leadership. When you get to your different chambers, it’s a different ball game.

    Heineken Lokpobri (Bayelsa West) said: “I don’t think that what is happening is strange. Normally, if the House passes a different version from the Senate, there will be a conference committee and as it is the House passed $79; the Senate passed $76.5.

    “There has to be a formal conference committee that will harmonise both positions.

    “Once that is done, the President will now come and present the budget but Nigerians need to know that this law mandating us to approve the MTEF before the budget can be presented is a recent law, it wasn’t there since 1999.”

  • Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal advises African lawmakers on democratic growth

    Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal advises African lawmakers on democratic growth

    President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday advised African parliaments to pursue legislation that will engender democratic growth on the continent.

    The three leaders spoke at the maiden African Legislative Summit 2013 with the theme: Emerging Legislatures in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.

    Jonathan, who inaugurated the summit, urged African parliaments to legislate against issues and actions that could lead to the collapse of the democratic arrangements on the continent.

    African parliaments, he said, should legislate to discourage thuggery, terrorism and organised cross-border crimes.

    The President described the summit as a laudable effort, which would give Africa a new vision and a new initiative to rapid development.

    He said: “The summit is coming at a critical period when the African continent is in search of a means of strengthening the various democratic institutions to pave the way for an enduring democratic structure.

    “There is the need for strategy for networking and capacity-building. The legislature has a critical role to play in lawmaking and oversight function to consolidate democratic practice and norms.”

    Mark noted that the summit was desirable because African democracy was at the crossroads with mixed results of consolidation in some countries and regression in others.

    The Senate President said there was need to underscore the central role of the legislature in giving true meaning to democracy on the African continent and reassure the people that functioning and institutionalised legislatures would contribute to reversing the poverty, corruption, underdevelopment and disenchantment and cynicism about democracy.

    He said: “…Having been in the Senate for the last 14 years and having been involved with regional and global parliamentary movements, I have some practical experiences to share with parliamentarians, scholars and civil society activists preoccupied with the functioning of the legislature. My remarks will draw from my experiences as a legislator and secondly from my interactions with scholars, parliamentarians across the globe as well as close watchers of parliaments, especially in emerging democracies.

    “Let me take the liberty to assert that as a continent and a people, we have every cause to be proud of our achievements in establishing democracy as the most acceptable mode of governance. This summit is an affirmation that democratic governance and its ideals, such as the rule of law, respect for human rights and the triumph of the will of the people have unquestionable acceptance among Africans.”

    Tambuwal decried underdevelopment of the parliament in contrast with the Executive arm and the marginalisation of the parliament in policy making.

  • Tambuwal to lawmakers: you ’re not above the law

    Tambuwal to lawmakers: you ’re not above the law

    •Two-day workshop holds in Abuja

    Lawmakers have been urged to subject themselves to the rule of law.

    House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal said members of the Parliament should endeavour to enforce accountability through effective oversight and investigative hearings if rapid development of the nation’s democracy must be facilitated.

    Tambuwal, who challenged his colleagues while delivering a keynote address at a two-day legislative workshop in Abuja yesterday implored them to desist from seeing themselves as being above the law.

    The workshop was organised by the Joint Committee of Rules and Business of the Senate and the House, in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative Studies and Democratic Governance for Development Projects (DGDP).

    He said: “You will find also as you discuss the privileges and immunity of legislators that while the law protects the parliamentarian over comments made on the floor of the House, that privilege does not extend to any illegality perpetrated by a legislator.

    “In other words, being a parliamentarian does not place you above the law. Indeed, it imposes on you a responsibility to abide by the law at all times.”

    Tambuwal, however, expressed optimism that the workshop would improve the knowledge of the participants on the workings of the parliament and democracy, saying, “Sometimes, especially in political matters, you will find that practice can be so different from theory.

    “The discussion on the Bill Process will hopefully throw more light on the complexities involved in passing any law in a bicameral legislature. Most of the work is actually done by committees and we try as much as possible to involve the public in the lawmaking process.

    “We believe fervently that democracy can only grow when people choose to participate and influence the process for the collective good.”

    In addition, the Speaker said that executive/legislative working relationships would be enhanced through the workshop, saying, “Separation of powers does not mean that the three arms of government work exclusive of one another.

    “That would in fact defeat the very essence of our mandate, which is to work together in raising the standards of living of our people. However, the legislature has a duty to provide certain checks and balances that are set down by the Constitution’’.

    “We will therefore be breaking the law if we do not perform these tasks, which are our Oversight functions. Public Hearings or Investigative Hearings are therefore merely the continuation of our Constitutionally specified duties and we perform these duties with no other desire than to correct lapses in the system that have become inimical to public good”.

    Besides, the application of its power of override and veto by the legislature against the Executive arm was a pointer to the harmonious relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, the Speaker said.

    “And it is a measure of how cordial the relationship between the Parliament and the Executive have become that the Power of Override and Veto which is slated for discussion here has seldom been employed.

    “As you learn about the procedure for veto, you will hopefully become aware of how the exercise of legislative power is sometimes more circumspect than you can ever imagine.

    “Every year, the National Assembly is bound by law to examine the national budget as presented by the President and help decide what should be appropriated for what.”

  • PDP crisis: Anti-Baraje, Tambuwal lawmakers in secret breakfast meeting

    PDP crisis: Anti-Baraje, Tambuwal lawmakers in secret breakfast meeting

    The crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party continued yesterday with 40 members of the House of Representatives opposed to the Kawu Baraje faction and Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, holding a suspicious breakfast meeting in Abuja.

    The meeting was held behind closed doors in Plateau Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

    Barely a few hours after the meeting, the President removed his Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Joy Emordi, as part of a new strategy by the Presidency to take control of the National Assembly.

    Emordi was alleged to be using the carrot and stick method in dealing with National Assembly members instead of going for the stick policy.

    According to our investigation, the 40 House members met to review the disruption of the visit of the Kawu Baraje faction to the House on Tuesday and how to form a “standing army” to resist moves by the New PDP members and the opposition to frustrate bills from the Presidency.

    They also summoned the session, which was held between 9am and 10.30am, to design how to checkmate Speaker Aminu Tambuwal who is alleged to be sympathetic to the New PDP.

    A text message inviting the affected members to the meeting reads in part: “You are invited to a Breakfast Meeting as follows: Date: Friday, 20th September, 2013 (yesterday). Venue: Plateau Hall, Tarnscorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Time: 9.00am prompt. Kindly mobilize and attend with all those of our members who signed for peace and stability in our country, from your state (being one of our co-ordinators). Dr. Pat Asadu.”

    The affected lawmakers tried to hide the session away from the public, but one of our correspondents was able to enter the hall without them suspecting.

    The small hall in Transcorp Hilton with about eight to ten tables was filled, but there were no indications outside the hall to suggest the importance of the gathering as the aides and hangers-on that usually accompany the lawmakers were absent.

    The front of the hall was empty, except for the hotel’s staff and security officers that even pretended not to be aware of the calibre of people in the hall.

    The meeting was, however, presided over by a member of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Bethel Amadi, who is eyeing the governorship ticket of Imo State.

    At the end of the meeting, a few of the lawmakers took their time to take a bite of the breakfast, while many left in groups with smiling faces.

    One of the lawmakers, who spoke in confidence, said: “We decided to meet in order to bring in more members into our fold.

    “We want to ensure a smooth reign for President Goodluck Jonathan between now and 2015.”

    Another source said: “The lawmakers agreed to form a “standing army” to checkmate the majority in the House (New PDP and the opposition) who are already planning to frustrate all bills from the President.

    “We are not after the impeachment of Tambuwal, but he has to watch it. With what happened on Tuesday, we have shown that Tambuwal has not caged all members of the House.

    “Tambuwal should know that he is sitting on the edge. He has cause to be fair in all proceedings or else members will decide appropriately.

    “We may not have our way, but we can cause enough trouble for Nigerians to appreciate the tyranny of the majority.”

    Some of those in attendance were Tajudeen Yusuf (PDP, Kogi), Dr. Abiola Ajaja (Accord Party, Oyo), Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo) and many women representatives from the South-South and South-East axis.

    Barely a few hours after the session, the Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Mrs. Joy Emordi, was removed by the Presidency for what a source described as allegedly being too weak in dealing with National Assembly members.

    The source said: “Emordi believes in the carrot and stick method, but this is the time to call a spade a spade in the National Assembly.

    “The invasion of the National Assembly by the Kawu Baraje faction was embarrassing and legislative aides to the President were not circumspect enough.

    “If the National Assembly wants to draw a battle line with the Presidency, let it be done right away.”

  • In Zik’s hall of fame

    In Zik’s hall of fame

    This year’s Zik Prize in Leadership was won by House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and three governors, among others. They received their prize in Lagos last Saturday, at a ceremony, which attracted eminent personalities. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

    BEING a Saturday, the traffic on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island, Lagos was light. So getting to the Civic Centre was easy for the guests. They had no traffic to contend with.

    Security officials ensured orderliness especially in warding off some social miscreants who sang praises of the dignitaries for cash.

    The expansive centre was chilly, thanks to the ocean behind it, from where cold breeze blew.

    While some women in strapless attires looked for scarves to cover their bodies, others in full outfits, especially those in traditional iro, buba, ipele and gele, took time to savour the gift of nature.

    A huge banner at the entrance welcomed guests into the main building

    The banner heralded the event: Public Policy Research and Analysis Centre (PPRAC) Year 2012 Zik Prize.

    There were other big banners giving pictorial explanation of the winners.

    The awardees were Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal; Kano State Governor Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi; Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Mr Reginald Ihejiahi and former Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries, (NB) Chief Festus Odimegwu.

    Tambuwal received the Public Service Award; Kwankwaso, Uduaghan and Fayemi bagged Good Governance awards.

    The event began around 7:30pm with music by star musician-cum actress Onyeka Onwenu. It was delayed for a while to allow the Muslims break their fast. Fruits were served before Ebele – The Flutist rendered the National Anthem.

    Her rendition evoked the memory of flutists of old. She got a round of applause.

    Chairman on the occasion Chief Sunny Odogwu and Special Guest of Honour Chief Ernest Shonekan gave short remarks before the gathering adjourned for dinner.

    Odogwu said the list of awardees was impressive.

    He congratulated the organisers for their painstaking effort in choosing the recipients.

    He described the late Azikiwe as a great man.

    Shonekan, former Head of Interim National Government (ING), said the awards were well-deserved because the recipients had made contributions to the country’s development.

    Shonekan added: “Whatever we do in any human endeavour is being recorded and does not go without being noticed.” Hence, everyone should not relent in contributing positively to the development of Nigeria.

    He described Zik as Azikiwe was fondly called as a dynamic leader.

    “The late Nnamdi Azikiwe believed in Nigeria where people are achievers and could hold their heads anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity to meet him twice; one of the occasions was at Onikan where Zik was playing lawn tennis. I used to go there to look for pocket money. One day, I got three pence from him; a huge money then. Since then, I have always admired him,” he said.

    He urged the recipients not to rest on their oars.

    After the dinner, Mr Sony Irabor took the microphone to read the citation of the awardees one after the other.

    Some members of the House of Representatives shouted ‘Sayi Tambuwal!’ during the Speaker’s turn. Fayemi got the loudest ovation. His supporters from Ekiti outnumbered those of other awardees and they did not hesitate to recite the Ekiti Anthem when Fayemi was called to the podium.

    The awards were presented by Shonekan and Odogwu, but Tambuwal and Anambra State Deputy Governor Emeka Sibeudu presented Professional Leadership plaques to Ihejiahi and Odimegwu.

    A short drama played out over who should respond on behalf of the awardees.

    Uduaghan was given the microphone by the moderator; he passed it to Tambuwal who in turn gave it to Fayemi.

    Fayemi pledged that the recipients would rededicate themselves to the struggle for a just and prosperous Nigeria, while also working with and for the people to make the country greater.

    “In accepting this award, we are conscious on one hand of the increased burden of expectations on us as we join the distinguished cadre of winners of the Zik Award across the continent. On the other hand, we are cognisant of the weight of responsibility that comes with being a recipient of an award that was inspired and named after Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of Nigeria, of blessed memory”, he said.

    According to him, the zeal and impetus for Nigerians “to trust one another, dream together, work together and succeed together in building the Nigeria of our aspirations” comes when the hearts of citizens beat together in patriotic rhythm.”

    PPRAC Advisory Board member Emeka Obasi said Shonekan and Odogwu requested Tambuwal to also respond.

    Tambuwal said jokingly “all the recipients except myself are qualified for the award.”

    He hailed the three governors on the list, saying they have done well to merit the honour.

    Onyeka Onwenu brought the glamorous event to a close with one of her hit album – One love.

    In attendance were the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; wives of Ekiti and Delta State Governors Bisi and Roli; former Governor of the Ekiti State Otunba Niyi Adebayo; Senator Tony Adeniyi; Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Hon Moruf Akinderu-Fatai; Hon Ayo Omidiran and her husband Alhaji Moroof; Hon Oyetunde Ojo; Hon Robinson Ajiboye; Hon Bamidele Faparusi; Hon Bimbo Daramola; Hon Ife Arowosoge; Action Congress of Nigeria National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Prof Akin Oyebode; Prof Patrick Aina; Dr Femi Orebe; the Owa Ooye of Okemesi, Oba Gbadebo Adedeji; the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Sunday Ajiboye; Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor Chief Yemi Adaramodu; Delta State Commissioner for Education Prof Hope Eghagha, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Mr Tayo Ekundayo, his counterparts in the ministries of Land, Urban and Regional planning as well as Culture, Arts and Tourism, Mr Remi Olorunleke and Chief Ronke Okusanya; Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and Multilateral Relations Mrs Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Editor, Hallmark, Mr Casmir Igbokwe.

    Some notable past recipients of the prize include former Ghanaian President J.J. Rawlings (1995); former Tanzanian President Nwalimu Julius Nyerere (1997); Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim (1998); former Nambian President Sam Nujoma (1999); former South African President Nelson Mandela (2000); for Ugadan President Yoweri Musoveni (2003); former Ghanaian President John Kuffor (2008); President Seretse Lan Khama (2009); Senator David Mark, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and Otunba Subomi Balogun (2010); President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (2011), amongst others.

     

  • How Legislature can be independent, by Tambuwal

    How Legislature can be independent, by Tambuwal

    No legislature can be truly independent if it relies on another branch of government to supply it information, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has said.

    He said the legislature cannot wait on another arm to help it analyse data or lead the way in finding solutions to the myriad problems plaguing society.

    “It must insist on participating in the formation of policy and not be a rubber-stamp for executive proposals,” the Speaker said.

    According to him, if Nigeria’s democracy must grow, the challenge is to see how the legislative branch can be developed to remain true to the tenets of representative democracy and the legislative system.

    Tambuwal, a lawyer and member of the Body of Benchers, delivered this year’s Business Lecture of the Island Club. He spoke on the theme: The Legislature and the growth of our democracy.

    According to him, constitutionally, the legislature has three fundamental functions: representation, legislation and what is often referred to as oversight, and for it to be effective, it must be able to perform creditably in the three areas.

    To perform those functions, the Speaker said the legislature must first develop a capacity to think independently, to understand complex issues of governance and policy, and to be capable of verifying information through its own sources and techniques.

    He said any legislature performing its representative functions, therefore, must have first-hand knowledge of the real needs of the people and must be at the forefront of making sure those needs are met.

    He believes it is not only odd, but brazen arrogance for anyone to pretend to know what is good for the country better than those that the people elected to be their voices, their representatives and their mouthpiece.

    Tambuwal said when the House insists on having a say in the determination of constituency projects, the members are merely saying that they have first-hand knowledge of what the people’s needs are more than anyone else.

    This, he explained, is because they represent and interact more intimately with those who will use the infrastructure, services and facilities.

    “When we say the budget for this or that should be raised or lowered, we are not just engaging in idle talk or muscle flexing.

    “We speak because the lives of our people are involved, because we are the voice of those who do not have the financial or political clout to make their words count.

    “We speak because we must, because it is our job to hold brief for the people who elected us to prosecute their case.

    “When we insist on asking how the money appropriated was spent or try to hold some government official to account, we are merely acting as guardians of the commonwealth, and making sure that the people get value for their money so that a nation blessed with such abundance does not continue to remain at the bottom rung where poverty, diseases and death are rampant,” Tambuwal said.

    The Speaker said democracy demands sovereignty of the people and equality before the law, adding that a people cannot be said to be sovereign unless their interests become the foremost reason for governance.

    This, he said, cannot happen unless the arm of government which represents them exercises the latitude to do its work without threat or blackmail.

    “Part of the duty of the legislature is to act as a counterweight and constantly balance the powers of the executive so that we can avoid the problems that will otherwise arise.

    “If we fail to act as a check and a balance, we would be aiding and abetting a crime.

    “There is no way that democracy can thrive unless the three arms of government respect their constitutionally assigned roles and cooperate together for the benefit of our country.

    “As members of the House of Representatives, we shall continue to work towards the sustenance of our hard earned democracy for the benefit of our people,” Tambuwal said.

    At the end of the lecture, the Speaker was conferred with a membership of the Island Club, with number 7620.

    “I accept with a sense of humility to be a member of the Island Club. I will abide by the rules and regulations of the club so long as they don’t conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Tambuwal said.

    Before the lecture, members of the club had jokingly asked him to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the newly-formed All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Speaker said he would put it to a voice vote. Although those in favour of him joining APC were in the majority with the large chorus of “Ayee!” Tambuwal said: “The “Nays” have it.”

    He was also presented with a commemorative plaque to mark the lecture.

    Among lawmakers who accompanied Tambuwal are Yomi Ogunnusi, Rafeequat Onamamiro, Lanre Odubote, Deji Jakande, Moruf Fatai, Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Babatunde Adewale, Usaman Bawa, Chief Whip Ishaka Bawa, Deputy Minority Whip Garba Muhammed, Adenekan Ifelodun, Victor Ogene, Razaq Bello-Osagie, and Akinloye Hazeez.

    Among Island Club members present were Secretary Diji Vera-Cruz, Treasurer Deacon Femi Aborowa, Social Secretary Aare Kamorudeen Danjuma, Assistant Social Secretary Jide Winsala, among others.

     

     

  • NASS staff petition Mark, Tambuwal over unpaid benefit

    NASS staff petition Mark, Tambuwal over unpaid benefit

    Workers of the National Assembly under the auspices of G-1200 have petitioned the leadership of the National Assembly over unpaid benefits.

    The staff in a letter to the Senate President, David Mark and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, threatened to begin strike if their demands are not met urgently.

    The petition dated April 25, 2013 was signed by Chairman of G- 1200, Comrade Ochigbo Ejigah, Comrade Halima Ahmed (Secretary) and Adeniyi Yusuf ( Publicity Secretary) on behalf of the Staff of the National Assembly.

    Copies of the letter were also sent to all the principal officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, some committee chairmen and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    A copy of the petition obtained by our reporter in Abuja reads in part: “Recall that the Senate at its sitting on Wednesday, May 26, 2010, approved over N11billion for the payment of the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure ( CONLESS) in concurrence with the 100 per cent increase in salaries and allowances passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 for the National Assembly staff including the legislative aides and the staff of the National Assembly Service Commission.

    “Recall also that according to the report of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, the Legislative aides numbering 2,942 were to get the total sum of N6,026,811,522.00 as against the then N3,444,576,893.”