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Tag: assembly

  • Assembly sets January deadline for Lagos budget passage

    Assembly sets January deadline for Lagos budget passage

    The Lagos State House of Assembly will pass the  2018 Budget before the end of this month, its spokesman, Tunde Braimoh, said yesterday..

    Braimoh,  acting chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He said: “We are working round the clock; we have denied ourselves holidays, even weekends, to see that we bring to bear our impact on the budget for quick passage.

    “We are, however, embarking on careful scrutiny, consideration, repositioning and re-aligning of the budget where necessary.

    “We want to see that we consider every kobo in the budget for the benefit of Lagos residents.

    “We are going to be assiduous, meticulous and circumspect to ensure that the budget is adapted for the betterment of Lagosians.”

    The lawmaker  said  the assembly would break new grounds this year in order to bring more dividends of democracy to residents.

    The assembly, he said,  would work more with the executive to meet the people’s yearnings.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode presented the proposed ‘Budget of Progress and Development’ to the Assembly on December 11.

  • Osun Assembly: learn from Jesus

    Osun Assembly: learn from Jesus

    The Osun State House of Assembly has congratulated Christians on the celebration of Christmas.

    The Assembly urged the people to learn from the life of Jesus Christ.

    It urged Christians and Nigerians to celebrate Christmas with a high sense of optimism and faith in the redemption brought by the birth of Jesus Christ.

    The Assembly said the Yuletide offers an opportunity for the nation to seek peace, harmony and show love.

    In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Assembly said the improvement in the economy of Osun State and Nigeria offers hope.

    The Assembly described Christmas as a season of joy, redemption and one that rekindles hope in the present and inspires possibilities in the future.

    It said the season should strengthen the resolve of Nigerians to seek the face of God and follow the path of righteousness.

    Hailing the government for working diligently to improve the life of the people, the Assembly called for sacrifice, prayers and practical demonstration of love among the people.

    It added that for the government to succeed at revitalising the economy, it required the sacrifice of all.

    The statement added: “The recent efforts by the Federal and state governments, as well as the recent evidence of economic development, especially in Osun State, show that there is prospect of overcoming our challenges as a nation and as a state.

    “While the government must be commended for its pro-activeness to address the current economic challenges, we all need to support the government with prayers and commitment to make sacrifice in line with the teaching of this season.”

    The Assembly advised residents to celebrate with caution and be security-conscious during the festive period.

  • Verdict in Assembly, EFCC suit Jan

    Verdict in Assembly, EFCC suit Jan

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, has fixed January 24 for judgment in the suit filed by the House of Assembly against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The Assembly filed the suit to restrain the anti-graft agency from probing its finances.

    The legislators, led by Speaker Kola Oluwawole, headed to the court, seeking reliefs to stop the EFCC from arresting or detaining its members.

    Justice Taiwo Taiwo, at yesterday’s court’s sitting, set the date for the judgment after counsel to parties adopted their briefs of argument.

    Counsel to the Assembly Mr Peter Nwatu argued that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides for separation of power among the three arms of government.

    The lawyer averred that there is no reason for a federal agency, as represented by EFCC, to interfere in the business of a legislative arm.

    According to him, the Constitution is supreme over any federal agency, including EFCC, on how funds are disbursed to the Assembly or how they are being appropriated.

    EFCC’s lawyer A. Akoja said federal agencies, including EFCC, cannot be restricted from performing their statutory duties.

    He urged the court to dismiss the plaintiffs’ suit for lacking in merit.

  • Leadership Award: APC, Assembly, others greet Osun lawmaker

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, for winning the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award.

    The awards ceremony was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on December 2.

    The award acknowledged Oyintiloye’s contributions to law-making for good governance and community development.

    A congratulatory message in Osogbo, the state capital, by Osun State APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “First, this award stands Osun high in the country’s quality legislation category and, secondly, raises hope for youth participation in the legislative arm of government.

    “For a young first-timer legislator to win that award speaks to the dedication and diligence of Oyintiloye. It sets a remarkable example for youths, who may be interested in the legislative process of the future.

    “The party celebrates your achievement and feels proud that despite your being new in the House of Assembly, you have set a record within two years of participation to clinch the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award. This is a sign of better things to come. The party urges you and other members of the Osun State House of Assembly to keep the Omoluabi flag flying.”

     

  • Leadership Award: APC, Assembly, others greet Osun lawmaker

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated the lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the House of Assembly, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, for winning the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award.

    The awards ceremony was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on December 2.

    The award acknowledged Oyintiloye’s contributions to law-making for good governance and community development.

    A congratulatory message in Osogbo, the state capital, by Osun State APC’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, said: “First, this award stands Osun high in the country’s quality legislation category and, secondly, raises hope for youth participation in the legislative arm of government.

    “For a young first-timer legislator to win that award speaks to the dedication and diligence of Oyintiloye. It sets a remarkable example for youths, who may be interested in the legislative process of the future.

    “The party celebrates your achievement and feels proud that despite your being new in the House of Assembly, you have set a record within two years of participation to clinch the Most Outstanding House of Assembly Member in Nigeria Award. This is a sign of better things to come. The party urges you and other members of the Osun State House of Assembly to keep the Omoluabi flag flying.”

  • Oyo aspirant visits Assembly

    Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Raufu Aderemi Olaniyan, has visited the House of Assembly to sell his candidacy.

    He was received by the APC parliamentary caucus, led by its Chairman, Segun Ajanaku (Ibadan Southwest II).

    Ajanaku said the visit showed that Olaniyan was serious about his intention.

    The caucus described the former Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency chief as humble, adding that he discharged his duties well while in office.

    This, it said, was a pointer to Olaniyan’s capacity to excel, if opportune to serve in a higher capacity.

    “Olaniyan has a good name, the prerequisite experience and pedigree to govern a state like Oyo, having worked in the civil service for over 26 years and retired as a permanent secretary without any iota of infringement against the rules, codes and regulations of the state civil service commission, despite holding very sensitive positions,” the caucus said.

    Olaniyan thanked the caucus for the reception.

    The APC aspirant said the lawmakers were central to his ambition because of their “cardinal role in the present democratic dispensation”.

    According to him, he is not seeking to be governor because he is from Oke Ogun but because of his desire to serve.

  • Assembly cautions workers on financial regulations abuses, others

    Assembly cautions workers on financial regulations abuses, others

    The National Assembly has cautioned its members of staff against acts capable of causing financial embarrassment to it and the public service.

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Omolori, who gave the warning at the  presentation of the Code of Ethics in National Assembly Service, in Abuja, urged members of the staff on the need for strict adherence to Public Service Rule. This, he said, will enable them discharge their duties with diligence and honesty.

    He said: “One of my first major assignments on assumption of office as the Clerk to the National Assembly was to take stock of so many variables in respect of human resources and productivity.

    “This is necessary as it is obvious that competent and well-grounded staff is key to the realisation of our overall objectives in the formation and implementation of service goals.

    “The exercise revealed the existence of gaps in the staff attitude and understanding of Public Service Rule, Disciplinary Code and Ethics.

    “Following the stocktaking, a disciplinary committee was set up to come up with strategies for ensuing attitudinal changes in staff,” he said.

    According to him, the committee considered suitable options and strategies and eventually came up with the publication of a pocket friendly “Code of Ethics” to serve as a means of enlightenment and constant reminder to staff.

  • Assembly seeks to preserve centres, monuments

    · LBIC chief summoned for alleged insubordination

    The Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, to list all historical centres and monuments in the state.

    The Assembly said the move would enable the state to preserve its cultural heritage and promote tourism.

    This was part of resolutions in a motion sponsored by members, led by Majority leader Sanai Agunbiade.

    The motion identified Epetedo on Lagos Island, where the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, the late Bashorun Moshood Olawale Abiola, made his declaration as president-elect of Nigeria.

    The Assembly said centres, such as the first storey building at Badagry, Carter Bridge in Lagos, as well as Epetedo and other similar sites, should be listed and preserved for future generations.

    Supporting the motion, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the preservation of historical centres would boost tourism.

    Obasa said: “I quite agree with the sponsors of the motion. There is need for us to identify and list all these centres and have access to them. When you are encouraging people to come to our state, we should get them to know the historical centres. It does not necessarily have to be government edifice.”

    Agunbiade listed the categories of historical centres and monuments into three.

    According to him, the Grade A centres include those the government will list and take over. Grade B will include those the state will compensate the family of owners and Grade C will be listed and marked without any compensation.

    Abiodun Tobun (Epe I) frowned at a system where such centres are demolished, adding that government should preserve those centres for future generations.

    “If such monuments are listed and preserved, it will enhance our value. It will enhance economic benefits rather than demolishing them,” Tobun added.

    Deputy Majority leader Muyiwa Jimoh said: “If we don’t know our history, we won’t know where we are coming from. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) is the first secondary school in the country. Herbert Macaulay’s statue fell down but people don’t feel the sense in re-erecting it. If we don’t preserve our collective patrimony, it does not show we are human.”

    Bisi Yusuff (Alimosho I) reiterated the need to preserve the Epetedo centre.

    The lawmaker argued that Abiola paid the supreme sacrifice to defend democracy.

    He said the democracy being enjoyed today was the result of Abiola’s doggedness in fighting the military to vacate power for civilians.

    Also, the Assembly yesterday invited the Managing Director of the State Building Investment Company (LBIC), Mrs. Folasade Folivi, on Thursday for allegedy disobedience.

    Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Urban and Physical Planning, Setonji David, presented a report on a petition written by residents of Ijaiye Low and Medium Housing Estate that the LBIC chief disregarded the order of the committee.

    The residents petitioned the Assembly, following LBIC’s plan to demolish “illegal structures” in the estate.

    Setonji said the woman demolished the structures after the committee ordered her to stay action on the plan.

    The lawmaker said Mrs Folivi turned down the invitation of the committee.

    He said she did not work with other agencies, such as the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning, prior to the demolition.

    The committee recommended that she should be invited to explain why she shunned invitations of the committee and why she demolished the structures at the estate.

    Other lawmakers described Mrs Folivi’s action as a disregard to the Assembly.

    Rotimi Olowo (Somolu I) said the LBIC managing director ought to be removed, while Agunbiade said only the governor can order demolition of any structure in the state.

    The Speaker said it was important for the woman to explain to the Assembly the reason behind her action.

    He added that the Assembly would hear from her before reaching conclusions on recommendations of the committee.

     

     

  • Assembly to continue agitation for special status for Lagos

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has assured Lagos residents that the Assembly will continue to agitate for a special status for the state.

    He also said the Assembly will make amendments that will be beneficial to the state in the current amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

    Obasa addressed reporters yesterday at the opening of a four-day retreat on the budget process and an overview of the 1999 constitutional amendment organised by the Assembly for its lawmakers and workers at the Park Inn in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The speaker expressed optimism that the agitation will pull through.

    He said: “I am sure the agitation for a special status would be achieved because we deserve it. It is not just for political reasons or any other thing but because of the status of Lagos in this country and in West Africa.

    “I am sure the current administration will see reasons behind this demand and agree with us that we deserve what we are asking for.”

    Obasa said other areas of amendment the Assembly was working on which, are crucial to the state, apart from special status and devolution of powers to states, include “motor plate numbers, issuance of licence, waterways and so many other areas that are crucial to us. These are sources of revenue for Lagos state”.

    The speaker assured Lagosians that the Assembly will next year continue to improve their standard of living through legislation, resolutions and cooperation with the executive “so as to raise the bar in Lagos state”.

    He said the retreat was meant to create a better understanding of the budget process among the lawmakers and workers, especially as the governor will soon present the 2018 budget to the Assembly.

  • Kaduna teachers’ sack: Assembly raises probe panel

    The Kaduna State House of Assembly has raised a seven-man committee, led by Deputy Majority Leader Idris Abduwahab, to investigate teachers’ grievances and proffer ideas to improve education.

    The committee is to submit its report this week, he added.

    The Assembly lamented last week’s attack on its officers and the complex by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in which property worth millions of naira were destroyed.

    The NLC, last week, protested alleged plans by the government to sack 21,780 primary school teachers, who failed a competency test. The protest was led by NLC’s President Ayuba Wabba.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Home Affairs, Nuhu Goroh Shadalafia and Chairman, House Committee on Establishment Hassan Abdulkadir, were allegedly attacked.

    According to Shadalafia, the lawmakers were almost lynched by the protesters who broke the glass wall of the Assembly’s main office, pursued them and vandalised cars and other property.

    The lawmaker said none of them has received a petition or complaint from their constituency on the planned sack. He urged the teachers and workers to follow laid down rules on protest.

    “Nobody has been given three months’ notice; nobody has been stopped from going to school; nobody has been asked to pack out of their quarters. The House is taking note of the damaged facility, and would report to the government.

    “I have formally written a letter of complaint on what transpired in the leadership of the House and government would decide what to do,” Shadalafia stated.