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Tag: House of Assembly

  • 25 elected Kebbi lawmakers receive certificates of return from INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to the 25 newly-elected House of Assembly members in the concluded general elections in Kebbi State.

    The certificates were presented by the state Resident Electoral Commission (REC), Alhaji Muhammad Mahamud, in Birinin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    Mahamud urged elected lawmakers to provide dividends of democracy to the electorate in the state.

    Red also: ‘Wike never offered AAC’s guber candidate N3b to drop ambition’

    The members Alhaji Isa Rukubalo representing Yauri constituency and Alhaji Samaila Bui representing Arewa constituency, who spoke on behalf of the others, promised to provide dividend of democracy for their constituencies.

    Rukubalo noted that the victory would provide opportunity to consolidate on the social economic development of Kebbi State.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) won all the 25 constituencies in the state. (NAN)

  • Obaseki begins annual vacation

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has begun his annual vacation. The vacation started on March 24.

    Governor Obaseki announced his vacation in a letter sent to the House of Assembly, which was acknowledged by the Speaker, Kabiru Adjoto.

    Governor Obaseki mandated Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu to act as the governor while he is away.

    Read also: ‘Why I want to be Speaker’

    Adjoto praised Obaseki for setting a democratic and constitutional precedence by transferring appointing his deputy in acting capacity, and duly informing the House in compliance with Section 190 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

  • Emmanuel signs N672b appropriation bill

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has signed the 2019 appropriation bill of N672.984 billion into law.

    The bill was presented by members of the House of Assembly, led by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Felicia Bassey and Chairman of the Appropriation and Finance Committee, Dr. Usoro Akpanusoh.

    The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko, and Commissioner for Finance Nsikan Linus Nkan ,witnessed the signing.

    Nkan, who addressed reporters afterwards, said the “Budget of Industrialisation for Poverty Alleviation” is intended to actualise the industralisation and job creation agenda of the present administration.

    The commissioner, who scored Governor Emmanuel high on the implementation of the 2018 budget, said the 2019 budget is expected to draw strength from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and other consolidated allocations.

    Commissioner for Education Prof. Victor Inoka said the governor has approved the upgrade of the College of Education to a degree awarding institution.

    According to him, the College of Education is now affiliated to the University of Uyo, and some of the approved courses include Education Agriculture, Education English, Early Childhood and Primary Education, Education Chemistry, Education Biology, Education Physics, Education Mathematics, Technical Education, Integrated Science, Business Education and Social Studies all in Faculty of Education.

  • APC wins two Assembly seats in Mushin

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winners of the Mushin House of Assembly Constituencies 1 and 2 in Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN reports that the results of the Constituency 2 was declared at the Mushin Local Government Secretariat at about 10:15a.m.

    Also, results of the Constituency 1 was declared at St Martins Primary School, Idamegoro, Mushin, at about 11.00a.m.

    READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct campaign organisation DG of APC House of Reps. candidate

    Dr Owolabi Kuye, the Returning Officer for the Mushin House of Assembly Constituency 1 and 2 is from the Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos.

    Kuye said a total number of 28, 678 votes were recorded in the election, with 1,113 void votes.

    According to him, 27, 565 valid votes were announced for the Lagos State House of Assembly by the INEC for Constituency 1.

    The returning officer said that Mr Nureni Ayeni Akinsanya of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 20,003 votes to beat his closest rival, Blessing Olawunni of the Accord Party who scored 5,075 votes.

    “That Nureni Ayinde Akinsanya of the APC having satisfied the requirements of law and scoring the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected having polled 20,033 votes,” Kuye said.

    Also, Kuye had declared Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur Olawale of APC the winner.

    Kuye said that a total of 66,947 votes were cast with 1,600 votes rejected and 65,347 votes valid.

    He said that Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur Olawale polled 23,875 votes, followed by Suleiman Monsuru Olawale of the Accord Party, who scored 6,749 votes.

    Kuye said, “That Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur Olawale of the APC having satisfied the requirements of law and scoring the highest number of votes, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected having polled 23,875 votes.” NAN

  • Oyo: 42 candidates jostle for governorship seat

    659 for House of Assembly seats

    A total of 42 candidates are in the race for Saturday’s governorship election in Oyo State while 659 others are jostling for the 32 seats in the House of Assembly.

    Though some parties have adopted the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adebayo Adelabu and His Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival SETI Makinde, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) told The Nation that such adoptions are party affairs which have nothing to do with its arrangements for the election.

    INEC’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity in the state, Mr Ayodele Folami, said the logos of all the parties which fielded candidates were already printed on the ballot papers, stressing that votes cast for such parties would still be recorded accordingly.

    READ ALSO: PDP cautions INEC against declaring Oyo South Senatorial election inconclusive

    He said as far as the commission was concerned, 42 parties fielded governorship candidates for the election.

    The INEC spokesman also disclosed that all sensitive materials had been successfully distributed to all the wards, adding that they would get to polling units before 8:00 am tomorrow. He disclosed that distribution started early Thursday morning to councils in far distances after which the materials for closer ones followed.

    With the early and smooth distribution of the materials, Folami said voting is expected to start 8:00 am across the state tomorrow as scheduled.

    He said: “From all signals, election will start 8:00 am tomorrow. No delay is anticipated. All is set for the election with regard to both men and materials.”

     

  • Election: PDP, APC disagree over Obot Akara mayhem in A’ Ibom

    The Ikot Ekpene Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of masterminding the attack at Obot-Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    Two people were killed while 13 INEC vehicles meant for election duties were set ablaze.

    APC alleged that the PDP in the state on Saturday before the cancellation of the polls allegedly hired armed thugs from Cross River and Rivers States to cause havoc and unleash the mayhem in Obot Akara.

    Chapter Chairman of the party, Mr Etebong Udoh, while speaking with our reporter accused some stakeholders from the area, including the serving Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Monday Uko, member House of Assembly, Idongesit Ntekpere and the Local Government Chairman, Mr Anietie Akpaetor of hiring armed thugs to unleash the mayhem

    He said ”it is the PDP that is to blame for the crisis that happened in our community. Some of the thugs arrested by the police confessed that they were hired by the PDP leaders in the community”

    Reacting to the allegations the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Monday Ebong Uko accused men of the Nigeria Police force of shielding miscreants who perpetrated act of violence in Obot Akara on the eve of the postponed presidential elections.

    Uko said the police had earlier been alerted of plans by APC to hire thugs for the elections, but took no proactive step to arrest the situation before it escalated.

    He said “Credible intelligence from reliable sources reveal that a plot has been hatched to plant incriminating items in my premises and car in order to arrest and detain me. Also, there is another plot to hire some thugs who will be arrested with arms and on interrogation name me as their sponsor”.

    Uko explained that the reported violence in Obot Akara occurred when some thugs allegedly sponsored by the APC, attacked INEC office in Obot Akara, venting their frustration on some INEC buses, and setting them ablaze.

    Describing Obot-Akara as a PDP stronghold, Mr. Uko, said members of the opposition were very much aware of this fact, hence their resort to violence.

    “I want to call on the Inspector General of Police and indeed the entire security agencies in the country not to allow themselves to be used by desperate APC politicians who will stop at nothing than to tarnish my hard-earned reputation.

    “I request them to conduct a thorough investigation to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime, with a view to bring them to book and exonerating those who are innocent”.

    “Is it not astonishing that it could even be contemplated that the PDP, that is in complete control of Obot Akara could turn around to attack an electoral process when it is sure of victory”

  • 2019 budget scales 2nd reading in Edo Assembly

    The Edo 2019 Appropriation Bill on Monday passed second reading at the state House of Assembly.

    Gov. Godwin Obaseki had on Nov. 26 presented a budget of N175 billion to the assembly for consideration.

    Leading the debate on the bill, the Majority Leader, Mr Roland Asoro (APC -Orihonmwon South), said that the budget was well-structured to cater for infrastructure, education, investment promotion, health and agriculture among others.

    “This budget tagged “Budget of Socio-economic inclusion was designed in such a way that it touches all constituencies in terms of road construction and provisions of social amenities to the people,’’ he said.

    In his contribution, the chairman house committee on appropriation, Mr Damian Lawani( APC -Etsako Central) said the budget would consolidate on the past achievements of the State Government.

    Read Also: National Sports Festival: Obaseki visits Edo contingent

    “More attention will be given to infrastructural development with the money appropriated for capital expenditure,” he said.

    Other lawmakers unanimously supported the passage of the bill.

    The Speaker, Kabiru Adjoto, thereafter referred the bill to the house committee on appropriation for further legislative action.

  • Speaker slams lawmakers for poor representation

    Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke has slammed some members of National Assembly for not providing quality representation to their constituents.

    Luke, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium in the 2019 election, said “it is disturbing that great men and women who are voted into the National Assembly have lost their voices on the floor of the National Assembly”.

    The Speaker spoke yesterday at a church service organised by his campaign organisation, “Amazing Grace” to kick off his campaign at Qua Ibo, Etinan, Etinan Local Government.

    He said he would change the narrative, adding that “God had endowed me with everything in life including the voice to speak for the people”.

    Luke asked the church leadership to pray for him not to lose his voice when he got to the House of Representative.

    “God has given me everything to speak for the people. I have the heart to give. I will give back to the people the dividendS of democracy.

    “I have the voice to partner with Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, to attract the good things at the federal to our state”, he said.

    State Chairman of PDP Obong Paul Ekpo said “it is with great joy that I urge you to join our Speaker and candidate of our party for the Etinan Federal Constituency seat as he launches his campaign.

    “The primaries have come and gone, and we must all rise up to defend the interest of our party by supporting the candidates of our party.

    “I have absolute confidence in your capacity and competence to represent our people. I wish you a successful, issue-based campaign.

    ‘’Again, be assured of my support in all spheres. To our party faithful in Etinan Federal Constituency, I urge that we do the needful to market our candidates sincerely”

  • Ondo Assembly invasion : ‘Fed Govt, APC should intervene’

    A group, Ondo State Leaders of Thought, yesterday condemned the invasion of the House of Assembly by members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    The group described the attack on legislators as an indirect attack on the people.

    Some NURTW members  last week stormed the House and inflicted injuries on lawmakers and workers, shortly after the removal of its principal officers.

    The hoodlums, armed with dangerous weapons, including bottles, cutlasses and sticks, were allegedly accompanied to the House by the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ade Adetimehin, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Jimoh Dojumo.

    Rising from their meeting in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend, the group decried the attack, and called on the Federal Government and APC national leadership to rise up in defence of democracy.

    At the meeting were Chief Mrs. Tanimola Grace, Kunle Eko Davies, Akin Akinigbagbe, Prince Fioye Bajowa,  Idris Eleweje, Mrs. Fausat Kazeem,  Olu Akintan, Paul Akintelure.

    In a statement, the group noted that agents of the government attacked expectant women, journalists, political leaders, civil servants, market women and lawmakers.

    According to the group, “the implication of the actions of the government-sponsored hoodlums is that the elected representatives of the people are not allowed to perform the duties for which they are elected to the House “.

    Calling on the Federal Government to beam the searchlight on the Akeredolu-led government, the group said “the continuous act of unchecked brigandage will spell doom for the party in the state.”

    The statement reads: “We condemn in the strong term the recent invasion of the Ondo State House of Assembly by members of NURTW, led by one Jacob Adebo and notable agents of government in the state.

    “It is on record that the same set of people has attack pregnant women, journalists, political leaders in the state, civil servants, market women and now the elected members of the  Assembly.

    “Any person or group of people in the government should try and avoid the mistake of 1983 that led to political calamity and destruction of properties in the state.

    “Silence of the state government on this dastardly act is an indication that the act was sponsored by them. We appeal to the Federal Government and the national leadership of the APC to call Governor Akeredolu to order because if this act of hooliganism continues unabated, it will cost the party electoral success in 2019 elections.

    “Akeredolu is  sighting the House of Assembly, NUJ, NLC, Oshiomhole, Tinubu, Boroffice, Abraham and the stakeholders

    “We also urge the government to look into activities of the Akeredolu-led government since inception in the state, because his continuous act of hooliganism will spell doom for the party in the state.’’

  • Sokoto deputy governor resigns

    The Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, has resigned his position.

    Aliyu, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, announced his resignation in a letter to the state House of Assembly dated Nov. 13, 2018.

    The letter was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, who presided over the Wednesday plenary of the Assembly.

    “With gratitude to Allah who granted me the opportunity to serve my state, I wish to humbly inform the Assembly of my resignation as Deputy Governor with effect from Nov. 13, 2018.

    “I, therefore, wish to extend my sincere appreciation to Gov. Aminu Tambuwal, Assembly members and the entire people of Sokoto state for the support accorded me during my service,” Aliyu said.

    Meanwhile, a Bill for a law to provide for Sokoto State House of Assembly, Financial Accounting Procedure and Powers of Spending Moneys Appropriated to the Assembly has passed the second reading.

    This followed a motion by Alhaji Malami Ahmed (PDP- Sokoto South II) and contributions by other members of the Assembly during debate on the Bill.

    The Bill was referred to the House Committees on Public Account and Anti Corruption and Finance for scrutiny.

    The committees were given two weeks to report back to the Assembly.