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Tag: House of Reps

  • Railway contract scam: Reps fault process of award 

    Railway contract scam: Reps fault process of award 

    The House of Representatives has faulted the process of award of some contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of railway project between 2010 and 2014.

    This is as a former Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Haliru Bello denied involvement in awards of contracts despite signing the contract papers.

    Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, who also appeared before the Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma-led-ad hoc Committee probing the railway project of the last administration, said the focus of his administration is to develop a faster railway in four years for Nigeria by securing adequate funding for it, through loans or concession.

    On his part Bello, who was NRC Chairman between February 2009 and June 2011, said as the overall head, his duty was to provide policy direction for the NRC and sign contracts approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    He said his Board was not involved in award of contracts but he signed several contrsct agreements running to billions of naira during his tenure.

    However, the Committee was not satisfied with the explanations of the Managing Director (MD), Seyi Sijuwade on the process of award of contract on the project despite explaining that contracts above N250m is above his limit for approval.

    According to the Committee, several faceless companies working with NRC were uncovered as documents at its disposal showed where contracts papers were witnessed by just the MD and NRC’s Secretary without names and signatures of the main signatories.

    The Committee was also disturbed about, duration and addendum to contracts leading to questionable figures, like the N3.2b Zaria-Kaura Namoda line among several others.

    The sale of railway scraps amounting to N3b that could not be traced to the Federation Account was also raised by the Committee.

    The Committee was also disturbed about the prominence of a contractor, Eser Nigeria Ltd in NRC activities and asked the relationships between the MD and the Directors of the company.

    Sijuwade, who denied any personal relationships with the Directors of the company, said, “I am unaware of any my relation bejng a Director of Eser,” while noting that due process was always adhered to in the award of contracts at the NRC.

  • Tribute to Olinmah, first Clerk, House of Reps

    The immortal William Shakespeare tells us that while fate and fortune characterise half of our lives, the other half will surely depend on it. Our ancestral wisdom complements the above maxim, that the half is the sure source of our greatness in Him (God), who our source of life is depended on – taking cognizance of our faith in Him, even in the advent of trials and tribulations.

    This, also explains, that the power of life and death belongs to the All-Knowing-God, who sent us to this world; little wonder may you have known that life, power and death would cease within a short time. One by one we go, one by one we come, but in the expense of this, you have to continue making yourself good, so that immortality can be attained even after death.

    Yes’! Death and life is in the hands of God, he knows the hour, time, day, how and when. It is an individual call and experience. No wonder, our ancestral wisdom tells us again, that death is an individual experience every living creature will experience, no matter how highly placed the individual may have mustered or attained over the last couple of years.

    That is the courage that kept Chief Chief Benjamin I. Olinmah, the first Clerk of the House of Representatives in Nigeria, whose death occurred on December 8, 2015 at the age of 85 years. A man whose humanitarian service to his dear nation earned him fortunes and international recognition. No wonder, Hon. Oghene Egoh, representing Amuwo Odofin  federal constituency described him as “a virtuous man who has made indelible mark on the sands of time cum adorable character. He has left a great vacuum –difficult to occupy by any one’’

    Chief Benjamin Olinmah  incessantly promoted the good as best as he could, and  also practically demonstrated the three good of life; good of wealth, good of offspring and good of immortality. Of course, no one is endowed with immortality but one can gain immortality on the account of the extra-ordinary contribution he or she makes to the promotion of humanity- having in mind that our hope is based in Christ. These are the attributes of Chief Benjamin Olinmah whose death has created a great vacuum to his family and the nation at large. He lived a life, worthy of emulation. In fact, he was referred to as  “The Governor” of Ikoyi Club where he had become a life member. He was one of the popular swimmers at Ikoyi club for over 40 years. This kept him going and moving like a train.

    Many may not have heard of this man, whose service to his nation remained unbeatable. He lived a dedicated and well-focused lifestyle. His commitment of service to his nation-Nigeria did not only earn him fortunes but honours and commendations.  For instance, Chief Benjamin Olinmah was awarded a certificate of recognition by the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, for distinguished contributions to the promotion of international understanding in June 1983.

    In 1985, he received a letter of commendation from the Head of the Federal Military Government and Commander –in- chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces for his contribution to the 38th World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland from 6th to 23 May 1985. Chief Olinmah was a star in the family as the only son of his parents.

    Chief Benjamin Olinmah was born into the family of Olinmah of Umuonyia and Nwaso at Isieke Village, Delta State on March 8th, 1930. He spent his early formative years in Asaba, Delta State where he attended St. Patrick School, Coal camp, Enugu; Saint Joseph Catholic School, Asaba and St. Patrick College, Asaba, from 1946 t-1950. He obtained his Cambridge School Certificate in 1950 and then continued his pre-education in England. He proceeded to the University of Exeter, Devon, England from 1961 to 1965 where he bagged D.P.A and B.A, in government. He also attended the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1979 where he obtained a certificate in advance management.

    He joined the federal civil service as a clerical officer on 10thJune, 1951. Subsequently; he was promoted to the position of administrative clerk, after securing his honours degree from Exeter. His esteemed career in the civil service included; Federal Civil Service Commission,1966- 1967, Federal Ministry of Labour, 1968-1969, Federal Ministry of Establishment, 1969-1971, Council Secretariat, Cabinet office, 1972-1974, Secretary, Federal Government Staff Housing Board, 1974-1975, Secretary, Staff Quarters Allocation Committee, Cabinet Office, 1976-1978, Federal Ministry Of Industries,1978-1979, first Clerk of the House Of Representatives, National Assembly, Lagos, 1979-1983, principal secretary, state and external relations division, Federal Ministry Of Health 1984-1986, Secretary For International And Constitutional Affairs, Cabinet Office, 1986-1987.He was a member of a number of boards both national and international. Chief Olinmah lived a contented life with his family, married to a teacher, Mrs. Catherine Okwekwu Olinmah and blessed with five children. His religious life was exceptional and encouraging to young men and women, in fact, they will miss his immense contribution a lot.

    Chief Benjamin Olinmah died a happy death at 85 years. Let the family therefore weep no more but rejoice for the reward of their father is already in heaven as they prepare for the funeral. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

    • Mark is a family friend to the late clerk
  • CCTV contract: Reps summon Ambode, Monguno, Adeosun, others

    CCTV contract: Reps summon Ambode, Monguno, Adeosun, others

    The National Security Adviser (NSA) Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello as well as the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele are to appear before a House of Representatives panel over a contract for the provision of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in Abuja and Lagos.
    The $470m CCTV contract was awarded to ZTE Corporation, a Chinese company, by the immediate past government of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The contract that could not be executed was for the purpose of security in Abuja and Lagos.

    According to the Chairman of  the committee, Ahmed Yarima (APC, Bauchi), others expected to shed light on their roles in the contract include the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, Minister of Interior Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd), Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Garba Dambatta.

    Others are ZTE Corporation of China and its MD in Nigeria; Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT); BC-TEC Engineering; NETLINK Broadband Networks Limited; OPEN SKYS Services Limited; LTS Security and Communication Limited; DG Debt Management Office (DMO); FIRS chairman; Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the DG Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).

  • Why we dragged Dogara, Clerk to court- Madaki

    Why we dragged Dogara, Clerk to court- Madaki

    Hon. Aliyu Madaki, spokesman of the eleven members of the House of Representatives that dragged the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara to court over the new House rules, has explained that it was done to protect the democratic tenets of the Green Chamber.

    Madaki APC Kano State, in a chat with The Nation Wednesday said his grouse and that of ten other members that instituted the case was because “some undemocratic things have been put into the new rules”

    This, he said was what informed their dragging the Speaker and Clerk of the House, Sani Omolori before an Abuja High Court.

    On October 8, 2015, the House adopted the report of its ad-hoc committee to review the House Standing Orders, 2011.

    The new rules gives the speaker sweeping powers to suspend any member that approaches the mace with whatever intent.

    The new Standing Order also empowers the speaker to suspend a member for 30 plenary days for failing to obey the presiding officer’s directive.

    Madaki said this kind of power is unacceptable in a democratic setting.

    He said:  “There is no organization, society or government body that will work without rules and regulations guiding it, most especially for the smooth running of any organization.

    “In the House, we have our rules book. What we are contesting in court is that the rules were changed and it is our believe that the way and manner the rules were changed, the procedures of changing the rules were not followed.

    “Not only that, it is also our contention that some undemocratic things have been put into the new rules. And if you recall, on the 8th of October when these rules were changed, I came through Point of Order, eight times, not once or twice, but eight times. I tried to draw the attention of the House that these rules we are trying to pass are not only undemocratic, they are also unconstitutional.

    “This is because I believe that the constitution of Nigeria in Sections 36 and 39 give me freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of religion and freedom of association, and it is my firm belief that with these new rules that the House has adopted, those constitutional rights and rights given me by the people of Dala Federal Constituency will be infringed upon.

    Recall that  eleven members have dragged both the Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and Sani Omolori, Clerk of the House before an Abuja High Court in protest against the over the new standing order

    Apart from Madaki, other Rep members lawmakers in the suit are: Aminu Ibrahim Malle (APC, Taraba); Sunday Adepoju (APC, Oyo); Ahmed Babba Kaita (APC, Katsina); Philip Shuaibu (APC, Edo); Abubakar Chika Adamu (APC, Niger), Mohammed Musa Soba (APC, Kaduna); Yusuf Bala Ikara (APC, Kaduna); Abubakar Lado Suleja (APC, Niger) and Lawal Yahaya Gumau (APC, Bauchi); Rotimi Agunsoye (APC, Lagos);

    Their lawyer Ahmed Bello Mahmud In the summons dated December 14, 2015, urged the court to declare the new Standing Orders null and void as it contravenes the provisions of the constitution.

  • PDP seeks Faleke’s sack from House of Reps

    PDP seeks Faleke’s sack from House of Reps

    The lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Falake, is no longer qualified to hold the office, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    The party and a member, Olakunle Okunola, are praying for an order removing him from office.

    According to them, Faleke’s voting data have been transferred from Lagos to Kogi State.

    Therefore, his being a House of Representatives member from Lagos has been invalidated, the plaintiffs said.

    Faleke, who hails from Kogi State, was running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, who was leading at the poll but died before the final result was declared.

    The plaintiffs are urging the court to declare that the All Progressives Congress (APC) breached Section 37 of the Electoral Act when it nominated Faleke for the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election and later nominated him as its deputy governorship candidate for the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi.

    According to the plaintiffs, Faleke cannot remain a member of the House of Representatives while being nominated as a deputy governorship candidate in another state.

    The applicants are urging the court to declare that Faleke’s membership of the House of Representatives had terminated because his voting data had been transferred from Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State to Ekinrin-ade ward of Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    Joined as respondents in the suit are Faleke, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The plaintiffs prayed for an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC from reversing or re-transferring Faleke’s voting and membership data from Ekinrin-ade ward in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State to the Ikeja Federal Constituency 1 of Lagos State.

    They urged the court to stop Faleke from parading himself as a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency 1 in the House of Representatives.

    The plaintiffs’ counsel, Kingsley Kezie, told Justice Abdulaziz Anka that efforts to serve the court processes on Faleke and APC had proved abortive.

    He, therefore, urged the court to grant the plaintiff an order to serve the defendants through substituted means at their addresses.

    Justice Anka granted the order to serve APC by substituted means but directed the plaintiffs to go to Kogi State and effect personal service on Faleke.

    He adjourned till January 26 for report of service.

     

  • 2016 Budget: Row in House over Buhari’s letter

    2016 Budget: Row in House over Buhari’s letter

    The letter from President Muhammadu Buhari to the House of Representatives withdrawing the faulty details of the 2016 budget caused a furore in the Green Chamber Tuesday.

    No sooner had the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara read the letter from the president than the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor opposed the content of the letter from the President

    While quoting Section 80(4) of the constitution and Order 91 of the House, he said the constitution said the budget must be submitted in a timely fashion and that the House Rule (84) permits Chairmen of committees to amend the budget in line with the needs and interests of Nigerians.

    Ogor further argued that there is therefore no need for the president to write a letter for the amendment of the appropriation bill.

    Quoting Rule 84 of the House, Ogor said: “Any committee to which the budget is commuted shall have the power to amend.

    “The issue of amendment is the responsibility of committees, not a situation where an amendment is being proposed with all the attendance crisis.

    “To avoid unnecessary complexity we should look at it at committee level and the chairmen of committees should do the amendment, Instead of having two documents.”

    But the Speaker corrected Ogor saying the President is asking for a “correction” not “amendment” and that only the president has the right to do such.

    “Communications from the President are not to be debated. You’re talking of amendment; there is nowhere in the letter that the president talked of amendment. The president talked of correction.

    “What we’re saying is that there’s a difference between amendment and correction. If the president has said that, which I know he is the only person that can correct, we as a responsible parliament will work on the corrected version.

    “The rule 84 referred to is because it’s a bill. It falls within our purview to make laws, to make amendments but does not relate to corrections.”

    Dogara’s response caused a roar of applause from members as it effectively knocked out Ogor’s argument.

    However, another member, Linus Okorie said the letter of the President should be discarded as the Speaker did to follow the House Rule in the presentation.

    According to him, Dogara should have done the prayers, approved the votes and proceedings, and then read the letter from the president, instead of taking bills before the letter of the President.

    Okorie said it was evident that the Speaker refused to follow the rules of the House, hence the letter of the President should be “discarded.”

    But Dogara urged Okorie to take another look at the order he cited.

    “Look at the opening, it states: “Unless the House otherwise directs.”

    He was given another round of applause.

  • Reps sponsored 327 bills in six months – Gbajabiamila

    Reps sponsored 327 bills in six months – Gbajabiamila

    Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, House Leader of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday said that the 8th Assembly in its six months of existence had sponsored a total of 327 bills as against 132 presented within the first six months of the 7th Assembly.

    Gbajabiamila said this in Lagos, at an end of the year media briefing on activities of the 8th House of Representatives from June 9 to December 22.

    He said that 264 Bills out of the 327 had passed through first reading and awaiting second reading while a total of 40 Bills had been referred to committees.

    According to him, inspite of a bumpy start in June when the house was inaugurated, the House has been able to step up to the plate and has busied itself in working for the progress of Nigeria.

    “In keeping with the resolve of the President to address the issues of insecurity, unemployment and corruption amongst others, we developed a legislative agenda that will guide the House in achieving its set objectives.

    “The Bills and Motions sponsored and passed so far are clear demonstrations of the House’s resolve to make laws and embark on legislative activities for the good governance of Nigeria.

    “Bills have been presented and resolutions passed to address the issues of insecurity, unemployment, economic reform, reform in the oil and gas sector of the economy etc.

    “We are not there yet but we intend as a House to vigorously align with the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian masses,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila said that the 8th Assembly, in its six months of existence, investigated many issues that affect the development of the health, education, power and energy sectors.

    He said that they also investigated and deliberated on welfare of IDPs and victims of terrorism, good governance and anti corruption, transportation, security and came up with resolutions.

    Gbajabiamila said that the house intended to pursue the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill in the coming year and present further amendment to the constitution.

    He said the amendment was to provide a more perfect document that would guide the nation.

    “As a House, we have, through the instrumentality of the law, extended the 2015 capital budget to March 2016 in conformity with our constitution which prescribes a 12- month budget span, thereby ensuring the continuation of the infrastructural development envisaged in the 2015 budget.

    “On the 2016 budget, we will look at the proposals and the document with a fine tooth comb, dot the ‘Is’ and cross the ‘Ts’ where and if necessary,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila said the 8th Assembly would appreciate continued support and understanding of Nigerians.

  • Boko Haram:  Bill on NE Development Commission scales second reading 

    Boko Haram:  Bill on NE Development Commission scales second reading 

    The House of Representatives has set in motion machinery for the establishment of Northeast Development Commission that will cater for the region’s developmental initiatives.

    A bill seeking the establishment of the Commission sponsored by Speaker Yakubu Dogara scaled second reading yesterday.

    According to Dogara, the commission would be responsible for receiving and managing funds from the Federation Account allocation for the Northeast States of Adamawa, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Bauchi.

    In addition, it will focus on the development of States in the region as well as shoulder responsibilities of managing international donor funds for settlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, houses and business premises of victims of insurgency.

    House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, Deputy Whip,  Pally Iriase as well as Mohammad Monguno and Uzoma Ike Abonta among other spoke in favour of the bill.

    The bill was unanimously passed when it was put to a voice vote by the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Lasun.

  • Nigerian Peace Corps bill scales second reading

    Nigerian Peace Corps bill scales second reading

    The House of Representatives has described the Nigerian Peace Corps (NPC) as an effective tool towards curbing insurgency, kidnapping and other social vices in the country.

    According to the lawmakers, while passing the bill for second reading, if passed into law, the Corps also has the capacity to provide alternative employment for Nigerian youths, facilitate peace, community services and nation building.

    The lawmakers pointed out that what aide the passage of the bill was the capacity of the Corps to assist the military and para – military organization in arresting security challenges.

    Sponsor of the bill, Abdullahi Faruk, in his lead debate said the bill sought to provide civic and patriotic training as well as alternative employment.

    “If passed into law, the NPC will provide positive engagement of the youths with a view to pre-occupy them in ventures that would make them economically productive to themselves and larger society.

    “Currently in Nigeria, we are investing a lot of energies and resources to contain the menace of insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, vandalism, armed robbery, political thuggery, drug trafficking, prostitution, suicide bombing, cattle rustling and a host of other social vices.

    “These vices no doubt constitute social challenges that have retrogressive effects and implications on the economic development and security of the nation.

    “This bill seeks to give statutory functions to the existing peace corps of Nigeria which currently has over 98,000 members with well structured network of branches in 34 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory and observing adequately all its stated functions, and achievement of no small measure for an NGO.”

    The Nigerian Peace Corps was established 17 years ago alongside the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).

    The bill successfully scaled second reading after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

  • Boko Haram: Reps seek review of Victims Support Fund

    Boko Haram: Reps seek review of Victims Support Fund

    The Federal government has been advised to review the modalities for the disbursement of the N50b Victims Support Fund (VSF) for transparent disbursement and judicious use of the funds.

    The Federal government set up the fund in 2014 to cater for the needs of the victims of terrorism and other forms of violence across the country.

    The VSF is managed by a Committee chaired by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).

    The lawmakers also urged the Gen Danjuma (rtd)-led Committee to constantly publish on its website, the names and pictures of beneficiaries of the funds, indicating clearly the amount of assistance rendered while making available to Nigerians records of its activities in its secretariat or registry.

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion by Vilita Bashir (APC, Borno) and Kamale Adamu Dali Usman (APC, Adamawa), who noted that the Federal government released N5b as part of its contribution to the fund while many other individuals have also redeemed their pledges running into billions of Naira.

    “We are aware that the committee has so far disbursed over N500m to victims of terrorism while the victims, especially those in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States are crying for assistance and dying in their hundreds without any form if assistance coming their way,” she said.

    The motion was unanimously adopted after it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.