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Tag: House of Reps

  • House of Reps committee praises PTAD

    House of Reps committee praises PTAD

    • Calls for improved service delivery

    The House of Representatives Committee on Pensions has praised  the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) for the achievements recorded since its inception. It also called for improved delivery of pension services.

    The commendation came as the Committee Chairman, Hon. Hussaini Mohammed Jallo, observed on Monday led members of the Committee on an oversight visit to PTAD.

    Receiving the members, the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Dr. Chioma Ejikeme gave a brief history of PTAD, taking them through the journey over the years since inception.

    She highlighted field verifications which took place all over Nigeria to validation of verified documents, clearance of a deluge of inherited arrears and complaints, to the present I Am Alive Confirmation Solution.

    Read Also; Makinde, Mbah, Obaseki, Aliyu present Appropriation Bills to Assemblies

    She also intimated them of the numerous challenges being faced by PTAD, as well as plans to improve the welfare of pensioners under the federal Defined Benefit Scheme as mandated by the Pension Reform Act, 2014, especially as regards Harmonisation of pensions, and the statutory pension increment as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She requested the committee to support the Directorate in this regard.

    The honorable members of the committee in their various remarks, while acknowledging the achievements of the Directorate, enjoined PTAD to work harder as the services rendered by PTAD are of utmost importance to Nigerians.

    The Chairman, Hon. Jallo assured the Executive Secretary of PTAD of the support and cooperation of the committee and the entire 10th Assembly in achieving the PTAD mandate, in the interest of all pensioners and the country.

  • ‘I’m not contesting for House of Reps’

    ‘I’m not contesting for House of Reps’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State, Oluwaseyi Kolawole, has denied seeking to contest for the vacant House of Representatives seat in Akoko North/East North West Federal Constituency.

    The seat became vacant following appointment of Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo as Minister of Interior by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

    Read Also: Georgieva: IMF mediating to resolve debt crisis between debtor and creditor nations

    Kolawole, in a statement, said the rumours suggesting his interest in the position stemmed from the desire of some of his supporters, who have urged him to consider running.

    He said he aligned himself with  Tunji-Ojo’s vision and goals for the constituency.

  • Allow North Central, South East lead House of Reps, Nabena tells APC

    Ahead of the official announcement of the zoning formula for National Assembly leadership, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yekini Nabena, has asked the leadership of the party to ensure even spread in all offices in the interest of the nation.

    Nabena advised the party to zone the Speaker of the House of Representatives and deputy Speaker to the North Central and South East respectively while the South South should be allowed to produce the Deputy Senate President.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, Nabena who is also the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, said with the President and Vice President from the North-west and South-west respectively, other parts of the country should be allowed to produce principal officers of the leadership of the National Assembly.

    He said warned that if the party does not get it right now, 2023 elections might turn out to be a free- fall all in the ruling party.

    He said: “The APC has elected National Assembly members from all geopolitical zones of the country.

    “Hence, the party’s leadership and indeed the presidency must take deliberate efforts to provide a fair and justifiable zoning arrangement for the 9th National Assembly leadership.

    “The zoning arrangement must also respect the fact that the North-west and South-west has already produced the President and Vice President respectively.

    “So, for equity and adherence to the principle of federal character which is a constitutional requirement, the positions of Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the incoming 9th National Assembly must be occupied by APC members from the remaining four geopolitical regions of the country.”

    READ ALSO: Saraki, PDP plotting to hijack 9th NASS leadership, Nabena alleges

    He said that it was evident that the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) under the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has already zoned the Senate Presidency to the North-east.

    Recommending a zoning arrangement for the remaining positions, he said “The Deputy Senate President should be zoned to the South-south while the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives should be zoned to the North-central and South-east in any order agreed by the party’s leadership.”

    While not unawares his recommendation was in conflict with the aspiration of presumably the South-west led by a member/aspirant from Lagos state for the Speaker, House of Representatives, Nabena said: “the South-west already has a slot filled by the Vice President.

    “In any case, the South-west does not necessarily translate to Lagos or Ogun state. This is a sentiment widely shared by our members from the zone.

    “As I earlier stated, the party’s leadership must take deliberate steps to provide a fair and justifiable zoning arrangement for the incoming 9th National Assembly leadership.

    “Our actions and inactions will have serious implications on party unity and positively or negatively affect our standing ahead of 2023.”

  • My agenda for House of Reps, by Gbajabiamila

    The race for the Speaker of the House of Representatives has begun in earnest. Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila is a leading contender for the coveted seat. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the chances of the fifth-term legislator when the new National Assembly is inaugurated in June.

    House of Representatives Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila has announced his intention to run for Speaker when the Green Chamber is inaugurated in June. He ran in 2015, but lost to Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    With 211 of the 360 members of the chamber belonging to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party has the numerical strength to determine who heads the House. The national caucus of the APC is believed to have endorsed Gbajabiamila for the job. It was also learnt that several meetings have been held in the past few days on how to prevail on other lawmakers elected on the platform of the party to support the House Leader.

    At least 17 lawmakers, including the Dogara, are vying for the position. Others are Olusegun Odebunmi (Southwest), Garba Datti (Kaduna), Ado Doguwa (Kaduna), Babangida Ibrahim (Katsina), Suleiman Kawu (Kano), Sulaiman Aminu (Kano), Tahir Monguno (Borno) and Abdulrazaq Namdas (Adamawa). They also include Yusuf Buba Yakub (Adamawa), Mohammed Bago (Niger), John Dyegh (Benue), Idris Wase (Plateau), Abubakar Lado (Niger), Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia) and Chike Okafor (Imo).

    Gbajabiamila, who represents Surulere Constituency 1, Lagos State, is the most experienced lawmaker in the House. While reeling out his credentials, the lawyer- turned politician said he was the most qualified among the aspirants, considering that he has occupied important positions since he was first elected in 2003.

    He said: “With all sense of humility, I seek this office with a rich legislative background and pedigree and having just won a historic 5th term mandate to the House, I have in the last 16 years dedicated my life to the service of my constituents and Nigeria. I have studied and understood the intricate workings of the legislature. In these 16 years, I have been a principal officer for 12 years. It is this wealth of experience and burning desire for good governance that I bring to the table.

    “The House of Representatives was established to be the people’s House and for the people’s business. It follows, therefore, that the Speaker must be the people’s Speaker elected to do the people’s business and champion their cause and in doing so fulfilling their hopes and aspiration. This is the Speaker I intend and hope to be and the House I intend and hope to lead, a People’s House.”

    Gbajabiamila’s declaration has been supported by members of the House, cutting across geo-political zones and party lines. Many of them have spoken in support of his candidacy. The Chief Whip of the House and an aspirant of the office who may have been tipped for the office of the Majority Leader, Ado Doguwa, said Gbajabiamila was a team player. The lawmaker from Kaduna assured that the Northwest will give the Southwest and Nigeria one of their best too.

    Doguwa said: “Gbajabiamila is a team player. He is as simple as ABC. He is the most qualified aspirant. I want to assure you that we are here on the commitment of our people. Femi will be Speaker for each and every one of us. We will give you one of our best.”

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Imo, Jerry Alagbosa, advised the aspirant to consult widely amongst the lawmakers for their support. He advised Gbajabiamila to make commitment for the Southeast and South-south zones.

    He said: “All of us know Femi, but let me say, democracy is a process. It requires consultation and lobbying. Femi needs to come and meet elders like us. He needs to come and do the needful. Not matter of calling us on phone. For me, I’m going to support him. After the declaration, we need to see because I have to protect the interest of the Southeast and South-south.”

    The Director-General of the Gbajabiamila Campaign Organisation, Abdulmumuni Jibrin, said the candidacy of his principal was not about him, but about sanitising and stabilising democracy. His words: “The candidacy of Femi is not about him himself, but about sanitising our democracy. It is about practising what we preach, global best practices. We make reference to the United States and United Kingdom. Why is it that we are very bad in practice?

    “At the risk of sounding immodest, I will not be making a mistake if I say that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila stands out as the best candidate we can offer. We are not taking the situation for granted. We will run a very clean campaign. We are not interested in throwing mud. For those who are interested in spreading rumours, we plead to them in the interest of peace. We beg them to run an issues-based campaign. We will lobby, we will campaign and we will reach out to our colleagues.

    “We will continue to work hard, consult and continue to reach out and we call on every one to come and join hands with us. We assure you that Femi will be a Speaker for every member of the House. He will also ensure the independence of the legislature.”

    The major problem for Gbajabiamila in the struggle to become Speaker is the re-election of Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State who worked for the emergence of Dogara in 2015 against Gbajabiamila. Tambuwal still has influence over some House of Representatives members from the North. Few months ago, the governor said the reason why the Lagos lawmaker lost to his opponent four years ago was because of his closeness to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and that Gbajabiamila was unpopular among his colleagues.

    Tambuwal had initially said he had a strong affinity for Gbajabiamila but he endorsed Dogara due to his “proven competence” as Chairman of House Services Committee. In his reaction, Gbajabiamila said: “I was betrayed by Tambuwal. He was one of my closest friends when he ran for Speaker. I think I single-handedly pursued his speakership bid. But he must have reasons why he did what he did. That must be respected; I just wished he had made that known.”

    Asked if he had spoken to Tambuwal since 2015, he said: “No I have not, I am not crossing paths with him, he is in Sokoto and I’m in Abuja. You might want to direct that question to him. Who do you think should be reaching out to whom?”

    The opponents of Gbajabiamila premised their arguments on two issues: One is that two national positions cannot be ceded to the Southwest. The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is from the region. The other is the religious sentiment that Senator Ahmed Lawan, the approved Senate President by the APC national caucus and Gbajabiamila are both Muslims and therefore, should not be allowed to occupy the Senate President and Speaker seats.

    However, Gbajabiamila is forging ahead in his bid to become Speaker in the next dispensation. His effort received a boost from the Northwest few days ago where a pressure group under the aegis of Northwest Democratic Front (NDF) has openly endorsed him as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly. The group Chairman, Abubakar Aminu, said “in line with the commitment of the APC leadership to rewarding loyalty and integrity, Mr Gbajabiamila would make a great Speaker”.

    Aminu, a former Chairman, Sokoto State chapter of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), said: “On behalf of the people of the Northwest, we hereby endorse the declaration of Femi Gbajabiamila to run for office of the Speaker of the 9th Assembly.

    “Our endorsement is in line with the spirit of members of the House which was displayed when Gbajabiamila, the House Leader and a five-time legislator, made his formal declaration. We are convinced that Gbajabiamila would mentor the next generation and unite the nation. This informs our recommendation for Musa Sarkin Adar, another strong nationalist, to be made Deputy Speaker.”

    Similarly, all the 24 newly elected House of Representatives members from Kano State have pledged their support for Gbajabiamila as the next Speaker of the Green Chamber of the National Assembly. Their decision was reached at a meeting with Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in Abuja.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Doguwa, said their move was in deference to the decision of National Working Committee of the APC on the zoning of the position to the Southwest.

    Doguwa who won re-election from Tudun Wada/Doguwa Federal Constituency said: “All the 24 of us discussed freely, as elected representatives of the people and agreed to endorse the candidature of Femi Gbajabiamila for Speakership, under the watch of our governor, Dr Ganduje, and the state chairman of the party.”

    A member representing Taurani Constituency, Hafiz Kawu, said what makes Gbajabiamila different from members vying the speaker is his wealth of legislative experience. He recalled that Gbajabiamila is a four-time returnee to the Green Chamber (2003 to 2019). He was the Deputy Minority Leader in the 6th assembly and emerged as Minority Leader in the 7th assembly and Majority Leader in the 8th assembly.

    Kawu added: “Aside his eloquence and tactical approach to issues in the House, Gbajabiamila maintains an enviable track record. Having sponsored a myriad of bills in the National Assembly, he is seen as one of the brilliant minds to have graced the chamber.

    “The Green Chamber is expected to be led by a person with considerable legislative experience and expertise to preside over its affairs and also weather the storm at any given time. If the postulation is anything to go by, Gbajabiamila can be entrusted with such a challenging responsibility, considering the fact that the nation’s democracy is in dire need of reforms that will have far-reaching positive impact on Nigerians.”

    Even though the support for Gbajabiamiala cuts across party lines, analysts say the national leadership of the APC should not allow a repeat of the 2015 episode where few over ambitious members of the party teamed up with the opposition to take over the leadership of the National Assembly. Several lawmakers have expressed displeasure with the way and manner the APC is handling the leadership of the 9th Assembly. They warned that the ruling party is on the verge of making the same mistake it made in 2015.

    Odebunmi, an APC lawmaker representing Ogo-Oluwa Constituency, in Oyo State, said his party would be making a major mistake, if the national leadership does not give all aspirants a level-playing field to vie for the position. The lawmaker, said: “It is being rumoured that the APC may likely zone the speakership seat to the Southwest, which means every qualified member from the zone can contest. Gbajabiamila has not been named as the party’s candidate. I have not got information to that effect. I was at the meeting called by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and nothing of such was mentioned.”

    He stressed the need for the party to act decisively by zoning all principal positions in the House to appropriate geo-political zones. This, he said, would reduce tension and confusion in the polity.

     

  • Qualities incoming Speaker must possess, by House spokesman

    The spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulrasak Namdas has said the era of lawlessness in the House of Representatives has passed.

    “This is the era of party discipline,” he began. “Therefore, only a loyal party member can be the Speaker of the 9th House.”

    The lawmaker, who heads the House Committee of Media and Publicity Affairs and Represents Jada/Genye/Mayo Federal Constituency of Adamawa State, put the issue in perspective ahead of the possible zoning by the APC.

    Quite a number of members from different geographic zones and caucuses have indicated their desire to run for Speakership occupied by Yakubu Dogara.

    Namdas, who said he is also going to contest the speakership position come June, however said as a loyal party member, he will abide with the decision of the party on the issue.

    His words: “Already you are talking to a candidate. I am also aspiring from North-east zone.

    “Every zone is lobbying to have the speakership. We are making our cases. For example, we feel that the North-east is the most impoverished.

    “We have only had the speakership for four years and we want to have it four eight years so that we can consolidate.

    “But more importantly, the Speaker must be somebody that will listen to the party and I am one of those.

    “We need a speaker who is a party person, who has the experience and the ability to carry everybody along.

    “We are in an era of party discipline and we cannot afford to have a Speaker that the party will not be sure of his position and whatever happens, we must pick somebody who has the party at heart and his loyal to the party.”

    He said affairs of the National Assembly are technical matters so the Speaker must also have the ability to preside over the House.

    On the reports that the opposition PDP may be fielding the present Speaker, he said: “I don’t think so. When the inconclusive elections are concluded, I assure you the APC will have up to 230 or 240 of the 360.

    “I think we are 220 now and there are inconclusive elections everywhere.

    “So, I don’t think another party will compete the speakership. The only thing is that whoever they support, it can increase the number of votes, but not enough to upstage the APC.

    “Though their number is important, you cannot say they have the numbers in terms of forming leadership. APC has clear majority.”

    The lawmaker assured the 9th Assembly will be a radical departure from what obtained in the 8th House.

  • Reps adjourn sitting till 12th March

    The House of Representatives Tuesday resumed from the elections recess only to immediately adjourn till the 12th of March, 2019.

    The Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara who made the pronouncement in the Green Chamber stated that the adjournment was because the House could not form a quorum.

    There were 10 members on the floor at that point.

    Apart from the Speaker, other members in the chamber included the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Chairman of the House Committee of Rules and Business, Edward Pwajok and a few other members.

    Recall that the House went on recess on 29th January after passing the minimum wage bill. The 2019 budget was also passed through Second Reading.

    Lawmakers were initially meant to resume on 19th February, but this was pushed forward to Tuesday 26th February, 2019 because of the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    On the Order paper Tuesday were 13 bills meant for first reading, 1 motion, 2 bills for Second Reading and 7 reports which should have been considered .

    Evidently, the adjournment, it was learnt was to enable the lawmakers participate in the general elections

  • House of Reps candidate Johnson urges support for the poor

    All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate Mr. Ganiu Johnson has said the less privileged and physically challenged will get adequate attention, if elected.

    Johnson, who wants to represent Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency, spoke at the empowerment programme for widows. He urged the people to vote the party’s candidates across board.

    He said it had reached a critical stage, where the welfare of the less privileged should take a prominent position. He said that was the way a government can prove to be responsible.

    Johnson said an enhanced welfare package would go a long way to reduced the inequality, stressing that he is committed to making life better for the people.

    He said: ‘’Our party is a progressive party, we will continue to explore positive avenues to make life better for the people. I have outlined many life enhancing programmes for the people in the past and this will continue.

    “In this case, we are giving to the widows, who suffered because of the position they found themselves. The items they are getting will not stop after the election because it is our duty to make life good for them.”

    He urged them to come out to vote during election, stressing the people were the power they count on. “Your vote is your power, do not sell your vote. Use it to make your life better just like other people do.”

    Johnson maintained that the APC programme anchored on security, economy and anti corruption were package the people could not resist. He said President Muhammadu Buhari has set a clear direction for the country.

    He said APC has make life better for the people, adding that failure to re-elect the President would be counter-productive.

    “The damage done by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has really been difficult to erase. But the APC had made sure the people do not suffer unduly because of bad governance done by the last administration.

    “The only way we can ensure the bad memory is erased is to prevent the PDP from coming back again. They plundered our common patrimony and now they are scheming to come back, this to me is a taboo.”

     

     

  • House of Reps passes N30,000 minimum wage

    •Lawmakers seek six months jail, fines for defaulting employers

    The House of Representatives has approved N30,000 as minimum wage for workers in the public and private sectors.

    The lawmakers also increased the initial threshold for  public and private sectors workers in states and local governments from N27,000 proposed by President Muhammadu Buhari in the National Minimum Wage Act Amendment Bill to N30,000.

    The lawmakers also adopted stiff penalties for would-be defaulters when the bill is signed into law.

    Workers, labour unions and Labour  Minister Chris Ngige were also empowered to enforce the law should employers decide to breach the law.

    The Federal Government had in a House of Representatives public hearing on Monday revealed its intention to augment the balance of N3,000 to make it N30,000 for its workers.

    The Federal Government, however, emphasised  that states and the private sector are to engage workers’ unions and negotiate the minimum wage that should not be below N27,000.

    On sanction, if convicted, the employer, who fails to pay the new minimum wage, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five per cent of the offender’s monthly wage; pay all outstanding arrears of the workers’ wages and  pay an additional penalty of not less than the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lending rate on the wages owed for each month of the continuing violation.

    In addition, any employer that fails to keep records of wages or condition of employment of a worker on conviction would be liable to a fine not exceeding N75,000 and additional penalty not exceeding N10,000 for each day.

    Also, notwithstanding the provisions of the bill, anyone that hinders the authority of an authorised officer in the exercise of his powers under the bill or tamper with records and convicted is liable to a fine not exceeding N250,000 or imprisonment term not exceeding six months or both.

    However, not all categories of workers are to enjoy the new minimum wage as it shall not apply to employers with less than 25 workers; employers, whose workers are employed on part time basis; employers, who pay their workers based on commission; workers on seasonal employment such as agriculture and persons employed in a vessel or aircraft due to their peculiar regulations.

    The two recommendations of the Yussuff Lasun-ad hoc Committee as well as all the provisions of the bill as forwarded by Mr. President were adopted at the Committee of the Whole House, chaired by the Speaker and passed as amended at plenary  by the House.

  • Reps adjourn plenary in honour of late Shagari

    The House of Representatives upon resumption for the 2019 legislative duty on Wednesday, adjourned proceedings till Thursday in honour of late Rep. Abayomi Ayeola and former President Shehu Shagari.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the sitting was the first in 2019 after the Christmas and New Year break.

    Late Ayeola, a serving member of the House representing Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency in Lagos state on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) died during the break.

    Similarly, Shagari who was one time member of the House died on Dec. 31, 2018 during the break.

    Read Also: Should FUTA be named after Shagari?

    The Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara after reading official communications from families of the deceased at plenary called for prayers for the repose of their souls.

    Rep. Pally Iriase offered the Christian prayers, while Rep. Chika Adamu offered the Islamic prayers.

    Dogara, later announced that Thursday’s plenary would be used for valediction in honour of Ayeola and Shagari.
    It is the tradition of the House to adjourn plenary for a day in the event of the death of serving member.

  • ‘Why I want to replace Igbinedon in House of Reps’

    Former Edo State Commissioner for Foreign Investment Dennis Idahosa is the House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ovia Constituency. He spoke with Osagie Otabor in Benin City, the state capital, on his ambition and other issues.

    You have flagged off your campaigns. How has it been?

    It has been wholesome. I am facing a lot of challenges because the election in Nigeria is expensive beyond what we anticipated but in the festive season, God has helped us to reach a lot of families in my constituency. I have been able to out smiles on people’s faces. We have been able to overcome our challenges and we are gaining more momentum and strength. I believe God has a hand in this project.

    Okada elders recently endorsed your candidacy. What does that mean to you owing to the fact that it is the stronghold of your opponent.

    The endorsement from Okada Odionwere and the elders in council. They were able to explain the reason I was endorsed to go to the National Assembly and replaced their daughter. One was to be very active on the floor to attract a lot of development. The second one is to concentrate on human capital development and the third one is to be able accessible to the electorates. In all of these, my opponent has failed. She has never moved any motion during plenary. She is not there when important issues are discussed. She has no respect for the people. My observation is that they are fed up with her. They made up their mind to vote her out of office. They have found the alternative they needed and they saw me as the messiah in our constituency. I will not play politics of bitterness but I will concentrate on what will uplift the people. I pray that God bring an end to vote buying in this country so that the people can vote reliable persons into power.

    Your campaign slogan is liberation. Why did you choose it?

    It started in Okada, the hometown of my opponent. The people of Okada cried out to me that their land has been taken from them. They said they have no land to build houses anymore. They said they want to be liberated. I did a forensic analysis of their cries and I asked how the land grabbing came about in Okada. They explained to me and I found out that the father of my opponent has been unfair to the Okada people. I believe that God has brought me to liberate the people of Ovia and I will not rest until it is achieved.

    How much support do you get from your party?

    The most important thing the party has done for me is to give me the ticket as the flag bearer of the party. The leaders and youths have been very supportive. It is not about the finances. It is the moral support that I needed which I have gotten.

    Ovia constituency is made up of farmers…

    I have been able to work with various communities. I have reached out to farm camps in Ovia and I am working with the local and state government to meet up with their basic amenities. Grading of earth roads in many of the villages has commenced and it is being funded by the local government. The few camps in Okada axis I really worried about was when I saw how they were suffering. To me that was failure and we have been able to address their problems.

    Are you not disturbed that the post-primary crisis may affect the APC?

    Not at all. In every primaries, there are bound to be little crisis but the APC family has been able to address it. We are comfortable that we will win all available seats in Edo South senatorial district. In Ovia, we are getting 73 percent.

    How would you tackle unemployment?

    The things I will do as a lawmaker is to focus on human capital development. There will be job opportunities for our youths. I will collaborate with both the state and local government and look at areas where opportunities are available. I am already collecting data of my supporters. I want to have a database so that after my victory, I do not need to collect their CVs anymore. I will have skill acquisition centres and support youths to learn skills. Soft loans will be made available for them after their training. The next one is women empowerment. My plan is to use 50% of my salary to give out as empowerment for the women. It will not be a loan but support for little businesses.

    You are a successful businessman. Why did you venture into politics?

    As a businessman, I was able to support people but it was not enough to carry majority of the people’s challenges and I felt that venturing into politics would give the room for more opportunities to meet their need and empower a lot of people. I am so passionate about helping people because I prayed to God when I was 11 to bless me so that I will be a blessing to my generation.

    You worked with Oshiomhole and now Obaseki is in power. How do you compare both men?

    The two of them are phenomenon. Oshiomhole is a great man and Obaseki is a wonderful man. Both of them brought the needed development to Edo. Oshiomhole is a fighter and he will do it openly. Obaseki is a silent fighter  and he talks less but has vision and target for the people. Oshiomhole is one of the best Governor we have seen before Obaseki.