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Tag: Lawmaker

  • Abia lawmaker calls for salary increase

    The lawmaker representing Arochukwu-Ohafia in Abia State in the National Assembly, Uko Nkole, has said it is unfair for anyone to agitate for a pay cut for federal legislators.

    He said those calling for the reduction of their salary and emoluments were not aware of the work of the lawmakers.

    Nkole said rather than call for a salary slash, the people should advocate increased funding of the National Assembly to enable the legislators perform well.

    The lawmaker urged the people to monitor and hold their representatives accountable for funds voted for projects.

    He said the media should seek to know what the President’s security vote was, as well as his other sundry allowances instead of looking into the salary of lawmakers.

  • PDP lawmaker backs anti-graft campaign

    A member of the House of Representatives has said the accusations that the investigation  of corrupt government  officials by President Muhammadu Buhari is only targeted at members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is misplaced and unfounded.

    Okechukwu Eze (PDP, Anambra), who spoke in Abuja at the weekend,  said President Buhari’s administrative style should rather be supported by all as he (Buhari) was prepared for power having tried several times in the past.

    He said: “The perception that PDP members are targeted is to be expected. These are people who have been in the opposition for so many years, they have developed a mindset.

    “Now, all of a sudden, power is in APC hands. It will take time to realise that when APC was the opposition, they have always seen PDP in a bad light.

    “Now as President, he needs to look at things from a different perspective, because no matter what he thinks of PDP, power now belongs to him.

    “He is not President of APC or CPC but of Nigeria, with all its pimples and blemishes, the good, the bad and the ugly.”

  • Lawmaker fetes widows

    Lawmaker fetes widows

    The lawmaker representing Afikpo North West Constituency at the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Ogbonnaya Ikoro has reached out to needy women especially widows, giving them cash and wrappers.

    Some of the recipients returned home for the month-long August Meeting, an opportunity for the lawmaker to help the needy among them.

    The event which took place at Central School Oziza drew people from the four villages in Amasiri, Ibi, Akpoha and Oziza which make up the Constituency.

    Ikoro, who is Deputy Leader of the House, promised to set up a fish farm and other agro-businesses to empower youths.

    He said:”I decided to use the August Meeting period to thank all the women of the constituency for supporting me, the governor and my party, the PDP [Peoples Democratic Party] during the last general elections which led to an overwhelming victory of the party.”

    “I am in the business of service delivery; politics is about service delivery to the people. To me I have not done anything yet to the people, the distribution of wrappers and cash today is a tip of the iceberg of what I have in stlck for the women and youths of the community.

    “We are looking at establishing agro-business farms for the youths to operate and in turn share the profits amongst themselves. That way the youths will be gainfully employed.”

    “We are doing this in realization that there are not many jobs out there for the youths, so we ard emphasizing on self reliance by going into agriculture.”

    “We have already set up a fish farm for some of these u employed youths to manage. We shall set up more of such agro-businesses for them as time goes on.”

    He also promised to use his office as deputy Leader to attract projects to the community from the state government.

    Speaking at the occasion, the PDP Chairman Ibi/Oziza ward, Mr Egwu Okpani in his opening remarks noted that Ogbonnaya Ikoro performed well in his first term at the house leading to the people overwhelmingly voting for him to return to the house so as to continue the good works he has started.

    The visit, he said, is to appreciate the support of the people in voting in the legislator for a second term.

    Mrs Anthonia Ndukwe, National President women’s wing of Oziza Development Union, praised the legislator for remembering the people of the constituency. He described the legislator as a gentleman with milk of kindness who is destined for greater achievements in his chosen profession of politics.

  • Lawmaker to support education

    Lawmaker to support education

    The lawmaker representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency of Osun State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ayo Omidiran has pledged her unflinching support for any cause that will enhance education of younger Nigerians in order to make them contribute to nation-building.

    •Hon. Omidiran
    •Hon. Omidiran

    Hon. Omidiran made the pledge during her investiture as Matron of the Students’ Union Government, Osun State University Ikire Campus Osun State.

    According to the lawmaker, the role of education is very critical in nation-building so much so that every right thinking Nigerian, especially those in positions of authority, must always be ready to volunteer their time and resources for any venture that will promote and enhance the education of the Nigerian child.

    Describing education as very critical in what has translated into her present social, economic and political status, the only All Progressives Congress (APC) female member of the House of Representatives from the Southwest said “were it not for education and other considerations, I would not have been considered to represent my people in the House by my party, hence the need for the students to always embrace the ideas being put forward by those who are genuinely committed to the uplift of their education.”

    Describing the honour as first of its kind she had received from any educational institution, the Leader of the Osun Caucus in the House of Representatives noted that, apart from cherishing it for the rest of her life, the honour will further spur her to be more dedicated to ensuring that the goals of education are realised for the benefit of children within and outside her constituency.

    Earlier, the President of the Students’ Union Government had described Hon. Omidiran as a pillar of support for the institution and by extension, the Students Union Government.

    On why the student body decided to honour the lawmaker, the student leader said the donation of 110 computer sets to the institution last year to boost Information and Communication Technology (ICT), her intervention in the re-opening of the school which Osun State Government closed down as a result of students’ unruly behaviour and destruction of property on campus and her commitment to the activities of the union as part of the reasons she was honoured.

    Apart from support for tertiary education, Hon. Omidiran has, during her first term in the House of Representatives, touched the lives of many post-primary schools in her constituency.

    At the moment, work is almost completed on the middle schools she is constructing in Ikire and Gbongan.

     

  • I did menial jobs to survive, says Edo lawmaker

    I did menial jobs to survive, says Edo lawmaker

    Chris Okaeben represents Oredo West constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly. For eight years, he  battled to contest election to the House of Assembly. During the past struggles, he was pressured to step down for former Speaker Uyi Igbe. A stout member of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Okaeben spoke with OSAGIE OTABOR

    How was it when growing up?

    I feel embarrassed when I see young girls hanging out as call girls and selling their bodies in the name of survival. There was nothing I did not do to survive. I know this is not the desire of these innocent girls but if we can connect back to the society, we can do something to make them busy. I have once done any work just to ensure I got money to buy books to take to school. I have washed clothes for people to be paid. I worked in people’s garden just to eat. I would go to UNIBEN to do any work for students just because I wanted to remain in secondary school.

    This is because I was convinced that I can make something out of my life. This is why I want to give our people hope. We want to lay a foundation and encourage the people. I want to be part of them. I don’t want them to believe that they have laboured in vain. What has not worked well is that elected persons come once in three years to distribute rice. We want to remain in the system where we grow up from.

    What should your constituency expect from you?

    We want to introduce soft loans for women. I will have a well functional campaign office and employ 12 persons from the six wards to serve as a means of link to the people. I want people to talk about what I did in my time and in defining what  I did in my time, it is about how many people’s lives I affected. How many people I was able to bring to governance. It is only a foolish man who will not want any person to rise to his standard.  We are tired of hearing share the money. What we need are those who will feel the pain that the common man is facing. This nation under Buhari will take us to our destination.

    There is so much to do in Oredo. The people don’t want to be in the dark. They want to be connected to what is happening in government. In my campaigns, I said our people will enjoy the benefits of governance.  What they expect is to reconnect them to government. I want my people to believe in themselves. I am convinced that good things are beginning to happen in my time. I will criticise, suggest and advise. The most important thing is to add value and in adding value, there must be a connection between you and your people. The era of sinking boreholes without bothering whether the people need it or not is over. There is so much to do. I have visited some skill acquisitions shops and I felt that we must identify people in various wards and give them a sense of belonging. Everybody cannot be elected but we can make them learn a trade. We are looking at a way of engaging young girls, who may not be lucky to go to tertiary institutions, to become entrepreneurs. We can prepare a future for our young girls.

  • Lawmaker warns Dogara ahead of composition of House Committees

    Lawmaker warns Dogara ahead of composition of House Committees

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has been advised to prepare for another round of crisis.

    The crisis may expected to be precipitated by the appointment of Chairmen and members of House Standing and Special Committees.

    There were 92 Standing and Special Committees in the 7th House.

    Danlami Mohammed Kurfi, representing Dutsinma/ Kurfi Constituency of Katsina State , however, expressed optimism in the ability of the Speaker to handle the situation.

    Kurfi, in a statement yesterday, said the resolution of the principal officers’ face-off was an indication that Dogara would not allow the impending crisis to derail the House.

    It reads: “We are impressed by his leadership prowess and qualities, and we are willing to stand behind him 100% against any unnecessary opposition and an unwarranted distraction from all quarters, arising from the outcome of deliberations on matters that may arise in the coming weeks.

    “The Speaker has not only demonstrated wisdom in addressing the myriad of issues that rocked the House in recent times, he has also demonstrated uncommon humility and political sagacity in leading the great House of Representatives.

    “His decision  to allow for party supremacy in the emergence of our amiable leader Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and other leaders, has adequately shown that this Speaker is a man of solid democratic credentials and ample  qualities required to further the  democratisation process.

    “In the coming days, there may be disagreements over the headship of Committees and sub-committees, but this must be seen as an unavoidable feature of an institution of diverse interests, temperaments, ideological bents, parties and political dispositions.

    “I would however advise my dear Speaker of the House to maintain his calm approach to issues, and keep to his sense of justice in making appointments to these very important Committees that can help the Legislature carry out its constitutional duty of oversighting the Executive arm of government.

    “In overseeing these appointments, I trust our dear Speaker to apply his famed wisdom, intelligence and sound judgment as always”.

     

  • Double celebration for a lawmaker

    Double celebration for a lawmaker

    House of Representatives member  (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State) Hon. Bode Ayorinde marked his 55th birthday and the 30th remembrance anniversary of his mother. He also inaugurated his constituency office, reports LEKE AKEREDOLU.

    Bode Ayorinde, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has celebrated his 55th birthday and the 30th anniversary of the death of his mother, Mama Alago Ijanrensola Ayorinde.

    The day also featured the grand opening of his constituency office  on Aruwajoye Street, Owo.

    The simplicity  of the birthday ‘boy’ was the  major attraction, pulling politicians from across parties to the  two-day event.

    Though Ayorinde’s birthday was on June 22, it was held the weekend after.

    The events began with members of the Governing Council led by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Tunji Ibiyemi, who visited the School of the Blind in Owo to donate to the less-privileged.

    Then they proceeded to the expansive hall of Achievers’ University for Ayorinde’s birthday lecture. Students of the university ushered him in with loud chants and praise.

    The lecture titled: Politics and economic development in Nigeria:The change phenomenon,was delivered by  Dr James Oladunjoye of the Department of English,   Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was well attended by tradition rulers, and academicians.

    Dr. Oladunjoye is one of Ayorinde’s old students, he  described him as one from whose milk of knowledge he benefitted tremendously.

    A Professor of Law, Demola Popoola, who  taught Ayorinde at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) chaired the event.

    The event was attended by  the Ondo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress(APC), Mr. Isaac Kekemeke;Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN);  Senator Titus Olupitan; Chief Olusola Oke, Chief Alaba Isijola, the Owo Local Government Women leader, Mrs. Akinrogbe, among others.

    Kekemeke, who inaugurated the constituency office, praised Ayorinde for not diverting from the ideology of the party, which is to make government responsible to the masses noting that the office will serve as link between the people and the lawmaker.

    The celebration continued at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Igboroko-Nla Street, Owo.

    Ayorinde decked in ofi attire was ushered into the church with his wife, by members of the Man O’war in a parade.

    The expansive church hall could not contain all the guests who graced the occasion, so additional canopies were erected.

  • Visiting lawmaker promises to support centre

    Visiting lawmaker promises to support centre

    The lawmaker representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chukwuka Utazi,  has visited the Space Science of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to collaborate with the Centre to achieve its objectives.

    Receiving the lawmaker, who graduated from Political Science Department, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Benjamin Ozumba, said the institution was proud of its alumnus, hoping that the lawmaker would use his position to attract more federal presence to the institution and its host communities.

    He said: “The Governing Council and members of this great citadel of learning are proud of you. We hope you would contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation and your alma mater.”

    Utazi said the culture of academic excellence must be maintained by the university, advising that its recruitment and admission processes must be based on merit.

    “For the institution to be ahead of its counterparts, the quality of its education and research must be fully established,” he said.

    During his inspection of the research agency established in 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Utazi observed that there were meaningful research being carried out at the Centre with little funding, adding that the activities must be made known to promote the nation’s innovation and technological transformation.

    He called on the Centre’s Director, Prof Fidelis Opara, to get the list of equipment needed by the Centre to improve and lead astronomical research in the continent for Senate’s approval. This, he said, would back up his request to the Federal Government to support the Centre’s projects.

    Opara urged the lawmaker to persuade the government to provide radio telescope for the Centre to record space information, weather and track crimes, such as kidnapping, bombing and robbery.

    The director said one of the aims of the Centre was to train young Nigerians on astronomy and space research, noting that over 10 secondary schools had benefited from its training.

    The lawmaker was optimistic that the administration would give education and research agencies support, pledging the National Assembly’s cooperation.

  • Lawmaker meets with constituents

    Lawmaker meets with constituents

    In a bid to fulfill his electioneering promises during the 2015 presidential and National Assembly elections, Prince Akeem Adeyemi has held meetings with major stakeholders in the four local government areas in Oyo town on how to attract development projects to the area.

    At a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyomesi, traditional rulers and associations in Oyo Federal Constituency, Prince Adeyemi revealed that he stood by the party’s directive during the leadership crisis in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

    According to the immediate past chairman of Atiba Local Government Area, every member of the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to hold leadership position. He, however, explained that party interest surpasses any other interest.

    Prince Adeyemi described the incident as ugly, lamenting that selfishness and inordinate ambition wanted to tear them apart at a point they are supposed to be seen as change agents.

    “We all contested on the platform of the party and by doing so, we have indirectly pledged to abide by its directives. Without discipline, the party will crash,” he added.

    He promised to team up with other progressive minds in order to engender the desired change, adding that great individuals such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are tested leaders whose directives should be adhered to.

    He said he embarked on the consultation tour in order to carry his constituents along, adding that “democracy is a participatory form of government. We must brief the people as events unfold so that the people will have a sense of belonging in the process of governance. It is a radical departure from what obtained in the past.”

    Disclosing that he would interact with his constituents periodically, he stressed the need for all to come together irrespective of party affiliations as it would usher in the needed development. He assured that the impasse at the National Assembly would soon be resolved.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi who was represented by Ayaba Mojisola Adeyemi said he would continue to advise the lawmaker on the need to assist the people.

    Reactingý, the Basorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Akinade Yusuf said he was elated with the development, adding that such had never happened in the history of the town. He noted that their fear had been allayed because they had thought as a Prince; he would not be answerable to anybody.

    One of the leaders of the APC in the state, Chief Samuel Akindele narrated how he felt when the youthful politician picked the party’s ticket.

    “Since 1950 when we started active politics, we have not witnessed this kind of quality representation. His predecessor who spent two terms ran away immediately he was elected only to come back for re-election under a new party. We thank God our people showed him the exit door. With this, Oyo has started witnessing new things,” he said.

    The chairman of the Oyo Metropolitan Club, Taiwo said he felt bad when he watched members of the National Assembly fighting each other over leadership position.

    He said: “I did not see anybody in abeti-aja, symbol of our Alaafin, as the imbroglio lasted. ýI have to commend Prince Adeyemi for toeing the path of honour by supporting party directives against personal wish. He should continue the way he had started.

    Earlier, Chief Dijo Ogundiran, who recommended Adeyemi to the Oyomesi, said the lawmaker having started on a brighter note has vindicated him.

    While presenting a copy of the 2015 budget to the executive members of the Oyo Metropolitan Club, Prince Adeyemi bemoaned the hardship the town suffered in the hands of the past administration led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), revealing how the Federal Government budgeted for hand-pump well for the town. He, however, assured that things would change with the emergence of the Muhammadu Buhari administrationý.

    Former chairman of Oyo West Local Government Area, Mr. Wale Ogunmola praised the lawmaker for the gesture, saying he was happy to be associated with him.

  • Lawmaker applauds Buhari over bailout

    Lawmaker applauds Buhari over bailout

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari deserves commendation for his timely intervention in the crisis rocking some states due to the non-payment of salaries.

    He made the remarks in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Michael Jegede, in Abuja.

    According to him, Buhari’s decision to ease the sufferings of workers portrayed him as a true leader, who has the interest of the people at heart.He said: “It is indeed unfortunate that we found ourselves in a situation where many states in the country could not pay salaries regularly, thereby causing the workers to go through excruciating pain to survive and maintain their families for months. The bailout extended to the states through means devised by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is, therefore, an intervention that is very necessary in the circumstances we found ourselves. Rather than the eyebrow being raised in some quarters, we must all commend the President for this wonderful step taken to reduce the plight of the workers. Thank God, clarifications have been made as regards the sources of the intervention funds, portraying Buhari as a man of transparency and accountability. By this singular action of the President, he has further shown that he was truly prepared to effect change in governance where the wellbeing of Nigerians would be a priority in his agenda.”

    The aspirant, however, said that the funds made available by the President must be judiciously applied by the states. He said: “Steps must also be taken to prevent us from finding ourselves in this kind of precarious situation. I hope that we would have learnt so we don’t get here again.”