The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lawmaker

  • Lawmaker gives free medicare

    t was praise galore recently from about 600 residents of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State who benefited from Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s free eyes test, treatment and surgery.

    The two-day free medical exercise organised by the federal lawmaker was in partnership with the Global Alliance Eyes Foundation Centre, according to her “is in line with my electioneering promise to take good care of my constituents through constituency projects and through other means within my capacity.”

    The envisaged number of beneficiaries, according to Dabiri-Erewa, was put at 250 for Ikorodu Central Local Council venue for the first day and another 250 for the Ijede Palace ground for the second day. The turnout, however, was about 350 in Ikorodu and almost the same number at Ijede second venue of the exercise.

    Speaking with The Nation at the event, the lawmaker lamented the plight of eye patients who lost their sight because they could not afford just small amount of money to tackle the problem at inception before it became a major case that would require surgery.

    She explained that “there are some categories of patients here,” saying “they include minor ailment that requires just medication or just eye glasses while some require surgery either to correct some eyes anomalies or to stop blindness entirely.”

    She was almost in tears when about 25 children, who were school pupils with eyes problems were brought to her. “I fought back tears with great efforts so as not to suggest to the pupils that their case is beyond redemption,” Dabiri-Erewa confessed during an interaction later.

    The cost of a surgery, according to a medical expert, is between N100,000 and N120,000. And at the end of the two-day exercise, 68 patients went for surgery in the first batch while 24 others had theirs in the second batch bringing the total surgery patients to 92 all successfully done.

    An Assistant Director, Eye Foundation Centre for Prevention of Blindness, Dr. Akinwale Akinfe, one of the consultants at the event told The Nation that “cataract and Glaucoma are major causes of blindness if not tackled at inception.”

    He however assured that eyes surgery was not as scary as people believe, adding that “when it is handled with experts and not quacks, the success is always at very high percentage.”

    At the end of the exercise, two elder beneficiaries, Mrs Abimbola Adeyinka (87 years), and Apostle Kilani Olisa (84 years), whose operations were successful were full of praise for Abike Dabiri-Erewa “for her thoughtfulness and constant humanitarian gestures towards the young and the old alike.”

    Apostle Olisa, who was on a wheel chair jocularly asked our reporter, “don’t you think it will be double tragedy to lose your legs and your eyes at the same time?” not waiting for an answer, he said “thank God, Abike has saved the eyes and God will send somebody else to fix the legs.”

    Though the law maker could not be categorical about the amount spent for the two day exercise, rough calculation of the surgery alone for 92 beneficiaries at, at least N1000, 000 per one would give us N9.2 million.

    “We are not done yet,” the Lawmaker assured her constituents,” promising that “the exercise will go round to other beneficiaries very soon.”

     

  • Plateau lawmaker revives infrastructure

    Plateau lawmaker revives infrastructure

    A lawmaker in Plateau State, Hon Clark Dabwan representing Mangu South constituency at the state House of Assembly, has lifted the spirits of his constituents.

    After noting the extent of infrastructural decay in the area he responded with practical help. When he visited, he brought with him building materials including bundles of roofing sheets to rehabilitate some dilapidated facilities there. He also knew exactly which facilities needed urgent attention.

    It was a pleasant surprise gift to the people.

    Dabwan is the Speaker of the House, serving his second term.

    He presented the items to his constituents at the palace of the district head, Magajin Gari Mangu Mr Michael Hirse.

    There, he told them his mission was provide the materials so that the community could fix some of its run-down structures. He also spoke of his appreciation of the support the people have given him.

    The speaker said: “I have only come back with these items as a mark of my appreciation to my people. It is my own way of saying thank you for the confidence reposed in me and the mandate you gave me to represent you at the Plateau State House of Assembly.

    “As your spokesman in the House, I have tried as much as possible to present your needs to the state government. While some of our needs in this community [have been] solved by the state government, some others are already receiving government attention as indicated in the 2013 appropriation Act. But I feel it is necessary to make my own personal contribution in appreciation of the mandate you gave me.

    “To show my appreciation, I have come with 35 bundles of aluminum roofing sheets, 10 of them will be for Alohom community for the roofing of theirs primary school, the remaining 25 bundles of roofing sheets should be used for the renovation of the maternity clinic in Mangu.

    “I will make funds available for the purchase of wood for the roofing as well as for other relevant materials and to take care of labour. This maternity clinic is very dear to my heart and I will want the project completed in 30 days from now.

    “The people of Lahir village, I was told, are also contributing money for electrification project of their community. I have here a cash sum of N150,000 as my personal contribution to their electricity project.

    ”Most importantly I will not forget my party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on which platform I was elected; I have here a station wagon Peugeot car to assist them in carrying out party functions.”

    Hon Dabwan asked the people of his constituency to continue to support the redemptive government of Governor Jonah David Jang so that the community will continue to benefit from the administration.

    Chair of the management committee of Mangu Local Government Area, Hon Isa Shikven who witnessed the presentation, said, in his remarks, that the local government and the people were proud of the Speaker.

    Hon. Shaken said: “Our representative at the House of Assembly has not only represented us well; he is heading the legislative arm of government in the state. This is why we are so proud of him.

    “The Speaker has no official powers to allocate projects but he is already doing that in his personal capacity, in an effort to put a smile on the faces of his constituents; we will ever remain grateful.”

    The Magajin Gari Mangu (District Head) who received the building materials on behalf of the community, expressed his gratitude . He said the items will go along way in alleviating the suffering of the people particularly at the maternity clinic.

     

  • Court grants Kogi lawmaker bail

    Detained member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Friday Sani (aka Makama), and one other detainee got a reprieve yesterday as an Abuja Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone II granted them bail.

    Sani and his alleged accomplice, Job David, were charged with alleged unlawful possession of fire arms, ammunition and police walkie-talkie.

    They were arraigned last Friday before Magistrate Usman Shuaibu, who ordered them remanded in prison.

    Although the defence lawyer, J. O. Adele said the suspects were arrested and had been detained since May 31, the prosecution said they were arrested on June 4.

    Ruling yesterday, Magistrate Shuaibu granted Sani bail at N5 million and one surety in like sum. The magistrate said the surety must be an Abuja civil servant of Level 15, whose position must be verified by the police.

    The magistrate ordered that the bail could only take effect from June 14.

    Sani is to report to the police daily from June 18 till 21.

    David was admitted to bail at N1 million with one surety in like sum. Sani chairs the Assembly’s Committee on Public Account.

     

  • Youths call for release of Kogi lawmaker

    Kogi youths, under the aegis of state branch of the National Youth Council (NYC), yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan and all well-meaning Nigerians to ensure the release of an arrested member of the House of Assembly, Friday Sanni, without further delay.

    The youths, who were protesting the arrest and detention of the lawmaker, told reporters in Lokoja, the state capital, that the arrest was the handiwork of his political detractors, who want to tarnish his image.

    Sanni was allegedly caught last week in Abuja in company of some men who were said to be in possession of some AK 47 riffles.

    Police walkie-talkie was allegedly found in his car.

    His arrest, it was learnt, followed a tip-off.

    The lawmaker has been arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court, which ordered him to be remanded in prison pending today’s hearing of his case.

    But the youths said the arrest and detention of the lawmaker were unjust and politically motivated.

    NYC Chairman Farouk Mazai Suleiman said Sanni was a misunderstood politician, especially among those he called political misfits.

    According to him, the lawmaker was framed up by some Abuja-based politicians who felt threatened by his rising political profile.

    Reeling out Sanni’s achievements in office, Suleiman said the embattled lawmaker has touched the lives of more members of his constituency than all his political enemies.

    The youth leader added that the arrest was a ploy to scuttle his youth empowerment programme.

    The House of Representatives, it was learnt, allegedly ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to arrest Sanni over allegations of murder, thuggery and setting up an illegal security outfit, called Ajana Mopol.

    The House was allegedly acting on a petition by a former Minister of Interior, who alleged that the lawmaker had been declared wanted by the police over those allegations.

    The ex-minister wondered why the police had not arrested the lawmaker, despite the allegations against him.

    But the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Iyang Ekwo, quashed the order.

     

  • Abia lawmaker arraigned for ‘forgery, perjury’

    A member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Ikedi Ezekwesiri, has appeared before an Umuahia Magistrate’s Court for alleged perjury.

    Ezekwesiri, who represents Umunneochi Constituency, was arraigned yesterday on a five-count charge of impersonation, forgery and false information.

    The lawmaker was alleged to have on January 31, 2011, in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form C.F 001 preparatory for election into the state assembly, falsely declared himself to be a legal practitioner.

    The offence, according to the prosecution, is punishable under the Criminal Code Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

    He was alleged to have fraudulently presented to INEC and the police during investigation, a B. Sc in Law certificate bearing Eze Ikedichi awarded by the Abia State University.

    The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    The defence counsel, Okey Amechi (SAN), who appeared with 10 other lawyers, applied for the bail of the accused on self-recognition as a lawmaker.

    “This is a political issue and he will not jump bail, which is the major reason for granting bail,” Amechi said.

    The prosecution counsel, Sampson Onyemuche, who appeared with Godwin Ijioma, said the prosecution was not objecting to the bail application.

    “However, our objection will be on granting the accused bail on self-recognition. This is a criminal trial and we expect him to be given bail with a reasonable sum and surety,’’ he said.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Elizabeth Kalu, granted the accused bail on self-recognition and adjourned the case till July 17 for further hearing.

  • Power Reps shouldn’t have

    Power Reps shouldn’t have

    It is not in the democratic spirit for the lawmaker to unilaterally kick out a President or Vice President

    Majority of the members of the House of Representatives seeking to make it easier to impeach a President or the Vice President are clearly on a frolic of their own. Despite their claims that they are acting in the public interest, it is clear that the protagonists of the proposed amendment to the constitution are merely on a self-seeking adventure to garner more powers for the Legislature, at the expense of the health of our democracy. In our view, the process of impeaching a President or a Vice President, as provided in section 143 of the 1999 constitution (as amended), is just rigorous enough, and should not be made easier for a misguided cause.

    It is surprising that the bill was able to scale the second reading, despite the succinct arguments of the leaders of the majority and minority parties in the House, during the plenary. To show how jejune the reasons adduced for the proposed amendment are, one lawmaker, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, had posed what he considered a constitutional quagmire: ‘how can the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who himself is an appointee of the President, be the one to set up a panel to investigate the allegations?’ The sponsor of the bill, Mr. Yakubu Dogara compounded the irrationality thus: ‘the essence of the bill is to hold the Executive accountable so that checks can be created, and it is not meant to target this term but rather to make the process less ambiguous on grounds of misconduct’.

    With these puerile arguments, the House accepted to subject this reckless bill to further legislative action. If we may ask, is it not elementary knowledge that the presidential system of government is built on the doctrine of separation of powers based on the tripod of the legislative, executive and judiciary arms of government? Again, is Mr. Jime, by his argument suggesting that he is not aware that the Legislature shares constitutional responsibility with the President in the appointment of the Chief Justice? By accepting the reasoning questioning the impartiality of the head of the Judiciary, is the House suggesting that Nigerians should regard as prejudicial, all judgments of the highest court of the land, in any matter involving the Executive arm of government?

    The reason offered by the sponsor of the bill is indeed very self seeking, and a dishonour to his competence as a legislator. He had talked about checks, when by the contents of the proposals, the sole aim of the bill is to locate all powers over the impeachment of the President or his vice on the Legislature, while excluding the Executive and the electorate represented by the eminent panel of seven as provided in section 143(5). If the bill were to become law, then the Legislature will be the sole determinant of a misdemeanour by the President or his vice, the prosecutor and the judge, all by themselves; and that in the opinion of Mr. Dogara and his co-travellers will amount to checks.

    Except for purposes of misguided publicity, why would the proponents of the bill seek to amend the constitution on their own terms, shortly after the 360 members of the House had publicly interacted with their constituencies, on the pending proposed amendments to the constitution? It is such conducts like the current one that give the impression to the public that most of our legislators are ill-equipped for the onerous responsibility placed on their shoulders by the constitution. For, if the proponents of this bill know their onions, will they not appreciate that such divisive bill like the one they are proposing will not be approved by a majority of the states, or even the upper chamber; or are they hoping to also exclusively amend the bill all by themselves, as they also wish to single-handedly sack the President or his vice without any other authority looking into the genuineness of their conduct?

    For the purposes of emphasis, the possibility of a misguided Legislature sacking an Executive President elected by the entire electorate in the country must be made very stringent. Tragically, at the state level, the removal of the state governors and their deputies had been thoroughly abused, and we hope the House members are not wishing for such possibility at the federal level. Indeed, there have been clear cases of the National Assembly straying into the territory of the Executive, or even abusing their privileges; and if Mr. Dogara’s wishes were to be realised, then for every time the Executive resists legislative interference, Nigerians may be gifted a new President. What even stops the Legislature from turning the presidency into a circus, if they get the powers they are seeking, as they could always impeach the President and his vice, to have one of their own take over, even if on an acting capacity?

  • Lawmaker urges Oni to support governor

    •Fayose: judgment won’t dampen our morale 

    The member representing Ekiti Central Constituency I in the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, has congratulated Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    Bamidele said the judgment “is a victory for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and a quantum leap for our legal process and the growth of our democracy”.

    He said: “I congratulate Fayemi on the outcome of the suit. No doubt, the judgment is a victory for the ACN and a quantum leap for our legal process and the growth of our democracy.

    “In the same vein, I commend Mr. Segun Oni for reposing his confidence in the judicial process as the credible alternative to street action and for his doggedness in pursuing his grievances to a logical conclusion.

    “Now that the highest court of the land has finally laid this matter to rest, my patriotic call to Oni, on behalf of well meaning Ekiti sons and daughters as well as stakeholders of our democracy, is for him to support the Fayemi administration in addressing the critical needs of Ekiti people through good governance, massive job creation, continued infrastructural development, quality education and health care services, agrarian revolution and the growth of the Ekiti economy, among others.

    “I urge Fayemi to jettison the idea of probing the Oni administration. As tempting as it might sound, it would be much more distracting than even the law suit. This is moreso when one realises that Ekiti politics in the last decade has been characterised by vindictiveness and retaliatory policies and attitudes that have ended up placing the state in a Barber’s chair that goes round and round ad infinitum without moving the state any inch forward.

    “The truth about Ekiti is that in the last 17 years of its creation, many things have happened and stunted its growth to the disappointment of the founding fathers and well meaning indigenes, many of who have become heart broken and frustrated.

    “Beyond rhetorics, this is definitely the time to bury the hatchet and ensure that all hands are on deck to save Ekiti from becoming a failed State. Regardless of our political affiliation and ideological divides, this is the time for all of us to work together to heal the broken hearts and create a new and united Ekiti. United we stand as a people, divided we fall. The time to heal Ekiti is now!”

    Also yesterday, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose said the judgment would not “dampen the morale” of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants.

    Fayose spoke at his campaign office in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the inauguration of Mr. Owoseni Ajayi as the Director-General of his campaign organisation.

    Ajayi is a former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ekiti chapter.

    Fayose, who is seeking the party’s governorship ticket, said: “The judgment would strengthen the party and our resolve.”

    He said the ongoing agitation for zoning by a section of the party would not work as far as the 2014 election is concerned.

    Fayose said: “It would be stupid for any aspirant to think I would step down for him in the name of zoning. There will be a free, fair and credible primary for every formidable candidate that can withstand the heat to emerge.”

    He promised to “organise free overseas medical care for pensioners and pay the 27.5 per cent salary increase demanded by teachers”, if elected.

    Ajayi urged Fayose’s supporters to work for his success. He said: “We must not just sit by and think victory would come our way. We must go out and work.”

     

  • Lawmaker seeks Canada’s help

    The lawmaker representing Oredo Federal Constituency, Razaq Belo-Osagie, has appealed to the Canadian Government to help protect Nigeria’s democracy.

    Belo-Osagie said Nigerians would see the results of democracy when there are strong institutions built on strong values and rule of law.

    He spoke at a dinner organised for the Canadian High Commissioner, Chris Cooter, by the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice.

    The High Commissioner said his priority was to invest in vocational education, which he identified as the key to development.

    Cooter said his country wants to invest in young people.

    He said: “You can be assured of our commitment. It is going to be sustainable approach and to help young people build capacity.

    “We are going to assist in capacity building. We will also support institutions.”

  • How to develop Niger Delta, by lawmaker

    House of Representatives member, Hon. Evelyn Oboro, has urged the government and other stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to improve the quality of life of the people. She said the promotion of the public welfare would stop further agitation.

    The legislator spoke to reporters at the Atamu Social Club of Nigeria investiture held in Lagos. She said the condition of living in the Niger Delta was still deplorable, urging the government to rise to the occasion. Oboro who represents Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Constituency, said: “I am not satisfied with what I see in the Niger Delta with regard to the welfare of the people. This is not just about the oil from this part of the country but the welfare. They still live in the creeks, their farmlands have been destroyed, they have no homes, they have no good education, they do not even have better environment to live in as human beings.”

    The lawmaker noted that people outside the Niger Delta often make sweeping statements without bothering to visit the area to know the true situation. She said: “People have often made various comments to denigrate them but most of us don’t live there and we don’t know what they are passing through. Take a trip to the Niger Delta and you will understand what I am talking about.”

    Oboro expressed the hope that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would see the light of the day after the heat it had generated.

    She added: “A good law from the National Assembly can contribute to the progress of the Niger Delta. You and I know that there are laws but the implementation has always been the problem.”

    “The PIB bill some people are kicking against it which is meant to better the oil communities. They should think about it because of what is derived from this area but unfortunately some people are saying no.”

    The legislator remarked that the Urhobo community in Nigeria have not been favoured in the distribution of national appointmentsShe added: “Urhobo is the fifth ethnic largest groups in this country and if you look at it critically, we have not had a good number of our people appointed at the national level. But our people have not been disillusioned by this development. They have made strides on their personal enterprises to better their own lots.”

    Oboro commended the government for appointing more women in the administration. She urged money to come out massively to participate in politics because women have not disappointed in their calling.

    “Most women believe that they could just sit down and begin to wait for men to give them everything. I must say the women must develop themselves and it has to start from the individual. If you develop yourself and position yourself you are fit to contest for elected office.”

     

  • Edo lawmaker remanded in prison

    A magistrate’s court in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State yesterday ordered the remand in prison of a member of the House of Assembly, Rasaq Momoh, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms.

    Momoh, who represents Etsako West Constituency 1, was arrested on April 20 for alleged possession of fire arm.

    The lawmaker, who was arraigned on May 2 before Magistrate Caroline Nwoha, was arrested during the local government election in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government.

    Magistrate Nwoha remanded him in police custody instead of prison on health grounds as prayed by his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi.

    The magistrate reserved ruling till yesterday after listening to the amendment of the earlier charge of unlawful possession of fire arm to that of robbery.

    The prosecutor, the commissioner of police, represented by Daniel Mato, had called for the case to be heard in the high court adding that the charge had nothing to do with electoral offence.

    He argued that it was only a mere coincidence that the offence was committed the same day the election took place.

    The magistrate said her court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

    She ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) for advice.

    Magistrate Nwoha adjourned the matter till June 3 and ordered that the accused be remanded in Auchi prison pending the date.