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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Buhari signs N30,000 Minimum Wage Bill

    LABOUR has won its battle for better pay for workers. President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday signed the much-awaited National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill into Law.

    All workers, excluding those on the payroll of organisations with less than 25 workers, are to benefit from the new minimum wage regime, which took immediate effect.

    The bill, which approved N30, 000 as the monthly wage for the least paid worker, was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on March 19, immediately after the National Assembly resumed from recess. The Federal lawmakers had adjourned for the 2019 general elections.

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had been pleading with President Buhari to sign the bill before this year’s Workers’ Day.

    The President heeded the pleas yesterday as he signed the bill into law.

    The President’s Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said the implementation is with immediate effect and it is for all workers across the federation with exception of organisations with less than 25 workers.

    Enang said: “You can see me smiling on behalf of Nigerian workers. President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Minimum Wage Repel and Enactment Act 2019.

    “This makes it compulsory for all employers of labour in Nigeria to pay to their workers the sum of N30, 000. And this excludes persons who are employing less than 25 workers, persons who work in a ship which sails out of jurisdiction and other persons who are in other kinds of regulated employment which are accepted by the Act.

    “It also gives the workers the rights, if you are compelled by any circumstance to accept salary that is less than N30, 000, to sue your employer to recover the balance and it authorises the minister of Labour and any person nominated by the minister of Labour, or any person designated by the minister of Labour in any ministry, department or agency to on your behalf take action in your name against such employer to recover the balance of your wages.

    “It also ensures and mandates National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Minister or Labour, to be the chief and principal enforcers of the provisions of this law. And this law applies to all agencies, persons and bodies throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    On when the Act comes into effect, Enang said: “The effective date is 18th of April, 2019, as Mr. President has assented to it. It has been assented to today (yesterday) and it takes effect today, except such other provisions as are contained in the Act. But the enforcement and the right to start the implementation of the provisions commence today (Thursday), including such steps that are to be taken gradually under the provisions of the Act.”

    On what is expected of the workers with the signing of the new law, the presidential aide said: “I want Nigerian workers to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari, to support this administration, support his policies and, of course, we will as a government go out and match together along with Nigerian workers on workers day.”

    Asked if President Buhari will join the workers on May 1 to mark the Workers Day, Enang said: “Mr. President will celebrate with workers and the Federal Government will celebrate. This is Mr. President showing workers the love he has for them and we are matching as we will match with the Nigerian workers.”

    Responding to the concern for the inclusion of the National Youth Service Corps, he said. “It covers all persons covered by the Act.”

     

  • Tension rises in Benin Republic over parliamentary election

    The coalition of opposition political parties in Republic of Benin on Thursday raised the alarm over alleged growing political tension in the country.

    The opposition parties claimed persecution of politicians opposed to the ruling government in the country.

    A statement by one of the leaders of the coalition, Mr. Jean Adèkambi, claimed President Patrice Talon has dissolved all political parties and created only two new parties.

    Adekambi said that the move was aimed at preventing opposition parties from participating in the forthcoming parliamentary elections in the country.

    He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari “as the chairman of ECOWAS and a big brother in Africa cannot fold his arms and watch Benin Republic throw the sub-region into a possible endless political crisis that might cause the loss of thousands of lives and resources.”

    Adèkambi said: “Let this be clear. Nigeria has over 800 kilometers land border with Benin Republic and principally stands to suffer the consequences of any political instability in Benin Republic.

    “Therefore, on behalf of all opposition parties in Benin Republic, we call on the Government and good people of Nigeria to prevail on President Patrice Talon to revert to status quo by allowing all the political parties to participate in the forthcoming election and if possibly, postpone the election to give room for equal participation.

    “And also, to caution the president against the militarisation on Benin politics by rolling out hundreds of war equipment on the streets and every site in Benin to intimidate the public.”

    Read Also: Oyo, Benin Republic partner on trade

    He added: “The latest development is that President Patrice Talon has dissolved all political parties and single-handedly created two new parties to pave way for his relatives and his loyalist and to prevent the opposition from taking part in the forthcoming parliamentary election.

    “The ECOWAS protocol agreement forbids any government from organising any non-consensual electoral process six months to election date.

    “Benin Republic has commenced full campaign for the Parliamentary Election, scheduled to take place on the 28th April, 2019. That is to say, in two weeks’ time.

    “In view of this development, we fear that Nigeria may recall its citizens from Benin Republic ahead of the election and may close its border to Benin Republic as to avert any possible security breach and inflow of displaced persons. This will then bring hardship to the ordinary man of Benin Republic.”

    The Beninese Foreign Affairs and Cooperation minister, Aurelian Agbenonci, contacted described the claims as fake news.

    Agbenonci said that the accusation is, no doubt, the handiwork of opposition leaders.

    He noted that there are procedures to establish political parties in Benin Republic.

    The international community, he said, to ignore the allegation especially when the country is peaceful.

    Agbenonci said: “The story in question is fake news. It is the handiwork of opposition leaders in the country.

    “As I speak to you, I am just from a rally in my country and I didn’t go with a policeman.

    “The country is peaceful and those saying that they are being persecuted are lying.

    “There is a procedure in establishing political parties in our country and they need to follow the guidelines.”

  • We’ll overcome terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, Buhari assures

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday assured the nation will overcome kidnappers, bandits and agents of insecurity.

    He lamented the spate of killings across the nation, promising his administration will stop at nothing to tackle them.

    Buhari, in his Easter message to Nigerians, said: “Our nation is currently gripped with gloom over unfortunate killings, kidnappings and violence, as seen in the recent tragic incidents in some states of the federation.

    “This should not be. We must reinforce the bond of brotherhood and good neighbourliness that citizens of a cohesive country must share.

    “We must not allow the few bad elements in our communities to put asunder our communal tendencies and chords of unity.

    I know from my regular interactions with security chiefs, state governors, victims and members of communities caught up in the unfortunate cycle of violence, that Nigerians are united against the evil minority.

    “This administration will do all it takes to adequately equip and motivate our armed forces and other law enforcement agencies to enable them successfully confront these security challenges.

    “We will not allow merchants of evil and death to overwhelm the nation. Under my watch, the nation will triumph over them – terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and the like.”

    He rejoiced with Christians over the Easter celebration, declaring it as “the most important feast in the Christian calendar and represents God’s redemptive mission over humanity, the triumph of light over darkness, hope over despair and good over evil.

    Read Also: Don urges Nigerians to support Buhari

    “The Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ is also a time to emulate the virtues of love, sacrifice, forgiveness, humility, courage and endurance, which Christ embodied and remarkably demonstrated during His earthly ministry.

    “Let us use this auspicious season to show love to our neighbours, and cater to the needs of the less-privileged in our midst.”

    He called for more prayers for “peace and security to return to all parts of the country,” urging Nigerians to look forward to “a brighter and greater future for the country when we do the right things in love. Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”

  • Updated: Buhari signs Minimum Wage into law

    • Takes effect immediately

    Finally, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the much awaited National Minimum Wage Bill into law.

    The bill, which approved N30, 000 as the new national wage was passed by both chambers of National Assembly before they went on break for the 2019 general elections.

    The delay in signing the bill into law infuriated workers who pleaded with President Buhari to append his signature on the bill before the coming workers day on May 1.

    The President on Thursday heeded the plead as he signed the bill into law to the pleasing ear of the working population.

    Confirming the signing of the bill, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, said the implementation is with immediate effect.

    He said it is for all workers across the federation with the exception of organisations with less than 25 staff.

    He said: “You can see me smiling on behalf of Nigerian workers. President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Minimum Wage Repel and Enactment Act 2019.

    “This makes it compulsory for all employers of labour in Nigeria to pay to their workers the sum of N30, 000.

    “And this excludes persons who are employing less than 25 workers, persons who work in a ship which sails out of jurisdiction and other persons who are in other kinds of regulated employment which are accepted by the Act.

    “It also gives the workers the rights, if you are compelled by any circumstance to accept salary that is less than N30, 000 to sue your employer to recover the balance and it authorises the Minister of Labour and any person nominated by the Minister of Labour, or any person designated by the minister of labour in any ministry, department or agency to on your behalf take action in your name against such employer to recover the balance of your wages.

    “It also ensures and mandates National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission and the Minister or Labour, to be the chief and principal enforcers of the provisions of this law. And this law applies to all agencies, persons and bodies throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    On when the Act comes into effect, Enang said: “The effective date is 18th of April, 2019 as Mr. President has assented to it.

    “It has been assented to today and it takes effect today, except such other provisions as are contained in the Act.

    “But the enforcement and the right to start the implementation of the provisions commences today (Thursday), including such steps that are to be taken gradually under the provisions of the Act.”

    READ ALSO: Sign minimum wage bill into law before Workers Day, NLC tells Buhari

    On what is expected of the workers with the signing of the new law, the presidential aide said: “I want Nigerian workers to celebrate President Muhammadu Buhari, to support this administration, support his policies and of course we will as a government go out and match together along with Nigerian workers on workers day.”

    Asked if President Buhari will join the workers on May 1st to celebrate workers day, Enang said: “Mr. President will celebrate with workers and the federal government will celebrate.

    “This is Mr. President showing workers the love he has for them and we are matching as we will match with the Nigerian workers.”

    Responding to concern for the inclusion of the National Youth Service Corps, he said, “It covers all persons covered by the Act.”

  • We will back Buhari on NASS leadership – Nwosu

    The Imo State governorship candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the 2019 election,  Uche Ñwosu, has assured that the House of Representatives- elect under the platform of the party will support the choice of President Muhammadu Buhari for the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    AA won three Federal seats in Imo State.

    Nwosu who spoke with selected journalists in Imo state also stated that the Reps elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, will also queue behind Femi Gbajabiamila in line with President Buhari’s directive.

    The AA candidate, who is currently challenging the Imo governorship election in the Tribunal, noted that the party had an alliance with the APC to support President Buhari’s second term, adding that it will still stand by him on the issue of the National Assembly leadership.

    Read Also: Nwosu vows to reclaim mandate in Imo

    According to him, the Southeast played a wrong political card in 2019 and the best way to remedy the situation is to support President Buhari on the current issue of the National Assembly leadership instead of engaging in another political miscalculation that will further complicate its political position.

    In his words, “I have been supporting President Buhari before and during the election because of his integrity and uprightness and I will continue to do so irrespective of political or other sentiments.  On the issue of the leadership of the National Assembly, I am with Mr. President one hundred percent,  AA and APC Reps from Omo state will support Femi Gbajabiamila”.

    He continued that, “It will not be in the interest of the Igbo to rebel against President Buhari’s choice of the issue of the NASS leadership because as it stands the Southeast can’t get that position by merely shouting, the error has been committed and we should be looking at  the possible ways of remedying it. I remember that our leader, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was shouting during the election on the need to vote President Buhari and remain in mainstream politics but our people refused and preferred regional politics instead.

    “In 2019 we played wrong politics like we did in 2015, where we decided to look the other way, forgetting that the main thing comes from the national, so making wild claims and shouting about the leadership of the National Assembly now is a big problem because what did we being to the table in the first place. The state governor Rochas Okorocha has been shounting that we should not make the same mistake we made in 2015 so that we can be part of the system in 2019. So I agree with Mr. President totally, our people in the Federal House of Representatives should listen to whatever the President says, this is the time to support him, we should learn from our mistakes.

    “I urge them to support President Buhari, if he has endorsed Femi Gbajabiamila,  they should queue behind him, which is the best thing to do”.

  • Breaking: Buhari moves to dissolve cabinet

    President Muhammadu Buhari is set to dissolve his cabinet as he prepares to wind down his first term in office.

    Buhari, who was recently re-elected, in a statement on Wednesday directed the ministers to submit a comprehensive reports of their respective ministries.

    They have till Wednesday, April 24 as the deadline for submission to the Presidential Audit Committee in the office of the Vice President.

    They are also directed to submit all outstanding memos to Federal Executive Council to the Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not later than Tuesday, 30th April, 2019

    The statement, which was signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) reads: “As the first term of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration winds down, the President has asked for a comprehensive “status reports on policies, programs and projects” from cabinet members on their respective ministries, departments and agencies.

    Read also: Breaking: I’m far more qualified than Atiku, Buhari tells tribunal

     “These reports have Wednesday, April 24, 2019 as the deadline for submission to the Presidential Audit Committee in the office of the Vice President.

     “A circular to this effect issued by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, also requested members of the Federal Executive Council to “ensure that all outstanding memoranda they intend to present to the Federal Executive Council are submitted to the Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not later than Tuesday, 30th April, 2019.

     “The circular also informed members that the “9th and 10th meetings of the Council have been rescheduled to Thursday, 25th April and Thursday, 2nd May, 2019 respectively” in view of the Easter break and May Day celebrations.”

  • UPDATED: I’m far more qualified than Atiku, Buhari tells tribunal

    President Muhammadu Buhari has responded to allegations contained in the petition by Atiku Abubakar and his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before the presidential election tribunal.

    Buhari, in a response filed on April 16 by a team of lawyers led by Wole Olanipekun (SAN), put a lie to the claim by Atiku and the PDP that he was not qualified to stand for election to the office of the President.

    The President said he was far more qualified than Atiku and challenged Atiku to produce his academic credentials before the tribunal.

    He argued that it was Atiku Abubakar who was not qualified to contest for the office he is seeking occupy.

    Buhari said he did not, “at any time, provide any false information in Form CF00] submitted to the lSt respondent, either in 2014 or 2018.

    “The affidavit of compliance to the 2019 Form CF001 was correct in every material particular.

    Read also: Senate passes seven bills rejected by Buhari

    “In filling Form CF001 in 2014 and 2019, respondent was not oblivious of the constitutional qualifications stipulated in Section 131 of the Constitution and interpreted in Section 318 of the same Constitution.

    “Petitioners themselves are also not oblivious of the fact that respondent possesses far more than the constitutional threshold expected for a candidate contesting for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The respondent avers that he is far more qualified, both constitutionally and educationally, to contest and occupy the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria than the 1st petitioner (Atiku); and that in terms of educational qualifications, trainings and courses attended, both within and outside Nigeria, he is head and shoulder above the 1st petitioner in terms of acquisition of knowledge, certificates, laurels, medals, and experience.

    “Respondent states further that it is the 1st petitioner, who is not qualified to contest the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and challenges the educational credentials and certificates of the 1st petitioner.

    “1st petitioner is hereby given notice to produce and tender his educational certificates, indicating the schools attended by him, with dates.”

    The President gave his educational resume as: “Elementary School, Daura and Maid’adua (1948 – 1952), Middle School, Katsina (1953-1956, Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College, Katsina (1956-1961).”

    Buhari faulted the entire petition filed by the PDP and Atiku, noting that they are more about pre-election issues, which the Court of Appeal, sitting as a tribunal lacked jurisdiction.

    He also argued that the petitioners told lies against themselves in the petition and made conflicting claims which the tribunal cannot grant.

    For instance, Buhari noted that while the petitioners claimed to have won the last presidential election and also won elections in many states in the south-south and south-eastern part of the country, they also urged the court to nullify the election and order a fresh presidential election.

    Burari argued that by virtue of Section of 137of the Electoral Act, petitioners cannot question the results of elections in states where they claim to have won and still retain themselves as petitioners.

    Buhari faulted the petitioners’ claim that the election was marred by corrupt practices and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

    Continue in page 2

  • Senate passes new police bill

    The administration of the Nigeria Police is set for far reaching reforms as the Senate on Wednesday passed the Police Reform Bill, which saw drastic amendments to, and review of some provisions of the Police Act of 1943.

    If the bill is eventually assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) will be appointed for a five-year single tenure in office. The tenure of office is statutory, regardless of the retirement age of the appointee.

    One of the key highlights of the bill was that while the President retained the power to appoint the IGP, such appointment has to be confirmed by the Senate.

    Also, unlike the existing practice where the President can fire the IGP at will, the removal from office of the IGP has to be by recommendation of the Nigerian Police Council, as stated in Clause 7(7c) of the bill.

    Going by a provision of the bill, the Nigeria Police Council shall nominate three applicants from among the pool of qualified candidates for the position of IGP to the President for appointment.

    The Police Council, the bill states, shall be chaired by the President, with the 36 state Governors, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and the Inspector – General of Police as members.

    Read Also: Senate passes seven bills rejected by Buhari

    Clause 7(4c) of the bill states that the President shall appoint the Inspector – General from recommended applicants subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

    Also, one of the provisions of the bill is a two-year jail term, or N5 million fine as punishment for anyone who impersonates a policeman or a police officer.

    Similarly, any police officer caught for excessive use of force against civilians, leading to the death or bodily injury, shall be liable to two years jail term, or N1 million fine upon conviction.

    This, however, is without prejudice to existing internal disciplinary measures in the police.

    Addressing newsmen shortly after the passage of the bill, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Tijani Kaura, said the essence of the bill was to make the police people-friendly and service-oriented.

    Kaura said training and re-training of police officers and men was also one of the key highlights of the bill, with the welfare of officers and men as priority.

    Kaura said, “All the age long draconian laws in the Police Act of 1943 have been removed to make the Police people friendly, efficient and more effective in crime detection and security service delivery.

    “The bill prescribed constant trainings and welfare packages for men and officers with the recently passed Police Trust Bill to ensure availability of funds for implementation.

    “In the Police Trust Fund Bill, provisions like .5 percent from Nigeria’s gross income, .005% of profits made by companies in Nigeria would go a long way in helping government to fund the Police very adequately for improved security services to Nigerians”.

  • Senate passes seven bills rejected by Buhari

    The Senate on Wednesday passed seven bills vetoed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This is coming as the upper chamber initiated the override of the president on the Fourth Alteration Bill No.28.

    The Senate said that the bills were reconsidered and passed in line with legislative procedures.

    Buhari, in his letter of rejection, raised concerns about the constitutionality of the bills if passed into law.

    The President requested the Senate in the letters to consider the issues raised for their rejection and reconsider the bills.

    The bills included Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Bill, National Research and Innovation Council Bill, and Stamp Duties Act (Amendment) Bill.

    Others were National Agricultural Seed Council Bill, Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, directed the Senate secretariat to take note of observations and corrections made by senators and ensure that they were reflected in the bills before transmitting them to the president for assent.

    On Tuesday, the Senate included in its Order Paper, two bills earmarked for override.

    The two bills were not considered at the end of plenary.

    Read Also: Senate Presidency: Shettima backs Lawan

    No explanation was given by the Senate leader, Ahmad Lawan about why they were not considered.

    The two affected bills slated for override, but not considered are Fourth Alteration Bill No. 28, and the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Amendment Bill.

    The upper chamber relisted the Fourth Alteration Bill No. 28, and the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Amendment Bill yesterday.

    Both passed second reading.

    The second reading of the bills is the second stage of the override process.

    If the bills pass the third reading with the required by 2/3 majority (73 senators) and go secure the concurrence of the House of Representatives, the two bills will become a law.

    The Forth Alteration No. 28 Bill is a constitution amendment, which seeks to provide for the time within which the President or Governor shall lay the Appropriation Bill before the National or State Assembly.

    The Bill also seeks to encourage early presentation and passage of Appropriation Bills.

    President Buhari declined assent to the Bill on the grounds that it didn’t take cognisance of the provisions of Section 58(4) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    On the other hand, Industrial Development Amendment Bill, if passed, will enable companies to expand their operations in pioneer industry or product to apply for a new pioneer status.

    President Buhari declined assent to the bill on the grounds that ongoing inter-ministerial consultations would be affected if the Bill was signed into law.

  • Buhari rallies APC Reps for Assembly leadership battle

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives members-elect to stand firm in the battle for the Ninth Assembly’s leadership.

    Over dinner last night at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, the President made the plea to, according to a source, ensure unity among the newly elected members of the National Assembly ahead of the election of their leaders.

    The Ninth Assembly opens in June.

    The party’s leadership has maintained that its candidates must lead the National Assembly.

    National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and National Publicity Secretary Lanre Issa-Onilu have told members that as the party with the majority, they must produce the leadership of both houses.

    The party nominated Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for Senate President and Speaker.

    This, however, did not go down well with former Senate Leader Ali Ndume who wants to run for Senate president  despite the endorsement of the Senate Leader, Lawan, for the job.

    House spokesman Abdulrazak Namdas (APC, Adamawa), Ahmed Wase (APC, Plateau) and Umar Bago (APC, Niger) are  challenging  Gbajabiamila for speaker.

    Read also: Corruption will be tackled ‘frontally’ in Buhari’s second term, says Mohammed 

    Addressing the members-elect at the dinner, President  Buhari urged them not to break ranks in the choice of the Assembly’s  leadership.

    Oshiomhole, according to Hon. Abdulmumini Jibrin,  presented Gbajabiamila, the House Leader, to the President as the party’s candidate.

    He was also presented to members as the party’s choice.

    Hon. Ahmed Wase (APC, Plateau) was said to have caused a stir as he stood up after the presentation of Gbajabiamila to express surprise, that after meeting Mr. President to step down and take over as deputy speaker, his name was not mentioned at the dinner for the position.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, told State House correspondents that Buhari called for unity among party members.

    ”90-95 percent of them are in unison, seem to agree on the position of the party.Unanimity ran through the meeting. We cannot speak for five per cent. The President urged them to maintain the unity referring to what transpired in 2015…if there is disunity in their ranks, then anything can happen,” Adesina said.

    He also urged them “to maintain the unity and stand by the position of the party.”

    Oshiohmole vowed that the party will not repeat the mistakes of 2015 in the election of the Assembly’s leaders.

    He said: “In life, mistakes are permitted but it becomes a problem if the mistake is repeated twice.

    “We are determined not to repeat the mistakes of 2015 in 2019, we have learnt our lesson.”

    The party chairman maintained that all ‘strategic committees’ in the two chambers of the National Assembly must be headed by members of the party, adding:  “We do not need to do business with the devil for us to survive in the Ninth Assembly.”

    “Out of 223 APC elected members, about 67 were re-elected, the rest are new members.

    “In other climes, you don’t go into coalition when you are in the majority; you do so when you don’t have the numbers. We have the numbers. Out of 306, Nigerians elected 223 APC members because they don’t want Mr President to face the trauma of 2015.

    “Most of those who decamped were rejected and even those who led them were uprooted. We cannot as a party which has a comfortable majority entrust critical committees in the hands of the PDP or opposition.

    “If Nigerians wanted them, they could have voted them. In the days of PDP, every committee was chaired by PDP members.”

    Oshiohmole, who described Senate President Bukola  Saraki and Dogara as “selfish, greedy” politicians, said both the re-elected and new members of the APC were entitled to head committees.

    He stressed that the APC would never share what belongs to it with the opposition.

    The meeting with President Buhari, Oshiomhole said, was meant to ensure a smooth election of officials of the Ninth Assembly.

    “In African family, we sit down in a closed door to address issues. The good news is that there is a role for everyone,” he added.

    Also speaking to State House Correspondents after the meeting with the President, the Director-General of Femi Gbajabiamila’s Campaign, Abdulmumuni Jibril, said the APC leadership officially presented Gbajabiamila to the President as the party’s consensus candidate.

    President Buhari had on March 26 also hosted APC senators-elect to a similar dinner at the Presidential Villa.

    In a statement, Issa Onilu said: “The APC has adopted Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, as its candidate for the position of the speaker of the House of Representatives in the Ninth Assembly.

    “This position was reached after an intensive deliberation with the APC’s House of Representatives members-elect at a dinner with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Banquet Hall of Aso Villa.

    “The Deputy Speaker’s position has been zoned to the Northcentral.”