Tag: Reps

The minority caucus of the House of Representatives has urged the federal government to adopt the carrot-and-stick approach to addressing the problem of insecurity in the country.

The caucus also advised the government to engage organisers of the planner #endbadgovernance protest in meaningful dialogue in a bid to address their concerns.

Speaking with parliamentary reporters after the end of the caucus dinner, the leader of the minority caucus, Hon Kingsley Chinda, however, asked those planning the protest to halt the plan view of the insecurity in parts of the country.

Chinda said: “We appealed to the government to dialogue with the planned protesters and look at some of the messages they are raising, the critical areas that need government intervention. The government should intervene and ensure that issues are resolved amicably.

“We are not going to encourage any protesters because in the past, we observed in most cases that even peaceful protests have been overtaken by hoodlums, and with the insecurity situation in some parts of the country, you may not have control of the gathering of people. So some unscrupulous people may use the opportunity to create chaos.

“So we are discouraging any protest. But we appeal to the government to dialogue and also look at critical areas that are necessary and address them amicably.

Read Also: Reps minority caucus seeks political solution to end IPOB leader’s detention

“We acknowledge and observe the insecurity situation in the country and we call on the government to use carrot and stick by ensuring that the result is seen. Let all the security chiefs do what is right to ensure that Nigerians are protected.”

The caucus said the government should create means to ensure citizens are self-reliant in a bid to tackle the economic downturn in the country.

“We acknowledged in our discussion that there is hunger in the land and we appeal to the government not only to be giving palliatives but to create ways and means whereby people can be self-reliant,” he said.

The House of Representatives yesterday began its annual two months recess, adjourning till September 17, with a proviso by the Speaker that members may be recalled for an emergency session at any time.

The Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, praised members for their support in ensuring unity, harmony and one purpose in the first legislative year.

The adjournment was sequel to a motion to proceed on recess till September 17, moved by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, and seconded by the minority leader.

Read Also: Believe in yourselves, First Lady urges youths

It came after the consideration and passage of the 2024 Appropriation Amendment Bill, the Minimum Wage Act Amendment Bill and the Police Act Amendment Bill.

The three Bills will not be sent to the President for assent until the Senate passes it.

Kalu urged members to spend time with their constituents, adding that they may reconvene if there’s need for an emergency session during the annual recess.

The House of Representatives has asked the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria to reopen its website and start verifying Nurses and Midwives based on the previous guidelines, not the revised guidelines dated February 7, 2023.

This is to be done until an investigation by the House Committee on Health Institutions is concluded.

Dr. Patrick Umoh raised a motion of urgent public importance emphasising the need to safeguard institutional integrity and address any misinterpretation of the House’s resolution by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

Umoh highlighted the House’s constitutional authority to enact laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Federation, including the power to enforce its resolutions and compel an executive agency to carry out a specific act in the public interest.

He recalled that the House previously urged the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, through a resolution on Tuesday, 27th February 2024, not to implement the Revised Guidelines for Verification dated February 7, 2023, pending an investigation by the House.

He said by a letter dated 13th March 2024 and received on 14th March 2024, the Clerk to the National Assembly communicated the House’s Resolution of Tuesday, 27 February 2024 to the Registrar/ CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

According to him, upon the receipt of the House’s Resolution, the Council immediately shut down their site for verification of Nurses and Midwives, and boldly and maliciously wrote on the site: “Verification services suspended in compliance with the directive of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

He said further that the House did not by any stretch of the imagination or interpretation request the Council to shut down their site for verification of nurses, rather it requested the Council not to implement its Guidelines dated February 7, 2023, pending investigation by the House.

Read Also: JUST IN: Reps call for suspension of NMDPRA CEO pending investigation

He argued the shutting down of the site for verification of nurses by the Council is done contrary to, and in total disregard for, the House’s Resolution of Tuesday, 27 February 2024, and expressed concern that the Council is acting in bad faith and deliberately so to portray the House in bad light to pit House against the Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, and by extension, the Nigerian masses.

He said that over 4 months since the site was maliciously shut down by the Council, thereby denying nurses and midwives the right to pursue their dreams and earn a living in line with international conventions of which Nigeria is a signatory, there is the need to protect and preserve the House’s institutional sanctity and name and correct the erroneous impression created by the Council against the House.

The House of Representatives on Thursday, July 18, asked the federal government to activate provisions of the Armed Forces Act and put in place the Armed Forces Reserve team to assist in the fight against insecurity in the country.

The House also asked the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police to intervene in the recent quit notice allegedly issued to the Hausa Community in Abavo, Delta to leave the area to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

The resolution followed two separate security-related motions adopted at the plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

The House asked the House Committee on Defence to liaise with the leadership of the Armed Forces to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the training, integration, and utilization of the Armed Reserve.

It also asked the House Committee on Defense to take immediate steps to activate the establishment of the Armed Forces Reserve as provided in the Armed Forces Act and report back to the House in 30 days.

It directed the House Committee on Appropriation to make necessary budgetary allocations to cover training, equipment, welfare of Reserve members, and Infrastructure development to support the operations and logistics of the Reserve.

Moving his motion, Hon. Jesse Okey Onuakalusi said the Armed Forces Act provides for the establishment and maintenance of an Armed Forces Reserve, which shall consist of officers, warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers, ratings, and aircraft men who are transferred to it on completion of their period of service in the Armed Forces and in such other services as the President may prescribe.

He said the Act mandates the establishment and maintenance of an Armed Forces Reserve to support National Security and Defense, adding that the Reserve is critical in augmenting the regular Armed Forces in times of crisis, as the current insecurity plaguing our nation.

He explained that Army reserves are established in many countries around the world.

The reserve forces are composed of part-time and retired soldiers who can be called upon to supplement the regular armed forces in times of need.

In his motion, Hon. Umar Shehu Ajilo emphasised that the Nigerian constitution guarantees the rights of every Nigerian to acquire and own immovable properties and reside anywhere in the country.

Read Also: Reps approve N500bn annual budget for Renewed Hope, cities housing programme

He expressed concern over reports that the Hausa community residing in Abavo town, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, has been ordered to vacate the town within four days, with the deadline set to expire today, Thursday, July 18.

He said the Hausa community has lived in the town for over 30 years. BBC contacted a member of the community who confirmed the order and said it was because of the rise in kidnapping incidence in the area and claimed that the Hausa community was responsible. The Hausa community denied the claim as none of their members was ever caught in the crime.

He described the quit notice as a very dangerous and unconstitutional act capable of causing national crises and further deteriorating the dicey security situation in the country, as anything can happen at the expiration of the ultimatum today.

The chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, along with other lawmakers, has endorsed an annual allocation of N500 billion to support the Renewed Hope Cities and Estates programme.

This decision follows a proposal by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

During an oversight visit to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Abuja, the committee’s chairman, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin, assured the minister of their unwavering support in achieving the ministry’s housing development mandate.

Arc. Dangiwa highlighted the longstanding gap between the country’s housing needs and budgetary provisions, noting that Nigeria requires an annual increase of 550,000 housing units over the next decade, necessitating about N5.5 trillion per year.

He emphasised the importance of government involvement alongside public-private partnerships to address this deficit.

“In 2023, we received N100 billion in the supplementary budget, and N80 billion in 2024, which is far from sufficient,” Dangiwa stated.

He urged the committee to consider a minimum annual allocation of N500 billion, describing it as a profitable investment rather than free money, with anticipated returns and economic benefits.

The minister underscored the transformative potential of housing development, linking it to economic growth, job creation, and national security.

He also detailed the Ministry’s achievements since his appointment in August 2023, including the initiation of 6,612 housing units across 13 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with most units expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Despite initial plans to build 500 units in each of the 30 states, budgetary constraints have limited this to 250 units per state.

Read Also: BREAKING: Reps to sacrifice 50 percent of monthly salaries to address hunger

Other initiatives include slum upgrade and urban renewal programs in 26 locations and the formation of task teams to enhance housing delivery, implement land reforms, and establish building materials manufacturing hubs across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Hon. Jibrin further voiced strong concern over the rampant building collapses plaguing the country, highlighting the devastating loss of lives and property.

He issued a stern directive to the Ministry of Housing to ensure that architectural regulatory bodies are fully operational and to enforce stringent measures to eradicate the menace of building collapses nationwide.

Members of the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 18, resolved to contribute 50 percent of their monthly salaries for six months to alleviate economic hardships, particularly hunger, in the country.

Speaker Abbas indicated that each member earns approximately N600,000 monthly, resulting in a total contribution of about N108 million per month from the 360 members.

The funds will be directed to the government for the purchase of food items to distribute to Nigerians.

The decision followed a debate on a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka (APC, Ogun), which emphasised the importance of halting proposed nationwide protests, maintaining peace, avoiding violence, and fostering meaningful engagement with government at all levels to address pressing issues.

The deputy speaker proposed amending a motion appealing to young Nigerians planning protests due to the country’s hardships, suggesting that members should consider sacrificing half of their salaries to combat hunger.

However, when the Speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen put the motion to voice vote, the majority of members voted in favour of the motion.

In proposing the amendment, Kalu had reminded members that the House took a similar decision during the COVID-19 era and it worked very well for the country.

The speaker commended members for their resolve to sacrifice part of their salaries to address hunger in the land just as some members asked the Executive to also make sacrifices in line with what the lawmakers have done.

Moving the motion earlier, Hon. Isiaka said while the citizens of Nigeria have the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest to address their grievances; the House presents with a humble plea, a plea for reason, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.

He said maintaining peace and engaging in constructive dialogue with the government is crucial for the resolution of issues facing the nation.

He said further: “Be it resolved that this honourable House appeals to the proponents of the proposed nationwide protest in Nigeria to consider a different path, a path of patience, dialogue, and collaboration, prioritize peace and open channels for meaningful engagements with the government at all levels.

“Be it further resolved that all stakeholders should uphold the principles of democracy. Respect human rights, and uphold the rule of law in their actions and engagements; we trust that through peaceful engagement and dialogue, we can collectively work towards building a better and brighter future for Nigeria”.

The Ogun Lawmaker said: “It is undeniable that Nigeria is facing significant challenges, challenges that have plagued our nation for far too long. The issues of insecurity, unemployment, and poverty weigh heavily on the hearts of every Nigerian. The desire for change, for progress, for a better tomorrow is a sentiment that unites us all.

“The challenges we face are not unique to Nigeria alone. These are issues that countries across the globe grapple with on a daily basis. In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, no nation is immune to the complexities of governance and development.

“The road to change is not easy, and the journey towards a brighter future is often fraught with obstacles. But we must not lose sight of the incremental steps that have been taken, the reforms that have been implemented, and the strides that have been made towards a more prosperous Nigeria.

“Change does not happen overnight, it requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to working together towards a common goal. While peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is also important to allow the government the space and opportunity to consolidate the progress that has already been achieved.

“Let us engage in constructive dialogue, let us seek solutions through peaceful means, and let us stand united as one nation, one people, with a shared vision for a better Nigeria.

Together, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us. Together, we can build a future that we can all be proud of.”

He said Nigerians should consider the broader perspective, act with wisdom and foresight, and support efforts towards a more stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria. Let us reason together. let us listen to one another, and let us work hand in hand towards a brighter tomorrow.

Contributing to the motion, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said while there is no gainsaying the fact that there is a problem in the country, the solution to the existing problem cannot be achieved overnight.

He said the problems in the country did not just start and cannot be addressed in just one year, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has put in place lots of policies aimed at addressing the pressing challenges in the country.

While saying the cry of Nigerians has been heard loud and clear, carrying placards is not the solution to the problems in the country, saying while searching for solutions, the people must be able to understand the policies of the government.

He said it is time the lawmakers take the message to the people to be patient since hard times will not last.

While appealing to Nigerians to shun the planned protest, Chief Whip of the House, Usman Bello Kumo alleged that there were desperate politicians who were working very hard to frustrate the policies of the government.

Also contributing, Hon. Ahmed Jaha Babawo said it takes some time to correct what has been damaged, adding that with the policies of the government, there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Read Also: BREAKING: Reps to sacrifice 50 percent of monthly salaries to address hunger

He said: “Let us give the President the benefit of the doubt. I want to call for collaboration between all tiers of government in addressing the challenges we have”.

Also contributing, Hon. Kabir Ahmadu said while the House has resolved to sacrifice part of their monthly salary for six months, members of the Executive, led by the President and Vice President should also do the same while the proceeds should be used to buy foodstuff for distribution to Nigerians.

Leader of the House, Hon. Julius Ihonvbare expressed confidence that with the current policies of the government, Nigerians will soon have reasons to smile as there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Members were unanimous in appealing for caution on the part of those planning the nationwide protest as they may not know the eventual outcome of the protest.

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Character on Wednesday, July 17, summoned the Director General of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola.

This followed the failure of the DG to appear before the committee for an investigative hearing after being duly invited.

The chairman of the committee, Idris Wase, who expressed displeasure over his absence at the hearing at the National Assembly Complex, rejected Mobereola’s representative.

Mobereola had sent the Director of Administration of Human Resources, Osembi Osigche to represent him before the committee.

Wase said the DG had not shown regard for the Committee and demanded that the DG appear in person before the committee on the 30th of July 2024.

 “This is considered a provision in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and I take you straight to 8-1, it says, in the 3rd Schedule, in giving effect to Section 14, 3-D and 4-D, a portion I just address to you of this Constitution, the Committee shall have the power to Walk out an executive subject to the approval of the National Assembly for the prosecution of all cadres of force in the public service of the Federation and of the State.

“The unconstitutional operation of the Nigerian police force and other government agencies, government companies and persons of the State promote, monitor, and enforce compliance with the principles of the provision of all bureaucratic, economic, media, and political forces at all levels of government to take such legal measures, including the prosecution of the head or staff of any misdeed or government body or agency which failed to comply with any federal character, principle, or formula prescribed or attempted by the Commission.

“These are constitutional provisions guiding our own work. It is a constitutional committee, and it may interest you to know that every state or federation is represented by at least one person. So we are about 70, and I believe because of the enormity of the work going on, that’s why members are not sitting. And very soon they will begin to come in, in their numbers.

“The chief executive is not here. He has sent in communication to us to ask the question that the Director of Administration of Human Resources, Mr. Osembi Osigche, be allowed to represent him because of other official engagements.

“There are some questions that we may ask that the representative may not be able to give. So I think it’s better we make sure that the Chief Executives is here before us. We agree to let you know that we’re stepping down your appearance as of today, and then we shall communicate also the next day for this appearance. And we expect him to appear personally.

“I think part of my resolution, he has said he has respect for us. It’s a committee that is constitutional. But he didn’t even have the opportunity and time to write a letter and sign for us personally. He has to ask somebody to sign on his behalf. In an era of doing things and disobeying things that we have not done, I think if he really meant the words he was saying, maybe he would have signed that letter personally.

Osigche pleaded with the committee to accept his representation as the DG was away for another national assignment.

Read Also: Reps committee clears Kaduna Polytechnic, PIC of allegations of trespassing

He said: “We appreciate you and we acknowledge the seriousness this committee takes on this national assignment. As you rightly say, he should have signed, but I really wish he was available to sign. And he wanted to come in person. That’s to show you the regard he has for this committee up to the last minute. Of course, if he was still unavailable, he would have been able to do that. But because of the nature of the job, maritime, and international engagement, which took him away. But most importantly, I’m very sure that he will definitely be willing to be here on the next appointed date.

“Once more, we crave the indulgence of this committee. To understand that he really loves to be here. And he takes this assignment seriously. Hence, he sent the highest-ranking person responsible for that activity to come here and put up this position. So, we crave your indulgence to be able to do so.

“Whatever he went out there to do, we appreciate that the blue economy is important for the country to move forward. But the blue economy is in the front line because of the good laws that have been produced by the same National Assembly. So, he’s enjoying our good work. He should render his good account before us. There is no explanation as far as I’m concerned.”