The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Speakers

  • Conference of Speakers elects leaders

    Conference of Speakers elects leaders

    Conference of Speakers of State Youth Parliament has elected an exco to pilot its affair.

     The committee includes Speaker of Edo State Youth Parliament, Osawemwenhio Uwagboe (Chairman); Speaker of Zamfara State Youth Parliament, Abdulhamid Ibrahim (Vice Chairman); Speaker of Imo State Youth Parliament, Eze Ekewuba (Financial Secretary); and Speaker of Kogi State Youth Parliament, Ibikunle Olajide (Public Relations Officer).

    IUwagboe stressed the need for youth inclusiveness in governance.

      He commended President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to running a youth-inclusive government.

     Uwagboe pledged to foster a supportive environment for young Nigerians, ensuring their representation and active involvement in policy-making processes.

    Read Also: FACT CHECK: Is President Tinubu’s CSU certificate owned by a woman?

     “This election stands as a testament to the determination of youths to participate and contribute to shaping the nation’s future. The executives will chart a course that resonates with the dreams and aspirations of the youth, embodying a brighter, inclusive future for Nigeria.”

    “My vision for a more inclusive and youth-driven government signifies a promising era for the Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers. We aim to foster an environment where the youth actively participate in policy-making processes and contribute to the nation’s development.

    “This significant leadership change sets the stage for a brighter future, showcasing the potential and determination of young leaders in Nigeria. Our tenure will bring a positive impact on the youth and the entire nation,” he said.

  • Speakers set up peace committee over Assemblies’ crises

    THE Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has set up a reconciliatory and fact-finding committee to amicably resolve the crises in some state Houses of Assembly.

    This was part of the decision reached at the end of the Third Quarter General Meeting of the conference, which took place between December 7 and 8, 2018 in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

    Reading the communique after the end of the meeting yesterday morning, the Conference Chairman and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, stated that its intervention hinged on the need “to not only ensure amicable resolution of the crises, but also to ensure good governance”.

    Obasa added that the conference also cautioned the judiciary, especially the lower courts, to exercise caution by not interfering with constitutionally assigned roles already undertaken by the legislature, “but should wait until the conclusion of such matters”.

    “The conference regrets that judiciary is fast becoming a clog in the advancement of our democracy and strongly decries a wave of recent judgments undemocratically preventing state assemblies from performing their constitutionally-guaranteed functions of oversight of the Executive arm of government relating to cases of bribery and corruption.

    “We call on the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to check this trend before judges truncate our democracy,” the communique added.

    The conference also called on the Police to be more professional in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities by desisting from invading and occupying state legislative houses in the country.

    “The Conference sees the frequent unprovoked invasions of the legislative houses by the police as unprofessional, detrimental and runs contrary to the entrenchment of democratic values and culture,” the statement added.

  • Minister mourns Speaker’s, Tambuwal’s aide’s deaths

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described as untimely and shocking, the death of the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Adeyemo.

    He expressed shock and sadness over the death of Mr.  Imam Imam, the special adviser on Media to Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

    In a statement in Abuja yesterday, the minister said the death had cut short the rising profile of Adeyemo.

    Expressing his condolences to the people and government of Oyo State, he prayed that God would grant repose to the soul of the departed and comfort the late Speaker’s family.

    Mohammed paid tributes to Imam, whom he said he had cause to interact with many times in his life.

    He described him as “a quintessential journalist and a valuable aide of his principal.”

    The minister expressed his condolences to Governor Tambuwal, whom he said had suffered a personal loss with the demise of his long-time aide.

    He prayed that God would take Imam to his bosom and give his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Halt constitution review, governors tell speakers

    Halt constitution review, governors tell speakers

    Governors have asked speakers of the 36 Houses of Assembly to halt their consideration of amendments to the 1999 Constitution till next month following “irreconciliable differences” in four areas.

    The speakers offered to stay action on only two of the four items.

    An 18-man joint panel has been raised to resolve the dispute.

    Governors in the panel are  Rauf Aregbesola(Osun); Nasir El-Rufai(Kaduna); Aminu Tambuwal(Sokoto); Nyesom Wike(Rivers); Dave Umahi(Ebonyi); Rotimi Akeredolu(Ondo); Abdulfatah Ahmed(Kwara); Ben Ayade(Cross River) andHassan Dankwabo(Gombe).

    The speakers selected are Adeyemo Adesina (Oyo),. Ahmed Marafa Guni(Niger), Chikwendu Kanu. (Abia) and Kabiru Mijinyawa (Adamawa).

    Others are Onofiok Luke (Akwa Ibom), Mrs Rita Maduabu (Anambra) Alhaji Kawuwa Damina Shehu (Bauchi) and Terkimbi Ikyange (Benue)

    The areas of disagreement are:

    • Autonomy for Local Government Councils
    • Abrogation of State Joint Local Government Accounts (JAAC)
    • Financial autonomy for Houses of Assembly
    • Critical amendment to facilitate fast dispensation of cases at the Supreme Court and other courts; election petition, front loading of briefs on jurisdiction etc.

    It was learnt that although the governors and the speakers met in Abuja on Tuesday, there were concerns that some Houses of Assembly might still go ahead to endorse the four controversial components of the constitution amendments.

    A top source said: “The governors have discovered that about 11 to 12 State Houses of Assembly have passed resolutions on the acceptance of the four issues.

    “Following fears that if the State Houses of Assembly might use the two-thirds tyranny to uphold the four proposed amendments, the governors have directed the Speakers to halt further consideration of the amendments to 1999 Constitution till the Joint Committee of the two parties complete its assignment in January 2018.

    A Speaker, who spoke in confidence, said: “We told the governors that we will not reverse the decisions of the Houses of Assembly that have concurred with the National Assembly on the four controversial amendments.

    “While we agreed to be part of the Joint Committee with the governors, we said we will stay action on the four amendments till we hear from the governors on why they objected to financial autonomy for Local  Governments, autonomy for State Houses of Assembly and abrogation of State Joint  Local Government Accounts(JAAC).

    “We are insisting that these four amendments are in the interest of the people of this country. We are leaving the governors to the public to come up with their own alternatives.

    “By January, we will know where we are going. We will tolerate these governors and if they are adamant, it may result into a stalemate. This means that the ongoing constitution amendments may be aborted.

    “Why will the governors oppose autonomy for Houses of Assembly? Will their opposition not affect the principle of separation of power?”

  • Governors, Speakers agree on constitution amendment

    Governors, Speakers agree on constitution amendment

    Governors and Speakers of the Houses of Assembly yesterday agreed on the way forward in the review of the 1999 Constitution.

    In a communique at the end of a meeting in Abuja, yesterday, they said: “We, all the governors of the 36 states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on  the platform of the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Speakers of the Houses of Assembly, under the auspices of the Conference of Speakers at the end of a consultative meeting regarding the ongoing efforts to amend certain sections of the 1999 Constitution resolved as follows:

    “The meeting agreed to approach this amendment with maturity and the future of our democracy at the back of our minds.

    “The meeting agreed that the state Houses of Assembly should consult all stakeholders and hold public hearing on all the items transmitted to them by the National Assembly in a bid to promote our democracy and strengthen its institutions.

    “Finally, the meeting agreed to constitute a committee to look at all the issues pertaining to the constitutional amendment and revert to members within a reasonable time.”

    The communique was signed by Hon. Ismaila A. Kamba, Speaker, Sokoto  State House of Assembly, Chairman, Conference of Speakers and Zamfara State Governor  and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF)Abdul-Aziz Yari.

     

  • Speakers confirm receipt of draft copies of 2017 Constitution Amendment Bill

    Conference of Speakers of Nigeria in their meeting in Enugu yesterday acknowledged receipt of the transmission of the National Assembly resolution on the proposed constitution amendments.

    The Conference pledged to expedite action on it.

    Chairman of the conference and Kebbi Speaker, Kebbi Abulmumin Kamba said the State Houses of Assembly would immediately commence further legislative actions on the 15 items for amendment.

    Ahmad said: “The conference is not unaware of the state legislature’s constitutional role of ratifying the resolution.

    “However, the conference shall ensure due diligence and thorough legislative functions of State Assemblies are carried out with a view to ensuring the yearnings and aspirations of the people are captured in the proposed amendments process.”The speakers pledged to act expeditiously on the constitution review.

    A mild drama played out at the conference when a group, Friends of Democracy, led by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe was called to address the conference.

    While Ugokwe addressed the conference on the need to adopt the entire 15 items for amendment since they were not contentious except for local government autonomy, Rivers Speaker raised objection that the visitors came to bias their minds.

    ýNational coordinator of the group, John Mutu, frowned at the resentment by Rivers Speaker and felt embarrassed for ordering the group to leave the conference.

    The group was however called back and given more time to address the conference after an apology by the conference chairman, Hon. Kamba.

    The 36 speakers of the state Houses of Assembly were in attendance.

  • Nigeria’s unity tops Speakers’ joint session

    Nigeria’s unity tops Speakers’ joint session

    Nigeria’s unity and hate speeches dominated a joint plenary session by the Speakers of  the 36 state houses of assembly held in Owerri, the Imo State capital yesterday.

    The lawmakers, who sent a strong message to purveyors of hate speech and separatist groups in Nigeria, deplored calls for secession by some champions of ethnicity,  adding that the unity of Nigeria cannot be sacrificed for group or individual ambitions.

    They aligned with the Federal Government’s stance that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable.

    The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to the unity of the country, adding that “as representatives of the people, we owe the nation the responsibility of rising up to the occasion in these trying times and condemn the manner the various groups have been carrying on with their agitations.”

    They warned such agitators to seek redress to their grievances within the purview of the law, stressing that hate speeches and secession threats are major threat to the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.

    Earlier in his address, the President Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Acho Ihim, said the gathering was a call “to chart a course for our people’s happiness through concise legislative policy formulation on the unity of our country’s component units to forestall the obnoxious enemies and promoters of hate speeches from further dividing us. We the Lawmakers must take central role in ensuring lasting peace in Nigeria.”

    He stated further that “Nigeria is today enmeshed in a recurring roar of tidal wave of prejudice, hate speeches, discriminations and agitations that have resulted in a gathering dark cloud and sombre situation that are now taking a disturbing turn.

    “Hate speeches have a serious adverse mental effect on the health of its victim.  We should ensure that the words that come out of our mouths are not hurtful to anybody, group or institution.”

    He further described hate speech as a time bomb that “will do no one any good.”

    The Speakers, in a resolution passed after the session, condemned the approach adopted by the ethnic groups in pursuing their demands.

    The resolution reads: “The violent approach adopted by members of the various ethnic, political and religious groups whose actions are threatening the unity, oneness and territorial integrity of Nigeria is hereby condemned.

    “Any ethnic group or persons that have complaints or grievances should channel such complaints or grievances through their elected representatives at the federal or state levels.

    “All Nigerians have the inalienable rights to reside in any part of Nigeria and do their businesses without fear of intimidation, molestation, injury or seizure of moveable or immovable property.”

    It reads further: “The Federal Government, the state governments, local governments and traditional council rulers should be alive to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of all citizens and improving governance.

    “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is urged to direct all security agencies to monitor the activities of the groups and ensure that perpetrators of violence and breach of the peace are promptly and decisively dealt with in accordance with the law of the Federal Republic.”

    Earlier, the Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, commended the Speakers for “coming together for the sake of the nation’s Unity.”

    The Imo State governor gave the commendation when the Speakers paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Sam Mbakwe EXCO Chambers, saying that there are no better persons to speak against hate speeches than speakers and members of the Houses of Assembly.

    His words: “It is not common to host speakers of states in your own state. When this occurs, it must be for a very serious reason. Reasons that must be for national development.

    “When the speakers speak, it means that all Houses of Assembly have met and agreed on the bill against hate speeches, and it equally means that all the people of Nigeria have met, because the House members are the genuine representatives of the average Nigerians.

    “I want to congratulate you for your coming together to speak as one on issues concerning Nigeria’s unity.”

    He added: “Again, the reason for your joint session, which is against hate speeches, is apt considering the obvious challenges being faced by the nation now.

    “There are no better persons to speak about this than members of the Houses of Assembly because you truly represent the very grassroots and the real movers and shakers of our democracy.”

    He noted: “My Speaker poured encomiums on my administration and the works we have done. Believe me, we would have achieved nothing without the unflinching support of the House of Assembly.

    “The House of Assembly can make or mar any government. So, it’s wisdom on the side of the governor to carry the members along in ensuring that dividends of democracy are delivered to the people.

    “Today, as you have come, I want you to borrow a leaf from the Imo State House of Assembly that has exemplified unity of purpose in its legislative duties and relationship with the executive arm of government.

    “Free education, massive infrastructural development in the state were made possible because of the collaboration with the House of Assembly.”

  • Speakers’ Conference chief lauds lawmakers

    The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has commended the National Assembly for the successful completion of the first step toward the amendment process of the 1999 Constitution.

    According to members of the conference, the depth of work done would deepen democracy and improve on the quality of governance at all levels in the country.

    In a statement by their Chairman, Ismaila Kamba, the speakers urged the National Assembly to quickly forward the items approved by both chambers to the states for expeditious deliberations and actions by the 36 states Houses of Assembly.

    Kamba, who doubles as the Kebbi State House of Assembly Speaker, said that since the National Assembly had at different stages of the debates and discussions on the amendment process involved the Conference of Speakers, it should not be difficult for the states’ legislature to vote on the issues and revert to the National Assembly.

    He praised the ingenuity and innovations introduced in the process by the National Assembly during the voting on the issues put forward by the Joint Committee on Constitution Amendment.

    Kamba said: “The Conference of Speakers is happy as the National Assembly separated the issues into different Bills, such that it is easy to vote on different issues in a clear manner.

    “We will enjoin all our colleagues to borrow a leaf from that in the voting on the amendment to the constitution. Same procedure can be used by speakers during voting on other thorny and sensitive issues that may come to our respective chambers in the future.

    “We are also happy that issues that can help improve governance at all levels, strengthen the judiciary, aid the anti-corruption war of the government, entrench separation of powers, develop the legislature at the state levels and improve on the performance of the local government authorities and many important issues have been taken care of in the constitution amendment.

    “With this constitution amendment, the National Assembly has prepared the ground for the emergence of a new Nigeria with a more solid democracy.

    “The Speakers are eager to lead other state legislatures to create a better country. The National Assembly should quickly send the amendment documents to us so that we can play our part.”

  • Speakers seek speedy constitutional amendment

    Chairman, Conference of State House of Assembly Speakers, Abdul Mumuni Kamba, has urged the National Assembly to hasten the constitutional amendment process.
    Kamba made this appeal at a news conference in Abuja, yesterday.
    He noted that the association prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari’s quick recovery and urged Nigerians to do same, even as he hailed Acting President Prof Yemi Osinbajo’s style of leadership.
    His words: “The conference has been briefed as to the progress made in the ongoing constitutional amendment. We, therefore, urge stakeholders in this process to ensure that the amendments are concluded within a reasonable time.
    “The conference lauds President Buhari for heeding the provisions of the Constitution and transmitting power to the Vice President while proceeding on vacation. We, therefore, pray for his quick recovery and urge Nigerians to do same.
    “We also hail the Acting President for the resilient way he has piloted the affairs of the country since the president’s absence.
    “The conference also condemns the killings and destructions of lives and property in Southern Kaduna and urges Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper.”

  • Abia gets two speakers in 24 hours

    Abia gets two speakers in 24 hours

    ABIA State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has presented a budget estimate of N102, 549, 340, 283 billon to the state House of Assembly.

    The House in the last 24 hours had two speakers after impeaching the former speaker Martins Azubuike over allegation of gross misconduct and abuse of office. The House had earlier elected Bishop Kennedy Njoku to replace Azubuike who had defeated Hon Chikwendu Kalu.

    Few hours after he was elected, Njoku yesterday, resigned on personal reasons, thus paving the way for Kanu to become the new Speaker. Kanu represents Isiala Ngwa South. Presenting the 2017 budget of N102,559,340,283, christened “Budget of Prudence and Self Reliance” Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said it was 3.14 decrease over the 2016 outlay.

    While he put the recurrent expenditure at N57,364,207,283, the capital expenditure is N45, 185,133,000.00 even as the overhead cost is N15,904,612,014.00. according to the Governor the budget would be sourced from internal revenue of N21,950,340,283.00 and external revenue of N61,200,000,000. He said: “We intend to intensify our efforts to ensure our IGR is improved upon.

    The strategy of direct bank lodgment of electronic collection system through the banks to capture and confirm all payments made to the state is paying off and we are going to consolidate on that.” “The 2017 budget has an estimated outlay of N102,549,340,283. This shows 3.14% decrease over the 2016 outlay of N105,875,924,320,” Ikpeazu said, adding, “we are not expecting an increase in the revenue accruing to the state,” because of the dwindling revenue accruing to the country from oil.

    He said priority would be given to agriculture, infrastructure, economy , commerce and industry, health education, among others According to him, the 2017 budget is packaged with the right policy formation, fiscal planning, budget analysis, and accountability. He added that the state is committed to fiscal management process in line with international best practices.