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Tag: Tambuwal

  • Tambuwal: I’ll run participatory government

    Tambuwal: I’ll run participatory government

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal spoke with reporters about the focus of his administration, shortly after taking his oath of office in Sokoto, the state capital. Victor Oluwasegun was there.

    What are your plans for Sokoto State?

    What we have here in Sokoto is not a complete ‘change’ like we have at the centre and some other states. Our own is a continuity in ‘change’. The administration that came to an end today was headed by Alhaji Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who is a very strong member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Therefore, we intend first and foremost to continue with the ongoing projects of the administration and of course initiate new ones that will better the lives of the people of Sokoto State. Fundamentally, we are going to focus on areas of education, agriculture, healthcare delivery services, empowerment of our youths and women and indeed we are going to also pay special attention to the infrastructural development of the state.

    That is not to say that we are not going to pay priority attention to the areas of mining because we know the economic challenges we are facing in this country at the moment and we need all hands on deck to ensure that we generate more revenue. Indeed, we have identified the mining sector as one key sector that, if properly harnessed, will benefit Sokoto State and indeed the Nigerian federation enormously from the mineral deposits in the state. Of course, we’re also going to ensure that we introduce policies that cater for our women. I have in mind the issue of a micro-finance bank that will be called ‘Bankin Mata’ (Women Bank), which will be used as a medium to empower our women.

    What are the challenges you encountered as Speaker?

    Well, I started by this morning or afternoon (May 29) as it were, by extending an olive branch and hand of friendship and fellowship to the state House of Assembly for us to work as a team. What matters is the trust and confidence building between the two arms of government and respectability. If they have their position and we have our position from the executive side, what we need and we require is for us to sit down and agree and harmonize our positions and have synergy. I think that was what was lacking reasonably between us and the government when I was the Speaker of the House of Representatives. We shall engage ourselves; we must not allow friction between the legislature and the executive arm of government here in Sokoto State.

    What will you miss most about the House of Representatives?

    Definitely, I will miss the chambers; I will miss my colleagues. What you have in the National Assembly and other legislatures is a relationship of equals. Here, the expectation is different; the arrangement is different. The Governor or President or Chairman, as it were, is the chief executive; you dish out instructions. But, in the legislature you must court friendship; you must carry along your colleagues in what you intend to achieve.

    How do you intend to sustain the goodwill of the people till the end of your tenure?

    For us to sustain the goodwill of the people, we must engage the people; we must interact with the people; we must carry them along. We must also be open and transparent in conducting the business of government. What is expected of us constitutionally is to encourage participatory democracy. And once you’re open and accessible as a leader, I believe that the followers will always appreciate and understand your own position. Once you have that, by the grace of God, you will have a smooth ride.

    What will you do to unite the people of Sokoto now that you are in the saddle?

    In my inaugural speech today, I requested and appealed particularly to those who ran for the office of governor and other positions in other political parties to join hands with us to continue building the state. It’s not a personal estate of an individual; the state is for all of us. And I believe that the appeal to them will go a long way in ensuring that we win back their friendship. I intend to go the extra mile, of course, to continue till we get there.

  • Tambuwal appoints media aide

    Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has appointed Malam Imam Imam as his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, the first appointment he will make following his swearing-in on Friday.

    In a statement he personally signed and issued to journalists in Sokoto, Tambuwal admonished the new spokesman to rededicate himself to his new assignment by contributing positively to information flow in the state.

    Imam served in the same capacity when Tambuwal was the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2011 until few days ago.

    Imam, a former Group Political Editor at THISDAY newspapers, was born on July 16, 1977 in Gboko, Benue State. He hails from Taraba State.

    The new spokesman holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Kaduna Polytechnic and read Development Studies at Post Graduate level in Bayero University, Kano.

    He started his journalism career in the now-rested Millennium Weekly newspaper in Kaduna in 2000 before he joined the New Nigerian Newspapers also in Kaduna in 2002.

    Malam Imam is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and a Graduate member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

  • Tambuwal promises synergy with FG

    Tambuwal promises synergy with FG

    The new governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambawal, on Friday promised to consolidate the works of his predecessor through responsive synergy with the federal government for the benefit of the state.

    The governor said his administration would be service delivery driven, adding that he will make good use of the state resources to promote “quality service with open opportunities for all.”

    Tambuwal spoke shortly after taking the oath of office and allegiance administered by the state Chief Judge, Justice Aisha Sani Dahiru, at the famous Kangiwa Square venue of the event.

    The governor said he will ensure the execution of projects with direct bearing to the common man.

    The ceremony was attended by Sultan Muhmammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Secretary -General of ECOWAS, Muhammed Ibn Chambas, Emir of Tohoa, former governors and military administrators, former and current National Assembly members including Senators, All Progressive Congress national leaders, state lawmakers former and serving, friends, associates and well wishers from outside the state.

    He also acknowledged that his administration would face some challenges as a result of low Internally Generated Revenue, saying” we will focus attention on harnessing solid mineral resources, boost private sector participation, establishment and revival of the state investment company and marketing board among other critical areas of the state economy.”

    “All these will help strengthen our revenue base and enhance opportunities to maximise economic values for independence,” he said.

  • Jonathan distracted us unnecessarily, says Tambuwal

    Jonathan distracted us unnecessarily, says Tambuwal

    THE administration of President Goodluck Jonathan distracted the 7th House of Representatives unnecessarily, the outgoing Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, has said.

    Tambuwal spoke in a speech titled: “The Power of Unity of Purpose,” during the valedictory session of the 7th House yesterday, where he regretted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government caused unwarranted friction because it wanted to ride roughshod over the legislature.

    His words: “I must say that the frosty relationship between the Executive and Seventh House was an unnecessary distraction and a source of embarrassment to the nation. It is unwarranted that a ruling party with clear majority boxed itself into that situation.

    “If the executive fails to recognise the independence of the legislature and expects that it is its rubber stamp, then frosty relation is bound to follow. I would strongly urge the incoming executive arm and indeed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avert this unwholesome situation.”

    He, however, stressed the need for legislature to have a measure of independence to fulfill its mandate to the people.

    Tambuwal said: “A legislature that seeks to fulfill its duty and obligation to the electorate whom they represent must exercise its independence and this comes at a price.

    “A legislature truly playing its checks and balances role would normally experience friction with the other arms of government and other interest groups who have broken the law or desire to break the law in the course of time.

    “We had more than a fair share of this friction and torment, but overcame because the naughty walls of partisanship and selfish pecuniary considerations could not withstand the power of unity of purpose”.

    The out-going Speaker called the refusal of Jonathan to assent the constitution amendment transmitted to him by the National Assembly as a “conspiracy”.

    “Today, we are faced with the potential of incalculable waste of public resources through the conspiracy of the Constitutional amendment impasse. This document is a product of the highest and most intimate consultations with Nigerians; indeed it is the Bill of the Nigerian people.

    “All parties involved have a duty to allow or disallow this looming monumental waste of public funds and public opinion. For our part, we owe Nigerians a statement once again and I am confident that with the slimmest opportunity, this House will make that statement,” he added.

    Thanking his colleagues and other stakeholders for the success of the 7th House, Tambuwal expressed sadness “because we did not rise swiftly to defeat the forces that stood ever so strongly against the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

    “We lament that our Electronic Voting System project could not be brought to fruition. I am confident, however, that with the amendment of the relevant House Rules, the successor Assembly would move swiftly to conclude the half done issues.”

    Following his valedictory speech, Tambuwal was given a standing ovation after which he had tedious moment of photograph session with all of his colleagues and everybody else on the floor of the House.

  • Jonathan distracted us unnecessarily – Tambuwal

    Jonathan distracted us unnecessarily – Tambuwal

    The Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan distracted the 7th House of Representatives unnecessarily, the outgoing Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, has said.

    Tambuwal in a speech titled: “The Power of Unity of Purpose,” made the disclosure during the valedictory session of the 7th House on Wednesday, regretting that the Peoples Democratic Party headed government caused unwarranted friction in the House because it wanted to control the legislature.

    His words: “I must say that the frosty relationship between the Executive and Seventh House was an unnecessary distraction and a source of embarrassment to the nation. It is unwarranted that a ruling party with clear majority boxed itself into that situation.

    “If the executive fails to recognize the independence of the legislature and expects that it is its rubber stamp then frosty relation is bound to follow. I would strongly urge the incoming executive arm and indeed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to avert this unwholesome situation.”

    He, however, stressed the need for legislature to have a measure of independence to fulfill its mandate to the people, saying, “A legislature that seeks to fulfill its duty and obligation to the electorate whom they represent must exercise its independence and this comes at a price.

    “A legislature truly playing it’s checks and balances role would normally experience friction with the other arms of government and other interest groups who have broken the law or desire to break the law in the course of time.

    “We had more than a fair share of this friction and torment but overcame because the naughty walls of partisanship and selfish pecuniary considerations could not withstand the power of unity of purpose,” the outgoing Speaker added.

    He described the refusal of the outgoing President Jonathan to assent the constitution amendment transmitted to him by the National Assembly as a “conspiracy.”

     

  • Tambuwal quits seat for Ihedioha

    Tambuwal quits seat for Ihedioha

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal yesterday gave up his seat to forestall a vacuum.

    Tambuwal, governor-elect of Sokoto State,  will be sworn in on Friday.

    Tambuwal said yesterday that there would be no vacuum even though there was no mention of steps to be taken in the constitution in the occurrence of such development.

    The Speaker told reporters that the House, at an executive session creatively resolved the issue.

    He said Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha will act as the Speaker though in his position as the Deputy Speaker.

    The current Seventh Assembly expires on June 6.

    Tambuwal announced that a motion will come up to suspend Order II Rule 9 which insists that a new Speaker must be elected if there is vacancy in the office of the Speaker.

    The Order reads: “Whenever a vacancy has occurred in the office of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker during a session, the Clerk shall report same to the House at its next sitting and the House shall either forthwith or at its next sitting, proceed to the election of a new Speaker in the manner herein before provided”.

    He said:  “I would cease by the grace of God, to be a member of the House of Representatives by May 29th, which means I would cease to be Speaker.

    “Therefore, there is going to be a vacuum. The constitution never envisaged this situation so there is no provision to address the situation.

    “But incidentally, in the House rules, we have a provision where it is envisaged that there may come a day that the (position of) Honourabe Speaker or the Deputy Speaker becomes vacant because we are all mortals.

    “And the prescription is that at the next sitting the House shall elect a new speaker, at the next sitting the Clerk shall notify the House of the vacancy and a new Speaker should be elected.

    “But somehow, some of our colleagues, one of them to be honest, came up with what may become, not a doctrine of necessity, but an ingenious solution to the situation.

    “Instead of the House to go through the process of saying we’re electing a new Speaker, since it is our own rules, we’ll come up with a motion suspending that particular part of the rules which will allow the Deputy Speaker to continue in his capacity as Deputy Speaker and continue to preside and conduct the affairs of the House, maybe tomorrow (today), Thursday and if need be, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before the lifespan of the House comes to an end.”

    According to him, he was clearing the air on the issue to stem any misconception adding that the solution does not go against the law of the country and that the scenario shows that nobody is indispensable and that no one is trying to shut down the House.

     

  • Lawmaker writes Tambuwal on defection

    Lawmaker writes Tambuwal on defection

    The letter of defection of the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Budget and Research, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who  left the Labour Party for the All Progressives Congress (APC), was read on the floor of the House yesterday.

    In the letter which was addressed to the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, Bamidele said he was writing formally to inform the Speaker and the House that he has  joined the APC.

    He added: “For the records, I was elected into this parliament on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which had become defunct (with its certificate of registration returned to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as of the time I joined the Labour Party in November 2013.

    “The APC was subsequently registered by the INEC.

    “It is my conviction as well as that of my constituents and political associates that joining the APC at this crucial stage of our nation’s polity will enable us contribute more  to our collective bid to enrich good governance and enhance socio-economic development.”

    Opeyemi, who is not returning to the House, thanked his constituents and colleagues for the opportunity to serve.

    Another member, Akpan Umoh, from Akwa-Ibom also defected from the Accord Party to the APC. Umoh gave no reason for his action.

  • House: How intrigues, internal wrangling produced Tambuwal

    House: How intrigues, internal wrangling produced Tambuwal

    To the less perceptive, June 6, 2011, may be seen just like any other day. But in Nigeria’s political history, that day marked the beginning of the end of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

     It was the first day the 7th House of Representatives convened. Top on the agenda was election of the new Speaker. Tension was high days before the election. The PDP had characteristically decreed that a member from the South-West must emerge Speaker.

    The party even went ahead to handpick Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola (Ogbomosho Federal Constituency, Oyo) as the candidate members must vote for. PDP members in the House balked. Some even openly spoke against the choice. The opposition, it was gathered, was based on intelligence reports that Akande-Adeola was being sponsored by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Obasanjo, it was believed, had instructed the South-West PDP to ensure Akande-Adeola was picked and supported to emerge as the Speaker. The ploy worked so well, even up to the National Working Committee (NWC), which ratified the nomination of the South-West PDP. This was anchored on the zoning arrangement of the party.

    Since the South-South had clinched the presidency with the North-West grabbing the vice-presidency, it appeared logical that the South-West should produce the Speakership. This was more so because the senate presidency was still retained by the North-Central.

    The PDP, in its wisdom, wanted the North-East to produce the deputy speakership. That way, all the six major regions would have occupied the major political positions in the nation. This was the same zoning arrangement that existed in the 6th National Assembly. But many lawmakers in the Lower Chamber were uncomfortable with a candidate allegedly backed by Obasanjo. The former president, they felt, should be consigned to a bench-warming role in the unfolding dispensation. They believed he had had enough and shouldn’t remain influential in the choice of the House leadership again.

    To slight the PDP zoning arrangement, some members decided to assert themselves. They contended that it would help the House to be independent and free from the influences of Obasanjo, who many of them considered overbearing.

    The aggrieved lawmakers decided to rally opposition members to support their cause. Members of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) were understandably most enthusiastic. It would allow them to puncture PDP’s suffocating grip in the National Assembly and grant them the much-needed recognition. They also mobilised a few members from the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC).

    With their numbers, they were confident to stage a famous upset, one that had never been since 1999. They settled on a consensus candidate, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal from Sokoto State. A ranking member, Tambuwal, a lawyer, was much loved and respected by members across party affiliations. He had served as Deputy Chief Whip in the last House presided over by the then Speaker Dimeji Bankole.

    Though their plan was well-conceived, it didn’t take a long time before it became known to PDP chieftains. The party’s leaders balked and sulked. Over their dead bodies would such a sacrilege happen in the nation, they said. They vowed to enforce party supremacy and whip recalcitrant members to shape. But first they pleaded for the aggrieved lawmakers to have a rethink. It was turned down with a resounding no. That was when the PDP knew the battle lines had been drawn.

    The party made for its bag of weapons and dusted the N10billion loan scam that rocked the leadership of the 6th House. Former Speaker Bankole was facing corruption charges with his deputy, Nafada. The party felt other principal officials, including Tambuwal, must also face the music for the scam.

    Tambuwal, sensing plans to arrest him, went underground in the days preceding the elections. He had rebuffed emissaries sent to him to reconsider the offer by aggrieved members to lead the House. All entreaties were also turned down by the Sokoto-born lawyer.

    All government’s machineries and operatives were sent against him. Yet, Tambuwal evaded all. Finally, the d-day arrived for members to elect their speaker. Tambuwal, forever a tactician, employed a decoy to gain entrance to the Green Chambers. Known for his flowing babaringa, the man about to make history opted for a suit with a bowler cap to match. That way, he beat all security checks.

    Emeka Ihedioha (Imo, PDP), who was destined to be his deputy, was also a marked man. He had served as Chief Whip in the 6th House and was also wanted for questioning on the alleged N10billion scam. Like Tambuwal, he too decided for a change of attire to gain access to the Lower Chamber. He dropped his suits for a Mallam-like agbada.

    As soon as Tambuwal succeeded in gaining entry to the chamber, members hailed him with shouts of ‘sai Tambuwal’. Ihedioha enjoyed the same affection. All was indeed set for a titanic battle. It was more of a case of David against Goliath. Yet, neither side was ready to blink first.

    The Clerk of the House, Sano Omolori, commenced the roll call of honourable members by 11:30am. When he called out Tambuwal and Ihedioha, the chamber responded with approving shouts.

    By 12:02pm, Omolori sought nominations for positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. To underscore the division within the PDP, it was Emmanuel Jime (PDP, Benue) that nominated Tambuwal without delay. He was seconded by Nnenna Ukeje (PDP, Abia).

    Adeola-Akande was nominated by Hon. Bethel Amadi (PDP, Imo) and seconded by Saidu Namadi (PDP, Jigawa). For over three hours, members went into an historic voting. It was supervised by the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Alhaji Salisu Kasuwa and his deputy.

    By 3.49 pm, the voting ended while counting commenced by 3.52 pm. When the result was declared, the unthinkable had happened. Members had defied the zoning arrangement of the PDP to be their own men and women. Tambuwal scored 252 to Adeola-Akande’s 90 votes.

    Jubilant PDP and ACN members hugged Tambuwal in an open show of defiance. It was an historic election. It changed the political landscape and configuration of the nation. Sensing defeat, the two candidates for the position of deputy speakership from the North-East, Dogara Yakubu and Ishaku Bawa, stepped down. That paved the way for the emergence of Ihedioha.

    It was a reconfiguration that completely altered the zoning arrangement of the PDP. The resolve of aggrieved PDP members and enthusiastic ACN and CPC members had successfully plotted a coup. That alliance forever cemented the strength of opposition members in the House.

    It also triggered off the alleged marginalisation of the South-West by the Jonathan’s administration, a development he couldn’t redress until he was voted out of power in March 28.

    In the Upper Chamber, David Mark was easily re-elected Senate President unopposed. He had been presiding over the Senate since June 6, 2007. Senators simply ratified the recommendation for re-election without any objection.

    While his re-election was historic, making him the longest serving Senate President, it was the defiance of the Lower Chamber that really made the news then. Commentators said members had affirmed their independence and the nation will never remain the same again.

    One result of the development was that it confirmed, to informed observers, that PDP, which had since 1998 remained politically invincible, had commenced its downward spiral. Tambuwal will later dump the party with several other members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has succeeded in defeating PDP at the presidential election. It is on record that his dramatic emergence as the Speaker of the House of Representatives was a tsunami with a tornado effect.

  • Tambuwal, ECOWAS Commission chief seek review of EIA laws

    Tambuwal, ECOWAS Commission chief seek review of EIA laws

    THE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, and the President, Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS), Kadre Desire Oueraogo, have called for a review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation in the West African region.

    They spoke yesterday at the International Summit on Environment organised by the Uche Ekwunife-led House Committee on Environment.

    Tambuwal expressed concern over the myriad of environmental challenges facing Nigeria and other countries within the sub-region, including oil pollution, flood and erosion, air pollution, water pollution, land degradation, noise pollution and solid waste.

    He stressed the need to promote environmental justice by ensuring a minimum standard of environmental quality for all citizens.

    “We are at the same time burdened with that of global warming and sea-level rise due to climate change. We also face the problems associated with trans-boundary movement of hazardous and polluting substances across our international boundaries. All these problems have direct or indirect link to our quest for industrial development.

    “Consequently, environmental degradation arising from the depletion of our natural resources, due to our quest for industrialisation and urbanisation need to be checkmated, controlled and regulated.”

    Oueraogo said there was need to review the EIA legislation across the region to enable its easy implementation.

    According to him, the summit would contribute to bringing to reality Article 3 of the ECOWAS treaty, which states among other things that members should establish appropriate institutions to protect and preserve the environment.

    Oueraogo was represented by Mr. Samuel Oladele, the adviser on Environment to the ECOWAS Commission.

    The chairman of the House Committee on Environment called for enhanced legislation to effectively address emerging issues and current realities.

    “Members of the Legislature have a responsibility to address the weaknesses and shortcomings in the EIA Act.

    “We should strengthen the law to make it more effective. We should significantly increase the penalty/ sanction stipulated in the law. This is necessary and will act as deterrent to erring facilities/ companies,” she said.

    Countries attending event include Ghana, Mali and Gambia.

     

  • Ihedioha, Mulikat, Ogor celebrate Tambuwal’s guber victory

    Ihedioha, Mulikat, Ogor celebrate Tambuwal’s guber victory

    It was a pleasant surprise for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal Tuesday as he entered the National Assembly.

    He was met with singing and drumming by members and staff of the parliament.

    Amongst those that were in the office of the Speaker in the White House section of the Complex to felicitate with him were the Deputy Speaker of the House, Emeka Ihedioha, the Majority Leader, Mulikat Akande- Adeola and her deputy Leo Ogor.

    Members sang and danced while the staff members drummed.

    Shouts of “Sai Tambuwal, Sai Buhari! rent the air as the Speaker entered the office.

    There was a general air of conviviality in the atmosphere as over twenty members cutting across party lines were present.

    Tambuwal during the Saturday April 11 gubernatorial and State Houses of Assembly elections was declared the Governor- elect of Sokoto State.