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Tag: Tambuwal

  • NASS meet to override Jonathan on 2013 budget

    NASS meet to override Jonathan on 2013 budget

    The National Assembly has perfected its next line of action by harmonizing the position of the Senate and the House of Representatives on how to override President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto of the 2013 budget.

    The lawmakers have also declared their intention not to bow to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party on the budget row, stating that it was not a party affair.

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday rose from a two-hour closed session to announce its resolve to make the move, irrespective of the decision taken by President Jonathan on the matter.

    The Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal led the House leadership which included the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation into a meeting with the leadership of the Senate led by the Senate President, David Mark.

    The resolve of the two chambers would be made known on Wednesday morning.

    House Spokesman, Zakari Mohammed, who briefed reporters after the closed session said having passed the budget since December last year, the country cannot afford to wait “for eternity” for the President to assent to the document.

    President Jonathan had sent a budget of N4.9.24 trillion to the National Assembly last year, while the lawmakers jerked it up to N4.987 trillion.

     

  • Protesters bar Mark, Tambuwal from National Assembly

    Protesters bar Mark, Tambuwal from National Assembly

    Protesters yesterday barricaded the gates of the National Assembly.

    Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and other lawmakers were locked out.

    Senator Bello Tukur, who arrived at 10am apparently through the gate of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), was advised by the security personnel to turn back and he did.

    Workers, who resumed work early, could neither take their cars to the designated parks nor trek to their offices, as the over 4,600 disengaged workers of the National Identity Card Management Commission (NIMC) barricaded the main gate.

    The few policemen on duty watched helplessly.

    Our correspondent learnt that the disengaged workers, who had carried out similar demonstrations in the past, stormed Abuja from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The leader of the workers, Mr. Ushe Fidelis, told The Nation that they have vowed to continue the action.

    He said they would only leave if the Senate President told them why the Director-General of NIMC planned to recruit 18600 new workers after sacking 4600 workers of the commission.

    It was learnt that most of the protesters kept vigil to ensure their early arrival at the National Assembly.

    The men carried placards while their female counterparts held green leaves with which they drove away workers, who attempted to enter the premises.

    Traffic was obstructed as workers blocked the road leading to the complex from the National Arcade.

    The Nation observed that five policemen bearing arms arrived at the gate on foot by 10am.

    Some of the placards read: ‘NIMC DG is deceiving Nigerians’, ‘NIMC DG must go’, ‘NIMC DG is a thief’, ‘No more tomorrow, Onyemenam is enemy of progress’.

    Efforts by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Asokoro, Ahmed Musa and other National Assembly security and administrative workers to appeal to the protesters not to be hostile were rebuffed.

    A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the National Assembly security personnel should not be blamed for the breach.

    The operat ive said the main entrance to the complex behind the National Arcade is the Presidency gate and the security guards tried to stop them, but they were pushed back by the protesters.

    He added that since the security personnel could not use firearms, it was difficult to stop the protesters.

    At about 11am, most workers, left for home.

    Efforts by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence and National Intelligence, Senator Mohammed Magoro and Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Identity Card and National Population, Senator Abdulmumuni Hassan, to address the protesters were unsuccessful.

    Hassan told the protesters that the Senate Committee on Identity Card and National Population have met the NIMC management to find a solution to the problem.

  • Jonathan, Gowon, Buhari, others inaugurate centenary celebration

    Jonathan, Gowon, Buhari, others inaugurate centenary celebration

    President Goodluck Jonathan led five former Presidents and Heads of State on Monday evening to inaugurate the nation’s centenary anniversary celebration.

    The anniversary will hold on January 1, 2014.

    The British colonial administration amalgamated the Southern and Northern Protectorates which make up the Nigerian nation on January 1, 1914.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that former military Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar, former Presidents Shehu Shagari and Olusegun Obasanjo also graced the occasion held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.

    The Senate President, Sen. David Mark, his Deputy Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, his Deputy, Chief Emeka Ihedioha and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar also attended the event.

    State Governors, Ministers, Presidential aides, captains of Industry, members of Diplomatic Corps also were present at the occasion.

    Speaking at the occasion, Jonathan said the amalgamation of 1914 was not a mistake but an act of God.

    He said the amalgamation created “a unique entity of the globe called Nigeria; a beautiful country richly blessed and which had turned out innovative people across the world.’’

    The president said that beyond the endowed natural resources, “Nigeria is blessed with unique collection of people specially created by God.’’

    “The one Nigeria consciousness which has kept the nation together must be safeguarded.’’

    The president said that it was a unique act of God that the country had survived a civil war and several other daunting challenges.

    “The unity of Nigeria is indivisible and non-negotiable, we must remain the forward looking people that we are.

    “I see a united, powerful and prosperous nation that will make the generation yet unborn very proud.

    “Arise, we shall and prosper we will,’’ he said.

  • Journalists’ Estate residents appeal to Tambuwal, others

    Residents of Journalists’ Estate in Arepo, Ogun- State  have appealed to Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and the Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Aliu Wammako,  to redeem  their pledges  for the completion of the estate’s community  centre.

    The duo, along with Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, had pledged to contribute towards Journalists Estate Residents Development Association’s (JERDA’s) initiative in building an ultra-modern community centre for residents of the estate, planned to be the first of its kind in Africa.

    JERDA  had embarked on an appeal fund during the tuning of the sod of the community centre by Tambuwal where Wammako was the special guest of honour on an occasion held with pomp and pageantry.

    Tambuwal, who represented by Hon. Olumide Osoba, a lawmaker representing Obada-Owode Federal Constituency, pledged that Tambuwal would donate to the project.

    The Sokoto State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Danladi Bako, who represented the state governor pledged to support the project with an initial N5million and monitor the project till completion.

    Amosun, who was represented by the Works and Housing Commissioner and his Information Commissioner, Messers Lekan Adegbite and Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyonu also pledged N5 million.

    Amosun has since redeemed his pledge. ButWammako andTambuwal have not.

    In a chat with select reporters at Arepo last week shortly after the vandalism of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline by some oil thieves, Chairman of the Estate, Mr Gbayode Somuyiwa, said the first phase of the community centre would soon be decked, adding that work has progressed tremendously since the foundation laying ceremony last year.

    However, he lamented that the delay being encountered  was due to paucity of funds because some of the supporters and promoters of the project were yet to redeem their pledges.

    Commending the donors’gestures, Somuyiwa appealed to Wammako and Tambuwal not to renege on their promises, adding that all hopes of residents lie in the pledges.

    “I want to specially appeal to our donors and supporters, especially Governor Wammako and Tambuwal to come to our aid as quickly as possible as we cannot afford to abandon this project’, he said.

    Somuyiwa, who acknowledged that these personalities are great Nigerians for identifying with such a noble cause, said other state governments could also learn from the governor of Ogun State.

    He expressed JERDA’s appreciation to the Ogun State governor for the prompt redemption of his pledge. He urged the governor not to relent until the project is completed.

     

  • Tambuwal, Yuguda, others flay attack on monarch

    Tambuwal, Yuguda, others flay attack on monarch

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal and Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State yesterday condemned the attack on the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.

    The Speaker called it callous and inhumane “and from all indication, meant to shatter the resolve of peace-loving persons in the federation,” while Gov.Yuguda described it as barbaric.

    In a statement in Abuja, Tambuwal said the Emir, one of the most respected traditional rulers in the country, is a man of peace whose words and actions have promoted peaceful coexistence among people of diverse backgrounds in Kano state and beyond.

    He said the attack, coming at a time when the security agencies have made considerable gains in their fight against terrorists especially in the Northern part of the country, should be fully investigated and all those involved be brought to justice.

    He condoled with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and urged all Nigerians to embrace peace and allow peace to reign where ever they may be.

    He reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to work with other arms of government and all interest groups and persons to find lasting peace in the country.

    Yuguda, in a statement in Bauchi said: “I received the sad news with shock, wondering why someone will want to take the life of another person particularly that of one of the leading royal fathers in Nigeria who is genuinely and deeply committed to peace and peaceful coexistence.”

    The Governor, while sympathising with the immediate Royal family over the attack, also condoled the families of those who lost their lives defending the Emir, saying that, “they died in active service laying down their lives for the Emir, and may Allah grant the departed aljannatul firdaus and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

    In its own reaction, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the attack as “a rude shock.”

  • Tambuwal: On the firing line at 47

    Tambuwal: On the firing line at 47

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, is 47 today. To his country men and women however, attaining the milestone is not of much concern. Rather, it is the direction which the amiable lawmaker from Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency is leading the country that has continued to elicit positive reactions from people across all walks of life.

    Since he became the number four citizen, Tambuwal has perfected an innovative approach to leadership and lawmaking. He has demonstrated the attributes of leadership and taken positions on issues affecting the nation.

    A lawyer by profession, a politician by popular will, an accomplished leader by popular choice, a legislator by trust, Tambuwal has shown enough political dexterity to make him one of the most respected political figures in Nigeria today. His meteoric rise in the legal profession and politics has revealed him as a master tactician. He has built his career on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take.

    Nigeria is passing through a critical time. The are challenges of nation-building, political self-doubt and insecurity. However, civilisation remains a work in progress in Nigeria as the Seventh House of Representatives tries to provide that critical balance that sustains a meaningful presidential democracy and holds up hope for a new Nigeria. No one encapsulates that hope than Tambuwal.

    As argued by some scholars, the basic challenges of leaders reflect two fundamental aspects of leadership. The first is the humanity of leaders in revealing their hopes and fears, traits and instincts. The second is the unchanging agenda of leadership, in all times and places, as revealed in the setting of goals, plans, purpose and strategies, and working through with other people to actualise their vision in a world that is often uncertain, recalcitrant and sometimes, perilous.

    To appreciate the legislative footing of the Seventh House in its attempt to fill the void created by the challenges of leadership confronting Nigeria, one needs to revisit its inaugural agenda. I will recall here the kernel of the legislative blueprint, which was unveiled June 28, 2011 and remains a study in specific prescriptions. It traversed constitution amendment, revival and diversification of the economy, employment generation, strengthening national security, curbing corruption, tackling general infrastructural decay, and improving health system and the educational system.

    According to Speaker Tambuwal, in his inaugural speech titled: ‘Time To Remake Nigeria,’ “over the next four years, the House of Representatives will pursue an aggressive legislative agenda to reposition itself as a key branch of government able and determined to deliver on the key elements of governance. We make to state and with great assurance that the legislature has come of age. It is a new day, a new House of Representatives and we are prepared to meet and surpass the expectations of the people to represent their best interest.”

    In a move that verged on statesmanship and humility, Speaker Tambuwal conceded that the House accepted responsibility for failures and gaps in meeting its brief. “We will be responsive, transparent and accountable in all we do. My period of service as the Speaker of this hallowed chamber will restore the House of Representatives as an institution where the will of the people is done,” he said.

    Almost two years on, the Lower Chamber has kept faith with this agenda. It’s people-oriented footing bears this out. The Seventh House has been at the fore-front of defining important national issues for public discourse.

    American business executive and author, Jack Welch, once argued that today’s hierarchical structure gives the leader in organisation, or appropriately, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), control over strategy, organization and information by creating an organization with its ‘face towards the CEO and its ass towards the customer.’ The system described by Welch may be right in business and to some extent some governmental institutions, but what we have seen in the House of Representatives under Tambuwal is an institution with its face firmly fixed towards the people. Tambuwal has used his considerable experience towards making the legislature a people-oriented entity that elevates participatory lawmaking to an art.

    As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record, if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe and religion.

    At 47, Tambuwal’s youth points to a future of hope and possibilities. Besides, his apparent willingness not to be encumbered by the political exigencies or double-speak that had stunted our progress is quite inspiring. For him, what matters is the nation’s interest. Call that an unyielding idealism and you won’t be entirely wrong.

    Born in Tambuwal into the royal family of Waziri Tabuwal, young Aminu attended Tambuwal Primary School, and Government Teachers’ College, Dogon-Daji, also in Sokoto State where he obtained the Teachers Grade 11 Certificate in 1984.

    He then proceeded to Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he studied Law, graduating with an LLB (Hons) degree in 1991. He did his one year compulsory legal studies at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, obtained BL and was called to the Bar in 1992.

    Besides studying law, the Speaker has attended several courses abroad, among which are the Telecoms Regulatory Master Class–Bath UK, 2004; Lawmaking for the Communications Sectors –BMIT, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2004; Regulating a Competitive Industry-UK, Brussels, 2005; Tulane University – International Legislative Drafting, 2005; Stanford Graduate School of Business – Influence and Negotiation in 2008, among many others.

    He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2003 on the platform of the opposition All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). Since then, he had served as Minority Leader and Deputy Chief Whip of the House. He was the Leader of the Nigerian Delegation to Africa, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly and had served as the Regional Representative of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

    He was a member of the National Executive Committee, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), member, International Bar Association, Alumnus, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard, USA, Alumnus, Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA, Alumnus Tulane University, USA and a recipient of the Honourary Doctor of Law Degree from the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.

    No doubt, Tambuwal’s candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and his desire to interact freely and affectionately with all members in the House in a professional context, has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians.

    To this great man of ideas, I say a happy birthday.

    • Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

  • Tambuwal seeks prayers for Nigeria

    Tambuwal seeks prayers for Nigeria

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, on Sunday urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation.

    Tambuwal made the appeal in a New Year message, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reported that he enjoined Nigerians to look to the future with optimism as the country moved into 2013.

    He said the year was a new opportunity for Nigerians to renew their faith in the country.

    The speaker said the challenges that confronted the country, especially in the last two years, would be surmounted in the New Year if Nigerians united with a common goal.

    “My hope and prayer is that we all experience a peaceful and prosperous new year for our country and for people,’’ he said.

    Tambuwal reassured Nigerians that the house would continue to put the country first at all times and prayed God to bless Nigeria and its citizens

     

     

  • Tambuwal tasks leaders on development

    Tambuwal tasks leaders on development

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal yesterday urged political leaders to pay attention to the infrastructural development of their areas and the nation.

    He spoke as Chairman at the Presentation/Commissioning of Empowerment/Constituency Projects in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State, executed by Mr. Yusuf Tajudeen, a lawmaker.

    Tambuwal said: “Tajudeen has displayed uncommon drive and passion in contributing to issues geared towards the development of the people.”

    He noted that the people of Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu voted wisely by electing the lawmaker during the last election.

    He said Tajudeen has demonstrated the quality of a true leader and enjoined other lawmakers to emulate him.

    Tambuwal noted that the House of Representatives is committed to championing development in the country through the enactment of relevant legislations.

    The Deputy Governor of Kogi State Yomi Awoniyi who represented Governor Idris Wada said the projects executed by Mr. Tajudeen were meant to augment the efforts of the state government in alleviating the plight of the Kogi State people.

    Tajudeen, representing Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu Federal Constituency, said the projects were meant to empower the people to be self-reliant.

     

  • Tambuwal and Sokoto 2015 calculations

    Tambuwal and Sokoto 2015 calculations

    Politics is in the air in Sokoto State and politicians are already showing their intentions for various offices. Correspondent ADAMU SULAIMAN writes on the soaring popularity of House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who is perceived as a major governorship contender in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

     

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal was the cynosure of all eyes in Sokoto last week. He was among eminent Nigerians who received honorary doctorate degrees from the Usman Dan Fodio University, in the heart of the Caliphate. He shared the joy of the moment with Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Ameachi. But it was as if the event was mainly organised for the number four citizen as his supporters stormed the venue, asking him to join the governorship race.

    Tambuwal is a household name in the ‘Born to Rule’ state. Since he became Speaker, he has also brought honour to the state. Observers marvel at the cordial relations between him and Wamakko. It is a wide departure from the tension that usually characterised relations between politicians at the home front and ‘Abuja politicians’. His supporters want him to join the governorship race early, but mum is still the word from the eminent politician.

    His rivals in the race are already on the field. They are the deputy governor, Alhaji Muktar Shagari, Senator Umaru Dahiru, Yusha’u Ahmed from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Aliyu Yabo,an engineer, Yusuf Attahiru Yabo and Farouk Malami Yabo. They are all from the South Senatorial District. To analysts, the way the Governor Aliyu Wamakko waved at those hailing Tambuwal at the ceremony confirmed that there is a deal between the duo on succession.

    It is an open secret that there are alignments and re-alignments going on. For example, former governorship contenders Senator Abubakar Umar Gada and Yusuf Suleiman are now in the camp of the governor. They have ended the hostilities and refrained from criticising Wamakko. A PDP source also said they may not be averse to Tambuwal’s candidature. Former NITT Chief Executive Mahe Dange and Ambassador Ladan Abdullahi Shuni, who anchored campaigns for the former governorship aspirants, are also backing the governor.

    Also honoured at the occasion were Professor John Paden from the United States, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu and the pro-Chancellor, Alhaji Bilya Sanda.

    According to the university’s management, Tambuwal was honoured with a doctorate degree in Law, for his contributions to the economic, social and political development of the country. Students were clapping as his citation was read by the university orator, Dr. Dahiru Argungu.

    No fewer than 300 federal lawmakers accompanied the Speaker. Observers said the huge turnout attested to his popularity in the House and a vote of confidence in his leadership. Tambuwal’s deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, and other associates described him as a man of integrity worthy of the award.

    Barely three weeks ago, the state was aglow for Tambuwal. He was in the capital to bag an award by the state government. But the university award was more significant because the Speaker is the first alumnus of the institution to occupy the number four seat.

    Showering encomiums on Tambuwal, the Minority Leader, in the House of Representatives, Abdulrahman Sumaila from Takai/Sumaila federal constituency, Kano State, said he had justified the confidence reposed in him. “ He has combined the necessary ingredients of leadership in so many dimensions that is why we are proud of him as a tested democrat of repute”, he said.

    The three senators from Sokoto State, Ahmed Maccido, Ibrahim Gobir and Umaru Dahiru, had nice things to say about the Speaker. They were present to spice the event that was also attended by the 11 representatives from the state.

    However, the ceremony was not all about political ego. The visitor to the university, President Goodluck Jonathan, enjoined well-meaning Nigerians to assist the nation’s institutions. He urged the management of universities to judiciously use the N3 billion special intervention fund to intellectual excellence. The funds are to encourage performance, not misapplication.”

    The President described universities as the bedrock of societal development, promising never to neglect them. “Federal government will continue to channel and focus its support on universities for standards both in character and learning”, added the President. Echoing him, National Universities Commission (NUC) chairman Professor Julius Okojie promised not to let the government down, assuring that the funds would be deployed to academic and developmental projects.

    President Jonathan urged stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to supporting universities through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative by funding and generating revenue to sustain their activities.

    He thanked the governments of the catchment areas; Sokoto, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara states; for their unflinching support to the university. He urged the awardees to see the awards as a call to duty, adding that “it is a mark of a new beginning and journey for self actualisation and development of Nigeria”

    Governor Ameachi, who responded on behalf of the awardees, announced the endowment of a chair in the English Department of the University. He, Wamakko and Tambawal also announced that they would jointly donate a hostel to ease accommodation problem. The governor hailed the rapid academic excellence recorded by Usman Danfodiyo University, stressing that it was an endorsement of government efforts and understanding towards tackling challenges in the education sector.

    “It is a replication of the scholarly legacies bequeathed to the Sokoto caliphate and institution named after the late Sheikh Usmanu Danfodiyo”, he added.

    Amaechi said the two major religions of Islam and Christianity preached and encouraged the seeking of knowledge by its followers, urging Nigerians to tap from these ideas for moral development. He urged the university management to sustain the tempo of academic standard. “We as leaders will not compromise good governance for the advancement of our people”, he assured.

    The Vice Chancellor, Professor Riskuwa Shehu, said the second generation university has been fulfilling its mandate of meeting the training needs of sister institutions and the public.

    Professor Shehu listed the challenges confronting the institution. He said the university was devastated by the 2010 flood that damaged its roads, urging the government and public-spirited individuals to assist the institution.

    The University Chancellor, Chief Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzor 11, said the institution had recorded remarkable achievements, adding that it met 68.9 percent criteria for programme accreditation by the NUC.

    At the ceremony were Emirs of Gwandu, Yauri, Argungu and other numerous title holders. Senator Abdul Ningi, former President Shehu Shagari, Minister for Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkadir, and Justice Aisha Dahiru also stepped out to be counted. Others included the Vice Chancellors of BUK, FUT Minna, ATBU Bauchi, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, and University of Ilorin.

     

  • Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal meet

    Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal meet

    The Presidency and the leadership of the National Assembly met yesterday for about two hours.

    Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal and Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Rotimi Amaechi met with President Goodluck Jonathan inside his office at the State House.

    Mark turned down all overtures from reporters who had wanted to know the issues discussed.

    The trio left in Mark’s car.

    Amaechi arrived at the State House shortly after Mark and Tambuwal went into the President’s office.

    The governor exchanged banter with a presidential aide who was trying to find out how he would leave the Villa.

    He told the aide: “They told me to come with them here.”

    Issues of the passage of the 2013 budget, the review of the 1999 Constitution and the sharing of the excess crude fund have been matters picthing the Presidency against the lawmakers.

    Another contentious issue is the fixing of the oil benchmark. President Jonathan, in his budget speech, had pegged the benchmark at $75 per barrel against differing figures ranging from $78-$80 projected by the National Assembly.

    The NGF has been in a row with the Presidency over the sharing of the excess crude.

    The matter, which is before a court, is yet to be resolved.