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Tag: Yakubu Dogara

  • Osinbajo warns board members against corruption 

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday warned new board members against corrupt practices in their assignments.

    He spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, while inaugurating boards of agencies under his office supervision.

    The boards inaugurated on Tuesday included the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).

    Harping on government’s determination to win the battle against corruption, Osinbajo urged the new chairmen and members to totally eschew corruption.

    He said “Let me at this point reiterate the determination of this administration to succeed in the fight against corruption. In carrying out your responsibility as Board Members, you must therefore eschew corruption totally as Government will not hesitate to sanction all infractions.”

    He also urged the new board members to focus on economic development and revive the country from recession.

    Osinbajo also charged them to key into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan of the Federal Government.

    He said “Nigeria has over the last 24 to 36 months, passed through a period of economic recession which necessitated the development of a home grown Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

    “Which you are expected to key into, in view of the importance of your institutions to national economic stability.

    “I therefore expect robust policies initiatives from you as members of the board being inaugurated today,” the Vice President said.

    The management of the various organisations under the boards, he said, should be allowed to perform their duties without any interference from the board.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Femi Gbajabiamila observed that the board was critical to national development.

    “There is a lot of work to be done and I believe you will do a wonderful job.” he said

    The Chairman of NIPSS Board, Ignatius Longjan, who spoke on behalf of the members promised to be diligent in their studies.

    He said “In this national assignment given to yes, we will do it diligently and appropriately, we will not let you down.

    “We will carry out these assignments to the best of our ability, whatever will make Nigeria better, we will do it,” he added

    While Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the Chairman of National Boundary Commission (NBC) and Border Community Development Agency (BCDA) Boards, Ignatius Longjan is the Chairman for NIPSS.

    Read Also: Osinbajo: Buhari administration is building a bright future for the youths

  • I lost a brother, confidant, Dogara mourns Sen. Wakili

     

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has described the death of Senator Malam Ali Wakili as devastating and heart breaking.

    The Speaker said Wakili was a personal friend, true brother and a dependable ally.

    Wakili who, until his death represented Bauchi South Senatorial District was reported to have slumped and died in his Gwarinpa, Abuja residence on Saturday morning.

    Dogara in a statement said, “The death of Sen. Ali Wakili is a personal loss to me. I’m short of words to describe how devastated and heartbroken I am over the passing away of this true friend, brother and confidant, with whom I had excellent brotherly relationship and association.

    “We have indeed lost a distinguished parliamentarian, easy going and courageous person who had worked tirelessly both in the Senate chamber and outside to defend the interest of his constituents, Bauchi State and the downtrodden members of the society in the country at large.

    “Within his short but eventful sojourn in the National Assembly, Sen. Wakili had distinguished himself with his characteristic display of patriotism, forthrightness and logical skills during debates and other legislative duties”.

    “We in Bauchi State and in particular, Bauchi South Senatorial District, have lost a  worthy ambassador and a distinguished gentleman. But we’ll take solace in the fact that his humanitarian services and other accomplishments will continue to be a source of inspiration to us all.

    “Our deep condolences go to his immediate family, constituents, the people of Bauchi State and the nation at large over this irreparable loss.”

  • Reps vow to unravel alleged rape cases in IDP camps

    The House of Representative on Wednesday vowed to unravel alleged rampant cases of raping across Internally Displaced Persons ( IDPs ) camp in the country.

    This followed a motion by Rep. Hassan Saleh (Benue-APC) on the “need to investigate the untoward activities going on in the various IDPs camps in Nigeria.”

    Moving the motion, Saleh said government’s effort concerning the care and protection of the IDPs was not enough, hence the need for government to do more to protect the victims.

    He expressed concern over the publication in one of the nation’s dailies of Dec. 17, 2017 on how the IDPs in Nigeria were poorly managed.

    “There are several IDP camps all over the country due to the continuous invasion by Boko Haram which has led to displacement of many innocent citizens from their communities” he said.

    According to him, there are a lot of stories in National dailies including New York Times of the harrowing Experiences of rape allegedly committed against women and girls by men in the camps, especially those who are supposed to protect them.

    He expressed worry that the stories of rape, sex for food and materials, rampant pregnancy and abandonment of young mothers and their children were the same in all the camps across the country.

    “There are also cases of pilfering of relief materials and extortion ravaging the camps.

    “Human Right watch had reportedly written to various government agencies requesting comments on the various allegations emanating from all the camps but has not received any response.

    “The National Emergency Management ( NEMA ) is mandated by its Act to provide relief materials to victims of natural or other disasters and to assist in their rehabilitation but it unable to do so.

    “NEMA and the Refugee Commission which have expanded mandate for IDPs are unable to cope with the level of displacement,” he said.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

    The House, therefore, mandated its Committee on IDPs, Refugees and Initiative on North-East to investigate cases of rape, teenage pregnancy, extortion and stealing of relief materials in IDPs’ camps.

    The committee has eight weeks to carry out the assignment.

    NAN

  • Why we have stunted entrepreneurial growth in Nigeria – Dogara

    The prevalent unfriendly banking practices are responsible for the stunted  entrepreneurship and by implication the slow growth of the nation’s economy  in Nigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said.

    He also identified lack of political will to effect necesaary reforms as a major stumbling block to a conducive entrepreneurial  growth in the country.

    According to him, the seemingly intractable  adverse effect of the harsh business environment requires a concerted action by all stakeholders.

    Dogara spoke  on Monday in Abuja at the launch of a book on banking reforms by Dr. Bode Ayorinde, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ono State.

    Also in attendance were the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu among several others.

    Dogara, who noted that high lending rates, coupled with  difficulties in accessing loans, regretted that the prevailing Nigerians banking  situation was not so unfriendly compared with what obtains in other countries.

    He said: “The challenge in the banking industry in Nigeria is such that it is organized in such a way that it creates buoyancy and development in other jurisdictions, not in Nigeria.

    “I have had cause to say this before, that unless you have assets or equipment, there is no way you can take loans or access loans from Nigerian banks to do the business.

    “If you are not careful in taking loans from Nigerian banks, one will just end up in the poverty gap. I don’t think our citizens are supposed to do their businesses with money they already have in their pockets.

    Read Also: Dogara decries difficulties in accessing loans

    “Businesses elsewhere are executed by loans by the banking industry in those countries. I don’t know why the interest rate in Nigeria is so high”.

    Saying that the time is now for a comprehensive review of the situation, the Speaker added, “What is it that we can do to lower the cost of funds in Nigeria, so that our young men, women and entrepreneurs can risk taking money from our financial institutions in order to realize their dreams?”

    Besides, business reforms in the country are not likely to succeed in Nigeria considering the fact that loans remain largely inaccessible to those who most require such financial aids to grow their businesses, he noted.

    “I love the fact that the Vice President is chairing the council on the ease of doing business in Nigeria but in dealing with most businesses, you are forced to ask what business are we doing? How do we fund these businesses?,” he noted.

    Saying that the political will to tackle the challenge has been lacking, Dogara nonetheless challenged all stakeholders to work together to strengthen institutions saddled with the responsibilities of repositioning the econony to work towards ensuring compliance with global best practices.

    “That has been the challenge, from the point of view of the Executive down to the Parliament, the political will to address this has not been there.

    “And the answer has always been that just one opinion cannot solve the issue, all hands need to work at it. We cannot afford to continue having weak institutions in Nigeria, not after so many years of having balance.

    “So I believe that concerning some of these borrowing voyages such as been embarked upon recently can be avoided by applying the required formulas that work even here in Nigeria.

    “The sharp parallel that is drawn between the practice here in Nigeria and the practices in over 20 other jurisdictions of the world,” he added.

  • Reps move to curb incessant medical tourism abroad

    Reps move to curb incessant medical tourism abroad

    In a bid to curb incessant rate of medical tourism abroad, the House of Representatives has called for a comprehensive upgrade of Tertiary Health System, Teaching Hospitals and Medical Centres in each state of the country to international standard.

    To this end, the House also resolved to set in motion, necessary machineries that would ensure an upward review of the Budgetary allocation for the health sector to meet the minimum 15 percent recommended by African Heads of States in Abuja, known as the Abuja Declaration 2001.

    The resolution of the Green Chamber was sequel to the adoption of the prayers of a motion sponsored by a member, Segun Adekola (PDP Ekiti) titled: “Need to upgrade the teaching Hospitals and the National Hospital, Abuja to international standard.”

    Adekola while moving the motion noted that available statistics showed that Nigerians spend over N360 billion yearly on medical treatment abroad.

    He said despite Nigeria being a major signatory to the Abuja Declaration of Heads of Governments which resolved to adopt a minimum of 15 percent as national health budgets for all members in Africa, the Country has never exceeded 6 percent since the declaration was made in 2001.

    The One percent consolidated fund which the National Health Act, 2014 stipulated for health, especially for universal health coverage, health insurance and primary healthcare, has never been implemented since the Act was enacted in 2014, he said.

    “If the twenty Teaching Hospitals spread across the six geo-political zones of the country are refurbished and made to function optimally, Nigerians will not need to travel abroad for medical treatment,” Adekola said.

    When the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara called for a vote on the matter, it was passed by a majority of members.

    The House thereafter mandated the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity to ensure implementation of the resolution.

    Read Also: Reps seeks US’ support in repatriating stolen funds

  • Senate, Reps agree to move NFIU to CBN

    Senate, Reps agree to move NFIU to CBN

    The Senate and House of Representative conference committee have agreed to domicile the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), it was learnt Tuesday.

    This is coming as the Senate has scheduled today (Wednesday) consider and adopt the report of the Conference Committee on NFIU Bill.

    The NFIU is currently domiciled in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC.)

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi submitted the conference committee’s report to the Senate yesterday.

    The Bill seeks to grant financial and operational autonomy to the NFIU, which is currently domiciled in the EFCC.

    Findings showed that the conference committee adopted the recommendation of the Senate, which removed the NFIU from the anti-graft agency and domiciled it in the CBN.

    The House position which was jettisoned by the conference was that the NFIU should continue to be domiciled in EFCC.

    The Egmont group, a global network of 154 Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), had suspended Nigeria at its last general meeting in July 2017.

    The FIU threatened to expel the country if the Unit was not given autonomy by its next meeting holding on March 11, 2018.

    If expelled, the country will suffer a blacklist in the global finance sector and Nigerian Banks will be unable to issue Mastercard and Visa credit/debit cards while card transactions with Nigerian originated cards will be blocked. This means Nigerians will be unable to carry out foreign transactions.

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, said that the Bill will be considered today.

    Ekweremadu commended Utazi and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, for putting aside their differences and presenting a harmonised report.

    He said that the Bill will be passed and signed into law before the group’s meeting this weekend.

    Only last week, Utazi accused his counterpart in the House of attempting to derail the process of having a legal framework that would guarantee independence of the NFIU.

    Oladele fired back and insisted that Utazi was behind the delay in the passing of the Bill.

    A meeting between Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, mandated the two lawmakers to meet and conclude work on the conference report.

    The joint committee met on Monday, where the two versions of the report were harmonised.

    Read Also: Senate, Reps bicker over NFIU bill

  • Reps to probe alleged loss of N2bn, $3.8m interests from sale of PHCN

    Reps to probe alleged loss of N2bn, $3.8m interests from sale of PHCN

    The House of Representatives is to investigate the alleged loss of two billion naira and 3.8 million dollars through banks’ non-payment of interests on the proceeds of the sale of PHCN successor companies.

    The decision followed the unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Chukwuka Onyema ( Anambra-PDP ) at the plenary on Tuesday.

    The session was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara.

    The house resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to carry out the probe and to report back to the house within six weeks for further legislative action.

    Onyema had said that the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 unbundled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) into 18 successor companies.

    He said the companies were six generation companies, and 12 distribution companies covering the 36 states of the federation as well as National Power Transmission Company.

    Onyema said following the divestiture of Federal Government from PHCN through privatisation, the company was divided into separate companies known as the Local Electricity Distribution Companies.

    He said the successor companies made payment to the Federal Government through Standard Chartered Bank, Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Access Bank, FCMB, Skye Bank, Sterling Bank, Zenith Bank and Unity Bank.

    “The accrued interests due to the Federal Government to the tune of two billion naira and 3.8 million dollars were alleged to have been diverted by those banks in collaboration with officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria,’’ Onyema said.

    He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution empowers the House to conduct investigations for the purpose of exposing corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws and management of funds.

    NAN

  • Stakeholders beg Buhari over Peace Corps bill.

    Stakeholders beg Buhari over Peace Corps bill.

    Stakeholders especially have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind his decision on the withholding of assent for the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) bill.

    They said the action would deprive the teeming youths the opportunity to secure targeted employment.

    A public analyst, Thomas Ikugbese at a news conference in Akure, the state capital said signing the bill would have boosted the image of Buhari’s administration.

    He expressed fear on possibility of more youths who were disappointed on the development not to go on suicide mission like it reportedly happened recently in Gombe state.

    Buhari had declined to assent to the Nigeria Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill passed in 2017 by the National Assembly.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara read the letter from the President who cited security concerns and financial implication as parts of the reasons for declining to sign the bill.

    Read Also: Attack on aid workers godless, despicable – Buhari

    Ikugbese who is a Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) noted that the refusal of President Buhari to sign the bill would affect many youths who had hoped that the Peace Corps of Nigeria would provide them employment.

    He urged President Buhari to save youths from committing suicide by rescinding his decision and assent to the PCN’s bill.

    In the alternative, Ikugbese urged National Assembly to recall the bill to the parliament and muster two-thirds of the membership of the House of Representatives and Senate to pass it into law.

    Ikugbese said that Nigeria with the population of 186 million and police numbering about 370, 000 need effective policing.

    He said, of the 370, 000 a staggering 80 percent of this number are assigned to private citizens, politicians, businessmen and private enterprises while leaving only 20 percent for the core police duties of peace and security.

    According to him, there are people in the security agencies and in the presidency frustrating efforts of President Buhari to append his signature on the bill.

    He said that the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) was not in a competition with the police or other security agencies.

    He explained that the Presidency should not be scared of monthly remuneration that the Peace Corps of Nigeria will gulp from the scarce resources of the nation.

    The NCP Presidential aspirant noted that the fund to run the corps should not necessarily come from the federal government as those who required its service could pay.

  • Let Peace Corps be, youths beg Buhari

    Let Peace Corps be, youths beg Buhari

    The non-signing of the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) bill by President Muhammad Buhari is generating ripples among stakeholders especially youths in Ondo state.

    They faulted the action which would have facilitated employment for the teeming youths in the country.

    A medical expert, Thomas Ikugbese at a news conference in Akure said signing the bill would have boosted the image of Buhari’s administration.

    He expressed fear on possibility of more youths who were disappointed on the development not to go on suicide mission like it happened recently in Gombe state.

    Buhari had declined to assent to the Nigeria Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill passed in 2017 by the National Assembly.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara read the letter from the President who cited security concerns and financial implication as parts of the reasons for declining to sign the bill.

    Ikugbese who is a Presidential Candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) noted that the refusal of President Buhari to sign the bill would affect many youths who had hoped that the Peace Corps of Nigeria would provide them employment.

    He urged President Buhari to save youths from committing suicide by rescinding his decision and assent to the PCN’s bill.

    In the alternative, Ikugbese urged National Assembly to recall the bill to Parliament, muster two-thirds of the membership of the House of Representatives and Senate and pass it into law in spite of despite Buhari veto, if he fails to honour the bill.

    Ikugbese said that Nigeria with the population of 186 million and police numbering about 370, 000 need effective policing.

    He said, of the 370, 000 a staggering 80 percent of this number are assigned to private citizens, politicians, businessmen and private enterprises while leaving only 20 percent for the core police duties of peace and security.

    According to him, there are people in the security agencies and in the presidency frustrating efforts of President Buhari to append his signature on the bill.

    He said that the Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) was not in a competition with the police or other security agencies.

    He explained that the Presidency should not be scared of monthly remuneration that the Peace Corps of Nigeria will gulp from the scarce resources of the nation.

    The NCP Presidential aspirant noted that the fund to run the corps should not necessarily come from the federal government as those who required its service could pay.

    Read Also: Buhari withholds assent on Peace Corps Bill

  • Killings: Reps urge FG to provide sustainable security in Zamfara

    Killings: Reps urge FG to provide sustainable security in Zamfara

     

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, called on the federal government to give special security attention to Zamfara State because of the recurring killings by unknown armed men going on there.

    According to the Green Chamber, the Federal government should provide a coordinated and sustainable security intervention, involving but not limited to land and air military operations; State Security Services and other security agencies.

    The resolution of the House was sequel to the passage of a motion of urgent national importance titled: “urgent call on federal government to provide security to Zamafara state” sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Husaini Moriki (APC Zamfara)

    The lawmaker noted that the state is facing various security challenges ranging from kidnapping, cattle rustling, community attacks and general banditry activities.

    He also recalled recent killings of about forty people on Wednesday, 14th February, 2018in Birane and Mashema districts of Zurmi Local Government by unknown armed bandit.

    According to him, previous killings had been brought before the House and many resolutions to address the situations were adopted and implemented by both Zamfara state government as well as the federal government but regretted that the implementation was not consistent and could not be sustained thus leaving the state vulnerable to further attacks.

    “Recent attacks in the two local government areas that I represent namely Shinkafi and Zurmi claimed no fewer than one hundred lives and property worth millions of naira were lost.

    “Beside this, several citizens of the local government Areas were also kidnapped, and ransoms amounting to millions of Naira were paid by relatives of the victims in Oder to secure their release.”

    Read Also: Teacher flogs student to death in  Zamfara

    Moriki expressed concern that the development has negatively impacted on the economic wellbeing of the people of the state as businesses have collapsed and farms abandoned due to fear.

    When the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara called for a vote on the motion, it was supported by majority of members.

    Subsequently, the House urged the national emergency Management Agency NEMA, through its committee on NEMA to send relief materials to families of the victims.

    It also resolved to send a delegation to visit and condole the people of Birane and Mashema in Zurmi LGA and the people and government of Zamfara State.