The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yakubu Dogara

  • Bill seeking to address Biafra agitation suffers setback  

    Bill seeking to address Biafra agitation suffers setback  

    A Bill seeking to address Biafra agitation with the establishment of Development Commission for the Sputheast geo-polical zone suffered a setback  on the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday.

    The sponsors of the Bill  failed to present it for second reading.

    The general principles of the bill, sponsored by Chukwuka Onyema (PDP, Anambra), Uzoma Nkem-Abonta (PDP, Abia) and Henry Nwawuba (PDP, Imo) was listed for debate Wednesday but had to be stepped down.

    When it was time for the bill to be debated and the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara noticed that the lead sponsor Onyema, who is also the Minority Leader was not on the floor, he asked the Chairman, Rules and Business Committee, Emmanuel Oker-Jev to step it down.

    At this point, voices were heard around the floor indicating that one of the sponsors,  Nkem-Abonta was on ground.

    The Speaker then asked Nkem-Abonta to take it.

    On his feet, the lawmaker stated that he could not present the bill because it was agreed between them that the Minority Leader will present it and take the lead debate.

    The bill was eventually stepped down with the leave of the House.

    According to the snippets of the  lead debate, the bill that seeks to establish the South East Development Commission would be charged with the responsibility among other things to receive and manage fund from allocation of the Federation Account for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads, houses and other infrastructural damages suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the civil war as well as tackle the ecological problems and any other related environmental or developmental challenges in the South East States.

    The objectives of the Bill with the establishment of the South East Development Commission is help to tackle the infrastructure deficit in the South East.

    “The creation of SEDC may help to end agitation for Biafra. It will be noted that the lack of Federal Government presence in South East geopolitical zone is the main reason for the current agitation for the creation of Biafra Republic.

    “If there is strong federal government presence in the zone, our youth will not see Biafra as an alternative while fortune and fame seekers will not capitalize on that to hoodwink our gullible youths.

    “The Bill will bring hope and employment in the South East region.

    The synopsis further revealed the background of the bill stating that “The Civil War that ended in 1970 saw lots of destructions of roads, houses and other infrastructures in the South East region.

    “Arising from the massive destruction of infrastructures and gruesome bloodletting that arise from the war, the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon proclaimed the three Rs. Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation, which he heralded his policy of “No Victor” No Vanquished”.

    “These policies were meant to quickly heal the gaping wounds of the gruesome bloodletting, forget the horrors and evils of the war and quickly reintegrate the South East regions into the society.

    “The question one will ask today is: have these South East regions of Nigeria been reconciled, rehabilitated, reconstructed and integrated into the mainstream of Nigeria Society. The answer is NO.

    “This bill if passed into law will strategically accelerate the economic emancipation of the marginalized people of the South East who are still suffering from the shackles of the Civil War amongst other forms of deprivation.

    “The bill will address the Three Rs, proclaimed of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation abandoned over 40 years after the war, as to give hope to the South East Region”.

    Being stepped down, the bill stands the chance of being presented at another legislative day.

     

  • Journalists critical to political process – Dogara

    Journalists critical to political process – Dogara

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara‎, said on Wednesday that journalists were very critical to the success of the nation’s political process.

    Dogra made the remark in Kaduna at a National Colloquium on Elections, Corruption and Road Map to 2019 Elections organised by the Kaduna State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    The speaker, who was represented by the Chief Whip of the House, Alhaji Ado Doguwa, said journalists have a constitutional mandate to ensure that those in authority remain accountable to the people.

    “The media should be the number one arm of government as democracy is an all inclusive method which carries everyone along.

    “He who controls the minds of the people controls the minds of the society, this is true as the Nigerian Journalists contribute 75 percent to the success of elections,” Dogara said.

    The speaker, however, urged media practitioners to desist from writing fake reports as it only ends up creating problems within the society.

    The National President of the NUJ, Mr. Waheed Odusile, called on political parties to put their heads together so as to move the country forward.

    “We call on all political parties to put their heads together. For a journey, there must be a vehicle and without it there will be no movement” he said.

    Odusie said the Nigerian Constitution has specifically mandated the media to ensure it carried out its mandate by monitoring governance.

    He stressed the need for the media to operate freely and urged members to be mindful of what they write so as to avoid overheating the polity.

    In his welcome address, the Chairman of Kaduna state NUJ, Adamu Yusuf also called on media practitioners to always say the truth and be objective in their reports.

    Yusuf said the journalist is the overseer of the truth and justice.

    “We are expected to adhere strictly to the principle of equity, brotherhood, national interest, global peace and objective reportage even against our erring members.”

  • Passage of Medical Residency Bill will end doctors’ strike – Dogara

    Passage of Medical Residency Bill will end doctors’ strike – Dogara

    …Ministry, Stakeholders hail Reps Residency Bill

    The incessant strikes by Doctors in the country will end with the passage of a  bill to regulate the Medical Residency Programme, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has said.

    Dogara spoke at a two- day Public Hearing organized by the Hon. Betty Apiafi- headed House Committee of Health Institutions Tuesday.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony for a two-day public hearing on the residency bill, a Bill for an Act to Ammend the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to Streamline the Number of Pharmacy Schools on the Council and three other health sector bills, Dogara who was represented at the public hearing by Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema said the House places the health and well-being of Nigerians as top priority.

    According to him, the bills under consideration are targeted at improving the efficiency in the country’s healthcare institutions  Pandora will always receive  full support from the National Assembly.

    The Ministry of Heath, the West African Post College of Surgeons, the National Post Graduate College and the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria all hailed the bill on Medical Residency saying the bill would curtail the wrangling in the health sector

    There were however arguments amongst the various stakeholders on how to harmonize the experience and certificates of medical practitioners who studied abroad and desire to practice especially on how they would qualify for residency in the country.

    The ministry’s representative Felix O. Ogenyi said the Ministry was behind the bill as it believes the bill will bring about a positive turnaround in the health sector.

    Dr. Onyebueze John, President, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, NARD said the. The bill was timely and “should be given a favourable consideration with the suggestions given to bring about medical residency training in Nigeria that would help improve medical care in Nigeria.

    He said: It is sad to note that other countries have seen the training of highly skilled and specialized expertise in addition to the rehired equipment as means of earning positive balance of trade, Nigeria refused to look in the direction of manpower development in our health sector for many years.

    “Little wonder what is spent on medical tourism annually in Nigeria is astronomically high as a result of our failure to develop the health sector and give attention to postgraduate training.

    “NARD sees this bill if passed as one of those laws that will positively impact in our health sector, the health system and the masses at large.”

    However, the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists in their submission signed by their Secretary General, Prof. Noel Wannang and three others argued for inclusion in the residency Programme law.

    “The purpose of this memorandum is to draw the attention of the House of Representative’s Committee on Health Institutions and the general public to the fact that the residency programme for Pharmacist already exists and should be properly captured in the proposed bill before the House of Representatives,” the organization said.

    The Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Betty Apiafi said that it’s time for the Ministry of Heath to include residency funding in the budget. According to the committee, since the processes for the Committee directed the Ministry of Health to ensure that there is a budget for the residency programme

    She further, stated: ” In the last two years the committee on health institutions has put a lot of effort towards solving the seemingly intractable and multifaceted challenges that bedevil the health sector

    “The residency programme bill is an example of the National Assembly intervening to deal with the problem of obsolete laws that are not in tandem with international best practices.

    “This bill will act as the comprehensive policy of government on the funding, the curriculum, scheme and tenure of the residency programme. It will also resolve the issue of non-uniformity of the residency programme at different institution as these are the major issues that made the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at specific institutions commence on strike with disturbing frequency”.”

    Recall that the House passed for second reading:  “A Bill for an Act to Regulate the Medical Residency Training Programme in Nigeria and for Related Matters” on March 30.  The bill was sponsored by Hon. Betty Apiafi, chairperson, House Committee on Health Institutions.

  • Reps to probe alleged unpaid SIWES allowances to students

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, resolved to probe Industrial Training Fund (ITF) over alleged unpaid allowances of students who participated in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES).

    This followed a motion by Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP) on the “Need to address the non-payment of SIWES allowances to students by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)”.

    Moving the motion, Chinda said that the failure of the ITF to pay allowances to students who participated in the SIWES needed to be addressed.

    He said that payment of allowances was one of the mandates for which ITF was set up.

    Chinda said that the fund was also established to encourage acquisition of skills needed for manpower training in the country and under the SIWES scheme.

    According to him, students under the scheme usually undertake six months or one year under ITF.

    “It is unpatriotic for ITF or any government agency to deliberately bring hardship to students by withholding funds that have been released for payment of their SIWES allowances.

    “Unless urgent action is taken to check the prevailing sharp practices in the operations of the ITF, students will continue to be ripped off,” 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 mandated its Committee on Industry to investigate allegations of sharp practices and fraud in the operations of ITF, especially on the utilisation of its funds from 2010 till date.

    The committee is to report back, its findings to the House within four weeks for further, legislative action.

  • Protesters storm NASS in support of Senator Ubah

    Protesters storm NASS in support of Senator Ubah

    Over one thousand protesters stormed the National Assembly on Tuesday in support of Senator Andy Ubah.

    The protesters who staged a peaceful rally at the entrance of the National Assembly asked Nigerians to disregard blackmailer laboring to pull down Senator Ubah.

    Ubah who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), represents Anambra South in the upper chamber.

    He is also said to have concluded arrangements to declare his gubernatorial ambition in the state.

    President of Coalition of Civil Society Groups, Etuk Bassey Williams, who led the protest told reporters that they were out to speak against incessant blackmail and campaign of calumny against people in public places, especially the National Assembly.

    He said, “Members of civil society numbering over a thousand are here to exercise their constitutional rights to speak against incessant blackmail and propaganda against people in public places especially the National Assembly.

    “First on the line was the Senate president followed by the speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara. It was also followed by Senator Dino Melaye when it was rumoured that he never went to school and the latest of it is Senator Andy Uba.

    “I want to say this very clearly that we have written to the school concerned abroad, California State university and we can confirm to every Nigeria and the international community that the response we got from the institution was very clear and very straight forward that Senator Andy Uba graduated from that institution.

    “A fact that needs to be noted, a fact that needs to be shared among all Nigerians is that blackmailers should desist from further blackmail, enough is enough.

    “The National Assembly has its own constitutional responsibility but what we are urging the National Assembly especially the Senate President who is the chairman of National Assembly to inform the Nigerian security agencies to exercise their own mandate by arresting and prosecuting those who are bent on blackmailing the members of the National Assembly and their sponsors.

    “The demonstration today is a show of solidarity, a show of nationalism and of course a show of true ambassador to the Federal Republic.

    “Nigerians are hungry and from the information we gathered we know and we are quite aware that National Assembly will pass the budget this week and we are very hopeful.”

  • Dogara hails Buhari over release of 82 Chibok girls

    Dogara hails Buhari over release of 82 Chibok girls

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has described the release of 82 Chibok school girls as delightful and heartening, and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the feat.

    Dogara, in a statement issued in Bauchi on Sunday by his media aide, Mr Turaki Hassan, also commended the efforts of security agencies and others involved in the negotiation process.

    “Last month, the House of Representatives adopted a motion, urging the Executive to expedite negotiation for the release of the schoolgirls who remained in captivity, and the news of the release of 82 Chibok girls is delightful, to say the least.

    “President Buhari has further proven that he is a man of his words, as he could have used the initial inaction by the previous administration as an excuse to not take action, but he didn’t.

    “It has been said in many quarters that true leadership is defined not by apportioning blame, but by solving challenges irrespective of their genesis, and the President deserves all commendation for this feat.

    “It is extremely gladdening that these 82 girls will finally be reunited with their families.

    “It is my ardent hope that they get the required medical attention, and that the other girls and all others who remained in captivity are released soon,” Dogara said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the girls had been in captivity since 2014 when they were abducted from their school in Chibok, Borno.

     

  • Dogara, constituents offer prayers for Buhari

    Dogara, constituents offer prayers for Buhari

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara and his constituents, on Saturday offered both Christian and Muslim prayers for the full recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The special prayers were led by Rev. Kefas Galadima, Chairman, Christian Association, (CAN), Dass branch and Sheikh Hamza Dass, at the launching road project in Bogoro/Dass, Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency.

    The speaker urged the people to remember the leadership of the country in their daily prayers.

    “Please, as you have been told and you know, he has health challenges.

    “Pray for the leadership of this country, pray for Vice President, pray for the governors and council chairmen, even when they are not doing well, that God will give them wisdom to improve.

    “Pray for them so that they will see themselves to be working for the people,” he said.

    The speaker also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for restoring peace and stability in the North East and the nation in general.

    He added that the National Assembly would continue to support the president’s efforts in sustaining lasting peace in the country. (NAN)

  • Increasing workers salary has become necessary – Dogara 

    Increasing workers salary has become necessary – Dogara 

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara on Sunday said that increasing workers’ salary had become necessary in view of the rising cost of living in the country.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan to mark the 2017 Workers’ Day, Dogara said that the House is  committed to passing a new minimum wage bill.

    The Speaker reiterated the resolve of the parliament to enact a new minimum wage bill for Nigerian workers.

    “I wish to congratulate the entire Nigerian workers as they join their counterparts the world over in commemorating the International Workers’ Day.

    “While commending you for your commitment to the service and building of the nation, I wish to assure you that the National Assembly remains committed to the passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill when presented by the executive,” Dogara said.

    The Speaker further stressed that the 8th House of Representatives in particular was committed to initiating other laws and legislative interventions that will promote the welfare and well being of Nigerian workers.

    Dogara, however, enjoined workers, especially civil servants to rededicate themselves to duty and support government’s laudable policies and programmes.

    “As you mark this historic day,  I wish to remind Nigerians of the sacrifices made by the working class in nation building.

    “And I urge you to commit yourselves to doing even more in supporting government’s activities that will better the lots of our citizens “, Dogara stated.

     

  • NASS committed to passing new minimum wage bill – Dogara 

    NASS committed to passing new minimum wage bill – Dogara 

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has reiterated the commitment of the National Assembly to passing a new minimum wage bill.

    In a statement to mark the 2017 Workers’ Day, Dogara said the parliament had resolved to enact new minimum wage bill for Nigerian workers.

    The speaker said that increasing workers’ salary had become necessary in view of the current inflation, naira devaluation and rising cost of living in the country.

    He added that “I wish to congratulate the entire Nigerian workers as they join their counterparts all over the world in commemorating the International Workers’ Day.

    “While commending you for your sacrifice and commitment to the service and building of the nation, I wish to assure you that the National Assembly and in particular, the 8th House of Representatives remains committed to the passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill when presented by the Executive.

    “We are committed to initiating other laws and legislative interventions that will promote the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian Workers.”

    The Reps helmsman, however, enjoined the country’s labour force to rededicate themselves to duty and support government’s laudable policies and programmes.

  • Reps urge Buhari to challenge EFCC Act in court

    The House of Representatives has urged the Presidency to seek interpretation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act before a court, following the Senate’s rejection of Mr Ibrahim Magu as Chairman.

    The House also resolved that the executive should refrain from making statements that connote the usurpation of the judiciary’s powers considering it negative effects on the doctrine of separation of powers.

    This followed a motion on Thursday in Abuja by Rep. Leo Ogor (Delta-PDP) on the “need to prevent erosion of the Doctrine of Separation of Power”.

    Moving the motion, Ogor explained that by the clear provision of Section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, the chairman of the anti-corruption agency shall be nominated by the President subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

    “Convinced that the EFCC Act is an Act of the National Assembly that can only be set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction, and until that happens, the law remains in force and binding on all persons and authorities in the country.

    “Further aware that the Executive Arm of Government has not filed any proceeding in any court to challenge the provision of Section 2 (3) of the EFCC (established) Act of 2004.”

    Ogor said that under the doctrine of separation of powers, the interpretation of the constitution and Acts of parliament was the sole responsibility of the judiciary and not that of any person or official of the other arms of government.

    He said that the statement credited to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was capable of eroding the doctrine of separation of powers with its obvious implication of instituting a dictatorship in the country.

    Contributing to the motion, Rep. Simon Arabo (Kaduna-APC), said that there was need by the executive to tow the line of separation of powers.

    Also, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (Rivers-PDP), said that people should not continue to upgrade opinions to be actual facts.

    “Government should be responsive and listen to the opinions of the masses,” he said.

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

    The House, therefore, mandated its Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation of its resolution.