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Valedictory Session: Speaker Abbas Pays Tribute To Na’Abba

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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…Gbajabiamila, Masari, others hail late lawmaker at valedictory session

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, led several former and serving members of the House to pay glowing tributes to a former Speaker of the forth House, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Na’Abba, CFR, at a valedictory session held in his honour.

Na’Abba, who served as the Speaker of the House from July 1999 to May 2003, died on December 27, 2023.

Leading the tributes, Speaker Abbas described him as “an extraordinary statesman and a patriot,” saying that the ex-Speaker “undoubtedly, left an indelible mark on our nation’s democratic journey and will be remembered as one of the titans of our democracy.”

The Speaker said the session was to testify to Na’abba’s courage, boldness, dedication to the principles of democracy, exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to the time-honoured principles of separation of powers.

Of all his qualities, Speaker Abbas said, what stood out the most were Na’Abba’s simplicity, austerity, contentment and rare honesty.

“He was a modest and deeply religious man who gave the last full measure of devotion to his work and Nigeria. He lived a simple life but always with the end in mind. His life is, therefore, a worthy lesson for political office holders of today and generations of politicians to come,” he said.

Speaker Abbas said though it was a moment of grief and national mourning, it was equally a time for sober reflection and celebration of his unblemished public service record and enduring legacy.

“At a more personal level, I am humbled by the enormity of his contributions and inspired by the purity of his vision. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of the enduring strength of our democracy and the pivotal role of the legislature in that regard,” he added.

The Speaker recalled that at the dawn of the Fourth Republic in 1999, Nigeria stood on the threshold of history. He said after long years of military rule, Nigerians longed for stability, democracy, and governance that resonated with their hopes and aspirations. He noted that it was in this context that Na’Abba assumed the position of the Speaker, guiding the House with wisdom, dedication, and unwavering commitment.

“His tenure laid the foundations of a robust, independent legislature, vital for the checks and balances that underpin a vibrant democratic system. His leadership was characterised by a profound understanding that the strength of a democracy is measured not just by the freedom enjoyed by its citizens but also by the strength of its institutions,” Speaker Abbas stressed.

The Speaker further said under Na’Abba’s stewardship, the House emerged as a forum for vigorous debate and a powerful instrument for change and development. He added that the late lawmaker championed laws and reforms that continue to impact the nation, fostering economic growth, social justice, and the welfare of all Nigerians. He stressed that Na’Abba laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the House and pursued institutional building with unparalleled vigour and passion.

Speaker Abbas added: “Moreover, his tenure was marked by efforts to ensure the independence of the legislature, recognising that a truly democratic society thrives when its legislative arm operates without undue influence, freely articulating the will and aspirations of the people. He worked diligently with his colleagues to ensure the National Assembly budget was put on first-line charge.

“He also formalised the legislative aides’ system we operate today, which continues to boost the capacity of legislators for enhanced performance. The vision of Hon. Na’Abba has been supported by successive administrations, with the Executive arm working in concert with the National Assembly to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability.”

The Speaker announced that the House had resolved that the National Assembly Service Commission building under construction be named after Na’Abba and that the resolution had been transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said Na’Abba must have been a good man indeed if his deputy could publicly declare so several years after they had worked together. “Your Excellency, you are alive and I am your deputy, and I want to say you are a good man. Your Excellency, I will not wait till we meet in heaven. We have a long way to go. You are a good man,” he said.

Several former leaders and ex-members of the House who spoke at the session, especially those who served with Na’Abba between 1999 and 2003, recalled several memories of the foremost parliamentarian.

Those at the ceremony included the immediate past Speaker of the House and current Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former Speaker and ex-Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; and ex-Deputy Speaker (Na’Abba deputy), Rt. Hon Chibudum Nwuche.

Others were former Chief Whip (under Na’Abba), Abubakar Bawa Bwari, who spoke for former principal officers of the House and disclosed that 76 members 1999-2003 set had died; Senator Binta Masi Garba who spoke for the 12 female members of the 4th National Assembly; former Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, who spoke for former members of the House; and former members of the House and ex-Senior Special Assistants to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senators Kawu Sumaila and Ita Enang, among others.

In his tribute, Gbajabiamila recalled that he was elected to the House in 2003 and was there for 20 years – till 2023. “Therefore, it is with a feeling of melancholy that I appear for the first time, officially, in this House (after becoming Chief of Staff to the President) with mixed emotions. But I take solace – and I think we should all do – that we are here not only to remember one of us but to celebrate a giant,” he said.

The former Speaker described Na’Abba as “a great man, a talented politician, a worthy public servant and a true Nigerian patriot whose death has brought tears and sorrow,” saying, “But as I said, we do not mourn the life he lived for we know and the evidence abounds that he lived a very good life of service. Our grief Mr. Speaker Honourable Members stems from knowing that with his passing, our nation has lost the talent of a principled and courage of a consummate politician.”

Similarly, Masari recalled how tough it was for Na’Abba to lead the House filled with inexperienced members successfully under President Olusegun Obasanjo who was a retired General of the Nigerian Army and former military Head of State. “But thank God Ghali Umar Na’Abba came from a radical political background in Kano. It helped him a lot; it gave him the courage to face the challenges of that time. There is no how the history of the legislature, particularly that of the House of Representatives, can be written without a special place for Ghali Umar Na’Abba,” he said.

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AAU denies withholding NELFUND student loans

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2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

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The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has denied allegations that it withheld funds disbursed under the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.

The denial follows reports by an online news platform alleging that some graduates of the institution accused the university of failing to release student loan funds approved in their names.

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university insisted that there was “no scandal of any kind” in its handling of the student loan programme.

“The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, wishes to categorically state that there is no scandal of any kind in our dealings with NELFUND and the benefitting students of our university,” the statement said.

The university explained that it first participated in the NELFUND loan programme during the 2024/2025 academic session, noting that the timing of the loan application process created complications for some students who were completing the previous academic year.

According to the management, when the loan application portal opened, the university was still concluding the 2023/2024 academic session.

“As at the time the application portal opened for the 2024/2025 loan scheme, our university was concluding the 2023/2024 academic session. Some final-year students applied for the loan, but by the time of disbursement, they had already graduated,” the statement explained.

The institution said the development created uncertainty regarding the eligibility of the affected applicants, prompting the university to seek clarification from the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

“Due to this conflict, we sought clarification from NELFUND, and they indicated that the affected individuals were not eligible since they were no longer students at the time of disbursement,” the statement added.

AAU further maintained that it had complied with all the guidelines and procedures provided by the loan fund and assured that discussions with the agency were ongoing to resolve the issue.

“We complied with NELFUND’s guidelines. Engagement on this matter remains ongoing, and affected graduates will be kept informed of updates through established channels,” the university stated.

The clarification comes amid allegations by 13 graduates of the institution who claimed that the university withheld loan funds disbursed in their names under the NELFUND scheme.

According to the affected graduates, they applied for the loan during their final year but were unable to access the funds before their final examinations, forcing them to rely on personal savings, family assistance and private loans to pay their tuition fees.

They alleged that months after graduating, they discovered that the loan had already been disbursed to the university, despite the fact that they had independently settled their school fees.

The graduates also expressed concern that the loan still appears under their names on the NELFUND portal, raising fears that they may be required to repay funds they never personally received.

They have therefore called on the university to provide a formal explanation, refund the loan amounts, and clarify how repayment obligations would be handled if the funds are not returned.

The controversy has sparked renewed debate about the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and the need for clear administrative processes to prevent disputes between institutions and beneficiaries.

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Enugu Assembly passes law to harmonize taxes, ban illegal levies, roadblocks

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2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

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The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a landmark law aimed at harmonizing taxes and levies across the state, a move intended to eliminate illegal roadblocks and unauthorized collections that have long burdened residents.

The bill, titled “Enugu State Harmonises Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2026,” underwent thorough readings and deliberations, including review by a committee of the whole house, before being passed into law.

Members of the Assembly emphasized that the legislation would curb multiple taxation, promote transparency, and ensure proper verification of taxes through the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.

Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West State Constituency, highlighted the persistent menace of illegal roadblocks, particularly along federal roads, and urged residents to verify taxes directly with the Board of Internal Revenue to avoid undue payments.

“With this bill, we will put a stop to these roadblocks so that every collection of any state tax will be straight,” Aniagu said, stressing the importance of proper public awareness.

Hon. Malachy Onyechi of Nsukka West praised the law for fostering transparency and good governance, noting that harmonized taxes would strengthen government revenue and fund infrastructural development. He emphasized that educating citizens on tax structures is key to ensuring compliance and understanding of government operations.

Hon. Okey Mbah added that the law would boost investor confidence by providing a predictable and stable tax environment, while advocating for public sensitization to prevent misinformation.

However, some concerns were raised about enforcement and penalties for illegal levies. Hon. Raymond Ugwu suggested that proposed penalties may be too lenient and recommended the creation of a regulatory board to oversee enforcement and determine appropriate punishments.

Overall, the law marks a significant step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly taxation system in Enugu State, protecting residents from arbitrary levies while enhancing fiscal discipline and good governance.

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MultiChoice To Shut Down Streaming Platform Showmax After 11 Years

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2 hours ago

March 6, 2026

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MultiChoice is shutting down its streaming platform, Showmax, after eleven years of operation.

The decision taken by the company was communicated to Showmax subscribers on Thursday.

“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the streaming platform said in the mail sent to its subscribers.

“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”

MultiChoice said the move is a reflection of its bid to “focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.

“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time”.

While it did not provide a timeline for the discontinuation of the Showmax streaming service, MultiChoice said subscribers remain their “priority”.

“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.

“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required,” the subscription video-on-demand, over-the-top streaming service said.

Showmax was launched in 2015 in South Africa but has, over the years, spread rapidly across the continent, operating in scores of countries.

Its operation began to compete with global streaming platforms and to respond to increasing demands for online entertainment on the continent.

Showmax offers sports, movies, documentaries, and series streamed over the internet.

Last year, South African authorities approved the takeover of MultiChoice by pay-TV powerhouse and StudioCanal parent company Canal+.

That move paved the way for the French media giant to acquire Africa’s largest pay-TV group, which includes DStv and GOtv.

Under the terms of the deal, Canal+ has made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 ($7.11) per share to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of MultiChoice not already owned by the French media group.

The approved conditions include public interest commitments aimed at enhancing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual sector. The commitments also guarantee sustained investment in local general entertainment and sports programming.

Canal+ and MultiChoice are now set to implement a structural arrangement, unveiled in February, which addresses local ownership regulations under South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act.

The plan includes the separation of MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licensee, MultiChoice, into an independent, HDP-majority-owned entity.