News

Reps Issue 10-Day Ultimatum For Federal Polytechnic Idah To Provide Documents On Projects

Published

6 days ago

October 11, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has issues a 10-day ultimatum tothe management of Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State, to provide detailed documents of ongoing projects in the institution.

Chairman, House Committee on Polytechnics and other Technical Institutions, Rep. Fuad Kayode-Laguda gave the directive when the Rector, Prof Yahaya Usman and other officials appeared before the Committee on Thursday.

The Committee querried the documents presented by the institution’s officials which the lawmakers said was short of what was required by the Committee.

The lawmakers also discovered some infractions on the observance of Federal Character principles in staff composition on the Nominal Role presented to the Committee.

Speaking to journalists after the session, Chairman of the Committee said: “We invited Federal Polytechnic Idah Kogi State and Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Plateau State. But, unfortunately Federal Polytechnic Shendam didn’t come prepared, and we couldn’t host them today.

“But we were able to have a very-very productive interaction with Federal Polytechnic Idah, which they’ve also invited us over to the school to come which ordinarily we would have gone.But, to make things convenient for them we said they should come here. But, they also pleaded with us to come.We had a very-very mutually beneficial discussion.

“Yes, they have not met the standards expected by us in terms of their reportings which we have given them another 10 working days to make available those documents to us.Basically, it’s just explaining their budget line that we asked for. So, it’s not anything out of place”.

Speaking the Federal Character issue, he said they have made their observations and have directed the institution that there was a violation which was need to be addressed urgently.

He added, “Well, after going through their nominal role, we noticed that, a shortfall of indexes of Federal Character. However, they came up with reasons and defence.But, very soon, we are sure there are some employment opportunities that would come up and the corrections will start happening.

The Committee chairman said although some officials of Federal Polytechnic Shendam, Plateau were at the sitting, but the refused to entertain them because the requirement was that, the Rector as the headvof the institution must be before the Committee in person.

He said, “The people that came, the head of the school was not here and he didn’t send in an apology and that’s not satisfactory. So, we told them to please excuse us, till when they have a complete team to meet with us. We will be getting in touch with them by inviting them back.

“We’ve invited them. In North Central we invited four schools.Idah, Kogi State, Shendam Plateau, Bida Minna, the Rector will come back with his team before we go through their reports and of course the one we took now”.

While speaking to journalists, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Prof Yahaya Usman Usman said that, they were before the Committee made submissions and the Committee has requested additional documents and further clarifications on some issues which he said would be made available on the appointed date for their next appearance.

He said, “The interaction was very smooth. Of course when you face a Committee like this that is carrying out their statutory function, it is more or less interviews,investigations and all these things. But the… other correspondences that were not contained in our submissions, they’ve given us 10 working days within which we submit, and we’ve obliged”.

Speaking on the oversight visit by the Committee to the institution, he said some issues were raised which necessitaed the suspension of the visit until another time.

He added, “The letter written to us before we started coming, the reason given was based on security, why we have to come. If not, ordinarily, of course they are supposed to be in Idah today.But with the reason given we understand that we have to come back”.

Speaking on the alleged violation of Federal Character, the Rector said, “Yes, we argued this out. Federal Character was implemented. It might not be, the profession, you might not expect the proportions of the State’s populations of staff. The staff are from different populations.

“Oh, yes. Of course Idah is a traditional town, you understand. Most people employed from the far north, from the West will not come. They come, see the place and run away. So, indigines have to fill in these gaps. I think we have explained it”.

News

Bill For Independent Candidacy Passes Second Reading

Published

15 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), to provide for independent candidacy.

The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB1630) (Independent Candidates),” is sponsored by Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., who represents the Ekiti North 1 (lkole/Oye) Federal Constituency. This piece of crucial legislation, is a legacy bill from previous assemblies (7th, 8th, 9th), was reintroduced for consideration after being read for the first time in the 10th Assembly on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The sponsor of the bill emphasized the importance of expanding political participation through independent candidacy.

He said: “This legislative action is pivotal for the continued evolution of our democracy. It recognizes the constitutional significance of offering citizens the option to run for public office independently, thereby ensuring greater inclusivity. “

The bill’s progress is guided by the combined provisions of Order Twelve, Rule 17, and Order 1, Rule 1(2), of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, underscoring the House’s commitment to a thorough legislative process.

Speaking to journalists on the bill after the plenary on Thursday, the Founder of ElectHER, Ms. Ibijoke Faborode said the recommittal of the Independent Candidacy Bill was a critical and progressive milestone.

She expressed enthusiasm at seeing the National Assembly unite in support of the bill, underscoring their dedication to a legislative agenda that promotes inclusiivity. Faborode also highlighted that the progress of the bill in the 10th Assembly marked a defining moment for Nigeria, with the potential to significantly shape the future of its democracy.

She therefore reaffirmed ElectHER’s continued partnership with the office of the House Spokesperson to champion public advocacy and engagement towards the final passage of the bill.

The bill was recommitted to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further comprehensive consideration and legislative action.

News

Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

News

Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Published

3 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said