News

Reps Advocates N500bn Capital Base For DISCOs

Published

15 hours ago

November 20, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed electricity distribution companies to undergo a recapitalisation exercise of N500bn for them to be in a strong financial situation, in order to discharge their responsibility to the Nigerian public.

The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Power to declare DISCOs as non-state actors and take immediate measures to address their reckless actions which are threatening the nation’s economy.

This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion on “Need to address the activities of distribution companies in Nigeria,” sponsored by Rep.Ayokunle Isiaka, member representing Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency of Ogun State, on Wednesday at plenary.

Leadingthe debate, Isiaka who solicited the support of other lawmakers, noted that in recent times, the activities of DISCOs across the country have posed a significant threat to the nation’s economic stability and the welfare of Nigerians.

He expressed worries that Nigerians after paying for electricity meter installation, distribution companies still go ahead to demand payment for the replacement of the meters in controversial circumstances.

He said: “The House notes that Nigerian consumers paid for electricity meters installation, but Discos are demanding additional payments for the replacement of these metres under dubious pretences, undermining consumer trust and exacerbating financial burdens.

“The House is worried that consumers are being coerced into paying for meters which they have earlier financed, causing financial strain on households and businesses already facing economic challenges.”

The lawmaker also expressed worry over what he termed ‘Sabotage of economic development’ by DISCOs where essential services are used against citizens, thus stifling growth and development.

Rep. Isiaka added that despite constant regulatory oversight and demand for accountability by the Committee on Power from these companies, “DISCOs remained recalcitrant in operating with impunity and disregard for consumer rights.”

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in his ruling urged DISCOs to undergo recapitalization of not less than N500bn and only those with the required financial muzzles that can provide maximum satisfaction to consumers are allowed the space to continue to operate.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Commitee on Power to investigate the activities of distribution companies in Nigeria with the intent to hold them accountable and safeguard consumer rights.

The House mandated the committee to examine the implementation of strict regulations governing the operations of DISCOs to ensure transparency and fairness in dealings with consumers, and carry out awareness campaigns on the rights of consumers.

News

HoR Rejects Bill Seeking 6 years single tenure for President, Governors

Published

3 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives moved against a bill, seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to provide for a single term of six years for the Offices of the President, State Governors and Local Government Areas Chairmen.

The piece of legislation which was sponsored by Rep Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers, seeks zonal rotation of presidential and governorship seats, as well as holding of the elections in one day.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the bill was read for the first time on July 17, 2024 on the floor of the House and was read for the second time on Thursday November 21, 2024, by the clerk of the House, but it didn’t scale through as members voted against the bill.

The proposed legislation seeks to alter Sections 76, 116, 132, 136, and some others of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

According to the general principles of the bill, “these amendments was to ensure inclusive governance and to curb wastages occasioned by four year periodic elections.

“The bill among others seeks amendment of Section 132 of the Principal Act by inserting a new subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly to provide that an election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the country every six years.

“Other amendments include, Section 76 of the Principal Act is altered by inserting a new subsection (3) as follows; (3) For the Purposes of Section (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly shall hold simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.

“Section 116 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new a subsection (3) as follows; < For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, all elections into the offices of President, Governors, National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils shall be held simultaneously on the same date to be determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in consultation with the National Assembly and in accordance with the Electoral Act.

“Section 132 of the Principal Act is amended by inserting a new é subsection (2), deleting the extant subsection (4) and renumbering the entire section accordingly: An election to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be rotated between the North and the South regions of the Country every six years. Provided that where it is the turn of the North or South to present a candidate for election into the office of President, it shall be rotated among the three geo-political zones that constitutes the regions. The extant subsection (2) becomes subsection (3) The extant subsection (3) becomes subsection (4) The extant subsection (4) is hereby deleted The extant subsection (5) remains subsection (5).

“Section 136 of the Principal Act is amended by deleting the a extant subsections 1 & 2 and replacing them with new subsections I, 2 and 3 as follows: If a person duly elected as President dies before taking and subscribing the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office. or is for any reason whatsoever unable to be sworn in, the person elected with him as First Vice President shall be sworn in as President and he shall appoint a new First Vice President with the approval by a simple majority of the National Assembly at a joint sitting.

“A person who was sworn in as Governor to complete the term for which another person was elected as Governor shall not be elected to such office for another term. The Principal Act is altered by inserting a new Section 188 immediately after the extant 187 and immediately before the extant 188 and renumbering accordingly as follows; 188(1) Notwithstanding any other provision, the Governor shall present a mid-term account of stewardship performance report to the State House of Assembly at the end of the third year of the six-year term. The State House of Assembly shall determine by a resolution supported by not less than two-third majority of members whether the Governor bas by the account of stewardship report justified his continuous stay in office.

“Where, upon the consideration of the mid-term report under subsection (1) of this section, the State House of Assembly is not satisfied with the performance of the Governor for the period he has been in office, the State House of Assembly shall pass a vote of no confidence on the Governor. The State House of Assembly shall immediately commence the process for the impeachment of the Governor from office.”

When the Bill was read and put to vote by the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary session and the nays had it.

News

Reps Urge NOA To Educate Nigerians On VAPP Act

Published

22 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…want increase funding to women affairs ministry

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to raise awareness campaigns to educate the public on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015) across the thirty-six (36) states and FCT.

The House also directed the Ministry of Budget and National Planning to increase funding to the Ministry of Women Affairs in order to establish survivors shelter homes ensuring they have access to necessary care and support.

The House further urged the State Houses of Assembly to push for motions on the domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act (2015).

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN”, by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara on Thursday at plenary.

Rep Ogbara noted that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed annually on November 25th, serving as a global reminder of the need to eradicate violence against women in all its form.

According to Ogbara, violence against women is a pervasive violation of human rights that affects millions of women and girls around the world, manifesting in physical, sexual, and psychological harm.

She said: “Aware that the United Nations has identified the elimination of violence against women as a critical component of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls”.

She expressed worries that systemic discrimination, cultural norms, and societal attitudes contribute to the perpetration of violence against women, necessitating comprehensive strategies for prevention and response.

Ogbara who is also the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs, is worried that violence against women and girls remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.

“Informed that Violence against Women continues to be an obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace as well as to the fulfilment of women and girls’ human rights. The promise of the sustainable development goals to leave no one behind cannot be fulfilled without putting an end to violence against women and girls.

“Also informed that it is crucial to raise awareness about the various forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriage;

“Important that support services for survivors of violence, such as legal aid, counselling, and shelter must be strengthened and made accessible to all women in need;

“Whereas, education and community engagement are essential in changing societal attitudes and promoting respect for women’s rights”, she added.

The House adopted the motion and mandate the Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development to establish mechanisms to monitor progress on the effectiveness of the VAPP Act (2015).

News

Bill To Increase FCT High Court Judges Pass Second Reading

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Rep. Babajimi Benson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, and five others, is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Number Of Judges) Cap H6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for Increase in the Number of Judges in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and for Related Matters (HB.1635)”.

Leading the debate on its general principles, one of the co-sponsors Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi stated that the Bill seeks to address a fundamental aspect of the judiciary’s ability to deliver timely justice, which is an increase of the number of judges in the High Court of the FCT, Abuja, from the current maximum of seventy to a minimum of one hundred Judges.

Rep. Gbefwi noted that the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory stands as a crucial pillar in Nigeria’s judicial framework, serving not only the residents of Abuja but also, in many respects, playing a pivotal role in cases of national importance.

He recalled that at the beginning of the 2022/2023 legal year, the FCT High Court carried forward 12,513 pending cases from the previous year, underscoring a substantial backlog and over the same period, the court assigned an additional 5,952 new cases, bringing the workload to a level that greatly strains available judicial resources.

According to him, as it currently stands, the High Court of the FCT is limited in the number of judges it can engage, and this inadequacy significantly affects the rising volume and complexity of cases brought before it.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that by increasing the number of Judges, this amendment is anticipated to reduce delays in case resolution, ensuring more efficient handling of cases, and consequently, enhancing public confidence in the judiciary.

He said: “The Bill which was read the first time on Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024, seeks to address a fundamental aspect of our judiciary’s ability to deliver timely justice, by seeking to increase the number of judges in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja stands as a crucial pillar in Nigeria’s judicial framework, serving not only the residents of Abuja but also, in many respects, playing a pivotal role in cases of national importance. However, as it currently stands, the High Court of the FCT is limited in the number of judges it can engage. This inadequacy significantly affects the rising volume and complexity of cases brought before it. The court’s current judge complement, though dedicated, is insufficient to keep up with these caseloads. The considerable backlog, reflects the limitations faced by the court in addressing the high volume of cases, which is only anticipated to increase with Abuja’s population growth and economic development.

“Given the rapid expansion of Abuja’s population, coupled with an increasing caseload spanning various legal domains, the need for additional judges has become pressing. This amendment Bill is therefore introduced to address these systemic challenges by increasing the statutory number of judges for the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. This Bill proposes an amendment to Section 1 of the extant Act to increase the number of Judges in the FCT High Court from the current maximum of seventy Judges (arising from the 2016 Amendment of the Act) to a minimum of one hundred Judges thus allowing for greater judicial capacity to address the current and future needs of the court.

“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Colleagues, this amendment is crucial; it is no doubt a necessary intervention to uphold the principles of timely justice, judicial efficiency, and the rule of law in Nigeria. I urge all members to lend their support to this Bill, as it represents a concrete step towards strengthening our judiciary and ensuring that justice remains accessible and expeditious for all Nigerians.”

The House unanimously adopted the Bill when put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, it was passed for second reading and referred to the Committee on FCT Judiciary and constitution review for further legislative action.