News

Deputy Speaker Says Synergy Needed By Arms Of Government For Success

Published

8 months ago

March 18, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called for cooperation among the arms of government and also charged Senior Legislative Aides to synergise for the success of the National Assembly.

Kalu who stated this at a retreat irganised for Senior Legislative Aids in the Deputy Speaker’s Office in Abuja, on Monday, with the theme: “Synergy and Success”, said that the National Assembly has been entrusted with the power to influence and shape the legislative landscape of the country.

He said: “In our line of work, capacity-building is not just an option, it is a necessity. We find ourselves at the intersection of policy, governance, and public service – a dynamic environment constantly challenging us. We must continuously improve our skills, broaden our horizons, and equip ourselves with the necessary tools to meet these challenges.

“Within the walls of the legislature, we are not only expected to understand and interpret complex policy matters but also to communicate them effectively to our constituents. We are required to negotiate, persuade, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders. We are expected to possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise to make informed decisions that can shape the destiny of our country. Therefore, we must invest time and effort in expanding our knowledge, developing our skills, and enhancing our capabilities.

“This requires us to not only understand the intricacies of law-making but also to perform our oversight function with utmost integrity. This responsibility extends to using our office to impact positively on the nation”.

According to Kalu, as aides, there is the need to continue to uphold standards in administering the office.

“Efficiency, professionalism, and ethical considerations should guide our interactions and decision-making process. You are not only custodians of my office but also ambassadors of our nation’s democratic values.

“An essential aspect of your duties lies in economic advisory. We are tasked with dealing with complex issues surrounding projects and budgets. This duty requires an in-depth understanding of our national economy, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth.

“In the realm of politics, you interface with the political aspects of the office. This role requires navigating the complex interplay of political interests and alliances while always keeping the nation’s best interest at heart”, the Deputy Speaker said.

He further assured that his office will work hand-in-hand with the Speaker’s office to ensure the smooth operation of the House of Representatives and advance shared Legislative Agenda, particularly regarding constitutional amendments.

“In the sphere of programs, you are entrusted with the execution of initiatives such as the Peace in the Southeast project (PISE-P), a project launched for the benefit of the Southeast region and the entire nation, the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, goodwill, and youth programs like leadership initiatives, to mention a few. We must arrange these programs to be actionable for partnership, optimizing the office’s capacity for the betterment of our society.

He highlighted: “Our nation’s constitution is the bedrock of our democracy, and ensuring its effectiveness is paramount. We must work together to identify areas where the Constitution can be strengthened to better serve the needs of our evolving nation. This office aspires to be a hub for resolving the issues surrounding.

“Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. I am proud to work with a team that is not only highly competent but also deeply committed to public service. You are deeply appreciated. I also appreciate the European Union for its generous funding and sponsorship of this retreat. Your support has been significant in our quest to optimize the output and deliver the best for our nation. My gratitude also extends to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme and International IDEA. Your collaboration with my office in organizing this retreat signifies a shared commitment to our democratic values and principles”.

For the Deputy Speaker, a strong and unified team, working collaboratively towards a shared vision, can achieve remarkable things and urged the aids to use this retreat to build that synergy and propel themselves forward in service to our nation.

In his goodwill message, Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal, said that synergy, which denotes collaboration and teamwork, remains a critical success factor in any organisational setting.

He said: “In fact, no organisation succeeds in attaining its set goals without teamwork. Hence, the chosen theme for this retreat is appropriate and timely, particularly in an era of our democratic evolution where intra and inter-agency collaboration is fast becoming the norm”.

He added that as a law-making institution, the National Assembly relies on the mutual support of this tripartite structure to properly carry out its constitutional responsibilities of representation, legislation and oversight.

In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff To The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Toby Okechukwu said that the gathering marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s collective journey towards excellence, collaboration, and synergy.

Former Deputy Speakers at the retreat said that the retreat was very important as it would broaden the scope of knowledge of the aids.

There were goodwill messages from the EU and other development partners as well as all former deputy speakers.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

43 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.