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Speaker Abbas on same page with us in defending Gbajabiamila, Reps Deputy Spokesperson, Agbese
…describes Tinubu’s CoS as institutional legacy of NASS
Deputy Spokesperson of the Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as an institutional legacy of the National Assembly, saying, the legislature would go all out to defend his integrity, anytime.
Agbese was apparently speaking on the sidelines of the comments in some sections, casting aspersions on the World Press Conference organised by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas last week, wherein he addressed the state of the nation’s Insecurity, economy, hardship and the workings of the 10th House.
Abbas had also addressed the incessant media attacks on the former Speaker, Gbajabiamila and the endless allegations against him, advising those using social media instruments to attack him to cease forthwith, for the sake of his integrity and the sanctity of the institution of National Assembly; the comments which were viewed in some sections as defending the executive.
But while reacting to questions from Journalists in his office, shortly after the plenary yesterday evening, the deputy Spokesperson, affirmed that, what the Speaker said during the World Press Conference was the collective opinion of the Members of the House.
“The Speaker was right and he has the backing of the entire parliament to do what he did”, said Agbese; adding that, “Nigerians have long understood the personality of the Rt. Hon. Speaker as an advocate of the masses”.
The Deputy Spokesperson said the parliament is an institution and, “all over the world, parliament is respected for its creations, antecedents and impacts on the society”.
Agbese further hinted that no “element” would be allowed to rubbish the image of citizens who have sacrificed their all for the good of the country.
“Those who hate Gbajabiamila should have a rethink. We all don’t have to like Femi. No. Everybody cannot like him.
But we will not allow vested interests to sacrifice Femi’s integrity”, he added.
Agbese further advised those making efforts to rubbish the integrity of Gbajabiamila to back out, stressing that, “that man has built a reputation and this cannot be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity and frivolities”.
“People who served our country for many years, refused to steal or become wealthy from the public coffers should at least be respected and celebrated.
“Gbajabiamila spent over 20 years in National Assembly, where he served in various leadership capacities, as Minority Whip, Minority Leader, House Leader and eventually Speaker of the 9th House.
“I’m sure if his integrity was in question, the totality of the House, numbering 360 Representatives of the entire Nigerians, would not have entrusted him with much leadership responsibilities every other dispensations.
“That was all the Rt. Hon. Speaker tried to say in his speech at that press conference and the entire House is in agreement with Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, in defending the sanctity of the institution of the National Assembly, which is the only beacon of democracy in Nigeria.
“I said so because, during the military regimes, the executive and judiciary were functioning as arms of government, it was only the National Assembly that was muted. So, the institution of National Assembly is sacred and should not be toyed with. That is the only reason we can comfortably say we are practising democracy”, Agbese submitted.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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