News

Valedictory Session: Speaker Abbas Pays Tribute To Na’Abba

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…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.

News

Seven Suspected Bandits Nabbed Along Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State

Published

40 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

Seven suspected bandits were nabbed along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources have confirmed.

According to sources, the suspects, all identified as Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at around 6:00 p.m. on 2 December 2025. A search of their mobile phones reportedly revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s.

During interrogation, the suspects claimed they had traveled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing to recover any actual firearms and to determine their possible involvement in criminal activities.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.

News

Finally , Appeal Court bars VIO from stopping, impounding cars

Published

49 minutes ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court ruling from October 4, 2024, that prohibits the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or seizing vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.

The appellate court’s decision affirmed the lower court’s ruling, dealing a significant blow to the agency’s enforcement powers.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered a judgment on Thursday, resolving the three issues identified for determination against the appellant, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, thereby upholding the lower court’s decision.

Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appeal was without merit. She awarded a cost of N1million against the appellant and in favour of the respondent, a rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal.

Previously, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (widely known as VIO) should cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.

The judgment, which followed a lawsuit by rights attorney Mr Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, significantly pruned the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country.

The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.

In her judgment, Ms Maha said VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

News

PDP constitutes Caretaker Committees for Ekiti, Lagos States(See full list)

Published

4 hours ago

December 4, 2025

ADMIN

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP has constituted caretaker committees for Lagos and Ekiti states.

This was contained in a release signed by the party’s Organising Secretary, Hon Umar Bature.

The party stated that: Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the
affairs of the Party in Ekiti State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017, as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

“It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the leadership of the party.

See list below:

Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
Chairman
Lagos State Caretaker Committee
Peoples Democratic Party
Lagos State
APPOINTMENT OF LAGOS STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf of the
National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of our Constitution
(2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman of Lagos State
CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
(1) Elder Kayode Ogunbiyi
(2) Chief Adele Bankole
(3) Mrs. Akinro Bolaji Rosaline
(4) Mrs. Adebimpe Maria
(5) Mrs. Ege Allen
(6) Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke
-Chairman
-Vice Chairman
-Member
-Member
-Member
-Member
(7) Chief Adio Salami
-Member
(8) Alh. Abiola Tella
-Member
(9) Prince Gani Ogungbayi
-Member
(10) Mr. Odum Kalu
-Member
(11) Mr. Ola Odunfa
-Member
(12) Mrs. Iberu Taiwo
-Member
(13) Mr. Solomon Yusoof
-Member
(14) Mr. Olusanya Abayomi
-Member
(15) Mr. Samson Hundeyin
-Member
(16) Mr. Oriyomi Oluwafemi
-Member
(17) Mrs. Ijeoma Eze
-Member
(18) Mr. Olayinka Samuel
-Member
(19) Mr. Jamiu Awofala
-Secretary
Website: www.peoplesdemocraticparty.com.ng t: @OfficialsPDPNig | F: @Officialpdpnig 15:55
Accordingly, your Committee is charged with the responsibility of running the affairs
of the Party in Lagos State, as stipulated in section 21(2) (a-b) of our Party’s
Constitution, for a period of one months (30 days) or until a new Executive is elected.
In carrying out this assignment you are guided strictly by the PDP Constitution (2017,
as amended), The Electoral Act as amended 2010 and the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
It is expected that your exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and
regulations during your assignment will justify the confidence reposed in you by the
leadership of the party.
Congratulations
Hon. Umar M. Bature
National Organizing Secretary
[12/4, 4:06 PM] George: PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
Motto: Justice, Unity and Progress
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
National secretariate: Wadata Plaza, Plot 1970, Micheal Okpara Street, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Monday, December 01, 2025
Omolashe Lanre
Chairman,
Ekiti State Caretaker Committee,
Peoples Democratic Party,
Ekiti State.
APPOINTMENT OF EKITI STATE PDP CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our great Party (PDP) has on behalf
of the National Executive Committee (NEC) Pursuant to Section 29 (2) (b) of
our Constitution (2017 as amended), approved your appointment as Chairman
of Ekiti State CARETAKER COMMITTEE which is composed as follows:
1) OMOLASHE LANRE
Chairman
2) FEMI PHILLIPS
Member
3) HON.GANI BAKARE
Member
4) HON AKANDE BABATUNDE
Member
5) TOSIN JOEL
Member
6) AYILARAN MODUPE
Member
7) PELEMON DARE
Member
8) CHIEF AROGBODO AYODELE
Member
9) SEGUN OLATUNJI
Member
10) BAR GBENGA AGBEDE
Member
11) SESAN OWOEYE
Member
12) GBENGA OJUAWO
13) ARINDE JIMOH
Member
Membet
14) ADARA ROTIMI
Member
15) BANJI ADELEKE
Member
16) CHIEF TUNDE OGUNLEYE
Member/Secretary.