News

Constitutional Amendment: Kalu visits Emirs of Kano, Bichi solicit traditional rulers’ input

Published

8 months ago

April 28, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Kalu has promised to engage with the traditional rulers in the ongoing constitutional amendment process to elicit their contributions.

Kalu who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review said that the traditional institutions has an invaluable input in meeting the aspirations of the people under the law, saying it will in turn strengthen the Constitution of the country.

The Deputy Speaker made the promise in Kano during a separate visits to the Emir of Kano, Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero and the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado on Saturday in Kano State to felicitate the revered monarchs on the recent occasion of the marriage ceremonies of their respective children.

Speaking at the palace of the Emir of Kano which was his first port of call, Kalu who was accompanied by some of his colleagues from the parliament and also the members of the Peace In South East Project ( PISE-P) said that the wisdom of the traditional rulers cannot be ignored in shaping the country.

He said that a role under the law which does not come “from the federal government, not from the state or local government but from the Constitution” will help the traditional rulers to be able to do their jobs “without biases”.

Congratulating the Emir on the holy matrimony of his children, Kalu also appreciated him for coming to Bende, Abia State last December during his grand civic reception and the unveiling of PISE-P, a development which mainly necessitated the presence of PISE-P members at the place.

A statement from Kalu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that the Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Emir for his effort towards the sustenance of peace in the country, appealing to him to continue to support the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said: “We came to give our best wishes to the new family that just started yesterday. They will live long and give you children, grand and great grand children. They will not be lesser than you. They will be greater than you because that’s the wish of every parent, that his children will grow and become greater, more powerful than themselves. That’s how you measure your success. That’s my prayer. I apologize that I didn’t make it not because that I didn’t want to but a national duty called.

“You play a fundamental role in this this nation and peace in the land. You have a role to play in making sure that that we imbibe this agenda. Thank you for the support you are giving to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is very obvious that you are partnering with the federal government to ensure there is peace and prosperity in this country. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s yielding fruits”.

In his response, the Emir of Kano, Dr Ado Bayero expressed gratitude to the Deputy Speaker for the visit, describing him as the worthy son of Nigeria.

The Emir noted that Kalu’s visit will further strengthen the bonds of national unity and cohesion mostly yearned for by Nigerians.

He also appreciated the Deputy Speaker for carrying the traditional rulers along in the constitution review process, assuring him that the institution made up of individuals with invaluable experience will make their contributions.

The Emir also offered prayers for political leaderships at all levels and the continued peace and progress of Nigeria.

Similarly, at the palace of the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado Bayero in Kano, the Deputy Speaker also felicited the Emir, congratulating him on the marriage of their children.

Describing him as a valued friend and brother, Kalu recalled the Emir’s role in the launch of PISE-P, appreciating him for flying in from abroad at the time to attend his civic reception in December, 2023.

In his remarks, the Emir thanked the Deputy Speaker for his visit to the palace and the support for the growth of the traditional institution in Nigeria, recognizing the efforts of the parliament in keeping Nigeria together.

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

17 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

26 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

35 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”