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Speaker Abbas Laments Attacks Targeted At Schools, Abduction Of Girls

Published

9 months ago

April 30, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…recommend establishment of school safety fund

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep.Tajudeen Abbas has lamented the agonising attacks specifically targeted at schools, where innocent children, especially girls, are abducted in Nigeria.

He commended the gallant Men and Women of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to the battle against the tides of insecurity and the scourge of terrorism which is threatening the peace of the nation.

The Speaker Abbas stated this at the resumption of Lawmakers from the Easter and Eid-el-Fitri break which lasted about six weeks.

The lawmakers also had their first plenary session in the newly renovated chamber of the House of Representatives.

According to him, despite the significant progress in improving security, the House will not relent in the area of proffering laws that will holistically stem the tide of Insecurity bedeviling some parts of the Country.

He said: “As we resume plenary sessions today, it is imperative that we reflect on some of the critical developments that coincided with our recess. Firstly, we acknowledge with profound gratitude the recent feats recorded by our security forces in some parts of the country, most especially in Borno and Katsina States, where many terrorists and bandits were neutralised and weapons recovered.

“I wish to express our profound gratitude and unwavering support to the brave men and women of our armed forces. Day and night, these courageous officers battle against the tides of insecurity and the scourge of terrorism that threatens the peace of our nation. The House will continue to support their efforts and ensure that the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians are protected from any internal and external threats. Despite significant progress in improving security, recent happenings remind us of the task ahead.

“The gruesome and dastardly murder of military personnel in Okuama in Delta State highlights the risks faced by those who continuously put their lives on the line for our defence and security. While condemning the killings, the House commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes. We urge security agencies to leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice. Similarly, we urge everyone involved to exercise restraint and allow the law of the land to take its course”.

Speaker Abbas assured that the House stands united with the armed forces in advocating for comprehensive strategies to safeguard schools.

“Schools, which should be sanctuaries of learning and safety, have become targets for terrorists and kidnappers. These acts are not only heinous but are direct attacks on the future of Nigeria and rob children of their right to education and secure childhood.

The implications of these assaults stretch far beyond the immediate pain and disruption they cause. They sow fear in communities, discourage school attendance, and potentially stifle the education of a generation. We must not allow the ambitions of our children to be thwarted by fear.The House stands united with our armed forces and will advocate for comprehensive strategies to safeguard our schools. This involves not only physical security measures such as fencing, security personnel, and surveillance technologies but also community-based strategies that involve local leaders in our security framework.

“On our part, we will continue to ensure that our security agencies have the necessary tools and legislation to act effectively. To this end, we recommend the establishment of a dedicated fund specifically for school safety. This fund will support the implementation of advanced security measures and training of security personnel and communities on strategies for protecting educational environments. Mindful of the financial requirements, this model can be piloted in a few schools, especially those that are most vulnerable to such attacks”, he added.

On the economic front, Speaker Abbas noted that the government has made significant strides toward improving the economy.

“In the past months, the government has implemented several measures to stabilise the economy, enhance productivity, and boost investor confidence. Also, targeted actions are being taken to alleviate the inflationary effects of these reforms on the most vulnerable. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also taken critical steps to tighten monetary policy and refocus on its core mandate of maintaining price stability. It also hiked interest rates by 400 basis points to 22.75%, to contain inflation and ease pressure on the Naira. I commend the Governor and his team for their proactiveness and focus”. He said.

Mr Abbas pointed out that going forward, however, there is a need to implement measures that strengthen the value of Naira in the long term.

“This includes implementing policies and initiatives focusing on value creation, multiplication and expansion. One sure, even if difficult, way of achieving this is through optimising agricultural and industrial productivity and exploring our mineral wealth, as indicated above. Revitalising rural areas and enhancing rural connectivity can increase local production and stimulate the primary market”

He also urged each member to fully utilise the newly renovated facilities to improve their service delivery to the nation.

“It is our responsibility to make the fullest and best use of this space by re-dedicating ourselves to legislation that prioritises the welfare and well-being of our people and our nation. As the maxim goes, “to whom much is given, much is expected. As we reconvene for this plenary session, I must emphasise the critical role of legislative oversight, a cornerstone of our mandate as the representatives of the Nigerian people. With the 2024 budget in the implementation phase, we must intensify our efforts to monitor and evaluate the compliance and performance of the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)”, he stressed.

Speaker Abbas reiterated that the oversight duties and investigative hearings of the assembly must be conducted with a heightened level of thoroughness, transparency, and effectiveness.

News

Kalu Leads House Delegation to Ogun for Condolence Visit

Published

44 minutes ago

January 18, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…eulogizes late Onanuga, ex-speaker Bankole’s mother

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, has described the late Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, as an irreplaceable parliamentarian known for her vocal nature and friendly disposition.

Leading a delegation on behalf of the Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, Kalu visited Sagamu, Ogun State, on a condolence mission to the late Onanuga’s family.

Addressing the bereaved, he praised her dedication and influence, noting her unique presence in plenary sessions and unwavering support for her colleagues.

Kalu consoled her mother, Chief Mrs. Comfort Folashade Etutu, and her children, urging them to trust in God for comfort and strength. He assured the family of the House’s continued support and prayed against further untimely deaths in the household.

Earlier, Kalu led the delegation to Abeokuta for the fidau prayers of the late Mrs. Monsurat Atinuke Bankole, mother of former House Speaker Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole.

He lauded her sacrifices, which contributed to the success of her children, including the former Speaker’s contributions to the National Assembly.

News

N800bn Inadequate for Nigeria’s Road Projects, Minister Umahi Tell Lawmakers

Published

54 minutes ago

January 18, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.

Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.

Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.

“We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.

Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.

The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.

“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.

“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.

In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.

The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.

News

NASS Joint Committee Suspends Fire Service Budget Over Irregularities

Published

1 hour ago

January 17, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior has suspended the budget defence of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) following significant discrepancies in the agency’s 2024 budget performance and 2025 proposal.

At a hearing chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his counterpart from the House, Chaired by Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, lawmakers flagged irregularities, including contradictory figures and inadequate documentation.

The committee uncovered discrepancies in the procurement of firefighting trucks, with similar units priced at N1.5 billion in one instance and N2.5 billion in another, despite being from the same supplier and of identical specifications.

The FFS Controller General, Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris, attributed the difference to variations in tanker sizes but failed to provide adequate supporting documentation.

Senator Oshiomhole criticized the inconsistencies, stating, “This reeks of over-padding or over-invoicing. Your written submission does not align with your explanation, and we cannot overlook this.”

Lawmakers also raised concerns about unclear contract commitments and an outstanding payment of N603 billion for ongoing projects, which lacked proper specifications.

Oshiomhole emphasized fiscal responsibility, saying, “Every N10 wasted by MDAs adds up. Our duty is to ensure that every naira benefits Nigerians, especially the poor.”

The committee further queried the FFS over unverified revenue remittances. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, but the lawmakers rejected them, demanding proper bank statements and confirmation from the Accountant-General’s office.

As a result, the committee stepped down the FFS budget defence, instructing the agency to rectify its submission. Oshiomhole warned, “Submit a revised presentation with accurate figures, or risk zero allocation in 2025.”

The decision underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to accountability and efficient use of public funds, urging the FFS to address the issues promptly to secure its funding.