News

Speaker Abbas Laments Attacks Targeted At Schools, Abduction Of Girls

Published

4 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

President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

Published

34 mins ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

News

Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

Published

39 mins ago

September 8, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

News

Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

Published

51 mins ago

September 7, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.