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NASS Open Week: Tinubu Reiterates Commitment To Work With Arms Of Government

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…urge NASS to embrace citizens’ engagement
 
…as Speaker Abbas Emphasises Transparency, Acountability
 
 
By Gloria Ikibah 
 
As the 10th House of Representatives celebrates its legislative Open Week, 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of the Executive to work with other Arms of Government to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present administration.
 
He assured that his administration would continue to respect the principle of Check and Balance as enshrined in the Constitution.
 
Naijablitznews.com reports that the Open Week anniversary 2024 is aimed at opening up the parliament to strengthen democracy and boosting relationship between the National Assembly and the people.
 
The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also charged the National Assembly to create platforms where citizens can air their concerns and actively participate in public hearings to enhance law-making.
 
According to him, citizen’s participation in the governance process was key to achieving true democracy where the well-being of the citizens would be given the desired priority.
 
President Tinubu further noted that the event will serve as a constant reminder to the National Assembly of its responsibilities to the people.
 
He said: “The chosen theme improving inclusion through citizens engagement is apt timely and vital because it undersvores the importance of no doubt the need of executive and legislative collaboration but also the significance of effective oversight for greater accountability to all Nigerians that elected us into office in different capacities. 
 
“Our gathering here today, I must say, is happening at a critical point of our nation’s journey, journey to greatness. 
 
“The challenges before us demand collective efforts that obliterate political differences in all forms”.
 
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his address said it was imperative that every Nigerian has a feeling of inclusion.
 
Represented by the Deputy Leader of the Senate,  Senator Lola Ashiru, reiterated that when citizens are engaged, they become active participants in democracy; and that the open week and other related events bring about you proper feedback.
 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the event was especially significant as Nigeria celebrates 25 years of uninterupted democracy and legislature in the country.
 
He said: “An open parliament is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. By ensuring transparency, openness, and accessibility, we can build trust between the legislature and the citizens we serve. 
 
“This House Open Week provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the public, fostering a culture of accountability and mutual respect. By opening our doors, we invite scrutiny and dialogue, which are essential for improving governance and strengthening democratic institutions. 
 
“The 10th House of Representatives has been committed to running an open House that actively incorporates citizens’ input in lawmaking and oversight processes. We have made concerted efforts to listen to the voices of our constituents and reflect their aspirations in our legislative activities. 
 
“Through town hall meetings, public hearings, and stakeholder engagements, we have ensured that the legislative process remains inclusive and participatory. This approach not only enhances the quality of our laws but also ensures that our decisions are rooted in the genuine needs and desires of the Nigerian people”.
 
According to Speaker Abbas, one of the most critical aspects of citizen engagement is accountability.
 
“Today, we take a historic step by presenting the Scorecard of the House in its first year. This is the first time any chamber of the National Assembly has undertaken such an initiative. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to transparency and readiness to be held accountable by the people we serve. Presenting our Scorecard publicly allows us to showcase our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and highlight our plans for the future. It reinforces the idea that the parliament is not just a body that makes laws but an institution that is responsible to its constituents for its actions and performance”, he added.
 
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Immigration raises alarm over high number of irregular migration in Nigeria

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The Edo State Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Martins Moye, has raised the alarm over the increasing number of irregular migrants entering Nigeria.

Moye raised the alarm at the 2024 Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, enlightenment campaign against irregular migration in Benin, Edo State capital.

He underscored the need for public awareness to curb irregular migration.

A facilitator from NIS headquarters in Abuja, David Amanahu, highlighted Edo State’s historical role in irregular migration.

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According to him, due to recent efforts by the Edo State Command, the state has improved in the national ranking on irregular migration.

“The positive news is that Edo State is no longer ranked number one in irregular migration.

“Credit goes to the dedicated team in Edo who worked tirelessly to improve the situation,” Amanahu stated.

Amanahu, while delivering a message from the Controller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, noted that the NIS is now more focused than ever on border management and migration issues.

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Boundary disputes responsible for insecurity in coastal states – Oborevwori

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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has said that boundary disputes were also responsible for the rising spate of insecurity, deaths, violence and retarded progress in the country.

The governor stated this while addressing an audience at a one-day workshop for the creation of a platform for Nigeria’s coastal states and local government areas, held at the Government House, Asaba.

The workshop has the theme, “Towards a Secure, Peaceful and Prosperous Borders,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

There are many crises in the country over border issues, with Delta State having its fair share.

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The boundary crisis between the Okuama community in the Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Okoloba community in the Bomadi Local Government Area, which had claimed many lives, is being resolved by the government.

Speaking at the workshop, the governor said so many lives had been lost to boundary disputes as he called on the National Boundary Commission and other stakeholders to work assiduously in resolving such disputes in the country.

He described the theme as apt, adding that boundary dispute was an ancient and modern disease of humanity.

He said right from the colonial days, Nigeria had been plagued by boundary disputes, which had disastrous and destabilising consequences for the people.

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“There is scarcely any state in Nigeria that has not been involved in a boundary dispute with its neighbours, which often results in displacement, death, and destruction.

“Reports indicate that between January 2018 and August 2022; 676 people were killed in various communal and boundary clashes in Nigeria.

“The causes of these disputes are traceable to land ownership, community pride, ancient or colonial boundaries, and socio-cultural factors.

“In Delta State, it is safe to say that at least 80 per cent of boundary disputes revolve around land use, either for farming, mining, and other purposes of economic significance.

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“The resultant clashes often leave in their trail a chunk of internally displaced persons with the implication this has for their safety and wellbeing.

“As we all know, the living conditions in IDP camps are unsanitary and inevitably constitute environmental hazards,” he said.

Oborevwori charged the National Boundary Commission to work harder in resolving boundary disputes across the country.

“As the body responsible for resolving boundary disputes in Nigeria, the National Boundary Commission is critical to the peace, security, and prosperity of our communities.

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“It is incumbent on it to embark on enlightenment and sensitisation programmes to educate the people on the importance of respecting boundaries.

“It must also properly investigate cases of boundary disputes. In discharging this vital responsibility, officials of the Commission must demonstrate the highest levels of objectivity, neutrality, and integrity to instil confidence and elicit the goodwill of the people.

“Conversations break down fast once there is a perception of favouritism or nepotism on the part of those who are supposed to be impartial arbiters,” he said.

He added, “It goes without saying that an effective conflict resolution mechanism is critical for maintaining national security.

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“Hence, there is a need for strong political will on the part of the government to implement recommendations that will resolve disputes amicably, and prevent future border disputes.

“With enhanced peace and security at the core of our MORE agenda, we are committed to partnering with the Commission to discharge its functions effectively for a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.”

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, expressed delight that the African Union Border Governance Strategy would look into good border governance and the attainment of sustainable development.

Onyeme, who doubles as the Chairman of the State Boundary Commission, urged the African Union to sustain the tempo to ensure the harmonisation of all grey areas along the boundary communities.

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He observed that the European colonisers arbitrarily, without due regard to the ethnic homogeneity of many African groups, forced Africans to belong to different nations, while diverse heterogeneous communities were hurriedly bundled into a single nation with distinct boundaries.

On their part, the deputy governors of Bayelsa and Rivers states, Lawrence Egwhrudjakpor and Prof Ngozi Odu, respectively, called on relevant authorities to discuss boundary issues often, to enthrone peace in the country.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundaries Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, said the workshop was primarily designed to engage Nigeria’s coastal states, local government areas and traditional rulers on effective border governance in Nigeria.

The NAN reports that stakeholders, including some traditional rulers from the South-West and South-South states, attended the event.

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Obaseki embarks on post-tenure medical vacation

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The immediate-past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has proceeded on vacation.

This is for him to rest and undergo a medical check-up, after a successful two-term as governor of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by his media adviser, Crusoe Osagie, on Wednesday.

The former governor completed his two-term administration on November 11, 2024, and a new governor, Monday Okpebholo, was sworn in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

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Osagie said, “Following the completion of his second term, a former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has proceeded on vacation to rest and undergo a medical check-up.

“Obaseki, once again, expressed his appreciation to God Almighty, the people of Edo State and Nigeria for the opportunity to serve.

“He urged all Edo people both at home and in the diaspora to continue to be hopeful and pray for the peace, progress and prosperity of our state and Nigeria.”

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