News

Plenary proceedings of the House of Representatives for Tuesday, July 9th, 2024.

Published

8 months ago

July 10, 2024

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu presiding:

After the recitation of the National Anthem, the opening prayer and the recitation of the National pledge, the Deputy Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Tuesday, July 2nd, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Formation and membership of Conference committee on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.

2. There will be a meeting of Honourable Members from the minority caucus at 3:00 PM at Room 4.17.

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PETITIONS:

1. A petition was laid from members of the academic community of the university of Calabar on their alleged embattlement by the previous administration.

2. Hon. Mitema Obodor laid a petition on behalf of a complainant against the Shell Petroleum Development Company on the alleged diversion of assets in Bayelsa state.

3. Hon. Okolie Lawrence laid a petition on the alleged gruesome murder of a young man by a police sergeant.

The petitions were referred to the House Committee on Public Petitions.

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MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE:

1. Hon. Aliyu Abubakar moved a motion on the urgent need to stop further killing, kidnappings and banditry in some communities in Katsina State and it was seconded by Hon. Umar Ajilo. Hon. Aliyu in leading the debate stated that over 65 people lost their lives recently in these communities as a result of these unprovoked attacks, while over 100 people are in the custody of kidnappers. He stressed that the activities of these bandits have become highly rampant in the region.

Hon. Aliyu also stated that these facts have hindered people from carrying out their farming activities. He called on the relevant security agencies to come to the aid of people. He further called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency to come to the aid of the victims and that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance should ensure compliance.

Hon. Sada Soli stated that the affected communities are close to his own community in Katsina State. He expressed worry at the actions or inactions of the Nigerian Army as they have not responded to several invitations for help. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Humanitarian Affairs as well as that on Legislative Compliance.

2. Hon. Famous Osawaru moved a motion on the urgent need to conduct a Legislative Forensic investigation into the challenges facing the downstream and midstream sections of the oil sector of Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Aderemi Useni. Hon. Osawaru in leading the debate stated that the National Assembly has the right to investigate the issues that have led to prolonged scarcity of petroleum products nationwide. He stated that there is alleged corruption and mismanagement within the distribution and supply chain of the petroleum products.

Hon. Osawaru expressed worry at the adulteration of petroleum products, alleged secret return of subsidy regime payments, lack of support for local refineries and lopsided means of license allocation to marketers. He called on the House committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) to carry out the forensic investigation into these and many more challenges bedeviling the petroleum industry and that the House Committee on Legislative Compliance should also ensure compliance.

Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa proposed an amendment to delete any agency that deals strictly with crude oil from the prayers of the motion so that the mentioned Committees can work within their jurisdiction.The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream).

3. Hon. Aliyu Madaki moved a motion on the SAMOA agreement that was signed on behalf of Nigeria in June 2024 and it was seconded by Hon. Bello Shehu. Hon. Madaki in leading the debate stated that it is alleged that some clauses of the SAMOA agreement have controversial provisions that may contradict the social and religious values of Nigerians as it allegedly promotes gay, lesbian and transgender practices. He called for a deep scrutiny of the agreement before it’s implemented on behalf of Nigerians.

He expressed worry that the signing of such an agreement with such clauses, if true; contravenes the sanctity and sovereignty of Nigeria. He called on the House Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Justice as well as that on Treaties, Agreements and Protocol to investigate the matter and report back to the House.

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere in contributing to the debate stated that there is no portion of the SAMOA agreement that talks of affairs concerning LGBTQ.

Hon. Mascot Ugbeche stated that having read all 30 clauses of the SAMOA agreement, he is aware that certain clauses are abominable to African ways and values and should be resisted on all fronts. He called on the federal government to focus on more pressing issues like the promotion of the livelihood and wellbeing of Nigerians.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda in his own contribution stated that motion is an investigative one and Honourable Members should not be judgmental during their contributions, in order for the investigation to be done properly. He expressed worry on why the National Assembly was not carried along during the agreement signing process as should be the case by Law.

Hon. Ghali Mustapha proposed an amendment calling on the federal government to withdraw from the SAMOA agreement and reject it in totality.

Hon. Usman Kumo stated that there is the need to vehemently reject any agreement that violates Nigeria’s religion and morality. He called for the complete withdrawal of Nigeria from the agreement. The motion was voted on, adopted as amended and referred to the House committee on National Planning and Development as well as that on Treaties, Agreements and Protocol.

4. Hon. Ademorin Kuye moved a motion on the urgent need for state governments to address and uphold democratic principles in local governments and it was seconded by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu. Hon. Kuye in leading the debate stressed the need for financial and administrative autonomy for local governments. He expressed worry at the high number of states (21) acting with impunity and disregard for the constitution by running local governments with caretakers instead of duly elected individuals.

He called on the House Committee on Finance, Revenue Mobilization as well as that on Local Government and States to liaise with relevant Federal government agencies to ensure zero financial allocation for erring States and that the office of the Attorney General should institute legal action against erring States. He further called on the House committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Finance, Revenue Mobilization, Local Government and States, as well as that on Justice .

5. Hon. Bamidele Salam moved a motion on the need to exempt medical institutions, especially Teaching Hospitals from increase in electricity tariffs and it was seconded by Hon. Amobi Ogah. Hon. Bamidele in leading the debate stated that these medical institutions which are on the ‘Band A’ category of electricity users need intervention from the federal government so that their services will not be truncated. He called on the House committee on Power as well as that on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions, Power as well as that on Rural Electrification.

6. Hon. Samuel Adedayo moved a motion on the need to promote local vaccine production in Nigeria and it was seconded by Hon. Chris Nkwonta. Hon. Adedayo in leading the debate stated that with the astronomical increase in national population, there is the need to improve production of locally made vaccines. He wondered why the local vaccine production laboratory in Yaba, Lagos State is still unproductive. He called on the House Committee on Health Institutions and Healthcare Services to invite relevant stakeholders to find a way for the reopening of the Yaba vaccine production laboratory. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committees on Health Institutions as well as that on Healthcare Services.

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MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE:

1. Hon. Philip Agbese rose on a matter of privilege to condemn the notion that first-time Honourable Members are discriminated against in contributing to debates as diverse quarters have continued to allude. He called on the Honourable Member who made the comment to apologize to the House.

The Deputy Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu reiterated that there is no discrimination of any Honourable Member during plenary. The point of order was sustained.

2. Hon. Ghali Mustapha called on the leadership of the House to desist from stating during debates on the floor of the House that new Members are learning, as everyone is equally learning.

The Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu stated that even as equals, there is always seniority in experience, and more experienced members always pass on knowledge in Parliamentary practice.

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PRESENTATION OF BILLS:

1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1498) (Hon. Jesse Okey – Joe Onuakalusi) – First Reading.

2. Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery Mashi, Katsina State (Establishment) Bill, 2024(HB.1554) (Hon. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri) – First Reading.

3. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1564) (Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed) – First Reading.

4. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1565) (Hon. Ibrahim Mohammed) – First Reading.

5. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1568) (Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims) – First Reading.

6. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1569) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro & Hon. Wole Oke) – First Reading.

7. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1570) (Hon. Mansur Manu Soro) – First Reading.

8. Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1573) (Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu) – First Reading.

9. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1581) (Hon. Solomon T. Bob) – First Reading.

10. Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Kankia, Katsina State (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1582) (Hon. Abubakar Yahya Kusada) – First Reading.

11. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB.1444) (Hon. Eze Nwachukwu Eze) – First Reading.

12. Central Bank of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB.1578) (Hon. Adewale Hammed) – First Reading.

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PRESENTATION OF REPORT:

1. Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters:

Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki:

“That the House do receive the Report of the Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters on a Bill for an Act to Repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act, Cap. N133, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and Enact Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency and for Related Matters (HB.1038) (Referred:14/2/2023).

The report was laid following a motion by Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY:

BILLS:

1. A Bill for an Act to Establish Nigeria Correctional Service Trust Fund and Provide a Legal Framework for the Management and Control of the Trust Fund and for Related Matters (HB. 686) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

2. A Bill for an Act to Establish the North Central Development Commission charged with the Responsibility among other things to Receive and Manage Funds from Allocation of the Federation Account for the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Roads, Houses and other Infrastructural Damages Suffered by the region as a result of the effect of the Communal Crises as well as tackle the Ecological Problems and any other Related Environmental or Developmental challenges in the North Central States and for Related Matters (HB.121) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

3. A Bill for an Act to Establish the South West Development Commission Charged with the Responsibility among others to Receive and Manage Funds from Allocation of the Federation Account, including Donations and Gifts, for the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Infrastructural Damages Suffered by the Region and to Tackle Ecological, Environmental and Other Developmental Challenges in the Region and for Related Matters (HB.283) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

4. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act to Establish the Federal Medical Centre Sabongida-Ora, Edo State, to Provide Primary to Tertiary Healthcare Services in all their Ramifications; and for Related Matters (HB.478) – Third Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the third reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Abdullahi Halims. The Bill was voted on, read for the third time and passed.

5. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Rights of Nigerian Citizens Living Outside Nigeria to Vote in certain Elections Conducted in Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 22) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdullahi) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Sadiq Abdullahi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Mohammed Jallo. Hon. Abdullahi in leading the debate stated that the Bill will aid Nigerians, especially those outside the country during elections to exercise their fundamental rights to vote. The Bill was voted on, approved on second reading and referred to the House Committee on Electoral Matters.

6. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Public Procurement Act, Cap. P44, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Provide for damage against the Contractor on issues Relating to undue delay in Completion of Contract and for Related Matters (HB. 03) (Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Marcus Onobun) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Marcus Onobun moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kalejaye Paul. Hon. Marcus in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to protect the procurement entities and guide the procurement processes. It further seeks to amend Section 37 of the Procurement Act to deal with delayed payments and protect all parties involved, as long as the agreements are not breached. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Public Procurement.

7. A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB. 1349) (Hon Benjamin Okeize Kalu) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Gana Joshua moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Chike Okafor. Hon. Gana in leading the debate stated that the Bill seeks to provide for the reservation of seats for women in National and State Assemblies. This he stated will address the imbalance of women representation in Parliament. He stated that Nigeria lags behind in women representation in Parliament when compared to other nations. Hon. Gana stated that the Bill seeks to keep the promise of ensuring more women participation and representation in Parliament and that every person, irrespective of gender has rights of participation. He asked Honorable members to rise in support of the second reading of the Bill.

Hon. Fatima Talba in contributing to the debate appealed to the men folk to ensure mothers, sisters and daughters also have their voice as representatives in Parliament. She stated that it is not a ploy to unseat the men, it is plot to call for more female representation.

Hon. Ibrahim Rabah supported the Bill and called for it to be made into Law for the good of female participation in legislature and politics in general.

Hon. Mila Usman Balami supported the Bill and called for understanding and encouragement of women participation in politics and the democratic process. He called for more gender equality-based Bills.

Hon. Akintunde Rotimi spoke in support of the Bill and decried the abysmal number of female representatives in Parliament. He appealed for Honorable members to allow for the second reading and that all issues can be trashed out during the Public Hearing on the Bill.

Hon. Ghali Mustapha in speaking against the Bill stated that the Bill is undemocratic as everyone should test his or her popularity at the polls.

Hon. Ayodeji Alaoakala stated that the Bill is highly sensitive. He stated that it is democratic for all politicians to compete fairly in the political field. He acknowledged that some political parties even give free forms to women to encourage their participation, but that’s where it can stop, it is not right to impose anyone because of gender.

Hon. Patrick Umoh stated that there is a need for every Bill to align with the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria. He stated that any Law made in segregating anyone in terms of race or gender is null and void. He stated that there is the need to protect every gender and race in Lawmaking. He called on Members to play down sentiments and follow the lead of the Constitution.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha in contributing to the debate commended Members who supported the second reading of the Bill. He urged Members not to throw away the baby with the bath water and to allow the Bill pass through the due process, and that all gray areas can be attended to in the Public Hearing domain. He called for the adoption of a system where spots of non-elected Members can be reserved for women as is practiced in the UK Parliament.

Hon. Famous Osawaru in his contribution stated that sentiments will not give the Bill success. He urged Members to deeply scrutinize the details of the Bill. He stated that it is almost impossible for anyone to willingly vacate their seats for women to take over their seats. He called for more women participation in politics, but that they should be properly elected.

Hon. Chike Okafor pleaded for Members to allow the Bill go through the proper process. He called for the adoption of any means to improve gender equality and representation in Parliament. He reminded Members that the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu who is presiding is the chief sponsor of the Bill.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda stated that Members are saddled with the responsibility to settle problems through legislation. He stated that the imbalance in female representation in Parliament is a problem that requires parliamentary solution. He stated that Nigeria ranks lowest within African countries for women representation in Parliament with only 3.19 percent. He pleaded with Members to help cure this problem and allow it go to the Public Hearing where experts and key stakeholders can contribute in alliance with the Nigerian Constitution.

Hon. Kelechi Nwogu in his contribution commended the Deputy Speaker for courageously sponsoring this Constitution Amendment Bill. He further proposed that states nationwide should adopt women for the position of Deputy Governor.

The Deputy Speaker stated that he would have wanted Nigerians to participate during the Public Hearing, but as the sponsor of the Bill and also the Presiding Officer, he may be looked at as being biased.

Hon. Ali Isa called for the passage of the Bill for second reading so it can go for Public Hearing.

Hon. Satome Ahmed also supported the second reading of the Bill for posterity sake. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Special Committee on the Review of the Constitution.

8. A Bill for an Act to Establish National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration Ondo City, Ondo State and for Related Matters (SB.40) (Leader) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Kingsley Chinda. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the committee of the Whole.

9. A Bill for an Act to Establish Gifted and Talented Centres in the Six Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.931) (Hon. Akin Rotimi and five others) Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Akin Rotimi moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Adamu Tanko. Hon. Rotimi in leading the debate stated that there is an existing school for gifted and talented individuals in Suleja. The Bill seeks to give legal backing to the center and provide for more of such centers nationwide. He appealed to Members to support it. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Services.

10. A Bill for An Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act, 2022 to Establish the Federal Medical Centre, Mallam Madori and for Related Matters (HB.1504) (Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman) Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Abubakar Yalleman moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Muhammed Takai. Hon. Yalleman in leading the Bill stressed the importance of having the proposed medical center to cater for the huge healthcare needs of people in the region so that they do not have to travel to other states to access such healthcare services. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Health Institutions.

11. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Colleges of Education Act, Cap. F8, Laws of the Federation of the Nigeria, 2004, to Provide for Establishment of Federal College of Education (Technical), Faskari, Kastina State and for Related Matters (HB. 1418) (Hon. Dalhatu Shehu) – Second Reading.

Debate:

Hon. Dalhatu Shehu moved for the second reading of the Bill and it was seconded by Hon. Salisu Yusuf. The Bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education.

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MOTIONS:

12. Need to Improve Nigeria Road to Enhance Security, Ease Traffic and Curb Accidents Caused by Wrong Use of Walkways:

Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong:

The House:

Notes that road transportation in Nigeria is among the most affected means of movement in the country and Nigeria road are becoming increasingly congested with heavy vehicular and human traffic;

 Also notes that failure of vehicles along Nigeria roads affects both the road users and the vehicles. Some of the effects identified are increased accident rate, increase in faulty vehicles, high vehicle maintenance cost, and increase in travel time due to traffic congestion and the bad nature of the road;

Aware that due to the congested nature of Nigeria road many motorists now use the walkways as transit routes which has caused accidents;

Also aware that this practice has forced pedestrians to commute on highways thereby slowing down traffic and also exposing them to danger and risk of losing their lives;

Worried that despite the loss of lives and properties caused by the reckless attitudes of motorists who misuse the walkways, the trend continues;

Concerned that poor road transportation system slows a nation’s economic, cultural, and social development. The nation’s GDP and revenue decrease when people, goods, and services cannot move from one location to another on time;

Also concerned that the other effects of bad roads include insecurity posed by criminals at failed sections of road, risk of flooding and erosion, and adverse effects on economic development;

Resolves to:

(i) urge the Federal Government to provide more security on Nigeria road;

(ii) also urge the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to enforce parking laws and ensure proper usage of walkways and pedestrian bridges;

(iii) mandate the Committee on Land Transport to investigate the challenges and provide permanent solutions to these challenges and report within four (4) weeks for further Legislative action;

Debate:

Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong moved the motion on the need to improve Nigerian roads to enhance security, ease traffic and curb accidents caused by wrong use of walkways and it was seconded by Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Land Transport.

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Adjournment:

The House at 14:22 PM adjourned plenary to Wednesday, July 10th, 2024 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Kingsley Chinda.

Courtesy:

Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.

News

IBB in his controversial book narrates how he met his wife, Maryam

Published

9 minutes ago

February 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former military president has shared a story how he married his wife, Maryam.

He also revealed that he was the one that converted her to Islam.

He opened up about his marriage to his late wife Maryam in his newly released autobiography.

The book, titled ‘A Journey in Service‘, was launched on Thursday. The event also featured a fundraiser for his presidential library.

In the memoir, Babangida said he first met Maryam, formerly Maria Okogwu, during their younger years in Kaduna.

He said at the time, they were both living in the unmarried officers’ quarters on Kanta Road.

The former military ruler said he was immediately drawn to Maryam’s striking beauty, and their friendship blossomed over time.

IBB said despite his training stints abroad, including in India and the United Kingdom, their bond endured.

The 83-year-old statesman said he would often visit Maryam at the home of his close friend and cousin Garba Duba, whose father was fond of him.

He said the connection allowed him to spend more time with Maryam and their friendship continued to grow.

“I first met Maria Okogwu (as she then was). As young officers, we shared digs in the unmarried officer’s quarters by Kanta Road in Kaduna, and I was now seeing more of Maria,” he wrote.

“She was stunning. Her ebony beauty set off enchanting eyes, and her dazzling smile showed off a lovely set of teeth; when she smiled – and she often smiled – her face lit up, and her eyes danced. Duba was as much a brother as a cousin to her, and, on the back of that, I often saw Maria at Duba’s house and when she visited us at Kanta Road.

“I was very fond of Maria, and she, eventually, of me. There was more than an element of predestination in our relationship.

“It was at NMTC that I began to notice Maria more. Duba’s father was fond of me, so I was mindful that my bonds with the family meant that I had to be more cautious than usual, a factor that synced with my natural shyness.

“She and I remained friends and maintained that friendship through my early years in the army, which included sojourns abroad for training in India and the United Kingdom.”

IBB recalled how his near-death experience at age 28 sparked his desire to get married. He said after being shot in battle, he was left with a piece of shrapnel lodged in the right side of his chest.

The former head of state said while receiving treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Idi-Araba, Lagos, he felt a sense of urgency to settle down.

IBB added that as his parents’ only surviving male child, he felt the weight of responsibility to start a family and secure his legacy.

“This was the first time I recall seriously thinking it was time to find a wife as a life partner. I was 28, and it seemed to me that it was time to settle down,” he wrote.

“While I was in the hospital, the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Yakubu Gowon, had gotten married to his lovely wife, Victoria, with much pomp and military pageantry.

“I cannot deny that their marriage and the accompanying ceremony further focused my mind on getting married myself.

“Lying in my hospital bed, I had lots of time to run through the various relationships I had had and try to decide which of them would best stand the test of time. Time and again, Maria Okogwu kept popping into my mind with her ageless beauty and enchanting smile.

“I had settled on Maria as the woman I would wed before being discharged from the hospital, and as soon as I was discharged, I made my way to Kaduna, where she lived with her mother and uncle. I was anxious to share the good news with her: I had decided we were destined for a life together. I admired her greatly for her reserved nature and the fact that she was well brought up.

“I wanted to make my intentions known to her and was determined not to accept No for an answer. Fortune favours the bold, and it smiled upon me; I counted and still count myself lucky. Initially, Maria was highly sceptical of me as marrying material.

“She knew that I had a track record of being something of a man about town, and those were not the qualities she wanted in a husband. She was unconvinced of my capacity to be serious, and many people said as much to her.”

IBB said with the support of Muhammadu King, Garba Duba’s father, he was able to win Maryam’s heart.

He revealed that his faith was an integral part of his life so he asked her to convert from Christianity to Islam.

Babangida said he also promised Maryam that he would not take multiple wives, a practice he had seen cause turmoil in other families.

“I shared with her the fact that my faith was an integral and essential part of my life and that I would require her to convert to Islam,” he said.

“Praise be to Allah; this was not a difficult decision for Maria. Being part-Christian and part-Muslim at birth and already living in a Muslim household, it was never going to be wholly uncharted territory for her.

“She adapted with relative ease to married life as a Muslim. In proposing to Maria, I assured her that, though a Muslim, I did not intend to take multiple wives and bring up children from different women. I knew full well that my chances of a stable family life would be significantly improved if I avoided polygamy. I had witnessed close up – both among professional colleagues and in my extended family – the headaches and heartaches this led to, and that was not the life I wanted to live or to share with her.”

Maryam died from ovarian cancer in a Los Angeles hospital on December 27, 2009, at the age of 61.

Babangida said coping without her had not been easy, but the memories of their life together provided solace.

IBB married Mariam on September 6, 1969. They have four children together — Aisha, Muhammad, Aminu, and Halima.

News

Tinubu removed my name from ministerial list not NASS – El-Rufai reveals

Published

9 minutes ago

February 25, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has said that President Bola Tinubu, not the National Assembly, was responsible for his exclusion from the ministerial list.

Speaking on Monday during an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time, El-Rufai dismissed claims that the Senate rejected his nomination over security concerns.

“The National Assembly had nothing to do with it, the president didn’t want me in his cabinet,” El-Rufai said.

El-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also criticised the party’s leadership, stating that its organs have been inactive since Tinubu assumed office.

“I’m a founding member of the APC, but I have concern about how the party is being run… how many people sacrificed a lot to ensure that it was an internally democratic party with progressive ideals, two years after the election of President of Tinubu, none of the party organs is functioning. The progressive ideals are not being pursued with any vigour,” he said.

The former governor revealed that after extensive negotiations, Tinubu personally requested his support and assured him of a ministerial nomination, which came with certain conditions. However, the president later withdrew the offer.

“Since I left office and the president begged me publicly to support him, I said I would and I don’t want anything. I am a self-made man I don’t need anything. Through two months of negotiations we finally agreed that he would nominate me as minister and there were certain conditions I attached to that, along the line, either the president changed his mind. Please don’t believe the story that the National Assembly rejected me, they had nothing to do with it, the president didn’t want me in his cabinet,” he added.

On the alleged security concerns cited for his rejection, El-Rufai challenged the claim, insisting there was no report against him.

“What was the security issue the National Assembly had against me? Where is the report? There were far less qualified, less experienced that scaled through because the president made a call. He is a human being he’s entitled to change his mind,” he said.

News

It’s Awful For Akpabio To Humiliate Female Senators, Kingibe, Natasha;– Ex-Minister Ezekwesili

Published

9 hours ago

February 24, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex- Nigerian minister of education, Oby Ezekwesili, has slammed Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, over his alleged misconduct towards female lawmakers.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ezekwesili expressed concerns over Akpabio’s behaviour, citing instances where he allegedly humiliated female senators, including Natasha Akpoti and Ireti Kingibe.

Recall on Saturday that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan spoke out about the harassment and exclusion she has faced in the Senate, citing a pattern of behaviour that began after a nightclub incident last year.

In an interview with the Brekete Family, where Akpoti-Uduaghan had revealed that she had been denied privileges, pulled out of international activities, and even had her name struck out from a United Nations event she was nominated for.

The senator claimed that she had been self-funding her trips to international events, which she believed are important for her constituents, Nigerian women, and the country as a whole.

She had also alleged that her seat in the Senate was changed to a location where she would be less visible, suggesting that this was an attempt to silence her or eliminate her from being seen.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations came after Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced criticism for his sexist remarks against her, with over 300 women groups demanding an unreserved apology.

The incident highlights concerns about gender discrimination and verbal harassment in Nigeria’s political institutions.

Reacting in her statement, Ezekwesili encouraged women in public leadership to stand strong and continue to represent their constituents, emphasising that representation matters.

The former presidential candidate, also warned Akpabio that he would face consequences if he continued to harass women in public leadership.

The statement she shared on her X handle partly read: “I tweeted last year that if not for the rottenness of our Judiciary, Nigerians would not have an @Senator_Akpabio presiding over the upper house of our @nassnigeria – the Nigerian Senate @NGRSenate.

“That statement has been given proof by Mr Akpabio himself in the nearly 2 years of his “leadership” of the Senate.

“One issue stands out. Mr Akpabio implicitly thinks that his even more accomplished female colleagues must be humiliated in order for his ego to be assuaged.”

Ezekwesili added, “Is it not a shame that one day it is @NatashaAkpoti , another day @IretiKingibe and yet another day @NatashaAkpoti that are at the receiving end of the appalling misconduct of the topmost officer of our Legislature?”

“And we wonder why Nigeria shamefully places at the lowest neighborhood of the ranking of countries on Women in public leadership , specifically Legislature at 4.4%.

“I encourage the women in public leadership to never ever lose their Voice. Continue to stand strong in your commitment to citizens and prove that representation matters.

“All aspects of data do in fact show that representation matters a lot.”

The former Vice President of World Bank (Africa Region), warned Senate President to be prepared to face what would come to him next time he harasses any woman well-elected unlike him.

“Next time Mr Akpabio harasses any woman well-elected unlike him and representing her constituency @ the National Assembly or any woman at all anywhere in this country, he must get ready. Enough said.”

Guardian