News

Reps to Quiz FCT Council Chairmen On Expenditure Tuesday

Published

4 months ago

July 16, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has said it would commence interrogation of the six Area Council Chairmen of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on their expenditure from Tuesday next week.

The six chairmen would face the House Committee on FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters after failing to appear after several invitations.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Frederick Agbedi, during a session on Tuesday, which was attended by the Minister of State for FCT, Mariya Mahmud, and the six Chairmen expressed displeasure that they had been avoiding the invitation to explain how they have been spending money money allocated to them.

He berated them, and said their actions held the parliament in contempt.

Rep. Agbedi said the Committee was not witch-hunting anyone, but anyone who is in service must be accountable.

Mahmud apologised for not being able to meet up earlier invitations and promised that subsequently they would work with the Committee.

Also the Area Council Chairman for Kwali, Danladi Chia, also tendered his unreserved apology on behalf his colleagues and promised they would cooperate for the probe.

According to a schedule provided by the Clerk of the Committee, Abaji Area Council would appear before the Committee on Tuesday, July 23, 2024; Bwari on Wednesday July 24, 202 and Gwagwalada on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Also, Kuje Area Council would face the Committee on Tuesday, July 30, 2024; Kwali on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and AMAC on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The hearings are expected to hold by 1pm on the allocated days.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the Committee adjourn the investigative hearing till next week as a result of the demise of a member of the House from Kaduna State, Rep Ekene Adams.

The Committee had last Tuesday threatened the stoppage of budgetary allocation to the FCT due to the refusal of the Area Council Chairmen as well as agencies in charge of the Councils to honour previous invitations.

News

HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

Published

3 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.

Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”

In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.

“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.

“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024

“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.

“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.

Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

7 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

9 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.