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Rep kicks against inclusion of Ajaokuta in bill to create new state from Kogi
Sanni Egidi, a member of the house of representatives, has opposed the inclusion of Ajaokuta federal constituency in the proposal to create a new state from Kogi.
During plenary on Thursday, Ibrahim Halims, lawmaker representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi, moved a motion for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi — with Egume as the proposed capital.
Halims, who is the deputy majority leader of the house and sponsor of the bill, said the creation of the state would be justifiable as it would bring government closer to the people and rapidly develop the Igala nation.
“Our demand for the creation of Okura state derives justification from our historical antecedent,” he said.
“It dates back to 1964 when Igala native authority was ranked second to Kano native authority in revenue generation and capacity and was in the process of being made the 14th province in northern region through the northern house of assembly — before the military coup of 1966.
“Having lost the bid to be carved out as a province, it became part of Kwara state in 1967.”
The lawmaker said Okura satisfies all the requirements for the creation of a state.
“It is worthy of note that the 13 provinces in the then northern Nigeria have all been split into states, with the exception of Kabba province where the proposed Okura state belongs,” Halims added.
“In view of this historical and structural antecedent, the creation of Okura state at this point in time will ensure lasting peace and progress in the region.
“This will create equity, fairness and general sense of belonging as people of one united country.
“The proposed state lies to the east of the Niger and is inhabited by the Igalas — ninth largest ethnic group.”
Halims said if the state is created, it will bring government closer to the “long neglected people of Igala” and would ensure the equitable distribution of the nation’s resources to the people.
Debating the bill, Egidi said his constituency of Ajaokuta cannot be part of the proposed new state.
The lawmaker said the map of the proposed new state should be redesigned to extricate Ajaokuta.
“For about two days, I have seen a map circulating in the social media where my constituency, Ajaokuta, is part of the proposed new state,” Egidi said.
“I want to put it to the house that I believe it is an error. I believe that it is not correct. Ajaokuta federal constituency is currently in Kogi state central senatorial district. It is not part of east senatorial district.
“I want the map to be redesigned.
“In as much as I agree with the creation of the new state, my constituency cannot be part of Okura state based on the following reasons: There is a natural boundary already, and I am not sure anybody from my constituency was consulted. My constituency should be out of it.”
Responding, Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, said the lawmaker’s demand would be considered by the constitutional amendment committee when further proposals are received from stakeholders.
The bill was unanimously voted for when Abbas put it to a voice vote.
News
Senator Manu hosts Taraba Queens and Kings in NASS (Photos)
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna on Tuesday hosted Taraba Queens and Kings in his office at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
Miss Taraba Queen Grace Sunday, the 7th titleholder, and Miss Taraba Queen Comfort Williams, the 10th titleholder, led the newly crowned state kings and queens in paying a courtesy visit to the former Deputy Governor of Taraba State.
Grace Sunday on behalf of the team expressed their appreciation for the Senator’s support and dedication to youth empowerment and community development within the Taraba Central and Taraba at large.
Senator Haruna hailed their achievements and encouraged them to continue serving as positive role models for the youth of Taraba State.
See photos below:
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*Kemi Ayelabola Sustains Tempo On Gender Equality For Women, Salutes Efforts Of Hon. Ogbara, House Leadership*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairperson and Convener of Asiwaju Renewed Hope (ARH’23), Kemi Olokode-Ayelabola has added her voice to the call for gender equality for women, describing it as a moral imperative, as well as a key driver of sustainable development and social progress.
Kemi, a behavioral, developmental and child/young persons care professional currently based in the Republic of Ireland also commended the leadership of the House of Representatives, especially the Speaker, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (CFR) and the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (CON) for their deliberate efforts to involve more women in critical decision-making, particularly in elective offices across the various tiers of government.
She further applauded the House leadership for the genuine commitment they exhibited at the international legislative dialogue on women and the constitutional amendment process in Nigeria, recently organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.
Similarly, Kemi equally gave kudos to the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara for her immense contributions in making a case for the women folks towards societal cohesion, gender parity, political participation/leadership so as to engender national development.
Olokode-Ayelabola stated this in a statement she made available to the media on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 noting that there was urgent need for collaboration and collective action by all stakeholders in tackling legal, social, religious and cultural vices and other societal challenges, that serve as impediments to women’s participation and empowerment in every strata of life.
“I must commend Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, for revisiting all the gender-based legislations of the 9th Assembly on women’s participation in politics and other sectorial matters and this is essentially crucial to building a stable and peaceful society and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of women while also creating a place of pride and dignity for them in the society through right legal and legislative frameworks.
“There is, therefore, an urgent need for the women to be adequately represented in political and economic decision-making at every level,” she said.
Continuing, “As Nigeria strives for gender equality, women’s participation in political leadership remains a critical focal point. Sadly women face pitiable challenges in the political arena, therefore necessitating tailored approaches to enhance their opportunities and ensure protection from discrimination must never be compromised.
“I once appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in March this year to step up the full implementation of 35% affirmative action of women in public governance and leadership; I have not backed out from this laudable advocacy and thankfully we have a compassionate and listening President who is already taking meaningful decisions in that direction and we must applaud His Excellency for that.
“We must however redouble our efforts to support women in decision-making roles, enabling them to effectively advocate for legislation and policies that advance the interests of women and girls. In alignment with these efforts, there should be legislative and constitutional reforms to ensure women’s equitable access to political spheres as voters, candidates, elected officials, political appointees and civil service executives as the case may be,” Olokode-Ayelabola stated.
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