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Reps To Invite FCT Minister, Police Commissioner, Others Over Rising Cases Of ‘One Chance’

Published

6 months ago

October 22, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has mandate its Committees on Federal Capital Territory, Police and National Security and Intelligence to summon the FCT Minister, Commissioner of Police, DG DSS over the resurgence of activities of one chance operatives within the capital city.

The House also mandated its Committee on FCT to investigate the use of unregistered/unpainted taxis within the capital city as well as a comprehensive investigation into the activities of kidnapping and arm robbery within the capital city and report to the house within three weeks.

This resolution is sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Ismail Haruna Dabo, lawmaker representing Toro Federal Constituency of Bauchi state, on The Resurgence of “One Chance” Taxi Operators” in the FCT on Tuesday at plenary.

The interaction is part of an investigation ordered by the House following the killing of one Miss Nimah Sulaiman a lby “one chance” operatives on Thursday, October 17, 2024, in Abuja.

Debating the motion, Rep. Dabo decried that in recent years, the nation’s capital has experienced an upsurge in the rate of kidnappings and robbery incidents, including “one chance,” from those kidnapped from far flung suburbs to those kidnapped along the Airport Road, from those picked from their Estates, to those kidnapped at the City centre to those abducted by renegade one-chance taxi operators.

According to him, it has been a tumultuous and scary situation for people living within the capital territory of the use of unregistered and unpainted taxis has further worsen. the situation, providing an easy conduit for criminal activities within the capital city.

He said residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are living in fear as the security of the nation’s seat of power has continued to deteriorate as brutal criminals go about with their daily operations without mercy on citizens.

The motion reads: “Further aware that one Miss Nimah Sulaiman a Legislative Aide of Hon. Dabo, was kidnapped and brutally murdered on Thursday 17 October, 2024 on her way home to Jahi District, around 6:15 pm, where she was taken at gunpoint at Banex Junction in Wuse 2, by one chance operators;

“Recalls that despite paying ransom in full, her life was tragically cur short. Her body was found between the hours of 9 to 10 pm at Maitama/Mi.ister’s hill Bridge;

“Disturbed that this heinous crime has sent shockWaves through our community, confirming the escalating insecurity in the FCT. It is our collective responsibility as lawmakers to ensure the safety and security of our citizens”.

The lawmakers observed a one minute silence to pray for Late Nimah Sulaiman.

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Speaker Gambia National Assembly Calls for Urgent Action on ECOWAS Crisis

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…as foreign minister say member states must be united

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of The Gambia National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has urged members of the ECOWAS Parliament to face the realities of the region’s challenges following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.

Speaking at the opening of the Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Joint Committees on Monday in Banjul, The Gambia, Hon. Jatta said, the joint committee meeting was to ‘Consider the Political, Socio-Economic and Humanitarian Impact of the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS’.

The Speaker who highlighted the importance of the theme, said the situation demands deep reflection.

He said: “The theme under which this meeting is convened is not merely a topic for discussion; it calls for a deeper introspection of the founding principles of ECOWAS and to what extent these principles are serving the wishes and aspirations of our Citizens”.

The Speaker described the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger on January 29, 2025, as the most significant crisis in West Africa’s regional integration since the founding of ECOWAS in 1975.

He praised ECOWAS’s approach to the crisis, noting, “It is however worth noting that despite the major setback the withdrawal represents, ECOWAS measured and pragmatic approach shows the commitment to building bridges for cooperation and is highly commendable.”

Hon. Jatta therefore urged parliamentarians to recognize the complex causes of the withdrawal, as he said that the withdrawal could disrupt trade, increase security threats, and affect cross-border communities.

“As you take stock and deliberate on the impact of the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States, do not lose sight of the fact that the departure of the Sahel states reflects a complex web of security concerns, geopolitical realignments and institutional failures.

“The immediate impact includes the potential disruption of established trade routes and economic zones. Port cities and transit trade could experience an economic downturn and cross-border communities and traditional trade networks may face challenges,” he said.

The Speaker warned about wider implications for African unity. “The split of ECOWAS poses profound implications for the African Union’s broader integration agenda, challenging current realities and future assumptions,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hon. Jatta expressed optimism. that the resolutions that will emerge from this meeting would include strengthening the arm of parliamentary diplomacy to the Sahel states through constructive engagements and collaborations.

“Choosing isolation over regional cooperation would result in economic isolation and increased maritime access costs as landlocked nations. Additionally, they risk reduced foreign direct investment due to perceived instability and limited market access,” he added.

Hon. Jatta therefore called for dedication and urgency. “As parliamentarians, we have a crucial role to play in making this vision a reality. We must, therefore, approach our deliberations with a sense of urgency, commitment and determination, knowing that the hopes and aspirations of millions of ECOWAS citizens rest on our shoulders.

Without any shred of doubt, I am confident that, together, we can overcome the challenges before us and pave the way for a more integrated, peaceful, and prosperous ECOWAS region,” he said.

In his goodwill, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, called on ECOWAS member states to strengthen unity and solidarity as the region faces critical political and security challenges.

Dr. Tangara noted its significance as the regional body marks its 50th anniversary.

“Your decision to organize this important delocalized sitting in Banjul is a clear testimony of your strong commitment to bring ECOWAS closer to its citizens. “The Government of The Gambia salutes this lofty decision of the Sixth Legislature”, he said.

Addressing the theme of the sitting, the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS, Dr. Tangara described it as unfortunate butemphasised hope for reconciliation.

He stressed that the vision of the founding fathers of ECOWAS and the African Union must continue to guide the region.

“We are all better off together as one family; one united West Africa with a common history, geography and destiny. We can overcome our disagreements and differences. We have the capacity, the readiness and willingness to achieve regional unity.

“Our unity is our strength. Let us work towards attaining African unity as encapsulated in the vision and dreams of the founding fathers,” Dr. Tangara urged.

The Foreign Minister reflected on the original goals of ECOWAS, describing the organization as a symbol of Pan-Africanism and economic emancipation.

And cautioned that the withdrawal of member states could weaken the dream of a united Africa.

“At the heart of the founding of ECOWAS was the recognition of the need for greater Pan-Africanism, African unity, solidarity and the economic emancipation of our states from the vestiges of colonialism.

“Any withdrawal from any of those building blocks by member states undermines African unity, integration and solidarity,” he stated.

Dr. Tangara therefore called for continuous engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as he said, “we cannot lose hope or patience and adopt abandonment as a policy.”

Dr. Tangara emphasised the many achievements of ECOWAS, from peacekeeping efforts to trade and free movement across borders, and challenged the notion that democracy and good governance are foreign to Africa.

“Some of our countries are enjoying peace today thanks to the sacrifices and invaluable contributions made by ECOWAS and its member states. The free movement of goods and people across our borders has become a standard being emulated around the world.

“African citizens have and nurture expectations that they will participate in the choice of their leaders and that their governments will govern justly based on rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.

Dr. Tangara urged the delegates to focus on pragmatic solutions and regional cooperation, especially in light of growing security threats.

“No state in the region is secure without the security of other states.

“Our common history, our diverse peoples, our shared geography, our rich culture, our collective security and mutual prosperity place a unique burden on all of us here present to pursue unity, integration and prosperity,” he said.

News

True Democracy Means Everyone Must Have a Voice – Speaker Abbas

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…as young Nigerians, social media influencers push for free speech, national unity

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, says the strength of Nigeria’s democracy should be judged by how much all citizens, especially key groups, are included in decision-making.

Speaker Abbas who stated this while meeting with a group of social media influencers, many of them young Nigerians, at the ‘Speaker’s New Media Exchange 2025’, stressed the importance of youth voices and the role of online platforms in shaping the country’s democracy on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, “democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness”.

He stated that the engagement, with the theme, ‘Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development,’ was for a critical reflection on the intersection of governance, innovation, and responsible communication.

He said: “We are not unmindful of the challenges posed by misinformation, digital security threats, and the misuse of online platforms. Nonetheless, our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education, and constructive engagement rather than censorship or coercion.”

The Speaker described the interaction as an unprecedented engagement designed to formalise a dialogue between the Nigerian Parliament and the dynamic community of digital actors.

“Today’s session marks a seminal moment. It is the first structured interaction at the highest legislative level with social media influencers, recognising their significant contributions to the democratic enterprise and shaping national discourse.

“In a nation whose demographic composition is overwhelmingly youthful, and where digital platforms have become central to information exchange, advocacy, and civic engagement, it is both strategic and necessary to forge this partnership”, he stated.

Abbas noted that the significance of the collaboration is underscored by compelling data, the Speaker noted that Nigeria’s digital landscape has expanded rapidly, with approximately 38.7 million active social media users as of 2025, representing 16.3 per cent of the national population and marking a 5.3 per cent increase from the previous year.

Moreover, he added, Nigerians rank fifth globally in average daily time spent on social media, dedicating approximately three hours and twenty-three minutes each day.

“These figures attest to the unrivalled capacity of digital platforms to shape public opinion, influence consumer behaviour, and drive civic engagement. It is therefore evident that meaningful partnership with the digital community is not optional but essential to building a more participatory democracy”, Abbas added.

The Speaker pointed out that the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House rests on a foundational commitment to deepen public participation in governance.

“Our aspiration is to build a parliament that is accessible, transparent, responsive, and firmly anchored in the aspirations of all Nigerians.”

To this end, Speaker Abbas noted that the House has expanded channels of engagement through live-streamed plenary sessions, constituency dialogues, the annual Open National Assembly Week dedicated to access and inclusion, and now, purposeful engagement with the digital ecosystem.

“Beyond these initiatives, the House is pursuing reforms that foreground the rights of persons living with disabilities, promote the inclusion of marginalised communities, and advance the political participation of women through constitutional amendment processes. Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness.

“You are pivotal agents in the contemporary information environment. Your platforms serve as vital conduits for citizen engagement, policy interpretation, and the cultivation of public consciousness”, he asserted.

The Speaker further said the House has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and youth empowerment through legislation such as the Nigeria Start-Up Act, which fosters an enabling environment for technology entrepreneurs; and the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which safeguards digital rights.

“We continue to uphold the Freedom of Information Act as an instrument for transparency. We have expanded opportunities for youth inclusion through initiatives like the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, the Bi-Annual Youth Town Hall Meetings, and enhanced budgetary support for youth development programmes in the 2025 budget,” he added.

Speaker Abbas also cited the establishment of the House Committee on Youth and the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, which underscores our resolve to institutionalise youth participation.

Leading the influencers to speak, a former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah, OON, noted that the tension between freedom of speech and national interest has subsisted for centuries, with many philosophers applying their minds to trying to find a balance between the two.

Speaking on the topic, ‘Balancing Freedom of Speech Against National Interest,’ Dr Abah said: “The question for us is: Is it possible to guard against fake news and hate speech, particularly on social media, without enacting additional legislation? I believe that we can…”

The technocrat went on to offer some recommendations “for us to debate in this session.”

News

Igbo Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for President Tinubu’s Re-Election In 2027

Published

2 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of the 2027 Presidential election, traditional rulers in South-East Nigeria have pledged to deliver at least, 70 percent of the region’s vote to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The traditional Rulers Council, under the aegis of Ndi Igbo Progressive led by His Royal Majesty, Eze Nnamdi Oforegbu during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu in Umuahia, the Abia State capital said that Tinubu has impacted the South East economy.

Oforegbu said their mission was to express profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), believing it will accelerate the infrastructure development of the region.

The monarchs also commended the Deputy Speaker for his legislative ingenuity, particularly his effort in sponsoring the bill that led to the creation of the Commission, and offered royal blessings and special prayer to God for more wisdom and political growth.

He said: “We are here to thank you. You’re doing more than we expected. That has never happened before. We’ve not seen this kind of good works before.

“You sponsored a bill that enabled us to get South East Development Commission (SEDC). We’ve never seen anything like it. We are praying to the Almighty God to bless you.

“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for appointing our sons and brothers, as the pioneer heads of the SEDC. As you promoted our brothers, God will also raise you above your imagination.

“We are here to thank you for all you’ve done and show our support to Mr President. Continue the good work. It shall be well with you. You’ve shown capacity, that’s why I said there must be continuity from this ladder to the next.

“We want to meet the President to also thank him. He made our own a Deputy Speaker, gave us SEDC and so many other developments and appointments given to Ndi Igbo.

“We assure him our votes, 70 percent of our votes in the next election. We are promising you we are behind you, keep succeeding. If there’s anywhere you need us to speak, let us know and we will be there. We see all you’re doing. We are with you. May God bless you”.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker commended the traditional rulers for their decision to support the President in 2027.

He emphasised that the President’s actions towards the South East region, including the appointment of Igbo sons to key positions, warranted their loyalty.

He said: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is an example of loyalty and a rewarder of loyalty. He doesn’t forget anything you do for him. If you give him a cup of water, 10 years after, he will remember that you gave him that a cup of water. And he will reward you. You saw how he fought during the election and how we stood for him.

“For eight years before him, Igbos did not occupy any position in the leadership succession ladder of the country. We have not been anywhere for 8 years. They kept telling us that we don’t have votes. Yet he remembered us and gave us Deputy Speaker; gave us Chief of Naval Staff that is controlling the water ways including oil and gas that Nigeria depends on; gave us the Minister of Works.

“And I know with your promise as traditional rulers, we will give him nothing less than 70% of our vote. We will no longer waste our vote, we will invest it not waste it and I’m sure that Mr President will be very happy”.

Kalu also reassured the traditional rulers of the parliament’s commitment to giving them a constitutional role, recognizing their crucial contributions to national unity, peace, and security.

“Let me also inform you that we are fighting and we will give you a place in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will give you voice in the constitution because you’re doing a lot. Traditional rulers, you’re doing a lot for national unity and national cohesion, for the peace and security of our rural communities. The President also respects traditional rulers so much”, the Deputy Speaker added.