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Bill Seeking Provision Of Guidelines for Judgment Debts Payment Scale Second Reading 7

Published

3 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking the provision of guidelines for the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its agencies.

The bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to provide guidelines for the payment of Judgment Debts Owed by the Federal Government and its agencies and for other related matters thereto,” was sponsored by Rep. Miriam Onuoha, member representing Onuimo/Okigwe/Isiala Mbano Federal Constituency of Imo State.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Rep. Onuoha noted that over the years, the country faced increased financial liabilities from judgment debts.

According to he, These payments have been managed without consistent guidelines, proper documentation, or transparency, and this has led to government agencies paying judgment debts on a discretionary basis, without due consideration for the order of judgments, public interest, or the need to respect court orders.

She said, “The current lack of a legal framework in handling these obligations has created room for

negligence and misconduct. Often, the actions of public officers, unchecked by clear consequences, lead to avoidable litigations.

“Therefore, the Judgment Debt (Payment Guidelines) Establishment Bill, 2023 is a necessary response to these challenges. It introduces a structured approach to managing judgment debt payments by the Federal Government and its agencies, ensuring accountability, compliance, and financial discipline.”

The objectives of the bill include to “Establish guidelines and procedures for the payment of judgment debts by the Federal Government and its agencies;

“Deter negligence and promote professionalism within government agencies, ensuring that officials act responsibly to avoid unnecessary litigation and foster transparency and accountability by mandating that judgment debts are included in the annual budget, subject to the oversight of the National Assembly.”

The lawmaker clarified that the bill does not intend to repeal the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, rather, “It complements existing legislation by providing specific

guidelines tailored to the payment of judgment debts owed by the Federal Government and its

agencies.

“This Bill is narrowly focused on ensuring that payments are managed transparently, fairly, and with respect to established priorities, without undermining the broader framework of the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act,” she added.

Contributing to the motion, Rep. Ademorin Kuye, member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, sought clarification in the difference between the provisions of the bill and the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act, particularly in relation to the personal responsibility of government officials.

He said, “Let us get the clarification so that the bill does not become superfluous. It appears to me that the bill she is proposing has been taken care of by the Sheriff and Civil Processes Law.

“If an officer of government leaves office and another one comes in, who is going to be held responsible for debt entered into” he asked.

The duo of Rep. Ahmed Jaha and Rep. Iduma Igariwey, from Borno and Ebonyi States respectively however urged their colleagues to support the bill, saying more clarifications on the bill would be made at the committee level or during public hearing.

“Let us not terminate this bill at this level. Stakeholders will give further clarifications on areas that are not very clear during the public hearing on the bill,” Mr Jaha said.

But Rep. Igariwey said, “Let us allow the bill to go through a second reading so that when we get to the committee level, officials of the Ministry of Justice can provide the needed clarifications.”

Providing further insights, Mrs Onuoha added that the bill would help make public officers sit up and be more accountable.

She added, “Judgment debts have been shielded in secrecy. As a parliament, we have not had the privilege to scrutinise debts-how much is owed, how much is to be paid and all that. This bill will help build inclusivity and public trust.”

Following its adoption, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Justice for further legislative action.

News

Enugu ready to provide evidence against Ekpa, hails arrest

Published

15 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

See also Bauchi: Head teacher bags 11 years jail term for sexually assaulting 6-year-old pupil
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

News

“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)

Published

19 minutes ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.

Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.

He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.

“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.

“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.

“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.

“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”

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SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024

Published

1 hour ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.

NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.

How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?

Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.