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Court halts CBN, AGF from freezing Kano LG funds

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A Kano state high court has restrained the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, the Accountant-General of Federation, AGF, and the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, from withholding funds for the 44 LGAs in the state.

Justice Ibrahim Musa-Muhammad, granted the interim order on Wednesday in an ex-parte application brought by the Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Ibrahim Muhammed and five others.

Moving the motion, counsels to the applicants, Bashir Yusuf-Muhammad and Usman Bala-Salisu, expressed concerns over the possible withholding or delay of allocations essential for local governance in the state.

The judge granted the application restraining the 45th and 46th respondents either by themselves, their agents, officers, privies, representatives from refusing to disburse or delaying to disburse, deferring or suspending the monthly allocation or in any way tampering with the allocation from the Federation Account to the 44 LGAs pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

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The judge also granted the applicants permission to serve the court processes on the 45th, 46th and 47th respondents by substituted service.

The court adjourned the matter until November 21, for hearing the motion on notice.

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NASC appoints Andrew Nwoba as Clerk to Senate, elevates others

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The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has approved the appointment of Mr Andrew Ogbonnaya Nwoba as the Clerk to the Senate.

The Commission approved the appointment, which takes effect from December 11, 2024, at its meeting held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

Before his appointment, Nwoba was the Secretary of the Directorate of Legislative Budget and Planning.

A statement by the NASC Deputy Director (Information), Mr Emmanuel Anyigor, said that the Commission also endorsed the promotion of other key officers of the National Assembly bureaucracy.

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According to the statement, “Mr Emmanuel Odo was appointed Deputy Clerk (Administration) Senate, while Vivien N. Njemanze was appointed Deputy Clerk (Administration) House of Representatives.

“Also, Dr Obasi D. Ukoha is now the Secretary of the Directorate of legislative Budget and Planning.

“On the other hand, Mr Rawlings Agada was deployed from his former position of Deputy Clerk (Administration) Senate to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) Senate while Florence Kehinde A. was deployed from her former position as deputy Clerk (Administration) House of Representatives to Deputy Clerk (Legislative) House of Representatives.”

The statement said that the Commission had earlier approved the appointment of Ogundayo Mofoluwake Olufunmilayo as Secretary of the Directorate of Special Duties; Alkali Umar Abubakar as the Secretary of the Directorate of Human Resources & Staff Development and Essien Eyo Essien as Secretary of the Directorate of Zonal Liaison Offices.

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Affirmative Action for Women is Essential for Equity – Speaker Abbas

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…as Reps engage state speakers on gender-Based violence, constitution amendment bills
By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that affirmative action for women is not a privilege or an undemocratic measure but a necessary corrective step to promote fairness and achieve gender balance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

In his keynote address at a session with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, held to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Speaker Abbas called for the integration of women’s and gender issues into the constitution, policies, statutes, and budgetary processes of the country. The session took place at the National Assembly on Monday.

Reflecting on the significance of the campaign, Speaker Abbas noted, “This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.”

He recalled leading an advocacy walk from the National Assembly to the Force Headquarters, where a petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police; this, he said, demonstrated the resolve of lawmakers to address GBV comprehensively.

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The Speaker commended the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began on November 25, for uniting various stakeholders in the fight against GBV and the push for women’s empowerment across the nation. He highlighted the National Assembly’s leadership role in legislative reforms aimed at protecting women and promoting gender equity. These efforts include the enactment of key laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.

Speaker Abbas stressed that the 10th House of Representatives has intensified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, prioritizing constitutional amendments that will enhance women’s participation and representation in governance. He underscored the critical role women play, stating, “Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

He further elaborated on the barriers hindering women’s full participation in political and public life, citing cultural norms, economic disparities, and insufficient legal protections as systemic obstacles. According to him, “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future.”

To address these issues, the 10th Assembly has initiated constitutional amendment processes early, allowing time for thorough consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has been engaging stakeholders through sensitization and advocacy to garner support for provisions that institutionalize greater women’s representation.

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“These efforts go beyond tokenism,” Speaker Abbas asserted. “Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.”

The Speaker also acknowledged the critical role of state Houses of Assembly in advancing these reforms, urging state speakers to actively participate in ensuring that gender-focused constitutional amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.

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Inefficient Systems, Outdated Regulations Stifle Petroleum Sector Growth – Speaker Abbas

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….as lawmakers deliberate on Petroleum sector regulations
By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives has said the petroleum sector has always been impeded by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.
Speaker Abbas stated this at a one-Day retreat on “Legislative Measures Towards the Realisation of the Mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for members of the House Committees Gas Resources, Petroleum Resources (Downstream, Upstream and Midstream) on Monday in Abuja.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this critical workshop is aimed at enhancing lawmakers’ understanding of the petroleum sector and equipping them with the necessary legislative tools to support the NUPRC.
The workshop was designed to deepen the understanding of the NUPRC’s operations, the legal framework governing its activities, and the broader dynamics of the petroleum industry.
According to Abbas, this initiative is part of efforts to ensure effective oversight and accountability in the sector.
He said the petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to the nation’s GDP and serves as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings.
Abbas stated that the National Assembly has played a critical role in driving these reforms, from legislative enactments to oversight, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and effectiveness, adding that there is a need for continued support for the NUPRC and other stakeholders in achieving the full benefits of these reforms for all Nigerians.
He said: Legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democracy and good governance, adding that  the Petroleum Industry Act underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring accountability within the oil and gas sector.
“The petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. However, its potential has often been hindered by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a significant turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry
“It provides a robust framework for oversight, empowering the National Assembly to monitor the operations of regulatory agencies like the NUPRC.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a significant turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry.
“Central to this transformation is the NUPRC, which was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector. Its mandates, as outlined in Section 94 of the PIA, include ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.
“Some immediate gains include improved regulatory clarity, increased investor confidence, and a structured approach to addressing environmental and community issues. However, challenges remain, including the need for further infrastructural development, capacity building, and the full implementation of the PIA’s provisions.
“However, effective oversight is not without challenges. The technical complexity of the extractive industry, information asymmetry, and the ever-evolving nature of the sector can limit the ability of parliamentarians to perform their duties effectively.
“To overcome these obstacles, members must develop technical expertise, engage in continuous learning, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders”.
Soeaker Abbas noted that it is all important to fully utilise all oversight tools at our disposal, including inspections, public hearings, investigations, and interpellations. Effective engagement between legislative committees and the NUPRC is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflicts or repetitive invitations.
“By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a more productive working relationship.
To this end, I urge the committees to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises constructive dialogue and aligns legislative priorities with the operational realities of the NUPRC. Regular updates, joint assessments, and targeted inquiries can streamline oversight processes and improve outcomes”, he added.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the NUPRC was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector, plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.
The workshop is expected to foster a more productive working relationship between legislative committees and the NUPRC, ultimately ensuring that the upstream petroleum sector serves the interests of all Nigerians, promotes sustainable practices, and remains globally competitive.
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