…N50 Billion Severance Payment
Fortress

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, has requested the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide explanations for the recent dismissal of approximately 1,000 members of staff and the subsequent payment of a N50 billion severance package.

Speaker Abbas made the demands while declaring open an investigative hearing of the ad-hoc committee of the House, investigating the CBN’s termination/dismissal of members of staff on Thursday in Abuja.

He charged the ad hoc committee chaired by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo to properly investigate the rationale behind the decision, particularly in light of the current economic challenges facing the country.

Represented at the event by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Speaker Abbas emphasized the need for transparency in the matter, ensuring that the welfare and rights of the affected employees are protected.

Acknowledging the imperative of running a learner, more efficient government, and the inherent powers of the apex bank to determine its policies, Speaker Abbas however said there is a need to strike a balance against the welfare of the employees.

He also charged the committee to examine the process by which the N50 billion severance package was determined, ensuring that principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were adhered to.

He said: “The committee has been tasked with examining several critical aspects of this issue. First, we aim to understand the rationale behind the decision to lay off over 1,000 staff members, particularly during these challenging economic times. The impact of such a significant workforce reduction on individuals, their families, and the broader economy cannot be overlooked.

“Furthermore, the committee will scrutinize the process through which the 50 billion Naira severance package was determined. We must ascertain whether the principles of due diligence, fairness, and due process were strictly adhered to in arriving at this figure.

“Transparency in such matters is key to maintaining public trust and ensuring the integrity of our institutions.

“As a legislative body, we recognise the widely accepted principle of running a leaner and more efficient government. We also understand the CBN’s prerogative in determining policies that align with its operational efficiency. However, such decisions must be balanced against the welfare and rights of employees, as well as the long-term implications for institutional stability.

“The House of Representatives cannot and will not remain silent when Nigerians feel aggrieved or when there are allegations of coercion or injustice against those who have been lawfully employed. We must provide a platform for all affected parties to be heard and to ensure that their concerns are addressed fairly and justly”.

Speaker Abas urged the CBN and other affected agencies of government to cooperate fully with the investigation, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust and confidence in government institutions.

“Your cooperation is vital as we seek to uncover the facts, provide clarity to Nigerians, and ultimately restore confidence in the integrity of government institutions.

“As we proceed with this investigative hearing, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, accountability, and the greater good of our nation. I hope that at the end of this hearing, all controversies will be cleared, and we can be assured that the CBN’s actions align with the principles of fairness, equity, and the rule of law”, the Speaker said.

…as Police mandate organisations to get security approval, support henceforth

Another stampede for food items has killed ten persons at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja.

The fatal incident happened on Saturday [December 21, 2024] morning.

The FCT Police Command has swiftly moved to the scene to maintain law and order.

In a statement by Superintendent Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command,
Abuja, the Police said the incident happened at 6.30 am.

The statement entitled: “TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN MAITAMA: FCT POLICE COMMAND CALLS FOR STRICT ADHERENCE TO EVENT NOTIFICATION” reads:

“The FCT Police Command expresses its profound sorrow over the tragic incident that occurred at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, during the distribution of food items to vulnerable and elderly individuals.

“This unfortunate event, which took place around 6:30 AM, resulted in a stampede that claimed the lives of ten (10) individuals, including four (4) children, and left eight (8) others with varying degrees of injuries. Four (4) of the injured have been treated and discharged, while the remaining victims continue to receive medical care.

“The FCT Police Rapid Response Squad and the FCT Joint Task Force have successfully evacuated the remaining crowd, which numbered over a thousand.

“The FCT Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. In a show of compassion and support, the Commissioner of Police Cp Olatunji Disu psc, has visited the victims in the hospital to offer assistance and reassurance during this difficult time.

“To prevent such tragic incidents in the future, the Command mandates that all organizations, religious bodies, groups, or individuals planning public events, charitable activities, or large gatherings in the FCT must notify the Police Command in advance.

“This notification is crucial for the deployment of adequate security measures to ensure public safety and prevent avoidable tragedies.

“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the organizers being held liable for any incidents or loss of life resulting from negligence.

“The FCT Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the Territory. We urge the public to collaborate with the Police by adhering to these guidelines and promptly reporting emergencies through the FCT Control Room at 0803 200 3913 or 0806 032 1234.”

…reels out achievements

…treated 1,351 Bills, highest in Legislative biz since 1999

… passed 89 Bills

By Gloria Ikibah

Leaders of the tenth House of Representatives on Friday silenced arm chair critics declaring that the tenth House can never be a rubber stamp.

Speaking at a one-day Citizens Engagement, first of its kind in the annals of Nigeria’s National Assembly, the House leaders told Nigerians that the tenth House cannot be categorized as a rubber stamp.

The Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abbas after listing the HoR people friendly motions and Bills that will enhance good governance championed by the House equally rejected the toga of rubber stamp.

The Majority leader, Prof Julius. Ihonvbere also noted that “the tax reform Bills before us has not passed second reading as we’re still adequately consulting.

“We cannot be categorized a rubber stamp as we know what we’re doing in the tenth House.

Speaking in the same vein, Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Chinda said”we disagree to agree on topical issues and in most cases we table sensitive matters during our executive sessions and if there’s need to exchange blows, we exchange but not in public.

The Speaker vacated his seat for a 16-year-old girl to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

” The constitutional review committee, led by the Deputy Speaker, continues its engagement with stakeholders on pivotal issues, including local government autonomy, electoral reform, and judicial independence.

“On 18th December 2024, President Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly. The House has committed it to committee review and will host a Town Hall in January 2025 to gather public input, ensuring that the budget aligns with the needs of Nigerians.

” We recognize the economic challenges arising from recent reforms, including removing subsidies. In solidarity with the Nigerian populace, Members have willingly relinquished 50% of their salaries to support government efforts to mitigate these challenges’ impact.

Also at the Citizens engagement, former Speaker of the HoR, Hon Patricia Etteh advised the House leaders to document Bills in various local languages to have a general positive effect as illiteracy tends to deny others of what they ought to know.

Speaker of the eighth HoR, Hon Yakubu Dogara hailed the program noting that it’s the first time reps directly talk to the people they represent.

The Citizens Engagement interactive session had people drawn from all strata of the society, academia, civil society groups, students, rural dwellers from all the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.