Frequent Summons: Stop Distracting My Appointees, Allow them Work – Tinubu Urges National Assembly

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to members of the National Assembly to exercise restraint in summoning heads of ministries, departments, and agencies before parliamentary committees. Speaking at the breaking of Ramadan fast on Wednesday in Abuja with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the leadership of the House, the President said while oversight is essential for maintaining transparency and accountability in governance, excessive summoning of officials can disrupt operations and hinder service delivery to citizens. He, therefore, urged lawmakers to show discretion in the exercise of their oversight functions. ”I have been watching various committees summoning ministers and heads of agencies. I have complained to the Speaker to let the poor breathe. Let these people do the job. We are not saying that you are not influential. We are not saying you cannot do your oversight. “But consider the primary duty of each agency, its personnel, or the responsibilities of the Governor of the Central Bank or the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to you and the entire nation. ”If they are distracted or disturbed, maybe we will shift parliamentary sitting all through the night. We must find a way to accommodate one another. This is an appeal to you. See if you can accept representatives in some instances or even documentations,” the President said. Expressing confidence in the ability of the National Assembly to uphold good governance, President Tinubu lauded the existing cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature. He said the harmonious working relationship had resulted in the expeditious passage of several bills to improve the welfare of Nigerians. He urged the legislators not to forget their constituencies and to take advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to show compassion and support the less privileged in society. ”We are making sacrifices for the country, and we are assuring citizens that there is a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. ”We must have faith, and please do not forget your constituencies and remember what they are going through. ”I cannot thank you enough for what you are doing, but it is for our country. There is nothing personal about this. It is for Nigeria, and we have no other country but Nigeria,” the President said.

Northern Senators Forum Urges Immediate Action Against Rising Kidnappings in March 2024

The Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has voiced urgent concerns regarding the recent surge in kidnappings across northern Nigeria during the month of March. In a release signed by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, they condemned the escalating violence, particularly in Kaduna State. Citing a series of alarming incidents, including the abduction of 286 students and staff from a school on March 7th and an attack on worshippers in a mosque on March 8th, the NSF stressed the critical need for swift intervention. Furthermore, subsequent kidnappings on March 12th, 17th, and 18th, which resulted in 87 individuals being abducted in Kujuru alone, underscored the severity of the situation. Senator Yar’adua characterized the acts as reprehensible and called for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis. The NSF reiterated its unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions and ensuring justice for the victims and pledged to exhaust all avenues in fulfilling its mandate to protect the welfare of the people and uphold national security.

President Tinubu Imposes Temporary Ban on Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Government Officials

By Caroline Ameh President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action to curb government spending by instituting a temporary ban on public-funded foreign trips for ministers and other government officials. The directive, conveyed through a memo from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is set to take effect on April 1, 2024. In the memo dated March 12, President Tinubu highlighted concerns about the escalating costs associated with international travel amid Nigeria’s challenging economic circumstances. The ban, initially set for a period of 90 days, aims to streamline government expenditure without compromising essential functions. “Mr. President has concerns about the rising cost of travel expenses borne by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government as well as the growing need for Cabinet Members and heads of MDAs to focus on their respective mandates for effective service delivery,” the memo states. According to the directive, exceptions to the ban may be granted for trips deemed “absolutely necessary.” However, all government officials planning public-funded international travel must obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks prior to the trip. “This temporary measure is aimed at cost reduction in governance and intended as a cost-saving measure without compromising government functions,” the memo emphasizes.

Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader

The Labour Party (LP) has suspended the Youth Leader for Obimo/Ikwoka Ward Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, Onyekachi Philip Ugwu. This decision was made after the Ward Executive Committee and party stakeholders passed a vote of no confidence against him. A statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Labour Party ward Chairman, Ozor Chigbogu, and Secretary, Sabastine Ugwuoke, confirmed the suspension. The party accused Ugwu of engaging in anti-party activities and other suspicious actions that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the Labour Party. The letter also instructed Ugwu to hand over all party belongings within the next 48 hours. Furthermore, he was warned not to present himself as the Party Youth Leader until the disciplinary committee makes its recommendation. Details of the suspension letter read: “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AND SUSPENSION OF MR UGWU ONYEKACHI PHILIP AS A MEMBER AND YOUTH LEADER OF THE LABOUR PARTY OBIMO IKWOKA WARD “This is to communicate you the decision of the Ward Executive Committee and stakeholders of Labour Party in Obimo/Ikwoka on your suspension as a member and Youth Leader in the ward. The resolution for your suspension follows after the consideration and deliberation on your engagement in anti-party activities and other suspicious activities that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the party. “By this notice, you are required to submit all party items in your custody to the Chairman within the next 48 hours and cease to parade yourself as the Party Youth Leader, pending the recommendation of the disciplinary committee. “We expect your full compliance in this matter. If you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact the party leadership. Sincerely.”

Senate Joint C’ttee Holds Closed Meeting With Service Chiefs Over Killing Of 16 Soldiers…Security takes precedence over other sectors – Lawan

The Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce is currently in a closed meeting with the nation’s Service Chiefs over the recent killing of troops in Okuoma community, Bomadi local government area of Delta State. The meeting which started at exactly 3:42pm has in attendance, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan; and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. Recall that the Senate, during plenary on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, mandated the joint committee to investigate the incident. The upper chamber also urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice. The Joint Committee is chaired by Senator Ahmad Lawan, who is also Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence. Moments before the commencement of the meeting with the Service Chiefs, members of the Joint Committee observed a minute silence in honour of the 16 Military personnel killed in Okuoma community last Thursday. Speaking on the incident, Senator Lawan in a speech delivered at the investigative hearing by the Joint Committee recalled that, “The troops of 181 Amphibious battalion, on Thursday, 14 March, 2024, went on a peace mission to Okuoma Community in Delta State. An incident occurred resulting in the loss of a Commanding officer, two Majors, a Captain and 12 Soldiers during the peace mission. “The troops on the peace mission to Okuoma community in Bomadi local government area of Delta State were surrounded by some community youths, which resulted in the death of officers and men. “Acknowledging the gravity of the attack on the military personnel, the Senate at its plenary on Tuesday, 19th March, 2024, mandated the Joint Committee on Defence, Army, Navy and Airforce to investigate the incident. “The Senate also urged urged the federal government to ensure that those responsible for the heinous crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.” Senator Lawan further underscored the need for the federal government to prioritise the issue of security, noting that same takes precedence over investment in any other sector. He described the killing of the 16 soldiers as “barbaric”, and appealed to Nigerians to support the Armed Forces by volunteering information that would lead to the capture and prosecution of those behind various forms of insecurity across the country. The former Senate President said, “We, in the Senate, and, indeed, the National Assembly, will always support our military in whatever way we can. [And] the National Assembly has that history. We try to at all times make meaningful appropriation for resources to be available. We know it has never been enough and, in fact, I will take this opportunity to commend our Armed Forces for doing so much with the little we can afford. “The insecurity in our country takes precedence over any other consideration and, therefore, it is the position of the Senate that no investment in any sector can be more important than ensuring that we are secured as a country. “We, therefore, are very sad as a parliament over this tragic incident. It is our hope in the Senate that those who perpetrated this barbaric and horrific act are captured and the law takes full course on them. “I want to appeal to Nigerians that this is our Armed Forces and they cannot secure us without us as citizens playing our part. Therefore, every citizen is supposed to support our Armed Forces. And those in the area where this incident happened must volunteer information because this is the only way we can stop something like this from happening another time.”

National Assembly Passes Long-Awaited Student Loan Bill

The National Assembly, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, has finally passed the much-anticipated student loan bill into law. After undergoing rigorous scrutiny with first, second, and third readings in both parliamentary chambers, the bill officially attained legal status on Wednesday. The Senate’s approval came following a thorough examination of the committee’s report on tertiary institutions and TETFUND, as presented by Muntari Dandutse, the committee’s chairperson, during a plenary session.

Nigerian Senate Urges Action to Address Out-of-School Children Crisis

The Nigerian Senate has issued a strong directive, calling upon the Federal Ministry of Education, its associated agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize the plight of out-of-school children. The primary objective is to substantially reduce the alarming number of children deprived of education across the nation. The Senate stressed the urgent need for the formulation of innovative strategies to effectively combat the persistent challenge of out-of-school children. Moreover, they emphasized the critical importance of revitalizing national awareness through extensive sensitization and advocacy efforts, highlighting the indispensable role of education in Nigeria’s overall progress and prosperity. Senator Idiat Oluranti, representing Lagos West, spearheaded the motion, underscoring the troubling prevalence of out-of-school children in Nigeria. Senator Oluranti underscored the potential societal repercussions of this crisis, warning against the risk of vulnerable children being lured into criminal activities, thereby exacerbating existing security threats such as banditry and terrorism. During deliberations, several Senators voiced their support for the motion, emphasizing the necessity of prompt action. They urged relevant authorities to disclose accurate data regarding the number of out-of-school children, facilitating targeted interventions and resource allocation. In response to the motion, the Senate called upon the Judiciary in all 36 states of the Federation to take concrete steps toward establishing mobile courts for the enforcement of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, signaling a commitment to upholding education laws and ensuring accountability. The motion has been referred to the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance for comprehensive review and follow-up actions, reflecting the Senate’s firm resolve to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children and foster a brighter future for all Nigerian youths.

Court Refuses to stop impeachment move against Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu

The Federal High Court in Abuja, again, refused to stop the alleged impeachment move against the incumbent Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr Phillip Shaibu by the State House of Assembly. Specifically, Shaibu prays the court to grant an order of status quo to be maintained by the House of Assembly and others involved in the impeachment move. Counsel to the plaintiff, Olawoyin Awoyale, (SAN) had orally requested for an order of status quo to be maintained by parties pending the hearing and determination of his motion on notice. In his ruling, Justice Omotoso held that the cited authority was not applicable in the Shaibu’s case because the Governor of Edo State and the Edo State House of Assembly who are the principal actors in the impeachment bid have not been served with the originating summons of the suit as required by law. However, the Judge granted the request that the Edo State Governor and the State House of Assembly be served with the originating summons by substituted means. Specifically, Justice Omotoso ordered that the court process be pasted at the entrance gate of the Edo State Government House and the gate of the State House of Assembly Complex both in Benin. Besides, the Judge also directed that all court papers be served on parties in the matter with the use of a registered Courier Company. Justice Omotoso subsequently fixed April 15 for hearing of the case. The Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu who was in the room throughout the Wednesday’s proceedings declined to speak with newsmen. In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/321/2024, the Edo State Government, Edo State Governor, Edo State House of Assembly, Edo State House of Assembly Speaker, the Clerk of the Assembly, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Inspector General of Police IGP and Director General of the Department of State Services DSS were listed as the first to eighth defendants. Shaibu, in the suit, sought an order of the court restricting the third to fifth defendants from commencing any process by issuing a notice of allegation, holding proceedings, or setting up any panel of investigation for his removal pending the hearing of a motion on notice. He also sought an interim injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves or their agents, from interfering with the subject matter of the originating summons filed in the suit either by way of taking any adverse actions in relation to any attempt or process targeted at his removal from office as the deputy governor of Edo State pending the hearing of the motion on notice. Other reliefs sought are: “An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st to 8th defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, and or any other person or authority acting through them, from preventing the plaintiff either by threat of removal from office or adverse actions capable of hindering the plaintiff from performing his official duties and discharging his responsibilities as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, including attending State Executive Council meetings, functions and other duties. “An order of interim injunction directing the defendants herein jointly, whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants, officials, representatives, or any other person or authority acting through them, to maintain status quo ante bellum prevailing before the issuance of the purported notice or petition to commence removal of the Plaintiff from office pending the hearing and the final determination of the motion on notice. ”

Church loses bid to stop conduct of elections, examinations on Saturdays

A Member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Nigeria, Ugochukwu Uchenwa, Wednesday, loses bid seeking the prohibition of the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturdays in Nigeria. Justice James Kolawole Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit instituted against the Federal Government for being frivolous, vexatious, irritating and baseless. According to the plaintiff, Saturday is its Sabbath day of worship and that fundamental rights of its members are being brutally breached by the conduct of elections and examinations on Saturdays. Specifically the plaintiff, through his counsel, Benjamin Amaefina, sought order of the Court to prohibit the FG from further conducting elections and examinations on the Sabbath day so as to stop disruption of their rights to worship. Consequently, he prayed the court to declare the fixing of elections and examinations on Saturdays as unconstitutional. In the alternative, the plaintiff asked the court to order the defendants to allow him and other members of his church to vote or take examinations on any other day of the week including Sundays. Listed as defendants in the suit are President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Minister of Internal Affairs, Joint Admission and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB), National Examination Council (NECO), West African Examination Council, (WAEC) and the National Business and Technical Examination Board. Delivering his judgement, Justice Omotoso held that the fundamental rights being claimed by the church were not at large and cannot be curtailed by government policy. Besides, the Judge held that the Seventh Day Adventist Church is in the minority in Nigeria and cannot impose its doctrine on the majority of other religious denominations in the country.

I’m not in support of violence in South East -Kanu

The embattled Nnamdi Kanu has distanced himself from the violence in the South Eastern part of the country by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members. Speaking after the court refused to grant his bail application, Kanu vowed that those behind the violence in the name of being an IPOB member would not be spared. He noted that the violence persisted because he was being held in the custody of DSS, adding that if released, there would be peace in the entire South- East. He said, “Anybody committing crime cannot go free. I swear it. Anybody committing crime in the east cannot go free. They are doing it because I am in the DSS(custody). If I were to be outside, nobody can try this. I suspect that some people in government are complicit. They are making money with the insecurity. “They know if Nnamdi Kanu is outside, in two minutes this nonsense will stop. Who is the bagger or idiot that will speak when I am talking. That I will give an order in the East who is the idiot that I will an order that will counter it ? Nobody can. I am Nnmadi Kanu. Rubbish!. “Anybody involved in any form of violence in the East in the name of IPOB is a goner and they know it. Let me come out of this mess, only two minutes there will be peace in the East. “