Lawmaker Backs Trump by Jessy Samuel Ejah

A Democratic state lawmaker from Georgia endorsed President Trump’s reelection bid but does not plan to change political parties.

State Rep. Vernon Jones, 59, announced his support for the president on Tuesday, citing Trump’s record on helping black people, military veterans, and farmers with his policies.

“It’s very simple to me. President Trump’s handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges, and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign,” Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

A Democratic state lawmaker from Georgia endorsed President Trump’s reelection bid but does not plan to change political parties.

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State Rep. Vernon Jones, 59, announced his support for the president on Tuesday, citing Trump’s record on helping black people, military veterans, and farmers with his policies.

“It’s very simple to me. President Trump’s handling of the economy, his support for historically black colleges, and his criminal justice initiatives drew me to endorse his campaign,” Jones told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“This is not about switching parties. There are a lot of African Americans who clearly see and appreciate he’s doing something that’s never been done before,” he added. “When you look at the unemployment rates among black Americans before the pandemic, they were at historic lows. That’s just a fact.”

Jones did not offer criticism of 2020 presumptive Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden, nor did he indicate that he wouldn’t have endorsed Trump had Democrats picked a different candidate. He did, however, have harsh comments for his party after Super Tuesday turned the tides in the primary by boosting Biden.

“Some in the party would say they stole it from Bernie last election, and now, they’re wanting to change the rules to hurt him this time,” Jones explained at the time. “What makes the party more intelligent and able to pick the presidential nominee than the people? My powder’s dry. I’m not endorsing. But I am frustrated with the process.”l

Thousands Rally in Yangon Against Myanmar Coup by Raphael Bichene

Thousands Rally in Yangon Against Myanmar Coup by Raphael Bichene

Thousands rallied against the Myanmar coup in Yangon Sunday, as an internet blackout failed to quash outrage over the military’s power grab from elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

It was the second straight day of demonstrations in Myanmar’s largest city.

Many were dressed in the signature red of Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League for Democracy.

“We will move forward and keep demanding until we get democracy. Down with the military dictatorship,” one of the protesters, Myo Win, 37, told AFP.

Other protesters carried banners that read: “We do not want military dictatorship.”

As they marched and chanted, many protesters flashed the three-finger salute borrowed from Thailand’s pro-democracy movement.

Police trucks had been deployed on the scene, near Yangon University, and there were riot officers nearby.

“Military dictatorship is rooted in our country for a long time,” another protester, Myat Soe Kyaw, 27, told AFP.

“We must stand against it.”

Source: AFP

HallowMace Foundation ED, Anderson cautions Akpabio against high-handedness

HallowMace Foundation ED, Anderson cautions Akpabio against high-handedness

By Chibuike Nwabuko

Following the seeming discontentment among Senators of the 10th Assembly over the leadership style of the current Senate President, Godswil Akpabio, the Executive Director, Hallowmace Foundation, Sunny Anderson Osiebe has appealed to the Senate President against any form of high-handedness.

Osiebe also warned members of the Senate against any plan of impeachment, noting that achieving that would not be as easy as they would imagine.

Anderson Osiebe stated this while appearing on News Central breakfast show to react to some issues generating discuss at the Senate.

Speaking further on any purported plan for impeachment, Osiebe said, “It is something that you get to hear almost every time in a parliamentary setting. But, the President of the Senate is the most difficult person to impeach, because all he needs to emerge is a simple majority whereas you will need 2/3 to get him impeached.

“And going by what is presently happening, it seems that Akpabio has the 2/3 to himself and in his pocket. He has been able to find a way to rally round those who don’t like him and bring them to his side. It’s going to be a little bit difficult, talking about impeachment.

“But for me, I am not too keen about impeaching Senator Godswil Akpabio, I am only concerned about making him understand that the Senate is a different ball game entirely. Being, the Senate president simply means that you are first among equals, which means that you must find a way to carry the members along, and definitely find a way to manage the crisis happening within the Senate.

“So, what is happening presently in the National Assembly is not new and we get to hear it more often.

The Hallowmace Foundation, Executive Director offered more advise to the Senate President, “But Senator Akpabio for now should be able to understand that the Senate is a different ball game entirely, and the Senate is not Akwa Ibon state or probably the Ministry of Niger Delta where he held sway for a long time and dictated what happened and all that. At those places, it was a one man show, but the Senate is Nigeria, and when you talk about Nigeria you talk about the Nigerian Senate. I just think he has to bring his head low.

“He is dealing with people with more experience than him in terms of legislative practice. Somebody like Senator Ali Ndume has been in the National Assembly since 2003. So, you cannot take away his experience because he has it. the same applies to others who have been there too.

“I want to say that Senator Godswil Akpabio is the luckiest law maker I have ever seen. He came to the National Assembly in 2015 and he ascended to be minority leader, and he is coming back for the second time as the Senate President. So, let him not think that that is how easy it is. He is just lucky and probably because of his huge pocket which is what got him those positions. However, he should not throw away experience, he needs to be properly guided. He needs to be properly guided because the way and manner he goes about the Senate is not really what most people expected.

“But, I know it is a gradual process, and with time he will begin to understand and get it right,” he concluded.

10th NASS: An X-ray of Reps Speaker, Dr Tajudeen Abbas’ Leadership Styles

10th NASS: An X-ray of Reps Speaker, Dr Tajudeen Abbas’ Leadership Styles

BY Obute James
The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday 13th June, 2023. The Nigeria legislature consists of two chambers, the Senate (109 Senators) and House of Representatives (360 Members). The legislature at the state level is unicameral while National Assembly serves as parliament for Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The political atmosphere was charged prior to the election of the principal officers of both chambers of the National Assembly. However, at the Senate, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio was elected President of the Senate having polled 63 votes to defeat his rival, a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulazeez Yari who got 46 votes. The former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Jubrin Barau emerged as Deputy Senate President. In the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D got 353 votes to emerge the winner while two other contestants, former Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase and Sani Jaji, polled three votes each.

In his acceptance speech, the House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas pledged that the 10th House of Representatives under his watch will not only sustain but will surpass the gains of the Ninth House of Representatives. He said he will work with members to introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians.

The Speaker noted that they will work closely and interdependently with the executive and judiciary arms to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve.
“We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislation that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development.

“We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminalities. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability,” he said.

Abbas who said he is not unaware of the challenges in education, healthcare and infrastructure sectors, amongst others, noted that they will work in harmony with the executive arm while upholding the principles of checks and balances and that their collaboration will be anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law in order to achieve the desired results.

Different people in different leadership positions use different leadership styles in order to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives. Some of these leadership styles include autocratic, bureaucratic, charismatic, democratic /participative, transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles. Others include people-oriented or relations-oriented, servant, task-oriented and transformational leadership styles. The emphasis here is not explanation of these leadership styles and which among them the Speaker, Abbas uses, however, the focus is how he uses eclectic or combination of these leadership styles in an attempt to reshape or change certain norms or tradition in the Nigerian parliament.
While in the previous assemblies winners seemed to take all, in the present House of Representatives under Dr. Abbas, people from different backgrounds, irrespective of political parties, tribes and religions were brought on board. These were visible in his appointments and delegation of authority.

Constitution of 7 Ad hoc Committees within 72 Hours of 10th National Assembly:
Within 72 hours after taking the oath of office and allegiance, Abbas constituted seven ad hoc committees to run the affairs of the House. These committees took care of the House’s affairs until the announcement and constitution of the standing committees. The 7 ad hoc committees constituted on Thursday 15th June, 2023 include Internal Security, led by Mohammed Danjuma Hassan (NNPP, Kano), his deputy Alao Ayodeji (APC ,Oyo); Selection Committee headed by the Speaker himself and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Benjamin Kalu while state caucuses presented one nominee each and Media and Publicity chaired by Khadija Bukar Abba (APC, Yobe), Ikenga Ugo Chinyere (PDP, Imo) deputy chairman. Others include Legislative Agenda – Prof. Julius Ihonbvare (APC Edo); Rules & Business – Igariwe Iduma (PDP, Ebonyi); Ethics and Privileges – Abdulraheem Olawuyi (APC, Kwara) and Welfare Committee – Wale Raji (APC, Lagos).

Unveiling of Principal Officers
On Tuesday July 4, 2023 the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas unveiled the eight principal officers. They include Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Edo) as the House Majority Leader and Hon. Usman Kumo (Gombe) as Chief Whip; Hon. Halims Abdulahi (Kogi) as Deputy Majority Leader and Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga (Ogun) as the Deputy Chief Whip; Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) Minority Leader and Hon. Ali Isah (Gombe) Minority Whip; Madaki Aliyu (NNPP, Kano) Deputy Minority Leader and George Adegeye (LP, Lagos), Deputy Minority Whip.
Unveiling of Six-point Legislative Agenda

On Monday 24 July, 2023 the House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas unveiled six-point Legislative Agenda. “Healthcare for All” is one of its legislative agenda items.

This was unveiled on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on the development of the legislative agenda.
In a statement during a stakeholders’ meeting, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere said the pillars of the legislative agenda will focus on the economy, human capital development, education, accountability, and security; On “healthcare for all,” he said the legislature will ensure an increment in allocation to the health and education sectors.

The pillars of the proposed legislative agenda according to him include economic empowerment and diversification, infrastructure development, education and human capital development, healthcare for all, transparent governance and accountability, and the security and safety of persons and properties.

Announcement & Constitution of Standing Committees
Some analysts and political commentators prior to the announcement and constitution of the standing committees argued that it will result into serious crisis that will probably affect the business of the House under the leadership of Abbas. However, both the acclaimed foes and allies of the Speaker, Abbas seemed to be properly captured in the appointment of the chairmanship of these committees. Similarly, lawmakers from other political parties apart from the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC were carried along in the appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of both the statutory and standing committees of the House.

On Thursday July 27, 2023 before proceeding on annual break, the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas announced and constituted these committees.

Before making the announcement, Abbas abrogated the term “juicy” or “grade A” committees. He appealed to the lawmakers to accept the appointments as a “fair and just” list.

“My dear Colleagues, you would recall that the leadership of the House has consistently assured Members of its resolve to be fair to all, irrespective of political leanings and affiliations.

“There are no grade ‘A’ nor the so-called ‘juicy committees’ as some erroneously often think. Every committee of the House enjoys equal status, powers and privileges as mere working groups to discharge the mandate given to us by our constituents,” the Speaker said.

Former Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, Yusuf Gagdi and Musa Betara, all of who aspired to the speakership seat against Abbas are among those heading the committees. Gagdi, Betara, former Leader of the House, Alhassan Doguwa and Abubakar Makki Yalleman later withdrew from the race. Wase (APC, Plateau) heads Federal Character; Betara (APC, Borno), Federal Capital Territory; Doguwa (APC, Kano), Petroleum (Upstream) and Yalleman (APC Jigawa) heads Police Affairs Committee.

In an attempt to be fair to all irrespective of political parties in line with his campaign and acceptance speech, Abbas ensured all the political parties were captured in the appointment of the chairmen of the committees. The ruling APC got the highest number of chairmanship positions with 80 lawmakers; 39 PDP lawmakers chair committees, while six chairmen are members of NNPP and six from the Labour Party (LP). The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Peoples Party (YPP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) got one committee chairman each.
Halt to Flamboyant Birthday Celebration.

In the past, some public figures sometime chattered aircrafts to celebrate birthday abroad. However, in a dramatic move, few days to his birthday the Speaker, Abbas urged that all funds meant to commemorate his birthday be used for charity. He stated that no one should place adverts or organise any social event to commemorate his birthday.
The Speaker took to his X account on Thursday 29 September, 2023 to make the call, while stressing on the country’s current challenges and the need to ensure that the country’s limited funds are judiciously used.

The statement read, “Call to Refrain from Adverts’ Placements, Other Activities in Honour of my Birthday. I kindly request that those planning to place congratulatory adverts on the pages of newspapers, TV stations, or any other paid platform(s) for my birthday on the 1st of October, should refrain from doing so, in view of the current situation in the country and in line with prudent management of the meager resources at our disposal.”

“Also, those planning to buy gifts, organize receptions, or any form of event to celebrate my birthday are requested to refrain from such. Instead, funds meant for all of the above should be properly channeled for charity. Once again, I appreciate everyone for their well wishes and prayers at this moment,” he said.

More about the Speaker, Abbas in respect of his leadership qualities and styles will continue to unfold in the life of the 10th House of Representatives.

Power: Hon Ogene makes case for investment in renewable energy, hails House leadership

Power: Hon Ogene makes case for investment in renewable energy, hails House leadership

Newly appointed Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has assured that the committee would lead the charge in formulation of vital policies for a new direction in the nation’s energy needs and enabling technologies, away from the dwindling fossil energy, to a more sustainable and cleaner renewable energy.

Ogene, who is also the Labour Party caucus leader in the House, gave this assurance in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, to appreciate the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and the leadership of the 10th Assembly, for finding him worthy of the chairmanship of this important committee.

He said that with the fast dwindling global fossil fuel reserve and the increasing dangers associated with it, especially as regards its impact on the environment and climate change, renewable energy is the future and Nigeria must step up and be more intentional in investing in the renewable energy sector and technologies.

The lawmaker, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra state said that “Scientists and experts have predicted that we will deplete the Earth’s fossil fuel reserves in as few as 50 years, so, investing now in renewable energy is one way to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for thinking towards that direction, by his appointment of Mrs. Olu A. Verheijen, an expert in renewable energy, as Special Adviser on Energy, and promised that his committee would work in close synergy with the executive in finding a lasting solution to the nation’s intractable electricity power challenges.

Hon. Ogene also proposed that renewable energy should have a full fledged ministry of its own, in order to give it the required attention in exploration of alternative sources of energy and also drive the investment in the emerging technologies that would ensure meaningful contribution to the nation’s energy supply from that sector.

He said further: “I want to sincerely thank the leadership of the House of Representatives under the able leadership of the Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abbas, for trusting me with the responsibility of leading this important Committee on Renewable Energy. It is a responsibility I accept with a great sense on honour and servant leadership for the great people of Nigeria, who we represent in the parliament.

“It is a call to duty, and in line with the legislative agenda of the 10th Assembly, we shall always prioritise on the interest of the people at all times in carrying out our oversight and lawmaking responsibilities, for the overall good of the nation.”

Hon Ogene, a ranking legislator was also recently appointed to chair an Ad-hoc Committee of the House to investigate the failure of the Federal Mass Transit Schemes in Nigeria.

See what Akpabio said to NASC on insecurity, filthy environment of NASS complex

See what Akpabio said to NASC on insecurity, filthy environment of NASS complex

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has decried the filthy environment and insecurity at the National Assembly complex as the 10th NASS settle for legislative work.

Indeed, Akpabio said lawmakers are no longer safe because of infiltration of people who have no business in the complex, saying lawmakers have lost their telephones to hoodlums who position themselves in front of offices of honourable members and senators.

Specifically, he berated the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) for channelling all resources on staff allowances and emoluments.

Akpabio spoke on Friday when he played host to the management of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) in Abuja.

The President of the Senate was reacting to an address by the chairman of NASC, Engr. Ahmed Amshi who said the commission is facing difficulty in the payment of allowances of staff.

According to Akpabio “we are aware that the entire complex is under renovation. We must also look after the environment. It is not all about staff”.

Continuing “we will like to see a cleaner environment and secured complex.

“A lot of senators have lost their telephones because of influx of people into the complex”.

He said the National Assembly is the symbol of democracy, stressing that the 10th Senate is poise to make landmark through legislation.

“I congratulate you on the steps you have taken to boost the morale of staff” he said.

He however harped on the environment and security of the complex.

Earlier, Amshi congratulated the Senate president and the deputy Senate president, saying they are experienced public officers.

He appealed to lawmakers to send the list of their legislative aides for documentation.

“By September let us finish the issue of legislative aides” Amshi said.

Protection of civilians in conflict A Sacred Duty of all – NHR insusts

Protection of civilians in conflict A Sacred Duty of all – NHR insusts

As CIVIC marks its 20th anniversary

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government and other stakeholders to rally around and protect civilians and human rights of all kinds, saying that doing so remains a sacred duty of not only the government but also non-state actors.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN who stated this in Abuja Tuesday at the workshop and exhibition on the protection of civilians and human rights in Nigeria noted that “It is for this reasons that the NHRC and other stakeholders have worked on, and submitted to the Federal Government, a draft Policy on the Protection of Civilians.

The learned Silk explained that “This policy is aimed at addressing all issues related to the protection, treatment, and rehabilitation of civilians as well as remedial and accountability measures for perpetrators of violence and human rights violations”.

.

According to the Chief Human Rights Officer of Nigeria, the draft policy is applicable to: the Nigerian government, including, but not limited to the armed forces, security agencies, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and any other group conducting operations in conjunction with, on behalf of, or with the support of the government and (or) sub-national government during all armed conflicts, security operations, internal security operations and all military operations involving the use of force.

The draft policy, the Executive Secretary noted, seeks to protect civilians in conflicts reduce or eliminate civilian harm through planning and early warning assessment of civilian harm during and after operations, harm acknowledgment, and remedial service provision.

“We are hoping that in response to the upsurge in violence, the new administration will approve this policy. The NHRC commits to playing a leading role in the implementation of this policy and to ensure that all stakeholders play their parts in the protection of civilians”, stated.

He said the major outcome of this workshop is the drafting of a policy brief on the Rights-based Approach to the Protection of Civilians in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Options which will serve as a roadmap for the new administration and heads of security agencies for the protection of civilians in Nigeria.

Also, the NHRC Boss thanked the Centre for Civilians in Conflict and the European Union for their support of the hosting of this event even as he congratulated CIVIC on their 20th anniversary “for which we are today launching a photo exhibition on the works of CIVIC in the North East”.

Similarly, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba said that the Ministry is committed to working with stakeholders towards addressing the challenges of civilians in conflict-related areas such as gender-based violence, recruitment of child soldiers, abduction, early/forced marriages, and sex slavery.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by a Senior Staff of the Ministry, Ms. Jamila Akaaga Ade said that recently a handover Protocol was signed by the Federal Government with the United Nations and the Lake Chad Basin region to reaffirm the government commitment to prevent or reduce the detention of children encountered by military and security forces during armed conflicts.

In his address, the Country Director of CIVIC, Dr. Benson Olugbuo regretted that over 2.2 million people have lost their lives as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria, adding that in the aftermath of the conflict, many schools were closed and several women and children displaced.

He therefore urged the government and other stakeholders to consider a renewed and holistic approach to protecting civilians in conflict, which will among other things build trust and confidence among civilians affected by conflicts.

He also commended the efforts of the NHRC in playing a leading role in the development of the National Action Plan which touches on the overall strategy to bring about an all-round development and human rights protection in the Country.

Other participants at the occasion are the representative of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Air Commodore A.O. Akinsanya, and Interim Executive Director CIVIC, Jude Udo Ilo etc.

NGF: United Nations, others critical to Nigeria’s dev’t, says Gov. AbdulRahman

NGF: United Nations, others critical to Nigeria’s dev’t, says Gov. AbdulRahman

Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq Wednesday in Abuja stressed the need for deeper collaborations between the United Nations and the state Governments in order to achieve human capital development, revenue generation, and general economic growth.

The Kwara State Governor stated this during the meeting of the forum in Abuja when they played host to the United Nations Under-Secretary General Hajia Amina Mohammed and Pakistani female education advocate and 2014 Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.

While harping on the need for synergy between both parties, Gov AbdulRahman also emphasised that each of the development agenda has far-reaching implications for good governance, national development, and general wellbeing of the people, especially at subnational levels.

He explained the importance of deeper ties” The NGF values collaboration and this is why we will always harvest divergent views on key national issues and work in harmony with all the players, including development partners and multilateral organizations, to drive growth and pursue the interest of our people.

“We will strengthen our collaboration with all the stakeholders and development partners from the United Nations, National Emergency Management Agency, CBN, FIRS, Ministry of Finance, and many other key state actors.

“I thank my esteemed colleagues for gracing the meeting. I also appreciate all our guests for honouring our invitations, and their willingness to partner with the NGF on critical issues of development.

Earlier Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani female education activist, who visited the Presidential Villa, Abuja, held a meeting with the Vice President Kashim Shettima in which she discussed girl-child education.

Malala was the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner at 17 and the world’s youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She is also the UN Messenger of Peace.

The education activist, accompanied by UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, told State House correspondents that visiting Nigeria was part of activities to mark her 26th birthday celebration.

“We know that there are more than 120 million girls who do not have access to education right now, and just as people spoke out about my education, I want them to think about the education of other girls as well.

“ In Nigeria, I am here because girls’ education is important here; it will determine the future of Nigeria.

“ So, I am here because I want to bring attention to those issues; I am here to speak as well and share my thoughts with the communalities, and also lucky that I was able to meet girls in Abuja.’’

“I would ask here in Nigeria that all governments of states; all party members make the commitment to ensure that every child in Nigeria has access to a complete education, which includes senior secondary education as well.

“That every child has access to free and quality education, and the second I ask is that we make full financial commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in this country.’’

Malala said she had been to Nigeria three times and expressed optimism that the girl-child had bright prospects.
She lauded the commitment of the government and other stakeholders to improving girl-child education.”

On her part, Mrs Mohammed said that Malala’s visit was in advancement her advocacy for girl-child education.
She pointed out that by the high number of out-of-school children in Nigeria, Malala should be an inspiration for relevant authorities to address the challenge.
“Ten years ago, Malala made her speech at the UN; she is the UN Peace Messenger; this time around, you decided on her 10th anniversary she wanted to make the advocacy for education here in this country.

“We have a large number of out-of-school children; we know the quality of education in the country; this is an advocacy to an administration that is coming in; that believes in education is an important timing.

Sen. Obinna Ogba appeals to Buhari to assent NSC, Federal Uni of Sports bill before exit

Sen. Obinna Ogba appeals to Buhari to assent NSC, Federal Uni of Sports bill before exit

Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to give assent to the National Sports, Commission (NSC) and Federal University of Sports bill passed by the two Chambers of the national assembly before his exit on Sunday.

Sen . Ogba who made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja said the two bills if assented to will be an everlasting gift to Nigerian youths.

He also said that he has bill on the establishment of National Youth Development Commission (NYDC) which has been passed by the Senate, but worried if the House of Representatives can pass it and assented to by President Muhammad Buhari before his exit.

According to him, the NYDC will enhance the proper utilization of funds meant for the youths on like the present situation where funds meant for the development of youths is spread across most ministries, agencies and parastatals

He said, ” I have a bill on establishment of National Youth Development Commission which I thought If passed to law, will help in streamlining the funds meant for the youths, however, the Senate have passed it but the house of reps is yet to pass and if it is done you can now say Nigerian youths have a platform which they can always meet and discuss their problems. Because I fear the way it is today, if you go to almost all the ministries there are some monies meant for the youths but at the end of it all you can’t see where the money was use judiciously to catered for the youths.”

“If the bill scale through with the few days to the end of the administration, that will be a rally points for the youths because we don’t have any business sending Nigerian youths money to these ministries. Every money should go to the ministry of youth and sports that will be supervising the Commission.”

“As the chairman of Senate Committee on Sports and youths development I sponsored a bill on National Sports Commission (NSC), in the history of Nigeria there has never been any law backing it. The Senate has passed this bill since 2021, but thank God the House of Representatives has also passed it on Tuesday, so we are now contemplating whether they would have the time to send to the President for his assent.

“I have a bill also on the establishment of Federal University of Sports-it’s going to be a platform for Nigerian youths; both those who are academically sound and those who are not because every human beings has gotten one talent or the other, so if you can’t excell in the field of education you may excel in the field of one sports or the other.

“You will agree with me we don’t have such university in the entire Africa, but for Europe they have in almost all the states. The Senate have passed it since and just on Tuesday the house of representatives have also passed it.

“So, I want to use this medium to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to give assent to the bill because this bill is going to be one of the everlasting legacy for his administration as it concern Nigeria youths because if this NSC bill is assented to by Mr. President it’s going to
benefit not only Nigeria but West Africa and Africa as a whole, so I plead with Buhari to sign it before his exit,” he said.

10th Assembly ‘ Sen. Morro expresses surprise APC not considering North Central for key positions

10th Assembly ‘ Sen. Morro expresses surprise APC not considering North Central for key positions

Senator Abah Morro representing Benue South Senatorial District at the National Assembly who also a Senator -elect for the 10th Senate has expressed surprise that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) are not considering the North Central in their National Assembly leadership positions’ allocations.

Sen. Morro made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting on the quest of APC lawmakers for the party to zone certain positions to the zone.
The APC has zoned the position of the Senate President to the South South, Deputy Senate President to the North West, the Speaker of House of Representatives to North West and the Deputy Speaker to South East.

However, Sen Morro insisted that North Central is a very vital artery of Nigeria politics therefore, APC will only ignore it at its own peril.

He said, “If APC as a political party is allocating positions to zones; it is unfair, it is unjust to leave North Central out of the equation. It is not my business whether APC zoned Deputy Senate President or Speaker to North West but my business and concern is that North Central should be properly situated in the equation and that is what we are fighting for irrespective of the political parties. Whoever disregard the sensibility of the north central in Nigeria polirics will surely regret that “

When ask if he will like to be the next Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Morro, said he will definitely show interest if it’s necessary and when the time comes, adding that a minority leader must be someone who understands the dynamic of politics in the Senate and who can play the game of the opposition parties at the red chambers.

He insisted that he has the qualities to becomes the next minority leader of the Senate, saying that anyway, it’s the sole responsibility of the NASS leadership of various political parties (the Nass caucus) to nominate a candidate to the position of minority leader among others.
He also noted that, though they are 50 Senator-elect in opposition parties which cut across; PDP, NNPP, LP, APGA, among others, ao whoever is nominated would be representing the various political parties that have Senators at the Senate, therefore, he said he would be very ready to work with whoever if giving the opportunity to serve in that capacity.

On the adoption of Senator Sani Musa by the north central lawmakers on any available position, Sen. Morro said he has no objection to that because he (Sen. Musa is a ranking and qualified individual for any of the positions in the Senate.
According to him, “APC is a majority party in the Senate and if they are considering people or zone for positions, what we are saying is that North Central should also be consider and if considered and Sani Musa is giving the position I am at home with it “

On insecurity in Benue State, the former Minister of Interior stated that security has been a very big problem in his state in the last eight years of President Muhammad Buhari, saying that, herdsmen are killing his people on a daily basis . He said, he has cried and called for the federal government help but to no avail.
He said several communities in his Senatorial District have been displaced. “I can tell you that many communities in my area have flee their ancestral homes because of the consistent invasion and killings by Fulani herdsmen, it is very bad.
“Recently a community in Otukpo Local Government Area was attack, and the son of a sitting council chairman was killed among 34 others that were killed, that is how the situation has become that bad, yet no Fulani herdsman has been arrested.
“When our people are equiped with den guns to secure themselves they will say they are carrying weapons but Fulanis are carrying about AK 47 raffles without anyone asking them any question. So the communities are in traumatic situation, they are helpless and hopeless at the same time,” he said

10th NASS: South-East Technocrats Back Orji Kalu For Senate President

10th NASS: South-East Technocrats Back Orji Kalu For Senate President

A group of respected South-East professionals and technocrats under the aegis of South East Progressive Minds (SEPM), has backed the current Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu for President of the 10th Senate.

The group in a letter of comfort, felicitation and support signed by Chief Comrade Iruke J. D. M (Convener) and Sir David Nwokocha ( Co-Convener) on Wednesday in Abuja, expressed confidence in Kalu’s leadership qualities, dexterity and experience to pilot the affairs of the Senate leadership.

The group applauded Kalu for being a detribalised Nigerian with the requisite experience, exposure, and trait needed to steer the ship of the 10th Senate.

The statement said: “Most respectfully, Your Esteemed Distinguished Excellency; the Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, MON; we wish to join millions of Nigerians and those in the Diaspora; to commiserate with you first and foremost on the demise of your cherished wife and pray for God’s comfort on you and your entire family.

“The South East Progressives Minds is a support group made up of seasoned technocrats and administrators totally out for the success of your bid to become the 10th President of the Nigeria Senate. The group strongly believe in your leadership qualities as a detribalized Nigeria with the requisite experience, exposure and trait needed to steer the ship of the 10th Senate at this time that the unity of the Nigerian State looks up to a unifier, which you represent.

“As part of our effort towards your enthronement as the next Senate President; we have sent out Press Statements through known media (Radio Announcement, Newspaper and Social Media) detailing our support why you deserve to be the 10th Senate President of the National Assembly (find attached copies).

“As a progressive minded group with a foresight of thinking ahead, may we also use this opportunity to bring to your attention the need for you Sir, to reorganize, reconstitute and reinvigorate the All Progressives Congress (APC Party in Abia State as its undeniable leader. We are available to bring back together your loyal men, who worked and dedicated themselves to your ideals and ideas of progressive leadership, in building a formidable home front for your future aspirations.

“Even as we celebrate and congratulate you for turning 63 years old recently, we want to wish your Excellency an assured advance double congratulations on your elevation as the 10* President of the Nigeria Senate and Leader of the APC in the South East geopolitical zone.

“While we await an opportune time to visit and interact with your Excellency on the way forward; do accept our sincere best wishes and utmost assurances and prayer of good success towards the achievement of your present goal.”