Legislature

Legislative Advocacy Group worries over Govs overbearing influence on State legislators

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2023

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**Applauds Buhari on Financial Autonomy for State Assemblies, Judiciary

A group under the aegis of Parliamentary Advocacy Network (PAN), has expressed concern over the demeaning status accorded State legislators by governors who use them as their lackeys.

The group observed that in many States, most of the lawmakers appear like paupers and are often treated like errand boys by governors, due to the lack of financial autonomy for State Assemblies.

This is coming against the background that Muhammadu Buhari’s signing into law bills granting full financial autonomy to both the Legislative and the Judicial Arms of Government in the States.

Convener of the Advocacy Group, Prince Sunny Anderson Osiebe and the General-Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, in a communique issued after a meeting held in Abuja, said that history will be kind to President Muhammadu Buhari for some of the landmark reforms and achievements that he has made in the nation’s polity.

The Advocacy Group, said the signing into law by Mr. President the ome 35 bills presented earlier this year to him by the outgoing 9th Assembly as part of the result of the Constitution alteration exercise embarked upon by the lawmakers, was an action that defines patriotism.

While calling on the governors across the States not treat the new laws as another set of insignificant aspects of our statues, the Group observed that the signing of the bills, which will now make for better independence and more productivity of the other arms of government at the level of the States, was a step in the right direction, as the nation evolves in its quest to becoming an ideal democracy in the comity of other democratic nations of the world.

It also urged the 10th National Assembly and the incoming government to strive to deepen democracy in Nigeria the more from where the current democratic State actors will leave off in the next few months by ensuring that the issue of financial autonomy for the 774 Local Government Councils still remains germane to achieving the needed development at the level of government that is closest to the people.

The group decried a situation where State Assemblies have for the umpteenth time continued to shy away from issues surrounding financial autonomy for the Councils; while adding that it makes nonsense of any elections at the Councils if Council chairmen, who emerge from the usually defective exercise at the level of the States called Local Government elections, do not directly receive what is due to their Councils from the Federation Account.

The communique read: “We call on the incoming 10th Assembly and the emerging Administration to demonstrate real patriotism and go beyond what the current leaders have done to make a decisive statement on the autonomy of our Local Government Councils!

“We find it quite curious and disingenuous in the operations of our current democratic structure that monies intended for Council Areas are still being channeled to them through the highly-criticised State-and-LG Joint Accounts. What we are indirectly saying is that elected Council Chairmen and their Council members cannot be trusted to judiciously handle the funds allocated to them, yet they are expected to account for such funds. This is why our Governors are still having a field day with the Local Government funds. We think this is one issue the 10th Assembly and the Incoming Administration must revisit with all sense of patriotism.”

Others present at the meeting were the National Organising Secretary, Omor Bazuaye; and the Legal Adviser, Barr. Abdulkadir Iliya.

Recall that, before departing Abuja for Daura for the Governorship and the State Assembly elections on Friday, President Buhari had signed into law some of the bills arising from the Constitution alteration exercise carried out sometime ago by the current National Assembly.

Among the new Acts are those transferring matters relating to the nation’s electricity generation and distribution and the building of railways, both of which were transferred from the Federal Exclusive List to the Concurrent List in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(As Amended).

Legislature

CNG Safety Under Scrutiny: NASS Questions Readiness as Explosions Raise Alarms

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

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National Assembly Complex

The National Assembly has called for a comprehensive reassessment of Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative following alarming reports of vehicle explosions attributed to uncertified conversions. Lawmakers are urging the Federal Government to prioritize rigorous adaptability tests to ensure the safety and suitability of the technology in Nigeria’s unique environment.

During the 2025 budget defense session of the Joint Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Petroleum (Upstream), and Gas, Senator Natasha Akpoti (PDP, Kogi Central) questioned the adequacy of research conducted before rolling out the CNG program.

“Nigeria’s bumpy roads and hot climate differ significantly from the smooth and cooler environments where this technology originated. Were these factors considered before introducing CNG?” Akpoti asked.

Her concerns come amid incidents of explosions in CNG-converted vehicles. The Minister of State for Gas, Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, attributed these accidents to uncertified conversions carried out by roadside technicians, emphasizing that certified centers adhere to strict safety standards.

Ekpo also assured lawmakers that the technology had been evaluated by a Presidential Committee on CNG and affirmed its long-term viability. “CNG has come to stay,” he stated.

The session also highlighted budgetary concerns, particularly the Ministry of Petroleum’s 2025 capital allocation of N903 million. Lawmakers criticized the sum as inadequate to address Nigeria’s pressing energy challenges.

“For a ministry driving Nigeria’s energy transition, this allocation raises concerns about commitment to infrastructure and innovation,” remarked Hon. Kafilat Ogbara.

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its energy mix, the National Assembly has stressed the need for enhanced safety measures, proper implementation, and increased funding to fully realize the potential of CNG while ensuring public safety and trust.

Legislature

Umahi expresses Frustration over Fixing Nigerian Roads

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

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Dave Umahi

***Seeks Support for Loans as Budgetary Provisions Fall Short

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has voiced his deep frustration over the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, highlighting inadequate yearly budgetary allocations as a major barrier to progress.
Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja on Friday, Umahi described the financial constraints as overwhelming. “I’ve succeeded in most of my life’s engagements, but I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads with these meagre allocations,” he lamented.
Umahi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu inherited 2,064 road projects valued at N13 trillion, but rising costs have pushed the estimated expenditure to N18 trillion. He noted that the N827 billion allocated for road infrastructure in the 2025 budget is grossly insufficient to address the challenges.
“Roads are critical to economic growth and poverty reduction. They create jobs and drive economic activities. However, fixing these roads cannot be achieved with yearly budget provisions alone,” he explained.
The minister urged Nigerians to support the government’s borrowing initiatives, assuring that the funds would directly impact citizens’ lives by boosting economic activities and reducing hunger.
Senators on the committee, led by Senator Mpigi Barinaga, praised Umahi for his efficient management of scarce resources and supported his call for alternative funding mechanisms. They acknowledged the scale of the work required and admitted that the proposed budget falls far short of what is needed to resolve Nigeria’s road infrastructure crisis.
The session concluded with a shared resolve to explore additional funding options to tackle the nation’s road challenges effectively.

Legislature

In another rowdy session, Lawmakers Demand Accountability Amidst Budget Defense Chaos

Published

2 days ago

January 17, 2025

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Heineken Lokpobiri

***Minister Lokpobiri Assures of Reforms, Apologizes for Lapses

The 2025 budget defense session for the petroleum sector took a contentious turn on Friday as the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, and Gas) erupted into disorder. Tensions flared over delays in budget documentation, with lawmakers decrying the Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ perceived lack of preparedness and respect for legislative protocols.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, was already fraught with logistical challenges. The cramped committee room, bursting with lawmakers and ministry officials, became the backdrop for a fiery exchange that highlighted the strained relationship between the legislative and executive branches. Calls to relocate the session to a more accommodating venue went unheeded, adding to the frustration.

Before the session could proceed, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu raised a procedural objection, pointing out the absence of vital budget documents. “We cannot engage in a meaningful discussion without the necessary materials. This undermines the integrity of the process,” Nwogu asserted.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, faced sharp criticism for the disorganization. Hon. Ado Doguwa, Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, accused the Ministry of fostering an adversarial relationship with the legislature. “Minister, we see you only once a year, and even then, the lack of collaboration is glaring. This is unacceptable,” Doguwa said, his frustration evident.

Lokpobiri, in an attempt to salvage the situation, apologized for the lapses. “Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I deeply regret this oversight. It was not intentional. The budget documents are being distributed as we speak,” he said. He assured lawmakers that the Ministry remained committed to supporting legislative oversight and improving future engagements.

However, Lokpobiri’s lighthearted remark that the documents were being delivered in “Ghana Must Go” bags—containing no money—elicited mixed reactions. While some lawmakers chuckled, others viewed it as a diversion from the seriousness of the issue.

Doguwa, accepting the apology, stressed the need for strict adherence to legislative guidelines. “While we appreciate the apology, the late submission of documents is a breach of procedure. This cannot continue. We demand accountability and timely cooperation moving forward,” he said.

The session ultimately ended in stalemate, with lawmakers insisting on postponing the meeting until all necessary documents had been reviewed. The debacle underscores the persistent challenges of executive-legislative coordination in Nigeria’s budgetary process, particularly in critical sectors like petroleum.

As the Joint Committee prepares to reconvene, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the Ministry of Petroleum Resources can rebuild trust and ensure a smoother process in the future.