Legislature
Senators Izunasor, Barau differ on Zoning of Senate Presidency
***as group engages them, Ned Nwoko, others on 10th NASS leadership
As the debate on zoning of the 10th National Assembly leadership rages on bearing in mind the need to balance the spread to carry along all segments of the country senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and Barau Jibrin (Kano West) have expressed opposing views
While senator Izunaso insisted that the diversity of the Nigerian nation was such that a lot of consideration ought to be given to various factors in the process of determining who gets what in the allocation of offices, Barau is of the opinion that a legislative house should be treated differently.
Both legislators are currently candidates jostling for the Senate Presidency
They spoke at an engagement with a Parliamentary Advocacy Network (PAN)
The group also had engaged various leaders and stakeholders across the country ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June.
Continuing Izunaso argued that experience, capacity, competence and other considerations such as ethnic and religious balancing must be factored into the leadership selection process at the next National Assembly.
He also informed that he was presenting himself to his colleagues at the Senate as a loyal party man, lawyer, erstwhile journalist and former member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for support to become the next President of the 10th Senate.
Also speaking on his ambition to become President of the 10th Senate, Barau from Kano State maintained that the legislature is such a special institution where experience, exposure, capacity and an ability to navigate through the different ideas, competences and characters of various individuals that constitute its membership, are important in trying to determine who leads such an institution.
He specifically pointed out that some of the rules of each legislative body confer on its senior or ranking members certain advantages that exclude new members.
Barau who is former member of the Kano State Executive Council, was, equally, at the House of Representatives in the early part of the 4th Republic however said he was in support of balancing of the leadership of various government offices along regional and religious lines, but not for a legislative house
On the other hand he said he would gladly defer to the position of his party if at the end of the campaigns and efforts to win the Senate Presidency, it is zoned to another region
For Nwoko, senator-elect from Delta State, it is important to state in no ambiguous terms where the position of President of the Senate ought to go in the 10th Senate.
He said the Igbo needed a sense of belonging in the Nigerian enterprise and that giving the South East region the support to occupy the leadership of the Senate would be a succour to the zone that has continued to raise in the context of their perceived marginalisation in the current Nigeria political set-up.
PAN specialises in promoting good governance, independence of the Legislature and equity at the National Assembly has met with some senators-elect and a member of the House of Representatives, gunning for the Speakership.
It had informed its hosts of their desire to see an independent National Assembly that is capable of being on the side of the people against an overbearing Executive at all times.
The National Coordinator of the group, Sunny Anderson Osiebe and General-Secretary, Fred Itua, had indicated that the group is an independent body that comprises journalists, Parliamentary workers and rights advocates, who have spent many years at the National Assembly.
According to Osiebe, the group would, eventually, support a candidate for the President of the Senate and other Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, who fit their bill for the different positions in line with national balancing, equity and justice.
Among the leaders of the group that participated in the engagements were Dominic Alancha, National Organising Secretary; Binta Pearl Ojoma, National Treasurer; as well as Chinedu Onyemesi, National Financial Secretary; and Nkem Anyata-Lafia, National Publicity Secretary.
The group equally said it would, in the bid to assess their individual programmes for the legislature, go further to engage with other legislators-elect, Godswill Akpabio, Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor Dave Umah,i as well as others who have expressed their intentions to run for the position of President of the Senate.
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.
He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.
“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“
“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“
He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.
Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.
“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.
Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.
In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.
Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”
The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”
The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.
***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.
The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).
In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.
The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.
The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.
In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.
The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.
The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.
In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.
Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.
He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.
Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.
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