Legislature
10th Speakership: Masari, Radda, Aliero drum support for Abbas
**Party’s Supremacy must prevail, govs insist
The outgoing and incoming governors of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and Dr. Dikko Umar Radda respectively have declared their support for the APC’s choice for the position of Speaker in the incoming 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas
The endorsements came when Abbas led a delegation of members-elect from the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members from the eight political parties that have won seats in the 10th Assembly, on separate visits on Masari and Radda.
Speaking during the late night visit on Sunday, Masari, a former Speaker of the House, said as a loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), he believed the party’s choice should be respected.
“You said I’m a party man; you’re right. So, I’ll align myself with what the party says. Once the party takes a position, I’ll make sure that I stand with the decision and make it succeed,” Masari said..
A statement issued by Abbas’ Campaign office on Monday quoted the former Speaker as advising Abbas and his team to intensify efforts and work hard to realize the party’s decision, noting that the member representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State has shown capacity over the years.
On his part, Dr. Radda said as party men, they would ensure that the APC’s decision on zoning was implemented to the latter, saying he is a product of the party hierarchy being a one-time national welfare secretary of APC.
“I am a party man, and I believe we should work with what the party said. I called all our members-elect and told them to work with whatever the party decided. This is our project. This visit is just a formality.
“We in the Northwest thank the party and the President-elect for ceding the position of Speaker to us. We have done a lot for the party, so we may ask for more. I am happy to see the kind of people with you. This is a pan-Nigerian project.
“You need the support of each and every person among the aspirants. You should reach out to each and every person to have their cooperation and support. Don’t forget to carry members of Katsina State along if God gives you the position,” Dr. Radda said.
Both Masari and Radda in their remarks during the separate visits in Abuja emphasized on party supremacy. They said the political party under whose platform a legislator got elected should be respected at all times.
Similarly, Hon. Abbas secured the endorsement of a former governor of Kebbi State and serving senator for Kebbi Central, Muhammad Adamu Aliero, during a visit on Sunday.
Aliero, who is also a former minister of FCT, said he was highly impressed by Hon. Tajudeen Abbas’ credentials both in and outside the Legislature.
He promised to mobilize the PDP members-elect from Kebbi State for Abbas, saying the Kaduna Rep. is the kind of leader the House needs at the moment.
“When I learnt that Hon. Tajudeen Abbas was visiting me, I said this is the moment I was waiting for. I had eminent Nigerians waiting for me, but I decided to wait for you.
“I know very well that APC has taken a stand on zoning. I want to congratulate you for getting the APC endorsement. All we’re waiting for is the inauguration day. God willing, you’ll be there. I must commend you on your bipartisan approach. The best advice anyone can give you is to be fair and just to all the people that give you their support.
“Treat everyone equally. Don’t discriminate. Whatever comes to you, look at it nationally. You should be just to all. When there is justice, everything will be okay in the society. I can boast of giving you five members from Kebbi State. One of them is Hon. Tanko Sununu who’s already working with you,” he said.
Speaking during the visits, the frontline aspirant, Tajudeen Abbas, congratulated Radda on his victory as governor-elect for Katsina State and the APC victory at the national level. He also congratulated Aliero on his victory at the polls.
He said he has been in the House of Representatives since 2011 representing Zaria Federal Constituency, noting that he is the current chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport.
Most importantly, Abbas said, he is the member that sponsored 74 Bills in the 9th Assembly, 21 of which were signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Additionally, Hon. Abbas said he is the treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Union (CPU), Africa, a member of the governing board of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as well as the leader of the Kaduna Caucus in the 9th House.
Hon. Abbas noted further that he came to the Parliament after serving as a teacher for many years, teaching in both secondary and tertiary institutions where he established three different departments in different institutions in 1989, 2001 and 2005 respectively before joining politics.
The delegation also visited the Enugu State governor-elect, Hon. Peter Mbah, who offered some words of advice to the Tajudeen Abbas team.
Abbas holds the record of the member with the highest number of Bills in the 8th Assembly.
He was accompanied on the visits by members-elect from APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, among others.
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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