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10th Reps: Center gives support to TJ Abass, Ben Kalu as Speaker, Deputy

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***Donates 5m to their campaign

The candidacy of the APC anointed candidates, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu for Speaker, Deputy Speaker respectively recirved a major boost on Monday when a Civil Society Organization, the Initiative for Leadership Development and Change (ILDC) declared support for their emergence

Members of the leadership center who announced their endorsement when they paid a courtesy visit to the Communication Adviser to Tajudeen Ben Kalu movement group, (TBK) Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, at its headquarters in Abuja, announced the donation of N5 million for their campaigns.

Addressing Ugochinyere, ILDC country heads, High Chief Ugochukwu Nnam and Bashir Abubakar Shehu said having taken time to study all aspirants, they come to the conclusion that the ruling party made the right choice in Abass and Kalu to be the presiding officers of the 10th House.

ILDC described the duo as calm, intelligent men who have right educational background and legislative experience for the positions.

According to the group, Abass and Kalu from their legislative track record show that they are core parliamentarians who over the years took their jobs seriously.

While noting that their achievements have placed them above other aspirants, the group appealed to the aggrieved aspirants to sheath their swords and support Abass and Kalu.

He added that aside the monetary donation they will be lobbying to win more Lawmakers to support them

He said, “The time when lawmakers will elect the next leadership of the National Assembly is almost here. We are here as citizens who care about our nation. The development of any nation depends on the kind of leaders we elect. I believe the national working committee of the APC did a thorough research before arriving on the decision of Abass and Kalu as Speaker, Deputy Speaker.

“The duo’s achievements have placed them among the best. They have sponsored the highest number of bills in the lower chamber in the history of Nigeria. Also their performances in their previous offices and contributions to democracy in the country is equally admirable. “We urge the aggrieved aspirants to be like their colleagues Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Hon. Abubakar Makki Yalleman, and Hon. Abdulhameed Olawuyi and jettison their ambitions and support Abass and Kalu.
“Aside the endorsement we will be donating N5 million and also lobby more Lawmakers to support them.
“We have made commitment to meet all members elect to lobby them to vote Tajudeen and Kalu. We will consult our representatives, it’s the ticket we have seen that has competence and inclusiveness.
“They are young and competent and we believe they turn around the image of the National Assembly for good.”

Receiving the group, Ugochinyere who’s also a member-elect representing Ideato North South Federal Constituency, expressed optimism that Abass and Kalu will be victorious, saying that they are currently enjoying support of over 200 members-elect.

While thanking them for their support, he told the group Abass and Kalu state caucuses meeting to consolidate victory will start today.

Ugochinyere said, “You’re all welcomed, I appreciate the commitment your group has shown in helping to lobbying other members elect for the success of this event. More importantly is coming all the way to show evidence of that support and believing in their candidacy, I pray God will help us in achieving this.
“It’s important I highlight some facts about tajudeen and Kalu their background so you understand the kind of leadership to expect.
“Abass was a lecturer, before he came to the National Assembly and has chaired different committees, currently chairing land transport. When you check the primary responsibility of a lawmaker which is to make law, he’s number one.
“This is facts not a propaganda, he has over 74 impactful bills to his name with 21 signed into law.”

Kalu the deputy Speaker aspirant, has held admirable leadership positions before coming to House of Representatives and as a first timer he became the image maker of the house.
“He marketed the image of the house well, with over 40 bills to his name, he has the rich legislative experience to be Deputy Speaker. With his background as a lawyer, he will effectively chair the constitutional amendment committee.
“This ticket is important because we have competence, inclusivity and they will help ensure a country that works. They are very committed.
“Like you said earlier the success of any administration depends largely on the kind of National Assembly leadership in place. We maybe from Opposition Parties but to have a productive, stable and united 10th House of Representatives we will give President Tinubu the required support and cooperation.

“And the ruling party made the right choice in selecting Abass and Kalu as Speaker Deputy Speaker candidates. While many of their colleagues were focused on things that are probably for their personal gains, Abass and Kalu focused on their core mandate, the main objective of their coming to the national assembly.
“It is only appropriate that members-elect of the 10th House queue behind Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu to deliver the good governance for the benefit of Nigerians.”

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Legislature

Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process

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Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.

During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.

“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.

The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”

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Legislature

NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions

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In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.

The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.

Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.

Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.

As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.

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Legislature

Parent Seeks Senate’s Intervention Over Daughter’s Missing UTME Result, Alleges Supervisor Misconduct

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Neda Imasuen

A serious issue has arisen regarding the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as Mr. Onyebuchi Obioha has petitioned the Senate over the unexplained absence of his daughter Chizitere Audrey Obioha’s exam result. He claimed that the situation is linked to alleged misconduct by supervisor Mutiu Olayemi, appointed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In a petition submitted to the Senate by Senator Neda Imasuen, Mr. Obioha accused Olayemi of providing his phone number to Chizitere, a 16-year-old candidate, after her examination on April 22, 2024, at Wisdom House CBT Center in Ogba, Lagos.
However, Olayemi has denied the claim, stating that he did not share his number with any candidate and is currently in Abuja to address the allegations.

Mr. Obioha expressed frustration over JAMB’s failure to release Chizitere’s results, noting that while over a million candidates received theirs, she was only informed of an “alleged examination infraction.” He urged JAMB to provide evidence of any wrongdoing.

The petition outlined Mr. Obioha’s attempts to seek clarity, including opening a ticket with JAMB on April 30, 2024, with little response. During an interaction with JAMB officials, Chizitere denied any misconduct.

Mr. Obioha emphasized his determination for justice, stating, “If my daughter is guilty, let the law take its course. If she’s wrongly accused, we seek justice.” He raised concerns about Olayemi’s behavior, mentioning a note Chizitere received from him after the exam.

Olayemi maintained he was not involved in reporting any infraction against Chizitere, attributing the issue to a Resident Monitor.
The Senate’s involvement may be crucial in addressing accountability within JAMB and the conduct of its supervisors.

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