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Senator Ndume worries over more than 75% turnover of Lawmakers in 10th NASS

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**Asks new govt to incorporate them as resource persons

The Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume has made a strong case for deliberate action towards the preservation of  institutional memory in the Nigerian Parliament for a vibrant legislature
A trend of high turnover in the Nigerian legislature after each cycle of general elections has become reoccurring decimal
Ndume who was elected member of the Federal House of Representatives from 2003 to 2011 was elected senator in 2011 and has been re-elected senator for the third consecutive time.
Why making his contribution at the Valedictory session on Saturday he said,
“We have done all we could, we have cooperated that much but can we say we have succeeded when 75% of us are not coming back and when the new ones come in they are not going to be handover notes to them they are going to start afresh, we are found to start afresh. 
“Then some of us that are coming back just about 25% is just like coming into your house as a tenant. I will be a stranger in the Senate during the 10th Senate because only 25% are returning, 75% of us are not coming back and not because we don’t want to come back or that we dont deserve to come back.

Ndume who seemed to be on the sane page with those advocating for the Senate to be scrapped asked rhetoricaly what the essence of the upper legislative chamber is if there is no institutional memory 

 “This is something that we should really consider because the institution is going down, we are saying the Senate is important. Anybody that is saying that the Senate should not be scrapped, what is the use of the Senate when the content of the Senate is vague? 

“I won election but it was a tough one but at the end of it I am now saying is it worth it? We need to look at that. My purpose of coming here is to appologise 

We have been here for a very long time from 2003 till date, senate President came in since 1999 till date. 

“This is an institution. The president of America was in the Senate for 35 years. That institution will grow. The President of the Senate of America is the vice President and the senate President protempo is the most senior. 

“This is the importance of experience but here we are starting all over again. Anyway I came here to appologise, you know me very well. 

“We have been here for four years and then some people call me the rebel leader and all that. But it is okay because in every system you must have such persons. 

“I am going to miss all of you. I am going to make a request, these gentlemen and ladies that are not coming back are very important resource to Nigerians. “They should be incorporated. We should ensure that our colleagues who are resourceful are useful to this country. They should be called back to serve in various capacities especially now when we have the leadership in the hands of legislators.  

Another senator James manager who has spent 20 years in the Senate said he was never a counselor or a member of the House of Reps but he has been in the Senate since 2003 till date saying it is an emotive privilege for me. 

“To God be the glory that today I am here for the number of years I am in active service, I am a freeman, this is the work of the Almighty God, it is not my making. I walked into this place a very healthy man and I am leaving a very healthy man 

“I want to thank my people, the Delta South People for tolerating me for 20 years. My people Ijaw people, my maternal people the Isoko people, Itsekiri people, Urhobo people. 

“My senatorial district is very complicated they continued to elect me and re elect me for 20 years and when I said I was no longer contesting for Senate that is when they decided to leave me.”

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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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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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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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