Legislature
Party Primaries: Reps move to override Buhari for withhold of assent to Amended Electoral Bill 2022
The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, resolved to file notice to override President Muhammadu Buhari for withhold of assent to Clause 58(8) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which provides for statutory delegates.
The resolution was passed following the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon Ben Igbakpa (PDP-Delta) who noted that there was no need for the House to fear anyone.
According to him, “Mr Speaker, you have shown leadership and capacity and patriotism. On the 11th of May with your colleagues you brought all of us back from our various constituencies so that we can work on the electoral act as amended, graciously that was done on the 11th of May, 2022.
“And by the 12th of same monththis amendment was transmitted to Mr President.
“Mr President did not just ignore, he travelled out of the country on a condolence visit to Dubai and that created a lot of problems for the country.
“There was tension and many of our political parties out of the tension created what will now be our fate in 2023-2027 electoral process. “Nigerians are crying for good leadership and the leadership recruitment process starts with our primaries.
“You have worked hard and that is why I took us to Section 58. We are to make laws and present them to Mr President, and where he does not sign, that section 58 gives us the powers to make sure that we pass that law without Mr President’s assent.
“There’s nowhere that it is said that one arm of Government is subservient to the other. I think we are beginning with the good work you are doing Mr Speaker. I just said you are a very good man, a wonderful man with your leadership but by the time you leave this seat by June next year, Mr Speaker Nigerians will not remember the good thing that you have done.
“For me as a person or the one you have done for our colleagues, they will remember you for the laws that you passed that have been bettered for Nigerians.
“And that is why we cannot continue to act as if we are under the executive arm of Government. This Constitution gave us the powers just as it gave to them.
“We must wake up as a Parliament where we passed our law and we are sure we have done the right thing we should start overriding Mr President because this is just the beginning.
“Today NDDC Act is enforced because the parliament of which you are part of did it. What are we afraid of?
“Mr President has not committed an offence, what he has done is the rule of law and the Constitution and I believe by the time we do our own by overiding veto, we would not have committed any offence, we will be working to accommodate the constitution and the rule of law.
“Mr Speaker I implore you as a great leader to please it is time if we are sure we have done what is right to the electoral act 2022, we should rise up take our pen, collect signatures and by the grace of God override Mr President and give Nigerians the enabling electoral law that will stand the test of time,” Hon Igbakpa stressed.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon Toby Okechukwu called for the activation of relevant constitutional powers to address the lacuna.
He said: “Toby Okechukwu: I want to take notice regarding the very copious and auspicious comments you made yesterday regarding the Electoral Act where in circumstances, it has been weaponised; where as a matter of fact, there was an aspiration to make the law a more perfect law to remove every ambiguity; and where there isn’t any material difference between the 2010 Act and that of 2022.
“And suddenly, majority of members, where it has been weaponised, have become victims. Something is wrong in an environment, in an institution where the two leaders of the Senate would have to cross to other parties because of inherent inclement condition. Anything that occasions it, anything that warrants it, if it is our Electoral Act, if it is our politics, if it is the environment where we operate, we need to retool.
“And as you said, we got to do better work and we have to fight on. For me, it is just a battle that is lost, the war is on and we should go ahead to make sure that that law is retooled, and made clear. And if it requires this parliament to take action to override what has not been signed, we should be willing to do so.”
While expressing his view, Hon Gbajabiamila who affirmed that Mr President was in breach of the 30 days provided to communicate his decision to withhold assent, urged the lawmaker to formalise the motion.
According to him,“Thank you for your point of order basically some of what you said is that there is a need in your own opinion for the house to override the withholding of assent to the electoral amendment.
“Clearly the Constitution says it is 30 days leeway and we have gone beyond the 30 days. But the Constitution also says that it is not automatic that you override, but if you are convinced as a House that that amendment must stand.
“If you are not convinced with the argument advanced by the President or in some cases and in this case, there are no arguments advanced, then you can override.
“But for us to override I believe the required two-thirds and it cannot be by voice votes neither can it be by way of signatures unless of course you gave enough signatures by two-thirds.
“So what I will suggest is that you bring the application, the formal motion on notice perhaps tomorrow whenever you are able to do that and we will determine whether or not this House is ready to override or not, I think that’s the proper procedure,” Hon Gbajabiamila noted.
While ruling, the Speaker who acknowledged the concern raised by the two lawmakers said: “I appreciate your comments and I believe you are talking about the provision on statutory delegate which Hon Toby alluded to earlier that’s the provision you are talking about.
“So you can file your motion hopefully we will be able to listen to it tomorrow or when we have the time on our calendar.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker disclosed that the House will embark on an annual recess in July 2022.
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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