In commemoration of this year’s ‘World Sight Day’, Udora Orizu chronicles the humanitarian and legislative interventions by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu to expand access to Eyecare in Nigeria 

The significance of eyes -sight to man dates back to over 2000 years ago during the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. According to Luke’s Gospel, Jesus in His encounter with the blind Bartimaeus asked: “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”

Many people think their eyesight is just fine without realizing they may need glasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams are an important part of finding eye diseases early to protect your vision.

Eye diseases are common and can go unnoticed for a long time. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an eye doctor can find eye diseases in the early stages. This is when treatment to prevent vision loss is most effective.

As part of his quest to promote human welfare, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has been an advocate of eye health, using his personal resources and legislative instruments to champion eye wellness for all.

Eye health, has been a neglected area of health in both developed and developing countries around the world. Most countries treat eye health with less attention when compared to other areas of health.

In 2020 in Nigeria, there was an estimated 24 million people living with vision loss and 1.3 million people were blind. A further 50 million people have non-vision impairing eye conditions needing basic eye care services. Evidence from different studies suggested that eye health in the country has not been given priority attention. In many states, patients find it difficult to access basic eye care services.

To increase awareness and win the war against increasing global blindness, the World Sight Day, is observed annually on the second Thursday of October. The global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. 

It was originally initiated by the SightFirstCampaign of Lions Club International Foundation in 2000. The day has since been integrated into VISION 2020 and is coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) in cooperation with the World Health Organization.

As calls for stakeholders to pool resources together in order to win the war against rising challenges of global blindness, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kalu through his foundation, Benjamin Kalu Foundation kicked off the End Blindness Project, an outreach targeting thousands of Bende indigenes for eye examinations, treatment, surgery and glasses prescription.

BKF in October 2023, collaborated with Vision Saver Eye Care Limited and organised a three-day medical outreach in Bende. The exercise witnessed a massive turnout of constituents who needed medical attention for their eyes with over 1200 people receiving medications, medicated eye glasses, and cataract surgeries.

The medical team, consisting of highly skilled Opticians, doctors and medical professionals, worked tirelessly to ensure that each patient received the necessary treatment and care.

Speaking, when he received progress report from the medical team, the Deputy Speaker emphasised that the project is not just for Bende Federal Constituency but for the entire nation as well. According to him, the outreach will be extended to other parts of the country.

He said, “I’m proud of the vision savers, the cost analysis was good, their response time good, their professionalism good, the impact is massive. I’m promising you, because you left a lot of people unattended to, we have to go back, and we will keep going back until we resolve the issue of blindness in Bende, in Abia, in South East and in Nigeria.”

In June, while delivering his goodwill message at Charity Champions Gala Night dedicated to raising awareness and support for essential eye care services for underserved communities, Kalu expressed worry over the report of an estimated 24 million Nigerians grappling with the challenge of eye failure.

Kalu disclosed that, through the Benjamin Kalu Foundation he “treated over 4,000 of his constituents with various degrees of eye problems in the last year,” underscoring the power of collective action and the difference that can be made when we come together.

He said, “As the Deputy Speaker, I am keenly aware of the challenges we face. The National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey paints a stark picture, with 4.2 per cent of Nigerians over 40 classified as blind. This is why I championed the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill which has since passed its first reading. 

“This bill aims to expand access to specialized eye care by establishing more centres across the country. But legislative efforts alone cannot solve this crisis. We need the commitment of champions like yourselves – individuals who understand the power of community.”

In the parliament, Deputy Speaker Kalu and his colleagues are committed to using legislative instruments to provide a lasting solution to the problem.

He agreed that the nation’s eyecare laws are obsolete and should be amended to accomplish current realities and achieve the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu for a better health security.

Consequently, Kalu sponsored the amendment bill of Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Registration Council Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill to allow for more efficiency as well as the National Eye Centre Act (Amendment) Bill which has scaled through first reading to expand access to eyecare services in Nigeria.

This Bill seeks to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap. N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye centres in various locations across the federation for the prevention and cure of various eye defects and diseases. 

Speaking few months ago, when he received on a courtesy call the executives of the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) led by their president, Dr Chimeziri Anderson, Kalu said, “I agree with you that the laws around our eye care are obsolete. The society is dynamic so are the problems. Laws are made to be solutions. Laws are made not to be stimulators of problems. 

“The primary healthcare act is not sufficient and I agree with you. Gone are the days when issues about the eyes were considered tertiary. We will go for the amendment of the National Eye Center Act. We are going to put mechanisms in place to push for the establishment of a national eye centre. So, we will go for the amendment of the National Eye Centre Act to include Abia.”

The efforts of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu in the fight against blindness is highly commendable and should be a motivation for increased commitment by various stakeholders if the aims of Vision 2020 in the country is to be achieved.

Utabiri Bende as he is fondly called, is passionately advocating for improved eye health in the country, one patient at a time.

*Miss Orizu is the Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker.

Udora Orizu writes that the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream, Hon. Ikenga  Ugochinyere, really knows his onions and strives to make a difference as a first timer in the Green Chamber.

In his book, ‘No longer at ease’, literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe says, “Who ever planted an Iroko tree – the greatest tree in the forest? You may collect all the Iroko seeds in the world, open the soil and put them there. It will be in vain. The great tree chooses where to grow and we find it there,” so it is with greatness in men”.

Like the Iroko that he is, Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (Ikenga Imo) stands tall and strong on the Nigeria’s legislative turf within his one year in the House of Representatives.

Young, vibrant, charismatic, fearless and patriotic, he has been around the Nigerian sociopolitical cycle as a students’ leader, youth leader, human rights activist, anti- corruption crusader, legal battle fighter, lawyer, just to name a few.

He had been President of all Nigerian Youths (NYCN), Secretary General, African Youths Council (AYC), Founding member, International Youth Council, New York USA, Founder and Chairman of Action Peoples Party (APP), Executive Assistant to a Governor, Senior Special Assistant to Senate President of Nigeria, Spokesperson, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP).

He was the founder and first National Director of PDP Youth Movement during the Chairmanship of Ahmadu Ali and Ojo Maduekwe as Secretary. Ugochinyere in each of these positions stood with the people, becoming a towering voice against tyrannical forces in the land.

Armed with his legal background, Ugochinyere has never been deterred to speak truth to power even at his own peril. The young lawyer turned lawmaker is using the current position to advance the causes he has always believed in and attracting development to his immediate constituency and making laws for the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.

Before and after his swearing in as a member of the 10th House of Representatives, Ojeozi Ideato (People’s messenger) as he’s popularly called has been in a political and legal battle which was draining, heart wrenching and bloody. The battle claimed lives of some of his family members and supporters, following a deadly attack on his residence on January 7, 2023 shortly before the February 25, 2023 National Assembly poll.

The horrible incident would have made anyone to give up, but as the people’s messenger that he is, Ojeozi stood his ground, focused and fought like a warrior.

He eventually emerged victorious, defeating other candidates, and after their inauguration on June 13, 2023, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, appointed Ugochinyere as Deputy Chairman of the Special Committee on Media and Public Affairs of the House.

On July 27, 2023, Speaker Abass and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, appointed Ugochinyere as the chairman, house committee on Petroleum Resources, Downstream.

As he assumed duty as a lawmaker, he faced yet another legal tussle when Imo State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal removed him as the member representing Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives and declared a supplementary election in 55 polling units of the constituency with the exception of Ugochinyere.

But, in November 2023, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Lagos, unanimously affirmed his election, as the validly elected member of the House of Representatives.

In a unanimous judgment, the panel headed by Justice Abubakar Gumel overruled the judgment of the Imo State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which had disqualified Ikenga and nullified his election on a pre-election matter of the primary election of the PDP despite plethora of authorities by the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to the effect that Election Tribunals do not have jurisdiction over pre-election matters. As news of the judgment reached Ideato, there was instant jubilation, with markets and streets instantly turning into carnivals for the celebration of the legal victory.

Ugochinyere has in last one year lived beyond expectations in the core functions of a legislator – lawmaking; having sponsored a good number of bills and motions; oversight – having intervened severally to address issues in the Downstream Sector of Petroleum industry which he chairs, attracting constituency intervention projects and empowering his constituents.

He sponsored the motion on the need to reconstruct the failed portions of the Oba-nnewi-Uga-Akojwa-Arondizuogu Okigwe federal road in Idemili north/South, Nnewi North/South and Ideato North/South Federal Constituencies in Anambra and Imo States.

Other motions which he sponsored were on the need to rehabilitate the collapsed Akokwa-Umuchima-Mgbe-Orlu federal road in Ideato south local government area of Imo State, motion on the need to investigate the arbitrary increase of petrol pump price from N537 to N617 by petrol marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation limited, motion on the need to intervene in over 28 erosion sites in communities in Ideato North and South constituencies of Imo State, among others.

Ugochinyere has sponsored bills which have passed through first and second reading. They include, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.205), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.206), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.197), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.199), Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 (HB, 198) and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.200).

Others are, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.201), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.202), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.203), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2023 (HB.204), the Interpretation (Amendment) Bill 2023, The Land Use Act (Amendment Bill, 2024 (HB.1429), and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill 2024 (HB 1430) Orlu State Bill.

 For the Orlu state bill, Ikenga is leading 32 federal lawmakers on political restructuring with the Bill which was introduced and passed through first reading at the plenary on May 22, 2024.

The proposed legislation seeks to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to create a new state in the Southeastern region of Nigeria to be known as Orlu State.

In the bill’s draft, it states that, “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) (herein referred to as the “Principal Act”) is altered as set out in this Bill; Section 3 of the Principal Act is amended as follows: There shall be thirty-seven states in Nigeria that is to say, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos,Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Orlu, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara”.

Also the bill seeks an amendment by inserting a new paragraph immediately after the Ondo State and before the Osun State paragraph, to read as follows:

State – Orlu ,Capital City- Orlu.

Local Government Areas as to be amended will now include, “Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru East, Ideato North, Ideato South, Njaba, Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Oguta, Ohaji Egbema, Onuimo, Ihiala, Uga, Ihiala, Uli, Ozubulu, Akokwa, Arondizuogu, Umuchu, Umunze, Umuaku, New Ideato North, Nwabosi West, Nwabosi East, Owerre Nkworji, Alaoma, Amaifeke, Owerrebiri Umuowa.”

Ugochinyere has also sponsored a Bill seeking to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) to limit the period which any individual can serve as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from two terms of four years each, to a single six year tenure.

The Bill also seeks an amendment for rotation of Presidency across the six geo-political zones in the country.

Shedding more light on the bill’s content, Ugochinyere said the sole intent of this bill is to enact legislation that will make provisions for the rotation of political power amongst the geo-political zones, for Presidency, governorship in the general elections.

He lamented that Nigeria is among several countries in Africa confronted by threats of political instability and social conflicts, hence the situation led to political actors in the country to canvass for the adoption of rotational and single tenure presidency as a potent political arrangement that can guarantee stability.

Ugochinyere called for support for the bill, saying that Nigeria should emulate Mexico as it practices a presidential system of government like Nigeria, but with a single-term presidency of six years.

On constituency development, Ugochinyere initiated an agricultural program that have many of his constituents undergoing training, he has also floated scholarship scheme for his constituents.

On December 5, 2023, the lawmaker presented scholarship grants to qualified beneficiaries who participated and performed excellently well in the scholarship examinations, which took place few months earlier.

The 100 lucky beneficiaries all from Ideato North and South federal constituency gladly gathered at St. Dominic Savio Comprehensive Secondary School, Ntueke in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, to receive grants to support their educational pursuit.

Chairman of the Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Educational Development Committee, Mr. Sylvester Durukwuaku, while addressing the beneficiaries, commended Ugochinyere for such a laudable initiative, saying it was a testament to his passion and unequalled commitment to the education of the Ideato children.

He said the scholarship grant was going to be an annual program designed by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere to support and encourage students, parents and guardians who truly need such assistance to achieve a brighter future, adding that it was Ikenga’s desire to see intelligent students from the most disadvantaged background access qualitative education.

Durukwuaku also urged the beneficiaries, made up of the Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary Categories and Tertiary level to appreciate the grant given to them by excelling beyond bounds academically, assuring them that more of this opportunity will come in line with the educational projects of Ikenga for his beloved federal constituency.

For his safe school campaign initiative, Ugochinyere has started renovation of many schools in his constituency, and as well as the clean water campaign which involves drilling water projects from Umuojisi to Urualla.

Ugochinyere has made his name in the political sphere through hard work, diligence and consistency. He has proven that the difference between ‘race’ and ‘grace’ is the “G” which stands for the God factor and he’s just getting started on his plans in ensuring the well-being of his constituents and by extension, Nigeria as a whole.

-Orizu writes from Abuja

Udora Orizu chronicles the legislative interventions of Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, since  he was elected into office about a year ago.

On June 13, 2023, the 10th House of Representatives was inaugurated and Abia-born lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin OkezieKalu emerged as the Deputy Speaker unopposed.

In the acceptance speech of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, he promised that under his leadership they, “shall operate a House that you all will be proud of, guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We strongly believe nation-building is a Joint Task and we shall introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians.”

True to his words, in the following weeks, the duo unveiled their legislative agenda tagged ‘the People’s House’ outlining key reforms, aimed at addressing socioeconomic, political and other challenges in Nigeria.

The Deputy Speaker, has since then resumed his second term in office as a lawmaker, hitting the ground running with the implementation of the agenda, consolidating and thriving impressively as if to surpass his previous enviable legislative outings.

Both Abass and Kalu as a ‘dynamic duo’ embarked on series of innovations, such as introduction of sectoral debates into the workings of the legislature. Through this initiative, Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, are summoned by the parliament to update Nigerians on how they are carrying out their duties, challenges, achievements, expectations and way forward.

In the last few months, they have interfaced with stakeholders in security, finance and agriculture. Speaking during the engagement with finance stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker underscored the urgency of tackling economic, fiscal, and revenue challenges facing Nigeria.

He emphasized the necessity of fiscal integrity for building trust between the government and its people, ensuring transparency, accountability, and prudent resource management.

In line with parliamentary tradition, the House committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is headed by the Deputy Speaker. Kalu who chairs the committee, at its pre-inaugural meeting, assured that the work on the alteration will be completed in December 2025.

He listed areas of the constitutional alteration process to include state police, power devolution, fiscal federation, electoral reforms, judicial reforms, among others.

The Deputy Speaker noted that in line with the legislative agenda, the parliament recognises that improving women’s participation in politics and addressing issues like violence against women are crucial steps toward achieving sustainable development.

He said, “The committee is fully aware of the concerns of Nigerians on the need to finalise and conclude discussions around Nigeria’s constitution. I will like to state, however, that the nature of Nigeria’s constitution and the history around how it was made and handed over to a new civilian government in 1999, makes it imperative for us to continually revisit the several provisions of the constitution and work towards accomplishing consensus on outstanding constitutional debates.

“Let me mention that our target, the first draft of the constitution will be out in August 2024. Second draft will be out in October 2024. We will commence zonal inputs from October 2024 and we’ll keep collecting inputs from citizens from October 14, 2024 as we prepare for the last version or that last draft copy of the constitution. We are hoping that there will be a harmonisation of the issues on February 27 and 28, 2025. We are hoping that during a technical working retreat that will take place in February 2025, the Senate and the House of Representatives documents will be harmonised. It is our desire that on March 17, 2025, we will have harmonised documents considered in the House. It is our belief that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.”

On bill sponsorship, Kalu stands tall and in the last one year as Deputy Speaker, has sponsored about 100 bills, including South East Development Commission Bill, State police Bill, Bill To Provide the Time Frame for the Performance of Functions of the Clerk of the National Assembly; Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 To Provide for the Appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff; And for Other Related Matters, Bill for an Act to Provide a Policy Framework for the Development of Bio-Fuels Energy Industry in Nigeria; Establish the Bio-Fuels Energy Regulatory Commission; Establish the Bio-Fuels Research Agency and many others.

On state police bill which has passed second reading, the Deputy Speaker assured that the national assembly will provide the right frameworks, legislations and oversight that will make state policing work better for Nigerians.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly, and particularly the House of Representatives, is fully committed to providing the right frameworks, legislation, and oversight to make state policing work for the betterment of Nigerians. We understand the importance of getting this right. Throughout this dialogue, we will delve into critical issues, gather valuable insights and explore data-driven approaches. The information and recommendations gathered here will be crucial in shaping the future of policing in Nigeria. We are optimistic that through collaborative efforts and a commitment to evidence-based solutions, we can establish a policing system that is not only effective in combating crime but also earns the trust of Nigerians and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Together we can pave the pathways to a more peaceful and secure Nigeria”.

On SEDC bill which will soon be transmitted to the President for assent, Kalu at different fora noted that when the commission is established, it will address the socio- economic and infrastructural deficit in the South-East caused by the civil war.

His interventions to ensure peace and security in the South East was not only limited to the chamber of the House, in December last year, the Deputy Speaker initiated the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P).

The project which was unveiled in December 2023, by President Bola Tinubu represented  by Vice President KashimShettima, at Bende Local Government of Abia State ultimately seeks the adoption of a non-kinetic approach to resolving the problem of insecurity bedeviling the South East.

According to him, the project was also aimed at promoting reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts.

His words: “When I embarked on the South East Project, my vision was clear to foster peace, unity, and development in our region through a non-kinetic approach. The South East has long been known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and enterprising people. Yet, we have faced our fair share of challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, insecurities, political tensions, and occasional conflicts.

“Our goals in the South East Project are clear. We aim to promote reconciliation among communities and individuals affected by past conflicts. We recognize the need to address the root causes of conflict, including socioeconomic disparities and political tensions. Empowering communities is another crucial goal of the project, providing them with the necessary resources, skills, and opportunities for sustainable development.”

Through this peace initiative, the Deputy Speaker last week, inaugurated a seven-man  Peace Fund Committee to help raise financial assistance for the victims of insecurity in the South East region.

He announced the setting up of the committee during his condolence visit to 144  Battalion Headquarters in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State and subsequently made a donation of N10 million to kick start the process. Over N30 million has been contributed by well-meaning members of society from around the country and abroad.

There is a saying in Igbo, “Eto Dike nankeomere, omekweOzo.” meaning “When you praise a mighty being for what he has done, he will do more”.

One year after, Benjamin OkezieKalu (EnyiAbia) has proven that he’s committed to the discharge of his constitutional responsibilities to the people, and he’s doing that with utmost zeal and patriotism.

-Orizu is Special Assistant on Press Affairs to House Deputy Speaker

Udora Orizu writes that the minority whip of the senate, Sen. Osita Ngwu, as a first time legislator, really knows his onions and strives to make a difference 

Bernadette Devlin, a former UK Parliament member, once said, “My purpose is not to be a politician but to achieve results.” This resonates with Senator Osita Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District. Despite being a first-timer in the nation’s apex legislature, he has achieved remarkable feats.

Senator Ngwu’s background is impressive. He spent two decades in the oil and gas industry, rising from trainee engineer to Executive Director. His desire to serve led him to politics. In 2018, he contested for a House of Representatives seat but stepped down for the incumbent. He later became a key player in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state. In 2023, Ngwu won the Enugu West Senatorial District election with a landslide victory, replacing Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who voluntarily retired after 20 years of meritorious service.

Though one of the youngest in the Senate, Senator Ngwu’s humility and integrity have endeared him to colleagues. Within weeks, he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Drugs and Narcotics. He later emerged as the Minority Whip of the Senate, a position typically held by more experienced lawmakers.

As a lawmaker, Senator Ngwu has moved a motion to halt further privatization of mining assets, expressing concern about the sector’s low contribution to the GDP despite abundant resources. 

Moving the motion, he noted that after several decades of policy incoherence and weak institutional dis-alignment, the economic potential of the sector to the gross domestic product, GDP of the economy has remained dismally low.

Ngwu said the Senate is aware that the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE has been selling and is on the verge of concluding the privatisation and commercialization of all public funded facilities relating to the Nigerian mining  and mineral  sector, in spite of the fact that none of its privatisation programs have shown any concise beneficial impact to the mining industry as it had severally pronounced.

The lawmaker expressed concern that despite the abundant mineral endowment of the country, their critical national importance and huge resources so far expended by government, the contribution of the mineral sector to job creation,  infrastructure development and the GDP of the economy remains one of the lowest across the African sub-Saharan region.

Also during a visit to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jian Chun, Ngwu urged global investors to take advantage of the extant favourable regulations governing the Nigerian solid minerals sector and invest in the sector for economic growth.

According to the lawmaker, mining investors enjoy Nigeria’s friendly investment climate backed by legislations that safeguard local and foreign direct investments.

He described Nigeria as an investment destination with several opportunities in the solid minerals sector, adding that the opportunities highlight the potential for collaboration and economic growth between Nigeria and China.

Discussing specific investment opportunities that both countries can leverage upon, Senator Ngwu encouraged investors to invest in Mining Exploration and Development, saying that China expressed interest in investing in the exploration and development of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. 

He has also sponsored a bill to establish the Health Infrastructure Development Agency, aiming to improve healthcare access and quality nationwide.

Leading the debate on its general principles, he explained that the bill seeks to promotes development and improvement of healthcare infrastructure so as to enhance healthcare access, quality, and delivery across the country. 

He further explained that it seeks to strengthen the healthcare system by focusing on the modernization of healthcare facilities by leveraging public-private partnerships for sustainable infrastructure development.

The lawmaker added that the Bill is a bold attempt at not only reversing the medical tourism of Nigerians to other countries, but also seeks to make Nigeria a medical destination hub within the shortest possible time.

Additionally, the lawmaker has facilitated empowerment programs, scholarships, and job creation for his constituents.

Senator Ngwu’s dedication to his constituents and the nation is unwavering. He continues to build on the successes of his predecessor, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, while laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future. His ability to work across party lines and his commitment to the well-being of Nigerians make him a shining example of effective leadership.

In a nation where political experience is often prioritised over potential, Senator Ngwu’s achievements serve as a testament to the power of determination and hard work. As Nigeria continues to navigate the complexities of governance, leaders like Senator Ngwu are a beacon of hope for a brighter future. His legacy is a reminder that with courage, integrity, and a willingness to serve, anything is possible. Let us continue to support and encourage leaders like Senator Ngwu, who are dedicated to building a better Nigeria for all.

Udora Orizu pays tribute to ranking Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Hon Babajimi Benson, as he clocks 52 on Saturday.

The member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives, Hon Babajimi Benson, will turn 52 on Saturday, March 30, 2024 and is serving his third term in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

At this age that comes with fragility and number of years in the parliament that triggers complacency, the undoubtedly cerebral lawmaker is proving economists wrong as far as the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility assumes.

 The law of diminishing marginal utility explains that as a person consumes an item or a product, the satisfaction or utility they derive from the product wanes as they consume more and more of that product.

Rather, JB (as he’s popularly called) is giving more meaning to the saying that: “The older the wine, the sweeter it is”, through quality legislation, representation and of course, oversight, being the cardinal duties as well functions of a legislator and the legislature.

Just as it was in his first and second tenures between 2015 and 2023 when he was relatively young, within the ruby to golden jubilee, the two time Chairman of the House Committee on Defence has continued to wax stronger in the performance of his constitutional, national and constituency duties with ‘uncommon grit’ (Apologies to Senate President GodswillAkpabio).

Benson, as a matter of fact needs no introduction to many Nigerians, having served and led in critical areas of the socio-economic spheres.

He chaired the House Committee on Banking and Finance, Sub-Committee on Habitat, Deputy Chairman, Committee on Delegated Legislation; member of Committees on Works and currently chairing the Defence Committee from June 2019 to date.

But, for some others who may not know, Benson was born in 1972 in Ikorodu, Lagos State; studied law at the Lagos State University; graduated in 1994 with an LLB and attended the Nigerian Law School in 1995 and bagged a Bachelor of Law (Honours).

He then proceeded to obtain an LLM in Comparative International ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ Law at the London Guildhall University graduating with a Merit in 1999 and capped it up with a Master of ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ Administration (MBA) from Warwick ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ School (UK).

A member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association, he worked variously as a Legal Officer in the General Counsel Division at the United Nations Headquarters, New York; in-house Legal Counsel at Ecobank;  Deputy Manager (Legal), Lead Bank PLC; Non-Executive Director at the LekkiFreetrade Zone and Company Secretary (Strategy, Legal & Corporate Governance), Lagos State Development & Property Corporation (LSDPC).

Armed with that rich high profile public as well as private sectors experience and the crave to serve his people and nation better, Benson was first elected into the House of Representatives to represent Ikorodu Federal Constituency in 2015, re-elected in 2019 and again returned at the 2023 general election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Consolidating and even thriving as if to surpass his previous legislative outings, the lawmaker who retained his Defence Committee Chairmanship position, a feat rarely attained except in justification of the proverb that: “the reward for hard work is more” resumed his third term with advancing age on impressive ground.

To mention but a few, in the preceding tenure, Benson sponsored the Good Samaritan Bill, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 to address the need for defined periodic population census in Nigeria, Electric Power Sector Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2020 to alter the minimum educational qualification for aspirants into political office and National Icons, Symbols Legacy Agency Bill, 2020, a Bill for an Act to Amend the Armed Forces Act, Cap. A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to Foster Collaboration Between the Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies.

He was not lacking in motions either as he moved the motion to commemorate the World Teachers Day and celebration of Nigerian Teachers, where the Best Teacher in Nigeria 2019, Mrs. Agnes Elusakin of Oriwu College, Ikorodu was honoured by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and members of the House; laid a petition before the House against the Accountant General of the Federation for his refusal to pay salaries and pension arrears of officers, who retired from the Federal Civil Service between 2012 and 2020.

The lawmaker also left indelible marks in the area of representation particularly that of constituency project with launching of the iCare Foundation project, a Food Bank idea conceptualised to cater for the aged, widows, needy and vulnerable; establishing a community radio in his Ikorodu constituency, the radio, IKD 106.1FM and securing employment and empowering many of his constituents.

Benson hit the ground running in his third term and the 10th House as he was appointed Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Screening of Service Chief Nominees before standing Committees were constituted.

Drawing from his experience as Defence Chairman, he carried out the assignment with efficiency, putting the nominees for the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff, Major General TaoreedLagbaja, who were later joined by the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar on their toes.

Also, barely a month in the current Assembly, Benson sponsored the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeking to address the concerns of host communities, and set aside 5% of the actual annual operating expenditures of power generating companies (GENCOs) from the preceding year for the development of their respective host communities recently assented to by President Bola Tinubu.

He also moved an urgent motion on: “The Need for Justice, Safeguarding the Legacy of Late IlerioluwaOlademejiAloba A.K.A Mohbad, and Protecting the Rights of Young Promising Artists in Contracts with Their Record Labels.

The House adopted the motion with a resolution to monitor the investigation into the death of Afrobeats musician, IlerioluwaAloba, popularly called Mohbad, especially the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties while the Committee on Justice took further legislative action.

The astute lawyer and financial expert also moved a motion of urgent national importance on:”Need For Banks To Implement CBN’s Policies On Holding Excess Long Foreign Exchange And Net Open Position Limits” in which the House agrees to conduct an investigative hearing on.

Furthermore, the House Defence Committee under Benson monitored the investigation into the military drone attack that led to the death of over 80 Nigerians in Kaduna State in December, 2023.

To equip members of his Committee for the task ahead, Benson in collaboration with the National Defence College organised a two-day post inauguration retreat for members during which House Speaker, Hon Abbas Tajudeen commended him for the foresight in planning the retreat to equip lawmakers on how to discharge their oversight and lawmaking functions effectively.

On his part, the DefenceComittee Chairman reiterated his assurance to Nigerians that members of the Committee are determined to carry out their legislative functions effectively, efficiently, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of lives and property.

“Consequently, I have sponsored several bills aimed at revolutionising Nigeria’s defence sector. These bills include the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill, Nigerian Armed Forces Support Trust Fund (Establishment) Bill, Defence Research and Development Bureau Bill, Armed Forces Act (Amendment) Bill to establish a Space Force for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and many others,” he had said.

The ranking lawmaker is still pushing for the revival of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN) which will help in transforming the security architecture of the country.

He recently lamented that DICN which was established in 1964 to provide the material needs of the nation’s Armed forces and other security agencies has been unable to deliver on its mandate, adding that it was in attempt to correct this anomaly that he sponsored the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill in 2019 for DICN to transit  into a Military Industrial Complex (MIC) by making it largely self-funding and giving it the powers.

Moreso, Benson who has been a member of the House of Representatives Constitutional Review Committee since the Eighth Assembly is an advocate of women inclusion in political and other leadership positions.

He supported and voted in favour of gender bills and as well lobbied and appealed to his colleagues to support the bills during voting on the constitution amendments in the last assembly.

‘No wonder, he was born in women’s month – March, when the International Women’s Day is celebrated’.

Among other interventions by the lawmaker for his constituency, is an 80-bed hospital at Imota in Ikorodu, Lagos State, inaugurated by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas.

The Speaker had commended the lawmaker, saying the hospital, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, is poised to provide essential maternal and child health services, tackle diseases, and respond to emergencies, thereby enhancing the lives of the people in the constituency and Lagos at large.

Happy Birthday to a  politician par excellence!! Wishing you many more years in good health.

-Orizu writes from Abuja

Udora Orizu writes that increase in Nigeria’s women political participation is in sight, as the 10th House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu is prioritising gender inclusion

“It is high time we stopped underestimating the power of a woman. Everything they handle with dedication they multiply. As the chairman of the House constitution review committee, I have a lot of work in my hands to make sure the repositioning of women folks in our country is achieved,” Hon. Benjamin Kalu had declared.

Low participation and under representation of women in politics and other leadership positions have been an issue in the society from time immemorial. Women participation in politics and decision-making processes is crucial to a thriving democracy. However in Africa and some other continents, women are being excluded, marginalised and underrepresented mostly, due to some cultural stereotypes and patriarchal societal structures.

The issue of gender roles and discrimination is believed to have held Africa down. The continuous marginalisation and inequality spurred women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change. 

The campaigns, advocacies, protests for decades eventually led to March 8, being officially recognised worldwide as International Women’s Day (IWD), to celebrate the cultural, political, social, and economic achievements made by women. It also serves as an opportunity to inspire efforts to end gender biases and discrimination and achieve gender equality.

International Women’s Day was marked for a first time by the United Nations in 1975. In 1996 the United Nations (UN) announced their first annual theme “Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future” which was followed in 1997 with “Women at the Peace table”, in 1998 with “Women and Human Rights”, in 1999 with “World Free of Violence Against Women”, and so on each year.

The campaign theme, one of many around the world, provides a framework and direction for annual IWD activity and takes into account the wider agenda of both celebration, as well as the call to action for gender parity. Campaign themes over the years focuses on a specific and timely topic that helps advance women’s rights and forge a more inclusive world. 

IWD campaigns have included: #EmbraceEquity, #BreakTheBias, #ChooseToChallenge, #EachforEqual, #BalanceforBetter, #PressforProgress, #BeBoldforChange, #PledgeforParity, #MakeItHappen, #TheGenderAgenda, and many more. 

For 2024, The International Women’s Day website announced that the theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. The goal of the campaign is to “inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion” so that “we forge a better world”. “And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment,” the website added. 

The theme of this year #InspireInclusion resonates with the agenda of the 10th House of Representatives to improve women’s political representation, one of which is to revisit the gender bills rejected during the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), in March, 2022.

The rejection of the gender bills by the lawmakers sparked outrage and protests by women and fundamental rights groups.

The bills sought to provide: “special seats for women at the National Assembly; affirmative action for women in political party administration; grant citizenship to foreign-born husbands of a Nigerian woman, allocate 35 per cent of political positions based on appointment to women and creation of additional 111 seats in National Assembly as well as at the state assemblies.”

The results of the 2023 general elections showed a general decline in female representation for the 10th assembly with only 18 females in both chambers.

The 10th House led by the Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in its legislative agenda released last year recognised that improving women’s participation in politics and addressing issues like violence against women are crucial steps toward achieving sustainable development.

Abass therefore said the 10th House will take legislative actions to promote women’s political participation as follows: “Re-introduce and support the Bill on temporary special seats for women in the Constitution amendment efforts of the 10th National Assembly, legislate to increase women’s representation in elective positions by creating special women-only seats in the Senate and House of Representatives and encouraging State Houses of Assembly to do the same.”

Since then, the House Constitution Review Committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Kalu assured Nigerian women of the parliament’s readiness to ensure the rejected gender bills don’t suffer the same fate in the 10th Assembly.

Delivering a goodwill message in November 2023, at the 40th anniversary celebration of NEWS Engineering Limited in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker emphasized the need for Nigeria to recognise and appreciate the power of women.

He said, “It is high time we stopped underestimating the power of a woman. Everything they handle with dedication they multiply. As the chairman of the constitution review committee, I have a lot of work in my hand to make sure the repositioning of women folks in our country is achieved.”

As National Assembly embarks on another constitutional amendment process, the Deputy Speaker has made it known that issues such as women participation in politics will of utmost priority.

In his speech at the inauguration of the Sixth Special Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on February 26, Kalu assured that the committee will revisit some of the gender bills that were rejected in the last assembly.

On March 4, Speaking in Abuja at the ongoing Roundtable on Women Inclusion in Politics, organised by Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC), Yiaga Africa, Nigeria Women Trust Fund and ElectHer, the Deputy Speaker assured that the ongoing constitution review exercise by will address the issue of gender imbalance. 

He bemoaned the poor participation of women in Nigerian politics, saying, countries like Rwanda had implemented a constitutional provision mandating at least 30 per cent of parliamentary seats to be reserved for women. 

Kalu noted that the impact has been profound with women now holding an unparalleled 61.3 per cent of seats in the lower House of parliament in Rwanda.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the figure stood at four per cent of women holding seats in the House of Representatives and 3.6 per cent in the Senate in the Nigeria’s National Assembly.

He said that reservation of seats and adoption of electoral quotas for women would greatly increase the ranking of Nigeria amongst the comity of nations.

Kalu added that with the ongoing constitution review exercise and the ‘body language’ of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the inclusion of the Nigerian women in politics will realised.

He said: “What you are stating is the fact, the comparative analyses were not manipulated. I read a few prepared by PLAC a few minutes ago. The Giant of Africa is the least on the list of Women participation in politics. It is not good at all. Does the President (Tinubu) know this? Yes. Is he in support of such exclusion? No. Is he willing to take it to the next level? Yes.

“Are there evidences to show that he believes in that, or is his body language towards that? Yes. Check and you will find out that the First Lady was supported by him to be in the parliament for a very long time. Himself was also in the Parliament. He understands what you are talking about. The Vice President was in the Parliament. The Chief of Staff to the President was in the Parliament. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation was in the Parliament; and I’m happy to announce that his wife is with us in the House of Representatives.

“Why am I making these references? I make these references to encourage you that the body language of the current administration is to the fact that we want more women in politics and a friend of mine supported his wife and the wife is here and she is in the Parliament, so,  Members of the House of Representatives are supporting their wives to be in the Parliament. Members of the House of Representatives are also marrying women who are in Parliament.

“So we are not afraid of women being in parliament. There is hope that it is going to get better and we are going to leverage this renewed hope that is found in the body language of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And I hopeful that he is going to assent to the bill we will put together in the Parliament. Let me also announce that you are lucky, so lucky that it is a ‘he for she’ that is in charge of the Constitution Review in the House of Representatives. And that is me. You know, I believe in empowering the women. And I also believe, sometimes they they do better than the men. Yeah, it is a fact”.

With these assurances and commitments coming from Deputy Speaker on whose table the bulk of Constitution amendment in the House stops, there will be no doubt, light at the end of the tunnel for women political inclusion and advancement.

*Udora, is the Special Assistant on Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker

Quote 

It is high time we stopped underestimating the power of a woman. Everything they handle with dedication they multiply. As the chairman of the constitution review committee, I have a lot of work in my hand to make sure the repositioning of women folks in our country is achieved

Udora Orizu writes that the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, and indeed the entire Abia State are set to hold a grand homecoming and reception for their illustrious son, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who emerged Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives

An Igbo proverb says..’Turu Ugo Lota,’ which translates in English to ‘Bring Home the Glory’. This adage resonates with the aspirations of the Igbo to cross borders, and return home successful. It captures the illustrious spirit and determination of the Igbo to rise above all odds in achieving progress.

This ethnic group in the Southeastern region of the country, is arguably the most elite and industrious of all ethnic groups. However for decades, they have been somewhat divided over various national issues, including perceived political marginalisation.

The zone, did very well under Nigeria’s federal system of government from 1954 to 1966. By 1963 its economy was one of the fastest growing in the world. It’s also worthy of note that the region’s  politicians played a major leadership role in the country quest for independence and as well an in post-independence Nigeria. 

But the Igbo were adversely affected by the Civil war of 1967-1970 which was partly caused by a secession attempt. Though the region recovered from the economic devastation of the war, few years after it ended, they couldn’t recover from it politically.

So there was wide spread jubilation in the South-east when the APC National Working Committee on May 8, striking regional balance in the National Assembly leadership zoning list, declared that the Deputy Speakership slot is zoned to the South-east, with Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu as the consensus candidate.

Kalu who at the time just won his second term re-election bid, had paid his dues as a first time legislator in the last four years. He knew his onions and strived to make a difference. It’s no surprise when he was awarded top performer in value and impact bills and top performer in House newbies by a Parliamentary Monitoring Organisation, order paper.

His emergence as Deputy Speaker has breathed fresh air in Southeast politics, birthing a new dawn in the Igbo sociopolitical space. And on 29th December, south-easterners and well-wishers from across the nation will assemble in Bende, Local Government Area of Abia State to honour him with a grand civic reception. 

On the sidelines of this highly anticipated reception, is the official unveiling of Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a laudable initiative by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu to end violence and heightened insecurity, witnessed in the region, partly as a result of the secessionist agitations by some groups.

Intrinsically, the project is aimed at changing the perceived marginalisation in the region and uniting the Igbo as one to pursue their common destiny against all odds.

Unveiling the PISE-P mechanism on October 13, when he played host to the national leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, led by its President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Deputy Speaker bemoaned the insecurity in the south east.

He lamented that the observance of sit-at-home, unknown gunmen and other social vices are alien and abhorrent to Igboland socially, economically and culturally.

He said that his office in agreement with all the lawmakers from the region irrespective of the political parties will reach out the state governors and other critical stakeholders for the launch and implementation of the PISE-P.

He also said that the project will feature a regional security integration and political leadership that will streamline an agenda for the promotion of Igbo cause and growth in terms of infrastructure.

The Deputy Speaker also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his benevolence to Ndigbo by ensuring that the people of the south east were accorded a place in the political hierarchy of the country.

Kalu said: “Let me also state that, in our pursuit for these noble objectives, it is imperative that we draw a  clear distinction between a legitimate call for justice, equity and fairness against criminal activities. There is a difference between the two of them. Criminal activities cannot be taken to mean legitimate call. Secession is not a legitimate call. We want to remain as one Nigeria!

“It is a distinction that our people must be able to make. And together we must ensure that the line is firmly drawn. Igbo Community has always been in the forefront of nation building and positive change. Go to any part of Nigeria, if you don’t see an Igbo man there, it means that place is not progressing, it means that place is not prosperous. We are everywhere, nobody is as patriotic as the Igbo man. I’m here today, not just as the representative of the people of Bende, but as a representative of all Nigerians. The House of Representatives is actually named the House of the People for a reason. 

“We are not known for self destruction that is evident in the idea of sit-at-home or unknown gun men. It is not our thing. It is alien to us. We don’t kill one another. We love our trade, we love our farms. We don’t sit at home. Sitting at home is for lazy people. Igbo people are not lazy people. 

“Those in support of sit-at-home are not Igbos. There is no true son of the soil of Igbo land that would support laziness and call it a strategy for secession. If you sit at home, you are a lazy man. Igbos are not known to be lazy. We are industrious, we are entrepreneurs, we work hard to succeed. In addressing our present challenges, we have the opportunity to draw on the things that pull us together. We may have different political platforms, but we must realize that the commonwealth and common good are ultimately the same. Onye aghana nwanne ya”.

Same day, playing host to the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises led by its President, Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, the Deputy Speaker lamented the economic losses of the sit-at-home order.

According to him, the enforcement of the order which cripples both economic and social activities in the region every Monday, costs the south east trillions of Naira.

He said, ”As legislators, we are aware of security problems facing our nation. In recent years, the security situation has posed hurdles. The sit -at-home in the South East has affected the movement of goods between the north and the south. It ought not to be so. Why this issue affects the entire nation. We can examine specific examples. Our businesses are going down and most of our businesses are SME businesses and the security challenges are suffocating the SMEs businesses in their numbers.

“Also billions and trillions of Naira are being lost to the sit at home order. There are other parts of the country where insecurity has suffocated SMEs and something must be done about this. It’s disheartening to note that the ongoing insecurity in the region will have a profound impact to trade and socioeconomic outcomes. Statistics from SBM Intelligence revealed that the south East looses an estimated ten billion naira to 13 billion in the transportation sector alone, every sit at home day.

“Traders on the other hand face looses ranging from N5.4 billion to N31 billion daily. These figures are alarming and underscore the urgency of addressing the security challenges in the region. So if there’s no reason for these non state actors to stop this, let this be their reason. 

“That they are killing their own region with insecurities created by themselves. When you sit at home other regions are not sitting at home. When the SMEs in the south east suffer due to insecurity, the country suffers. It impacts the whole country.”

Benjamin Okezie Kalu has lend credence to the proverbial phrase ‘Turu Ugo Lota’. He brought home the glory and on 29th December the good people of Bende and entire Abians will welcome their son home to celebrate his outstanding performance during his four years sojourn in the House of Representatives and his emergence as the number 6 man of the federal republic of Nigeria.

*Orizu, is the SA Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives

Quote 

His emergence as Deputy Speaker has breathed fresh air in Southeast politics, birthing a new dawn in the Igbo sociopolitical space. And on 29th December, south-easterners and well-wishers from across the nation will assemble in Bende, Local Government Area of Abia State to honour him with a grand civic reception

Udora Orizu writes that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has come up with a novel path of addressing the deplorable state of the nation’s roads.

On August 21, 2023, at a grand reception held in Abuja in honour of Senator David Umahi as Minister of Works, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, floated a novel idea to, among other things, consider Roads Investment Fund for infrastructural development. 

The call however came on the heels of the  present dire economic situation that has affected the nation’s cash flow.

Put succinctly, road infrastructure is very critical to the socio-economic development of any nation. No matter the level of development a country has attained, roads play an important role in the process.

However, there is no gainsaying that Nigerian roads considered the largest road network in West Africa are either poorly maintained or untarred. To this end, citizens have had horrifying experiences plying the roads. Worst is that many lives and valuables have been lost to unavoidable accidents as well as crimes that regularly occur on these roads due to their deplorable state.

Unfortunately, the issue of bad roads has remained largely unresolved and has so, festered. 

Last year, at the presidential inauguration of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project in Abuja, the World Bank’s Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, stated that even with the current scale-up being done by the government and its partners, Nigeria was still far away from what it needed to achieve functional rural roads.

He said: “Even with the current scale-up, we are not going to near what Nigeria needs to achieve functional rural roads. We have about 200,000km of rural roads all over Nigeria, of which 87 per cent are in bad condition. That means only about 40,000km are usable. So, if you think about tackling that problem at scale, it brings it to the issue of fiscal affordability.”

But while the situation persists, the National Assembly for decades has not also rested on its oars as it has continued to search for strategic approaches to help the federal government to tackle Nigeria’s road challenges.

It is noteworthy that the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), which is supposed to maintain the roads, is grossly underfunded. 

In the Ninth Assembly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Gershom Bassey, stated that the agency had a budgetary approval of just 20% of the funds it needed for the rehabilitation of about 35,000km of federal roads in 2022.

It will be recalled that a few years back, the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, told the House of Representatives that they are relying on the Presidential Infrastructure Fund, Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, the Sovereign Sukuk Fund, Multilateral Loans for some strategic road projects which have been scheduled for completion between 2021 to 2023.

In order to identify and appropriately address the challenges, the House of Representatives Committee on Works of the 8th Assembly chaired by Hon. Toby Okechukwu, inaugurated a multi-stakeholder technical panel, which comprised representatives of 27 agencies/organisations that have something to do with nation’s roads. 

After public hearings, elaborate consultations and understudying of the best practices in other climes, the panel recommended a paradigm shift in road governance and funding.

This perennial issue of bad roads and poor funding for their repair and maintenance necessitated the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives to call on the new Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to consider using roads investment fund for the development of infrastructure.

Likening the fund to that of Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Kalu said it will help the ministry raise fund in the light of the economic challenges to achieve its mandate.

The Deputy Speaker also urged Umahi to prioritize a clear road map for infrastructure projects according to the economic needs of the people.

He said: “Let me remind you that you applied a collaborative strategy as the governor of Ebonyi State by working closely with your House of Assembly for you to achieve a lot. The importance of collaborative approach between you and our office in the National Assembly cannot be overemphasized because it is going to help us achieve these infrastructure goals. 

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly under the leadership of both the Senate President and the House Speaker will give you all the support that is needed to make sure that this is achieved. We are promising that it’s important to begin to look at other areas. We heard people mention here that you might be struggling with funds given what the nation is going through at the moment, we need to think about roads investment fund, that the office of the ministry of works should think about roads investment fund. 

“We will like to see you dedicating road investment fund that is similar to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). And this infrastructure fund will help to bridge the gap. I want to emphasize that it will give a stable fund for your operation because these ideas you are bringing on board, if the funds are not there, you may not be able to achieve them. So, it’s important that your offices thinks in that direction. We are suggesting the importance of developing a clear road map for infrastructure project prioritisation based on needs, economic impact and feasibility. 

“This is one of the things that you will bring on board to the federal level like you did in Ebonyi State. This will ensure that resources are rotated efficiently and projects are completed in time and within budget. Maintenance and sustainability is one of the approaches you used when you were governor and so, we are suggesting that this is a significant proactive approached towards ensuring that in the next four years whatever you bring on board will be sustained”.

Kalu also pledged the support of the National Assembly at all times to ensure efficient delivery.

“FERMA needs you visiting it in a way different from how it’s been operated before now in regards to maintenance of our roads. Public private partnership is an area we are looking at at the national assembly that you consider you explore the potentials in this public private partnership that will help us achieve more. 

“You used community engagement when you were governor. We are also encouraging you to ensure that what will be provided for the community is what they need. Monitoring and Evaluation is what you carried out in Ebonyi State. Please, bring it on board here so that efficiently, our job will be easier by the time we come on board to oversight you, knowing that you have done a good job. 

Let me remind you that you are one of the exports from the south east to the nation. 

 â€œThe world is watching to see the value you will bring on board. I watched you from a distance to see how you prioritise transportation infrastructure in Ebonyi State. Please do the same here for the federal republic of Nigeria. For us in the 10th national assembly, it is important for me to highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure in our country’s development agenda. I will like to emphasize that one of the core priorities of the 10th Assembly is to significantly improve the country’s road transportation network. 

“Once that is done, it will help us improve the economic growth and enhance connectivity within the regions and also improve the overall quality of life for our citizens. We have confidence in you and we are pledging to support you at the national assembly”, the Deputy Speaker said.

Prioritizing Road Projects

Although each region appears to assess itself as the worse off, the sad reality is that from East to West, North to South, the story is the same everywhere.

Prioritizing road projects could prove a difficult task for stakeholders weighing the competing interests on account of its economic importance. However, the government should also prioritize road projects by investing heavily in roads to save the lives of Nigerians.

Since the 10th National Assembly commenced legislative duties in June, 2023, the lawmakers have passed several motions which sought urgent attention and action on Nigerian roads. Both chambers have entertained at least two motions in the last two months seeking Federal Government’s urgent action on the roads.

In June, the Senate while adopting a motion sponsored by Senator Adams Oshiomhole called on the federal government to mobilise contractors to site and further stem the deplorable state of Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Road.

In July, 2023, Hon. Austin Asema Achado, while moving a motion for a state of emergency on the Naka-Makurdi-Aliade-Gboko and Aliade-Otukpo federal road network in Benue State, lamented that the road is so deplorable and has become a death trap for road users who ply it for transportation of farm produce from the state to the Southern and Northern parts of the country.

Also in July, the lawmaker representing Ideato North, South Federal Constituency of Imo State, Hon Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, moved a motion lamenting the neglect of Oba-Aguata-Akokwa-Arondizuogu-Okigwe road, saying it had not only claimed many lives but has become free zone for armed robbers who unleash terror on innocent road users on almost daily basis.

Citing Section 14 (2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which mandates the Federal Government to ensure security and welfare of the people, Ugochinyere urged the House to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Works to commence full-scale rehabilitation of the said road in order to reduce the suffering of the people of Akokwa, Arondizuogu and Okigwe in Imo State.

Adopting the motion, the House urged FERMA and the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently repair or reconstruct the failed portions of the Oba-Aquata-Akokwa- Arondizuogu-Okigwe Road in Idemili North/ldemili South, Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo, Aguata and Ideato North/ldeato South Federal Constituencies of Anambra and Imo States.

In another motion moved on July 19th, the House mandated FERMA, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Federal Ministry of Works, Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to immediately fix the Mgbe/Umuezeala/Ogboko Bypass in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State.

Ugochinyere had while moving the motion alerted the House on the effect of gully erosion along Mgbe/Umuezeala/Ogboko Bypass, in his constituency.

He expressed concern that as a result of the gully erosion, houses and landed properties situated within the precincts of the road have been completely washed off, while many residents have fled from the area, for fear of their lives.

The lawmaker had while calling for the intervention of the House, argued that; “if no urgent and immediate repair/reconstruction steps are taken to salvage the situation, more devastating damage would be done to the lives, livelihood and properties of my constituents and this may adversely affect my access to my constituents.”

-Orizu is Media Assistant to Deputy Speaker of 10th House of Representatives

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said unless Nigeria strengthens its rule of law for the fight against corruption, the country would not go anywhere.

Abbas, who spoke at a reception organiSed in his honour by the Nigerian High Commission in London, said the law of the land must be worked in such a way that both the “big and the small” are treated the same way to give everyone a sense of justice and fairness.

Speaking on the war against corruption, he said the country’s anti-corruption drive must also be strengthened for meaningful progress to be recorded.

One of such ways, he said, was to look at the living wage of workers with a view to enhancing it to make them to be honest and transparent in their dealings.

He bemoaned the current Nigerian situation in which an average worker earns less than what somebody could use to buy fuel to fill his car tank, calling for cultural revolution where a man maintains a family that he is able to take care of at a point in time.

The Speaker said, “In Nigeria, some people do whatever they like. You can commit any crime and go scot-free depending on the size of your pocket or the people you know. That has to go. “Unless we are able to strengthen our rule of law to make it in such a way that it affects both the big and the small, and it doesn’t look at the face of whoever is committing an offence, we will never go anywhere. We need to also intensify the war against corruption. No society in this world can ever thrive and be what it wants to be if corruption is the order of the day. But I agree that for you to fight corruption, there are some things you need to do.

“Let’s take the example of the UK experiment or the Western world. Fundamentally, what they did was to sit down and say let’s look at what an average worker would need to be paid as salary.

“Come up with a living wage that will take care of the basics of a person such that he won’t be looking outside his lawful income. Today, if you’re a labourer in London, you will be paid enough for you to go and pay your rent, take care of your basics and still be able to have a fairly good living.

With that kind of incentive, you don’t need to go and borrow, you don’t need to go and beg, you don’t need to go and steal.

“For us to wedge a war on corruption, we need to create an enabling environment where each and every one of us will be able to operate transparently without having to steal, without having to intimidate, without having to go and beg or to borrow. “That is the beginning of the reform. If we can get the rule of law working, we will be able to work on the reforms necessary for fighting corruption. In fighting corruption, we also need to create an enabling environment where an average worker should be able to earn enough to live with his family.

“If your income can allow you to marry only one wife, you have to be restrained from taking more than one wife. If your income can allow you to take care of only four children, for example, you should restrain yourself.

“Nobody says you cannot marry as many as you want, provided you are willing to work and be able to take care of your family. What’s happening in Nigeria is that everyone wants to enjoy, but no one wants to make sacrifice in making sure that they support that enjoyment.

Earlier, the Nigerian High Commissioner to UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, said the reception was organised to honour Abbas who emerged in a very popular election that is unprecedented.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has felicitated with the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, on his 61st birthday.

Kalu in a congratulatory message on Sunday, thanked the immediate past Speaker, for his unwavering passion for service and tireless efforts in uplifting the nation.

He also commended Gbajabiamila for his decades of service in the parliament and making Nigeria proud over the leadership and achievements at the House of Representatives.

Kalu said, “I am delighted to join Nigerians and the rest of the world as we celebrate an icon and quintessential leader, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Your unwavering passion for service and tireless efforts in uplifting our nation have made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals. Throughout your career, you have demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, wisdom, and a genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

“As we celebrate the anniversary of your birth, we take a moment to appreciate the remarkable achievements you have accomplished. Your ability to bridge divides, foster unity, and find common ground among diverse perspectives is indeed laudable. We are grateful for your remarkable work has left an indelible mark on our legislative landscape. On your birthday, I wish you good health, long life, and fulfillment in all your future endeavours. May your journey be filled with success, and may you continue to be a source of inspiration for the generations to come. Many Happy Returns.”

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has applauded the President over the appointment of Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla as Chief Naval Staff.

Kalu stated that the appointment is a diversity sensitive one made by the President who is determined to lead an inclusive government and promote national cohesion in the country.

He thanked the President for his proactiveness in appointing capable hands to man key areas of the new administration.

While congratulating the new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Ikechukwu Ogalla, for being found worthy for this esteemed position, the Deputy Speaker who is from the Southeast expressed his confidence in his competence and capacity to deliver.

He further urged the South East to support the current administration as their interests are well secured by President Tinubu.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured the people that the 10th House of Representatives would work for all Nigerians.
He said the overwhelming mandate given to him by his colleagues would spur him to work assiduously with every member to achieve a Nigeria that every citizen desires.

Abbas spoke at the weekend in Abuja, when he led a delegation of members, alongside his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, to thank the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the support given to them to emerge the Presiding Officers of the 10th House.

He said they did not take the First Lady’s support for granted, and that the 10th House would give the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration all the support to succeed.

Abbas said the current administration would have a smooth sail as the President, the Vice President, the First Lady, the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation were all members of the National Assembly, a development that would make them relate with the Parliament from the point of knowledge, saying it was the first time Nigeria would have this kind of arrangement and the 10th House would ensure that the government succeeds.

He said: “Today is a very historic day. We have come to thank you for your support. We were here before to seek your support and prayers. Here we are today; we have won. It was through your collective efforts – Mr. President, yourself, governors and all the other stakeholders.

“We have emerged in an unprecedented manner – 353 out of 359 voted for me. It has never happened in our history. Our leadership is a leadership for all Nigerians. This is your leadership. We’ll collaborate and partner, particularly in one area that you requested last time, which is to carry the women along.”
He added that the 10th House would ensure that gender-based bills being passed by the 9th Assembly but not signed into law were reconsidered and passed by the 10th House.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, in her remark, congratulated the Speaker and his deputy on their victory, saying with the caliber of leadership and membership of the 10th Assembly, Nigeria would be great again.

“We didn’t come out to play. We came out to build and unite the old path that generations will take. Nigeria deserves all that we can put to keep it back on its feet. We have a great Nation,” she said.

Earlier, the Deputy Speaker, Kalu, said the visit was to thank the First Lady and assure the first family of their readiness to work with the Executive for the growth and development of Nigeria.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has expressed grief over the Kwara boat mishap, which claimed the lives of 104 people.

Abbas said he was deeply pained that the precious lives of over 100 people were lost during the unfortunate incident, which occurred at the Patigi Local Government area of the state.

He said the news of the mishap was as devastating as it was heartbreaking, adding that such incident must be avoided to save the lives of Nigerians.

While sending his heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Kwara State over the loss of lives, Abbas prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and wished those who sustained injuries from the incident a very quick recovery.

“My heart bleeds. I was pained and devasted at the news of the boat mishap in Kwara. The lives of 104 Nigerians were so precious, but we lost them just like that in one fell swoop. The incident was one too many. We must guard against such occurrence in future. Necessary actions must be taken to prevent such incident. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that lost their loved ones during the incident,” Abbas said.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

Members of the House of Representatives at the plenary on Wednesday rejected a motion seeking to declare emigration of Young Nigerians abroad also known as the Japa Syndrome, a national emergency.

The sponsor, Hon. Philip Agbese, had while moving the motion, noted statistics from the Nigerian Economic Summit that a growing number of young Nigerians were relocating abroad.

He expressed concerns that the growing statistics of young Nigerians leaving Nigeria and securing permanent residence in the United Kingdom, the USA, and Canada portended a grave danger for the nation in many ways from Economic to intellectual and Social aspects.

He, therefore, prayed his colleagues to urge the federal government to convene a national summit with key stakeholders to effectively address the JAPA SYNDROME.

The lawmaker also prayed that the federal government should declare a state of Emergency on the factors that predispose young Nigerians to give up on Nigeria in preference for other nations.

“Aware that there is a 40% increase in the number of young Nigerians leaving the nation compared to the number captured in 2019, as the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs reported that international emigration from Nigeria in 2020 total 1.7million, which is a substantial increase from 990,000 in 2010.

“Also worried that those leaving Nigeria are not just the poor but middle class, who possess skills/workforce including Bankers, Lecturers, Health care practitioners, Doctors, Nurses, trained manpower, all of whom were trained in Nigeria and emigrating at a time when their services are needed to build a strong and vibrant economy in Nigeria.

“Disturbed that if this scenario continues with our able minds, brains and skilled personnel leaving, Nigeria may fall into grave crisis in our critical sectors from education to healthcare, thereby making a bad situation worse.

“Cognizant that in line with the RENEWED HOPE theme of the President Bola Tinubu administration, the triggers that predispose young Nigerians to find the choice to leave the country attractive, such as uncertainty of the duration of stay in higher institutions, poor living wages, growing unemployment, poor living condition, insensitive leadership, insecurity, post-graduation realities and among others, which makes young people frustrated, demands a declaration of a state of emergency in order to address the JAPA SYNDROME.

Conscious that our young population remains one of our greatest assets, and although the prospects of a growing Nigerians in the Diaspora could be beneficial in a way, it should not be at the expense of our needed manpower, also as it bothers on National pride when our young bright minds leave the country in droves, conveying an impression that “Nigeria is a sinking ship that everyone is rushing to get out of,” he explained.

However, there was commotion on the floor as many members frowned against it.

Hon. Sada Soli warned against adopting such motion because it was against the constitution.

Thus, when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who presided, many lawmakers voted against it.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

A member representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently employ all legitimate and innovative means to restore the country’s battered economy, and curb insecurity.

Atu who’s a member of Labour Party briefing newsmen said that he will support subsidy removal, if there are clear-cut timelines for visible interventions that will drastically change the lives of every constituents and Nigerians.

According to him, the challenges are not new, but, must be conquered, adding that fixing the challenges is the core of Labour Party’s campaign.

He said, “Now is the time to roll our sleeves and get the job done. Top on my legislative agenda is to give my people a voice in the 10th Assembly through quality representation. I shall work closely with the new House Leadership to achieve this. Expectedly, the composition of the 10th Assembly suggests that there will be extremely robust legislative engagements and I will be ready. My colleagues in the Labour Party and I, are willing to engage in a bipartisan process that will serve our people and the entire country. I will work with my esteemed colleagues in the Green Chamber to sponsor quality bills and issue-based motions. As someone who toured the entire 26 wards in my constituency during the campaign, I know what the issues are. We have developed a dynamic feedback mechanism to engineer effective communication among our people.”

On his agenda for his constituents he said he “I concluded arrangements in our constituency office where everyone can channel his or her suggestions and challenges. Those who have followed me on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms will attest to the fact that we have been very active online. My team just informed me that our website is ready. As I promised during the campaign, I will hold quarterly Town Hall Meetings in Enugu North and South. This meeting will enable me to know where my people want to go and not where I think they should go.

“Agriculture is one critical sector that will gulp my attention in the House. As the world gradually moves away from fossil fuel, agriculture and technology must be given all the backing they deserve. We shall sponsor bills and motions that will ensure that agriculture and technology take their place in our economy. We shall attract federal government intervention projects in these two areas to our Constituency. I shall partner with the Federal government to complete the Amaechi Awkunana multipurpose dam and rural water supply scheme in Enugu South. This will help agricultural activities and support Enugu State government’s efforts in providing water for the citizens. Two weeks ago, I visited a building where the first Tech Hub will be sited in Enugu South LGA. The tech hub will improve the tech skills of young people and expand opportunities for them in the areas of web design, artificial intelligence, coding and social media marketing. Next week, I will conclude arrangements on where to site the second tech hub in Enugu North. We are already speaking with our friends in the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on this issue.

“Apart from agriculture and technology, young people in my Constituency will be trained in small-scale businesses and other skills. They will be given start-up funding to establish businesses. Make no mistakes, there will be scientific methods to monitor this process and ensure their speedy growth. Education is also my top priority. Without education, this nation is doomed. Therefore, my colleagues and I, will vote overwhelmingly for an increased education budget. With the removal of subsidy, the Federal Government is expected to channel resources to education, health, economy, security and other critical areas.”

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged $9.05 billion revenue loss from gas flaring activities in the country in the last decade.

The lawmakers urged NOSDRA to within two weeks, provide the House with specified information on companies involved in flaring to include amount flared and penalty cost in the last decade for both local and international oil companies (IOCs) so that outstanding debts are fully recovered.

They also urged key and relevant government agencies of the petroleum sector, the NNPCL, NOSDRA, which are under the Ministry of Environment, and NERC under the Ministry of Power, to avoid working in silos and strengthen synergy to produce a practical and unified multi-level governance.

They also called for policy coherence analysis that would stem gas flaring, protect the environment and boost energy supply.

The resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Ahmed Mohammed Munir.

Moving the motion, Munir noted that Nigeria was blessed with vast oil and natural gas resources and due to inadequate management of resources most of the natural gas is flared.

He noted that approximately $9.05 billion had been lost to gas flaring in the last decade.

He expressed concerns that in 2021 alone, an estimated $761.19 million was lost to gas flaring, a total of N316.5 billion monetary value would have accrued to the government if it had captured this volume and repurposed it.

This sum, the lawmaker said, would have helped the country provide basic amenities, as stated in the 2022 fiscal budget.

According to him, the amount would have financed the total expenditure for Primary Health Centres (PHCs), rural electrification projects, and the maintenance of all road and bridge projects by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

He said, “Aware of a Report on National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, which states that in 2022, Nigeria flared 216.5 billion standard cubic feet of gas in about eleven months despite its commitment in November 2021 to reach net zero by 2060.

“Also aware that the report states that 12 million tonnes of CO2 were emitted into the atmosphere, thus contributing to global warming while useful natural gas valued at $0.79 billion was burnt by the Nigerian oil and gas industry equivalent to the value of $450 million, many of which were said not to be collected.

“Concerned that in 2022, 22,500 Gigawatts hours of potential power generation went to waste, equivalent to the annual electricity use of 511 million Nigerian citizens.

“These have a collective figure of N227.13 billion. A breakdown shows that N24.4 billion was budgeted for PHCs, N113.96 billion for rural electrification, and N88.76 billion for FERMA.

“Worried that in 2023 the trend continues as N150 billion value of gas was flared within the month of January to April 2023. In the last decade, approximately $9.05 billion has been lost to gas flaring. This money would have offset 23.62 per cent  of the country’s total foreign debt of $38.32 billion.”

Adopting the motion, the Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced that the ad-hoc committee would be chaired by Hon. Munir, and 14 other lawmakers.

The committee was given six weeks to carry out the investigation and report back for further legislative action.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has asked the federal government to as a matter of urgency control gully erosion in Imo, Akwaibom and 34 other states across the federation.

The resolution of the House followed the adoption to the amendments of separate motions on the need to, “Control Gully Erosion in Nkwor-Mmiri and Isunjaba in Nkwerre/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency of Imo State and Ikot Ekang – Obiobom Bridge in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State,” sponsored by Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo and Hon. Clement Jimbo at the plenary on Wednesday.

The duo moving the motions, noted that the negative impacts of gully erosions were humongous in Nigeria with attendant loss of farmlands and basic sources of livelihoods, loss of properties and lives, disconnect and separation of families and neighbouring villages, pothole traps and loss of soil.

They also noted that the inhabitants of the affected communities have lost their farmlands and cannot access markets and cities to sell or exchange their farm produce for other economic items.

They expressed concern that  erosions have destroyed buildings and rendered residents homeless, those in the urban areas find it difficult to visit their families in the village, while some family and ancestral lands are Kilometers in length are completely wiped out by these gully erosions.

Adopting the motions, the House urged the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs through Niger Delta Development Commission to complete the reconstruction of Ikot Ekang, Obiobom Bridge and others to prevent total disconnections from the communities.

They also urged the Federal Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to remedy the menace of gully erosion Nationwide.

They mandated the Committees on Environment and NDDC (when constituted) to investigate the immediate and remote causes of gully erosion and urged the Ecological Fund Office under the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to immediately commence the control of gully erosions.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives has adjourned plenary until July 4 to be able to assign permanent sitting positions and offices to the lawmakers.

The adjournment followed a motion for adjournment moved at the plenary on Wednesday by former Deputy Speaker, Hon. Idris Wase.

Earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, announced the composition of transition committees to help oversee the affairs of the House pending their return on July 4 and when the standing committees will be constituted.  

Abbas said he and his Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, will chair the selection committee, with a lawmaker from 36 states and FCT as members.

The Internal Security Committee of the National Assembly will be chaired by Hon. Danjuma Hassan, while Media and Public Affairs Committee will be chaired by Hon. Abba Buka-Ibrahim with Hon. 

Ikenga Ugochinyere as Deputy Chairman.

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Chattered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM) has urged the Federal Government to declare state of emergency on treasury management in order to drive President Bola Tinubu reform agenda.  

Mr Olumide Adedoyin, the Registrar, CITM said this at a professional training programme tiled ” Treasury Strategies for Security and Optimisation”, in Abuja. 

He said the emergency declaration must emphasize the urgency and commitment to address the existing challenges.

This according to him would further provide strong mandate for implementing necessary reforms, adding that the president should also 

establish a treasury management to drive his reform agenda.

According to him, the government should establish a dedicated teasury management Task Force comprised of experts, professionals, and relevant stakeholders. 

He said the task force would be responsible for conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of the current treasury management practices, identifying gaps, and formulating actionable recommendations.

He called on the president to conduct an Independent audit on treasury management which should be undertaken to assess the state of affairs accurately.

” This audit will help identify areas of inefficiency, financial leakages, and any potentially fraudulent activities and the findings will serve as a basis for targeted interventions and reforms, ” he said 

He said there was need to strengthen regulatory framework governing treasury management, this includes updating existing laws, regulations, and guidelines.

This he said was to align with international best practices and improve transparency, accountability, and risk management.

Adedoyin called for Investment in robust technology infrastructure to support efficient treasury operations, adding that there was need to Implement modern treasury management systems.

He said this would help to automate processes, enhance data integrity, and facilitate real-time monitoring of financial transactions.

He added that it would improve efficiency, reduce manual errors, and enhance the security of treasury operations.

He also  called for a deliberate move to curb the effect of weak diversification of Nigeria’s economy. 

He said, ”  there must be a calibration of our choices to curb the effects of weak diversification in all sectors.”

He said this would reduce the exposure of the economy to oil price volatility and increase the resilience of the treasury to the effects of insecurity in the market at both local and domestic and external shocks.

Adedoyin said it is imperative to do a historical snapshot of the economic challenges bedeviling the country, while decrying the Nigerian state’s heavy reliance on crude.

He frown at the near jettisoning of other primary sources of direct foreign exchange and investments in terms of agriculture, rawhide, and skin, solid minerals, economic tree produce, farm produce for export

* Speaker declares seat of Surulere 1, Lagos vacant

Udora Orizu in Abuja 

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has formally resigned as a member of the House. 

Gbajabiamila was recently appointed as the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas at Wednesday’s plenary, Gbajabiamila said that he was resigning to officially resume duty in his new office.

Gbajabiamila, who attended the plenary and moved a motion under personal explanation to submit his letter of resignation, remarked that serving in the House has been a great honour.

Gbajabiamila had earlier moved a motion of urgent public importance on the need for the federal and state governments to evolve measures to tackle the impending flooding as predicted by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Abbas, in a swift move after reading the letter, declared the seat of Surulere 1 federal constituency of Lagos State hitherto occupied by Gbajabiamila for upward 20 years vacant upon the exit of the former speaker.

“On the account of the letter, we have declared the seat of Surulere 1 vacant as from today,” Abbas said.

*Continue from where I stopped, Gbajabiamila urges new speaker 

*We contested in defence of democracy, say Wase, Jaji  

Udora Orizu in Abuja 

The Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has said under his watch, the 10th House shall sustain and even surpass the gains of the 9th House.

Abbas who made this pledge in his acceptance and inaugural speech after his landslide election as Speaker of the 10th House, said the lawmakers shall carry out the task before them jointly.

He said the 9th House will introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians, announcing that in a few weeks, the Green Chamber shall be reeling out the legislative agenda that will shape the 10th House.

The Speaker said the House shall  work closely and inter-dependently with the Executive and Judiciary to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve.

“We stand at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history, where challenges abound, but so do opportunities. We will champion legislations that will uplift the lives of our fellow citizens, promote social justice, and drive sustainable development. We will focus on strengthening our security apparatus, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to combat insurgency, terrorism, and all forms of criminality. We aim to help create a safe and secure environment that fosters economic growth and social stability.

“Through legislations, the 10th House will promote entrepreneurship and support small and medium-scale enterprises. We shall diversify our economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for our youth. We are aware of the challenges in our education, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors amongst other. We will work in harmony with the executive arm, while upholding principles of checks and balances. Our collaboration will be anchored on the principles of transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

“Working closely with my deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, we shall provide purposeful leadership in the 10th House of Representatives. My dear colleagues, I invite you all to be on board for the next four years as we embark on this Nigerian Project to RENEW the HOPE of our people,” he said.

Abbas said his doors were opened to all lawmakers irrespective of political party differences as he strongly believed nation building is a Joint Task.

“This victory is not just about me; it is about all of us coming together as a united House to serve the Nigerian people diligently. It is about honouring the trust that has been placed on us and working tirelessly to deliver on our promises of good governance and effective representation.BIt is worthy to note that speakership campaign witnessed in the past few months was democracy at play. But today, all of that has come to pass, and it is time to forge ahead and work together for our people for our common good.

“I do not take this mandate bestowed on me as the Nigerian Speaker for granted. I want to assure you today that I shall be just and fair to every one of you irrespective of our perceived differences. I shall operate a House that you all will be proud of. I shall be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the House Rules. Our doors will be open for members of APC, PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, APGA, SDP, ADC and YPP as we strongly believe nation building is a Joint Task,” he added 

The member representing Zaria Federal Constituency of Kaduna State on the platform of the  All Progressives Congress (APC) had scored 353 votes to defeat the immediate-past Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase (APC, Plateau) and Aminu Sani Jaji (APC, Zamfara), who scored three votes each.

The open ballot system was adopted for the election in which members-elect one after the other to announce their choice of Speaker.

Total number of accredited voters for election was 359 out of the 360, due to the death of a member elect from Taraba State, Ismaila Yushau Maihanci.

The former University Lecturer, who was endorsed by the ruling APC, was nominated by the immediate-past Majority Leader of the House, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa (APC, Kano) and seconded by Nnaji Nnolim (PDP, Enugu).

The returning officer for the election and Clerk to the National Assembly Magaji Tambuwal said Abbas certified the requirements of the law and was returned elected and inaugurated.

Handing over to Abbas, the immediate past Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila who expressed confidence in the ability of his successor to pilot the affairs of the House and urged him continue from where the 9th House stopped.

Gbajabiamila said: “I wish you well. It’s not an easy feat. From what I know you will do a good job. We are your members and I congratulate you and on behalf of them I hand over my hand over notes as the speaker of the 9th Assembly. This will be a guide to you and I hope you continue from where I left.”

Also the Member-elect representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, had emerged Deputy Speaker of the 10th House unopposed.

Kalu’s emergence followed the election of Tajudeen Abbas as the new Speaker of the House with a landslide victory.

The former House Spokesperson

was nominated by Lagos lawmaker-elect, Babajimi Benson.

After accepting his nomination and in the absence of counter nomination, the Clerk to the National Assembly Tambuwal, closed further nominations.

Consequently, Kalu was declared Deputy Speaker and thereafter administered oaths of office and that of the membership of the National Assembly.

Unlike Kalu who was nominated unopposed, Abbas had to slug it out with Wase and Jaji.

The former Deputy Speaker was nominated by Tijani Kayode from Kwara State (APC) and seconded by Abdulmumin Muhammed from Nasarawa State (APC).

The voting pattern showed that the duo of Wase and Jaji voted for themselves and their two nominators each, hence they both scored three votes respectively.

Accepting their nominations, Wase and Jaji said they were in the race for the protection and defence of democracy which could be in danger in the absence of justice and fairness.

The former Deputy Speaker said he was offering himself as the voice of the voiceless, saying his heart bleeds heart bleeds as he see what is going on in the country.

He said: “My respected colleagues, Members-Elect, I stand to first of all appreciate God Almighty for the journey so far in my life. We are very few, 360 among the over 200 million Nigerians to represent them and act on their behalf.

Colleagues, I want to thank you and appreciate. I want to say that I believe democracy should strive. Democracy should strive. I believe in equity, fairness and justice. I believe that Nigeria must move forward.

“I believe that we don’t need to truncate and tie our hands down. It is in the light of this that I pray that God Almighty continue from what our founding fathers have done who have sacrificed their lives for democracy. My heart bleeds as I see what is going on in the country. Colleagues, we all fought and continue to fight for democracy. I hereby submit myself to be the voice of the voiceless to be the true representatives of the Nigerian populace, to be a co-partner into the Nigerian development project. I hereby accept the nomination.”

On his part, Jaji said he was one of the ones who stood to defend democracy, adding that power comes from God.

“Today is a day of history, a day that all of us reckoned with democracy. This nomination comes to me as a source of concern and I feel excited that today on the 13 of June, I am one of those who stand to protect and defend democracy. It is like yesterday that we concluded the general election where all the political parties participated despite the fragile unity that we have in the country and by the grace of God we were able to overcome it. So this election will not be different from the other one, ” he said.

*Joint ticket has backing of over 290 members-elect 

Udora Orizu in Abuja 

The joint ticket of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, as announced by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has received further boost, following its unanimous adoption by all the 55 elected Representatives from the South-South geopolitical zone.

The adoption which took place at the residence of one of the longest serving members of the House, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, (PDP, Delta) on Sunday night in Abuja has now brought the number of lawmakers backing the ticket to over 290.

The event was witnessed by all members of the Caucus except two, with the Caucus made up of elected legislators from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers respectively.

Addressing the speakership candidate and his Deputy, at the meeting, one of the leaders of the Caucuses from the zone, Hon. Unyime Idem from Akwa Ibom stated that the zone has come to a point where it must key into the vision and agendas of the Abbas/Kalu ticket, vigorously promoted by the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition.

Idem, who’s also a zonal coordinator of the Joint Task, a coalition of 8 political parties that won seats in the 10th Assembly, expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the South South for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.

“I consider it a great privilege welcoming our incoming Speaker and Deputy by the grace of God. As a coordinator of the Joint Task it gives me pleasure to announce to your Excellencies that we have 55 out 55 members of the South South Caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket. I therefore want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the South South geopolitical zone,” Hon. Idem said.

In response to the announcement, the co-chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe), thanked Hon. Idem for his leadership so far in the course of the campaign.

“This 55-over-55 is something we are not surprised, given the level of support we have enjoyed from key members of the Caucus including yourself who have been with us in this journey right from the start. As I stand before you, raised by destiny and privilege to steer this ship, I have my elder brothers with me particularly from the South-South such as Hon Kingsley Chinda. I want to say that the zone has paid its due and what’s remaining now is for Hon. TJ Abbas and Kalu to reciprocate at the end of the day. And I want to assure you that by the character of the incoming Speaker and his Deputy, you will not be disappointed,”. Hon. Kumo said.

The Deputy Speakership candidate, Benjamin Kalu expressed gratitude to the zonal Caucus for believing in their struggle to institutionalize a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness.

“I stand here also as part of the South and I said to myself that getting the South East and South West to endorse us, wasn’t going to be complete for me without having the South South, and thank God the South South has completed the circle by adopting us and we are so very grateful. I want to appreciate you for coming in your numbers and you have also invested in this project, invested money-wise even when some people didn’t believe in us then. But many notable South South lawmakers have shown great interest and commitment with some appearing on TV to shout it to the world about this project and today we are witnessing the result of that effort,” Kalu said

Udora Orizu in Abuja

A Coalition of aggrieved speakership aspirants popularly known as the G-7 has crumbled as its key members, Hon. Muktar Betara and Hon. Yusuf Gagdi have stepped down for the All Progressive Congress, APC consensus candidate Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.

Betara and Gagdi declared their support for Abass and Benjamin Kalu for Speaker, Deputy Speaker respectively after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Abbas and Kalu Joint Task Campaign Office who made this known in a statement on Sunday night, also refuted claims that Tinubu was not aware of the adoption of Abbas as Speaker.

The statement reads, “It has come to the attention of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly that some aspirants for the Speakership of the 10th House of Representatives claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, never mentioned the name of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as his preferred candidate for Speaker, but that the President only said he aligned with the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) on zoning arrangement. As of Sunday June 11, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (PhD) has secured the endorsement of the overwhelming majority of members-elect across the eight political parties in the six geopolitical zones, and he is ready to compete on the floor of the House and take the mantle of leadership of the 10th House come Tuesday, June 13, 2023.

“For the record, the APC NWC announced on Monday, May 8, 2023 that it consulted with the President before reaching that resolution. The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met today, Monday, May 8, 2023 to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the President-Elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other party leaders, and stakeholders on zoning arrangement for 10th National Assembly leadership positions.”

*Wase, Jaji boycott meeting with president

Udora Orizu in Abuja

On Wednesday night, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with senators-elect and members-elect of the All Progressive Congress at the Presidential Villa.

APC Governors and other leaders of the party were in attendance.

At the meeting, Tinubu was said to have spoken firmly on the need to work for the victory of the ruling party’s candidates for the 10th National Assembly leadership. 

He appealed to them to work for Akpabio, Abbas, Barau and Kalu.

According to him, the success of his administration largely depends on whether or not he gets it right with the leadership of the National Assembly.

He urged them to see reason with him, as the candidates were chosen for the stability of the nation.

Aspirants for Speaker such as Muktar Betara, Yusuf Gagdi, Miriam Onuoha, Sada Soli were present.

But outgoing Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase and Aminu Sani Jaji were conspicuously absent.

Wase had said during the House valedictory session on Wednesday that he would go ahead to contest for the Speakership seat because it has been prophesized that he would become Speaker.

There is likelihood that only Wase would go to the floor to contest, while other may step down after the President’s appeal.

•Directs EFCC, Police to arrest, prosecute purveyors

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives ad hoc committee that investigated the alleged missing of 48 million barrels of crude oil has said the claim was false and unsubstantiated.

It, therefore, asked the government not to waste taxpayers’ money to continue the investigation.

The committee known as, “Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate the Alleged Loss of over $2.4 Billion in Revenue from the Illegal Sale of 48 Million barrels of Crude Oil in 2015 Including Crude Oil Exports from 2014 to date,” chaired by Hon. Mark Gbillah, made the disclosure in its report that was laid and considered by the House at the committee of the whole yesterday.

The committee had over the weeks summoned and interacted with many government officials including immediate past attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), fingered in the allegation.

Laying the report, Gbillah, advised the National Assembly (Senate and the House), anti-graft and other agencies of government not to waste taxpayer’s funds on further future investigation of the allegations as they appeared to be completely fraudulent and unsubstantiated.

“The security and anti-graft agencies should be advised to prosecute any of the individuals who initially made these allegations if any one of them continues to peddle these false allegations after the committee’s investigation;

“The Abuja High court handling the case against the related individuals is advised to resume the hearing and prosecution of the case so justice can be meted out appropriately if any of the individuals are found culpable.

“Mr. Jackson Ude and Point Blank News should be advised to issue a public retraction of their publication of these allegations on their website and other media outlets considering the damage this publication has done to the reputation of related government officials and should strongly be admonished to be more circumspect in their future publications,” he added.

Similarly on the crude oil exports and sales by Nigeria from 2014 till date, the committee stated: “The committee recommends the continuation of a detailed investigation of all crude oil exports from Nigeria from 2011 till date involving all oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria who are involved in crude oil production and exportation and the detailed investigation of report of the consultants and legal team engaged by the federal government through NIMASA who identified loss of revenue to Nigeria from discrepancies in quantities of crude oil exports.

“House committee on petroleum resources (upstream) of the 10th assembly should prevail on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Index and other government related entities to explore the production of a harmonised, central and regularly updated record of Nigeria’s crude oil exports and proceeds and the committee should superintend the execution of same.

“A further investigation by related house committee in the 10th assembly should be conducted into the level of compliance to the payment of royalty and other related taxes by oil and gas companies including details of payments made to date.

“NEITI should be advised to provide its updated records of royalty and taxes paid in 2021 and 2022 and explore an efficient way to ensure its records are up to date considering its watchdog status.”

On other whistleblower findings, the committee also recommended that the federal government engage with the Indian government diplomatically to ensure the amicable resolution of the matter of the Sandesara brothers to avoid unnecessary friction in the relationship between both countries.

The committee recommended no further investigation into the issue against the NPA MD, “as these allegations appear to be premeditated.”

•Says 510 bills, 2000 motions passed in four years 

•Declares 9th Assembly most productive in history

•Gbajabiamila laments inability to remove barriers against women 

•Highlights PIA, Electoral Act, police reforms, others achievements

Udora Orizu and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives, yesterday, held its valedictory session, signalling the end of the ninth House, which began in 2019.

The session had former Speakers Ghali Na’Abba and Patricia Etteh in attendance. Na’Abba was Speaker from 1999 to 2003, while Etteh unceremoniously left office in 2007 after about five months.

The former presiding officers were ushered into the chamber following a motion moved by the leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa (APC, Kano).

The emotional session had several lawmakers reminiscing on the four years they spent with one another. Love was expressed and apologies were tendered, as they took turns to speak.

Chairman, House Committee on Rules and ĚÇĐÄĘÓĆľ, Hon. Abubakar Fulata, at the valedictory session, disclosed that the House passed a total of 510 bills and 2,000 motions in the last four years.

Fulata said the ninth House was the most productive of all assemblies in the history of the National Assembly, having processed 2,232 bills, out of which 52 were from the executive, 163 from the senate, and 2,017 were members bills.

He stated, “Out of these figures still, bills awaiting second reading are 1,197. Bills referred to committees, 581. Bills reported by the committees 275. Bills pending in the committee 308. Bills within the Committee of the Whole, 106. Bills laid on table awaiting consideration, 64. Bills far passed 510.

“Bills killed (negatived) 13, and bills withdrawn by their sponsors, five. The House also passed 2,000 motions in total.”

Fulata said, “Mr Speaker, all these could not have been achieved without your able leadership and that of your Deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase, who is also Chairman, Committee of the Whole.”

Earlier, in his valedictory speech, Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, pointed out the prominent achievements of the House in the last four years to include the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), Electoral Act, 2022, and Police Reforms Acts.

Gbajabiamila said though the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s socioeconomic wellbeing had long been apparent, successive administrations failed to put in place a functional statutory regime to allow the sector to function optimally. 

He said the ninth assembly ended that “legacy of lethargy” with the passage of the PIA and the Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act, which further put the sector on the right footing. 

Gbajabiamila noted that the House passed the Police Act to change the nature of relations between the police and citizens and ensure that police officers, who fell short of their responsibilities could be quickly held accountable. 

The speaker also said the ninth assembly appropriated the sum of N500 million through the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to compensate victims of police brutality nationwide. 

Gbajabiamila, however, said he regretted that the ninth Assembly did not succeed in removing some of the constitutional barriers that had long stood in the way of women’s full and unhindered participation in the politics, governance and economy of the country. He urged the 10th House to take up the mantle and do better.

Gbajabiamila said the ninth House, with unwavering courage and determination, defended the rights and dignity of the Nigerian people abroad from every attempt to dehumanise and victimise them.

He lamented that too many young Nigerians had lost faith in the country and were choosing in droves to seek their fortunes and their futures in other lands. He added that the country was losing some of its best and brightest, and if leaders did not act now, the consequences of this loss would shortly become painfully evident.

Gbajabiamila formally informed his colleagues of his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chief of Staff and pledged to work in collaboration with the legislature, which he was a product of.

He stated, “Our legacy also includes the comprehensive electoral reforms in the Electoral Act that have changed forever for good the way we conduct elections in Nigeria. While we recognise the need to continue to work to improve election management in Nigeria, we must acknowledge the vast improvements that have happened since the return to democracy. And we take pride in our contribution to these improvements over the last four years.

“Through the constitutional review process, the House of Representatives sought to restructure our government to make it more effective, reorganise our politics to make it more inclusive, enshrine efficient mechanisms for holding the institutions of state to account and put an end to the debilitating conflicts that even now continue to tear our nation apart. 

“Our interventions on behalf of Nigerians in China during the pandemic put an end to recurrent incidents of abuse, just as our efforts on behalf of Nigerians in South Africa and Ghana caused the governments of those nations to step up action to protect the lives and property of our citizens in those countries.

“From Ghana to South Africa, from China to the United States of America, we made it clear that this parliament will defend the rights of our citizens to conduct their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation and that the wellbeing of Nigerians remains our business, whether home or abroad.”

Chairman, Committee on Finance, Hon. James Faleke, said, “We were able to pass so many amendments to our laws. So many Finance Acts that have seen the increase in our revenue from N5.2 trillion in 2019 to about N10.1 trillion in 2022.”

Outgoing chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, said Gbajabiamila saved the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) from proscription during the union’s nine-month strike action.

Contributing, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere said, “Mr Speaker, in your new role, your challenges will be more than what you face here because those pains, those broken dreams that you spoke about are still there. In many cases they are worse. So, we plead with you not to abandon the spirit of vision, commitment, of believing that a country requires the kind of leaders that will have that ability to have a sense of nation and vision.”

Chairman, Committee on Judiciary, Hon. Onofiok Luke, made a case for salary increase for judicial officers.

Luke said, “Mr Speaker, you gave me a responsibility as Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary. Mr Speaker, in your new role, we have not been able to reach the el dorado.

“The judicial officers of this country are still wallowing in their poor working and living conditions. Mr Speaker, the last salary review for the judicial officers in this country was about 14 years ago and every effort to increase their salaries ended in futility. So, I want to urge you, Sir, to take up the issue of judiciary.”

Earlier, Etteh, in her long remarks, said, “First and foremost, I have always been praying that God should give us a president of this nature, someone that has passed through the legislative arm of government. Who says God is not answering prayers. God answered my prayers and the prayers of others, for giving us somebody who has really passed through this National Assembly, not only one. I asked for one, but God gave us three.

“He gave us three because he knows we have been yearning it for it. We want somebody that really appreciates Nigerians. There is no one that would pass through the National Assembly or any legislative arm of government that would not appreciate Nigerians because we are the people that listen to the yearnings of this nation. Give me one trillion naira, I would still prefer to come to the legislative arm anytime.”