Transportation

Senate Pledges Support for Reconstruction of Atan Road in Ogun

By Web News 990

Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero has said that the Senate would give legislative support to Ogun State Government in its bid to reconstruct 19.2 kilometres Atan Lusada Agbara road.

Senator Aliero, who stated this at the sod turning ceremony for the reconstruction of Atan Lusada Agbara road, said the senate would ensure that budgetary provision for the reconstruction of the road was included in 2022 budget towards ensuring its early completion.

Senator Adamu Aliero noted that the road was not only important to Ogun State, but Nigeria as a whole, adding that the reconstruction of the road would accelerate economic activities in the axis.

Also, the Chairman Senate committee on Finance, Senator Olamilekan Adeola pointed out that the Senate was aware that most Federal roads in the Ogun and Lagos were in deplorable condition, describing  the reconstruction of the road as ‘a legacy project’, that would add value to the lives of the people living or doing business in the area.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who gave the assurance that the reconstruction of the road would be completed within 15 months, said the road would not serve only the state and Nigeria, but also a link to many West African countries.

While calling on the people of the area to take ownership of the project, as the contractor handling the project would be made to provide job opportunities for the youths in the area, Governor Abiodun

also approved reconstruction of Sango-Joju road to alleviate the sufferings of the people

In a remark, The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Chief Niyi Adebayo, noted that the road  was neglected for many years, adding that the reconstruction of the road would attract investors.

Highlights of the occasion was commissioning of 10.25 Kilometres Lusada igbesa toll road.

Bolanle Adesida

Lifestyle

Easter: Senator Adeola Urges Prayer for National Peace, Security

By Web News 634

As Christians all over the world celebrate Easter, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Chief Solomon Adeola, has called on all Nigerians to pray for peace and security amidst serious security challenges confronting the nation.

Chief Adeola said practicing Christian virtues of sacrifice, patience, love and abiding faith for a better tomorrow as exemplified in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, would go a long in promoting peace and harmony in the country.  

In a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro, Chief Adeola, the senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, noted that it was impossible to develop any society where the Christian virtues of love, sacrifices for one another, patience and hope for a better future were lacking.  

According to him, the nation is faced with rampant insecurity from Boko Haram insurgents, bandits’ attacks, kidnapping to herders/farmers clashes, that are not only hampering the progress of the nation but threatening its existence.

Senator Adeola called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and support Government’s efforts in the challenge of building a better society devoid of rampant insecurity, adding that as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ opened a window for salvation of sinners to make heaven, there is hope for a better Nigeria with hard work and prayers. 

Modupeola Sobukonla.

Transportation

Senate is committed to development of the aviation sector – Smart Adeyemi

By Web News 592

Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi has promised that the Upper Chamber will continue to use its legislative powers and functions to enhance development in the aviation sector.

Senator Adeyemi stated this in Abeokuta when the Senate Committee on Aviation paid a courtesy call on the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Senator Adeyemi, who explained that the visit was to assess the sites of the proposed cargo international airport, Ilisan and the passengers’ airport, at Wasimi area of the state, said the Upper chamber would take decisions on the facilities that could meet the needs of the people.

While pointing out that the cargo international airport would accelerate social and economic development in the state, Senator Adeyemi renewed the National Assembly’s support towards ensuring completion of the airport.

Also, Senator Olamilekan Adeola representing Lagos, who explained that provision had been made for airport in Ogun State in the 2021 budget, said it would be released for the construction of the agro allied airport.

Responding, Governor Dapo Abiodun solicited the support of the Senate for the completion of the cargo international Airport, adding that the first phase of the Airport was expected to be completed and commissioned in May next year. 

Bolanle Adesida

Security

Senate Confirms Appointment Of New Service Chiefs

By Web News 573

The Senate has confirmed appointment of the new Service Chiefs following the consideration of the report of the Committee on Defence which recommended their confirmation.

Those confirmed are Maj. Gen. Lucky Eluonye lrabor, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru,  Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS); and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka O. Amao,Chief of Air Staff (CAS). Meanwhile, the Senate has tasked the new Chief of Defence and the Service Chiefs to go after the armed bandits and kidnappers.

The Senate President Ahmed Lawan urged them to unravel the persons behind all the Abductions throughout the country and expressed the readiness of the Senate to Support them.

 FRCN, Abuja

Politics

Senate Passes 2021 Appropriation Bill

By Web News 748

Senate passes a budget of over N13 trillion for Year 2021, following a consideration of the report of the committee on appropriation.

The budget is predicated $40 per barrel with crude oil production at 1.86million barrel per day.

Exchange rate was pegged at N379 per dollar.

Read President Muhammadu Buhari’s speech at the budget presentation to the joint session of the national assembly.

Amaka Ene

Judiciary

Senate Confirms Eight New Justices

By Web News 605

The Senate at plenary confirmed 8 New Justices of the Supreme Courts.

They include, Justice lawal Garba,Justice Helen Ogunwumiju,justice Abdu Aboki,and Justice Saulawa ,others are justice Adamu Jauro,Justice Samuel Oseji,Justice Tijjiani Abubakar,and Justice Emmanuel Agim.

Their confirmation followed the consideration of the report of the Senate committee on judiciary, Human rights and legal matters.

Amaka Ene

Lifestyle

Senator Buruji Kashamu is Dead

By Web News 927

Former Senator, representative of Ogun East senatorial district, Prince Buruji Kashamu has reportedly died of COVID-19 complications.

Senator Kashamu represented Ogun East senatorial district at the eighth National Assembly between 2015 and 2019.

The death of the 62 year old stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was first announced in a Facebook post by his former colleague, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce.

Senator Murray-Bruce who described the deceased as a very close friend claimed that he died today at First Cardiology Consultants, Lagos

He prayed God to grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the heavy loss and give rest to his gentle soul.

Security

Senate Urges Military to End Banditry

By Web News 737

The Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Alhaji Ali Ndume has urged troops fighting armed bandits in the North-west zone of the country to bring a decisive end to the scourge in the affected states.

Senator Ndume made the call at a press briefing held at the Nigerian Army Super Camp in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State where he inspected the ongoing Operation Sahel Sanity.

He observed that much success has been recorded in the operation as farming and commercial activities have resumed in the affected Local Government Areas.

The lawmaker however said more needs be done to stop pockets of attacks on rural communities residing in remote areas of the forest.

He noted the significant reduction in the number of IDPs in the camps in Faskari and gave an assurance that the National Assembly will work with the executive arm to resettle the remaining IDPs I’m their various communities.

Earlier the Head of Faskari Local Government Administration, Malam Lawal Ibrahim told newsmen that the number of IDPs in the area has reduced from five thousand to two thousand in the last two months.

Other officials on the inspection visit were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Army, Alhaji Abdurrazaq Namdas and the Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Security Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Katsina.

Isma’il Adamu

Politics

Senate Assures Speedy Passage of PIB Bill

By Web News 668

The Senate President Ahmad Lawal has assured of the speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, before the end of this year to address all bottleneck in the extractive industry.

The Senate President gave the assurance, while declaring open a webinar organized by the Nigeria Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS in collaboration with Nigeria Natural Resource Charter NNRC, to validate a toolkit for the Nigeria Parliament on Extractive Sector

According to NILDS and NNRC, the Toolkit was developed to serve as a guide to lawmakers  in their engagement with actors in the Oil and Gas sector.

In his keynote speech the Senate President Ahmad Lawal, represented by the Chairman Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum, Senator Bassey Akpan, noted that the Toolkit initiative was apt considering the fact that the petroleum industry was long overdue for profound reform

He said.“Our petroleum industry is almost stagnant and for long needing profound reform.”  This legislative guide on the extractive sector is coming at a very important time when oil revenues are dwindling, a fact made worse by the coronavirus pandemic. . The legislative Toolkit When applied appropriately, can significantly result in improved governance of Nigeria’s immense resources”

Earlier, the Director General NILDS Professor Abubakar Suleiman, said Nigeria’s approach to managing its mineral resources has not improved over the years.

According to him

“The Toolkit has been prepared specifically to support the Nigerian legislature in ensuring effective technical decision-making as well as transparency and accountability in the management of oil, gas and mineral wealth of Nigeria for the good of all Nigerians”.

On his Part, chairman Expert Advisory Panel of NNRC, Mr Odien Ajumogobia, represented by a member of the panel, Mr. Osten Olorunsola, affirmed that the application of the Toolkit by the legislature, would interrogate the anticipated PIB to undermine its fitness to address gaps in the sector.

“Reform of the extractive sector is even more emergent now than it was before the COVID-19 health crisis that rocked the world this year. The fall in oil prices, increased borrowing, stalled economic activities have all put tremendous pressure on the Naira and the Nigerian economy. To recover, it is imperative that legislative reforms are expedient”

The participants were optimistic that the initiative would enhance the capacity of the National Assembly for overall improvement of the governance system.

Julian Osamoto.

Lifestyle

Sympathizers Throng Late Senator Ayo Fasanmi Residence

By Web News 650

Sympathizers have thronged the residence of the leader of the Yoruba Socio-cultural Organization, Afenifere and a 2nd Republic Senator Ayo Fasanmi, who died on Wednesday night.

Speaking on the death of his father, one of the sons of the deceased, Mr Folabi Fasanmi said he was  saddened by the death of his father but take solace in the fact the he lived a fulfilled life.

Mr Folabi said his father was so passionate about Nigeria said a day would not pass by without his father talking about the nation.

The personal assistant to the late political leader, Mr Adebayo Temitope noted that the late political icon was a generous, committed and nationalist par excellence.

Senator Ayo Fasanmi was discharged from the hospital three days ago and had been in coma before he died last night.

The leader of Afenifere was elected into the Senate in 1979, and became a member of the House of Representatives in 1983. 

He also served as a member of the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994.

The remains of the political icon who died at age of 94 will be interred in Iyin-Ekiti, his home town, in Ekiti State next week.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

Danbatta Set for Senate Confirmation

By Web News 607

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, is set to be confirmed by the Senate for his reappointment by the President for another five-year term in office as the country’s chief telecoms regulator.

This followed the acknowledgement of his outstanding performance in the last five years when he appeared before the Senate Screening Committee recently in Abuja.

The Senate Committee on Communication, had applauded the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC for his sterling performance and exceptional leadership qualities which, they said had helped in accelerating the growth of the telecoms sector.

A member of the Committee, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, who represented the Chairman Senate Committee on Communication, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu noted that the screening and confirmation exercise is in accordance with the provisions of Section 8 subsections 1 and 4 of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act (NCA), 2003.

Senator Oloriegbe said Professor Danbatta demonstrated deep knowledge of the industry, when he extensively discussed his scorecard since assumption of office as the executive vice chairman of NCC on August 4, 2015.

The NCC Boss said the diligent implementation of NCC’s strategic 8-Point Agenda, which he implemented when he assumed office in 2015, provided the basis for most of the commission’s achievements in the last five years, especially in the areas of service availability, accessibility and affordability.

He made giant strides in contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Quality of Service (QoS) delivery, broadband infrastructure deployment, broadband penetration, effective spectrum utilization, consumer empowerment, technology innovation and curbing fraudulent Subscriber Identity Management (SIM) registration and 112 Emergency Number towards ridding the country of insecurity.

Professor Danbatta thanked the lawmakers for their support over the last five years and pledged his renewed commitment to further accelerate the growth of the telecoms industry as the key driver of the country’s digital economy vision in the next five years.

Other member of the committee commended Prof Danbatta’s impressive performance in piloting the affairs of the country’s digital ecosystem.

Chioma Ezike

Politics

Senate Passes Sexual Harassment Bill to Punish Randy Lecturers

By Web News 721


The Senate on Tuesday passed a bill seeking to stop sexual abuse of female students in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

The Bill which was read the third time and passed, was a sequel to the consideration of the report of the Committee on  Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters presented by the Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, All Progressives Congress, APC, Ekiti Central.

The bill, christened: The proposed legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to Prevent, Prohibit and Redress Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions and for other matters connected therewith 2019 was sponsored by Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo -Agege, APC, Delta Central, and co-sponsored by 105 other Senators.

The bill which has 27 clauses, proposes up to 14 years jail term, with a minimum of 5 years, without an option of fine for any educator who commits sexual offences in tertiary institutions.

The bill defines sexual offences as including sexual intercourse with a student or demands for sex from a student or a prospective student or intimidating or creating a hostile or offensive environment for the student by soliciting for sex or making sexual advances.

Other forms of sexual harassment identified in the bill are grabbing, hugging, kissing, rubbing, stroking, touching, pinching the breasts or hair or lips or hips or buttocks or any other sensual part of the body of a student; or sending by hand or courier or electronic or any other means naked or sexually explicit pictures or videos or sex related objects to a student, and whistling or winking at a student or screaming, exclaiming, joking or making sexually complimentary or uncomplimentary remarks about a student’s physique or stalking a student.

Recall that the bill was sponsored during the 8th Senate by Senator Ovie Omo- Agege. Also, recall that six months after it was introduced on the floor of the Senate, the bill that sought to among others, stop sexual abuse of female students in the nation’s tertiary institutions was passed Thursday, October, 27th, 2016 by the Red Chamber. 

Adewumi Faniran

Politics

Senate Suspends Sitting over Coronavirus

By Web News 640

The Senate has suspended all public hearing and schools excursion to the National Assembly.

The Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the Chamber gallery would also be closed to the public.

Rising from an executive session, the Senate President said these resolutions were taken as an additional measure to check the spread of COVID 19.

Amaka/FRCN Abuja

News Analysis

On the Purchase of Exotic Cars by the House of Representatives

By Web News 1963

Recently, the House of Representatives placed orders for the supply of four hundred units of Toyota Camry 2020 model.

At an executive closed-door session, the lawmakers rejected Nigerian brands, insisting on foreign ones, preferably imported and not locally assembled.

The four hundred saloon cars will be allocated to each of the three hundred and sixty members and some top members of management staff, chiefs of staff to the two presiding officers as well as some of their special advisers and assistants.

Before now, about fourteen Toyota Land Cruiser Prado were shared to the presiding and principal officers as well as chairmen of select House committees.

The House discovered that the national assembly had been turned into a dumping ground for smuggled and refurbished automobiles.

It is in the light of this that, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and one hundred and ninety-two concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, and all members of the House from spending an estimated five billion naira to buy cars.

SERAP is also seeking a court order to restrain and stop the National Assembly Service Commission from releasing any public funds to the House of Representatives to buy the vehicles, until an impact assessment of the spending on access to public services and goods like education, security, health and clean water, is carried out.

SERAP argued that lawmakers make up a small fraction of the country’s population and their needs should not be placed above the welfare of two hundred million Nigerians.

In the statistics of the World Poverty Clock, the number of extremely poor Nigerians has risen to over ninety-one million as at February last year.

The plan by the National Assembly to spend over five billion naira to buy vehicles for principal members of the Senate is a conflict of their personal interests with national interest of financial competence.

The nation’s lawmakers earn about thirteen point five million naira monthly which is one of the highest in the world.

For instance, in America, a senator earns one hundred and seventy-four thousand dollars and in the United Kingdom, a member of parliament earns about sixty-four thousand dollars a year.

It is unbelievable that the House of Representatives could shun indigenous auto assembly plant, in order to buy the 2020 edition of Toyota SUVs.

This is coming at a time when the government is asking Nigerians to tighten their belts by patronising made-in-Nigeria goods.

Government officials should also be seen as doing so.

It is not right for customs officials to impound imported rice, turkey and toothpicks while government officials are seen to be doing otherwise.

If the nation must be on par with developed countries of the world, the government needs to use the resources at its disposal for the development of the country.

It is therefore imperative that the idea of the National Assembly in purchasing imported cars should be discarded forthwith.

Fawzeeyah Kasheem

Politics

Senate, Rep. Should Politically Empower Youths and Women – Ogundoyin

By Web News 818

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin has called on the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representative to make conscious efforts towards politically empowering Nigerian youths and women.

Speaking in Abuja, at the 25th Nigerian Economic Summit tagged, “Nigeria 2050: Shifting Gears”, Ogundoyin noted that the Nigerian government needs to create more political opportunities for youths if the current ageing leaders really care about the future of the country which they will leave behind.

While speaking with newsmen, he said the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act which lowers the age qualification for contesting elections into public offices are laudable, however, this may not be enough in getting youths involved in politics.

Oyo State House of Assembly, OYHA, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin

He said Oyo and Kwara State governors are obviously championing the operation to get the youths and women involve presently with the number of young persons and women appointed in their cabinets.

Speaking as a panelist on Leadership in 2050, insights with Nigeria’s Emerging Leaders, Ogundoyin said reduction of out-of-school children and improving children education is one of the primary goal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led administration in Oyo State.

According to him, if the number of out-of-school children reduced to five percent within 10 years, then 2050 can look safe for Nigeria as a country.

Mosope Kehinde