Politics
NASS Working With Tinubu To Rebuild Trust of Nigerians – Deputy Spokesperson
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, says the 10th National Assembly is working with President Bola Tinubu to rebuild the trust of Nigerians.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, Agbese asked about the relationship between the President and parliament and said it is strong, cordial and wonderful.
He describes it as a working partnership and collaboration, which is reviewed on a routine basis to ensure that the needs of Nigerians are being addressed.
Agbese said the House’s decision to cut their salaries by 50 per cent shows their solidarity with Nigerians and sacrifice to support the economic hardship and hunger in the nation.
He said this is born out of patriotism and the exceptional leadership of the House led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“Mr President feels the pains of our constituents as if they all live in the house with him,” Agbese emphasised.
“This is evident in the recent reforms being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture to address hunger and food security in the country.
“Since the inception of this dispensation, the executive and legislature have collaborated seamlessly, passing several landmark bills and resolutions that have positively impacted the lives of Nigerians.
“These bills have addressed long-standing issues in diverse sectors and enhanced the nation’s economic growth.
“The 10th National Assembly has been instrumental in supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and their collective efforts have yielded remarkable results.”
Agbese commended the 10th National Assembly for their dedication to the nation’s growth and development.
“The 10th National Assembly has demonstrated a high level of maturity and patriotism in their legislative duties,” he added.
“Their commitment to the nation’s progress is laudable, and we appreciate their support in our efforts to rebuild the trust and correct the failures of the past.
“The 10th National Assembly is working tirelessly to correct the failures of the past, including the inability of previous assemblies to pass critical legislation.
“We are committed to learning from the mistakes of the past and charting a new course for our nation’s growth and development.”
Reacting to Senator Ali Ndume’s recent comments, Agbese stated that his demotion as Majority Whip was a standard parliamentary practice worldwide.
“Some persons don’t have the understanding of the parliament and the executive as two parallel lines of necessity,” Agbese said.
“Members of the House of Representatives are carrying out their duties with the highest level of maturity, thanks to Mr. Speaker’s pro-Nigeria posture to leadership”.
Agbese cautioned Ndume to “embrace the principles of teamwork and collaboration, rather than seeking to divide and distract the government from its laudable reforms.”
He also urged Ndume to “support the President and the National Assembly in their efforts to rebuild broken trust and deliver on their campaign promises to Nigerians.”
Agbese assured Nigerians that President Tinubu and the National Assembly will not fail the nation.
“We are committed to working together to address the challenges facing our country, and we will not be distracted by individual interests or personal agendas,” Agbese concluded.
“We appreciate the support and trust Nigerians have placed in us, and we will continue to work tirelessly to justify that trust.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has inaugurated the newly elected executive members of the party in the North-East zone.
Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, who inaugurated the members on Monday in Bauchi, tasked them to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, the governor said that the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has failed Nigerians, hence the leadership of the PDP must develop strategies to enable it to wrestle power and meet the aspirations of the electorate.
“The APC has failed to deliver on its promises instead created more hardship for Nigerians and deepened poverty.
“It is time for a change, and the PDP is poised to reclaim the hopes and dreams of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged the new party executives to recognise the enormous responsibilities on their shoulders, stressing that, “they are the vanguard of change in the region.”
According to Mohammed, the next general election is not just about political power but the future of children, security, and overall wellbeing of Nigerians.
While assuring support to the party, Mohammed charged the leadership of the party to be change makers, leading with integrity, compassion and dedication to the people.
Responding, the Zonal Chairman of the party, Babangida Umar promised to work collectively to achieve the desired objectives. (NAN)
…I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
….Ex-Rivers LG Chairmen handover
The 27 members of Rivers State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48 hours ultimatum to Governor Similanayi Fubara to present the 2025 state appropriation bill.
The development comes after the supreme judgement ordered Martins Amaewhule and the 26 other members of the Assembly loyal to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to resume sitting as the legitimate members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The 48 hours ultimatum was issued by the lawmakers during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday.
Governor Fubara had on January 2nd , 2025 signed N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law after it was presented to the Victor Oko Jumbo led 4 member house of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had in a state wide broadcast on Sunday said that he would implement the supreme court judgement without reservation after studying the content of the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement.
In the meantime there is heavy security presence at the GRA Assembly quarters where the lawmakers use as their temporary chambers.
I’m not afraid, victory is certain – Fubara
Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the political challenges in the state.
He assured the immediate past council chairmen in attendance that there was no reason for concern.
Before addressing the crowd, Fuubara opened his speech with a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, emphasizing faith and resilience in the face of challenges.
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” the governor read.
“Despite everything, victory is sure,” he declared, stating that the struggle is not just about winning but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly.
Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over, emphasizing that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny.
While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Fubara stated that when the time comes, the necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state.
“I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office,” he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles.
Addressing the youth, the governor assured them that at the right time, they would receive the necessary direction.
While reacting to the Supreme Court’s ruling which nullified the local government elections and also ordered that the Martin Amaewhule-led group resume sitting, the governor maintained that the future holds greater promise than the past.
He pledged to complete his tenure with honour and integrity, ensuring that his decisions remain defensible.
Fubara also emphasized the need to counter political propaganda with evidence of purposeful governance, citing the ongoing inauguration of state projects as a testament to his administration’s commitment to progress.
He stated that the newly commissioned project was designed to enhance work efficiency among public servants in government houses.
Cross River chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has objected to the recall of the suspended state Chairman of the party, Mr Venatius Ikem, by the National Working Committee (NWC).
This is contained in a statement issued by the state Secretary of the party, Mr Anthony Edako, on Monday in Calabar.
The party’s State Executive Committee (SEC) insisted that the chairman remained suspended until NWC and stakeholders met to decide otherwise.
According to the party, any purported decision to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having an expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint is null and void.
“We have been made aware of a letter circulating on social media, purportedly written by the national organising secretary reinstating the suspended state chairman.
“We wish to state categorically state that this letter is null and void, as it did not emanate from the proper channel having the authority to write such a letter,” the statement said.
The party said that only the national chairman and national secretary were authorised to write such a letter.
“So, the national oganising secretary overstepped his bounds, and his actions are consequently deemed ultra-vires,” it said.
The secretary recalled that on Nov. 20, 2024, NWC dismissed the suspension of the chairman of Cross River Chapter of PDP, Venatius Ikem, which was made on Nov. 15, 2024.
“The reason for the dismissal of the suspension was communicated to the SEC of the party.
“Consequently, the SEC of the party, on Nov. 22, 2024, suspended the state chairman based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee of the state and communicated same to the national,” he said.
He further stated that SEC was invited by the NWC and after deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that NWC should convene a meeting with stakeholders from Cross River to determine Ikem’s fate.
“The meeting between the NWC and stakeholders from Cross River has not been convened yet.
“The meeting is a crucial step in ensuring that the decision-making process is transparent, fair and in line with our party’s constitution,” he said.
The secretary said that any purported decision taken to reinstate the suspended chairman without first having the expanded meeting to look into SEC’s complaint was, therefore, null and void.
He urged party members and stakeholders to disregard the said letter and continue to recognise the suspended chairman as such. (NAN)