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Senator Lawan’s Transformative Leadership of the National Assembly
By Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo
The leadership tenure of Senator Ahmad Lawan as President of the Nigerian Senate between 2019 and 2023, heralded a remarkable era of transformation and progress for the National Assembly.
Beyond the passage of landmark legislations, it is on record that the Federal Legislature under Senator Lawan owed its successes to best legislative practices that defined his leadership. Such practices included the adoption of a comprehensive Legislative Agenda that ab initio set out priorities and goals for the Ninth National Assembly. The agenda ensured that legislative activities were aligned with national development objectives.
Prominent amongst the major achievements recorded was the restoration of the January to December budget timeline. Similarly, under the able leadership of former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, the National Assembly not only enhanced the efficiency of the budget process but also created a more transparent and accountable system.
One of the ways it did was to prioritize the early passage of the budget by consistently having it approved by December of the preceding year, providing ample time for its implementation. This timely approval prevented the previous practice of extending the budget cycle into the following year, ensuring a more predictable and orderly budgeting process.
In addition, the 9th National Assembly, adopted a participatory and transparent approach to budget review that adhered strictly to its legislative procedures. Budget Defence sessions were held with the Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, in a way that made it mandatory for them to defend their respective budget estimates and ensure that they align with the needs and priorities of the citizenry. Furthermore, the budget was made publicly available for scrutiny, promoting accountability and transparency.
The restoration of the January to December budget cycle under Senator Ahmad Lawan had a profound impact on the nation’s economy at the time, as it removed the uncertainty and delays associated with the extended budget cycle. It also, amongst others, ensured the timely implementation of government programmes and projects; improved economic planning and decision-making; and enhanced the credibility and transparency of the budget process.
Infrastructure Development
The Senator Lawan-led National Assembly embarked on a transformative approach to governance that resulted in significant infrastructural developments and capacity-building initiatives. Key amongst these achievements were the renovation of the chambers of the Senate and House of Representatives; and initiation and completion of critical National Assembly projects, such as the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Permanent Site; and the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) complex.
National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS)
NILDS is a foremost institute established to enhance the capacity of legislators, parliamentary staff, and other stakeholders in legislative governance. As Chairman of NILDS Governing Council, Senator Ahmad Lawan pushed for the construction and completion of a world-class facility for the institute that boasts of state-of-the-art classrooms, an expansive library, and office complex, enabling it to effectively train and develop future leaders in legislative and democratic processes.
Although the groundbreaking ceremony was done in 2013 under the leadership of the President of the 7th Senate, Senator David Mark, the commissioning of the NILDS Permanent site was carried out by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May, 2023, upon its completion by the leadership of Senator Ahmad Lawan.
The Governing Council of the Institute approved the establishment of a Legislative Centre for Security Analysis; and NILDS Democracy Radio 104.9FM, both of which were temporarily located at 4, Linda Chalker Street, Asokoro, Abuja. The two agencies of the Institute were commissioned on 24th May, 2023, by Senator Ahmad Lawan, and the former Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Governing Council also gave its approval for the annual quiz competition, which used to be restricted to Secondary Schools in the Federal Capital Territory, to cover Secondary Schools all over the federation.
The Senator Lawan-led NILDS Governing Council consolidated on its core mandates and expanded the scope of its activities by providing capacity building workshops and technical assistance to the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly as well as national parliaments from across Africa. These were made possible through timely approval of NILDS work plan and annual budget, as well as developmental policies approved by the Council under the Leadership of Senator Ahmad Lawan. It also gave approval to the Revised Scheme of Service and Administrative Manual of the Institute with a lot of innovations, including opportunities to promote qualified Academic Staff of the Institute to the rank of Associate Professors and Professors.
National Assembly Service Commission (NASC)
The National Assembly Service Commission is the administrative arm of the National Assembly established by the NASC Act, 2000, which was amended as the National Assembly Service Act 2014. Since its establishment, the Commisison has been operating from a rented property. First from its former offices at the Federal Secretariat, Phase III, Wuse II Abuja, to the present Office Complex at Plot 664, T.O.S. Benson Crescent, Off Okonjo Iweala Way, Utako, Abuja. This lack of suitable accommodation has impacted negatively on the performance of the statutory functions of the Commission.
Consequently, the Commission approached the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) for allocation of a parcel of land for the construction of an Office Complex. In furtherance of the request, the FCTA allocated land within the precinct of the National Assembly to the Commission in 2010. However, the land remained fallow for nine years while the NASC continued to operate from a rented property situated in a residential area that was rented with a huge sum in annual payments.
Worried that staff and property of the Commission were exposed to security risks and other adverse operational conditions, the 5th Commission in 2021 approached the Leadership of the 9th National Assembly under the Chairmanship of the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, for approval to commence the construction of a befitting Office Complex for the Commission on the allocated land within the precinct of the National Assembly Complex. The Leadership of the 9th National Assembly approved the construction of the NASC Office Complex and appropriated sufficient funds for the project’s take-off.
The construction of the NASC Office Complex was awarded to an indigenous construction company, STRABIC CONSTRUCTION Company Limited. The site was handed over to the Contractor on 10th August, 2021, while the Foundation Laying Ceremony was held on 20th October, 2021, by the Chairman of the 9th National Assembly, Senator Ahmad Lawan.
The befitting edifice, which is about to be occupied by the National Assembly Service Commission remains a legacy of the Senator Lawan-led 9th National Assembly that will centralized the operations of the NASC, streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency.
As Senator Lawan celebrates his 66th birthday anniversary on 12th January, 2024, I join Nigerians to express our gratitude for his selfless contributions to our nation’s development. I wish him many more years of productive service to our fatherland.
Tabiowo is the Media Adviser to Senator Ahmad Lawan and writes from Abuja.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has pledge support for the immediate provision of water in the 23 local, promise to fulfill his campaign promises, his preoccupation is to serve the people of Kaduna State who elected him to office
He said in the last 22 months,his administration has intervened in the agricultural sector, enhanced education and brought security in areas that were most affected by insecurity in the past.
Governor Uba Sani who spoke after the Iftar dinner with Kaduna Social Media Influencers at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Saturday, said that he is focused on governance and will not be distracted by quarrelling with anyone.
He disclosed that the scarcity of pipe borne water supply which has been plaguing Kaduna State in the past, will be soon be addressed, promising that water will be available in all the 23 local governments by the end of the year.
The Governor recalled he declared a state of emergency in the water sector when he assumed office because the capacity utilisation of the water supply scheme was less than 5%.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed the capacity has now risen to 30% and by the end of the year, it will reach 100%.
He said that his administration has cleared the salary backlog of Kaduna State Water Corporation staff amounting to N800 million, adding that ‘’we have settled electricity debts worth N1.3 billion. We are also retrofitting all small water supply schemes in all the 23 local governments.’’
The Governor also reiterated that peace has returned to Birnin Gwari and Giwa local governments, which were threatened by insecurity during the last administration.
According to him, the Birnin Gwari cattle market which had been closed for over 10 years due to security challenges, was opened last November and business is now booming, adding that on a daily basis, over 30 trailers load cattle to the southern part of the country.
Governor Uba Sani commended the social media influencers for highlighting the activities of Kaduna State Government, promising to support them in their efforts to promote the administration.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Kaduna Social Media Influencers, Malam Adam Garba, thanked the Governor for hosting them for Iftar, adding that this was the first time that any Governor has done so.
The Chairman equally commended Governor Uba Sani for the support that he has been giving to them, pointing out that Government had earlier given them Ramadan palliatives.
Malam Adam however pleaded with the Governor to provided employment to some of their members who have requisite qualifications, when job opportunities are available.
The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.
Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who’s still in the US, claimed the move is linked to her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting in New York on 11 March, where she raised concerns about her suspension from the Senate and sexual harassment allegations against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
She disclosed this to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.
She said, “I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja.”
IPOB Lawyer Demands Probe By Security Operatives
Onitsha-based trader had been hospitalised following the
reported looting of her medicine store by officials of the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The looting as contained in a viral footage, has attracted wild condemnation.
Consequently, a lawyer and human rights activist, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has demanded an investigation by security into the act perpetrated by NAFDAC officials.
As at the time of this report, NAFDAC is said to be preparing its response to the allegation.
While describing the heart-wrenching testimony of the devastated trader as both troubling and unacceptable, he said the woman is currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from the traumatic incident.
Ejiofor, also a lawyer to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in a statement said it is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
He said, “I am deeply saddened by the viral video showing a female trader alleging that her shop was looted by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This alarming footage exposes a grave injustice that demands urgent action.
“Recently, I strongly condemned the indiscriminate closure of shops under the guise of combating counterfeit drugs. While the fight against fake pharmaceuticals is crucial, it must be carried out through lawful and ethical means that do not jeopardize the livelihoods of innocent traders. Unfortunately, our worst fears have now materialized.
“In my previous public statement, I urged security agencies and NAFDAC to investigate their personnel implicated in these allegations. However, despite the gravity of the situation, no action has been taken.
“This latest evidence – captured on video – clearly exposes officials entrusted with regulatory enforcement, allegedly engaging in outright looting, betraying public trust.
“The heart-wrenching testimony of this devastated trader is both troubling and unacceptable. Disturbingly, information available to us confirms that this innocent woman is currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital after suffering severe shock from this traumatic incident. This is not just an economic assault but a direct attack on her dignity and well-being.
‘I, therefore, call upon the relevant security agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and comprehensive investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this reprehensible act.
“NAFDAC must urgently assess and provide commensurate reparations for this devastating loss, ensuring that justice is not only served but also felt by the victims. Justice delayed is justice denied. Immediate disciplinary and legal measures must be enforced to restore public confidence in our institutions.
“Such misconduct has no place in a society striving for justice, peace, and economic stability. The livelihoods of hardworking citizens must be protected, and those who abuse their positions of trust must face the full weight of the law. If we fail to act decisively, we risk enabling a culture of impunity that will only deepen public distrust in our institutions.”