Tag: House of Reps

House of Reps reshuffles Committees, names Hon Ifeoluwa Ehindero Chairman of Students Loans Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has announced a major reshuffling of its standing committees, appointed new Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons to enhance legislative oversight and efficiency. Among the newly appointed leaders, Hon. Ifeoluwa Ehindero, representing Akoko Northeast/Northwest Federal Constituency, has been named Chairman of the House Committee on Students Loans, Scholarships, and Higher Education Financing, which oversees the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). Hon. Ehindero, in his reaction, expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, and the leadership for entrusting him with the role. He…

Bribery Allegations: HallowMace Foundation criticizes House of Reps’ hasty defense of Lawmakers

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The HallowMace Foundation, a pro-democracy and good governance advocacy group, has expressed strong reservations over the House of Representatives’ swift dismissal of bribery allegations leveled against some lawmakers by Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance. In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Sunny Anderson Osiebe, the foundation criticized the House for rushing to defend its members without first conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims. “The allegations made by Gambaryan are grave and demand serious attention. He has accused specific lawmakers of seeking significant payouts…

House of Reps hails BudgIT on Tracka 2023/2024 Report, reaffirms commitment to Open Governance

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has commended BudgIT Nigeria for the successful launch of the Tracka 2023/2024 Project Tracking Report, describing it as a vital initiative that promotes transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance.   Speaking at the event held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, to fostering open governance and strengthening legislative oversight.   Rotimi lauded BudgIT and the Tracka team for their unwavering dedication…

House of Reps decries Extortion, Harassment at Security Checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu Expressway

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the excessive number of security checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, described them as a breeding ground for harassment and extortion of commercial drivers and travelers. During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers adopted a motion sponsored by Hon. Amobi Oga, who highlighted the plight of road users subjected to delays, bribe demands, and other inconveniences by security personnel stationed at these checkpoints. Hon. Oga revealed that the 105-kilometer route between Onitsha and Enugu has approximately 28 checkpoints, averaging one every 3.7 kilometers. He described…

House of Reps hails Tinubu for rectifying historical oversight in award of National Honours

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has expressed its gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for addressing a significant historical oversight by conferring the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.This action according to the members of Green chamber restored the constitutional parity between both chambers of the National Assembly. In response to President’s decision, Speaker Abbas praised the President’s commitment to justice and fairness: “I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for correcting the mistakes by past administrations of…

Reps reject CFR National honour for Speaker, demand GCON

Emporium Reporters

The House of Representatives has rejected the planned conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) on Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the green chamber.   Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the conferment of different categories of honours on the nation’s leaders during his Independence Day speech on Tuesday.   Tinubu said Akpabio and Kekere-Ekun will be conferred with the GCON, while Abbas and Barau Jibrin, deputy president of the senate, will get CFR.     The president also said Ben Kalu, deputy speaker of…

House of Reps pushes for Constitutional Amendment ,as Independent Candidacy Bill passes First Reading

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A Bill that allows Independent candidates to contest election without necessarily being a member of a political party passed first reading on Thursday in the House of Representatives.   The Bill is seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow individuals to compete in elections without having to do so under the platform of a political party.   The bill is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to allow for the Participation of Candidates…

House of Reps resumes from annual recess, honours memory of Late Senator Ifeanyi Uba

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has resumed its weekly plenary sittings following the annual recess that began in late July 2024.   Upon reconvening on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen,who presided over the plenary, read a correspondence from President Bola Tinubu regarding a Supplementary Appropriation Bill for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). He also approved the Votes and Proceedings from the plenary held on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.   Subsequently, the House observed a moment of silence before adjourning plenary and other legislative engagements in honour of the late Senator (Dr.)…

Reps ask FG to suspend implementation of Samoa Agreement

Emporium Reporters

The House of representatives has asked the federal government to suspend implementation of the Samoa Agreement.   The House also resolved to investigate the agreement signed by the federal government on June 28.   The green chamber passed the resolution following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Sani Madaki, the minority whip, and 87 other lawmakers.   The agreement recently sparked controversy following reports that some lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) provisions found their way into the pact.   WHAT IS SAMOA AGREEMENT? According…

House of Reps set to hold Inaugural Legislative Open Week

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The 10th House of Representatives is set to host its inaugural Legislative Open Week from Wednesday, July 3, to Friday, July 5, 2024.   Themed “Improving Inclusion through Citizens Engagement,” this event aimed to promote an open parliament and enhance citizens’ participation, in alignment with Agenda 6 of the People’s House Legislative Agenda.   “As we commemorate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, the Legislative Open Week provides a platform for reflection and forward planning.   Dignitaries expected include: – Special Guest of Honour: H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,…