Legislature
Electoral Bill: Senate President assures Nigerians of speedy resolution
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has promised Nigerians that the chamber would expedite action on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill having concluded all consultations on the President’s response.
Lawan gave the indication on Tuesday in an address delivered at the commencement of plenary to welcome Senators back from the Christmas and New Year break.
He recalled that the Senate postponed discussions on the consideration of the response of President Muhammadu Buhari on the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill in December last year.
He said this became imperative to enable the chamber consult with its counterparts in the House of Representatives and their Constituents, respectively.
According to him, the chamber would expeditiously look into the Electoral Bill having concluded all the needed consultations on the President’s response.
“Like we all know, the Senate and indeed the National Assembly worked so hard on the Bill. Having consulted, the Senate will expeditiously look into the issue”, he said.
The Senate President further assured that the upper chamber would continue to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the required support through legislative interventions to ensure that the Commission succeeds in the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
He said, “Distinguished Colleagues, Political activities leading to 2023 general elections have already started.
“This Senate should continue to provide the support that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs for successful elections across the country.”
Lawan also tasked standing committees to strategies on ways to effectively oversight Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government to ensure the thorough implementation of the 2022 budget passed by the National Assembly in December last year and signed into law by President Buhari.
“My Distinguished Colleagues, before we went on the recess, we considered and passed the Appropriation Bill on 22nd of December, 2021. That was the third consecutive time to pass the annual appropriation bill before end of year.
“The Bill was signed into law on 31st of December, 2021 by Mr President, to give the desired effect of starting the implementation of the Budget from January 2022.
“Distinguished Colleagues, I once again commend the Senate, indeed the National Assembly and the Executive arm of Government for working tirelessly to maintain the instituted January to December budget cycle.
“Distinguished Colleagues, as we all know the oversight of the implementation of the Budget is a critical function of the National Assembly.
“We must therefore strategize on effective oversight of the implementation of the 2022 Budget.
“This is going to be the last budget that would be fully implemented for 12 months in the life of the Ninth Senate. We therefore, need to supervise very closely”, Lawan said.
“Distinguished Colleagues, the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) 2021 was enacted with a view to providing better investments climate for better performance by the Oil and Gas industry.
Lawan underscored the need for the upper chamber to seriously supervise the implementation of the PIA 2021, so as to enable the country benefit from its passage.
He added that the Senate must continue to prioritize the Security and welfare of citizens as enshrined in the constitution, while urging Nigerians not to despair as a result of the security challenges confronting the nation.
On plans by the chamber to review the 1999 Constitution, he said, “Our Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has done so much work so far.
“Working with their counter parts in the House of Representatives the report of the Committee will be presented to the Senate for consideration soon.
“The Senate will consider the report and the National Assembly will communicate to the State Houses of Assembly within the first quarter of this year.”
Senator Isah Jibrin ( APC Kogi East), has rejoiced with Nigerians on the occasion of 63rd Independence anniversary of the country.
In a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Saturday, the senator urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their believe in building a strong, united and prosperous country.
“Let us be driven forward by our zeal to strengthen our diversity, culture and beliefs as we remain one nation bound in freedom.
“To my dear constituents, I want to assure you that I will continue to be your voice in the Senate, fighting for your rights and interests with integrity and dedication.
“May this Independence day anniversary bring further positive turnaround, unimaginable fortune, unity of purpose, and breakthrough for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Once again, I felicitate with all the good people of Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, and wish you all the merits of democracy”.
***boosting industrialization, creating jobs
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has indicated that China’s diplomatic and trade relationships with Nigeria, as well as the cultural exchanges between them have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.
He said that the ties between both countries has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.
Kalu spoke while delivering his goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted the Deputy Speaker to have further remarked that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households also stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China has continued to grow.
Kalu added that the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.
He said: “The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.
“The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development,
with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up
new opportunities for both nations.”
The Deputy Speaker also urged the government of the People’s Republic of China to join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve the tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage.
“I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage xenophobic tendencies”.
Legislature
Join Nigeria in fight against xenophobia at world stage, deputy Speaker, Kalu tells China
***Commends diplomatic, trade relationship between both countries
The government of the People’s Republic of China should join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage, the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu has charged.
Kalu also applauded the diplomatic and trade relationships between both countries, acknowledging that the cultural exchanges have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu qoted Kalu to have made the submissions while delivering his goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the ties between the two nations has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.
Kalu who indicated that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households also stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China has continued to grow.
According to him, the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.
He said: “The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.
“The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development,
with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up
new opportunities for both nations.
“I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender
people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage
xenophobic tendencies”.
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