Legislature
Senate Presidency: Senator Izunaso dismisses APC’s zoning, says he is the most competent

A senator-elect from Imo state, senator Osita Izunaso has indicated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not zone leadership position of the 10th Senate to any geo-political zone of the country.
This is coming against the backdrop that the Party recently zoned the Senate presidency to the South-South where it announced Senator Akpabio and Senator Barau Jibrin as candidates for Senate President and Deputy.
Senator Izunaso, spoke on Saturday while addressing Newsmen after a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists Abuja.
He told newsmen that He is contesting for the position of the Senate presidency in the 10th Senate to rebrand legislation in the interest of nation’s peace and development
According to him the APC is in consultation with all interested persons for leadership positions of the 10th Senate, adding that no individual has been selected by the senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration for any position in 10th National Assembly.
Senator Izunaso, who insisted that he is the most qualified to lead the 10th Senate appealed for the support and cooperation of all the senators – elect for a robust 10th Senate.
When asked about his alliance with former Governor of Zamfara State Abdulazeez Yari whether he will be the President, he said
“I am the next Senate President by the special grace of God. That does not mean that we are not talking to other people, we are talking to Abdulazeez Yari, we are consulting other people who are contesting the election, but “I can assure you that at the end of the day that I, Osita Izunasor will be the next Senate president by the grace of God.”
On whether he was not worried that the party chose Senator Akpabio as its choice for the Senate Presidency? He said,
“Don’t make the mistake, the party has not chosen anybody, when the party choses you will know. The party is calling for further and better consultations and we have just gotten an invitation that we are to meet tomorrow. We are meeting.
“No it has not been zoned, there is no zoning template. You should know better, the party merely advised.
“Haven’t you been seeing people going to visit the National chairman? What has been his position? Even when they addressed somebody as Speaker in his office you saw what happened, he said no, you are not Speaker. Aren’t you following what is going on? There is no zoning yet.”
“Of all the candidates, non has my legislative experience. I was Chief Press Secretary to a Senate President, before I was elected into House of Reps. I was elected a Senator.
“So, I have what it takes in terms of experience. We also need to rebrand the National Assembly. Since 1999, it has been having negative image.
“When you talk about our lawmakers, Nigerians talk about Constituency projects, they see it as huge money thrown to lawmakers.
“That’s not true . Such money are given to MDAS.
How do we rebrand : that’s why my campaign slogan is hope assured.
“It is one strategic arm that swears in themselves. Unlike Executive, no CJN does that. The Senate President and Speaker take oaths in presence of Clerk of National Assembly. They are truly Indepedent.”
He said his legislative agenda is built ariund national unity and integration, adding that there must be a country before politics.
Other aspects of his legislative agenda is security saying in the south east where he comes from people don’t come out on Mondays.
He said youth restiveness and unemployment are the third leg of of his legislative agenda.
He assured that the Senate under him must collaborate with the Executive adding that when legislators collaborate it should not be viewed as subordinating themselves.
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists
Comrade Chris Isiguzor commended the aspirant for associating with his first professional calling..
He said Izunasor has garnered the necessary experience and he is ready to deploy it when he becomes the Senate President.
Legislature
Senator Jibrin Echocho celebrates with Nigerians at 63

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”.
Legislature
Kalu says, China’s economic collaboration with Nigeria is yielding positive outcomes

***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”.
-
News From Kogi4 weeks ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
Appointment2 weeks ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
Politics1 week ago
Ododo/Oyibo campaign in harvest of decampees as NNPP reps candidate, Amanabo Joins APC with Supporters
-
Appointment3 weeks ago
Reps member commends Tinubu over critical appointments for Akwa Ibom people
-
News2 weeks ago
Tribunal declares Nasir Gawuna, winner of Kano governorship election, as it Sacks AbbaYusuf
-
News From Kogi4 weeks ago
Tribunal voids Kogi East senatorial election, orders rerun
-
Agriculture1 week ago
Go back to the farms, Agric minister/PROJECT 774 National cordinator tells Nigerians
-
News From Kogi4 weeks ago
Natasha is the authentic winner of Kogi Central senatorial election, Tribunal declares