Reps Archives - Citybuzz News

Reps Seek Installation of Life-Saving Heart Devices in Public Buildings

March 12, 2026 by admin

The House of Representative on Thursday called for the installation of Automated External Defibrillators in government institutions, schools, religious centres and other public buildings across the country as part of measures to improve emergency medical response. The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency of Kwara State, Muktar Shagaya, during a plenary session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu. A defibrillator is a life-saving device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm in the event of cardiac arrest. Moving the motion, Shagaya expressed concern over the absence of emergency medical devices in most government workplaces despite the high volume of daily human traffic. According to him, cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of sudden and unexpected deaths worldwide and often occurs without warning, requiring immediate medical intervention within minutes to prevent fatalities. He said, “Medical science has conclusively established that Automated External Defibrillators are proven, life-saving medical devices capable of restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac emergencies. Survival rates drop drastically for every minute defibrillation is delayed.” According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies, legislative complexes, courts, schools and other public institutions across Nigeria largely lack emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators and trained first responders.” The lawmaker cited several recent incidents of sudden deaths in public offices, including the case of a female public servant, Pharmacist Bilkisu, who reportedly slumped and died while addressing colleagues in her office on January 5, 2026. He said, “The House recall that on June 24, 2024, a senior official of the Nigerian Customs Service, Andrew Essien, slumped and died within the National Assembly Complex while on official duty. “The House also recalls the painful incident of December 11, 2025, when a sitting Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, collapsed during a public engagement and subsequently died in the course of service to the nation.” Shagaya noted that the deaths occurred in government environments where immediate access to Automated External Defibrillators could have provided timely life-saving interventions. He also pointed out that in countries such as the United States, Canada and the United Arab Emirates, the installation of defibrillators in public buildings is mandatory as part of basic public safety requirements. Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure the immediate installation of Automated External Defibrillators in federal government institutions, schools, NYSC camps, religious houses and other public buildings across the federation, including the National Assembly Complex. Lawmakers also urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the visible placement of the devices, their regular maintenance and the training of staff in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of AEDs. The House further mandated its Committees on Health and Legislative Compliance to ensure the prompt implementation of the resolution. Health experts have long emphasised the importance of making defibrillators readily available in public places because cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and survival often depends on the speed of intervention. Studies show that the chances of survival decline sharply with every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are designed to be simple to use and can guide bystanders through the process of delivering a life-saving shock before professional medical help arrives. For this reason, many countries have made them standard safety equipment in airports, schools, sports facilities, government buildings and other crowded public spaces. Public health advocates say expanding access to such emergency medical equipment in Nigeria could significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in busy workplaces and institutions where immediate medical assistance may not always be readily available.

Reps move to recover $7bn from foreign airlines

March 3, 2026 by admin

The House of Representatives has commenced moves to recover over $7bn allegedly owed to the Federation Account by some foreign airlines operating in the country since 2023. The Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abiodun Faleke, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the flag-off of the review of the 2023–2025 revenue monitoring exercise of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State, expressed concern over the scale of indebtedness by both foreign and domestic airlines, following submissions made by FAAN’s Managing Director, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku. Kuku told the committee that out of N25.86bn owed by airline operators in 2023, the agency recovered N8.08bn, representing 31.25 per cent, leaving an outstanding balance of N17.78bn. She did not provide details of recoveries made in 2025. Documents submitted to the committee showed that out of an approved revenue target of N292.93bn for the period under review, FAAN generated N191.43bn, representing 65.35 per cent performance and a shortfall of N101.5bn. The FAAN boss explained that the debts were owed by both foreign and domestic airlines, including moribund carriers. She added that the International Air Transport Association is responsible for remitting certain revenues accruing from foreign airlines, a process she said has contributed to delays in payments. Lawmakers, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations, especially against the backdrop of Nigeria’s rising public debt and continued foreign borrowing to finance the national budget. They also questioned the accounting framework used by the agency and pointed to inconsistencies in the revenue performance figures presented. While reacting, Faleke said, “We are aware that when President Bola Tinubu took over, there was over $7bn owed in the international carriers. So, we want a full record of all your debts in 2023, 2024, and 2025. And when the call is made, those who are owing, we want to know them. The issue of passenger data is critical. Apart from this, we want to know how many airlines are actually coming to Nigeria. How many flights did you receive in 2023, 2024, and 2025? How many passengers? And I’m sure you have the manifests.” He subsequently directed the FAAN management team to reappear before the committee with a comprehensive statement of indebtedness from 2023 to 2025, including detailed manifests of foreign and domestic airlines operating within the period under review. Airlines operating in Nigeria are required to remit various statutory charges to the Federal Government through FAAN and other aviation agencies. These include landing and parking fees, passenger service charges, terminal navigation charges and other regulatory levies. Over the years, however, concerns have persisted over delayed remittances and accumulation of debts by both local and international carriers. Some domestic airlines that have ceased operations reportedly left behind significant unpaid obligations, while foreign airlines’ payments are often processed through international clearing systems coordinated by global aviation bodies. The issue of outstanding payments has gained renewed attention amid intensified revenue oversight by the House Committee on Finance. “The committee has, in recent months, embarked on a broad revenue monitoring exercise targeting government agencies with a view to improving remittances into the Federation Account and reducing reliance on borrowing. With Nigeria facing fiscal pressures and a widening budget deficit, lawmakers say plugging revenue leakages, including unpaid aviation charges, is critical to strengthening public finances and funding infrastructure development without resorting to excessive debt.

Reps Decry Breach of Federal Character Principles in Varsities

November 27, 2025 by admin

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has raised concerns over what it described as a growing disregard for federal character principles in staff recruitment and student admissions at several federal universities. The Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, made the disclosure in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Thursday. The statement followed the committee’s recent oversight visits to the University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and other federal universities in the South-West. According to Fulata, adherence to federal character must be reflected in staff recruitment and student admissions across public universities, regardless of their geographical location. “We have observed that many universities are not complying with the federal character principles in the appointment and employment of workers, even in the admission of students. “The Act establishing the Federal Character Commission is very clear on this aspect: 2.7 per cent equity share for each state of the federation, 1 per cent for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and 3 per cent for the state where the institution is located. But there is no semblance of this in these universities today,” Fulata noted. He stressed that the oversight exercise was not intended to witch-hunt anyone but was a constitutional obligation designed to promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the system. Fulata acknowledged that while universities face numerous unmet needs, available resources must be properly managed. He criticised the spending of huge sums on travel, entertainment, and other non-essential items at the expense of critical academic and infrastructural priorities. He also warned against the suppression of figures, under-reporting of internally generated revenue, misrepresentation of records, and irreconcilable financial entries. Other universities visited by the Committee included the Federal University, Oye Ekiti; the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun State; the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State; and the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry, Lagos State. The federal character principle was introduced in the late 1970s and formally entrenched in the 1999 Constitution (Section 14(3)), alongside the Federal Character Commission Act, to ensure equitable distribution of public sector jobs, fair representation of all states and ethnic groups, and prevention of dominance by any region or group. In the context of education, federal character was intended to broaden access and integrate Nigeria’s diverse population within national institutions. Despite clear guidelines, investigations over the years have shown that some universities admit disproportionately from their host states or regions, sidelining applicants from other parts of the country. Merit lists are sometimes overshadowed by internal policies that favour local candidates beyond the limits allowed by federal character rules. Catchment area policies, although legally recognised, have frequently been applied in ways that distort national spread, contributing to repeated complaints from parents, civil society groups, and lawmakers about lopsided admissions. The same trend has been observed in staff recruitment.

Reps Approve Tinubu’s $2.35bn External Loan Request

October 29, 2025 by admin

Reps Approve Tinubu’s .35bn External Loan Request

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to secure a total of $2.347bn from the international capital market to part-finance the 2025 budget deficit and refinance maturing Eurobonds. The approval followed the consideration and adoption of a report presented by the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debt Management, chaired by Hon. Abubakar Hassan Nalaraba, during plenary presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has secured substantial external financing to support government programmes and fiscal operations. Between May 2023 and May 2025, Nigeria obtained approximately $7.2bn in external loans from the World Bank, aimed at bolstering key economic reforms and development initiatives. In addition, the government received approval for a $1 billion facility from the African Development Bank, expected to be disbursed between 2024 and 2025. Further strengthening its external financing portfolio, the House of Representatives in October 2025 approved a new borrowing plan, including $1.23bn to part-finance the 2025 budget and a $500m debut Sovereign Sukuk to be issued in the international capital market. These financing initiatives form part of the administration’s broader strategy to bridge budget deficits, refinance maturing debts, and stimulate economic growth through targeted investments. According to the committee’s report, “The new borrowing plan comprises $1.23bn to fund the 2025 budget deficit and $1.12bn to refinance Nigeria’s Eurobond maturing in November 2025.” The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the Committee on Supply where the report was considered, put the request before the House at plenary. “The Committee on Supply considered the request of Mr President and made these recommendations. Do we accept these recommendations,” he asked, to which members replied in the affirmative. Adopting the recommendations of the committee, the House authorised the Federal Government to “Implement the external borrowing component of the 2025 Appropriation Act amounting to ₦1.84tn (approximately $1.23bn) at the budget exchange rate of ₦1,500 to $1.” Lawmakers also approved for the government to access the loans through Eurobond issuance, loan syndication, bridge financing facilities, or direct borrowing from international financial institutions. In addition, the House endorsed President Tinubu’s proposal to issue Nigeria’s first-ever Sovereign Sukuk bond of up to $500m in the international capital market, with or without a credit guarantee. Recall that President Tinubu, in his earlier correspondence to the National Assembly, explained that the borrowing plan was necessary to bridge the gap between projected revenue and expenditure in the 2025 fiscal year and to enable the government to meet its debt obligations as they fall due.

Reps Move to Intervene in PENGASSAN–Dangote Refinery Dispute

October 22, 2025 by admin

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to intervene in the recent face-off between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Dangote Refinery, which had disrupted petroleum product distribution nationwide. The resolution of the House followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Kano and Sokoto lawmakers, Alhassan Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki, respectively, at Tuesday’s plenary. In the motion titled, ‘We need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,’ the lawmakers drew the attention of their colleagues to the significance of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest private petroleum refinery in Africa. The face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery led to an industrial action which commenced on September 29, 2025, disrupting the operations at the $20bn refinery. It also led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over three days. The disruption worsened the petroleum supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, resulting in severe hardship for millions of Nigerians. Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, stressed the need to protect the Dangote Refinery given its strategic significance to the nation’s economy. He said, “The House is aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange. “We are aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act, which clearly states that ‘Employment in the free zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.’ “The House is concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors. “We are worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.” In his contribution, the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Ahmad Jaha, urged the House to tread carefully, adding that the call for a probe as prayed by the motion was ill-timed. Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its leadership to broker peace between the two parties in the interest of the nation. It also urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Justice to “jointly develop and implement a national framework or set of policies to safeguard private investments of strategic national importance from adversarial and unlawful union actions.” It further charged the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement and compliance with the provisions of Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act in all relevant Free Zone operations.

Reps Order Oil Firm To Pay $4m Debt Within Five Days

April 30, 2025 by admin

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee has directed OML18 Resources Limited, formerly known as Sahara Field Production Ltd., to remit $4,020,000 to the Federation Account within five days. The Committee issued the directive on Wednesday at its investigative hearing, as part of its ongoing probe into outstanding debts owed by oil companies to the Federation Account. The investigation, based on findings from the 2021 Audit Report and data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, involves 45 oil companies collectively owing $1.7bn in outstanding liabilities. A statement issued by the media unit of the committee on Wednesday evening revealed that during the session, “The NUPRC representative, Balarabe Haruna, reported that OML18 Resources owes a total of $20.23m, comprising $17. 37m in crude oil royalties and $2.86m in gas flare penalties.” Mr Haruna added that the company also owes N173.71m in gas sales revenue. Responding to the allegations, Team Lead of OML18 Resources’ Commercial Department, Mrs Olutobi Dairo, acknowledged the debt, noting that the NUPRC is the custodian of the relevant figures and confirming the accuracy of the liabilities. “I agree there are liabilities,” she said. Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam, highlighted the seriousness of the matter, saying, “The money owed to the Federation Account is significant, and Nigeria needs the money. We take it that you have confirmed the NUPRC’s claims.” The Committee resolved that 20% of the total amount, equivalent to $4.02 million, must be paid within 5 days. PAC also instructed OML18 Resources to reconcile its accounts with the asset operator within 14 days and report back to the Committee with a breakdown of the remaining liabilities. Punch

You’re To Report To N’Assembly, Reps Tell Rivers Administrator

April 15, 2025 by admin

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has reminded Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) that by the provision of the 1999 Constitution (As amended), he must report to the National Assembly in running the affairs of the oil-rich state. The Speaker gave the charge in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State. Recall that on 18 March 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, following the politicals crisis that pitched the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against the State House of Assembly. Tinubu suspended both parties for an initial period of six months and appointed Ibas to oversee the running of the state as Sole Administrator; a decision that was approved and ratified by both chambers of the federal parliament. Inaugurating the 21-man committee on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas urged members to be guided by objectivity, warning that no room exists for bias and partisanship. He said, “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd). “His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored. “The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state as prescribed by the constitution.” He recalled in the past the role played by previous assemblies, urging the panel to see their appointment as a call to service. “It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006. Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups. “In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order. When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance. Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions. “It states that ‘At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State…’ ” He continued, “This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state. “The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it. “Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny. “In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended. Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary. “Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State. You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.” The Speaker insisted, “The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity. It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria. The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.” Responding, House Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Prof Julius Ihonvbere pledged the readiness of the panel to deliver on the assignment. “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019. This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues, I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc … Read more

Reps Caucus Leadership Not Based On Appointment, LP Lawmakers Tell Abure

April 8, 2025 by admin

The Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives has laughed off the purported sack of its Chairman, Afam Ogene by the embattled National Chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure. Ogene, a member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, had while reacting to Friday’s Supreme Court judgment which removed Abure from office, pledged the readiness of the LP House of Representatives caucus to work with the party’s National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Nenadi Usman. Abure, however, announced Ogene’s sack on Monday, in what may be another feud within the party’s fold. In a statement issued by Ogene on Tuesday, on behalf of the caucus, the lawmaker elected on the platform of the Labour Party reminded Abure that it is their duty to name their leader based on personal conviction. The statement partly read, “The Labour Party legislators have emphasised that the position of a caucus Leader is not an office based on appointment; rather the leader is chosen/elected by peers based on their own conviction of his/her leadership qualities and capacity to speak on their behalf in the overall interest of the party and the people they represent. We state this in response to several inquiries from the media and other party faithful arising from developments after the Supreme Court pronouncement sacking the LP Chairman.” “On May 6, 2023, a 35-member Labour Party caucus in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives elected Hon Afam Ogene as its Leader. Ogene, a ranking member from the 7th Assembly, emerged as the Labour Party leader with 21 votes, after a keenly contested election. Although 34 members-elect of the party were present at the voting session, only 31 of them took part in the exercise, with the trio of Honourables Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Obi Aguocha and Professor Lilian Oby Orogbu abstaining, being persons who conducted the exercise. “So, it’s only the members of the caucus who overwhelmingly elected him, that have the right to remove him as leader, not “an authoritarian power thirsty individual that’s still battling, without much success, to extricate himself from the muddy waters of multiple allegations of malfeasance,” the caucus said in a statement signed by Ogene on Tuesday. He added, “If Abure’s latest ill-advised tactics is because of the stand of the caucus lauding the judgement of the Supreme court, which unequivocally declared that Abure’s tenure has long lapsed, then he is way off-mark, because that remains the majority position of LP House of Representatives members – a fact that would be reinforced on Wednesday, April 9, by the number of legislators that will attend the NEC/Stakeholders meeting convened by the Party’s National Leader, Mr Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti. “We need to let Abure know, and boldly too, that the Labour Party is a credible organisation and not a ponzi scheme … . From Ebonyi, to Plateau, Ondo, Edo (where he embarrassed the party through his undignified episodes with the police), it’s all about slush funds and compromise of the integrity of the office of a party National Chairman. Even in Anambra last week, the mention of the name Abure has continued to emit a putrid smell of financial malfeasance. “He may wish to tell Nigerians, and the world, what is at the centre of his feud with Eze Oko Splendour of Ebonyi State, Kenneth Imasuagbon in Edo, and the aspirants that took part in last weekend’s Anambra LP gubernatorial farce. It is appalling that a man who is yet to account for party finances arising from the 2023 general elections, nor leaves any penny in the party’s account – despite raising hundreds of million naira in sale of forms and other gratifications in several off-season elections – would be so engrossed in wanting to access funds belonging to the House of Representatives caucus, which only points to the depths Abure can go… “Ironically, no sane organ of the party would entrust the Supreme Court-sacked former national chairman with money, no matter how little, at least, until he is able to cleanse himself of the twin evil of allegations of forgery levied against him by former national treasurer of the LP, Oluchi Oparah. Funds belonging to the caucus are intact, and would only be deployed in a manner prescribed by members, not by the former chairman’s discretion. The Labour Party deserves a clean break from that integrity-deficient leadership history, to a future that all party faithful will be proud to associate with.” Punch

Reps Urge INEC To Restore Suppressed Constituencies In Kogi, Delta

March 19, 2025 by admin

The House of Representatives has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to restore what it called the 12 suppressed constituencies in Kogi State. This decision of the House was a sequel to the consideration and adoption on Wednesday of a motion brought to the attention of the lawmakers in plenary by the Kogi House caucus. Rallying support for the motion, the member representing Ijumu/Kabba-Bunnu Federal Constituency, Kogi State, Mr Idris Salman, said the 1999 Constitution (as amended) provides that a House of Assembly of a state shall consist of three or four times the number of seats that state has in the House of Representatives divided in a way to reflect, as far as possible, nearly equal population. He also noted that Section 114(1) provides for periodic review of state constituencies not less than 10 years and may alter such constituencies to such an extent as it may be considered durable in the light of the review. He added, “In the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections that were held on December 14, 1991, Kogi State had 32 state constituencies in which elections were duly conducted and winners declared. “Kogi State, which has nine seats in the House of Representatives, is supposed to have at least 27 or 36 House of Assembly seats as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended.” He lamented that in the last review of state constituencies, the North Central state was shortchanged. He continued, “The last review of state constituencies in Nigeria by INEC was in 1998, which resulted in the suppression of some constituencies in the Kogi State House of Assembly seats. “From 1998 to date, INEC has continued to suppress the Kogi State House of Assembly seats in constituencies such as Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Gbirra.” He argued that “The restoration of the suppressed constituencies in Kogi State will further deepen our democracy in terms of quality representation and grassroots development and promote equality.” With the adoption of the motion, the House urged INEC to restore the constituencies and charged its Committee on Electoral Matters to interface with the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, and report back within four weeks. In a related development, the House also charged INEC to urgently restore the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency of Delta State to comply with the judgment of the Federal High Court and the provisions of the Constitution. This followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by the member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Delta State, Mr Benedict Etanabene. Punch

JUST IN: Reps Propose Tax Exemption For Military Personnel

March 13, 2025 by admin

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has proposed tax exemption on the personal income of military personnel in Nigeria. The Chairman of the Committee, Abiodun Faleke, disclosed this on Thursday during the clause-by-clause consideration of the four tax bills transmitted to the parliament by President Bola Tinubu in October, 2024. Speaking at the event, Faleke said, “Mr Speaker, honourable colleagues, the committee proposed that personal income of military personnel should be exempted from tax. This is because of the critical nature of their assignment.” The proposal was unanimously endorsed. Details later…