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55 South-South members-elect endorse Abbas/Kalu for speakership
55 South-South members-elect endorse Abbas/Kalu for speakership
All 55 members-elect of the House of Representatives from the South-South geopolitical zone have endorsed Rep. Tajudeen Abbas to emerge as speaker of the 10th Assembly.
In a statement by the Abba Campaign Team on Monday, the members-elect also endorsed Rep. Benjamin Kalu as Deputy Speaker in the June 13 elections.
The statement said that the endorsement had brought the number of incoming lawmakers backing the ticket to over 290.
Addressing the candidates and their team, Rep. Unyime Idem, a member-elect from Akwa Ibom, stated that it had come to a point where the South-South caucus must key into the vision and agenda of the Abbas/Kalu ticket.
Idem, a Co-ordinator in the Abbas Campaign Team, said that the Abbas/Kalu ticket had been vigorously promoted by the Joint Task 10th Assembly Coalition.
Idem expressed gratitude to his colleagues from the South South for trusting him with the task of conveying their decision to the Joint Task.
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“I consider it a great privilege welcoming our incoming Speaker and Deputy by the grace of God. As a coordinator, it gives me pleasure to announce that we have 55 members of the South-South caucus who have penned their signatures in support of the joint ticket.
“I therefore want to assure you that we will have the whole 55 as they are going to appear in the chamber on Tuesday to give you 55 votes from the South-South geopolitical zone,” Idem said.
In response to the announcement, the co-Chairman of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, Rep. Usman Kumo (APC-Gombe), thanked Idem for his leadership so far in the course of the campaign.
According to him, “55-over-55 is something we are not surprised, given the level of support we have enjoyed from key members of the caucus.
“As I stand before you, raised by destiny and privilege to steer this ship, I have my elder brothers with me, particularly from the South-South, such as Rep. Kingsley Chinda.
“I want to say that the zone has paid its due and what is remaining now is for Abbas and Kalu to reciprocate at the end of the day.
“And I want to assure you that by the character of the incoming Speaker and his Deputy, you will not be disappointed.”
Also, Kalu expressed gratitude to the caucus for believing in the initiative to institutionalise a legislature anchored on the principles of equity and inclusiveness.
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Kalu said the campaign, which started like a ‘mustard seed’, had germinated and grown to a level of acceptance and support from members-elect across the country.
“I stand here also as part of the South and I said to myself that getting the endorsements of the South-East and South-West was not going to be complete for me without having the South-South.
“I thank God, the South-South has completed the circle by adopting us and we are so very grateful.
“I want to appreciate you for coming in your numbers and you have also invested in this project, invested money-wise even when some people did not believe in us then.
“Many notable South-South lawmakers have shown great interest and commitment with some appearing on television to shout to the world about this project and today we are witnessing the result of that effort,” Kalu said.
Kalu, the former spokesperson for the House, said speakership aspirant Abbas was hardworking, detribalised and transparent.
Kalu said that it was Abbas’ sterling qualities that inspired lawmakers, including the Speaker of the 9th Assembly, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, to lobby for him to become the next speaker.
Kalu said he and Abbas acknowledged the pivotal role colleagues from the South-South have played in bringing about the idea behind his speakership ambition.
He thanked the members-elect for their support and assured that he would not take their generousity and solidarity for granted.
55 South-South members-elect endorse Abbas/Kalu for speakership
(NAN)
News
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
News
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
News
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Just in: Ebonyi governor suspends two commissioners, Perm Sec for misconduct
Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced the immediate suspension of two commissioners with a permanent secretary among others for gross misconduct.
Those suspended are the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development Francis Ori, and the Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
The suspension followed an incident on Saturday night, when the governor reportedly visited the Ministry of Health’s premises and was said to have found six officials diverting government materials.
Others suspended for three months are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency
The suspension order was announced by the state Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, who cited alleged misconduct and dereliction of duties as the reasons for the disciplinary actions.
Okpor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a press briefing on the outcomes of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday at the New Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital.
“Following cases of gross misconduct and dereliction of duties by some government officials and matters related thereto, the Chairman of Council directed the indefinite suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development and three months suspension of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, respectively
“In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended commissioner.
Governor Nwifuru directed the suspended government officials to hand over all government properties in their possession including vehicles to the Secretary to the State Government.
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