NEWS
Senate, House To Hold Valedictory Session As 9th Assembly Concludes
According to report, the ninth National Assembly, which commenced on June 11, 2019, is set to conclude its activities this week.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to hold its valedictory session on Tuesday, while the Senate will have its own session on Wednesday.
Ahmad Lawan, the President of the Senate, is expected to adjourn the sitting at the Red Chamber indefinitely, while Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House, will bring the proceedings in the Green Chamber to a close on Thursday.
This was according to a hint provided by Gbajabiamila last week Thursday.
He said, “The Clerk (to the House, Yahaya Danzaria) has just reminded me, which we were supposed to announce today at the end of the sitting. The Clerk has just reminded me that our valedictory is for Tuesday while Senate’s is for Wednesday.
“Our valedictory session is for Tuesday and Senate’s is for Wednesday. So, I think those matters can come on Wednesday. We will adjourn the House (sine die) on Wednesday or Thursday. Leave Tuesday free and all the others can come up on Wednesday and Thursday.”
On June 13, 2023, the 10th Assembly is scheduled to be inaugurated, marking the beginning of a new term in the Nigerian legislature. During this event, a new set of presiding officers will be either adopted or elected.
In anticipation of the inauguration, various pressure groups comprising both intra and inter-party alliances have emerged within the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) announced the zoning formula for the leadership positions of the 10th National Assembly on May 8, 2023.
According to the formula, Godswill Akpabio from Akwa-Ibom in the South-South region has been chosen as the nominated candidate for the position of President of the Senate.
Jibrin Barau from Kano in the North-West region has been nominated for the position of Deputy President of the Senate.
Tajudeen Abbas from Kaduna in the North-West region has been nominated for the position of Speaker, while Benjamin Kalu from Abia in the South-East region has been nominated for the position of Deputy Speaker.
However, there are opposing voices and alternative candidates who have emerged in response to the APC’s choice.
In the Senate, there are several other aspirants vying for leadership positions which include Orji Uzor Kalu, the current Chief Whip representing Abia State; Abdulaziz Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara State; and Senator Sani Musa from Niger State.
In the House of Representatives, a group known as the G-7, consisting of aggrieved speakership aspirants, has surfaced which includes the incumbent Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase; Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House Committee on Navy; Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations; Sada Soli, Chairman of the House Committee on Water Resources; as well as Chinedu Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, and Sani Jaji.
Furthermore, on Friday, President Bola Tinubu made an appointment, selecting Femi Gbajabiamila, who was re-elected for a sixth term in the House on February 25, as his Chief of Staff which is set to take effect from June 14, enabling Gbajabiamila to continue leading the House until the conclusion of the ninth Assembly.
Additionally, Ahmad Lawan has also been re-elected to the Senate, securing his position for another term.
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
RELATED NEWS: Gov Okpebhole Suspends Revenue Collection, Orders Arrest Of Violators
The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
ALSO READ: Davido Is Our Son, Our Pride – Gov Adeleke
The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Edo: Gov Okpebholo Launches Probe Into Obaseki Administration
PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
Entertainment Made Africa Look Good Despite Bad Leaders — Davido
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
