NEWS
PMB Presides Over FEC Meeting, On Way to Rwanda
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over this week’s Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja but would fly thereafter to Rwanda for a meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government.
Other top government officials in attendance at the FEC include Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo; Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Others are Finance, Dr. Zainab Ahmed; Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi; Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello; State for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mariam Katagum, State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, amongst others.
It was gathered that after the meeting, the President will depart Abuja for Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, scheduled from June 20 to 26, 2022.
A statement from President Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, has it that the President will join other leaders in discussions focused on the progress and prosperity of the more than two billion people living in the 54 independent countries in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific that make up the Commonwealth.
Adesina, in the statement titled ‘President Buhari to attend CHOGM 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda,’ noted that Buhari would attend the official opening ceremony on June 24, followed by high-level meetings of Heads of State and Government on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 June.
Part of the statement read, “The theme for CHOGM 2022 is ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming,’ and the Heads of Government are expected to reaffirm their commitment to upholding the Commonwealth Charter, which focuses on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, as well as economic opportunities and sustainable development.
“The leaders are expected to consider a range of topical issues including post COVID-19 economic recovery, debt sustainability, climate change, poverty reduction, youth entrepreneurship and employment, trade and food security.
“Prior to this, the Nigerian delegation drawn from the public, private and youth organisations participated in four forums covering youth, women, business and civil society; and will engage in ministerial meetings and several side events.”
The House of Representatives has taken decisive action in response to the widespread shortage of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, by summoning the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
This move follows a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Shehu Ajilo, the representative for Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
While President Bola Tinubu currently holds the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, and Heineken Lokpobiri serves as Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), the specific minister summoned was not disclosed by the lawmakers.
Lawmakers anticipate receiving a briefing from the Minister regarding the fuel crisis, along with proposed measures to tackle the issue effectively.
Details later.. . .. . .
A tumultuous scene unfolded during the Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday, marked by a heated altercation among senators over seating arrangements in the recently refurbished chamber.
Commencing around 11 am, the plenary commenced with the customary procession, followed by Senate President GodsWill Akpabio’s announcements, including recognition of lawmakers whose birthdays occurred during the recess.
Tensions escalated when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) engaged in a vocal exchange with Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), with finger-pointing gestures exchanged between the two.
Subsequently, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined Yau in confronting Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) regarding the seating arrangements.
Reports indicate that the dispute stemmed from discontent among senior senators regarding their seating positions, particularly those allocated seats in the front row on the far right side of the aisle.
In an attempt to restore order, the Senate President called for senators to address their grievances individually, yet Yau refused to comply, prolonging the tumultuous session for approximately 20 minutes.
Following the Senate President’s address, the Senate leader proposed a resolution to convene a closed-door session, which was subsequently approved.
At approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate transitioned into an executive session.
The Senate had adjourned plenary on March 20 until April 16, with resumption postponed twice to accommodate the completion of renovations on the chamber, which had been ongoing since 2022.
The resumption of Senate proceedings on Tuesday was marked by a heated confrontation as senators engaged in a row over seating arrangements.
The session, which began at 11 am, saw Senate President GodsWill Akpabio kick off with routine announcements, including recognition of birthdays celebrated by lawmakers during the break.
However, the atmosphere turned tense when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice at Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), sparking a fiery exchange.
Joining Yau, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) directed shouts at Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who was overseeing seating arrangements.
Ranking Senators reportedly expressed frustration over their seating assignments in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.
Despite Senate President’s suggestion for them to approach the chair individually, Senator Yau declined.
The tumultuous session continued for approximately 20 minutes as senators exchanged heated remarks.
Following the Senate President’s welcome-back address, the Senate leader proposed transitioning to a closed-door session.
Subsequently, at approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate convened for an executive session.
Plenary, which was initially adjourned on March 20 until April 16, was postponed twice to accommodate the ongoing renovations of the chamber since 2022.
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