Tag Archives: Lawmaker

Federal lawmaker Nse Ekpenyong arraigned for certificate forgery

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A member of the House of Representatives, Nse Ekpenyong, was on Thursday arraigned at the Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for alleged forgery of a polytechnic diploma.

Mr. Ekpenyong represents the Oron Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, which arraigned the federal lawmaker on nine count charges, accused him of forging a national diploma certificate of the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State.

“That you Nse Bassey Ekpenyong on or about 22 November 2012, at Uyo, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did make a document to wit: Abia State Polytechnic National Diploma Certificate in Business Administration with No. 001181 dated 22nd November, 2012 with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) (C) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M 17 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 and punishable under section 1 (2) of the same Act,” says one of the charges preferred against the lawmaker.

Mr. Ekpenyong pleaded not guilty to the charges. And from the accused box, he watched as his lawyer, Emmanuel Isangedoho, argued for his bail which was opposed by the EFCC.

The lawmaker wore a brown colour Niger Delta wear. He cut the image of a dejected and lonely man. He occasionally brought out a white handkerchief to wipe his face.

The presiding judge, Ijeoma Ojukwu, said the case would be treated speedily.

She granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N10 million and adjourned the case to April 12.

The EFCC was represented by Ahmedu Arogha.

The case is coming amid a controversy over the genuineness of the university certificate of a Nigerian senator, Dino Melaye.

Mr. Melaye, a former member of the House of Representatives, from Kogi State, was accused of falsely claiming to have graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

On Tuesday, ABU vice chancellor told the Senate Mr. Melaye graduated from the school with a third class bachelors in geography.

A Senate committee cleared Mr. Melaye of wrongdoing, basing its decision on the VC’s testimony.

But the school’s position has been questioned, with some Nigerians demanding evidence beyond an oral testimony by the vice chancellor.

 

Source: Premium Times

JUST IN: Another PDP lawmaker decamps to APC

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A member of the House of Representatives from Benue State, Hassan Anthony, has defected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mr. Anthony’s defection was announced on the floor of the House at the start of Wednesday’s plenary.

The lawmaker who represents Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu constituency, cited division in the PDP as his reason for leaving.

Reacting to the defection, Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta) raised a point of order, urging the speaker to declare Mr. Hassan’s seat vacant.

“The Court of Appeal has on 17th February declared Modu Sheriff the authentic Chairman of the PDP, therefore there is no faction in the PDP,” Mr. Ossai said

But his argument did not see the light of the day as he was ruled out by the Speaker, telling him to bring a copy of the Court of Appeal judgement.

The defection of Mr. Hassan to APC has brought the number of APC representatives to 226 and that of PDP to 124.

 

Source: Premium Times

#BBNaija: Why FG should stop ‘alien’ TV show – Lawmaker

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Member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade has called on the federal government to reconsider the implications of allowing the Big Brother Naija Show on the Nigerian culture and youths.

Olulade, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, lamented that the contents of the Reality Show were completely foreign to the indigenous culture, which the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was trying to promote.

According to him, the government should swing into action through the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and ensure it stopped the airing of such programme before it further caused serious damage to the culture.

His words: “The content of Big Brother Naijashow is alien to our culture. This show is contrary to the rich cultural values we are trying to promote and bring to the front burner. It is sad that our young children including adults are made to watch such content.

“This kind of programme promotes obscenity and immorality. We must not encourage such if our hallowed cultural heritage would be preserved. We cannot prevent our inquisitive young ones from watching the obscene displays that permeate the show.

“I think the NBC should, without delay, stop this programme if this government means business in the promotion of our cultural values. The show does not add any value to our education, social and economic life,” the lawmaker said.

Olulade, also advised the Federal Government to ensure adequate censor of information being aired and sent to the public, noting that such programme as Big Brother Naija was capable of causing distractions to the Nigerian youths and affecting many families.

“I will want to urge all parents and guardians to be on their guards and guide their children and wards against the implication of allowing them to keep watching the Show. Our children should not be allowed to be corrupt because this may affect their dreamed future,” he added.

 

Source: DailyPost

Despite 3-week break, reps adjourn plenary to mourn dead lawmaker.

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The house of representatives on Tuesday postponed legislative business to Wednesday to mourn the death of a lawmaker.

The house, which resumed plenary after three weeks, adjourned to mourn Bello Sani, who represented Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency.

The death of Sani brings to three the total number of lawmakers who have died since the lower legislative chamber was inaugurated in June 2015.

Sani was a member of the Katsina state house of assembly before he was elected to house on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He was also the chairman of Mashi local government.

The lawmaker attended Mashi primary school in 1974, government day secondary school Mashi and Hassan Usman Polytechnic, Katsina in 1996. He died at the age of 51.

Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, described Bello as “humane, principled and a cosmopolitan  who interacted freely with all members.”

He died on Wednesday.

Nasarawa Lawmaker Lauds Performance Of Al-Makura.

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A member representing Akwanga west constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Peter Mbucho, has scored high the performance of governor Tanko Al-makura.

The lawmaker applauded Al-makura for an excellent performance as the third democratically elected governor of the state, adding that he has performed better than the past governors.

He made the remarks at the Red chambers in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, saying that the incumbent governor has done his best in the history of the state.

Furthermore, he commended the governor for the execution of infrastructural projects in the nooks and crannies of the state, founded in 1996.

Two other lawmakers, Oberre Kana and Tanko Tunga, also supporting the view of Mbucho, commended the state governor for presenting the 2017 budget at the appropriate time.

 

Source: Channels TV

BREAKING: Nigerian lawmaker, Bello Sani is dead.

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Speaker Yakubu Dogara on Wednesday mourned the passing of a lawmaker from Katsina State, Bello Sani.

Mr. Sani, who until his death represented Mashi/Dvisi Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, died Wednesday morning.

He was 51.

“Our late colleague was humane, principled and a cosmopolitan who interacted freely with all members,” the Speaker said in a statement while condoling with his family.

Mr. Sani is the second lawmaker to die in office within the last one year, coming months after Adewale Oluwatayo from Lagos State died in Abuja.

Abubakar Adamu, an aide to the late lawmaker, told PREMIUM TIMES his principal had suffered protracted illness for several months leading to his death.

Mr. Adamu said Mr. Bello’s illness became worse two weeks ago and he was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Kaduna.

After spending days there without much improvement, he was moved to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital on Saturday evening where he remained until his death around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. His remains were on the way to his hometown in Katsina State for burial, his aide said.

“He died this morning few minutes after 11:00 and we’re now taking his body to Katsina,” Mr. Adamu told PREMIUM TIMES by telephone Wednesday afternoon.

Mr. Bello’s death came six months after he was kidnapped along Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

Mr. Adamu said the deceased had barely returned to the country after spending weeks abroad for medical care when he was abducted.

“He was kidnapped in August 2016 which was just a few days after he returned from foreign trip to get medical attention,” Mr. Adamu said. “He had not been able to recover since then.”

Mr. Bello was first elected to the House in 2011 on the platform of Congress for Democratic Change. He switched to the All Progressives Congress in the run up to the 2015 elections and was re-elected for a second term in office.

Mr. Bello, whom Mr. Dogara described as a “hardworking, committed and patriotic legislator,” was survived by his wife and children.

 

Source: Premium Times

Controversy trails suspension of APC federal lawmaker

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Some All Progressives Congress, APC, loyalists and officials in Malumfashi and Kafur Local Government Areas of Katsina State have disassociated themselves from the purported suspension of a federal lawmaker, Babangida Ibrahim-Mahuta.

Mr. Ibrahim-Mahuta, who represents Malumfashi/Kafur Federal Constituency, was suspended by his party on Tuesday over comments he allegedly made during the just-concluded North West APC stakeholders meeting in Katsina.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that his suspension was announced by the APC Chairmen of Malumfashi and Kafur Local Government Areas.

He was also accused of abandoning his constituency and refusing to participate in party activities among others.

However, some of the party loyalists and officials faulted the decision, saying it negates the principle of fair hearing.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Kabir Tela and Surajo Ibrahim, the APC Chairmen of Dayi and Gora Wards in Malumfashi local government described the suspension as “unfortunate and undesirable.”

According to them, the lawmaker, who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, is representing the constituency well.

The duo also claimed that they were lured into signing the attendance register of the meeting which purportedly endorsed the suspension.

They also argued that the lawmaker was not allowed to defend himself of the allegations, as such he must be given an opportunity to do so, to ensure fairness.

The two ward leaders, therefore, disassociated themselves from the suspension, describing it as “selfish”.

According to them, the remarks made by the lawmaker during the stakeholders meeting on which he was suspended reflected the true feelings of loyal party members.

Also, Suleiman Bello, the APC Secretary, Karfi Ward, who spoke on behalf of ward level party secretaries, disassociated himself from the suspension.

He urged the party leadership at the state level to investigate and ensure strict compliance to the APC constitution.

Mr. Bello claimed that the suspension order violated Section 21 (3) of the party’s constitution, and was a distraction to Governor Aminu Masari’s efforts to unite the party.

Other officials including Magaji Ayaga, Ashiru Abubakar, Mansur Umar, Muntari Ado and Amina Rabi’u said the suspension would only destabilise the party and erode its progress.

However, the APC Chairmen of Malumfashi and Kafur local governments, Yahuza Adamu and Sama’ila Garba, respectively, said the suspension order was issued after complying with party’s guidelines.

They added that the suspension letter had been forwarded to the APC state secretariat through the party’s zonal office.

Responding to NAN inquiries, the APC Zonal Vice-Chairman in charge of Katsina South Senatorial District, Bala Abubakar, confirmed receipt of the letter, but declined further comment.

When contacted on the matter, the embattled lawmaker, Mr. Ibrahim-Mahuta, said that he was not consulted to respond to the issues.

 

Source: NAN

Education Sector: Cross River Lawmakers Urge For Capacity Building.

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The Cross River House of Assembly has urged owners of schools in the state to invest in teachers for proper knowledge and growth in the education sector.

Chairman, Special Committee on Private Schools, Mr Hilary Bisong, gave the advice on in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital when he led his colleagues on an over-sight function to some private schools in the metropolis, calling for the cooperation of proprietors of private schools in the state to enhance the quality training.

Addressing newsmen after the inspection, the representative of Boki II state constituency in the House noted that, some private schools that employed unspecialised teachers in most fields were charging outrageous school fees even in the face of recession.

“We are not fully satisfied with the quality of teachers in private schools, especially in the area of specialization. But on the whole, most of the teachers have acquired basic tertiary education.

“This exercise is very important because we need to carry out an urgent legislative intervention, into the quality and standard of private schools in the state.

“This over-sight function will also help us to condemn the ownership structures of the schools and any other areas that will require government’s intervention to support the standard’’

Responding, the Managing Director of Access High School, Mrs Folasade Umoden, noted that the exercise would help to correct the imbalance in private schools.

She urged lawmakers to initiate bills that would enhance the smooth operation of private schools in the state.

“The government alone cannot effectively run the educational sector. We also need the government’s support in the areas of donation of books, laboratory equipment and others because we are also complementing government’s effort’’.

The committee is expected to also visit private schools in the northern and central parts of the state, and would summit its report at the end of the exercise to the House for further actions.

Some of the Schools visited were, Access High School, Aunty Sama Nursery and Primary School, Lourdes Academy, St. Anne’s High School among others.

Onnoghen’s confirmation will test Buhari’s religious, ethnic ‘bias’ — Lawmakers

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Federal lawmakers from Cross River State have said the perception of President Muhammadu Buhari as one guided by ethno-religious considerations in making public choices may be confirmed, should he fail to seek Senate’s confirmation of Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria before his tenure as acting head of the Supreme Court expires on February 10.

The lawmakers said this in Abuja on Tuesday at a press conference convened to urge Mr. Buhari (or the acting President, Yemi Osinbajo) to forward Mr. Onnghen’s name to the Senate for confirmation before February 10 when his tenure as acting CJN expires and he will be constitutionally illegible to continue on the bench.

Mr. Onnoghen, 66, is from Cross River State. He is the first southerner to come close to getting appointed CJN, in decades.

The National Judicial Council, in exercise of its powers under Section 231(1) of the 1999 Constitution, had on October 13, 2016 recommended Mr. Onnoghen as the next CJN to President Buhari on the expiration of Mahmud Muhammed’s tenure.

But against convention, Mr. Buhari rather swore in Mr. Onnoghen as acting CJN on Thursday, November 10, 2016, an appointment which will expire on Friday, February 10.

Speaking through John Enoh, a PDP Senator, the lawmakers said already, “There is a growing sentiment in certain quarters that Justice Onnoghen’s earned elevation to the rank of CJN is held in abeyance precisely because he is either not from a particular ethnic origin preferred by powerful forces or his said to be preferred by powerful forces or his profound and at times radical pronouncement make him too principled to occupy that exalted position.”

“The President’s inaction in this instance has acted as cannon fodder for those alluding to a vast conspiracy to deny Justice Onnoghen his earned position,” the lawmakers, numbering 11, added.

As political leaders, they continued, efforts should be made to build a fair and just society, devoid of sectional cleavages; a society where hard work and integrity are rewarded and not repudiated.

The lawmakers said they were worried by the “intriguing cobweb of uncertainties” enveloping the judiciary which, as they said. is a hallowed institution, the bastion of our democracy that “should be insulated from undue influence, politics and manipulation of political predators.”

Therefore, “We call on the Presidency to act in a decisive manner to reassure Nigerians that we are all equal and that if we are able to harness our God-given talents, that we can aspire to the highest position in our nation unencumbered by primordial forces. Justice Samuel Walter Onnoghen is eminently qualified to occupy the position of Chief Justice of Nigeria,” they said.

Mr. Onnoghen’s name should be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation “without further delay”, they urged the President, asking him to act “in clear and decisive manner”.

“Any action contrary to this will convey and validate growing sentiments of vendetta,” they said.

An event of the failure of the President to forward Mr. Onnoghen’s name to the Senate without any lawful and constitutional cause, the lawmakers said, would not only threaten the indenpendece of the Judiciary but also open “floodgate of political and social insinuations and entrenched the perception of ethno-regional prejudice and politicization of the judiciary. This is most unfortunate.”

Former lawmaker, Chidi Duru arraigned for theft

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A former member of the House of Representatives, Chidi Duru, was arraigned Monday before a chief magistrate court at Tinubu, Lagos, on a four-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Mr. Duru, who represented Ahiazu-Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency between 1999 and 2003, was arraigned alongside a lawyer, Smart Iheazor.

According to the police prosecutor, both men on January 11, 2017, allegedly invaded the head office of the First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL), in the company of others still at large, with the intent to forcefully take over the management and assets of the Pension Fund Administrator.

Messrs Duru and Iheazor, who are lawyers with 28 and 30 post-Bar experience respectively, were also accused of carting away valuables from the company’s premises at 65, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos.

The charge sheet marked No. 12/02/2017read: “That you, Nze Chidi Duru ‘M’, Smart Iheazor, ‘M’ and others now at large, on the 11th day of January 2017, at No. 65 Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, in the Lagos Magistrate District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

“That you, Nze Chidi Duru ‘M’, Smart Iheazor ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District, did steal (3) three office files, (1) one HP Laptop valued at the sum of 250,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) property of First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 285 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

“That you, Nze Chidi Duru ‘M’, Smart Iheazor ‘M’ and others now at large, on the same date, and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District, did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by wilfully and unlawfully invading First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) offices with an intent to forcefully takeover the management and assets of the company and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 111(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

“That you Nze Chidi Duru ‘M’ and Smart Iheazor ‘M’ on the same time, date, and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District, with intent to defraud, did introduce yourselves as Vice Chairman/Secretary, respectively, of First Guarantee pension Limited (FGPL) and acted same in an attempt to takeover the management and assets of the company and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 378(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2011”.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Mr. Duru reportedly collapsed in police custody on Friday night.

Before his arraignment on Monday, his lawyer, Emeka Etiaba, told the court that his client was still ill having just been discharged from the hospital a few hours before attending the court proceedings.

The police prosecutor, however, objected to Mr. Etiaba’s claim, noting that the doctor at the police hospital, where Mr. Duru was
hospitalised, had certified him fit.

After listening to both counsels, Ade Adefulire, the magistrate, ordered the defendants to take their pleas.

Afterwards, Mr. Etiaba urged the court to grant the accused bail on own recognisance, noting that both were senior lawyers, and that Mr. Duru was a former member of the House of Representatives.

The defence lawyer also said their offences were bailable ones.

The prosecutor, however, objected to the bail on own recognisance, insisting that they should be given sureties as they reside in Abuja, and not Lagos.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

The matter was adjourned till March 9, 2017 for trial.

Bayelsa landslide: Lawmakers Visit Affected Community.

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A member of the House of Rep. representing Kolokuma/Opokuma and Yenagoa Federal Constituency, Hon. Douye Diri has called on the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) to help the victims affected in the landslide in Okoloba Community Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The Federal parliamentarian made the call when he visited the site to assess the extent of destruction caused by the incident.

Hon. Diri, who was accompanied on the visit by Senator Forster Ogola, the Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, called on other relevant federal agencies to take steps to mitigate the effects of the unfortunate incident, which has rendered a number of persons homeless.

The House member urged the leadership of the ecological fund, the federal Ministry of Environment to take advantage of the 2017 budget process to provide funds for erosion control and shore line protection of Okoloba and other communities that have experienced similar occurrences in the past.

He commended the State Government for the urgent steps already taken, especially with the donation of relief materials to the affected individuals and families, while also calling on all relevant federal ministries, departments and agencies to swing into action and mitigate the effects of the incident on the people.

“We have come to see the degree of destruction that affected Okoloba. We also want to commend the Bayelsa State government’s effort in sending relief materials to the people.

“As members of the National Assembly, we assure the people of Okoloba that the matter will be presented before both chambers of the House and every relevant ministry, department and agency of the federal government”.

Senator Ogola, who is also a member of the Senate community on Environment, equally added his voice to the call for relevant federal agencies, saddled with the responsibility of erosion control and shore protection to come to the aid of the community, pointing out that, a bill setting up a National Erosion Commission has passed its second reading at the Senate.

According to him, the bill, which will soon be passed into law, will give the proposed National Erosion Commission the powers to deal more swiftly with cases of erosion and landslide, which affects a whole lot of communities in Bayelsa State and elsewhere in the country.

The federal lawmakers also promised to make representations on behalf of the Okoloba community to the leaderships and members of both chambers of the National Assembly, with a view to drawing their attention to the devastating effects of the landslide.

First US Somali Lawmaker Gets ‘Islamophobic Threats’ In Taxi

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The first Somali-American lawmaker in the US has said she was subjected to “hateful” anti-Muslim threats from a taxi driver in Washington DC.

Minnesota Representative-elect Ilhan Omar said the cabbie threatened to remove her hijab during a confrontation on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old said the incident occurred just after she attended policy training at the White House.

Ms Omar, a Democrat, came to the US as a child from a refugee camp in Kenya.

She made history and national headlines last month when she defeated a Republican to gain a seat in Minnesota’s state house of representatives.

“On my way to our hotel, I got in a cab and became subjected to the most hateful, derogatory, Islamophobic, sexist taunts and threats I have ever experienced,” she wrote in a post on social media.

Ilhan Omar's Facebook post 

“The cabdriver called me ISIS [so-called Islamic State] and threatened to remove my hijab, I really wasn’t sure how this encounter would end as I attempted to rush out of his cab and retrieve my belongings.

“I am still shaken by this incident and can’t wrap my head around how bold being (sic) are becoming in displaying their hate toward Muslims.

“I pray for his humanity and for all those who harbor hate in their hearts.”

Read More: bbc

Lawmaker wants state electoral commissions scrapped.

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Sunday Shigaba, member representing Bassa constituency in Kogi State House of Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to scrap the various State Independent Electoral Commissions.

Shigaba made the call while speaking at a workshop on Budget and Accountability Training for Kogi Assembly members on Monday in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the workshop was organised by the Budget Monitoring and Accountability Group with support from ActionAid Nigeria.

The legislator urged the federal government to return the mandate to conduct Local Government Council elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission for such elections to be credible.

He said until the law ceding the conduct of council elections to the various SIEC’s was removed and the responsibility returned to INEC, “we cannot get it right at the councils’ level”.

He said that the elections being midwifed by SIECs into the councils in most states were mere appointments and not democratic elections as provided for by the constitution.

He pointed out that most of the SIEC officials were appointees of the government in power in the respective States.

“Until INEC takes over the conduct of Local Government council elections in this country, imposition of candidates and appointment of loyalists to oversee the affairs of the councils will not stop.”

Egyptian Lawmaker Ridiculed For Proposing College Virginity Tests

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An Egyptian member of parliament is facing ridicule for saying that universities should perform virginity tests on female students.

Elhamy Agina reportedly told an Egyptian newspaper on Thursday that virginity should be a prerequisite for admission to university.

He argued that it would help to end the practice of unregistered “customary” marriages that appeal to Egyptian youths who cannot afford formal weddings.“Any girl who enters university must be examined to prove she is a maiden,” Agina reportedly told the Youm 7 newspaper.

His comments sparked derision on social media.

“Didn’t I tell you the bottom is still far, and worse is to come?” rights lawyer and dissident Gamal Eid wrote on Twitter.

“We have a member of parliament obsessed with sex,” wrote liberal dissident and journalist Khaled Dawoud.

Agina told AFP on Friday his remarks had been misinterpreted and that he has decided to boycott the media.

“People have been attacking me since yesterday and they’re upset and such. I’ve decided not to deal with the media,” he said.

“I did not make a demand, I made a suggestion. There’s a big difference between a demand and a suggestion.”

He said the Youm 7 reporter had asked him about the government’s role in ending customary marriages, so he suggested the virginity tests.

“I said, well, it’s not the government’s right to ask a girl or a man whether they’ve had a customary marriage,” he said.

“But maybe, maybe… just as a suggestion that may or may not be implemented: the government could tell university hospitals to conduct drugs and virginity tests.

“And then the university can tell the student’s parents,” he added.

It was not the first time Agina has made controversial remarks.

He previously said he supported female genital mutilation, which is illegal but is still widely practised in Egypt.

Read More:

http://guardian.ng/news/egyptain-lawmaker-ridiculed-for-proposing-college-virginity-tests/

Student Activist, 23, Elected As Youngest Lawmaker In Hong Kong

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Student activist Nathan Law Kwun-chung, 23, has been elected as Hong Kong’s youngest-ever legislator, winning 50,818 votes in Sunday’s polls to win one of six seats in the Hong Kong Island geographical constituency of the Legislative Council.

Law, a co-founder of the group Demosisto, trailed only top vote-getter Regina Ip of the New People’s Party, who amassed 60,760 votes.
But even though most pre-election polls pointed to a relatively easy win for media tycoon Ricky Wong who ran as an independent, he was left on the outside looking in – falling around 2,000 votes short.

Law said he feels both happy and nervous, as he was entering “a new stage of his life” which is going to be a great challenge. He said voters showed that they trusted that he can propel the democratic movement in a new direction. Law – whose group has called for a referendum in ten years’ time to determine Hong Kong’s future – promised to initiate discussions on the topic in the council.

The remaining four seats went to candidates who picked up the torch from their colleagues. The Horace Cheung from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and the Federation of Trade Union’s Kwok Wai-keung won on the pro-government side, replacing Christopher Chung and Wong Kwok-hing.

Read More: thestandard.com

Lawmaker Donates N5m Relief Materials To Flood Victims In Sokoto

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A member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Isa Kalanjeni, on Monday donated assorted relief materials worth N5 million to flood victims in Bachaka, Gudu Local Government of Sokoto State.

Presenting the items, at Bachaka, Kalanjeni, who represents Gudu/Tangaza Federal Constituency, said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the suffering of the victims.

Kalanjeni said, ”My visit here is to personally commiserate with you in your most trying times.

“My donation is not in any way a compensation for your huge losses, as only God who destines the disaster is capable of doing that.

”You should, however, regard the unfortunate disaster as an inevitable act of God.”

The lawmaker said he had reported the incident to the House of Representatives with a view to getting relief for the victims.

He said, ”I have also written to the National Emergency Management Agency for its prompt action.’’

The District Head of Bachaka, Alhaji Aminu Abdulahi, commended the lawmaker for the gesture and promised judicious distribution of the items to the victims.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tangaza Local Government, Alhaji Madugu Ruwa-Wuri, called for prayers to prevent re-occurrence of the incident.

Ibrahim Gatari and Sambo Abdullahi, two of the beneficiaries, also commended the donor for his intervention and promised to make the proper use of the materials.

The items included 300 bags of cement, 30 bundles of roofing sheet, rubber mats, plastic buckets and kettles, among others.

Credit:

http://punchng.com/lawmaker-donates-n5m-relief-materials-flood-victims-sokoto/

Lawmaker Kidnapped In Kaduna

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A member of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Ibrahim Ismaila, was yesterday abducted in front of his residence at Abakpa area of Kaduna.
The lawmaker, who represents Tudun Wada constituency, was abducted at about 9:00 am as he came out of his house to go to his office, according to one of his aides.

Ismaila, who was accompanied to the gate by his wife as he drove out of the premises, his aide said, was accosted by some men standing outside who flagged him down as if to make some enquiries.
The police public relations officer, ASP Aliyu Usman, confirmed the incident saying investigations have commenced into the matter.
Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, who also confirmed, said he is not aware if the abductors have made contact with either the House or the lawmaker’s family.

Credit: dailytrust

SSS Blocks Lawmaker From Travelling, Confiscates His Passport

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Sunday Karim, a member of the House of Representatives from Kogi State, is currently being prevented by the State Security Service from boarding a flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the lawmaker has said.

Mr. Karim, representing Yagba East and West Federal Constituency, says he was on his way to the United States when state agents suddenly seized his passport as he tried to clear immigration.

The lawmaker said he was scheuled to travel by Air France, and that the flight was already boarding when he was blocked.

Mr. Karim, a PDP lawmaker, said his luggage had already been checked in before the incident, adding that he has “absolutely no prior notice” that the SSS was on his trail.

It is not immediately clear why Mr. Karim is being detained, but law enforcement agencies have recently focused on the activities of lawmakers in the wake of the budget padding scandal.

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We Are Elected To Pad Budget– Lawmaker

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The Chairman House of Representative Committee on Legislative Compliance, Abiodun Olasupo has insisted that ‘budget padding’ remains a constitutional responsibility of the legislative arm of government and as such the House of Representatives did not err in the current ‘budget padding’ controversy.

Olasupo, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/ Iwajowa federal constituency stated this during the inspection of some his zonal intervention projects and federal government projects within his constituency on Wednesday in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State.

?He said Sections 80 and 81 the Nigeria constitution, guarantees the lawmakers the Powers to alter the Budget Proposals?.

The lawmaker argued that budgets presented by the executive arm of government do not often reflect true federal character hence the need for ‘padding’?.”If you look at the Nigeria Constitution, what Honourable AbdulMuminin Jibrin refer to as padding is tantamount to what the constitution defines as the function of a member of House of Representative because the constitution guarantees the three major function of making law, appropriation, and over sight.

“In appropriation it is either for us to add, subtract or change and what Hon Jibrin has been trying to say is that we are changing, inserting and adding, so if that is what he calls padding then that is what the constitution expects the house of representative to do.

“In my own opinion been an active member during the budget defence, I was involved in the budgeting system of up to six ministries, I participated in FERMA, NAVY, health institutions, governmental agencies and a whole lot of them. The entire budgeting system make it possible that if you are elected as a member of national assembly and you are not ready to do what Muminin Jibrin calls padding then you are a failure, because basically the budget that is been brought to the national assembly does not reflect the principle of federal character as guaranteed by the constitution.” he said

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We are elected to pad budget – Lawmaker

Ajimobi Places N5m Bounty On Lawmaker’s Killers

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Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi yesterday placed a N5million bounty on the heads of the three gunmen responsible for the gruesome murder of a member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Gideon Aremu.

Special Adviser to the governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka in a statement in Ibadan  yesterday announced the reward for any member of the public with credible information that might lead to the arrest of the criminals.

Ajimobi appealed to members of the public in possession of any useful information to immediately contact the following telephone numbers: 0802 343 1079, 0803 653 6581, with assurances that such tips would be treated in the utmost confidence.

Aremu represented Oorelope constituency in the House of Assembly until he was murdered on July 1, by three gunmen that allegedly trailed him on motorcycle.

The governor said that he was still saddened by the incident that shattered the serenity which the state had enjoyed in the past five years and would be prepared to reward anybody with clues that would assist the police to apprehend the culprits and their sponsors.

“This is to further demonstrate the government’s commitment to the ongoing investigation of the immediate and remote causes of the murder of the parliamentarian who was allegedly gunned down in front of his home in Alakia, Ibadan.

“The governor, once again, wishes to reiterate his administration’s relentless pursuit and defence of the security of lives and properties of all citizens of Oyo State, without let or hindrance.

“The government wishes to assure such volunteers of absolute secrecy, confidentiality and protection of the law. Please, help to find those behind the murder of Hon. Gideon Aremu so that he and his family can get justice, and on time too,” he added.

Ajimobi promised members of the public that the police and other security agencies would not relent in their efforts at maintaining peace and orderliness, and assured the deceased family that a crack team of homicide detectives were already working hard to apprehend the suspects.

Credit: Leadership

Lawmaker Demands Release Of Detained Legislative Aides

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A member of Kogi State House of Assembly, Idris Ndako, has expressed concern over the continued detention of some legislative aides and called for their immediate and unconditional release from police detention.

Ndako condemned what he said was the illegal arrest and detention of four legislative aides on account of disrupting the sitting of the House members last week, adding that they were their legislative aides and were arrested at Crusher Village while waiting for their principals who resumed on Thursday.

The lawmaker told journalists in Lokoja that the workers were standing beside the cars of their principals when the police swooped on them and took them away.
He said, “That is why we keep telling the police to work with their own intelligence, and not rely on the one given to them by some people. They have been giving the police wrong information with the intention to destroy the G15.

“The security forces do not have credible information, that is why they arrested wrong people.

“Imagine, the police claimed that the four men our suspected to have come to disrupt our sitting. How can my Personal Assistant who drove me to the assembly complex turn to be a thug?

“After all, our sitting that day was peaceful. Except that the police wanted to lock us out. The police must have acted on a script.”

The Kogi State Police Command had on Thursday disclosed that it has arrested four suspected thugs at Kogi Assembly complex.

While parading the suspects at Command headquarters in Lokoja, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Yakubu Usman, said he had a distress call that thugs have invaded the House Assembly.

Usman stated that it is responsibility of the police to protect lives and property of the people of the state.

Credit: Punch

Court Fines SSS N5million For ‘Illegal’ Arrest, Detention Of Ekiti Lawmaker

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The Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti Division, on Wednesday fined the State Security Services, SSS, N5million for illegally arresting and detaining a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Afolabi Akanni, who represents Efon Constituency 1.

Mr. Akanni was whisked away on March 4 by SSS operatives who invaded the House of Assembly complex for alleged breach of security regulations. He was eventually released on March 22.

Mr. Akanni was not in court on Wednesday.

His counsel, Obafemi Adewale, told the judge, Taiwo Taiwo, his client could not be physically present because he was still receiving “post-traumatic” treatment in a hospital outside the state.

Delivering his  judgment, the judge, noted that the Respondent, SSS, had all along failed to either deny or defend the position, facts and allegations of the applicant.

He said in the eyes of the law, “there is no basis for the court to believe that all that the applicant had alleged against the DSS were not true.”

According to him, Mr. Akanni’s fundamental rights as a citizen of Nigeria, as specified by the principles of the Rule of Law and the African Charter on the Rights of individuals, had been violated by the SSS in illegally arresting and continually detaining him for 18 days.

The court also granted three out of the four reliefs sought by the applicant’s counsel, which are, “whether the applicant’s unlawful arrest and detention is justified , whether the said intimidation, torture and continued detention is not a violation of his fundamental human rights and a violation of the Rule of Law, and whether the applicant’s is not entitled to damages”.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Youths Attack Lawmaker Over Failed Promises

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The member of the All Progressives Congress representing Awe-South state constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Mr. Yahaya Rilwanu, has been attacked by some youths who alleged that he did not deliver the dividends of democracy to them.

The youths were said to be APC members from Ribi town.

It was gathered that a fight broke out between the supporters of the lawmaker and the angry youths who demanded the dividends of democracy from the lawmaker.

The crisis allegedly followed an altercation between one of the youths on the entourage of Rilwanu and one of the Ribi youths. Rilwanu, who confirmed the attack, however, said the youths were merely expressing their grievance.

He said, “What happened was not really an attack. It was one of my political rivals who want to contest in 2019 that went and induced some youths in the area to attack me.”

One of the youths on the entourage of the lawmaker sustained an injury on the head even as it took the intervention of some elders of Ribi to stop the fight from escalating.

The angry mob accused Rilwanu, who is popularly known as Equity, of not providing them with the dividends of democracy which he promised during his electioneering.

“No single borehole, school or any structure put in place by Rilwanu in any of the wards of his constituency. We regret voting him into office,” one of the youths lamented.

It was learnt that a similar attempt to attack him in Azara where he hails from was stalled by the intervention of some elders in the town.

A member of the APC from Azara, Mr. Adamu Abubakar, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said that a meeting was held between some selected elders of the community and Rilwanu – with a view to making him live up to his electoral promises.

Credit: Punch

Again, Lawmaker Calls For Introduction Of State Police

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The lawmaker representing Lagos Mainland Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Moshood Oshun, has said only the introduction of state police would help rid the country of insecurity.

 

Oshun, the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee for State, stated this while addressing his constituents at a town hall meeting where he also told the people that out of the 28 motions and resolutions passed by House of Assembly, he had sponsored or co-sponsored seven.

 

“I can proudly say that I was the one who moved the motion that resulted in the summoning of the management of the state Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, as a result of the traffic situation that surfaced in our state recently,” Oshun announced to the guests.

 

Oshun, who also reacted to the call for the beefing up of security systems in the Mainland Constituency 2 to curb robbery attacks on the residents, said he was aware that the Nigeria Police Force was challenged in various ways.

 

The lawmaker noted that the reason men of the Nigeria Police find it difficult combating crime in some instances is that officers must pass through the chain of command for instructions and order.

 

“For example, the policeman reaches to another superior who would reach out to the Divisional Police Officer, who would reach out to another superior. By the time the instruction comes to tackle the crisis, the deed must have been done,” he said.

 

While commending the Lagos State Police Command for its efforts, however, Oshun told the crowd that the police in the state are encouraged to work because the state government takes care of the law enforcement agency though the state Security Trust Fund.

 

He recalled how he lobbied to get vehicles for a police division in the constituency so that the police in the area would work effectively.

 

He also listed some of his achievements since becoming a lawmaker to include providing transformers, sinking boreholes, personally renovating the St. Francis College in the area and mediating in areas of crises.

 

Oshun appealed with the residents of the constituency, especially the youths in the area, to allow the state government develop the area because there had been cases of youths thwarting efforts to bring projects to the area.

 

Oshun recalled how he worked for a vocational training centre to be established in the constituency but because there was the challenge of land, it was moved to the Mushin area of the state.

 

He also said he lobbied the government to bring street-lighting project to the area, but that the officials were almost frustrated by youths.

 

Oshun lamented that youths no longer want to work. He recalled how he got slots at one of the state government agencies, but that some youths from the constituency told him they did not want to work in an organisation where they would wear uniforms.

 

In a short speech, Bola Lawal-Olumegbon, the Executive Secretary of Yaba Local Council Development Area, noted that the town hall meeting was a good idea that would enable the people air their challenges and support the lawmakers to carry the challenges from there.

 

Some of the community leaders at the event complained that the boreholes constructed for them by previous administrations have refused to pump water. They also pleaded with the lawmaker to pressurise the state government to fix these boreholes and some schools and roads in the area that are already becoming eyesores.

 

While pleading that some police posts in the area be converted to police divisions, some of them called for the involvement of community leaders in the implementation of future projects so as to make it easy to ward off those who would want to frustrate the project execution.

 

They also called for adequate funding of the security agencies in the state saying the police, for example, know the hide-outs of criminals, but are not adequately encouraged to confront the criminals and sack their hide-outs.

 

Reacting, Oshun, who noted that the boreholes he sank were still working, assured that the government would fix the roads and the schools, but added that this was in line with the dictates of the budget which is just an estimate of what the government is expected to spend at a period.

 

Oshun also gave out an undisclosed amount of money to a handicapped mother of a two-week old baby who attended the town hall meeting.

 

Credit : PM News

Tribunal Sacks Lawmaker, Bans Him From Politics For Life

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The National and State House of Assembly Election Tribunal for Plateau State has nullified the election of a member of the state House of Assembly representing Langtang South, Mr Vincent Bulus.

The tribunal also banned the lawmaker from contesting for any election for life.

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11 House of Assembly Election. Mr. Jackson Danladi, had filed a petition before the Tribunal challenging the victory of Bulus in the election, alleging that the lawmaker was an ex-convict.

Delivering judgment, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice O O Akeredolu, said the respondent was not qualified to contest the election having been convicted of an offence in line with Section 107(1)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

Justice Akeredolu said: “The respondent, having been convicted of an offence involving fraud and dishonesty by a court of law, was not qualified to contest the election into the Plateau State House of Assembly to represent Langtang South constituency.

“That the election and return of the first respondent as member of Plateau State House of Assembly to represent Langtang South is a nullify.”

Credit: Tribune

Kidnapped Lawmaker’s Daughter Found In Boyfriend’s Bosom

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It was like a scene in a comic movie as the supposedly kidnapped 24-year-old daughter of Hon. Edionwele, representing Esan Constituency,  Edo State, Jessica, was found right in the bosom of her boyfriend in Lugbe, an outskirt of Federal Capital Territory,  Abuja, Sunday evening by policemen from the command.

Jessica, last Wednesday was reported to have left Ibadan, Oyo State,  where she was serving, for Lagos to board an aircraft to Abuja. She was said to have landed Abuja safely but took an airport taxi that drove her away to an unknown destination.

While family and friends were terribly worried for what would have befallen the young lady, she allegedly gave her father’s telephone number to her ‘abductor’, who claimed that if the honourable wanted her daughter back alive should pay a ransom.

FCT Police was contacted  and they went in search of the ‘missing lady’. However, yesterday evening, the search yielded the desired fruit. Not only that Jessica was found,  her abductor was also arrested.

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Lawmaker, Accountant General Among Hajj Victims

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The Hajj Commission on Sunday night said 54 Nigerians had been confirmed dead. But many others are still missing.

It emerged yesterday that more high profile persons died in the stampede, with the announcement that Niger State lost its Accountant General, Alhaji Shehu Kontagora. A member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Mr. Faisal Musa, also died.

A statement by the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the president was very concerned that days after the unfortunate incident, some Nigerian families are still grappling with painful uncertainty over the fate of their relatives who travelled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

He expected the National Hajj Commission to work with the various state pilgrim boards, Islamic organizations and private travel agencies involved in hajj operations to speedily provide a confirmed and verifiable report on the status of every Nigerian pilgrim in Saudi Arabia.

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Court Unseats Another PDP Lawmaker

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The Federal High Court, sitting in Makurdi, has sacked a member of the Benue State House of Assembly, representing Oju 2 State Constituency, Mr. Mathew Ire, of the Peoples Democratic Party over illegal substitution of name.

The Presiding Judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on Wednesday ordered that Ire, who contested the PDP House of Assembly primaries on November 29, 2014 alongside the plaintiff, Agi Adigwu and Jairus Erube, the then incumbent Assembly member.

At the December party primaries, Ire, who was declared winner, scored 10 votes while Adigwu polled 11 votes and Erube got five votes. The party however handed the party flag to Ire and subsequently declared the PDP’s candidate.

He won the election and the Independently National Electoral Commission issued him a Certificate of Return. Adigwu had approached the Federal High Court to seek redress, praying the court to reverse the decision of the party concerning the outcome of the primary.

Justice Nyako ruled that it was illegal for the PDP to substite the name of the winner of the primaries and fielding Ire, who did not score the highest number of votes. Nyako ordered that the PDP Assembly member, who had been inaugurated, be removed from the seat immediately. She also directed INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ire and issue the certificate to Adigwu, who should be sworn in.

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Lawmaker Urges Colleagues To Make Sacrifice For Change

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A Lagos lawmaker, Bisi Yusuff, on Sunday urged lawmakers in the country to make sacrifice in the interest of the masses. Yusuff (APC-Alimosho 1), Lagos House of Assembly, spoke against the backdrop of the call for lawmakers to review their salaries and allowances.

The lawmaker, who spoke to the media in Lagos, advised his colleagues to ensure positive change in the living condition of Nigerians. “Anything that will bring change should be embraced by all of us; there is no change without sacrifice, this is my personal opinion. While the government is doing its best, individuals too must also think of making the economy more vibrant,” Yusuff said.

Commenting on calls for the introduction of ‘part-time’ legislature, the lawmaker said the country was not ripe enough for such exercise, adding “I adding don’t think we are ripe for part-time legislature because we are doing a lot of things.” He however, expressed confidence that the present administration would transform the country, urging Nigerians not to be in hurry.

On the activities of insurgents, Yusuff commended the President Buhari for the steps taken so far. “It seems we are too much in a hurry; the system had been bad for so many years and you want somebody to provide solutions immediately. If you plant a palm tree, it is not that very day that you will start reaping; very soon, you would see the outcome of what the president is doing.

“If the Federal Government can divert the money used for subsidy to provide security, roads, electricity and make refineries work well, the masses will be happy. Once we refine our crude oil, the pump price of petroleum will come down, jobs will be created and the welfare of people’s will be enhanced,” Yusuff said.

Credit: NAN