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  • #EndSARS: Gbajabiamila commends Buhari, IGP for dissolving SARS

    #EndSARS: Gbajabiamila commends Buhari, IGP for dissolving SARS

    …says House will go on with police reforms 

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the call by Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
    Gbajabiamila said in a statement by his spokesman, Lanre Lasisi, that the dissolution of SARS was a necessary response by the government to the outcry arising from multiple documented excesses of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) across the country.
    Gbajabiamila also commended Nigerians, particularly the millions of young people at home and abroad, who saw a wrong and sought to make it right, who saw injustice and acted to put an end to it.
    The dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), and the broader, ongoing reforms of the police that will follow, are a testament to the passion and resilience of a generation of Nigerians who determined not to accept or tolerate injustice in whatever form it takes.
    The Speaker called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar Adamu to take practical steps to support and enforce this policy pronouncement. 
    He said: “These steps are necessary to assure the Nigerian people that the announced dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) is sincere and well-intentioned, and not merely meant to quell the ongoing protests across the country.
    “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) must also act to identify and punish those operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) involved in the most severe cases of abuse of rights, brutality and murder of Nigerian citizens.”
    Gbajabiamila noted with displeasure the police’s manhandling of the some protesters, who came out in numbers to protest peacefully.
    The Speaker wishes to assure all Nigerians that the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) will not preclude the ongoing efforts by the House of Representatives to effect reforms of the police through legislation.
    “There is still a pressing need to have an independent system for monitoring police actions and holding police officers to proper account for failures to follow the law and the police code. The House will continue its work to legislate lasting solutions to the problems of policing in Nigeria.”
    In support of these efforts, the House will this week meet with the national leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and select civil society organizations to begin joint efforts at developing a legislative proposal.
    “Whatever legislation emerges from this collaboration will be presented to the House within the 30-day timeline announced by Speaker Gbajabiamila at the special session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday 7th October 2020.”
    The House had on Wednesday rose against brutality of SARS officers, passing some vital resolutions on the matter and demanded the IGP to take decisive action against the brutality and human rights violation by SARS officers and report the said action to the Green Chamber within three weeks.
    The lawmakers also requested the police chief to produce a comprehensive record of disciplinary and/or judicial action taken against the officers accused of abuse of power in the past five years.
    Equally rising from the resolutions, the House asked the IGP to produce an immediate plan for identifying and compensating the victims of the brutality and abuses.
    With regards to reforming the police, the House resolved to take immediate steps to amend existing laws and the the 1999 Constitution to excise Section 215 (5) and replace it with provisions that ensure judicial review of police actions are enshrined and protected by the constitution.
    Furthermore, the House resolved to establish a framework for holding individual members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) accountable for their conduct in the course of performing their lawful duties, including criminal and civil liabilities.
    It was equally resolved that the Nigeria Police Force would be allowed to bear civil liability for failures in their conduct and operational procedures that lead to violations of citizens’ rights.

  • Gbajabiamila mourns The Nation’s Assistant Editor, Leke Salaudeen

    Gbajabiamila mourns The Nation's Assistant Editor, Leke Salaudeen • Today News Africa

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the death of Alhaji Leke Salaudeen, an Assistant Editor on the politics desk of The Nation newspapers, as shocking and sad.
    Gbajabiamila said Salaudeen, who died on Tuesday at the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos, was a consummate journalist, who was dedicated to his job as a thoroughbred professional. 
    ”Whenever he is assigned to cover any of our official events in Lagos he conducts the assignment with utmost sense of duty. Alhaji Salaudeen is a man of good character and values during his lifetime. 
    The Speaker said though Salaudeen would be missed, his family, friends,The Nation newspapers and the NUJ should be consoled that he contributed his modest quota to the development of the Nigerian society and humanity in general.
    He prayed for the repose of the soul of Salaudeen.
    “May God forgive him of his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus. May He also grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen, ” the Speaker prayed.

  • Debt Cancellation: Gbajabiamila gets IPU President’s support for Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments

    Debt Cancellation: Gbajabiamila gets IPU President’s support for Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments


    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has received the support of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the drive for debt cancellation for African countries as advocated for by the new body, the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP).
    Gbajabiamila, who has been at the forefront of the formation of CoSAP, told the President of IPU, Ms Gabriela Cuevas Barron, during a zoom meeting in Abuja on Friday that the conference was formed to enhance parliamentary collaboration in advancing the growth, stability and development of the continent. 
    He sought the support of the IPU for CoSAP’s quest for debt cancellation for African countries, saying that the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on African economies, demands debt cancellation. According to him, It is inhumane to be forced to pick between servicing foreign debt and saving lives locally. 
    He said the debt burden on African countries would not allow most of the affected nations to thrive in the aftermath of the pandemic.
    “Our main focus in the meantime is calling for debt cancellation,” Gbajabiamila told the IPU President. 
    “We decided to introduce this group to you so that you would join forces with us for the call for debt cancellation for African countries.
    “We cannot do this alone. We need your voice, we need your experience, we need your advice.” 
    In her response, Ms Gabriella congratulated the Speaker for championing the formation of CoSAP, saying it is a welcome development.
    “I love this idea for many reasons.
    “Believe me, I share this concern, please count on me, find in me, an ally, a friend, and someone who truly understands this important challenge for developing countries.
    She said as the President of IPU, she would get in touch with relevant experts to get their advice on the issue, noting that a similar initiative is being done in Latin America.
    She used the opportunity to call for the strengthening of the  African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which she said would go a long way in creating a conducive environment for African countries.
    She also said the idea of regional workshops on issues such as climate change and gender should be given priority, to which Gbajabiamila agreed.
    While responding, he said he was glad that both CoSAP and IPU were on the same page. 
    He said the issues of AfCFTA and the regional training have been on the front burner in most African countries, including Nigeria, saying they would continue to push for both. The first CoSAP will take place in Abuja next year, in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing together all Speakers and Heads of Parliaments in Africa as well as strategic partners which include the IPU. 

  • 2021 budget estimates will receive thorough, speedy consideration – Gbajabiamila

    2021 budget estimates will receive thorough, speedy consideration – Gbajabiamila

    …says lawmakers to hold themselves to highest standards of integrity

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured that the National Assembly would give thorough and speedy consideration to the 2021 budget estimates presented by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.
    Gbajabiamila said the promise that members of the 9th Assembly made to return the country’s annual budget to the January to December cycle, which they achieved last year, remains unchanged, hence the resolve to ensure a thorough job on the budget at hand.
    In his remarks during the budget presentation, Gbajabiamila also assured that members of the National Assembly would hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity in the budget process.
    He said they would work with relevant government agencies to ensure that the budget meets the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
    “We have once again just experienced the beauty and majesty of our democracy – The Laying of the Budget proposals before the Legislature for consideration and approval.”
    “I believe I speak on behalf of the entire National Assembly, in assuring you that this proposal will receive thorough and speedy consideration.
    “We will collaborate with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Executive to deliver a budget that meets the needs and matches the ambitions of the Nigerian people.
    “And we will hold ourselves in the Legislature to the highest standards of integrity so that our deliberations and contributions to this process are motivated only by considerations of the best interests of the Nigerian people.”
    He said: “When just over a year ago, we gathered in this chamber to receive the budget proposal and begin the appropriation process, we made specific commitments to the Nigerian people. We promised that we would pass the budget promptly, free of the rancour that had bedevilled the process in time past. We delivered on that promise.
    “I thank my colleagues in the National Assembly for the dedication and commitment they showed last year during the appropriation process.
    “Senators and members of the House of Representatives toiled night and day, sometimes through the night and into the wee hours of the morning, to ensure that we achieved our commitment to return to the January to December budget cycle as envisaged by the constitution.
    “I do not doubt that we will exhibit the same commitment to nation-building and deliver a good budget on time. We cannot afford a return to the old practices, and we must do everything in our power to avoid such an outcome.
    “We also promised to pass a budget that reflected our priorities – healthcare, education, public infrastructure and the development of an economy that is less dependent on fossil fuels and gives to all Nigerians, the ability to achieve their dreams equal to their effort and commitment.
    “We kept that promise too. We recognise that more needs to be done, and I assure all the Nigerian people that we will continue in this regard.”
    Gbajabiamila announced that “henceforth, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies who come to defend their budget proposals, will do so without their security details present.
    “We must take this course of action to prevent the unacceptable proliferation of sidearms in the hearing rooms during such engagements.
    “Additionally, the House intends to adhere to the Covid-19 social distancing protocols, and we need to be able to limit the numbers of people in these hearing rooms at any time.
    “The world changes quickly, often without notice, and always with consequences. We have learned this lesson at a high cost in the past few months, and we must ensure that the lessons learned are reflected in the budget that emerges from this appropriations process. We must make sure that we are better prepared for next time because there will be the next time.”
    He thanked the president, the Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, the Budget Office, Honourable Ministers and all those who have laboured to develop the budget proposal. 

  • Gbajabiamila suggests ways to address misunderstanding between Executive, Legislature

    Gbajabiamila suggests ways to address misunderstanding between Executive, Legislature

    The misconception of the roles of the Legislature in government by the Executive arm and the public often time is responsible for the frequent frictions between the two arms, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said.
    Gbajabiamila said though lawmakers’ attempt to adhere strictly to their legislative responsibilities often lead to friction with the Executive, the constitutional responsibility of oversight of government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) has always been a major point of disagreement between the two.
    The Speaker said to address the issue, a better understanding of the Legislature and its constitutional duties and the dissemination of legislative activities by the Nigerian media would enable Nigerians to appreciate their representatives more as well as have a full grasp of issues at stake from an informed position. 
    Gbajabiamila spoke on Monday at a 2-day dialogue session for senior members of the Executive and Legislative branches of government aimed at enhancing partnership, good governance and effective delivery of public goods and services hosted by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Aso Villa, Abuja.
    The Speaker, who led members of the House to the retreat, however, noted that as long as the nation’s system of government rests upon a partnership between the Executive and the Legislature, the most important of their functions is the obligation to check and balance each other.
    In his address titled, ‘Building effective partnership for good governance and delivery of government’s priority agenda,’ Gbajabiamila noted that for the delivery of good governance, legislative oversight must not be seen as an attempt to usurp the authority of the Executive, instead, it should be seen as good efforts to ensure that the government lives up to its obligations under the law.                 

  • Nigeria @ 60: Things will be better – Gbajabiamila…says ‘we’re the ones to save ourselves’

    Nigeria @ 60: Things will be better – Gbajabiamila…says ‘we’re the ones to save ourselves’

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Nigerians for witnessing the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary. 
    Gbajabiamila said Nigeria has come a long way and has overcome many challenges in the past 60 years, noting that “things are going to get better.”
    In a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary, the Speaker eulogised and paid glowing tributes to Nigeria’s heroes, who made sacrifices for the country to become what it is today.
    Amidst myriad of challenges, Gbajabiamila said Nigerians are the ones that will save the country and help her to attain lofty heights.
    “We all love our country Nigeria. Yet the truth is that our country has not always lived up to our expectations, and sometimes, it is hard not to be overcome by despair about the fact of where we are and the perils on the horizon. I want you to know that things are going to get better.
    “I hold in my heart the abiding truth that there is nothing wrong with our country that cannot be fixed by what is right about our country – and there is nothing more righteous about Nigeria than its people.
    “We are the ones who will save ourselves to attain the lofty heights of our national anthem and make for our children a nation where peace and justice reign.”
    Saying that the tribulations faced in the past could have been enough to end the Nigerian project, Gbajabiamila said “Yet, here we are, still striving with determination and passion, to meet and exceed the lofty promises of our nationhood.
    “Today, on our nation’s 60th Independence Anniversary, this is what we celebrate – our indomitable spirit, our collective determination to triumph against all the odds.
    “We also celebrate our nation’s heroes; citizens of every tongue, tribe, and creed, who have stepped up to serve their communities, to help our country be better, to protect our land and keep us safe.
    “We remember the men and women of our nation’s armed forces who are engaged in the various theatres of battle, defending our territory, and protecting our way of life. We remember their families at home. And we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
    “We remember the warriors who have given their lives in service of the homeland – soldiers, doctors, and nurses – heroes all. From the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them and their sacrifice, and honour their memory to the end of all eternity.
    “We celebrate also, the ordinary heroes of our lives – parents who each day make enormous sacrifices to give their children a better life than they have had; public servants who do their duty with dedication and integrity; young people who are working hard to make our country better, using technology to design solutions that improve our lives by solving problems of healthcare access and financial inclusion, public infrastructure and access to quality education,” he said.
    The Speaker said Nigeria is on a forward march to greatness and would not turn back, no matter the obstacles encountered.

  • House to take action against MDAs failing to implement budget – Gbajabiamila

    House to take action against MDAs failing to implement budget – Gbajabiamila

    …says Nigeria Police need further reform…assures of Reps’ readiness to keep contract with Nigerians
    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would not hesitate to take action against government agencies that fail to implement the budget as is expected of them.
    Gbajabiamila bemoaned a situation where Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government would fail to implement aspects of budget for which funds have been allocated and released.
    Addressing his colleagues in a welcome speech at the resumption of plenary after the lawmakers’ annual recess, the Speaker also said members of the House would ensure that they keep their contract with Nigerians.
    “Early in the life of the 9th House of Representatives, we promised that we would return to a regular budget cycle, running from January through to December. We kept that promise in our first year and set a standard from which we must not deviate.
    “However, there is an ongoing problem of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government failing to implement projects and programmes for which funds have been provided in the Budget.
    “It bears restating that the Appropriation Act is not merely a policy document or a statement of intent. It is the law of the land that binds us all. Any expenditure of public funds outside of the Appropriation Act is a crime, as is a failure to implement programmes and projects for which funds have been allocated and provided.
    “But more than that, it is a betrayal of the public trust that undermines faith in the government and frustrates good faith efforts at national development. The House will take action against those who fail in their responsibilities in this regard. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that.”
    The Speaker commended President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the Police Bill, noting, however, that more reforms are needed in the Nigeria Police through additional legislation.
    “Two weeks ago, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR signed the Police Reform Act into law. The Act is the first significant reform effort in a generation. It is the beginning and not the end of such measures. The Nigeria Police Force, as it currently operates, has too long and too often failed to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.
    “In many parts of our country, people are more afraid of encounters with the police than they are of criminals. That’s not right, and we can no longer stand for it.
    “There will be, in this 9th House of Representatives, further legislation to improve police performance across the board and to introduce mechanisms for individual and collective accountability in the Nigeria Police Force. Our objective is nothing short of a total overhaul of the culture and practice of policing in Nigeria.”
    Gbajabiamila also disclosed that the House has commenced work on the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill so that in the shortest possible time, we can finalise and pass legislation that ensures once and for all that the resources we need to protect the homeland are never at the mercy of politics or changes in policy or personnel.”
    On the Petroleum Industry Bill transmitted to the National Assembly by the president, the Speaker assured that this time around, the House would succeed in passing the Bill for it to get the president’s assent.
    “This is not the first time that we have initiated the Petroleum Industry Bill or similar efforts at broad oil and gas sector reform in the National Assembly. I assure all Nigerians that we in the 9th House of Representatives fully intend to succeed this time around.
    “However, I must appeal to stakeholders in the public and private sector, to the media, to the host communities and all who wish our country well to support this process. Let us reject cynicism and resist all attempts to frustrate this reform effort in service of the narrow interests of any particular group. Let us put Nigeria first so that history may judge us kindly.”
    To ensure that the House passes Bills and motions that are in line with its contract with Nigerians, the Speaker announced the setting up of an ad-hoc committee headed by Rep. Henry Nwawuba to guide the implementation of its Legislative Agenda across the Committees and other institutions of the House.
    Gbajabiamila reminded his colleagues that the success or failure of the House would not be the result of any single individual but a collective one, calling on them to rededicate themselves to their duties and responsibilities.

  • Labour Strike: Gbajabiamila Calls for More Time to Negotiate with Executive on Labour Demands

    Labour Strike: Gbajabiamila Calls for More Time to Negotiate with Executive on Labour Demands

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Sunday implored the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to give room for enough time for negotiations with the executive arm of government over the proposed industrial action for commencement on Monday.
    This is as the the Speaker later met with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, to deliberate on the outcome of his meeting with the labour leaders.
    The labour unions had threatened to embark on industrial action from Monday if their demands for the reversal of the increase in electricity tariff and Premium Motor Split (PMS) were not met.
    Gbajabiamila, while meeting with the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, in his office on Sunday, expressed concern over the consequences of a shutdown of the nation’s socio-economic activities on Nigerians, while disclosing his intentions to interface with the executive for a possible amicable resolution of the demands of the Labour unions.
    Gbajabiamila said it is incumbent upon the House as elected representatives to see how they can intervene and perhaps a third voice, would be able to broker some kind of amicable solution to the ongoing impasse while citing instances where the House had successfully intervened in such matters before now.
    He said: “In good conscience, we are on the same page, or most of the time, we’re on the same page, and you know, that we, the leadership of the House of Representatives are on the same page with you.
    “But what is the consequence, and that’s the bigger picture of going on strike. When we have a complete government shutdown, the people we seek to protect, invariably end up holding the short end of the stick.
    “So it ends up defeating the purpose. You know, sometimes, no matter how long negotiations or talks last, sometimes at the end of the day, it may be the better route to take.
    The Speaker emphasized the need for patience by the labour unions while adding that the timing of the implementation of the issues at stake by the government should be well looked into by both parties since both parties considered some of the issues at stake as inevitable.
    “The budget is coming to the National Assembly. Some policies that are being considered and that will make sure to cushion the effect of this includes the provision of food items, distribution of grains, reduction on taxes on minimum wage, payment of some special allowances from October to January 2021, involvement in the ownership of housing programs through household and mortgage outlets by the NLC and TUC members, and special policy of government vehicles autogas, which is an alternative to PMS for public establishments.
    “I think these policies and more will go a long way and this can be provided in the budget but it is a couple of weeks away or less. So this is an appeal”.
    “I think we can achieve a lot more by being patient because they say when two giants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. We don’t want that to happen here. We all have children, we have wards, we have people who work with us, we have family, and we have friends who suffer the consequences of this”.
    After the meeting, Wabba said the outcome of the interface with the executive as promised by the Speaker would determine the next line of action of the Labour unions.
    He said: “We told the Speaker how the discussion with the Federal government went and how the meeting was adjourned, so, he has also promised to try and intervene at his own level to see to it that we don’t inflict more pains on Nigerians.
    “In the course of the discussion, we had also realized that the House of Representatives has actually done a lot on these issues, including recommendations to the government which we have shared mutually
    “But the bottom line is that we want this burden that has now been shifted to Nigerians as consumers is also lifted so that we can have a decent life”.
    On the strike, he said, “If the issues are not addressed, we have given notice and that notice will certainly expire by tomorrow (Monday) and all the actions we have pronounced will take effect”.
    The Speaker immediately left for the State House where he met with Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo over the issues.
    Present at the meeting were Deputy House Leader, Rep. Peter Akpatason; Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, Rep. Mohammed Ali Wudil and the Chairman, House Committee on Power, Rep. Magaji Da’u Aliyu.

  • Speaker Gbajabiamila lauds Sanwo-Olu over 377 Road Projects, N5bn COVID 19 support capital for Private Schools

    Speaker Gbajabiamila lauds Sanwo-Olu over 377 Road Projects, N5bn COVID 19 support capital for Private Schools

    The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, for flagging off 377 roads and power projects across the various wards in the state.
    Gbajabiamila also lauded Sanwo-Olu’s launching of N5 billion post-coronavirus recovery support capital for the education sector to support low-cost private schools in the state.
    The Speaker said such people-oriented projects and initiatives must be commended and supported by all Lagosians.
    He said the 377 projects would bring more dividends of democracy closer to the people, which is one of the goals of coming to power.
    Gbajabiamila noted that the Governor’s action has once again proven that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government at both the federal and state levels was ready to impact positively on the lives of the people.
    He said when completed, the 377 projects, the first of its kind in the state, would make Lagos go further ahead of its peers nationwide.
    On the N5bn support capital, the Speaker said Governor Sanwo-Olu has shown that he has the interest of those in the education sector, both in government and in the private sector, at heart.
    Gbajabiamila said the programmes embarked on by the government of Lagos State since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic give up of brighter days ahead. 
    He called on the Governor to ensure the implementation supervision of these initiatives for the betterment of the intended beneficiaries.

  • Reps ready for e-parliament, says Gbajabiamila

    Reps ready for e-parliament, says Gbajabiamila

    The House of Representatives is set for electronic conduct of its legislative activities on the floor of the chamber when it reconvene on Tuesday, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said on Friday.
    Gbajabiamila, who assured that the e-parliament promised by the 9th House on its inauguration in June last year would commence on resumption from annual vacation, expressed satisfaction that it was a promise fulfilled.
    While on an inspection of the newly installed digital system accompanied by journalists, the Speaker regretted that over time, legislative activities were often hindered by obsolete public address system.
    Noting that the new system would enhance the capacity and capability of lawmakers in carrying out their constitutional duties on the floor, Gbajabiamila emphasized that the successful execution of the project was only possible through sheer persistence, hard work and total commitment.
    He said: “This is one of the things we promised to do in the 9th Assembly. I’m glad we’ve been able to deliver that within a year.
    “This is not commissioning, this is an inspection, but I believe in the next 24 to 48 hours, everything would be up and running
    “So far so good, we are very excited, very happy that we’ve gone this far.
    “The system was put together by the leadership and the House through a lot of efforts with well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies, particularly a gentleman who took this as part of his Corporate Social Responsibility, Wale Ajisebutu of 21st Century Technologies.
    “We are happy, you find this anywhere in the world, in the most advanced democracies.
    “We promised e-voting, seamless, the chamber is now more or less paperless, all the documents you need for legislative business are uploaded, we have the Constitution, House Rules, Code of Conduct, Legislative Agenda, Order Papers on daily basis, Motions, everything is uploaded for the benefit of all members to follow discussions.
    “The system is very advanced, it has the capacity for members to research on the spot, on the floor. If there’s an issue that comes up on the floor, there’s a search engine that is dedicated only for that purpose and you can quickly research for whatever information or reference that you were trying to research on.
    “This also is connected to our registration process, so, we have e-attendance. Rather than signing in manually, now, you can use your thumb and your bio is captured and your attendance is captured when you come in”.
    On the audio system of the new platform, Gbajabiamila said each system on each seat has its speaker, that would be deactivated to enable a louder and sharper sound system that has been connected to the surround system.
    “This has the capacity for members to bring in and use their own earplugs, just like we see in most legislative houses.
    “Another feature is when we have foreign guests, who do not speak English, our lingua franca, we have the capacity on each unit to plug in and it will translate automatically to whatever language the foreign guest speaks so that he can follow discussions on the floor.
    “We are excited that we have this going on, we’ve been able to tick that box.
    “It is one of the promises and one of the things we were determined to do and we’ve been able to do,” Gbajabiamila noted.
    The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy House Leader, Peter Akpatason, Spokesman of the House, Benjamin Kalu, Chairman Committee on House Services, Wale Raji and a host of other lawmakers.