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  • Gbajabiamila extols Oniru’s virtues at 50

    Gbajabiamila extols Oniru’s virtues at 50

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has extolled the virtues of the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abdulwasiu ‘Gbolahan Lawal, as he clocks 50 years on earth.
    Gbajabiamila said at 50, Oba Abdulwasiu has touched the lives of people, especially his subjects in Iruland, positively through his various humanitarian services.
    He said Kabiyesi Oniru exemplifies a Nigerian who is worthy of emulation, noting that the people of Iruland are lucky to have him as their Kabiyesi.
    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said he believes the Oniru has a lot to offer and wishes him more fruitful years on earth.
    “In the 50 years that Kabiyesi Oniru spent on mother earth so far, his services to humanity are legendary. The Oba’s selflessness is second to none.
    “On his 50th birthday, I wish him more wisdom, God’s protection and blessings as he pilots the affairs of the great people of Iruland,” the Speaker said.
  • Gbajabiamila condoles Kwara Governor over father’s death

    Gbajabiamila condoles Kwara Governor over father’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has condoled the governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, over the death of his father, Alhaji Ganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq.
    The Speaker, who described the late Alhaji Ganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq as a painful loss, said the late former minister in charge of railways in the First Republic, was one patriotic Nigerian.
    Gbajabiamila recalled with nostalgia how his late father and the late Alhaji Ganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq were best of friends.
    Gbajabiamila said in a statement by his spokesman Lanre Lasisi that the late Alhaji Ganiyu Folorunsho Abdulrazaq would be remembered for his contributions to the development of the country.
    While praying Almighty God to grant him a peaceful resting place, Gbajabiamila prayed for God to give Governor Abdulrazaq and other members of his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Why we updated our Legislative Agenda – Gbajabiamila

    Why we updated our Legislative Agenda – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the current realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated the House to review its Legislative Agenda launched last October and come up with an updated version.
    The Speaker said the House took into cognizance the fact that COVID-19 came with a lot of challenges that could not be addressed by the first Legislative Agenda, which was prepared long before the outbreak of the pandemic.
    In a keynote address at the retreat for the leadership and members of the House on the updated Legislative Agenda on Saturday in Abuja, tagged ‘Our Contract with Nigerians,’ the Speaker said the House would ensure it follows the objectives of the updated Legislative Agenda logically so as to achieve success.
    Gbajabiamila said though the House came up with the last Legislative Agenda a year ago, “However, in all our planning and imagining, we did not know that the world will soon change drastically, in ways we could not then conceive of, and with consequences beyond our wildest imagination.
    “Before now, the extent of our difficulties was well known to us. We have population growth that far outpaces the rate of economic growth. Insecurity has made vast swathes of our country uninhabitable for citizens and unattractive to investment.
    “We are at war, fighting insurgents in the North East who want to remake our world in the image of a medieval theocracy. Our education system is producing graduates who cannot compete in the 21st-century knowledge economy.
    “At the same time, economic and social inequity exacerbates our age-old conflicts, making cooperation and progress difficult, and often impossible.
    “As a consequence of the new realities imposed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic, the question then is, how do you achieve your ambitions in a world where the signposts of certainty have moved so far that we can barely even see them, or recognise where they used to be?
    “This is the reality from which the Nigerian people are looking to us for lasting solutions. Are we able to rise to the challenges of our times? I believe that we are. This updated Legislative Agenda, and the implementation plan which we have tagged ‘Our Contract with Nigerians’ sets out the new priorities of this 9th House of Representatives and commits us to a plan of action over the next year, and for the rest of our tenure.
    “We have called this document a contract because that is what it is: a written account of what we owe the people and how we intend to meet our obligations within the shortest possible time. These documents represent our intention to be held accountable based on what we have freely committed to achieving, and which I am confident we will realize, to the glory of God and the edification of our people.”
    Gbajabiamila said the retreat was an opportunity to empower members “with the confidence to dare and the skills to deliver.
    “I encourage all of us to use the time here today to learn from the speakers and each other, exchange ideas and develop individual roadmaps that would guide our interactions as we work together to deliver a House of Representatives that meets the highest expectations of its citizens.
    “I want you to remember today as always what our mission is: to protect those who need us, to shield them, to empower through opportunity, to decide what future we want and then to build it.
    “This is our mandate, and we will deliver because we must, because there is no alternative. I pray for God’s guidance on all our endeavours and I wish journey mercies to all those who will be travelling today and the days ahead.”
    In a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bar. Boss Mustapha, said the retreat could not have come at a better time “because our nation and indeed the entire world is facing the most important emergency of our generation in the form of COVID-19 pandemic.”
    He said the impact of the pandemic has disrupted all global systems, including governance, economy, lawmaking, food production, transportation, education and health systems to mention, which was why the legislature needed to recalibrate and reposition itself on the delivery of the expected outcomes of its contract with Nigerians “because the next three years will be very critical to our nation.”
    The SGF, who is also the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF), said the mutual relationship that currently exists between the Executive and the Legislature has made governance more result-orientated and development driven.
    “The list of examples of mutual respect and understanding range from the respect for the principle of separation of powers, constant consultations, promptness in dealing with requests from the Executive, thorough and timely passage of the budget and a host of other positives steps taken by the legislature.
    “There is no doubt that we are laying a sound foundation for future generations of Nigerians to build upon in governance, accountability and behaviour, all pointing in the direction of convergence of our determination to develop a peaceful, strong and virile nation.”
    The updated Legislative Agenda is divided into three components: immediate legislative action, intermediate legislative action and long term legislative action so that the lawmakers would have the opportunity to propose laws and take actions that would fit in the current realities.
    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • House to provide funding for fight on gender based violence, says Gbajabiamila

    House to provide funding for fight on gender based violence, says Gbajabiamila

    … assures of Reps’ readiness to concur with Senate on sexual harassment Bill

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would provide funds for the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the 2021 budget to be presented to the National Assembly in September.

    Gbajabiamila said apart from budget funds, the House would also provide all necessary support as well as partner with relevant stakeholders for the fight against GBV to succeed.

    Gbajabiamila said this in response to a request by the Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria, Ulla Elisabeth Mueller, who led a delegation of United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) Spotlight Initiative on a courtesy call in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Speaker said the issue of gender-based violence in the country has become disturbing hence the need for all stakeholders to come together to nip it in the bud.

    Gbajabiamila also assured the delegation that the House would work on the Sexual Harassment Bill forwarded to it by the Senate as soon as members return from their annual recess.

    “You talked about the Senate Bill, though we’re going on a long vacation, I can assure you that as soon as we come back, the House will work on the bill,” he said, noting that after due diligence, the Green Chamber will “speedily concur with the Senate.”

    He said: “On the issue of funding, like I said, it’s like a pandemic. There’s no way you can confront a pandemic without funding. The budget is coming in September, and once it comes, we’ll make sure adequate funding is provided for this issue.

    “On the issue of domestication of the VAPP 2015 and the Child’s Rights Act, my office has done a lot. We had a conference with the Speakers of the State Assemblies. The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers promised that they would domesticate it in Bauchi, and I’m glad to say that it has been done.

    “We’ll continue to engage with others to see that they domesticate the laws. This is something we’re championing, and we’ll continue to do that. For us in the House of Representatives, we’re giving this issue all the seriousness it deserves.”

    Gbajabiamila said the issue of gender is prominently featured in the Legislative Agenda of the House, a new version of which would be launched on Saturday.

    The Speaker commended members of the delegation for the work they have been doing, saying he hoped there would be a sustained partnership between them and the House to end gender-based violence in Nigeria.

    Earlier in her remark, the leader of the delegation, Mueller, said everybody has the responsibility to say no to gender-based violence taking place in Nigeria and work toward ending same.

    She said they would advocate for a budget line to be committed to the fight against gender-based violence, noting that the House should also ensure that the funds are released accordingly when appropriated.

    As part of their work, she said they were working on a concept to organise engagements with different stakeholders including Speakers of State Assemblies.

    While commending the Senate for passing the Sexual Harassment Bill, she called on the House to concur so that it will be assented to by the president.

    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi,
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Gbajabiamila expresses sadness over Isa Funtua’s death

    Gbajabiamila expresses sadness over Isa Funtua’s death

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has expressed sadness over the death of the former President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Malam Ismaila Isa Funtua.

    Gbajabiamila said Funtua, who was a lifetime patron of NPAN and the International Press Institute, lived a life full of service to humanity.

    The Speaker also condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari over the loss, Funtua being a long time friend of the president.

    While praying Almighty Allah to give his family, the people and Government of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, the Speaker prayed for Jannatul Firdaus to be his final abode.

    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi,
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • N40bn probe: Gbajabimila empathises with ailing NDDC boss

    N40bn probe: Gbajabimila empathises with ailing NDDC boss

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has empathised with the acting Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, following his collapse at the ongoing N40 billion probe.

    Gbajabimila, who made a surprise appearance at the venue of the hearing on Monday in Abuja, also apologised for the poor ventilation in the hall.

    The parliamentarian said that he had instructed doctors at the National Assembly to see to Pondei speedy recovery.

    He said that documents submitted by the ailing acting managing director should be used to carry out further investigations.

    The speaker, however, said that the investigation was about fact finding and that the facts must come out for the good of the Niger Delta people.

    He wished Pondei, speedy recovery and empathised with members of his family and entire NDDC family.(NAN)

  • Gbajabiamila, Finance Minister assure of early completion of NILDS complex

    Gbajabiamila, Finance Minister assure of early completion of NILDS complex

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has assured that the permanent site of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) would soon be completed and put to use.
    Gbajabiamila expressed satisfaction at the level of work on the multi-billion naira project on Friday in Abuja while on an inspection tour of the project alongside the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.
    The Finance Minister also gave her assurance that the project would not be allowed to waste due to paucity of funds.
    Expressing his delight at the level of completion of the edifice, Gbajabiamila said, “Clearly, with what I’m seeing, the facilities here are comparable to anywhere in the world, with the 95 per cent completion.
    “I’m here with the Honourable Minister, who signs the cheque to try and see to its completion. It is good for Abuja, it’s good for the institute, it’s good for Nigeria. The facilities we saw here are very impressive: the electronic library, the halls, the 1000-seater auditorium and several other facilities required for the Institute of Legislative Studies,” he said.
    On the expectation for the completion of the project, the Speaker said, “Before you know it, the project would be completed. I cannot give a date, but before you know it, the project would be completed.”
    On her part, the Finance Minister also expressed satisfaction with the level of the project, which she said was not for the use of the legislature alone but also for researchers within and outside the country.
    “What we’ve seen is very impressive. We’ll try our best to see that this project is quickly completed and put to use so that the investments that have been made here can have the impacts for which it has been designed.”
    The Director-General of the Institute, Prof  Abubakar Suleiman took the Speaker and the Minister as well as their teams on a tour around the complex.
    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • We must all rise against rape – Gbajabiamila

    We must all rise against rape – Gbajabiamila

    …says Nigerians need more education, awareness on rape
    … advocates stiffer penalties for rapists

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that both the leaders and the citizens in the country must rise against rape.

    Gbajabiamila, who described the incidence of rape in the country as a pandemic, said every stratum of the society, including the media, has a role to play in the fight against the pandemic.

    Speaking when he granted audience to a delegation of the Movement Against Rape and Sexual Violence (MARS-V) led by the wife of Kaduna State governor, Hajiya Aisha Ummi el-Rufai, at the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Speaker said the statistics on rape cases in Nigeria “is mind-boggling.”

    He said Nigerians, especially those that hold religious views on rape, need adequate education and awareness against the rape pandemic.

    “Whilst I see so many women here with you, this is a fight not just for women. I can see some few men too, but this is a fight for all. Let a subliminal message be sent that even though over 95 per cent of the victims are women, let it be that it’s we, the men, that are championing your course.

    “The statistics are very alarming on the issue of rape. You hear figures in terms of rape and gender-based violence that are mind-boggling. It’s only a deprived mind that can engage in rape. I consider the issue of rape as a pandemic. In my estimation, it’s a pandemic.

    “The issue of rape should be treated the way Corona is treated. How do we treat a pandemic? There has to be a frontal onslaught. The media has a role to play. It should be in the front line. There’s a lot of work to be done from different angles.

    “In a pandemic, you look for cure. No sane man would have sexual intercourse with a 3-month old baby. The idea alone is sickening,” Gbajabiamila said.

    The Speaker also said the Nigerian laws related to rape are weak, hence they would not deter people from engaging in the act, calling for stiffer penalties for offenders.

    “As Muslims, we should educate our people that religion is about perception, but there can only be one truth. It’s all about education and awareness. We’ll continue to push hard. We’ll bring in our scholars so that we all can be enlightened for the sake of humanity.

    “Some of our laws on rape are old and need review, like many of our laws. Some of the penalties need to be stiffer. The penalties need to deter, but they can’t deter because they’re weak. We need to look at all these things holistically.”

    Gbajabiamila also said he believed a lot of rape cases are not reported as victims feel ashamed to speak out, calling on them to always come forward and speak up as that is the only way more and more cases would be brought to public attention.

    With regards to financing, the Speaker urged the movement to make a presentation in that regard to see what can be done in the 2021 budget to be presented to the National Assembly in September.

    Earlier, Mrs El-Rufai drew the Speaker’s attention to the rising cases of rape in the country, saying it was becoming alarming and that urgent action needed to be taken.

    She said the current trend is a situation where “our women are raped to death and butchered even in churches and mosques where God is worshipped.”

    Their main reasons for visiting the Speaker, she said, were to seek his help, ask questions, seek justice and challenge the status quo, noting that statistics have shown that 717 reported rape cases and 7,170 unreported ones occurred in Nigeria within five months.

    She said while over 7,000 lives have been brutalised, with some destroyed and others terminated, perpetrators of such heinous acts are not brought to justice even as the laws appear to the lenient.

    Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila with the Wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Aisha Ummi El-Rufai who led the Movement Against Rape & Sexual Violence ( MARS-V) to a courtesy visit to the Speaker over rising rape cases in the Country at the National Assembly on 15th July, 2020.

    Pix 2

    Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila (middle), Rep. Ibrahim Hamza (right), Wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Aisha Ummi El-Rufai (2nd left), Mrs. Rahma Abdulmajid and others during a courtesy visit to the Speaker by Movement Against Rape & Sexual Violence (MARS-V) over rising rape cases in the Country at the National Assembly on 15th July,2020.

    Pix 3

    Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, Wife of the Kaduna State Governor, Aisha Ummi El-Rufai (middle) & house members in a group photography with the Movement Against Rape & Sexual Violence ( MARS-V) shortly after a courtesy visit to the Speaker over rising rape cases in the Country at the National Assembly on 15th July, 2020.

  • Gbajabiamila urges Federal Character chair not to play politics

    Gbajabiamila urges Federal Character chair not to play politics

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged the chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muheeba Farida Dankaka to be firm and not to play politics with her office.

    Gbajabiamila said though her being in office could be termed a political appointment, it was imperative for the chairman to stay off politics in all her dealings, saying it is a very “sensitive office.”

    He said the office of the chairman and the entire commission has the “imprimatur of the constitution,” hence her job is constitutional.

    Speaking when he hosted the chairman of the FCC and some of her commissioners during a courtesy call in his office on Tuesday, Gbajabiamila said the commission and other agencies of government are welcome to the house for a symbiotic relationship.

    “Let me say from the onset that this House is an open house. We don’t just talk the talk when we say it’s the people’s house; we actually work that talk, and we mean what we say.

    “This is your first visit, but we may have other engagements after this, because we need to have a symbiotic relationship between your good selves and the House of Representatives. It is only when we have that that your work can be made easier.

    “The reason why I emphasized that is because you hold a very sensitive office, in the sense that it is one of those offices that have constitutional imprimatur. You derive your powers from the constitution. It is stated there very clearly.

    “That’s why it’s important, that’s why it’s sensitive, and it’s also very delicate because it has the potential of determining how unified we are as a country, from the East, from the West, from the North and from the South.

    “We all know what federal character means, and we all know that in Nigeria today, one of the major issues is how balanced our people are represented. This is what the House of Representatives is all about.

    “Even though yours can be considered as a political appointment, but you must not play politics with this job. It’s a very important one. It’s one of those commissions that many people don’t realize its significance and its importance.

    “So, I congratulate you and the rest of the commissioners. I hope that your time in office will be one that will further unify the various tendencies in this country and will show the geographical spread of this place we call Nigeria,” Gbajabiamila said.

    Earlier, the Federal Character Commission chairman, Dankaka, said they were in the Speaker’s office to introduce themselves to him having being appointed recently.

    She assured that she and all the commissioners are committed and ready to serve in their various capacities diligently and patriotically, saying they need the support of the House to succeed.

    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi,
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Speaker’s Statement: Gbajabiamila hails Kamaru Usman for defending UFC title

    Speaker’s Statement: Gbajabiamila hails Kamaru Usman for defending UFC title

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has hailed Kamarudeen Usman for successfully defending and retaining the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight title.

    Gbajabiamila said by retaining the title when he defeated Jorge Masvidal, his rival, Kamaru has done Nigeria proud.

    In a statement by his spokesman Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Kamaru’s action has once again shown the world that Nigerians, wherever they find themselves, are capable of taking up any challenge before them.

    While wishing Kamaru the very best in his career, Gbajabiamila said he believes the young Nigerian has a lot to offer in his chosen field of sports in years to come.

    Signed:
    Lanre Lasisi,
    Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
    Federal Republic of Nigeria.