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Tag: National Assembly Nigeria

  • Senator Dachungyang Reels Out Scorecard, Dismisses Moves to Undermine Plateau North Mandate

    Senator Dachungyang Reels Out Scorecard, Dismisses Moves to Undermine Plateau North Mandate

    By Israel Adamu, Jos

    Senator Dachungyang, who represents Plateau North Senatorial District, has dismissed alleged moves by unnamed political interests seeking to discredit or remove him from office, describing such efforts as politically motivated, misleading, and lacking merit.The senator made the remarks on Thursday during a press conference in Jos, Plateau State, where he addressed journalists amid growing political tension and what he described as deliberate misinformation targeting his office and performance.

    Senator Dachungyang said his decision to speak publicly was driven by the need to counter what he termed calculated disinformation and narratives aimed at confusing the public and undermining his mandate. According to him, the actions are being promoted by individuals uncomfortable with his emergence and activities since assuming office. He stressed that his election into the National Assembly comes with a responsibility to serve the people, not to be distracted by political pressure or blackmail.“ By the grace of God, I am representing the good and peace-loving people of Plateau North Senatorial District, comprising Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos East, Jos North, Jos South and Riyom,” he said.The senator explained that shortly after his inauguration, he embarked on a thank-you tour across the six local government areas to engage directly with constituents and identify priority needs. He said the consultations involved youth bodies, ethnic and tribal associations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, as well as women and youth groups.

    According to him, the engagements helped in identifying early security concerns and discouraging attempts by criminal elements to destabilise the zone.Addressing claims that he has recorded little impact in office, Senator Dachungyang clarified that he has not yet enjoyed a full budget cycle. He explained that the 2024 federal budget was passed before his inauguration, leaving him to operate mainly through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIP) and a supplementary budget.Despite these constraints, he listed several interventions across Plateau North. He said over 200 women and youths were trained in agriculture in October 2024 in Bukuru, while more than 700 constituents benefited from agricultural empowerment programmes across the district. He added that 22 constituents received brand-new special-purpose tricycles, while a Skills Acquisition Centre was completed in Riyom Local Government Area.

    According to him, several constituents also secured pensionable federal jobs.In the education sector, the senator said his interventions included payment of WAEC fees, settlement of tuition fees at the Maritime Academy, Oron, and the Aviation College, Zaria, as well as financial assistance to indigent students. He also highlighted support for sports development, including sponsorship of the 2024 Jos Cycling Competition and the National Badminton Championship hosted in Plateau State. In agriculture, he noted that annual distribution of fertilisers and farm inputs to farmers remains a priority.Senator Dachungyang said his office has also recorded interventions in healthcare and rural electrification, including transformer installations and solar streetlight projects in previously underserved communities, particularly in Riyom.

    Describing insecurity as the most pressing challenge in Plateau North, the senator said visits to affected communities were deeply disturbing and informed his contributions to calls for a National Security Summit at the National Assembly. He warned that those involved in killings or supporting violence in Plateau North must desist immediately. Responding to calls for his removal, Senator Dachungyang stressed that lawmakers do not directly execute projects, noting that constituency projects are facilitated through the executive arm of government. He assured constituents of his continued commitment to quality representation, urging residents to remain calm, united, and hopeful about the future of Plateau North.

  • South-East Legislators Urged to Champion Anioma State Creation Bill

    South-East Legislators Urged to Champion Anioma State Creation Bill

    By Anne Azuka

    South-East legislators at the National Assembly have been urged to intensify efforts toward the realization of Anioma State creation, as advocates seek to secure constitutional approval for the proposed state and its zoning to the South-East geopolitical zone.

    The call was made by Chief Cosmas Chikeobi Agada, Patron of the Ndi Na Asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organization (NNABSCO), following a recent solidarity rally in Asaba, Delta State, in support of the Anioma State creation bill.The rally, held about a week ago, drew a broad coalition of Anioma people from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial District, alongside youths, women, and traditional groups. The demonstration also recorded participation from Igbanke and other Anioma, Ika-speaking communities in Edo State, all endorsing the creation of Anioma State and its alignment with the South-East.

    Participants at the rally appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to leverage their political influence to support the passage of the bill currently before the National Assembly.Speaking in an interview with journalists, Agada, who hails from the South-East, described Anioma State creation as a historic opportunity to address long-standing grievances and restore what he termed “lost Igbo territories.” He acknowledged that the process has faced setbacks but maintained that progress remains steady. “Despite some disappointments along the way, on the average, the process is still on course,” he said. Agada commended Ohaneze Ndigbo for officially endorsing the Anioma State project, describing the support of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization as a major boost to the agitation.“

    We give kudos to Ohaneze Ndigbo for endorsing Anioma State. We are very grateful. Now, we are appealing to South-East legislators to see reasons to work for the success of the proposed Anioma State creation bill,” he stated. He urged lawmakers to rise above personal and political interests, stressing that the bill represents a collective Igbo aspiration rather than a sectional agenda. According to him, the creation of Anioma State would serve as a first step toward reintegrating Igbo communities currently located outside the South-East zone.

    Agada explained that the bill is presently at the caucus stage in the National Assembly, where internal consultations and voting by legislators are critical in determining which proposed states advance in the constitutional amendment process.“ At this stage, the votes and commitment of South-East legislators matter greatly. While governors may exert influence during the concurrence stage, the immediate responsibility lies with lawmakers from the South-East to ensure the success of this bill,” he said.He expressed confidence that with unified support from South-East legislators, the Anioma State creation bill stands a strong chance of scaling through legislative hurdles.

    Advocates insist that the creation of Anioma State would promote administrative efficiency, cultural identity, political inclusion, and equitable development for Anioma people, while strengthening the South-East’s representation within Nigeria’s federal structure.