No difference between secessionist agitators and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists – Femi Gbajabiamila

 

.Be careful with IPOB, Presidency warns Yoruba Nation protesters

.As Reps move to halt incessant killings in Plateau

.Begin phased implementation of security summit report

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, said Wednesday that there was no difference between those agitating for the break up of Nigeria and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists

 

Gbajabiamila noted with concern, how some “miscreants and criminals masquerading as separationist activists have emerged to wreak havoc, take lives and commit economic sabotage against fellow Nigerians and the state.”

 

In a speech to welcome members back from their annual recess, the Speaker said the activities of such groups presented a clear and present danger in the southern part of the country.

 

He stated, “These people, in their inclination for devastating violence against fellow citizens, their appetite for the destruction of private property, their disruption of academic activities, commerce, and industry, their propensity for defiling institutions of the state, society and community, their refusal to engage in debate, or to consider the possibility of dissenting opinions and alternative viewpoints, are no different from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Given space and time, they will take our nation down the same path of destruction.

 

“We know from experience that neither appeasement nor overwhelming violence alone will work. We have been down this road before; we know what the consequences of inaction can be. We also know that we cannot afford to be reactionary in our approach. This is the time to convene our best efforts to articulate a political, economic, military and policing strategy to address both the manifestations and root causes of this emerging threat.

 

“Let nobody be under the impression that there is a political opportunity in exploiting this moment. This is a time for statesmen to act beyond the petty considerations of politics, to do the hard things and achieve greatness.

 

He said that all efforts must be made to forge a political, economic, military and policing strategy to address both the manifestations and root causes of the emerging security threats in the country.

 

He added that the House had rightly focused its “national security concerns on the machinations of extremist insurgents who seek to remake our world in the image of their discredited theocracy and bandits who maraud and terrorise whole regions for profit.

 

“Insecurity remains an overwhelming threat to all our nation’s people and a hindrance that further delays the attainment of the critical development objectives necessary to put our country on the path to peaceful prosperity.

 

“Therefore, the 9th House of Representatives will continue to take action as required to address statutory deficiencies that limit the ability of our national security apparatus to respond effectively to the myriad manifestations of insecurity in our country.”

 

He said despite the passage of several important bills by the House, some of which had been assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, the House was ready to do more as that was part of the reasons members were elected.

 

He listed some of the important bills passed by the House to include the Petroleum Industry Bill, which is already an Act of Parliament, the Electoral Act (amendment) Bill, the Companies and Allied Matters Act, the Finance Bill, the Deep Offshore & Inland Basin PSC (Amendment) Act, among others.

 

“Already, in this 9th House of Representatives, we have done a lot of what we said we would do, and we have made giant strides towards keeping the promises we made to the Nigerian people in our Legislative Agenda. Yet, with every new accomplishment, we confront the unavoidable truth that our work is not nearly done, and the cares that concern us and animate our governing efforts have not been met.

 

“But rather than be discouraged, we draw inspiration from the things we have achieved, we learn the lessons from the times we tried and failed, and we endeavour with each new day and each new effort to do better than our previous best. In this way, through our individual and joint efforts, we will ensure that in the final judgment of history, it will be said that in the time we had, we strived, and we kept the faith to the best of our abilities” , he told his colleagues.

 

He commended his colleagues for their commitment and dedication to the work of Parliament, which he said made it possible for the House to record such achievements in two years.

 

He said the National Security Summit organised by the House led to the introduction of some key bills and urged the relevant committee chairmen working on them to “act quickly and conscientiously to bring those bills to the floor as soon as is practicable.”

 

He also said the House would follow through to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the security summit submitted to President Buhari.

 

On media reports that tend to measure the performance of lawmakers based on the bills they sponsor, Gbajabiamila said: “Often, members are most effective when advocating for their constituents in the arenas of government where decisions are made. They fulfil their role in the Committees when their measured contributions help to ensure that Bills are of the highest quality and solve the intended problems.

 

“Legislators also honour their mandate when through meticulous oversight of public spending and incisive questioning of public officials, they ensure that government resources are efficiently utilised to meet governing objectives.

 

“Therefore, reducing the sum of a legislator’s contributions to the number of Bills sponsored is uninspired journalism that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative function and the role of members in ensuring that parliament delivers on its objectives to the Nigerian people. It is an unhealthy practice, and it should not be encouraged.”

 

He said the House Committee on Health Services would soon present the report on the Infectious Diseases Bill, noting that, “I sincerely hope that our debate this time will be a marked improvement from what came before.”

..Be careful with IPOB, Presidency warns Yoruba Nation protesters

 However, For Nigerian diaspora groups to use the world’s largest platform – the United Nations General Assembly – to garner attention to their causes is not unexpected.

 

It was, however shocking, to see “Yoruba Nation” advocates yesterday unequivocally throw their lot in with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

 

 

 

IPOB is a designated terrorist organisation. It has now publicly revealed a 50,000 strong paramilitary organisation.

 

 

 

It regularly murders security services and innocent civilians, with a significant uptick of violent attacks this year. And it is currently attempting to hold Nigerian states hostage with orders to stay at home under threat of terror.

 

 

 

Without doubt, Nigerians and the entire world will judge Yoruba Nation by the company it keeps.

 

 

 

No one can take seriously this organisation if it continues its IPOB association. When their allies systematically trample human rights, it raises sober questions about their claims to uphold the values of the UN.

 

 

 

The cooperation is a worrying development, once parsed with Yoruba Nation’s increasingly violent rallies in Nigeria.

 

 

 

Actions and associations speak louder than words. Yoruba Nation’s talk of human rights promotion must therefore be ignored.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government will continue its work at the UN- to fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, and international cooperation.

 

 

 

If we want to see stolen funds returned to their rightful home in Nigeria, the government must continue to campaign for and coordinate global action on asset recovery.

 

 

 

The government will remain the leading regional actor in the fight against global terror – particularly against threats emanating from the Sahel. Through the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps programme, the country also shares technical expertise with countries from the Caribbean, Africa and the Pacific.

 

 

 

At the same time, the administration is implementing a programme of environmental sustainability to combat developments which destroys Nigerian communities in vulnerable regions.

 

 

 

Only through the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development can we secure a prosperous future for Nigeria.

 

 

 

As the largest country in Africa, the government takes seriously its leadership role and will continue to strive for continental unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

 

 

 

Our expectation is therefore   for the media to work with the government to focus attention on the core issues the President, the leader of the country has on his programme.

Reps Move to Halt Incessant Killings in Plateau Cities and Communities.

 

 

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

 

The House of Representatives on Wedsnesday decried the incessant and babaric killings in Plateau State by gumen particularly in communities in Bassa, Bokkos and Jos metropolis and has mandated its Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management as well as National Emergency Management Agency NEMA to intervene with a view to giving relief materials to survivors of these attacks.

 

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon.Yusuf Adamu Gagdi (APC, Plateau) on the matter on the floor of the House at plenary.

 

 

 

Debating the motion, Gagdi noted that within the duration of House recess, a lot of ugly events bothering on the state of security of Plateau people occurred, which he deemed pertinent to call the attention of the House to take necessary proactive measures towards curbing the hydraheaded monster.

 

He further noted that it is no longer news, that there were series of attacks and reprisals that engulfed some parts of Plateau state in the recent past.

 

He said: “Raging from the unprovoked attacks on Bassa communities where scores of lives were killed with farm lands and properties worth hundreds of millions destroyed, to the killing of peaceful commuters on Rukuba road in Jos North on their way to Ondo State from Bauchi and the pocket of silent killings of University of Jos students along University community as well as the most recent killings in Yelwan Zargam community of Jos North Local Government.

 

“Aware that these barbaric killings have caused a serious breach of peace in some parts of the Jos north and Bassa Local Government Areas but we are grateful to God, and the efforts of the Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong to contain the ugly trend and avoid its escalation to other part of the State.

 

“Also aware that the said communities have no voice in this House to air their grievances, following the death of their representative, late Hon. Maitala Haruna who died on 2nd April, 2021 which was announced at House Plenary on 13th April, 2021”.

 

The formore Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembky further noted that he wrote open letter to the President on the happenings in Plateau state, with practical suggestions on how best to handle the crisis situation in the State and beyond.

 

He also said he acknowledged and appreciates the visit of National Inter-religious Council to Plateau State that was headed by the CAN Chairman and the Sultan of Sokoto and that of the Chief of Defense Staff, where they variously interfaced with stakeholders in Plateau State on these killings.

 

 

He called on the House to send a high powered delegation to Plateau to pay condolence visit to the Government of Plateau State to commiserate with the Governor on these sensless killigs.

 

Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon.Femi Gbajabiamila unanimously adopted the motion with a voice vote.

 

The House also observed a minute silence in honour of victims of the recent killings in Plateau State.

 

 

The Speaker also mandated the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency and other relevant humanitarian agencies to as matter of urgency, provide relief materials to the victims of the attacks, in order to assuage the sufferings of their survivors;

 

The House also commended the Governor of Plateau State for taking active steps that prevented the escalation of the reprisal attacks that was imminent following the killings, and the input of the security operatives in that regard;

 

 

Lastly the House mandated INEC to as a matter of urgency, conduct bye election to filled the vacant seat of Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency without further delay, so that they can also have their voice back in this Honorable House.

 

Reps to Begin Phased Implementation of Security Summit Report-Gbajabiamila

 

Jonas Ezieke, Abuja

 

Speaker of the House of Repreaentatives Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila siad the House has to commence in phases the implementation of the recommendation of the report of the Security Summit organised by the House to adress insecurity in the country.

 

 

 

The speaker in an opening remarks said the reconvening of House from two month old recess is to do the people’s business in the parliament of our beloved nation.

 

He noted that the time away from legislative business had been a time of consultation and engagement with constituents asking that he hopes that they have each used the time to rest and recuperate, reflect and prepare for the tasks that lie ahead and the hard work required to accomplish the ambitions  each of them hokd together and for our country.

 

Gbajabiamila said that the 9th House of Representatives had done a lot of what it said it would do adding that they have made giant strides towards keeping the promises they made to the Nigerian people in their Legislative Agenda.

 

He said: “Yet, with every new accomplishment, we confront the unavoidable truth that our work is not nearly done, and the cares that concern us and animate our governing efforts have not been met.

 

“But rather than be discouraged, we draw inspiration from the things we have achieved, we learn the lessons from the times we tried and failed, and we endeavour with each new day and each new effort to do better than our previous best.

 

“In this way, through our individual and joint efforts, we will ensure that in the final judgment of history, it will be said that in the time we had, we strived, and we kept the faith to the best of our abilities”.

 

The speaker recalled that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill report was laid before the House embarjed on recess.

 

According to him, for two days, members engaged in intense and impassioned debates inspired by the varied understandings of the ideal, yet motivated by shared desire to deliver for our country an electoral system that reflects the best aspirations of our people.

 

He further said that it is the the duty of the House for which there is no alternative and from which they cannot deviate.

 

“Inevitably, as is always the case, the final count of votes disappointed some. This is democracy in practice, and the democratic process rarely makes for universally accepted outcomes.

 

“Therefore, honourable colleagues, I urge as many as are disappointed to set aside their disappointments in the sure knowledge that as the work of parliament never ends, what is done can be revisited until perfection is attained from repeated efforts over time. Let us remember the things we have done well and that we can and still must do well together.

 

“In this 9th Assembly, we have considered and passed the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), the Finance Act 2020, the Petroleum Industry Act, the Deep Offshore & Inland Basin PSC (Amendment) Act, amongst other such legislation focused on the economy.

 

“Each of these Bills includes in their provisions critical reforms of the way we do business in Nigeria. Taken together, they represent a wholesale and long-awaited legislative intervention to improve ease of doing business, encourage investment and drive economic growth” he stated.

 

Gbjabimila als harped on the need for a joint effort required to effect Police reform in our country and passed the Police Act 2020  asking fro members the same vigiur to do the same with the Police Service Commission (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill.

 

Doing so he said they can finally using the instrument of legislative power, enact a statutory framework for holding swiftly and fairly to account those officers of the Nigeria Police Force who choose to abuse the authority of the state against the citizens they are commissioned to serve and to protect.

 

He aso said that insecurity remains an overwhelming threat to all our nation’s people and a hindrance that further delays the attainment of the critical development objectives necessary to put our country on the path to peaceful prosperity.

 

Therefore, the 9th House of Representatives will continue to take action as required to address statutory deficiencies that limit the ability of our national security apparatus to respond effectively to the myriad manifestations of insecurity in our country.

 

It woukd be recalled that the House on June 27 convened a National Security Summit to deliberate on the issue and articulate recommendations for executive and legislative action.

 

The leadership of the House of Representatives he ihinted presented the report of that Summit to President Muhammadu Buhari and we received assurances that the recommendations it will be duly considered and implemented.

 

He addrd that the House will follow through to ensure that commitment is met.

 

He said the green chamber had began to take legislative action to implement the Summit’s recommendations on statutory reform, amendments and the enactment of new legislation. Several such Bills have already passed the second reading and now await action in the respective Committees.

 

He therefore urges the Chairmen and members of those Committees to act quickly and conscientiously to bring those Bills to the floor as soon as is practicable.

 

According to him, in the parliamentary session, they ‘ll prioritise national security Bills that seek to implement the recommendations of the Summit.

 

“This is not to suggest that we will abdicate action on other matters of national concern. We only reaffirm our commitment to do all that we can to defeat those who have made it their cause to impose on our country an unending orgy of carnage and inflict our people with devastating grief. Let it be apparent to those who have made themselves enemies of Nigeria that this 9th House of Representatives will respond to the audacity of their evil with every tool and resource at our disposal, and we will not be deterred.

 

” Thus far, we have rightly focused our national security concerns on the machinations of extremist insurgents who seek to remake our world in the image of their discredited theocracy and bandits who maraud and terrorise whole regions for profit.

 

“We must now add to these concerns an emerging threat that presents the same clear and present danger. In the South of Nigeria, East and West, miscreants and criminals masquerading as separationist activists have emerged to wreak havoc, take lives and commit economic sabotage against fellow Nigerians and against the state.

 

“These people, in their inclination for devastating violence against fellow citizens, their appetite for the destruction of private property, their disruption of academic activities, commerce, and industry, their propensity for defiling institutions of the state, society and community, their refusal to engage in debate, or to consider the possibility of dissenting opinions and alternative viewpoints, are no different from Boko Haram and ISWAP. Given space and time, they will take our nation down the same path of destruction.

 

“We know from experience that neither appeasement nor overwhelming violence alone will work. We have been down this road before; we know what the consequences of inaction can be. We also know that we cannot afford to be reactionary in our approach.

 

“This is the time to convene our best efforts to articulate a political, economic, military and policing strategy to address both the manifestations and root causes of this emerging threat. Let nobody be under the impression that there is a political opportunity in exploiting this moment.

 

“This is a time for statesmen to act beyond the petty considerations of politics, to do the hard things and achieve greatness”.he posited.

 

Gbajabiamila took a swipe at media organisations reporting on the performance of individual members of the House of Representatives, using the numbers of Bill sponsored as a metric for assessing Members’ contributions in the past legislative year saying It is not always the case that the solution to a problem lies in enacting new legislation.

 

He said that members are most effective when advocating for their constituents in the arenas of government where decisions are made. They fulfil their role in the Committees when their measured contributions help to ensure that Bills are of the highest quality and solve the intended problems.

 

Legislators also honour their mandate when through meticulous oversight of public spending and incisive questioning of public officials, they ensure that government resources are efficiently utilised to meet governing objectives.

 

He argued that.reducing the sum of a legislator’s contributions to the number of Bills sponsored is uninspired journalism that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative function and the role of members in ensuring that parliament delivers on its objectives to the Nigerian people.

 

He addrd that itbis is an unhealthy practice, and it should not be encouraged.

 

The House leadership further calls for concerted actions by all stakeholders to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic as it continues to cut a devastating path through communities.

 

The pandemic he noted remains an ongoing source of economic distress, social anxiety and political upheaval.

 

Religious and cultural hesitancy, coupled with political suspicion and an abundance of misinformation, has resulted in a global resistance to vaccination that threatens our collective ability to defeat this pandemic.

 

Every day this crisis persists, delays our rebuilding of broken things, and inhibits our efforts to recover the things we have lost to this pandemic.

 

 

.

 

He called on honourable colleagues saying that they have a lot of work to do.

 

Much of the success he siad depends on how well they can continue to work together in a joint effort at nation-building, united by our shared ambitions of peace and prosperity for all our nation’s people.

 

The Speaker expressed confident of the  ability to of members of the House to deliver on the commitments they have made to the people in whose name and on whose behalf they sit in the hallowed chamber.

 

He welcome membees of the House back for legislative business and thanks them all for for their efforts in legislsative activities.

 

He said he foresees a productive legislative year and prayed to God for the wisdom to guide him and his grace to shield them to do the work of the people.