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TJ Abbas And Making Legislation A Serious Business

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By Philip Agbese

The dawn of a dispensation signifies a new meaning to the way of life. Undoubtedly, Nigeria has experienced the best and worst of leaders. While some of these leaders were intentional in their actions, others were ignorant.

Unfortunately, Nigerians have always borne the brunt of these actions, either positive or negative. This indeed brings to the fore the role of leadership in the survival of any nation. Some may argue that leaders are born and not made. Others believe that leadership is about intentions.

In my considered opinion, however, there is an intersection between divinity and intentions. Leaders with a purpose of making a meaningful impact and leaders with motives that serve self-aggrandizement. The intents aspect is deliberate and a result of certain inherent traits manifesting in human intellectual activities.

One such leader with genuine and innate intention is Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas, the Honorable Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives. His emergence came with a load of expectations. Some have alluded that Rt. Hon Abbas carries on with such seriousness in all his endeavors. Some of them included the quality of his contributions to legislative matters in times past.

There have been arguments concerning his suitability for leadership of the Green Chambers. Few critics claim he is a stooge of the Executive. But for me, I see a man on a mission to make legislation a serious business.

The parlance where preparation meets opportunity and success aptly describes Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas. As a high-ranking member of the House and chair of several important committees, he was indeed prepared for the task ahead. Some might ask what he is bringing to the table.

No doubt, loads of ideas and deliberate intentions are crucial to translate the act of legislature into serious business. As such, the 10th Assembly would experience purposeful leadership.

Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas is a consummate parliamentarian and an intellectual whose grasps of issues around governance are on another level. Of course, he boasts of an intimidating resume that spans decades of brilliance and a penchant for proffering solutions to societal issues. He is reputed as a problem solver. The Speaker is also seen as a critical thinker that matches words with actions. You could ascribe these attributes to his successful intellectual career.

His tenure as Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives would be robust and encompassing. Nigerians would be impressed with the quality of the legislative business from the Green Chamber. A team player, his disposition to issues resonates with national interest. And he doesn’t pretend about it and sometimes goes overboard. That is a plus because the business of governance must be taken seriously, considering the challenges confronting the country.

There are sacrifices to be made, and one of them is total devotion to putting issues in proper perspective. This is the trademark of Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abass. You can hate him for all he cares, but it doesn’t take away the burden that is before all of us. We have toyed with governance for several years, and now the country deserves leaders with intentions and purpose.

The emergence of Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass as Speaker is the best decision in the interest of the nation. His leadership of the Green Chamber would usher in a new way of life. It would redefine the art of legislation. It would also bring about tangible reforms in our laws toward addressing those issues that have held us down over the years.

The interesting part of the unfolding scenario is that members of the House of Representatives have seen the light and have also keyed into the vision of making legislation a serious business. Exciting times are ahead, and it behooves all to imbibe the attribute of selflessness in the task ahead of us in putting the country on a sound footing.

The Tajudeen Abass era will be the game-changer. Legislation is a serious business, and the Parliament plays a very vital role in the development of any society. That is the philosophy of Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abass. I identify with his passion and commitment to providing purposeful leadership when it matters most.

This piece is a clarion call for all progressive-minded Nigerians to rally support for him to succeed. The necessity of now requires that all hands are on deck.

Rep Agbese is a member of the 10th Assembly writing from Abuja.

Japa: Atiku’s aide ridicules Buhari’s reason for leaving Daura for London

Atiku Abubakar’s media aide Daniel Bwala has voiced his disapproval of the former president Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to relocate to the United Kingdom.

On Thursday, Buhari stated that the nature of the people that flocked to see him in his hometown of Daura, which is located in the state of Katsina, was the primary motivation for his relocation to London.

As a result of Buhari’s dissatisfaction with the fact that he was unable to enjoy the level of privacy that he desired in Daura, he moved to London.

Speaking through his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, President Buhari emphasised the necessity of getting the rest he deserves and added that he needed to remove himself from the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Both of these statements were made through Garba Shehu.

Bwala’s response to this was to tweet, “JAPA, JAPATOLOGY SYNDROME. He said that he had to JAPA to London from Daura because his visitors would not allow him to rest, as if his visitors did not pay him a visit in London. You squandered the opportunity to make positive change in your country over a period of eight years.

“And some lazy asses in the legislature want to legislation to prevent Nigerians from going to japa to locate a place where they, too, can rest without visitors annoying them. #japatology.”

Obi tackles Tinubu over long convoy, asks him to lead by example

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Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the election in February 2023, responded to the widely shared video of President Bola Tinubu’s lengthy convoy in Lagos on Wednesday by stating that leaders who ask their followers to make sacrifices for a better Nigeria must also set an example for others to follow.

He spoke in light of the outrage being voiced by Nigerians regarding the “outlandish display of power by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during a recent visit to Lagos State.”

During the funeral Mass yesterday for the late Dean Emeritus of the ministry, the Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa, who passed away at the age of 83, Obi stressed the importance of lowering the cost of governance at St. Faith Cathedral, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), in Awka.

The viral video of the motorcade, which the former governor of Anambra State claimed he had not seen, was nevertheless criticised for being absurd.

He said: “I have not seen the video you mentioned, but let me reiterate what I have always said: In the current Nigeria, everyone who serves and leads must set a good example.

“Those who serve must act in a way that is consistent with the standards set by the modern society in terms of behaviour, character, and public conduct. Without making a sacrifice first, you cannot continue to urge people to make sacrifices.

Since the people are suffering, we must all be at the forefront of the suffering, so the sacrifice must begin with the leaders and be visible and quantifiable at all times.

As he paid tribute to the late cleric, Obi said: “He is not just a pastor of God; he is a great Nigerian who contributed to this country beyond his pastoral work in creating a better Nigeria.

He participates in campaigns for improved governance, a better Nigeria, and other causes. I am not surprised by the number of people attending (this) burial ceremony today because he was a great Nigerian and Igbo man.

In a statement released by the Obi-Datti media outlet, Diran Onifade recalled that more than two weeks prior, during his Democracy Day speech, the President had urged Nigerians to make even greater sacrifices in response to the removal of the fuel subsidy, which had not only increased the price of petrol but also caused higher prices for other goods and services.

The following is an excerpt from the statement: “The Obi-Datti Media, like many Nigerians whose sense of decency has been offended by Asiwaju Tinubu’s unbridled tendency to flaunt power and position, joins our presidential candidate in pointing the hypocrisy inherent in Tinubu’s action.

“For a man, who promised to cut the cost of governance, to be moving around with an over-bloated convoy of security details and aides, speaks volumes of his ‘do what I say and not what I do’ attitude,” the author writes.

I will reform financial system, ensure transparency – Tinubu

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The nation’s financial system needs reform, and President Bola Tinubu has stated he is working to make sure the budgetary process is transparent.

At the Lagos House, Marina, where he was hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday, the President made this statement.

Along with other members of the All Progressives Congress, former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode attended the event.

Tinubu thanked the other governors and dignitaries who attended the event to honour him as well as Sanwo-Olu for hosting him.

He praised the Governance Advisory Council members, telling them, “You all can see now that it pays to persevere.”

Thank you for helping the Nigerian people understand that we must take action to stop the financial bleeding by swiftly removing fuel subsidies, Tinubu said. We are powerless.

Then, in order to fulfil the duty owed by politicians to Nigerians, we must re-engineer the efficiency of control and management of our resources.

He stated, “We must re-engineer the nation’s financial system…and ensure that our economic planning and budgetary process is transparent enough to serve all Nigerians.”

He reiterated that in order to stop the financial bleeding in the country, the fuel subsidy had to be eliminated.

Nigeria “can’t afford to be Father Christmas to other countries,” he continued. We cannot simply continue to pay the subsidy.

Bringing about “necessary changes that will benefit not only you, but your grandchildren and our tomorrow,” he claimed, was why Nigerians chose to elect him.

In order to achieve true federalism in the country, Tinubu vowed to maintain an open door policy and collaborate with the state governors. He made the appeal that “I want us to partner together to rescue our nation and make it whole again.”

GE Vernova, JAN empowers 100 girls to bridge gender gap in STEM

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Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) and GE Vernova’s Gas Power business have teamed up to encourage 100 secondary school girls to pursue careers in STEM in order to close the gender gap in these fields.

To commemorate the International Day for Women in Engineering, the two institutions organised an event in Port Harcourt with the theme “Girls in STEM” that aimed to inspire the upcoming generation of female engineers and innovators.

In order to give them a comprehensive understanding of potential STEM careers they can explore, they were also exposed to a network of female role models and participated in experiential and discovery sessions.

First Independent Power Limited (FIPL), TransAfam Power Limited (Transafam), and Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Exploration & Production Limited are additional programme partners.
“It is important to delve beyond surface-level issues and identify the underlying factors that discourage girls from pursuing careers in STEM,” said Kenneth Oyakhire, Services Executive for GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Sub-Saharan Africa, during his speech at the event.

There is no better time than now, according to Foluso Gbadamosi, Executive Director of Junior Achievement Nigeria, to introduce young girls to the prospects of a career in STEM. Foluso Gbadamosi emphasised the importance of commemorating this day. She emphasised the value of giving them the right mindset and highlighting the possibilities for pursuing their dreams.

In addition to securing their economic future, Gbadamosi emphasised the advantages of igniting their interest in STEM fields and helping them begin their careers.

CAN condemns execution of Sokoto butcher over alleged blasphemy

The Christian Association of Nigeria on Thursday denounced the blasphemy-related murder of a butcher in Sokoto named Usman Buda by religious extremists.

CAN demanded that, irrespective of their religious affiliations, the government guarantee the protection of all citizens’ rights.

In a statement released in Abuja, CAN President Daniel Okoh expressed his condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.

According to information that has reached us, Usman Buda was brutally killed for making an alleged blasphemous remark. CAN firmly supports both the right to peacefully express one’s beliefs and the freedom of religion. Therefore, we reject any use of force or “jungle justice” motivated by a belief system.

“This tragic event shows how urgently our diverse society needs to step up efforts to promote religious tolerance, peace, and unity. CAN will continue to promote the defence of all citizens’ rights, irrespective of their relationship to a particular religion.

“For a peaceful Nigeria, we implore religious leaders and adherents to encourage interfaith conversation and coexistence. Usman Buda’s family is in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

Accident on Edo Road: 11 Dead, Several Injured

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In a horrifying accident that occurred on the Edo State section of the Benin-Lagos motorway, eleven people were reported to have died and eight others to have been injured yesterday.

A Toyota Hiace 18-seater bus and a Dangote articulated truck were involved in the accident at the Ovia River in the state’s Ovia North East local government area.

According to reports, the incident occurred at the Ovia River around 11 am when a truck travelling from Lagos to Benin struck a bus travelling at a reduced speed after brushing the back of a Kia car. Eleven people were killed instantly, and numerous others were injured.

According to a witness, the truck that was travelling at top speed rammed into the Toyota Hiace bus, killing the passengers, as it slowed down at the problematic section of the Ovia River bridge on its way to Edo.

Additionally, it was learned that some of the victims and bus passengers were travelling from Lagos after attending a programme put on by a well-known church there.

We had a crash on the bridge at Ovia River this morning, according to Paul Okpe, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who confirmed the accident. Unfortunately, a truck collided with a Toyota Hummer Bus, resulting in 11 fatalities and eight injuries. Our ambulances and three vehicles transported both the deceased and the injured to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

A small Kia car was just barely missed by the truck as it collided with the hummer bus. Close to our office at the toll gate, the three vehicles are in the police station.

“We are deferring to our Accident Investigations to determine the probable cause, but the truck collided with the vehicles, and the casualties were in the bus,” the statement reads.

Tinubu, Ambode meet as Sanwo-Olu hosts president

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At the Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosted President Bola Tinubu.

His predecessors, former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode, joined Sanwo-Olu.

The four governors of the state were present together for the first time at a public event since 1999, when Ambode left office in 2019.

In his speech, the governor expressed how happy he was to welcome the President “to the place he (Tinubu) calls home.”

He praised the President for the actions taken thus far during his first 30 days in office and noted that it was in fact a time of “renewed hope.”

“I’m also pleased to note that this tenure started with a promise of change, and that change is already starting to materialise.

“Mr. President, your election to the nation’s highest office was met with a great deal of hope and high expectations…And I’m pleased to say that after just one month, you have legitimately earned the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Sanwo-Olu said.

He pledged that “Lagos is standing right behind you… ” and expressed “heartfelt gratitude on behalf of all Lagosians” to the President.We support the direction you’re taking.

The Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President’s wife Oluremi, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Nigerian Navy reshuffles appointments of senior officers

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56 rear admirals and a Commodore, who make up the Nigerian Navy’s top senior officers, have had their appointments changed.

This information was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday in Abuja and signed by the director of information, Commodore AO Ayo-Vaughan.

Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, formerly the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration, has been appointed as the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters, among other positions, according to Commodore Ayo-Vaughan. Rear Admiral Alexander Bingel, formerly the Director Combat Policy and Tactics, has been promoted to Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters.

He said, “On June 27, 2023, the Nigerian Navy changed the appointments of its top senior officers, including 56 rear admirals and a Commodore. Rear Admiral Alexander Bingel, formerly the Director of Combat Policy and Tactics, is now the Director of Logistics, Defence Headquarters, following the redeployment. Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, formerly the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration, is now the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters.

“Rear Admiral Kennedy Ezete, formerly Director Project Monitoring, Defence Headquarters, reverts to his previous position as Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, while Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, formerly Director Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Directorate, Naval Headquarters, is now Chief of Defence Civil Military Cooperation, Defence Headquarters. Rear Admiral Musa Madugu, who was formerly the Deputy Director Special Operation Forces at the Defence Headquarters, has been named the Admiral Superintendent Naval Ordinance Depot. Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu, who served as the Director Manning at Naval Headquarters, has been named the new Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters. While Rear Admiral Zakariya Muhammad, the previous Director of Training at Naval Headquarters, has been reappointed Chief of Training and Operations, Rear Admiral Daupreye Matthew, the former Director of Innovation and Concept Development at Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Training at Defence Headquarters.

“Rear Admiral Emmanuel Nmoyem has been reappointed Director Human Rights Desks at the Defence Headquarters while Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima, who was formerly Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, moves to Defence Headquarters as Director of Plans.”

Rear Admiral Monday Unurhiere, a former director of plans at Naval Headquarters, was appointed chief of defence administration there, and Rear Admiral Hamza Kaoje, a former director of equipment standardisation and harmonisation at Defence Headquarters, was named group managing director of Navy Holdings Limited, he continued. While Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, formerly the Director of Operations, Naval Headquarters, has been reappointed as the Chief of Naval Safety and Standards, Rear Admiral Sulaiman El-ladan, formerly the Director of Naval Engineering, Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Marine Research at the Defence Research and Development Bureau at Defence Headquarters. While Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, the previous Director of Communications at Naval Headquarters, now serves as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mohammed Abdullahi assumes the position.

Director of Operations at Naval Headquarters is Commandant Naval War College Nigeria. While Rear Admiral Clement Atebi has been reappointed to Naval Headquarters as the Director Audit, Rear Admiral Istifanus Albara, formerly the Head ECOWAS Maritime Security Coordination Centre, Abidjan, moves to Naval Headquarters as Navy Secretary. While Rear Admiral Umar Chugali, formerly the Director Cyber at the Defence Space Administration, now serves as Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Samson Bura, formerly the Director Search and Rescue, Defence Headquarters, is now the Director of Logistics at the Defence Intelligence Agency. Rear Admiral Olusola Oluwagbire and Rear Admiral Oluwole Fadeyi have both been reappointed as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command and Director Record Returns and Analysis, respectively, at Naval Headquarters.

Rear Admiral Baratuaipri Iyalla, formerly Chief Staff Officer, Logistics Command, was reappointed Flag Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Oghara, as part of the new postings. Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, formerly Director of Policy, Naval Headquarters, was redeployed to Naval War College Nigeria, Calabar as the Commandant. While Rear Admiral Bashir Mohammed, formerly the Chief of Logistics at Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Project Monitoring at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kohath Levi, formerly the Chief Staff Officer Naval Doctrine Command, has returned to Naval Headquarters as the Chief of Naval Engineering. Former Director of Campaign Planning at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Julius Nwagu is now Commandant of the Defence Intelligence College. Rear Admiral Mike Oamen, who was the Director of Veterans Affairs at Naval Headquarters, has been promoted to Chief of Naval Transformation, and Rear Admiral Patrick Nwatu has been reappointed Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command. Additionally, Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, formerly Director of Ships Design and Acquisition at the Naval Headquarters, has been appointed Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos. Rear Admiral James Okosun, formerly Managing Director Admiralty Maritime Services Limited, has been reappointed Commandant Nigerian Navy Engineering College, Sapele.

Rear Admiral Suleiman Abdullahi, formerly the Managing Director of Navy Exchange Limited, is now the Director of Logistics, Defence Space Administration at the Defence Headquarters, replacing Rear Admiral Habilla Zakaria, who served as the immediate past Commander Naval Drafting. Rear Admiral Kasimu Bushi, formerly the Chief of Accounts and Budget at Naval Headquarters, has been named Managing Director of Navy Hotels and Suites Limited. Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan, formerly the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, has returned to Naval Headquarters as the Chief of Policy and Plans. Former Naval Headquarters Director of Peacekeeping Operations, Rear Admiral Abdulmajid Ibrahim, has been named Director of Defence Transformation at the Defence Headquarters.

The Commandant of the National Defence College, Abuja, is Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, formerly the Flag Officer Commanding the Logistics Command. While Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, Director of Recruitment, Resettlement, and Reserve, Naval Headquarters, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Space Administration at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, formerly the Director Marine Engineering, has been named Managing Director of Navy Building and Construction Company Limited. Former Director of Weapon Engineering at Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Fredrick Damtong is now the Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Limited. While Rear Admiral Hamza Ibrahim, who previously served as Admiral Superintendent Naval Dockyard Limited, has been named Managing Director of Admiralty Marine Services Limited, Rear Admiral Abdul-rasheed Haruna has been reappointed as the Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. Rear Admiral John Mamman is reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Western Naval Command, and Rear Admiral John Okeke is reappointed Chief Staff Officer, Headquarters Central Naval Command. Rear Admiral Sunday Oyegade, the outgoing Admiral Superintendent Naval Shipyard Limited, assumes office as the Director Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation at Naval Headquarters. Former Fleet Commander of the Western Fleet, Rear Admiral Olatunde Olodude, rejoins Naval Headquarters as the Director of Plans.

The redeployment also impacted Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, who was reappointed Chief Staff Officer of Headquarters Naval Training Command, and Rear Admiral Peter Zakaria, who was Director of Arms at Naval Headquarters before being named Chief Staff Officer of Headquarters Logistics Command. Rear Admiral Patrick Effah, formerly the Director of Maritime Domain Awareness, Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Naval Intelligence. Rear Admiral Abdul-hamid Baba-Inna, formerly the Director of Legal Services, Naval Headquarters, is now the Director of Administration.

“Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, the previous Director of Personnel Release at Naval Headquarters, takes over as the Deputy Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, who was the Deputy Director Defence Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser, assumes office as the Director of Training, Naval Headquarters.

“Rear Admiral Olusegun Soyemi, who was formerly the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Analysis at Naval Headquarters, has been named Director of Policy, and Rear Admiral Abraham Zipelle, who was formerly Commandant of the Defence Intelligence College, has been promoted to Director of Manning at Naval Headquarters. Additionally, the former Commander of the Central Pay Office, Commodore Omotola Olukoya, has been appointed the new Chief of Accounts and Budget at Naval Headquarters.

Report: Banks increase e-banking revenue to N96 billion

In order to increase their revenue from electronic banking, at least 12 Nigerian banks have benefited from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy of redesigning the naira.

An examination of the banks’ financial statements for the first quarter of 2023 revealed that their electronic banking platforms contributed to a total revenue of N96.48 billion.

From the N77.91bn reported in the previous quarter of 2022, this was an increase of 23.84%.

The top two e-banking revenue generators were Access Holdings Plc (N20.66bn) and United Bank for Africa Plc (N20.93bn).

Zenith Bank Plc ($12.08 billion), FirstBank Nigeria ($17.88 billion), and Guaranty Trust Bank ($11.43 billion) were among the other top earners.

FCMB (N6.58bn), Union Bank (N1.97bn), Wema Bank (N1.52bn), Unity Bank (N1.29bn), Stanbic IBTC (N958m), Fidelity Bank (N955m), and Jaiz Bank (N244m) were some of the other financial institutions.

Income from electronic banking channels, such as mobile applications, USSD channels, and internet banking, is included.

The CBN’s naira redesign policy appears to be responsible for the growth in e-business income.

The number of cashless transactions in Nigeria has increased since the CBN’s naira redesign policy, which has since been postponed, forced many citizens to use electronic payment methods.

According to industry statistics from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, cashless transactions increased by 44.84 percent to N126.73 trillion in the first quarter of 2023 from N87.49 trillion in the corresponding period of 2022.

The CBN has emphasised that by 2025, fewer transactions will be made in cash in the nation. This was stated in the document titled Payments Vision 2025.

It stated that by 2025, the nation would have an effective electronic payment system infrastructure to support all economic sectors.

According to it, “The use of cash will naturally decline as the’mobile first generation,’ who will be economically active by 2025, enters the workforce. As a result, one of the PSV 2025’s key objectives is to strengthen the CBN’s cashless policy.

The CBN will continue to make sure that Nigeria’s payments system is widely used at home, supports the government’s financial inclusion goals, and complies with international standards while contributing to the country’s overall economic development.