news

Why I ignored APC’s letter on House principal officers — Dogara

Published

9 years ago

June 29, 2015

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has explained his reason for not not honouring a letter from the leadership of All Progressives Congress in respect of the principal offices of the House.

Mr. Dogara cited Federal Character and legal factors for his refusal.

In a statement by his media aide, Turaki Hassan, Mr. Dogara was said to have made offered the explanation last Thursday, while hosting the Forum of Former House of Representatives Members.

Mr. Dogara received the APC letter on Tuesday. His refusal to read or adhere to the directive led to the fracas that ensued in the House on Thursday.

“He said in as much as he had wanted to act on the party`s letter nominating some persons as principal officers of the House, as a law abiding citizen he was compelled to do otherwise as a result of a pending court case instituted by about 36 APC lawmakers from the North Central zone who alleged that the party had schemed them out in violation of constitutional provision on Federal character principle,” Mr. Hassan quoted Mr. Dogara as saying.

“He said the tradition has been that the six principal positions are shared evenly among the six geo-political zones of the country in accordance with the federal character principle.

“He said federal character “is so important to our dear country that we have to establish a commission to enforce that particular position of the federal character.

“Even before I saw the later, there was court process served to the leadership of the House. What they are alleging is very simple: whether it is in accordance with the constitution of Nigeria and the House rules that a political party has the right to chose the principal officers of the House.

“The second question is: assuming the political party has the right, whether it is in tandem with the constitution to exclude their zone,l (North Central) and whether that meet the requirement of the provision of the federal character.

“It is not that we don’t want to announce the position of the party. But there are issues of law, issues relating to court, issues relating to the provisions of the constitution.”

Mr. Dogara reportedly continued, “Let me just explain: assuming we go ahead to announce the party’s position, which did not recognise members of the north central as principal officers and most of the members from the southwest as principal officers and then the north central members made a very strong allegation against APC.

“Assuming they win the case and the court now rules that that the directive of the party breaches the provision of the constitution relating to the federal character, so do we now begin to see somebody vacating his office as principal so that we can accommodate the court’s ruling?

“When we got the letter, we raised this issue with the party. We said the best thing is in order to avoid this, let’s circulate the six positions among the six zones in the House.

“There has never been a time in the House where a zone got more than two leadership positions and we all know the provision of the constitution which did say that all positions must be guided by the standing orders

“But in a situation where the standing order is not explicit does not provide for, then we provide that the use of precedent, customs, the tradition. So that therefore means even though the law does not say distribute the position to six zones, but the tradition has been that it should go to six zones in line with the constitutional provision relating to the federal character.

“So this is the bone of contention. But as leaders, we are bound by the constitution and when we got that directive from the party, we said that we must defend the constitution, we must enforce our rules .

“That is where we are and that is what we are discussing. It was the ongoing discussion relating to this that certain section of our members felt ‘well whatever it is let the House know, that the party is supreme’ and so that was what led to the near fracas which we witnessed on the floor of the House,” he said.

The Speaker said he called for the House to go into close-door session on that day to enable him inform his colleagues about the pending court case against the party`s position and chart the way forward.

He said he requested the chairman of ad hoc committee on media to apologise to Nigerians, having accepted responsibility for all that transpired.

premium times

news

Prophet Ikuru bombarded with calls from opposition parties to join them against 2027

Published

2 hours ago

December 23, 2024

Sahara Weekly

By Collins Nkwocha

Prophet Godwin Ikuru has cemented his position as one of the leading prophets on the African continent, as an integral part of APC , the prophetic hall of fame never hid his love for the president, Ahmed Bola Tinubu whom he prognosticated into power and fought several battles for his sake

It’s alarming to discover that several political parties are wooing the handsome prophet against 2027 as they believe that his true potential is being underutilised in APC who left him without a portfolio,they kept bombarding him with numerous calls for him to leave the ruling party and join them against 2027

Despite the numerous calls and emissaries sent by the opposition parties,the prophetic hall of fame has kept faith with APC because of the unending love he has for Mr.president,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he’s willing to remain with him despite all the happenings and odds.

news

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.

Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.

“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”

Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.

As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.

In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.

As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.