Group recommends Buba Galadinma for medical check over comments on Nigerian military

The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has recommended the spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Buba Galadima, for urgent medical attention.
According to the group, Galadima’s latest statements on the state of the nation call for urgent attention before it gets out of hand.
MBCG said the recent claim by Galadima that Operation Python Dance was launched “effectively to intimidate voters, to harass voters, to kill voters and write results for the APC” was totally false.
The group in a statement signed by its National President, Prince Raymond Enero, warned the PDP candidate in the last presidential, Atiku Abubakar to stop taking advantage of the old man. 
The statement reads below. 
The Middle Belt Conscience Guard has been following recent interventions by disappointed elder politician, Buba Galadima and has come the inevitable conclusion that the time has come for the loved ones of the old man to commit him for professional specialized care if only to save him from continuing to embarrass himself. We are also worried he is embarrassing his age and geo-political zone. 
Our position is a difficult one that was adopted only after Galadima made a disgraceful accusation on a national television network to the effect that the military’s nationwide Operation Python Dance was held to rig the recently held general elections. 
Galadima claimed that Operation Python Dance was launched “effectively to intimidate voters, to harass voters, to kill voters and write results for the APC.”
The fact that Galadima bluffed about substantiating this fallacy before a law court has not done anything to relocate his claims from the realm of hallucinations into reality. Much as we sympathize with him, having been traumatized by supporting the defeated candidate of the PDP, we believe the logical thing would have been for him to reassess his situation and come to the realization that fraternizing with known treasury looters is not a desirable habit in one’s twilight. 
It is most pathetic that the only strands of believability left for Galadima derive from his friendship with President Muhammadu Buhari, who he is now demonizing for a mess of pottage. Interestingly, Galadima’s family continues to enjoy President Buhari’s statesmanship as they occupy positions that their father grudges other Nigerians for aspiring to. 
Even with these errant behaviors, our concern is for the well-being of this old man given the troubling signals emanating from him.  Prior to the election, he declared that he remained a member of the ruling APC, which implied that he was either scamming the PDP candidate, Atiku Abubakar, or he was genuinely muddled up and unable to understand his affiliations. 
Another indication that he may be mentally and emotionally traumatized was when he attempted treason by making a video in which he claimed election win on behalf of Atiku before he was invited to explain why he was usurping the Constitutional role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The manner in which the PDP abandoned him to his fate after 18 hours should have been enough to stimulate him to the reality of his situation. 
We assume that Galadima still has the luxury of lucid moments hence we advise him to desist from making claims that totally erase all doubts as to his mental state. This advice is in his own best interest because we envisage he might eventually make utterances or engage in acts for which diminished mental capacity will not suffice as defence. 
Galadima should also note that Nigerians were happy and remain happy with the launch and performance of Operation Python Dance all over the country because they were confident the military would reduce the spreading criminality that had gone beyond the capacity of the police. It is interesting that it was later discovered that most of the terrorist acts and criminality that necessitated the operation were sponsored by Galadima’s newfound associates. 
Had Operation Python Dance not held, the PDP had concluded plans, at its Dubai strategy meeting, to cause widespread bloodbath that would prevent the General Elections from holding. Even if Galadima is depressed because this plan has been thwarted it does not justify lying on the scale he did except of course he wants to claim he was too overwhelmed to understand the import of what he was saying in the television studio.
We, therefore, urge Galadima to voluntarily commit himself to care failing which his family members should urgently do something before his situation degenerates further. They should notify media houses to confirm with the family before putting on life television or publishing his comments. 
Meanwhile, we urge the PDP and Atiku to stop exploiting the situation of Galadima by sending him on errands that he would not have run had he not been emotionally traumatized. To continue using him on disgraceful errands like this is the basest form of exploitation of a vulnerable person and it is condemnable in every sense.

Rivers election: Wike, INEC’s conspiracy to rig elections responsible for stalemate – Niger Delta Group

As confusion continues to trail to trail the outcome of just-concluded elections in Rivers State, the Niger Delta Volunteer Congress has accused the state governor, Nyesom Wike of conspiring with the Independent National Electoral Commission to hold the state to ransom.   
The equally hailed the Nigerian Military for its role during the election and for restraints it showed in the face of grievous provocations in the oil rich state. 
According to the group, the Nigerian Military stood on the side of deepening democracy in the country by deploying its men for election duty as duly directed by the Commander-in-Chief if the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.  
NDVC rising from an emergency meeting on Wednesday March 20, to review the tense situation that is prevailing over the conduct of Governorship and State House of Assembly Election in the Niger-Delta region faulted the failure of INEC to hold its staff to account after it emerged that many of them, including those in senior positions were compromised and were working for specific candidates and political parties in violation of the neutrality expected of them.
A communiqué jointly signed at the end of the emergency meeting by James Goodluck, President and King- James Egule, Secretary General, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the INEC staff that took part in the elections in Rivers State, policemen, military personnel and all other actors with a view to identifying the compromised ones among them and to diligently prosecute anyone indicted. 
The communiqué reads.
The meeting particularly noted the impasse in Rivers State, where confusion continues to trail the outcome of the elections, such that the prospect of violence remains high. It is obvious that subsequent actions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will have implications for the peace and security outlook of not just Rivers State but the entire Niger-Delta region. 
The meeting acknowledged the stabilizing role played by the Nigerian Military during the elections as the deployment of troops was crucial to the fewer incidents of violence that were recorded during the exercise relative to the heightened sense of imminent region-wide violence that had been anticipated. 
Attendees however expressed concerns that the deployment of the military was exploited for evil by leading politicians in the region, particularly in Rivers State where thugs and hoodlums in military uniforms impersonated soldiers to cause mayhem at collation centres and other venues of electoral activities. The attendees expressed disappointment that INEC did not properly review the situation before concluding that those that disrupted collation centres and attacked its staff were military simply because of the uniform.
It was noted that the development in Rivers State, owing to its sensitive and volatile nature requires increased security and military presence to deter the violent thugs that are bent on sabotaging the electoral process to favour those that recruited them for such purposes. INEC’s misrepresentation of the vital role played by the military could however jeopardize its ability and that of other security agencies to provide protection to Nigerians during the remaining exercise.
The meeting was of the view that INEC must, within the limitations imposed by ongoing litigations and court pronouncements, immediately conclude the election in River State, and any other place with outstanding elections in the Niger Delta, in order to ease the tension that its poor handling of the process has created.
Niger Delta Volunteer Congress faulted the failure of INEC to hold its staff to account after it emerged that many of them, including those in senior positions were compromised and were working for specific candidates and political parties in violation of the neutrality expected of them.
Attendees observed that the people of the Niger-Delta region owe it a duty to themselves to remain law abiding, eschew violence, and alert law enforcement agencies to any breach as well as provide information that will assist in tracking down perpetrators of violence and those impersonating the military.
Following extensive deliberations and inputs from those in attendance, the meeting recommended that:
The Nigerian Military should be commended for standing on the side of deepening democracy in the country by deploying for election duty as duly directed by the Commander-in-Chief if the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari.  
The Nigerian Military should be commended for its remarkable handling of the election coverage in states of the Niger-Delta while also being commended for the restraints it showed in the face of grievous provocations in Rivers State. 
The Federal Government should order a detailed investigation to identify those that were responsible for mobilizing thugs to impersonate the Nigerian Military with a view to prosecuting anyone indicted as deterrence against the repeat of such dangerous act.
The Federal Government should direct INEC to apologize to the military for wrongly indicting it for the crime committed by hired political thugs in fake military uniform.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should investigate the INEC Staff that took part in the elections in Rivers State, policemen, military personnel and all other actors with a view to identifying the compromised ones among them and to diligently prosecute anyone indicted. 
INEC must immediately act in accordance with its own guidelines and extant legislation to bring closure to the situation it has created in Rivers State.
The meeting ended with an agreement to give wide publicity to the recommendations made while appealing to the people of Niger-Delta to remain law abiding.

Revive the Yorùbá language, Revive our Cultural Heritage From Dying

Have you been in an environment whereby the young ones, I mean the kids do interact with their parents or even their fellow kids in English language, this society, I am talking about not School or academic arena, probably their homes. What is the thought that goes within your mind? 
On two different occasions, I have had opportunity to talk to some of these kids in our local parlance, but they felt irritated by the language I used in communicating with them, one said “I hate Yoruba joor”, the other said “I don’t hear Yoruba, please speak in English”, I felt betrayed by these feedbacks and of course I have to caution them not to say such again. Again, last week, one girl told me “we are not taught Yoruba in our school” and I was like in a Yorùbá speaking society? Hope all is going well with us? I am asking.
Can anyone just tell me what is behind this negligence probably I don’t know what’s happening but before that, I am of the campaign that our local language should not be allowed to die as it is gradually declining in our society, I don’t think or will believe any form of excuse to be given for this declination, nothing should be given as a reason. It is off behind it should be at all. The language, like for others is our cultural heritage and value, it should not be allowed to die like that. It should not even think of dying at all. Our nowadays parents are not doing enough to keep this our local heritage at all, yet to speak it and yet fail to communicate same to their kids, they are of the belief that they want their kids to speak good English language, and not be spoilt by the local language. What a bluff?
Of course, I am not against your kids speaking good English, but let them speak it in their respective school and let it end their, but when at home, communicate in Yoruba with them, and let them be proud of their local heritage. 
As I am writing this, I am of the obligation to write it in Yoruba language, but because of my non-speakers and readers, even though I will still translate it into my local language, as much as I love this language. As for some who believe that the language should not be tolerated, and they want foreign language to take over their tongues. 
Go and find out about great English speakers, even award winners in English, they are great speakers of their local language, do I need to mention names, is it Prof Wole Soyinka, Dr (Mrs) Abiodun Sophie, Dr Omojuyigbe Dele, Wale Fatade, among others. 
The language you’re not appreciating is what is being appreciated over the same foreign climes you’re trying to speak their languages and forbid yours. The Yoruba language, is a language being appreciated in these climes. 
Yoruba is the 2nd most commonly spoken foreign language in Baltimore County schools in the United States of America, Yoruba is also the 2nd most spoken language in Southwark, England, of course, it is a recommended language to learn to join the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police.
Have you ever thought of what are the purpose of these white people in the Yoruba language department in University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, do you think they’re there to make money or what? No, they are here to learn the great language and of course turn it to a good platform for exercising their beliefs. Late last year, the Brazil’s minister of culture, Dr Sergio Sa Leitao, announced that Yoruba will become one of their official languages and African history will be added school curriculum.
Yet, Brazil is not the only country that has Yoruba as their official language, excluding Nigeria. Outside Nigeria, you can find large yoruba-speaking communities in Togo and Benin Republic. Smaller communities can be found in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other African countries. In these countries, French is the lingua-franca but perchance you can’t speak it, Yoruba is your next best option. 
Do we need to sell our heritage like we did years ago when we are yet to know what we want or when they were stolen by the colonial masters, we shouldn’t make such errors again. We need to uphold the highest form of this language. 
Can’t we imbibe other tribes even in the country, especially Hausas and Igbos? We can be like them, let’s learn from them. What am I saying? I was at an event yesterday, where the Ogun Hausa Community were present and all they spoke in is their local language, they only translated it in English or Yorùbá because of we that are not speakers, but they first spoke in their language, what of Igbos, they do same whenever they are together at a fora. What of we, Yorubas, it is only in English language either at a forum or when discussing. It is very bad.
We should not be a case of not valuing what we have until we loose it. Our language tells us what we are, what we signify, what we from and what we mean. 
Yanju Uwala 
Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Former Governor Boni Haruna commends Nigerian Army’s gallant response to Boko Haram attacks in Michika

Former Governor of Adamawa State, Boni Haruna has hailed the effort of the Nigerian Army as well other security agencies over their prompt and gallant response to Boko Haram attacks in his community, Michika.
Members of the Boko Haram insurgents on Monday attacked Michika town, the headquarters of  Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State barely few days to the supplementary election, but the Nigerian Army in a gallant response quelled the uprising by neutralizing the terrorists who came in their numbers
Mr Haruna in a statement signed personally by him said;
“It is quite worrisome for Michika to once again experience such attack when the people had almost settled to rebuild their lives after the 2014 invasion  during which  the area and indeed the entire Northern part of the state was overran by the insurgents.
“I take this opportunity to condole with the people, particularly the families of those who lost their beloved ones most of whom were hit by stray bullets in the course of running for their dear lives. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured ones and for the restoration of the losses that have been incurred.
“In the midst of this tragic event and the pains and agonies that come with it, I urge all our people to remain calm and steadfast. This sad moment shall also pass as we look into the future with hope and determination.” he added.
Full Statement
I wish to most profoundly commend the Nigerian army and other security agencies for the their prompt and gallant response to the attack in Michika, my community yesterday by suspected  Boko Haram insurgents.
It would be recalled that Michika came under intense attack yesterday night 18th, March, 2019 which lasted  for hours during which the Nigerian army gallantly and professionally  engaged the insurgents in a deadly gun battle, for which we are most grateful.
It is quite worrisome for Michika to once again experience such attack when the people had almost settled to rebuild their lives after the 2014 invasion  during which  the area and indeed the entire Northern part of the state was overran by the insurgents.
I take this opportunity to condole with the people, particularly the families of those who lost their beloved ones most of whom were hit by stray bullets in the course of running for their dear lives. I pray for the quick recovery of the injured ones and for the restoration of the losses that have been incurred.
In the midst of this tragic event and the pains and agonies that come with it, I urge all our people to remain calm and steadfast. This sad moment shall  also pass as we look into the future with hope and determination.
In  keeping with the spirit of steadfastness,  we must not lose sight of our civic duties and responsibilities as we keep a date  with the March 23rd, 2019 forthcoming  supplementary election in  4 or 6 Polling Units in  Michika and other 13 Local Government Areas across the state.
We must be part of making history  towards ushering in a purposeful and focused leadership that will fast track the full return to nomalcy of life for our people through the rebuilding of our destroyed houses, schools and infrastructure. It is doable. Yes! it is with the correct leadership.
Signed
Boni Haruna
Michika is one of the populated towns in the state where some wards in the community were declared inconclusive during the March 9 the gubernatorial election and marked for a re-run on Saturday 23rd March 2019.

Why I Worked Against Dapo Abiodun – Adebutu 

Oladipupo Adebutu, a factional  governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2019 elections in Ogun State has disclosed why he worked against Dapo Abiodun, the Governor-elect of the state. 

It was gathered that Abiodun and Adebutu are natives of Remo in Ogun State, however the PDP Governorship candidate teamed up with the governorship candidate of the  Allied People’s Movement, Adekunle Akinlade, against Abiodun in the governorship election after his loss in court to governorship candidate of the PDP, Senator Buruji Kashamu. Adebutu who revealed why he worked against 

Dapo Abiodun in a statement released by his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya,  said he was merely interested in making a government that works for the people. He also disclosed that he will not defect to the APC, but will support the governor-elect in the interest of the people.

“All I did during the last elections was tailored towards establishing a government that would work for the people,” he said.“It is time for the government to consider the situation at Tai Solarin University of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas and have compassion for government employees,” he added.

Breaking: Otunba Gbenga Daniel Quits Partisan Politics 

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has resigned from partisan politics, OGD has fondly called made this known through a letter addressed to the National Chairman of PDP. The letter read thus:

Attention: Prince Uche Secondus
Mr. Chairman,
Resignation from Partisan Politics 
This is to inform you of my intention to resign from active and partisan politics with effect from today, the 14th day of March, 2019.
My decision in this regard is entirely personal to me and having served in various capacities, including as Governor of Ogun State, I have resolved to immerse myself in some other vocations and take on some new challenges.
Preamble 
My Political Journey so far
I joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State on Sunday, the 9th of September, 2001 at an event which was described as one of the most ceremonial political rallies in our recent political history in the South Western part of Nigeria. We rose from that rally to create a highly robust and effective political campaign machinery which resulted in an electoral victory for the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State in 2003; this movement and vibration affected the politics of the region positively with a victory in five (5) states of the South West.
2. I served as Governor of Ogun State for eight (8) years and our administration till today remains a point of reference in terms of physical, social, economic, educational and human capital development since the State was created in 1976.
3. Notwithstanding these widely acclaimed achievements however, our party, the Peoples Democratic Party ran into trouble waters towards the end of our administration (about the year 2009) which led to the sad loss in the election of 2011, and regrettably ten (10) years after the party has been unable to resolve those internal disputes and challenges.
4. Meanwhile, the PDP in Ogun State was confronted with a very difficult situation in matter of choice. Whereas the national leadership of our party, recognized one candidate for the 2019 election, by court pronouncements another candidate, and in compliance with those court orders, which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognized was on the INEC list. The candidates recognized by INEC were not acceptable to the national leadership of the party. Our situation was then compounded because the candidate which the court and INEC recognized and accepted as valid has also been expelled by the party. This was the dilemma we found ourself as we approached the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
5. Going forward, we have responded to the yearnings of our people and joined others in emplacing an administration that we believe will better serve the interests of our people than what currently exists. The rest they say is now history.
6. I must say that looking back, I do not have any regrets over that patriotic choice and decision, especially as several of our citizens, leaders and stakeholders in the state and outside have commended that singular action. Many stakeholders within and outside Ogun State feel fulfilled, excited and grateful about our decision to join others in putting a stop to a regime that was believed to be against the collective and general welfare of our people.
7. Let me also add, that in the last few months, I have had one of the rare privileges of traveling round the entire length and breadth of our great country on at least two occasions; the first being during my campaigns to become the National Chairman of our great party, and later as the Director General of the Atiku Presidential Campaign Organization (APCO).
8. I must sincerely admit that in the course of all these travels, I have built a network of contacts, of friends and associates in a mutually rewarding relationships which I cherished most and greatly too. I am therefore persuaded that I have fewer points to make and prove in my Political journeys in partisan politics.
9. My decision to quit partisan politics notwithstanding, I have decided to rejuvenate my charity based organization, the Gateway Front Foundation (GFF) which will literally continue to dispense succor to our people in need, address and assist in the areas of some of their health challenges; I also plan on resuscitation of the non-partisan Political Leadership Academy (POLA) which I established some years ago as a platform of political education to our citizens.
10. Without doubt, I will miss the company of my friends and associates and all those relationships I built in the course of the years all over the country..
While I crave for your kind understanding, accept assurances of my highest regards.
Yours faithfully,
Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FNAEng
Governor of Ogun State (2003-2011). 
Cc: 
His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar GCON
Chairman, Board of Trustees (PDP)

Bala or Abubakar? Bauchi governor-elect to be known Tuesday

Bala Mohammed to fly PDP's flag in Bauchi Governorship race
Bala Mohammed of PDP: may be declared the winner of Bauchi election on Tuesday

The Independent National Electoral Commission has decided to resume from Tuesday, the collation of the governorship election result in Bauchi State and may declare the winner of the poll, hitherto ruled as inconclusive.

The commission announced the decision in a press statement on Friday night after resolving some issues around the result of Tafawa Balewa local government and some polling units in Ningi local government.

INEC did not state whether by the decision, the scheduled supplementary election on 23 March has been cancelled.

According to INEC, the number of cancelled votes in four polling units in Ningi Local Government was 2,533 and not 25,330 as recorded.

On Tafawa Balewa Local Government election result, where collation was disrupted by armed gangs, affecting 7 out of 11 registration areas for governorship and 6 out of 11 for state assembly elections, INEC said a committee set up, has found that the results in polling units and registration areas are “available and in safe custody”.

INEC thus decided to resume the resumption and conclusion of the collation of results of the council area for both the governorship and state assembly elections

A new collation and returning officer for Tafawa Balewa has been appointed “to continue and conclude the collation process in place of the original collation officer, who withdrew from the exercise citing threats to her life and those of her family members”. The collation officer was Dominion Anosike.

The governorship election in Bauchi state is a straight fight between incumbent Mohammed Abubakar of the All Progressives Congress and former minister, Bala Mohammed of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Bala was said to have won the Tafawa Balewa Local government election, putting him in an overall lead of his APC counterpart, but the INEC returning officer, Professor Mohammed Kyari, declared the election inconclusive.

In declaring the election inconclusive, Kyari, gave the scores of incumbent governor as 465,453 votes and Bala Mohammed of PDP as 469,512 votes.

“The margin between the winner and opponent is less than the total number of votes cancelled in some polling units.By law, since the margin of winner is less than the total number of votes cancelled and registered voters in the areas where the votes have been cancelled, this elections is hereby declared inconclusive,” he said.

He said his decision was in line with section 26 part 53 of the Electoral Act.

With INEC adopting the result of the Tafawa Balewa local council and amending the result for four polling units in Ningi Local government, the PDP believes that its candidate has won the election.

Read INEC’s decision on Bauchi governorship election:

Many Trapped As Two Storey Building collapses in Ibadan

.com/proxy/


A two-storey building collapsed on Friday in Sogoye along Bode, Molete area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, leaving many of its occupants trapped.

A resident, who disclosed this, said the incident happened around 5:50pm.

The number of trapped victims could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

However, sympathisers were at the scene at the time of filing this report, making efforts to rescue victims before the arrival of government officials.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government shortly after the incident deployed two excavators to the scene of in a bid to rescue victims trapped under the rubble.

Spokesman for the Oyo State Government, Mr. Toye Arulogun, said the government was on top of the situation.

Arulogun said: “We have deployed two excavators there. Our officials are right there now, to rescue trapped victims. There is no cause for alarm.”

As at the time of filing this report, no death had been recorded.

The incident comes exactly 48 hours after a three-storey building collapsed in the Ita-Faaji area of Lagos Island, killing at least 12 persons, including nine children.

Arsenal join Chelsea in Europa League Quarter-finals

Aubameyang: His brace saw Arsenal through in Europa League

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice at the Emirates and also teed up Ainsley Maitland-Niles as Arsenal edged Rennes 4-3 aggregate to join Chelsea in Friday’s Europa League quarter-final draw.

Arsenal’s triumph means that six English Premier League teams are in the two UEFA competitions. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham had led the way in the Champions League.

Rennes had never before reached the last 16 of a major European competition and the scale of the tie for the French side was evidenced by the huge travelling support they enjoyed.

However, rather than be inspired, Julien Stephan’s side seemed intimidated by their surroundings early on to concede twice inside 15 minutes.

Arsenal quickly had the early goal they sought to get back in the tie as Aaron Ramsey’s low cross was swept home by Aubameyang.

The French-born Gabon international was also involved for Arsenal’s second 10 minutes later, although Rennes were right to feel aggrieved that the goal was allowed to stand.

Aubameyang appeared to be clearly offside from Ramsey’s pass with Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil even turning his back to the play expecting a flag.

However, it was not forthcoming and with VAR not in operation in the Europa League unlike the more lucrative Champions League, Maitland-Niles’s downward header from Aubameyang’s cross was allowed to stand.

Arsenal, though, then sat on their lead rather than building on it and could easily have paid for that approach after the break.

Petr Cech, in what could have been the Czech great’s last game before retiring at the end of the season had Arsenal not progressed, turned M’Baye Niang’s shot from outside the area onto the post.

Ismaila Sarr’s third goal for the hosts in the dying embers of the first leg looked to have swung the tie Rennes’ way and the Senegalese had the chance for a vital away goal, only for Sead Kolasinac to produce a saving last-ditch tackle.

Rennes were again unhappy with the Latvian officiating team when Lacazette escaped a second yellow card before the French international was replaced by Alex Iwobi.

With practically his first touch, Iwobi dragged a good chance to give Arsenal breathing space wide.

But 18 minutes from time they did have a cushion when having saved his side at one end, Kolasinac’s wonderful low cross left Aubameyang with a simple task to tap home his 22nd goal of the season and celebrated by pulling on a mask.

Aubameyang needed it back to hide his embarrassment soon after as he missed two glorious chances in the space of 60 seconds to seal his hat-trick.

But Arsenal held out to continue the Premier League’s resurgence and leave France without a single representative in the quarter-finals of either European competition.

NEWS ANALYSIS: 8th National Assembly: The challenges, the feats

8th National Assembly: The challenges, feats
8th National Assembly: The challenges, feats

A News Analysis by Taiye Agbaje and Abiemwense Moru

Inaugurated on June 9, 2015, the 8th National Assembly will function until June 9 when President Muhammadu Buhari’s issues a proclamation letter for the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly.

Nigeria operates a bi-cameral legislature, comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives that functions as the nation’s highest legislative body.

The National Assembly is empowered to make laws by the provisions of Chapter I, Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution.

The Senate consists of 109 elected senators and the House of Representatives has 360 elected members.

The present legislative work in the House of Representatives kicked off with the emergence of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara while Dr Bukola Saraki is the President of the Senate.

But political analysts note that the 8th National Assembly has been shrouded in political intrigues and controversies since its inception, the development they describe as a threat to democracy.

The threat became a reality when Saraki and Dogara decided to defect to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018 even as member of the opposition PDP attempted to impeach them.

Analysts observe further that the leadership tussle in the National Assembly has impacted negatively on governance as policies and programmes of the government are affected.

They cite the instance of the approval of most key appointees of Buhari being delayed by the lawmakers and the foot-dragging debate on budget bills, among others.

Acknowledging some shortcomings of the 8th National Assembly, Buhari said that he looked forward to a mutual and effective working relationship with the 9th National Assembly.

According to him, such effective working relationship will improve the budgetary process and restore the country to the January-December fiscal cycle.

The president recounted how the delay in the passage of budgets hindered timely execution of some projects across the country.

Buhari, nonetheless, expressed confidence that more work would be done to improve the efficiency of the budgetary process with the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the general elections.

He also recalled that the 2018 budget proposals submitted to the National Assembly on Nov. 7, 2017 was passed after seven months.

In spite of this, however, observers note that the outgoing House of Representatives has been able to initiate and pass milestone bills within the legislative years.

They note that out of 1, 516 bills so far treated at the House of Representatives between June 2015 and January 2019, members of the House of Representatives sponsored not less than 1, 380 bills.

One of the outstanding bills passed by the lower chamber is a Bill for an Act to Alter the Provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and for Other Matters Connected Therewith sponsored by Rep. Tony Nwulu, otherwise known as the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill.

The bill, which drew local and international attention, was signed into law by Buhari on May 31, 2018 at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in the presence of some young Nigerians, the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement.

The law reduces the age qualification for president from 40 years to 35 years, governor from 35 years to 30 years, senator from 35 years to 30 years; House of Representatives membership from 30 years to 25 years and State House of Assembly membership from 30 years to 25 years.

Another outstanding bill passed entitled: “Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2018’’ is meant to cater for the more than 25 million persons living with disabilities in the country.

The bill was sponsored by Rep. Ochiglegor Idagbo and was signed into law by Buhari on Jan. 23, few days to 2019 general elections.

The Act, which guarantees right to maintain civil action for damage by the person injured against any defaulter, prohibits all forms of discrimination on grounds of disability and imposes fine of N1, 000, 000 for corporate bodies and N100, 000 for individuals or a term of six months imprisonment for violation.

It also provides for a five-year transitional period within which public buildings, structures or automobile are to be modified to be accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities, including those on wheelchairs.

The Act, which stipulates that all public organisations are to reserve at least five per cent of employment opportunities for these persons, also establishes in Section 31 the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities with Executive Secretary as the head.

The Whistle Blowers Protection Bill is another important bill the lower house deliberated on.

The bill, which was co-sponsored by Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and Rep. Kayode Oladele, seeks to facilitate and encourage the disclosure of improper conduct by persons, public officers and corporate bodies whether private and public.

It is also to ensure adequate protection of whistle blowers from reprisals, victimisation, isolation and humiliation which are said to be some of the consequences of whistle-blowing.

Other bills passed include the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill, 2016, Terrorism Bill, 2015 Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, 2015, National Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015, National Broadcasting Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and North East Development Commission Bill, 2015.

Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015, Appropriation Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015, National Council of Traditional Rulers Bill, 2015, Utilities Charges Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 and National Identity Management Commission Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 are also passed.

Similarly, the House of Representatives legislated on National Inland Waterways Authority Bill, 2015, Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Nigerian Postal Service Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016, National Agency for Albinism and Hypo-Pigmentation Act (Establishment) Bill, 2016 and Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

It is also worthy of note that within the 2015 and 2019 legislative calendar, some members have had many bills to their credit.

For example, Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta sponsored not less than 62 bills in the House; Rep. Ossai Ossai sponsored no fewer than 50 bills while Rep. Edward Pwajok had no fewer than 31 bills.

These are few among many members who contributed to the legislative proceedings of the lower chamber within the year under review.

Besides carrying out its legislative function on executive bills brought before it, the House of Representatives also concurred on bills emanating from the Senate.

For instance, one major bill from the executive to the lower house was the National Minimum Wage Bill, 2019.

Because of its importance to the nation’s workers, the bill was given accelerated hearing.

The National Minimum Wage Bill, 2019, which was deliberated upon and passed by the lawmakers less than a week, was transmitted to the Senate for concurrence.

Some of the bills sponsored by the executive include: News Agency of Nigeria Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2016, Federal Capital Territory Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2016 sponsored by the executive, Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act (Amendment) Bill, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Statutory Appropriation Bill, 2016, among others.

Also, bills emanating from the Senate to the House include Nigerian Railway Authority Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2016, Public Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016, Defence Space Administration Bill, 2016, Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba (Establishment) Bill 2017 and Federal Collages of Education Act (Amendment) Bill, to mention but few.

Although the 8th House of Representatives’ bill progression chart shows that the lawmakers had performed well in their legislative calendar, not all the bills, whether private member bills, public bills or executive bills, sailed through the legislative drills.

Some bills died at the first reading, some at the second reading, while others at the third reading.

Besides, there were bills which got the lawmakers’ nod but which the executive declines assenting and one of such bill Petroleum Industry Bill.

Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said that members, within the years under review, had been able to sponsor several bills for the socio-economic and political development of the country.

According to him, law making is the principal job and duty of a legislator and each lawmaker should have key areas of interest he or she wants to specialise on.

Namdas said that a legislator must have the capacity and the knowledge and do research on particular areas he needed to sponsor any bill or a motion.

“You must be conversant with the laws as some of the laws could be in different forms; the bill could either be amended or you want to repeal the law or you want a fresh law, depending on which area of interest.

“But if you don’t have the knowledge, you may not be in the position to even amend or sponsor the amendment.

“The president does not assent to some of the bills that is why you will see some bills in the fifth assembly recurring,’’ he explained.

He admitted that there might be some instances when the executive might not be on the same page with the legislature for some reasons.

“When the executive has a feeling that a bill is trying to subvert it or trying to undermine the executive power, even as good as it may be, it will not be signed into law.

“These are some of the challenges, there are bills that the legislature has been able to put in place but they have not been assented to,’’ he said.

Namdas also cited the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill which the president declined his assent to, assuring Nigerians that the re-elected members would take the bill up from where it stopped.

“For some of us, who have been re-elected, we will still have to go back and work to ensure that the bill is fully assented to in the 9th National Assembly.

“The 9th National Assembly will ensure that its leadership is on the same page with the executive since majority seats in both houses were from the APC.

“In the 8th National Assembly, we had a lot of hiccups; the experiences are not good enough and we don’t expect that in the 9th National Assembly,’’ he said.

All in all, the Executive Director, Youth Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Advancement (YIAGA AFRICA) and convener of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Movement, Mr Samson Itodo, commends the lawmakers for the feats achieved in passing the famous bill.

Similarly, the Executive Director, Foundation for Persons Living with Disabilities, Mrs Pat John-Oseh commends the legislators for a good work done on the Disabilities Act.

The 9th National Assembly, which will be inaugurated June 9, has majority members-elect from the APC.

In the Independent National Electoral Commission’s list, APC has 211 members-elect in the House of Representatives; the PDP has 111, while 20 seats have yet to be declared due to the elections that were declared inconclusive in the affected constituencies.

Other political parties that will be represented in the lower chamber include: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with six members; Action Democratic Congress (ADC), three members, Action Alliance (AA); two members and People’s Redemption Party (PRP); two members.

The African Democratic Party (ADP), Allied People’s Movement (APM) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) won a seat each and out of the over 300 seats declared so far, only 10 are women.

Although many members in the 8th National Assembly will not return to the chamber having lost their re-election bids, Nigerians hope for an improved relations between the Executive and the House for the development of the country.

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