NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Senate passes Rivers 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1.48trn
Politics

Senate passes Rivers 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1.48trn

163 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate, on Wednesday, passed the Rivers 2025 Appropriation Bill of N1.48 trillion.

This followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers.

Making the presentation, Chairman of the Committee and Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, said that for the record, emergency rule is not a substitute for democratic governance in any political climate.

“Rather, it is an extraordinary constitutional measure intended to restore order in times of disorder, promote peace in periods of conflict and ensure stability where there is instability”.

He said that the invocation of emergency rule in Rivers was not an arbitrary action, as some had alleged, but one rooted firmly in the provision of section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“As you are all aware, these provisions legitimately empower both the President and the National Assembly to act in the interest of national stability and constitutional governance.

“Neither the President nor the National Assembly has violated any constitutional provision in the maintenance of national security.

“With respect to the former or specifically in the exercise of our oversight powers guided by the 1999 Constitution to prevent executive absolutism.

“It is upon this premise that the Senate, under the leadership of Sen. Godswill Akpabio, deemed it necessary to constitute this ad hoc committee.

“To oversight the implementation of the state of emergency rule in Rivers.

“In line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws necessary for the peace, order and good governance of any state.

“This is where the House of Assembly is unable to perform its legislative functions due to prevailing circumstances. This provision directly applies to Rivers,” he said.

Bamidele further said that the committee observed that the 2025 Rivers Appropriation Bill is consistent with the objectives of the emergency rule.

He added that this is as it sought to stabilise governance and ensure the continuity of essential public service in the state.

The senate leader said that 72 per cent of the budget was allocated to capital projects which is aimed at driving economic recovery and enhancing public sector efficiency.

He said: “The committed that N50 billion provision has been made in the current budget proposal to address the backlog of pensions gratuity which is estimated at N147 billion”.

Contributing, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, commended the chairman of the committee and the members on a good job.

“There is proof that he is actually the leader of the Senate because of the quality of the report.

“There is nothing one can hide here. It is well structured, properly put together and produced in the best manner possible”.

Similarly, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Sen. Solomon Adeola, said, “I looked at the recommendation of the committee and I could see that from the observation, the budget is well structured with 72 per cent of this budget due to capital expenditure.

“It is highly commendable. That shows that the interim government in Rivers is committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the community”.

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Akpabio said “let me thank the leader of the senate and all the members of the committee that worked on this.

“For especially, expeditiously doing this for the good people of Rivers and by extension, Nigeria.

“I pray that when these projects are executed, they will bring more dividends of democracy to the good people of Rivers and lead to peace, development and prosperity.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu

Tinubu congratulates Sanwo-Olu at 60
Politics

Tinubu congratulates Sanwo-Olu at 60

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By Muhyideen Jimoh

President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State as he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday.

The congratulatory message is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Sanwo-Olu, who rose through the political ranks under Tinubu’s mentorship, currently serves as the sixth democratically elected governor of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Before taking the reins of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu held prominent roles in public service, including Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation.

His career also includes stints as Commissioner in three vital ministries — Economic Planning and Budget; Commerce and Industry; and Establishments, Training and Pensions.

Tinubu commended Sanwo-Olu’s alignment with the master plan laid during his own governorship from 1999 to 2007, calling him a steady hand steering Lagos on a forward path.

“Your execution of this vision is demonstrated by key accomplishments such as the completion of the Blue and Red Rail lines, and the active preparations for the Purple Line, which is set to serve the vital Lekki corridor.

“I urge you to sustain this trajectory by
prioritising impactful projects for Lagosians.

“Particularly, focus on impactful projects that matter to Lagosians—especially the long-anticipated Fourth Mainland Bridge and the Freedom Way to Victoria Garden City (VGC) Road.” Tinubu said.

The President wished the governor good health and longevity, expressing confidence that his administration will continue to improve the lives of Lagosians.

“I also wish you continued good health, longevity, and many more years of invaluable service to Lagos State and Nigeria,” Tinubu added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure
Politics

2027 elections: Stakeholders advocate stronger tech infrastructure

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By EricJames Ochigbo

Some stakeholders have called for increased efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s technological infrastructure to enhance the credibility of future elections.

The stakeholders, who are advocates of democracy, made the call at a policy dialogue on “Election and Technology: Opportunities and Challenges”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dialogue was organised by National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) to commemorate June 12.

In his remarks, Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, said in spite the promise of the BVAS and IReV, their implementation had received numerous criticisms.

Sulaiman said that during the 2023 general elections, numerous reports of glitches in some polling units were recorded, adding that this led to delays and, in some cases, disenfranchisement of voters.

“While technology holds immense potential to revolutionise our electoral processes, more is to be done to ensure effective, inclusive and transparent tech-driven elections.

“As Nigeria navigates a critical period of electoral reforms, we believe it is imperative to convene stakeholders to critically examine the intersection of electoral technology and democratic integrity.

“This is view a view to putting into cognisance the deployment of election technologies at the 2023 general election and the electoral outcome,” he said.

Also speaking, the National Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr Yusuf Dantalle, said that many Nigerians assumed that their votes would not be counted in the overall results.

Dantalle said that those with such opinions preferred to stay at home instead of dissipating their energy participating in elections with predetermined outcomes at a time justice was for sale in the court.

“This is where technology comes in. We are in a technological era; the need for innovation in the conduct of credible elections cannot be over-emphasised.

“From voter mobilisation, voter education, voter registration, electronic accreditation and IReV, technology will continue to play a pivotal role in the electoral process as obtainable in advanced democracies.

“This will drastically reduce the human factor errors and manipulations that impede the nation’s democratic journey.

“Improved technology will bolster public trust in the process and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box to safeguard popular choices.

“This is what June 12 symbolises – a credible election. Nigerians yearn for free and fair polls for sustainable democracy and development,” he said.

According to him, IPAC demands the adoption of electronic voting system in future elections and urges the National Assembly to consider its proposal on this in the ongoing constitution and Electoral Act amendments.

Dantalle listed the merits of these to include: efficiency, accuracy, accessibility, security and cost-effectiveness, saying that they would go a long way in consolidating constitutional rule and democratic governance.

“We must be ready to surmount all challenges in the quest for a strong, virile, united, prosperous, equitable and just society.

“This dialogue affords us yet another opportunity to assess, evaluate and appraise the role of technology in advancing the nation’s democracy, ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Adebayo Balogun (APC-Lagos), said the stressed the importance of the use of technology, adding, however, that it must be used with caution and expertise.

Balogun said though Nigeria had adopted technology in the conduct of elections, there was the need for Nigerians to have trust in the system and in the handlers of election.

He noted that technology would not work in isolation and that people must also take responsibility and be punished for glitches.

In his keynote address, a don, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, said that attention should not be placed only on use of technology on election day but in the build-up to the election as well.

Ibeanu said that Nigerians had continued to demand more use of technology on election day without paying much attention to the earlier processes. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Speaker urges FOI digitalisation in MDAs
Politics

Speaker urges FOI digitalisation in MDAs

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Speaker of House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called for digital mainstreaming of Freedom of Information (FOI) compliance frameworks in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

Tajudeen made the call during a two-day FOI strategic stakeholders’ training workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the workshop has as its theme: ‘Upholding Accountability and Transparency in Governance: A Comprehensive Review of FOI Law for Public  and Corporate Organisations’.

“We must move beyond paper-based information alone and get into integrated digital ecosystems.

“Every MDA should maintain an interactive FOI dashboard, publicly accessible and regularly updated by displaying the number of requests received, the time taken to respond and the nature of disclosure made,” he said.

Tajudeen, who was represented by the House Committee Chairman on Agricultural Institutions and Allied Centres, Akinlade Isiaq, said that the digital transition would enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic delay and empower civil society actors.

According to him, embedding transparency into digital architecture can be sustained over time.

Tajudeen said that the 10th House should consider FOI compliance as a condition for budgetary considerations for the MDAs that were reluctant in complying with the act.

“Any institution that habitually fails to honour its obligations under the FOI Act should face consequences in the form of budgetary conditionality.

“When transparency becomes a prerequisite for accessing public funds, it elevates the value of compliance from a procedural formality to a fiscal obligation.

“By aligning financial incentives with governance behaviour, we can foster a new era of institutional responsibility across all tiers of government,” he said.

The Chairman, House Committee on Freedom on FOI, Yusuf Miga, said that FOI had been convened to celebrate and promote the principles of transparency, accountability and good governance.

He said that the event was aimed at empowering citizens by exploring the mechanisms of obtaining information, challenges and opportunities for advocacy.

Miga described FOI as the cornerstone of democracy, enabling citizens to hold government accountable, foster trust and participate actively in the democratic process.

He said that understanding and utilising FOI laws was crucial in the present information age.

“The right to know, empower citizens, foster transparency and hold government accountable is a tool for democracy, ensuring that voices are heard and that decisions are made in the light of public scrutiny.

“Today, we face the challenges that threaten this vital right. Misinformation, falsification and bureaucratic obstacles can hinder our pursuit of transparency.

“However, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding and promoting freedom of information,” he said.

Moga stated that the house’s agenda for the workshop and over the coming days as well as its workshops in the six geo-political zones of the country  wpuld focus on several key areas to strengthen the legal framework.

He said that they would also provide a robust legislation that would protect the rights of  access to information.

The lawmaker, who said that education was crucial, stressed the need to  empower citizens with knowledge about their rights and the processes available to them.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on FOI, Obordor Mitema, said that FOI Act had served as a powerful tool for empowering citizens and exposing the inner workings of government to public scrutiny.

“The insights gathered from this workshop will shape our legislative oversight and institutional support strategies to ensure transparency remains a living and working principle in governance, not just a policy aspiration,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Oyo Assembly calls for integration of mental health education in schools
Education , Politics

Oyo Assembly calls for integration of mental health education in schools

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By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a motion advocating the integration of mental health education, counselling services, and structured support systems across schools in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the house decried the alarming statistics and emotional struggles of students faced by depression, anxiety, bullying, and substance use.

NAN reports that a motion, co-sponsored by four lawmakers, called for a sweeping reform of the school system’s approach to mental health.

The motion is titled “Need to Integrate Mental Health Education, Counselling Services, and Structured Support Systems in Primary and Secondary Schools in Oyo State.

Its sponsors are Mrs Olufunke Comforter-Olajide (PDP-Ibadan North 1), Mr Rilwan Gbadamosi Saminu (PDP-Atisbo/Saki East), Mr Johnson Ogundele (PDP-Oriire) and the House Leader, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin (PDP-Ogbomoso South).

Presenting the motion, Comforter-Olajide emphasised the urgency of the proposal.

She cited recent findings of UNICEF that one in six Nigerian youths, between the ages of 15 to 24, experience depression, lack of motivation and anxiety.

She described mental health as a vital aspect of students’ well-being and academic performance, which, unfortunately, had remained largely neglected.

“Many children in primary and secondary schools face psychological struggles, including anxiety, depression, stress, substance use, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and emotional trauma.

“Critical factors influencing student mental well-being include academic pressure, peer bullying, socio-economic hardship, and family instability,” she said.

According to her, many of the students’ mental and emotional struggles remain undiagnosed due to the lack of awareness, support systems and trained personnel.

She said that students affected by domestic issues such as abuse, neglect, separation, or trauma become unresponsive or dull in class.

“These students are often misjudged or isolated without support or counselling intervention,” she said.

She also raised concerns about undiagnosed mental illnesses in students due to inadequate awareness and a lack of trained personnel in schools.

“The current school curricula lack robust mental health education, leaving students and teachers ill-equipped to understand or manage emotional distress, or to identify early warning signs that can prevent worsening mental health outcomes.

“Some schools in the state place students with learning difficulties alongside those without support systems.

“This placement often leads to disparities in performance, stigmatisation, bullying, and in severe cases, school dropout; in turn, these lead to mental health issues,” she said.

NAN reports that the members of the house unanimously acknowledged the risk of leaving the issue, including increased substance abuse, school violence, and youth unpreparedness for adult responsibilities, unaddressed.

They concluded that without an urgent response, the lack of structured intervention would put society at long-term risk of higher youth mental illness rates, poor academic outcomes, and reduced national productivity.

In his resolution, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for his ongoing efforts in the health sector reforms.

He particularly mentioned the recent partnership with UNICEF to enrol 10,000 pupils in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme.

Ogundoyin urged the executive arm of government to integrate mental health education into the school curricula, deploy professional counsellors across public schools and establish mental health awareness clubs and campaigns.

He also called for the training of teachers on early signs of emotional and behavioural distress.

According to him, students identified to be at risk are to be covered under the health insurance scheme. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

Imo debt profile reduces by 23 per cent – Uzodimma
Politics

Imo debt profile reduces by 23 per cent – Uzodimma

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By Ugonne Uzoma

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo says his administration has reduced the state’s debt profile from N126 billion to N97 billion, representing 23 per cent reduction.

Uzodimma said this during a “State of the State Address” presented at the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

According to him, the reduction was a clear sign of his administrations’ prudent financial management.

He also said that his administration had pursued reforms that not only increased the state’s revenue but also attracted investment and enhanced transparency.

He also said that his administration devised a modern digital revenue system to transform revenue collection and monitor revenue across all ministries, departments and agencies.

The governor said that the step had drastically reduced leakages and manual bottlenecks leading to an increase in the states monthly internally generated revenue from an average of N1.8 billion to nearly N4 billion.

He said that deliberate steps were also taken to improve the ease of doing business in the state through the successful implementation of the state action on business enabling reforms programme.

He said that the step improved the state’s World Bank ease of doing business ranking from 33rd in 2021 to 13th in 2023.

He said that the state had also embraced the national COVID-19 action recovery and economic stimulus programme, christened Imo-Cares.

The governor said the initiative, jointly supported by the World Bank and Federal Government, was designed to cushion the harsh socio-economic impact of the pandemic and encourage community level recovery.

He said that over 400 households had received direct economic support, while no fewer than 98 communities had benefitted from development interventions under the programme.

“We believe that governance must be both strategic and compassionate.

“While we drive reforms at the macro level, we are equally committed to touching lives at the micro level.

“Through Imo-Cares, we are laying the groundwork for grassroots economic recovery, restoring confidence among low income earners and giving dignity back to those who felt forgotten,” Uzodimma said.

He also outlined plans to improve the housing situation in the state through a public-private partnership with the Nigeria Capital Development fund.

He said the first phase of the development of 500 housing units under the affordable housing scheme was underway.

He also told the lawmakers that at least 40,000 youths had been trained and equipped with startup toolkits under the state’s flagship human capacity development programme, which aimed to train 300,000 youths in critical digital skills.

The governor said this was in line with his administrations’ vision for inclusive, innovation driven growth, a decision, which led to the establishment of the ministry of Digital Economy and E-government.

He commended the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, and other members of the house for their steadfast partnership, describing their support as “instrumental to every milestone achieved”.

“Your commitment to development and the people mirrors the core values of this administration.

“Your support over the last five years has been instrumental to every milestone we have achieved,” he said.

Earlier in an address, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe, said that the governor had ensured that a harmonious relationship existed between the executive and legislature, creating a conducive environment for development.

He thanked the governor for most of the verifiable projects, which his administration had executed since his first tenure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sam Oditah

NUPCPS urges NASS’ to approve N758bn bond
Politics

NUPCPS urges NASS’ to approve N758bn bond

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By Nana Musa

The National Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), Mr Sylva Nwaiwu, has urged the National Assembly to approve the implementation of the N758 billion Treasury bond.

Nwaiwu made the call during at the union’s National Conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for the approval of the N758 billion Treasury Bond by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in February.

Nwaiwu said that it was to settle all government liabilities to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) retirees for over 20 years.

“The leadership of this union believes that the bond approval is a necessary fiscal decision to settle outstanding government liabilities to CPS retirees.

“It is also a demonstration of humanity, fiscal responsibility and moral obligation by the president, which should be commended and collaborated by the Senate,” he said.

The chairman said that many CPS retirees, who rejoiced when the bond was approved, had died while awaiting its implementation.

“It has become imperative for us to draw the attention of the Federal Government to this and appeal for an early implementation of the bond for the payments of CPS retirees.

“This is to avoid further fatalities in this sector arising from high blood pressure as a result of tensions of long expectations of entitlements.

“When that is done, we shall organise a mega solidarity party to celebrate the president’s administration which will hold across the country,” he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume, described the Tinubu administration as a demonstration of humanity, fiscal responsibility and moral obligation.

Akume was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs in the office the SGF, Mr Nadungu Gagare.

He said that the President placed the welfare of all Nigerians, including the senior citizens at the heart of governance.

“Pensioners are not to be pitied, they are to be honoured, they are not liabilities but they are legacies,” he said

Akume said that the President had taken significant steps in addressing long-standing bottlenecks in the pension system, including the review and approval of measures to offset accrued pension liabilities under the CPS.

He said that the government was committed to strengthening the oversight and accountability in the pension industry, and renewing collaboration with stakeholders to ensure prompt and transparent disbursement of retirement benefits.

“While we acknowledge that much has been done, we are equally aware that more remains to be done.

“It may interest you to know that issues regarding the early implementation of approved fiscal interventions are receiving active attention.

“I assure you that the President remains committed to seeing through reforms that will provide sustainable, transparent and fair treatment to all pensioners especially those under CPS,” he said.

He encouraged the union to continue engaging government through constructive dialogue, data-driven advocacy and collaboration.

Patience Oniha, the Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), said that when the National Assembly gives the necessary approval, the bond would be immediately implemented.

Oniha, who was represented by DMO’s Director, Organisational Resourcing Department, Mr Abubakar Kulo, said that the wait would soon be over.

“We are ready to work on the bond as soon as the National Assembly approves it. We will commence the issuance of the bonds as soon as the approval is given,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Senate urges FG to investigate Mokwa flood, others
Environment , Politics

Senate urges FG to investigate Mokwa flood, others

152 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has urged the Federal Government to investigate the flood in Mokwa, Niger recently and similar incidents in other parts of the country.

This, according to the upper chamber, is with a view to providing long-term solutions, including improved and sustainable flood control infrastructure and early warning systems to forestall future occurrence

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senate’s resolutions were sequel to a motion moved by Sen. Peter Jiya (PDP-Niger) and co-sponsored by no fewer than 20 senators during plenary on Tuesday.

The motion was titled: “Catastrophic Flood Disaster in Mokwa, Niger state and Need for Proactive Action to Forestall Future Occurrence.”

NAN also reports that the senate observed a minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives to the flood.

The upper legislative chamber also urged the federal government to prioritise prompt execution of the relief packages promised during the visit of the vice-president to the flood scene.

Moving the motion, Jiya recalled that on May 29 and May 30, a devastating flood swept through the town of Mokwa in Niger after a heavy rainfall.

“This resulted in unprecedented loss of lives and widespread destruction of private and public properties worth more than N10 billion.

“From the casualties recorded from the disaster, over 700 people lost their lives, including pupils from four Islamic schools but only about 300 bodies were physically accounted for.

“Critical infrastructure were not left out of the disaster, as the rail line uprooted two bridges, collapsed roads,” he said.

Jiya said that he had, in the early days of the present administration in 2023, written the Ecological Fund Office on the need to carry out urgent works on the inactive river ways in Mokwa and Kutigi towns which were prone to flooding.

“But the fund is yet to make progress in this regard in spite of earlier warnings issued by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET) of imminent heavy rainfall and flooding in vulnerable parts of the country, including Niger state,” he said.

The senator further stated that in spite of the warnings, the measures put in place by the relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to forestall the occurrence was not significantly felt.

He said that the Federal Government had responded and intervened through the visit of the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), among others.

“However, due to the magnitude of the disaster and the massive casualties recorded, the resources provided have been overwhelmed, hence the need to scale up relief intervention measures to alleviate the sufferings and hardships faced by affected victims,” he said.

Contributing, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) described the flood as “a very monumental tragedy to all of us as a nation.

“Mr President, this was a disaster that was to come based on warnings, as contained in this motion paper and people left what they should do.

“And this flood now came and swept away lives and property in this monumental proportion”.

According to Umeh, the situation calls for preparation by the concerned agencies to begin to put measures in place as the rains may be high in July.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, expressed sympathy to the government and people of Niger over the disaster. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Economic reforms: Tinubu deserves second term in office – Rep member
Politics

Economic reforms: Tinubu deserves second term in office – Rep member

180 total views today

 

 

 

 

By Abiodun Lawal

 

The House of Representatives member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Gboyega Isiaka, says President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term in office considering the massive reengineering of the nation’s economy.

 

Isiaka stated this at a news conference to showcase his scorecard at the House of Representative in the last two years, on Sunday in Abeokuta.

The lawmaker said that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda had created the enabling policy framework for meaningful reforms across the nation.

Since assuming office, he added that the President had pursued a reform-driven economic agenda anchored on difficult yet necessary decisions.

“From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of foreign exchange rates, these measures have begun to yield measurable outcomes.

“The federal fiscal deficit has narrowed significantly, signaling stronger financial discipline and improved economic management.

“Also, our exchange rate policy has yielded a stable and predictable exchange rate that enhances planning and encourages greater direct investment flows into the economy.

“The recently passed Tax Reform Bill represents a major step forward, optimising revenue collection, reducing leakages, and enable more sustainable investments in infrastructure and social services,” he said.

Isiaka, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, noted that, though, there were still challenges, the reforms had laid the groundwork for long-term stability and shared prosperity.

“The essence of leadership is to take you through the best route that will give you desired results.

“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the path Mr President is taking us to is the best.

“We need to exercise some patience and by the time the President gets his second term, which I am sure by the time he’s sworn in by May 2027 Insha Allah, I am sure we are going to see more better and better days,” he said.

On his constituency projects, he noted that he had empowered over 4,000 constituents through carefully designed intervention programmes spanning key sectors.

“We are intentionally equipping our people with different means to build sustainable livelihoods and foster economic self-reliance,” he said.

The lawmaker also disclosed that in the last two years, he had sponsored five bills and five motions.

“I have sponsored five bills and five motions, one bill passed, two passed second reading and the other two under public hearing stage,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

New INEC HQ will consolidate Tinubu’s democratic legacy- TDF
Politics

New INEC HQ will consolidate Tinubu’s democratic legacy- TDF

150 total views today

By Muhyideen Jimoh

The Democratic Front (TDF) has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to build a new headquarters for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling it a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja and jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo.

TDF described the move as visionary and a bold step towards institutionalising democratic values in the country.

“The new INEC edifice reflects a strong message that democracy has come to stay. President Tinubu’s actions demonstrate a clear commitment to democratic development,” the statement read.

The group said Tinubu, in spite past persecution under military rule, has remained steadfast in advancing democratic ideals.

It noted that democracy in Nigeria has suffered from weak institutions and inconsistent application of democratic principles, adding that the president’s support for INEC enhances its independence and operational efficiency.

TDF also lauded Tinubu for recognising democracy heroes while excluding himself from the list, describing it as a sign of humility and statesmanship.

“Such selfless leadership builds public confidence and strengthens trust in the electoral process,” it said.

The group further noted that under Tinubu, INEC has received timely funding and technical support, which contributed to improved electoral outcomes in recent state elections in Imo, Edo, and Ondo.

“These elections were free from interference, reflecting true independence for INEC and setting the stage for a credible 2027 general election,” TDF stated.

The group called on Nigerians to support the president’s reforms, citing visible signs of economic recovery and democratic. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

 

 

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