News

National Confab Rejects Minority Report

Published

10 years ago

May 23, 2014

L-R: APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti,wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Bisi; APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu and former Head of State, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammed Buhari, at APC Mega Rally in Ado-Ekiti, last Wednesday

Delegates at the National Conference yesterday unanimously rejected a minority report presented by a member of the Devolution of Power Committee, Ms. Annkio Briggs.
Briggs submitted her report in Abuja immediately after the committee’s report was submitted by the Co-Chairmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomasie and Obong Victor Attah.
Attah, who spoke after submitting the report, said the committee had no doubt that the report would generate a lot of interest.
Briggs, a Federal Government delegate and member of the committee, said she was submitting a minority report.
“I am a member of the committee, unfortunately, I happen to be a lone-voice that does not agree with a very critical aspect of the report of Devolution of Power Committee.
“I hereby seek to present my minority report on the issue of derivation,’’ she said.
The submission of the report generated a heated argument as majority of the delegates said the report should not be accepted or considered while few others said it should be accepted.
Dr Bello Muhammed, representing Kebbi State, called on the conference not to accept minority reports.
Muhammed said that the conference rule did not give room for minority reports but decisions that were reached either by consensus or 70 per cent vote.
“If we accept this report, it may encourage other delegates who also want to submit minority reports after a decision had been taken by this conference.
“This is because it is not everyone that will agree with everything that we agreed on.
“If the committee has decided either by consensus or by 70 per cent the report of a committee, every reasonable member of the committee should be bound by that report,’’ he said.
In his contributions, Mr Atedo Peterside, another Federal Government delegate, also stressed the need to reject the minority report, describing it as deliberate.
Peterside said any delegate who did not agree with a decision on an issue with its committee could take advantage of the five minutes given to each delegate to express his or her opinions.
Mr Festus Okoye, representing Civil Society Organisations, also agreed that the report should be rejected, as several strong opinions from delegates were also rejected at the committee level.
“We all went into some of the committees with hard opinions on various issues.
“Some of us, our opinions on various issues were defeated at the end of the day. We followed majority decisions and we are here to defend the majority decision.
“If each delegate that disagrees on an issue is to write a minority a report, I think we will be seeking an extension for five years,’’ Okoye said.
However, the National Conference in Abuja yesterday resolved contending issues and adopted the amended report of the conference committee on Citizenship, Immigration and Related Matters.
The report was on Wednesday suspended over contentious issues which centred on the provision and funding of grazing reserves and new technologies for herdsmen.
The committee had recommended that grazing reserves and new technologies such as hydroponic fodder solution for feeding cattle be promoted by government.
It also recommended that dedicated funds for the acculturation and acclimatisation of herdsmen should be provided for herdsmen for them to settle at designated grazing reserves.
While some of the delegates believed states where herdsmen came from should be responsible for providing and funding grazing, others said that it should be the responsibility of the host government.
The adoption of the committee report was preceded by a motion sponsored by 14 delegates and read by Mr Festus Okoye representing Civil Society Organisations, which resolved the contending issues.
The motion, which contained three prayers sought that an integrated development and livelihood modernisation programme be implemented.
Okoye said the motion addressed settling of nomadic herdsmen into communities based on establishment of cattle ranches with fodder development technologies; including abattoirs, processors and other businesses along livestock value chain.
Okoye said that the prayer became necessary to build on the innovative and transformative recommendations, citizenship and residency rights adopted by the conference.
He added that the motion was to create the environment that would reduce and prevent conflict arising from the encroachment by herdsmen into farmlands and competitions over land use between herdsmen and farming communities.
Dan Nwanyanwu of Labour Party seconded the motion which was unanimously accepted by the conference.
Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Federal Government delegate, however, moved a motion that the amended report of the committee be adopted.
Ozekhome’s motion was seconded by Justice Balkisu Aliyu, a delegate representing Zamfara, which was unanimously accepted by the conference as well.
The Deputy Chairman of the conference, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, ruling on the committee’s report said that “the majority has it more than consensus’’.
The committee report was the first to be adopted by the conference while deliberation also commenced on the Land Tenure Matters and National Boundaries Committee.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd), has threatened to order the arrest of delegates’ aides and drivers for planning to disrupt plenary over alleged non payment of their allowances.
Kutigi, who gave the warning during plenary in Abuja, said it came to his notice that the aides and drivers had written a petition planning to disrupt plenary.
He said the secretariat had earlier explained to delegates that there was no budgetary provision for their aides and drivers.
“We just received security alert that your aides and drivers are planning to disrupt our conference.
“I understand the demonstration is because of allowance and we have told you that there is no budgetary provision for any aide or driver in the conference.
“Please appeal to your drivers and aides to leave us alone to conduct this conference in peace or alternatively, we shall be arresting them.’’
Kutigi urged delegates to call their aides and drivers to order, as the conference would not condone any unlawful act within the premises of the conference.
“You better take the message to your aides and drivers to stop harassing the conference.
“We don’t want to arrest the drivers and aides of our delegates that are lawfully here, but if they begin to carry out any unlawful act, we shall get them arrested; so, please, warn them.”
The Federal Government has approved the extension of the ongoing National Conference by four weeks, the Conference Chairman retired Justice Idris Kutigi has announced.
Kutigi, who made this known at yesterday’s plenary, said that the leadership of the conference had requested for six weeks extension but an approval of four weeks was granted.
“After our sitting yesterday (Wednesday), we visited the Secretary to the Government of Federation and we were informed that the government only granted us four weeks extension. We have asked for six but we were given only four weeks.In that regard we have to get our programmes tight up because I think the conference will now end on July 31.” Idris said.
“Due to the time factor, the conference management feels we should request from the delegates whether you are prepared to put in extra sitting hours on Fridays and Saturdays?I know you did a lot during the committee stage, now is the final stage we also need the same sacrifices from you. We are requesting for additional sittings on Fridays and Saturdays,”he added.
The request was unanimously rejected by the delegates with some suggesting other ways to fast track the conference decisions and gain more time for deliberations.
Dr Bello Muhammed, representing Kebbi State, said there was no need for an extension in the sitting time if the conference could come up with a right procedure in deliberating and adopting various committees’ recommendations.
Mrs Esther Gonda, representing Plateau State, suggested that the two hours alloted for lunch should be reduced to one, “because I have observed that some of us finish eating by 3pm.”
Chief Mike Ozekhome, an addendum delegate, who also agreed that the time for lunch should be reduced, suggested that the time allotted to each delegate to speak on a matter should be reduced to three minutes.
“We should also sit by 9am instead of 10am which is the normal time parliamentarians and courts sit across the world,” Ozekomeh said.
After various suggestions by the delegates the conference agreed to be resuming sitting by 9am from Mondays to Thursdays.
Idris, however, said that the 9 a.m. sitting agreement would commence on Monday.

News

FG Targets Production Of Locally Made Vehicles By Dec

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

The Tide

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has affirmed that Nigeria now has the capacity and materials to manufacture Made-In-Nigeria cars for local use and export.
With the enabling environment being provided by the government, she said manufacturers should be held responsible if the cars are not rolling out by December 2024.
Currently, Nigeria produces less than 10 per cent of the vehicles used in the country.
Last year, Nigeria’s vehicle assembling industry, estimated to be worth around N302billion, tanked to a new low due to increasing production costs and weakened demand for locally assembled automobiles.
According to the Manufacturers CEOs Confidence Index, activities of motor vehicles and miscellaneous assembly deteriorated further below the benchmark (50 points) from 48.6 to 46.7 points.
But speaking at the Automotive Component Manufacturers meeting in Abuja, she noted that the automobile industry is faced with both challenges and opportunities.
A statement issued last Friday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebayo Thomas, said, “In a significant move aimed at fostering sustainable growth and development in Nigeria’s automobile industry, the Federal Government has issued a clarion call to all stakeholders, including manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem.
“The call comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.”
Encouraging the stakeholders to key into the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy, the Minister said, “As far as we are concerned, the auto industry is now set to go.
“We are counting on all stakeholders to make that happen. If we do not produce made-in-Nigeria cars before the end of this year (December), it will be your fault, because I am sitting down here giving you all the assurances that this administration has created the enabling environment to make sure that the auto policy kicks off.”
Anite emphasised the need for collaboration among manufacturers, dealers, regulatory bodies, and other players in the automobile ecosystem, saying by working together, they can address challenges, streamline processes, and drive innovation.
She also urged stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the board, including vehicle manufacturing, safety features, emissions control, and after-sales services.
Stringent adherence to quality, she said, will boost consumer confidence and attract investment.
The minister assured all that the government would continue to encourage increased investment in research and development, adding that, innovations in electric vehicles, fuel efficiency, and alternative energy sources are critical for long-term sustainability.
On local content, she also emphasised the importance of promoting local content by sourcing materials and components locally.
By doing this, she said, the sector can create jobs, reduce import dependency, and contribute to economic diversification
In his introductory comments, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nura Rimi, emphasised the significance of team action and shared vision as outlined in the Nigerian Automotive Development Policy.
He also urged stakeholders that the country “will overcome obstacles and unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s automotive component sector.”
He encouraged NADDC and other stakeholders to use the chance to form alliances, explore new areas of collaboration, and devise ways to catapult the automotive components manufacturing industry to new heights of success.
The statement added, “The government’s charge underscores the pivotal role stakeholders play in shaping its trajectory. Their commitment to sustainable practices will drive Nigeria’s automotive sector towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
“Environmental Responsibility: Stakeholders are reminded of their environmental responsibilities. Sustainable practices, recycling, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes are essential for a greener future.”

News

Waive Tax On Electronic Imports, Women Engineers Appeal To Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

The Tide

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has called on President Bola Tinubu to exempt the importation of electronic components from taxation for inventive engineers.
Chairman of APWEN, Ms Atinuke Owolabi, said this a in statement yesterday in Lagos, in commenration of the 2024 World Creativity and Innovation Day, with the theme: “Step Out and Innovate”.
The Tide source reports that World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global UN Day, celebrated on April 21, to raise awareness about the importance of creativity and innovation in problem solving.
This is with respect to advancing the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, also known as the global goal.
Owolabi explained that such a measure would significantly enhance technological progress, support local innovators, and elevate Nigeria as a leading hub for innovation globally.
She stated that in a world marked by dynamic challenges and unprecedented opportunities, creativity and innovation stand as the driving forces behind progress and transformation.
According to her, women engineers recognise the critical role that innovation plays in shaping our societies and driving sustainable development.
”On this occasion, we affirm our commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation within our organisation and the broader engineering community.
”Together, let us step out, innovate, and inspire the next generation of women engineers to reach even greater heights of achievement and impact.
”We believe that by stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches, we can unlock innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our world today,” she said.
According to her, the theme: ‘step out and innovate’, serves as a call to action for women engineers everywhere to break barriers, challenge conventions.
She noted that it would also pioneer groundbreaking solutions that would propel them toward a brighter and more sustainable future.
Owolabi disclosed that in celebration of the World Creativity Day, APWEN Lagos had inaugurated an artificial intelligence club tailored for female engineering students and young engineers.
She said that the proactive initiative aimed to inspire and equip young engineers with cutting-edge technological insights.
Th chairman said, “Additionally, we already have a 200-capacity hall to set up a resource, technology, and innovation hub to empower women and girls in engineering.
”This endeavour serves as a catalyst for encouraging aspiring female engineers to embrace innovation and stay abreast of emerging trends in the field.
”APWEN Lagos stands united in its dedication to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in engineering.
“We encourage all female engineers to seize this opportunity to unleash their creativity, explore new frontiers, and make an indelible mark on the world.”

News

Pan-Igbo Group Hails Dangote Group For Reducing Diesel Price

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

The Tide

A pan-Igbo group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has commended the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his management for reducing the price of diesel from N1,600 to N,1000 per litre.
The Tide’s source reports that diesel is the major fuel used by heavy duty vehicles and generating sets to transport goods as well as run industries across the country.
The President of NUF, Mr Augustine Chukwudum, told The Tide’s source in Enugu, yesterday, that Dangote’s timely response to suffering masses of Nigerians, going through hell to get a meal a day, “is highly commendable”.
According to Chukwudum, Nigerians need to appreciate the patriotism of Dangote since what he has done will go a long way in reducing prices of goods, especially food stuff which has gone out of the reach of the poor.
He called on Nigerians, who wish and pray always for the betterment of the country, to appreciate and thank God for answering their prayer through Dangote’s move.
“It is clear that if Dangote Refinery starts fully and gets all the crude oil needed from Nigeria, the prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel will further reduce.
“We commend President Bola Tinubu for being a listening President and supporting the Dangote Group on our crude oil needs.
“We appeal to Tinubu to encourage Dangote by providing the company with crude oil at a reduced rate as we have been demanding,” he said.
Chukwudum said that this move and subsequent further reduction, would bring industries in comatose back to life, jobs created for unemployed youths and reduction in crime as well.
“We call on governors of oil-producing Anambra, Imo and Abia States to bring investors, who shall build refineries in each of the states to refine thousands of barrels of crude in commercial quantities,” he said.