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Reps Pass N30,000 As New Minimum Wage …Dogara, Reps Decamp To PDP
The House of Representatives, yesterday, approved N30,000 as new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.
The approval followed the consideration of the report of the new minimum wage committee at yesterday’s plenary.
The House also approved a clause that would make the new bill operational on the date it would be assented to by the president.
It would be recalled that a public hearing was conducted on the new bill last Monday, consequent upon the accelerated hearing accorded to the Bill by the House.
By this development, the House has countered the National Council of State (NCS), which had earlier at an emergency meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, approved N27,000.
Similarly, the 2019 Appropriation Bill, otherwise called 2019 budget, yesterday, scaled through second reading at the House of the Representatives.
The bill has also been committed to the Appropriation Committee of the House for proper scrutiny.
The House commenced debate on the general principle of the Bill, last week, when it dictated some discrepancies in the proposals of some ministries which included Budget and National Planning, Education, Finance and the Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, OSGF.
The development now entails that Appropriation Committee and all the standing committees of the House would in earnest begin work on the document by inviting the relevant Ministries, Departments and Departments (MDAs) of government to defend their financial estimates for 2019 fiscal year.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, yesterday, adjourned its plenary session until Feb. 19.
The adjournment was sequel to a motion moved by the Deputy House Leader, Rep. Idriss Wase (APC-Plateau), at the plenary session presided over by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, in Abuja.
It would be recalled that the lawmakers on January 16 resumed for the 2019 legislative duty after the Christmas and New Year break.
Moving the motion, Wase, who represents Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau, said that the adjournment became imperative because of preparations toward the forthcoming general elections.
He said that the postponement of plenary sittings would allow members vying for one position or the other to focus on electioneering and other political activities of their political parties.
The Speaker, therefore, put the motion to vote and it was unanimously supported by the members.
Earlier at the plenary, Yakubu Dogara, Reps Ahmed Yerima and Edward Pwajok formally announced their defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While Pwajok represents Jos South/Jos East Federal Constituency of Plateau in the House, Yerima represents Missau/Dambam Federal Constituency of Bauchi State.
The legislators announced their resignations from APC in separate letters to the House of Representatives, which were read on the floor of the House by the speaker.
Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, said that they resigned their membership of the APC due to irreconcilable differences.
The legislators said that they defected to the PDP after due consultations with their constituents.
It would be recalled that a gale of defections has continued to affect the lower chamber in the aftermath of the party primaries, in which several members failed to secure their parties’ tickets for the 2019 elections.
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RSG INAUGURATES ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY COMMITTEE
The Rivers State Government has inaugurated a Central Planning Committee to organize the celebration of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) in the State.
The committee was formally inaugurated by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
Dr Anabraba who also serves as Chairman of the Committee
highlighted the State Government’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who laid down their lives for the nation’s peace and unity.
“These heroes have given their lives for the security and peace of our nation and deserve to be celebrated. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude for their sacrifice,” he said.
Dr. Anabraba further extended recognition to all Security Agencies in the State, emphasizing the importance of the event in appreciating their contributions to national security and sovereignty.
The annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed on January 15 across the country is dedicated to remember Nigeria’s departed soldiers and honouring the nation’s veterans.
