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Senate Moves To Include More States In NDDC

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The Amendment of a bill to include Kogi, Lagos, Anambra, Gombe States and others in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) scaled second reading at the Senate on Wednesday.
The bill titled: “A bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Act No 6, 2000 and for other related matters connected therewith, 2021”, was sponsored by Senator Adeola Solomon Olamilekan representing Lagos West Senatorial district.
Olamilekan in his lead debate submitted that the NDDC Act was activated over 21 years ago and since then, oil and gas have been discovered in Lagos, Kogi, Anambra, Gombe, Bauchi and other States, hence, the amendment would offer an opportunity for the Act to capture peculiarities of the new oil states.
In his contribution, Senator Ahmad Baba Kaita representing Katsina North Senatorial district, having supported the amendment proposal, recalled how a former GMD of NNPC told Senators previously that Nigeria would become one of the largest oil producers in the world if oil discoveries in the country were harnessed.
He said: “Thank you Mr President I remain Senator Ahmad Baba Kaita, Katsina North Senatorial district. Regarding the motion on the oil-producing States, I think what is good for the goose is good for the gander. In a state like Borno, where oil has been discovered, I remember the former Group Managing Director of NNPC arguing here that with such states coming on board, Nigeria will be one of the largest oil producers if we harness our resources.
“In this case, it is only fair for us to consider those states that produce oil because the exploration is going to affect the environment. The idea behind that motion is consequences of oil exploration.”
However, Senator George Thompson Sekibo urged Senators to treat the amendment with caution.
He advised lawmakers to find out if those states have started contributing to the Federation account through their oil, adding that exploration of oil in commercial quantity was precedent since the derivation sharing was based on the quantity of oil produced
“Mr President, I congratulate these States where they said they have discovered oil. What I want to know is whether they are of commercial quantity and whether there are being drilled out now and the money is going into the Federal government Account.
“We have not confirmed that one yet but as oil has been discovered there, we want the oil to come out of every soil in Nigeria. Are they exploring the oil? Are they refining oil there and has oil caused devastation in those States.
“Mr President, the purpose of the Niger Delta Development Commission Act is not because they found oil there but because the oil has caused so much devastation and there was a need to remedy the place.”
Senator Mathew Uroghide representing Edo North Senatorial district disagreed with the proposed amendment completely, stating that the NDDC Act was specifically meant to address environmental degradation of the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the inclusion of some northern oil states in the Act will defeat the original intention of the Act.
He said: “Thank you Mr. President. I am Senator Mathew Uroghide representing Edo South Senatorial district. I consider it a privilege to contribute to a bill being sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan. I am not particularly against the sponsor of the bill, but I feel the bill must be properly presented.
“Let’s start with the name, “Niger Delta Development Commission”, NDDC. Today the area that is referred to as Niger Delta is very clear. The States that make up the Niger Delta region that the Commission is serving is very clear.
“Senator George Thompson Sekibo just mentioned the 13 percent derivation which each oil-producing States get which is a function of oil production.
“Oil production in Gombe and Bauchi and other northern States are already coming to a reality, but to take these States as the Niger Delta States is not right.
“But if there is any percentage for States that produce oil, be it Sokoto, be in Borno, of course, they should benefit, but that does not make them part of Niger Delta. To say other Sates are part of the Niger Delta makes a mockery of the original idea of the NDDC Act.
“The NDDC was created as an interventionist to  remediate in degradation of the environment due to oil exploration.”
After further contributions by lawmakers, Senate President, Dr Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan put the bill to voice votes and it scaled second reading.
A public hearing was expected to be conducted for a wider consultation preparatory for its final passage into law.

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Akpabio’s Kinsmen Kick Against Plot To Upstage Him

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Ahead of the 10th National Assembly June 13 inauguration date, kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio, under the umbrella of Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, have warned against any attempt to pressure the All Progressives Congress (APC) to  withdraw support for his ambition to become Senate President.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Amb. Okon Mkpafit emphasised that Akpabio is the most suitable candidate for the Senate President position among other contenders from Southern Nigeria and the South-South geopolitical zone.
Mkpafit further disclosed that Akpabio’s kinsmen have been actively working towards ensuring his emergence as the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly. They are now calling on the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as other contenders, to throw their weight behind Akpabio.
He stated, “We, the kinsmen of Senator Godswill Akpabio under Ntipe Ibibio Unity Mission, unequivocally declare our unwavering support for APC’s zoning of the Senate President position to the South-South geopolitical zone, and we firmly stand behind Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President of the 5th Republic.”
Highlighting the significance of the South-South Senate Presidency, Mkpafit recalled that the last time the position was held by the South-South region was in 1979, during the Second Republic, with the emergence of the distinguished Senator Joseph Wayas.
“We urge all senators-elect to come together to ensure the realization of a South-South Senate Presidency and to support Senator Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President,” he added.
Mkpafit also said Akwa Ibom during Akpabio’s tenure witnessed substantial transformation and enduring legacy of infrastructural and human capacity development.
However, Mkpafit issued a warning against any attempt to pressure the party into rejecting Akpabio, stating that such actions would be counterproductive. He urged the party to uphold its choice.
“We have observed the mounting pressure on the APC leadership to exclude Senator Akpabio, and we caution that succumbing to this pressure would have a detrimental effect on the party. We strongly advise that the party’s decision be upheld”, he said.
Mkpafit also called on all Nigerians to unite with President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu in building a strong nation and reclaiming Nigeria’s esteemed position among the comity of nations.

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DSS Warns Against Plots To Disrupt Inaugurations

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed that some elements are planning to disrupt the handover ceremonies in some parts of the country.
According to the Service, these elements plan to undermine the efforts of the security agencies as well as cause panic among the citizens.
In a statement released yesterday by the spokesperson for the Service, Peter Afunanya, the DSS urged citizens to adhere to the laid down protocols for the events across the country.
The statement partly read, “It would be recalled that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Transition Council on May 18, 2023, held a World Press Conference during which he announced activities for the Presidential inauguration.
“The major highlight of the activities is the swearing-in of the President on May 29, 2023, in Abuja. On the same date, new Governors will also be inaugurated in most of the States.
“The Service is, however, aware of plans by subversive elements to disrupt the programmes in parts of the country. The aim is to undermine security agencies’ efforts at ensuring peaceful ceremonies as well as creating panic and fear among members of the public.
“Based on these, citizens, the media, and Civil Society Organisations are advised to adhere strictly to security and civil protocols during the events. “
Advising Nigerians to shun fake news that could cause violence in the country, he urged unaccredited persons to stay away from the inauguration venues.
He said, “They are also urged to shun fake news, false alarms, skewed reportage/narratives, and sensationalism that may likely inflame division, tension, and violence prior to and after the exercises. This is more so that such undesirable acts will serve no purpose other than destroying national unity and cohesion.
“Additionally, all unauthorised (and unaccredited) persons are warned to stay away from restricted and certain designated areas at the event venues.
The Service reiterates its earlier call for the populace to remain calm and law-abiding. Meanwhile, it will continue to sustain collaboration with sister agencies to ensure successful inaugurations.”
Tinubu is God’s answer to Nigerians’ prayers for good leadership: Senator Gaya
The Senator representing Kano South in the National Assembly, Kabiru Gaya, has said that the emergence of President-elect Bola Tinubu is God’s answer to the country’s prayers for good leadership.
He said this while speaking during a joint prayer session organised by APC Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday night.
Sen. Gaya said Tinubu’s antecedents as governor of Lagos were evidence of his capacity.
He expressed optimism that if he could replicate what he did in Lagos in terms of infrastructure and grow the state’s economy despite odds at the national level, Nigeria would be a better place for all.
Sen. Gaya noted that Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima also worked hard as governor of Borno.
According to the lawmaker, Tinubu and Shettima are a perfect match that can bring Nigeria to greater heights and make it the envy of other nations.
“I am sure God will guide them to bring in place professionals as cabinet members to work with and form a good government in the interest of the country and its citizens,” the Senator said.
Abudumumini Aminu, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum, said the joint prayer session, which cut across religious faith, was to pray for a successful tenure for the in-coming administration.
He said it was also to pray for national unity, peace, progress and the country’s development.
Tinubu will be sworn in as president on Monday.
Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, all inaugurations had been held on May 29.
The most recent presidential inauguration was held on May 29, 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office for a second term.
Recitation of the presidential oath of office is the only component in this ceremony mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria administers the presidential oath of office.
Since 1999, five chief justices have administered the oath at six scheduled public inaugurations.
The ceremony will be held at Eagle Square, Three Arms Zone in Abuja.

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‘Tinubu Is God’s Answer To Nigerians’ Prayers For Good Leadership’

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The Senator representing Kano South in the National Assembly, Kabiru Gaya, has said that the emergence of President-elect Bola Tinubu is God’s answer to the country’s prayers for good leadership.
He said this while speaking during a joint prayer session organised by APC Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday night.
Senator Gaya said Tinubu’s antecedents as governor of Lagos were evidence of his capacity.
He expressed optimism that if he could replicate what he did in Lagos in terms of infrastructure and grow the state’s economy despite odds at the national level, Nigeria would be a better place for all.
Sen. Gaya noted that Vice-President-elect Kashim Shettima also worked hard as governor of Borno.
According to the lawmaker, Tinubu and Shettima are a perfect match that can bring Nigeria to greater heights and make it the envy of other nations.
“I am sure God will guide them to bring in place professionals as cabinet members to work with and form a good government in the interest of the country and its citizens,” the Senator said.
Abudumumini Aminu, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the forum, said the joint prayer session, which cut across religious faith, was to pray for a successful tenure for the in-coming administration.
He said it was also to pray for national unity, peace, progress and the country’s development.
Tinubu will be sworn in as president on Monday.
Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1999, all inaugurations had been held on May 29.
The most recent presidential inauguration was held on May 29, 2019, when President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office for a second term.
Recitation of the presidential oath of office is the only component in this ceremony mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria administers the presidential oath of office.
Since 1999, five chief justices have administered the oath at six scheduled public inaugurations.
The ceremony will be held at Eagle Square, Three Arms Zone in Abuja.

Continue Reading

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