See Full List Of 69 Standing Committee Chairmen Announced By Senate

Senate President Ahmad Lawan

The Senate has announced the constitution of 69 standing committee chairmen and their deputies.

President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan made the announcement shortly before the lawmakers went on annual recess on Tuesday.
He named Jubril Barau as the chairman of the Appropriation Committee and Stella Odua as the deputy.
Adeola Olamilekan got Chairmanship of Finance Committee, while Gabriel Suswan, was named chairman of Committee on Power. Of 69 Standing Committees.
Others are with their deputies are:
1. Agriculture – Abdullahi Adamu, Bima Enagi.

2. Airforce – Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Michael Nnachi.

3. Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes – Suleiman Kwari, Aliyu Wamakko.

4. Appropriation – Barau Jibrin, Stella Oduah.

5. Army – Ali Ndume, Abba Moro.

6. Aviation – Dino Melaye, Bala Na’Allah.

7. Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions – Uba Sani, Orji Uzor Kalu.

8. Capital Market – Ibikunle Amosun, Binos Yero

9. Communications – Oluremi Tinubu, Ibrahim Bomai.

10. Corporation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD – Chimaroke Nnamani, Yusuf Yusuf.

11. Culture and Tourism – Rochas Okorocha, Ignatius Longjohn.

12. Customs, Excise and Tarrifs – Francis Alimekhena, Francis Fadahunsi.

13. Defence – Aliyu Wamakko, Istifanus Gyang.


14. Diaspora and NGOs – Bashiru Ajibola, Ibrahim Oloriegbe.

15. Downstream Petroleum Sector – Sabo Mohammed, Philip Aduda.

16.Drugs and Narcotics – Hezekaiah Dimka, Chimaroke Nnamani.

17. Ecology Climate Change – Mohammad Gusau, Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

18. Education (Basic and Secondary) – Ibrahim Geidam, Akon Eyakenyi

19. Employment, Labour and Productivity – Ben Umajumogwu, Kabiru Barkiya.

20. Environment – Ike Ekweremadu, Ibrahim Hadejia.

21. Establishment and Public Service – Ibrahim Shekarau, Barinadas Mpigi.

22. Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions – Patrick Akinyelure, Ahmed Babba-Kaita.

23. FCT – Abubakar Kyari, Tolu Odebiyi.

24.Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs – Danjuma Laah, Yahaya Gumau.

25. FERMA – Gershom Bassey, Kabir Barkiya.
 
26. Finance – Adeola Olamilekan, Isa Jibrin.

27. Foreign Affairs – Mohammed Bulkachuwa, Ignatius Longjohn.

28. Gas Resources – James Manager, Biobaraku Wangagra.

29. Health (Secondary and Tertiary) – Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Betty Apiafi.

30. Housing – Sam Egwu, Lola Ashiru.

31. ICT and Cybercrime – Yakubu Useni, Abdulfatai Buhari.

32. INEC – Kabiru Gaya, Sahabi Ya’u.

33. Industries – Adebayo Osinowo.

34. Information and National Communication – Danladi Sankara, Aishatu Ahmed.

35. Interior -Kashim Shettima, Diri Douye.

36. Interparliamentary Affairs – Godiya Akwashiki, Abba Moro.

37. Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters – Michael Bamidele, Emmanuel Oker-Jev.

38. Land Transport – Abdulfatai Buhari, Nicholas Tofowomo.

39. Legislative Compliance – Oriolowo Adeyemi, Sabi Abdullahi.

40. Local Content – Teslim Folarin, Sabi Abdullahi.

41. Local and Foreign Debts – Clifford Ordia, Bima Enagi.

42. Marine Transport – Danjuma Goje, Adebayo Osinowo.

43. Media and Public Affairs – Adedayo Adeyeye, Akwashiki Godiya.

44. National Identity and National Population – Sa’idu Alkali, Suleiman Kwari.

45. National Planning – Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

46. National Security and Intelligence – Abdullahi Gobir, Chukwuka Utazi.

47. Navy – George Sekibo, Elisha Abbo.

48. Niger Delta – Peter Nwabaoshi, Bulus Amos.

49. Petroleum Upstream – Albert Akpan, Ifeanyi Ubah.

50. Police affairs – Dauda Jika, Abubakar Tambuwal.

51. Poverty Alleviation and Social Investment Program – Lawal Gumau, Michael Nnachi.

52. Power -Gabriel Suswam, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

53. Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases – Chuwkuka Utazi, Sadiq Umar.

54. Privatisation – Theodore Orji, Oriolowo Adeyemi.

55. Public Accounts – Mathew Urghohide, Ibrahim Hassan.

56. Public Procurement – Shuaibu Lau, Lola Ashiru.

57. Rules and business – Sadiq Umar, Yahaya Abdullahi

58. Science and technology – Uche Ekwunife, Robert Boroface
 
59, Senate Services – Sani Musa, Lawal Hassan

60. Solid Mineral, Mine, Steal Development and Metallurgy – Tanko Almakura, Oriolowo Adeyeye

61, Sports and Social Development – Joseph Garba

62, State and local government – Lekan Mustapha, Francis Onyewuchi

63. Special Duties – Yusuf Yusuf, Biobaraku Wangagra

64, SDGs – Aisha Dahiru, Lekan Mustapha

65, Tertiary and Tetfund – Ahmed Kaita, Sunday Onor

66, Trade and Investment – Rose Oko, Francis Fadahunsi

67, Water Resources – Bello Mandiya, Christopher Ekpeyong
 
68, Women Affairs and Youth Development – Betty Apiafi, Aishatu Dahiru

69. Works – Adamu Aliero, Emmanuel Bwacha

-NAN

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Guests Disperse As Swearing-In Of Justice Tsoho As Acting CJ Of FHC Fails To Hold

Twenty-four hours after Justice Adamu Abdu-Kafarati retired as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, nobody has been sworn in to replace him as of Friday.

The scheduled swearing-in of the next most senior judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho, as the Acting Chief Judge of the court, failed to hold on Friday.

Guests, including a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Andoakaa (SAN), who were at the Supreme Court for the event scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday have dispersed.

Also, another judge of the court, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, who was also at the ceremonial court of the apex court left around 10:40 a.m. when there was no sign in sight that the event would hold.
Justice Tsoho was also at the venue briefly before he left.

No formal announcement cancelling the event was made on Friday, although press invitation was issued by the apex court earlier on Thursday.

Although the oath-taking by Tsoho was supposed to be presided by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, there were speculations on Friday that the CJN refused to show up for the event on the grounds that he had yet to receive any communication from President Muhammadu Buhari in respect of the appointment.

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Why youths shun public office – Comedian, I Go Dye

Francis Agoda, popularly known as I Go Dye, has again spoken about corruption in Nigeria.

The comedian, at an award tagged “Making a Difference Against Corruption Today”, said the level of corruption seen by youths and suffering of pensioners are reasons most don’t go to public office or service.

He said “I want to once again remind us that the issue of corruption witnessed against pensioners is the highest form of ill-treatment against humanity; denying them their benefits is unimaginable in a society like ours that has no social welfare package for elderly people.

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Atiku opens up on Nigeria’s failed leadership, Boko Haram, recession

Former vice-president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has penned a letter to comedian, I Go Dye, who questioned his ambition to become president in 2019.

Francis Agoda, aka Comedian I Go Dye, wrote his own open letter, following Atiku’s formal return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He said Atiku should quit using sentimental empathy on youths to express his political ambition, rather he should advocate for a process that will afford the youth the opportunity of a youthful leadership in the 2019 election.

In his response, the former vice-president touched on the civil war, recession, bad leadership and other issues that have bedeviled the country.

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Comedian, I Go Dye writes open letter to Atiku Abubakar

Francis Agoda, I Go Dye, has dished out advice to former vice President, Atiku Abubakar, following his formal return to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Comedian said Atiku should quit ”using sentimental empathy on the youths to express his political ambition,” rather he advocated for a process that will afford the youth the opportunity of a youthful leadership in the 2019 election.

On his Instagram page @igodye_ he wrote “Don’t use sentimental empathy on the youths to express your political ambitions. Sir, you are one of those that have immensely benefited from Nigeria since your birth in 1946.

‘’Having worked for 20 years with the Nigeria Customs where you retired at the age of 43 in 1989 as Deputy Director, your bucket list sure looks good because you were obviously employed at youth 23.

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Don’t Despair Despite Acute Fuel Shortage, PDP Tells Nigerians

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians not to despair but to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to show love, care and encourage one another despite the biting economic hardship and acute fuel shortage.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Sunday, said it is disheartening that Nigerians could not merrily celebrate the yuletide due to the current biting economic hardship worsened by the acute fuel shortage, all due to the insensitivity of the APC-led Federal Government.

READ ALSO: IGP Orders Commencement Of Stop And Search Nationwide

“Indeed, this is the worst Yuletide ever. There is no way one can sugarcoat the fact that the anguish Nigerians face today is because of the incompetence of the APC Government,

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Fuel Scarcity: APGA asks Buhari to appoint substantive minister, blames scarcity on corruption

Oye said it is unfortunate that the cartel responsible for the hardship inflicted on Nigerians has not been defeated but are rather dictating the pace in the system. National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr Victor Oye, has blamed the current fuel scarcity in the country on corruption and confusion in country’s petroleum industry.Oye said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka while reacting to the situation on Saturday, December 23.He said it is unfortunate that the cartel responsible for the hardship inflicted on Nigerians has not been defeated but are rather dictating the pace in the system.Oye said there is need for clear delineation of powers and functions of the offices of the Minister of

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We will provide viable alternative to APC, PDP – LP

LABOUR PARTY LOGO

The Labour Party said on Saturday it would provide Nigerians with a viable alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections.
The party said both the APC and PDP have failed Nigerians in their efforts to deliver good governance to the people.
The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Mike Omotosho, stated these during a chat with journalists in Abuja.
He said: “People are already complaining. That is why we said we need to come up as the party of the masses, the party of the people and be the voice of the voiceless and give hope to them. It is the only country we have.

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Enugu Govt Provides Free Ride For Citizens Across The States

It’s two days to Christmas and to ensure hitch-free celebration, the Enugu state government is providing free transportation for its citizens returning from across the country.
The gesture which is coming barely some days after the state workers received their 13th-month salary is specifically for those living in the northern, southern and some western states who wish to return to Enugu for the yuletide but cannot afford the fare.
The citizens who were being received by the Managing Director of Enugu Transport Company limited, Mr Vob Itanyi, on Friday said the gesture is a pivotal indication of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s good governance in the state.

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Drama as another PDP Rep joins APC

There was mild drama on the floor of the House of Representatives, yesterday, when another member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ehizuwa Agbonnayinma,  joined the All Progressives Congress( APC).

The defection of Agbonnayinma, who represents Egor/Ikpoba Federal Constituency of Edo State, came 48 hours after Nnanna Igbokwe, from Imo State, also dumped the PDP for the ruling party.

In a letter to Speaker Yakubu Dogara, which was read at yesterday’s  plenary, Agbonnayinma, popularly called EJ, said the PDP shut its door against him in the aftermath of the party’s leadership crisis.

“You can recall that I did not participate in the party’s national convention of December 9, at Eagle Square, in Abuja, because I belong to the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff’s camp, which tried to put things right in the PDP. The PDP has shut the door against me and I have no other alternative than to heed the call of the people, who elected me, to resign from the PDP and join the APC,’’  the lawmaker said.

Surprising, his defection elicited jubilation in the chamber.

While some APC members chanted “APC,” their PDP colleagues echoed  “Fail!” While APC members hugged Agbonnayinma, PDP lawmakers,  including those from Edo State, stood up in unison and bade him farewell.

 

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We Need Strong, Effective NAFDAC – Saraki

Saraki

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday reiterated that the country needs a strong and effective National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to safeguard the health of the nation and eliminate the production and distribution of drugs and other illegal substances in the country.

Saraki, according to a statement by his chief press secretary, Sanni Onogu, made the remarks when the newly appointed director general of the NAFDAC, Dr. Moji Adeyeye, led the management of the agency on a visit to the Senate in Abuja.

Saraki, according to a statement by his chief press secretary, Sanni Onogu, made the remarks when the newly appointed director general of the NAFDAC, Dr. Moji Adeyeye, led the management of the agency on a visit to the Senate in Abuja.

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How APGA won Anambra guber -Odili

After Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano won his reelection, speculations were rife that he bullied the opposition with the media by denying them opportunity to mount billboards and access radio broadcast.

In this interview with the chief creative officer of Brande Aristotle, Tony Odili, whose company collaborated with Winning Concepts Consortium to handle the media and communication department of Obiano’s campaign, he narrated how the media team helped to set a record of winning an election in all the local governments in the state.

 When did the campaign begin?

 The campaign started in 2014; it was then that we came up with a different concept which includes branding of the state, the development of colour and composing of state anthem. It was in doing all these that we were inspired to show the people the state has achieved over the years. We had to look for the spirit of Anambra; the adventurous nature of a typical Anambra man. It was what inspired the anthem and other things developed.

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PDP Dismisses Threat as Defeated Contestants Open Parallel Secretariat

• Adeniran, Adejoh distance selves from splinter group
•  Dickson asks aggrieved members to be patient

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Barely 48 hours after a chairmanship candidate in the recently concluded national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, sued the party, another aggrieved group has set up a parallel office in Abuja, promising to also constitute its own national executive by January.

However, the PDP has dismissed the emergence of a splinter group, saying that it was completely “unperturbed by the comical acts” of some individuals who make outlandish claims in the media regarding the party.

The group, which called itself the “Fresh PDP”, is led by Mr. Emmanuel Obi-Nwosu, ironically, a member of the planning committee of the national convention of the party.

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The Stunted Fight against Corruption

Analysis

The fight against corruption is losing steam because President Muhammadu Buhari appears not ready to go the whole hog when members of his inner circle are alleged to have engaged in corruption, writes Shola Oyeyipo

It is no longer news that President Muhammadu Buhari was elected into office partly because he promised to be tough on corruption.
True to his words, he swung into action immediately he was sworn in as president in May 29, 2015.

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PDP Caucus Storms Out of House Plenary over Member’s Defection to APC

James Emejo in Abuja

There was a drama during the plenary session in the House of Representatives on Tuesday when a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing, Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte federal constituency of Imo State, Hon. Raphael Nnanna Igbokwe, announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his letter of defection which was read by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, he cited divisions within the opposition party as a major reason for leaving the party.

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President Jonathan's Mistakes And How He Could Have Remained President

THE MISTAKES OF PRESIDENT JONATHAN

My name is Dumebi Ifeanyi and I am a political animal. This article is in no way meant to insult/derogate the personality of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. Its main motive is to show his mistakes and what he ought to have done.
I feel compelled to write this article in order for aspiring young politicians like myself to learn from the mistakes of one whose actions led to the near destruction of a great party which I dearly support. Many might be pleased, many might not, but affairs of state ought to be seen/stated for the way they are and not the way they ought to be. So let’s begin…..

His Nature

Any good, prudent leader knows that in order to thrive and grow in politics, he ought to know how to be Soft and Hard, Jonathan is a good man…an overly good man and in politics ‘soft/good men’ don’t go very far. He found himself in several situations where he was supposed to take the best possible action which might have been seen as morally ‘bad’.
You see, in politics and governance as a whole, you are required to be objective….certain circumstances require that you do that which might be viewed as morally ‘bad’, but in order for your government to stand, for your people to survive and for your position to remain, you must take these actions. There are situations whereby you do that which is viewed as morally ‘good’ and you will come to absolute ruin.

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