PUBLIC HEARING: Bill on Grassroots, Social and political development of the FCT - Dogara's Remarks

REMARKS BY RT. HON YAKUBU DOGARA, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT A PUBLIC HEARING ON TWO BILLS ORGANIZED BY THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FCT AREA COUNCILS AND ANCILLARY MATTERS, AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ABUJA, NIGERIA, ON THURSDAY 16TH FEBRUARY, 2017.

RT. HON YAKUBU DOGARA

Protocols:

I am highly delighted to be invited to declare open this Public Hearing on two important Bills which are tailored towards grassroots social and political development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure that it meets up with other emerging capital cities of the World. The bills are:
i. A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment of the Satellite Towns Development Agency to be Charged with the Responsibility for Development and Defining the Boundaries of the Satellite Towns and for Related Matters 2015 (HB.12).
ii. A Bill for an Act to Provide For the Administrative and Political Structure of Area Councils of Federal Capital Territory Area Councils and for other Related Matters. 2016 (HB.30).

PUBLIC HEARING: Nigerian Gas Processing and Marketing Regulatory Board’ and the ‘National Gas Resources Development Agency Dogara's Remarks

REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HONOURABLE YAKUBU DOGARA AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BILLS FOR NIGERIAN GAS PROCESSING AND MARKETING REGULATORY BOARD AND THE NATIONAL GAS RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HELD ON THURSDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY, 2017 AT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara

Protocols:

I am very delighted for the opportunity presented by this Public Hearing on two Bills: ‘Nigerian Gas Processing and Marketing Regulatory Board’ and the ‘National Gas Resources Development Agency’. These Bills seeks to establish the much needed legislative framework to free – up Nigeria’s gas deposits from the overarching concentration on crude oil production at the detriment of gas production. The Bills are expected to propel the country to give gas development, production and marketing its pride of place. If these Bills are eventually enacted into law, they will help create the enabling legislative order in which gas shall no longer be a footnote of crude oil with the attendant overriding benefits to the Nigerian economy.

2. The gas sector of the Nigerian economy has despite several commercial efforts failed to yield its value chain benefits. The laws in place in Nigeria have continued to make crude oil production the corner stone of the country’s petroleum sector development, with inadequate focus on gas production. This misnomer is quite understandable in view of the fact that at the time of developing the Nigerian petroleum sector, global interest in crude oil production and utilisation far outweighed gas utilization. Indeed, gas was treated as waste. It has even still continued to be flared.

LAI NEVER LIED: Report attributed to Minister on President's return is fake

Our attention has been drawn to a report quoting the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as saying the President's return to Nigeria may be hampered by a faulty aircraft.

The Minister has not spoken to anyone on the issue of the President's return, hence this report is another from the stable of the purveyors of fake news and should be disregarded.

Terrorism: UN Security Council To Multinational Joint Task Force - Prevent Boko Haram From Regrouping

---Calls on International Mommunity to Provide Urgent Humanitarian Assistance for the People Affected by the Crisis

The UN Security Council has tasked the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to prevent the destructive Boko Haram insurgents, recently dislodged from its safe haven in Sambisa Forest, from regrouping.

The task force was set up by Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Niger and the Republic of Benin to tackle Boko Haram insurgents. The Security Council, in a Presidential Statement, reiterated that terrorism should be combated in all forms to prevent its spread.

“The Council urged the Multinational Joint Task Force participating countries to further enhance regional military cooperation and coordination. The Force should deny safe haven to Boko Haram, and facilitate the restoration of civilian security and the rule of law in areas liberated from the militant group.”

Military Operations Against Jammeh Halt: ECOWAS, AU And UN Joint Declaration On the political situation of the islamic republic of the Gambia

Joint declaration by the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union And the United Nations on the political situation of the islamic republic of the Gambia

1. Following the Decision of the Summit of the ECOWAS Authority taken on 17th December 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria, Mediation efforts, including visits to Banjul, were undertaken by the Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, HE President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Mediator, HE President Muhammadu Buhari and Co-Mediator on The Gambia, HE former President John Dramani Mahama, along with HE President Ernest Bai Koroma to mediate on the political impasse with Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh,

2. Following further mediation efforts by HE President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and HE President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea Conakry with HE Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh, the former President of the Republic of The Gambia, and in consultation with the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the AU Authority of Heads of State and Government and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, this declaration is made with the purpose of reaching a peaceful resolution to the political situation in The Gambia.

Why Yahya Jammeh agrees to go into exile after election defeat

"I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation," Jammeh said on state television, wearing a white robe and looking tired.

Yahya Jammeh, who led his country for 22 years but refused to accept his election defeat to new President Adama Barrow last month, has agreed to step down and go into exile. He said his decision was taken in the national interest after prayer and said he was proud to have served the Gambian people, imploring them to work together as one nation.

It has not been specified where Mr Jammeh would go into exile.

The news came as regional armies, who entered Gambian territory late on Thursday, were poised to remove Mr Jammeh by force just hours after the army chief recognised Mr Barrow as commander-in-chief.

Yahya Jammeh Bows Down To Pressure, Agrees To Go Into Exile In Mauritania

Barely a few hours before his mandate expires, President Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia is reported to have accepted a last-minute deal to relinquish power peacefully and go into exile. According to reports from Banjul which are yet to be independently confirmed, Mr Jammeh agreed to step down in the interest of peace and stability of the Gambia after a tense closed door meeting with the visiting president of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

Reports added that Mr Jammeh will leave for Mauritania tonight with President Aziz. It is not clear whether he will settle there permanently or move to another country.

Mr Jammeh’s mandate expires at midnight of Wednesday after his surprised defeat in last month’s election by opposition candidate Adama Barrow.

1,000 DAYS AFTER: PRESIDENT BUHARI RECOMMITS TO RETURN OF CHIBOK SCHOOLGIRLS

As the country, nay, the world, today commemorates the 1,000th day of the abduction of schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, President Muhammadu Buhari has recommitted the Federal Government to securing the release of the youngsters kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents.

"We are grateful to God that on this landmark day, we are not completely in the depths of despair, but buoyed with hope that our daughters will yet rejoin their families and loved ones. Three of them have been recovered by our diligent military, while the freedom of 21 others was secured through engagement with their captors. We are hopeful that many more will still return as soon as practicable," President Buhari said.

BUDGET OF RENEWED COMMITMENT: 2017 BUDGET SPEECH OF GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE, SENATOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI

2017 BUDGET SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OYO STATE, SENATOR ABIOLA AJIMOBI, DELIVERED AT THE OYO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON THURSDAY 29TH DECEMBER, 2016.

Abiola Ajimobi

It is with a deep sense of appreciation to the Almighty that I stand again before the Honourable members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, this 29th day of December 2016, to present the Oyo State 2017 budget proposals for consideration and passage.
Similarly, I heartily express my profound appreciation to the leadership and members of the Legislature for their unflinching support and cordial relationship with the Executive arm of government towards the realization of the repositioning agenda of our administration. My expectation and hope is that this will not only continue but wax stronger in our collective responsibility to propel Oyo State into an enviable position among the comity of states in Nigeria.

James Ibori: A Thief Is A Thief and A Bad Person

Stealing is a crime of opportunity. Many people will steal given the opportunity, especially in a country where there are no consequences for bad actions.

I am not a lawyer but I look forward to legal arguments that will show that stealing in public office involves MORAL TURPITUDE. Why? Stealing millions and billions is a base and vile act. It involves the intent to steal as an element. That element is; intentional or reckless infliction of harm to persons or property.

WELCOME STATEMENT BY H.E MUHAMMADU BUHARI AT THE ECOWAS SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

50TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ECOWAS SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT, 17 DECEMBER 2016, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

WELCOME STATEMENT BY H.E MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

1. It is indeed a great pleasure for me to welcome you to Nigeria and to the 50th Ordinary Session of the Authority and Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.

2. Allow me to start by congratulating us all for the peaceful elections held recently in the region. This is an indication of the growing commitment of the leadership and the people of the region to the principle of democracy and good governance.

3. Accordingly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to H.E. President Jorge Carlos Fonseca on his re-election as the president of Cape Verde. My congratulations also go to the winner of the Ghanaian Presidential election, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, and to H.E. Mr. John Dramani Mahama for his display of maturity and statesmanship.

Why do people pray for MMM to crash?

Around the world, mainly in Nigeria, MMM have helped thousands of people sustain a living.

Today, it entered a temporary #frozen mode, and so many people and media will come out to make the masses panic the more.


Now let me ask..

END OF BOKO HARAM IN SIGHT – PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal assured the international community that the end of Boko Haram terrorists was in sight, even as he hailed the increased cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbours in the fight against terrorism.

Speaking at a Panel of Heads of State at the 3rd Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, the President also assured the international community that the security situation in Nigeria had improved significantly.

‘‘About a month ago, I spoke with the President of Chad and I was pleased that a number of Chadians and Nigerians that were Boko Haram members are surrendering to him en-masse. The good news I have is that the end of the raining season has come in the North eastern region of Nigeria.

PRESS RELEASE: NIGERIA WILL WELCOME INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMY — PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday in Abuja said his administration will continue to welcome support and investments from the international community in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors as Nigeria moves to reduce dependence on crude oil.

In a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Sweden to Nigeria, Mr. Svante Kilander, in the State House, President Buhari said the Federal Government would create the enabling environment for local and foreign investments in farming, animal husbandry, fishery and the exploration of solid minerals.

The President said a planned visit by some Swedish trade and investment delegations to the country later in the year would further encourage the ongoing process of diversifying the Nigerian economy.

How Boko Haram kills seven police officers in Niger

The terrorist group Boko Haram has killed seven police officers in Niger Republic, the Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum said on Saturday.

The terrorists attacked the village of N’Gagam near the Nigerian border on Friday evening, Bazoum said.

Urgence Diffa, which monitors the security and humanitarian situation in the area, reported that the attackers arrived in vehicles and opened fire on the police officers in the village.

Russia 2018: FIFA to release special African ranking by June 21

Idris Adesina

World football governing body FIFA has said a special ranking will be established for African countries for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

In a letter sent by mail to the football federations of the 20 countries in the last stage of the qualifiers, FIFA said it would release the ranking on June 21 following complaints from several of the teams.

The previous ranking, which was done by FIFA last week, was fraught with complaints as some countries believed it should have been done with the June FIFA ranking.

Egypt were reportedly among the countries who complained about the seedings, which put them in Pot two along with Nigeria. They argued that they should be in Pot 1, which is reserved for the top seeds.

Dogora's Address at Electoral Matters Committee Retreat

OPENING ADDRESS BY RT. HON YAKUBU DOGARA, SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE RETREAT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE ON ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL PARTIES MATTERS, FRIDAY 27TH MAY 2016.

Protocols :

I am delighted at the invitation to be part of this event and to declare open, this retreat by the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral and Political Parties Matters. Let me warmly welcome all participants and appreciate you for making out time to participate.


2. On our inauguration as the 8th House of Representatives, we committed to carrying out further electoral reforms as a matter of priority, and we very clearly outlined this objective in the Legislative Agenda of the House that was adopted in July 2015.

FACTSHEET: THE SECOND REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT (RSS)

THEME:  CONSOLIDATING COLLECTIVE EFFORTS FOR REGIONAL PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

DATE:  Saturday May 14, 2016

VENUE: Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES:

The Regional Security Summit holding in Abuja tomorrow is the second edition of a gathering that first held in Paris, France, on May 17, 2014, with the following objectives:

• Strengthen Cooperation between the member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin Republic

British PM Cameron Withdraws ‘Fantastically Corrupt’ Statement on Nigeria

Just a day after British Prime Minister David Cameron referred to Nigeria and Afghanistan has fantastically corrupt nations, the leader of the conservatives has praised the nations for the action they have taken in combating corruption.

He made the comments during Prime Minister's Questions in response to Conservative MP Philip Davies, who asked him why aid was being given to countries he considered corrupt.

Mr Cameron said that the leaders of both Nigeria and Afghanistan were "battling hard against very corrupt systems and countries" and had made "remarkable steps forward".

CAF Slams $5,000 Fine on Nigeria for Overcrowding

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) monday imposed a $5,000 fine on Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for overcrowding during the Africa Cup of Nations 2017 qualifying match between Nigeria and Egypt in Kaduna.

NFF incurred the wrath of CAF for poor crowd control measures that saw about 40,000 fans lumbered into the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna in the AFCON 2017 Group G fixture on March 25.