House of Reps divided over bill to exempt Workers from Contributory Pension Scheme
A heated debate ensued between members of the House of Representatives over a bill to remove National Assembly Service Commission Staff from the contributory pension scheme.
The bill which was sponsored by Abdulganiyu Olododo seeks to create National Assembly Service Pension Board solely for the staff of the Federal Legislature.
At the third reading of the bill, Bamidele Salam, a member of the House raised some concerns.
Salam, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Pension, stated that the bill was not subjected to a public hearing before its passage.
“I do not see the need to exempt the National Assembly, as it will open the floodgate for different sectors. Our committee was not taken into consideration in coming to this stage,” he said.
Another member of the committee, Ben Mzondu from Benue State, said the committee was not given money for the public hearing despite making the request.
Giving clarification on the process, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Hassan Fulata said the House withdrew the bill from the committee because it failed to carry out its assignment.
The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila sided with Bamidele and Mzondu.
“It cannot be one rule for one committee and another for other committees. There are so many committees, three, four, seven months [that] have still not submitted their reports. That motion should have included them. You cannot single out only this one,” Mr Gbajabiamila said.
Deputy Speaker Idris Wase disagreed with the comment by the Speaker on the bill. He said he was the one that presided over proceedings when the committee was discharged from the function, noting that the Speaker is giving the impression of division between them.
“I presided on the day this motion was taken. The motion was taken as members were seated. I disagree with this procedure. In the past, even yesterday, we discharge some committees that have not done their job. It is not the first time we are doing that.
“I don’t want it to be seen as though we are divided, for whatever reason; should it be that any day you are presiding, I can come up and say a,b,c you have done were done wrongly. Is that the way we should proceed? That is where we are going,” he said.
The Speaker, while responding to his deputy, asked him not to take things personal. He explained that a bill regarding pensions is too sensitive.
He ruled that the Committees on Pension and Rules and Business should interface on resolving the concerns.
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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident
Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.
The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.
He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.
“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.
FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.
The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.
“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.
The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.
Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.
“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.
He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)
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Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027
Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”
He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”
The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”
“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”
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JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.
The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.
Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
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