16-year-old momentarily presided at plenary as reps demand investigation of a case of missing corps member while road safety officers may get to carry arms
- Reps honour the girl-child, as Abbas steps down for 16-yr-old ‘shadow speaker’
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday, made an unprecedented gesture by vacating his seat in plenary to honor the girl-child. A 16-year-old gender advocate, Ms. Isabel Anani, took the speaker’s chair to lead a special session marking the International Day of the Girl Child.
This historic event was the first time in the history of Nigeria’s House of Representatives that a speaker vacated his seat for a non-member to preside. The House began its session on a ceremonial note as members were surprised to witness Speaker Abbas announce Ms. Anani’s arrival. She was joined by female students from public schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja brought together by Plan International Nigeria, a non-governmental organization focused on advocacy and girls’ empowerment.
In his opening remarks before vacating his seat, Speaker Abbas acknowledged the global significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, stating, “this day highlights the challenges faced by girls around the world, while celebrating their resilience, potential, and crucial role in shaping a better future.” He went on to introduce Ms. Isabel Anani, who he described as a “remarkable young leader” and a “girl advocate for gender equality.”
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Anani, chosen for her leadership in gender advocacy, is the youngest member of Nigeria’s Technical Working Group for Adolescent Health and Wellbeing and a UNICEF Young Influencer. She was selected to lead the session after emerging as the top candidate in a nationwide call for applications. During the session, she had the opportunity to shadow Speaker Abbas and lead key parliamentary proceedings.
Amid applause and a standing ovation from the House members and observers, the ‘shadow speaker’ presided over the presentation of a motion put forward by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC Lagos), Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. The motion commemorated the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child and focused on advocating for the protection and empowerment of young girls across Nigeria
- Reps ask NYSC DG, IGP to investigate case of missing corps member
The House of Representatives has urged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to launch an investigation and lead efforts to locate Godwin Okeke, a corps member who has been missing since May.
This call followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Nnolim Nnaji (PDP, Enugu) during Thursday’s plenary. Okeke, a former student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and a 2023 Batch B Stream 1 corps member serving in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State, with code number OD/23B/1329, was reported missing on May 9. In his presentation, Rep. Nnaji informed the House that Mr. Okeke was the best graduating student from the Department of Computer Science at his university. He expressed concern that the family has largely been left to search for their son with little assistance from authorities.
- Bill to allow road safety officers bear arms scales second reading
A bill for an Act to amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act, 2007 to allow officers bear arms has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Abiodun Adesida (APC Ondo) and Olaide Muhammed (APC Oyo) at plenary on Thursday.
The bill seeks to establish road safety special armed squad and make corps on the rank of deputy corp marshal enjoy benefits attached to that grade including retirement grade. The bill also seeks to empower the commission with the responsibility for road traffic administration and safety management.
In a related development, the House tasked FRSC to embrace technology-assisted enforcement, which includes Automatic Vehicle Local (AVL) systems, Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) systems, advanced analytics and data platforms among other potential options to manage traffic. The call, followed to the adoption of a motion by Rep. Garba Muhammad (NNPP Kano).
BILLs CHART FOR THE DAY
Below is OrderPaper’s signature presentation of bills taken in the House plenary today. Readers are invited to contact us for further information via info@orderpaper.ng or WhatsApp via +234 704 700 3031
