Across the length and breadth of Nigeria, here are the biggest stories around Nigeria’s legislators and the institution of parliament you mustn’t miss this Wednesday:
Lagos Assembly loses member after APC Presidential Campaign flag-off
The lawmaker representing Mushin Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly is dead.
Abdulsobur ‘Omititi’ Olawale, a second-term lawmaker who was Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Community Relations, reportedly slumped at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign flag-off in Jos, Plateau State Tuesday and died moments later.
“This death really hit us below the belt. We will all miss him more than words can express. We urge you to join us in prayers for his family at this time. Thank you,” a statement by Setonji David, Chairperson of the House Committee on Information, read.
Reps summon TETFUND over utilisation of funds, grants
The House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) has summoned the management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to appear before it to explain the mode of operations of the Fund and its reserve in line with the Act establishing it.
Chairman of the Committee, Busayo Oluwole Oke, issued the summon when the Acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Sylva Okolieaboh appeared before the Committee on Tuesday, following multiple queries raised against the agency.
According to him, the TETFUND Management is to appear along with the Accountant-General of the Federation.
Group decries low awareness on INEC’s display of Preliminary Voters’ Register
Prominent Civil Society Organisation, Yiaga Africa, has said that several challenges and discrepancies are observed at the display of voters’ register by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the country.
In compliance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC commenced the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters (PRV) for public scrutiny on Saturday, 12 November and is expected to be concluded on Saturday, 25 November 2022.
Yiaga Africa, in its preliminary assessment, criticised INEC over poor publicity, a development manifesting in low citizens’ awareness and the late commencement of the process in November.
Senatorial Ticket: Akpabio to approach Supreme Court over disqualification As APC Candidate
The immediate-past Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has vowed to pursue his disqualification as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District up to the Supreme Court for final determination.
Akpabio, through his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, on Tuesday, rejected the judgement of the Appellate Court, which set aside a judgement of the Federal High Court, affirming him as a Senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, maintaining that his lawyers have commenced scrutiny of the content of the judgement as read.
“I am aware that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has the final say in these matters. I therefore, strongly advise my supporters, APC members and all my constituents to remain calm and law abiding, as they continue their campaigns for the successes of the APC in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large,” the former Senate Minority Leader stressed.
Ekiti Assembly gets new Speaker
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has elected a second-term member, Gboyega Aribisogan, representing Ikole Constituency 1, as its new speaker.
The new Speaker polled 15 votes to defeat Olubunmi Adelugba of Emure Constituency, who polled ten votes and was sworn in as Speaker by the Clerk of the House, Tola Esan.
Aribisogan’s election at Tuesday’s plenary is coming about one month following the former seat occupant, 66-year-old Funminiyi Afuye, died in October after he reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest.
Ojochenemi Onje-James
Ojochenemi Onje-James is a research writer and journalist with years of proven footprints in areas of crime and politics. She has a M.Sc in International Relations and Strategic Studies as well as a B.Sc in Mass Communication.
