A vacancy is declared in the House today as Reps. Bob and Ugochinyere engage in a proxy battle over Rivers politics
Reps declare Idahosa’s seat vacant
The House of Representatives has declared the seat of deputy governor of Edo state, Denis Idahosa, vacant.
In a letter read by the Speaker Rep. Tajudeen Abbas on the floor of the House on Wednesday, the House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC Edo), asked the House to declare the seat vacant to allow for the commencement of the process of electing a replacement for him to represent the people of Ovia.
Idahosa, who represented Ovia federal constituency in the House, was elected deputy governor of Edo State in the September 21 governorship election and inaugurated on November 12, 2024.
ALSO READ: Reps demands police to curb ‘one chance’ robbery in Abuja
‘Ugochinyere has no right to speak for Rivers people’
Rep. Solomon Bob (PDP Rivers), has criticised Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP Imo), the spokesperson for opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, for commenting on matters concerning Rivers State.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Rep. Bob accused Rep. Ugochinyere of neglecting his Imo State constituency to focus on Rivers State issues, creating unnecessary tensions. He argued that Rep. Ugochinyere, as a federal lawmaker, lacks the authority to speak on Rivers matters, which should be handled by lawmakers from the state.
Bob further alleged that Rep. Ugochinyere is being influenced by a Rivers indigene to engage in illegal activities and advised him to prioritise pressing challenges in Imo, such as insecurity disrupting education and businesses. He reminded Rep. Ugochinyere that a legislator’s primary responsibilities are representation, lawmaking, and oversight, not interference in other states’ affairs.
Bill on compulsory counseling for convicts
The House of Representative has passed for second reading a bill seeking to provide compulsory counseling and training for convicts of corruption.
Leading the debate on the bill, Rep. Akiolu Moshood Kayode (APC Lagos) said corruption is a pandemic in the society hence prison should not be a place that should be used to confine the movement of the convicts alone but should be a place where they go through proper counselling, and training.
Bill for more specialist eye care centres
The House of Representatives has passed the second reading of a bill seeking to establish five additional specialist eye care centers across the country.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC Abia), Rep. Babajimi Benson (APC Lagos), and five other lawmakers, aims to enhance access to quality eye care services across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Rep. Kalu emphasised that the bill addresses the urgent need for more specialist eye care centers to meet the growing population’s needs and tackle the increasing prevalence of eye diseases in the country. Citing reports indicating that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors being prevalent, especially in rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Rep. Kalu noted that the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, while commendable, is insufficient to address the country’s eye care needs.
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
