President Tinubu gave the promise in his address during his visit to Jos on Thursday.

He commiserated with the government and people of the state on the March 29 gun attacks that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in the Angwan Rukuba district of Jos North local government area.

“I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” he said.

President Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to “unearth and find the killers” of innocent Nigerians.

He announced that the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, would oversee the immediate installation of the security cameras in close coordination with the Plateau State government and security agencies.

The installation will start in Jos and expand across Plateau State, building on systems already successfully deployed in Lagos and Enugu states.

Lamenting the pain caused by the latest violence, President Tinubu expressed dismay at seeing videos from Jos depicting violence.

“It is only God that can give you joy and comfort,” President Tinubu told families affected by the attacks at the meeting held at the arrival lounge at Yakubu Gowon Airport.

“No amount of money can recompense for lost souls,” he added.

President Tinubu pledged that the government would do everything possible to ensure that justice was served and provided comfort for the bereaved families.

He directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, to compile comprehensive data on those affected by the violence to ensure that government assistance was equitable to all.

Addressing leaders and stakeholders, President Tinubu emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent future attacks.

”Why is the past not a source of lessons to us? I have listened to Jonah Jang, Wase, Lalong, Nentawe and Governor Mutfwang.

“Governor, you and I were elected on a promise of peace and security, not to comfort and create widows and widowers. We were elected to bring prosperity and inclusiveness as a government, to share hope and aspiration with everyone, and to lead our youth.

”I assure our youths who are represented here that I do not want to be here consoling and commiserating — I want to be here to establish peace,” he said.

The governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, said the state had enjoyed relative peace before the unfortunate incident of March 29, describing it as a temporary setback.

He commended security agencies for their ongoing efforts and expressed confidence that their interventions would continue to strengthen security.

“We will win this war against insecurity,” the governor said, adding that the current administration inherited the challenges and was taking all measures within its powers to address them.

Governor Mutfwang also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to complement the state’s security efforts.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, thanked President Tinubu for standing with the people of Plateau, noting that the crisis had lingered for a long time.

He expressed hope that the president’s visit would strengthen security agencies, stem the tide of attacks, and provide comfort to bereaved families.

“We will stay back and work with our people to find a lasting solution to the problem,” he said.

A former governor of the state, Jonah David Jang, echoed the request by Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and the state governor for a special meeting in Abuja to find lasting solutions to the crisis in Plateau.

“I went through it, Joshua Dariye went through it, Simon Lalong went through it. The fact that the violence is now leaving the villages and getting into the townships is a dimension that we do not want to see,” he said.

He alleged that some people were attempting to sabotage the forthcoming general elections and President Tinubu’s achievements for the nation.

“You are doing a fantastic job for the nation, and some people think they want to spoil it like this,” he said.

Senator Simon Lalong, a former governor and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, recalled that, as a former governor, he had witnessed the state go through a state of emergency.

“We thought that it was over, but it is rearing its ugly head again. Plateau is privileged. If you bring together Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Simon Lalong, and Mutfwang with traditional rulers, you will find solutions to Plateau State’s problems.

“I say that because all of us went through it. The solution to this problem lies with the people of Plateau. If we are ready, we will proffer a solution to you, Mr President. That is why we suggest a closed-door meeting in Abuja, where we can say the truth.

“It is not security agencies that will bring peace — Plateau people will bring peace,” he said.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Idris Wase, observed that much work remained to be done to ensure lasting peace in Plateau, noting that many challenges stemmed from sabotage.

He called for increased collaboration between the Air Force and ground troops, particularly as the next farming season approaches in the state.

“In Wase and Kanke alone, last week we lost over 14 people, including a captain of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

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A statement by Mr Alfred Alabo, the Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Police Command in the state has, however, indicated that the bandits met an “aggressive onslaught” by a combined team of security operatives.

“Some of the bandits were killed and one arrested at the Bangalala forest in Wase which is a border between Plateau, Bauchi and Taraba states,” he said.

According to him, other bandits who fled during the operation, attacked Zurak and Dakai villages, killed nine persons and burnt down six houses.

READ ALSO: NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, others for SuperNews conference

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police has deployed more personnel to the area and directed the area commander of Langtang to relocate to Wase with immediate effect.

“One of the bandits, who escaped and went to seek treatment at a hospital in Wase, was arrested with gunshot wounds.

“He has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigation,” he said.

He said that the commissioner, who commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, assured residents of the command’s readiness to secure lives and property in the state.

Source: NAN

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Abbas defeated the immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase and Sani Jaji

He scored 353 votes while Wase and Jaji scored three votes each.

Shortly after the declaration, Abbas was sworn in.

Abbas has as his deputy, Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu was sworn in after his nomination and ratification.

Before the election, Abbas was nominated for the post of the Speaker by the immediate past Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa.

The nomination was seconded by Hon. Nnolim Nnaji.

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The groups met at a parley in Abuja on Saturday.

The G7 reiterated their commitment to work with the minority caucus to present a common front for the 10th National Assembly Speaker.

The G7 is made up of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase; Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Aliyu Betara, and  Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi.

Others are: Sada Soli (APC-Katsina), Sani Jaji (APC-Zamfara), Miriam Onuoha (APC-Imo) and Ado Doguwa (Kano).

Soli who spoke on behalf of the G7, commended the caucus, while  assuring them of their unalloyed support with a promise to present a consensus candidate to the Greater Majority.

Responding on behalf of the Greater Majority, Fred Agbedi commended the G7 in seeing the Greater Majority as partners in progress for the progressive growth of the 10th House of Representatives.

He applauded the lawmakers for maintaining sacredness of the hallowed chamber, while assuring the G7 that the caucus had not endorsed any candidate.

Agbedi promised that the greater minority would work with all members-elect of the minority to ensure that the 10th House had a Speaker for all.

The total number of minority in the House from the PDP, NNPP, ADC, YPP and LP is 182, while the APC has 178 members-elect.

The focus of the greater majority is to preserve the independence of the legislature.

Source: NAN

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1. Good morning Distinguished Ladies and ‘Gentlemen of the Press.
2. We welcome you all to this press briefing. Recently, the National Assembly have been inundated with calls and messages from the public, and subjected to intense pressure by well-meaning citizens to update Nigerians on the status of the 44 Constitution amendment Bills transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. It is in response to these calls that we have convened this briefing.
3. First, let us make a few quick points, and then we will answer your questions. Understandably, we will speak a bit about how far we have come regarding Constitution Alteration in the 9t National Assembly.
4. Learning from the botched attempt by the National Assembly to rewrite the Constitution in one fell swoop. between 2003 and 2007, successive Assemblies have employed an incremental approach to altering the Constitution. Hence, the First, Second, Third and Fourth Constitution (Alteration) Acts were passed and enacted. These amendments undoubtedly improved our electoral management and adjudication systems, fostered political participation and addressed other fundamental good governance issues.
5. The current Constitution alteration exercise is a legislative response to relentless agitations by Nigerians to address contemporary constitutional issues. Throughout the Constitution alteration process, the National Assembly adhered to the time-tested participatory approach to constitution amendment. That is why from the process’s inception, we invited written submissions from citizens, interest groups, socio-cultural organisations and civil society organisations. Subsequently, we held zonal public hearings at 12 centres across the six geo-political zones; and a national public hearing in Abuja.
6. Furthermore, after several meetings and engagements with the State Houses of Assembly, the Joint Committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives recommended 66 Constitution Alteration Bills for passage. We considered that those 66 bills have a considerable level of national consensus as garnered from public consultations. Out of the 66 Bills, 44 were approved by the Senate and House of Representatives. Subsequently, the 44 Bills were transmitted to the 36 State House of Assembly on 29th March 2022 for approval in line with Section 9(2) stipulations of the Constitution.
7. The 44 Bills transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly seek to, amongst others: strengthen the legislature’s authority to enable it to serve as an effective pillar of checks and balance to the executive; strengthen independent constitutional bodies; create and strengthen a culture of good governance; address issues of revenue leakages and unbridled government spending, and enhance effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
8. Let us very briefly go through some notable Bills among the forty-four.
9. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 1, 2022 (Local Government Financial Autonomy). The Bill seeks to entrench financial autonomy for Local government councils: by abolishing the State Joint Local Government: Account and providing for a particular account into which shall be directly paid all allocations due to Local Government councils from the Federation Account and the internally generated revenue of the State Government. In addition, the Bill provides for the payment of teachers’ salaries to be shared between the three tiers of Government, such that the amount to be deducted from the Local Government Councils is the least;
10. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 2, 2022 (Local Government Administrative Autonomy). This Bill seeks to establish Local Government Councils as a substantive tier of Government in the Constitution and guarantee their democratic existence and tenure by entrenching .the fundamental. governance structure of the Local Government Councils in the Constitution. It prohibits the exercise of council powers by any entity other than democratically elected council members;

iii. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 11, 2022 (Inauguration of Senators and MembersElect). This Bill seeks to provide the quorum of members-elect required for the first and inaugural session of members-elect of the National and State Houses of Assembly as a two-thirds majority of members-elect;

1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 26, 2022 (Fair Hearing in the Process of Recommending the Removal of Judicial Officers). The Bill requires a fair hearing in recommending the removal of judicial officers by the State Judicial Service Commission;
2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32,33, and 34, 2022 (Devolution of Powers). These Bills intend to decongest the Exclusive Legislative List by moving some items to the. Concurrent Legislative List, thereby giving more legislative. powers to States.. The items include Airports; Fingerprints, Identification and Criminal Records; prisons and railways. These amendments strengthen the federal system and ensure that governance responsibilities are efficiently allocated to the level of Government best able to manage them. It also allows states – to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid within their respective domains;
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 39, 2022 (Power to Enforce Compliance of Remittance of Accruals into the Federation Account and Review of Revenue Allocation Formula). It empowers’ the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to enforce compliance with the remittance of accruals into and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account and streamline the procedure for reviewing the revenue allocation formula;

vii. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 45, 2022 (Timeframe for the Submission of the Names of Ministerial or Commissioner Nominees). This Bill provides a timeframe within which the President or a Governor shall forward to the Senate or State House of Assembly names of nominees for confirmation as Ministers or Commissioners;

viii. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 47, 2022 (Establishment of State Security Council). The Bill establishes a State Security Council to advise the Governor on matters relating to public security;

1. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration): Bill, No. 48, 2022 (Power to Summon the President and Governors). The amendment grants the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly the powers to summon the President and Governors, respectively; to answer questions on issues of national security or any matter over which the National Assembly and States Houses of Assembly have the power to make laws;
2. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 51, 2022 (Creation of the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federal Government). It establishes the office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government as distinct from the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. It aims to ensure ease of administration by enabling the Federal Government to have its accounting officer separate from the accounting officer dealing with the other government tiers;
3. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 53, 2022 (Separation of the Office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and the State from the Office of the Minister or Commissioner for Justice). It makes the office of the Attorney General independent and insulated from partisanship by separating it from the office of the Minister of Justice or Commissioner for Justice; and

xii. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Fifth Alteration) Bill, No. 58, 2022 (Independent Candidacy). The Bill seeks to alter the Constitution to allow an independent candidate to contest for an elective position. This amendment expands the space for democratic participation by providing a platform outside political parties for persons to participate in and contest elections.

READ ALSO: Obasa, Conference of Speakers condemn siege to Edo Assembly

9. Now, let us give you a sense of where we are with the Bills as of today. Six months after the transmission of these Bills to State Assemblies, it is most disheartening to inform you that only 11 State Houses of Assembly have demonstrated their independence and loyalty to the Constitution regarding the 44 bills. 25 State Houses of Assembly have yet to consider and vote on these bills. So far, only Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun and Osun States have successfully considered, voted on, and forwarded their resolutions on the 44 bills to the National Assembly.
10. More worrisome is that while we are still expecting the receipt of the resolutions of the remaining Houses of Assembly, we received a letter from the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies informing the National Assembly that the remaining states will not act on the 44 Bills unless the National Assembly passes four new Bills they have proposed in the letter. The Bills they propose seek to amend the Constitution to:

* Establish State Police;

* Establish State Judicial Council;

* Streamline the procedure for removing Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly; and,

* Institutionalize Legislative Bureaucracy in the Constitution.

11. We want to ensure everyone understands this: the National Assembly is in no way averse to acting on any proposed Bill or memoranda appropriately tabled before it, at any time in its life. However, it is legally inappropriate for the Conference of Speakers to use the four Bills as a quid pro quo to act on the 44 Bills the National Assembly 44 Bills transmitted. It is clear, and we cannot overstate, that this letter is not in keeping with the obligation the Constitution has placed on them regarding the Constitutional amendment.
12. Let us be clear, the Bills the National Assembly transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly as required by the Constitution are not about members of the National Assembly. It transcends our personal and political interests. It is about the people who have graciously given us_ the temporary privilege to serve them. The offices and positions we each hold belong to the people. And they yearn for a government that is honest, accountable, and responsive to their needs. It is, therefore, disheartening that some State Houses of Assembly, through the Conference of Speakers, would give the National Assembly conditions before fulfilling their constitutional obligations.
13. Although the Conference of Speakers did not allude to it in their letter, we are aware of the undue interference with legislative processes and the political capture of some State Houses of Assembly by some State Governors. No doubt, some State Governors have worked tirelessly to turn the Conference of Speakers and some State Assemblies into political puppets, thereby undermining and delegitimizing the legislative institution at the state level. This interference has been ramped up, especially in opposition to the Bills granting financial and administrative autonomy to Local Governments.
14. An independent state legislature is essential to the well-being of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. That is why the ongoing attempt by some State Governors, with the support of some Speakers and allies in the State Houses of Assembly, to eliminate that independence should alarm all Nigerians. This posturing by the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies should be shown for what it truly is — a total disregard for the Nigerian constitutional system.
15. It remains true that each State House of Assembly is independent of the other. However, Constitution amendment Bills require the approval of two thirds (24) of the 36 States House of Assembly before they can be presented for the President’s assent. Therefore, how a State Assembly decides on each of the Bills is its prerogative. But, there must be a decision for citizens to know where each State House of Assembly stand on the issues the Bills seek to address.
16. Please permit us to use this opportunity to appeal to citizens, civil society organizations, interest/professional groups and institutions to prevail on the Conference of Speakers to withdraw their threat to truncate the constitution amendment process. Instead, we should all speak up to defend our Constitution and democracy.
17. Suppose we ignore this brazen attempt by some Governors to truncate a constitutional process. In that case, we will ultimately be enablers of the undermining of a critical bulwark of our democracy — which we should not be.
18. While we use this medium to applaud all State Houses of Assembly that have successfully considered and approved the Constitution Alteration Bills, we also urge the remaining 25 State Houses of Assembly to keep faith with Nigerians and the Constitution they swore to uphold. May we all honour our pledge to Nigerians to build and reform by listening to the people.

19. Thank you.

HE Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

Deputy President of the Senate Deputy

Chairman

Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase

Speaker, House of Representatives

Co-Chairman

The post FOR THE RECORD: Update on 44 constitution amendment bills appeared first on Frontpageng.

This is as the National Assembly disclosed that six months after the transmission of these bills to state assemblies, only 11 state Houses of Assembly had demonstrated their independence and loyalty to the  constitution regarding the 44 bills.

The leaders of the National Assembly constitution review committee – Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege and Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase – raised the alarm over the threat by the conference on Tuesday during a press conference held to give update on the review of the constitution.

According to the committee, the Conference of Speakers threatened that no action would be taken on the 44 bills forwarded to the state houses of assembly unless the bills that the conference had proposed were passed by the National Assembly.

The bills in reference are those seeking to amend the Constitution to: Establish State Police; Establish State Judicial Council; Streamline the procedure for removing Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly; and, Institutionalize Legislative Bureaucracy in the Constitution.

The National Assembly stated that while it was in no way opposed to acting on any proposed bill or memoranda appropriately tabled before it, at any time in its life, it stressed that it was wrong for the Conference of Speakers to use the four bills proposed as a condition for carrying out their constitutional duty.

READ ALSO: Constitution review: Don’t lose hope on pending issues, says Lawan

The address of the National Assembly on the issue reads:

“Now, let us give you a sense of where we are with the Bills as of today. Six months after the transmission of these Bills to State Assemblies, it is most disheartening to inform you that only 11 State Houses of Assembly have demonstrated their independence and loyalty to the  Constitution regarding the 44 bills. 25 State Houses of Assembly have yet to consider and vote on these bills. So far,  only Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun and Osun States have successfully considered, voted on, and forwarded their resolutions on the 44 bills to the National Assembly.

“More worrisome is that while we are still expecting the receipt of the resolutions of the remaining Houses of Assembly, we received a letter from the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies informing the National Assembly that the remaining states will not act on the 44 Bills unless the National Assembly passes four new Bills they have proposed in the letter. The Bills they propose seek to amend the Constitution to:

* Establish State Police;

* Establish State Judicial Council;

* Streamline the procedure for removing Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly; and,

* Institutionalize Legislative Bureaucracy in the Constitution.

“We want to ensure everyone understands this: the National Assembly is in no way averse to acting on any proposed Bill or memoranda appropriately tabled before it, at any time in its life. However, it is legally inappropriate for the Conference of Speakers to use the four Bills as a quid pro quo to act on the 44 Bills the National Assembly 44 Bills transmitted. It is clear, and we cannot overstate, that this letter is not in keeping with the obligation the Constitution has placed on them regarding the Constitutional amendment.

“Let us be clear, the Bills the National Assembly transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly as required by the Constitution are not about members of the National Assembly. It transcends our personal and political interests. It is about the people who have graciously given us_ the temporary privilege to serve them. The offices and positions we each hold belong to the people. And they yearn for a government that is honest, accountable, and responsive to their needs. It is, therefore, disheartening that some State Houses of Assembly, through the Conference of Speakers, would give the National Assembly conditions before fulfilling their constitutional obligations.

“Although the Conference of Speakers did not allude to it in their letter, we are aware of the undue interference with legislative processes and the political capture of some State Houses of Assembly by some State Governors. No doubt, some State Governors have worked tirelessly to turn the Conference of Speakers and some State Assemblies into political puppets, thereby undermining and delegitimizing the legislative institution at the state level. This interference has been ramped up, especially in opposition to the Bills granting financial and administrative autonomy to Local Governments.

“An independent state legislature is essential to the well-being of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy. That is why the ongoing attempt by some State Governors, with the support of some Speakers and allies in the State Houses of Assembly, to eliminate that independence should alarm all Nigerians. This posturing by the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies should be shown for what it truly is — a total disregard for the Nigerian constitutional system.

“It remains true that each State House of Assembly is independent of the other. However, Constitution amendment Bills require the approval of two thirds (24) of the 36 States House of Assembly before they can be presented for the President’s assent. Therefore, how a State Assembly decides on each of the Bills is its prerogative. But, there must be a decision for citizens to know where each State House of Assembly stand on the issues the Bills seek to address.

“Please permit us to use this opportunity to appeal to citizens, civil society organizations, interest/professional groups and institutions to prevail on the Conference of Speakers to withdraw their threat to truncate the constitution amendment process. Instead, we should all speak up to defend our Constitution and democracy.

“Suppose we ignore this brazen attempt by some Governors to truncate a constitutional process. In that case, we will ultimately be enablers of the undermining of a critical bulwark of our democracy — which we should not be.

“While we use this medium to applaud all State Houses of Assembly that have successfully considered and approved the Constitution Alteration Bills, we also urge the remaining 25 State Houses of Assembly to keep faith with Nigerians and the Constitution they swore to uphold. May we all honour our pledge to Nigerians to build and reform by listening to the people.”

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Gbajabiamila made the call at the inauguration of the new Executives of House of Representatives Press Corps and the launch of its maiden magazine “Green Sentinel” as well as its website on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, said the House was always ready to provide any information required by journalists.

According to him, “I urge you to use available opportunities of cross checking your facts. Our doors are always wide open. Nothing is done in secret because we believe in communication. Communication is power. Where you lack communication there would be gaps.”

He assured the Press Corps of cooperation in the discharge of its duties.

“We believe you have the capacity to discharge your onerous functions. You have a role to improve the society and you have been doing that but you should do more. Nigeria should move forward and we shall collectively move the Nigeria project forward. Democracy is about teamwork and we must work together to protect those things that would promote the tenets of democracy and good governance on Nigeria. We must all work together for Nigeria to work,” he said.

While congratulating the Corps on the inauguration and launch of the magazine, he prayed God to help the leadership in the discharge of its functions.

In her remarks, the chairperson of the Press Corps, Comrade Grace Ike, thanked the leadership of the House for their assistance and cooperation with the Corps, saying they had been part of its achievements.

She described the occasion as “another milestone in our drive as parliamentary reporters to be responsive, responsible, engaging and keeping time for posterity.”

She said it was the first time in the history of the House of Representatives Press Corps and indeed the Press Corps in National Assembly, a female was being sworn in back-to-back as chairman.

That, she said, was a confirmation that the Press Corps was gender-sensitive.

She expressed gratitude to everyone who made the publication of the magazine possible.

According to her, “being here today is a testament to the can-do spirit in which the leadership of the House as exemplified by the Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as Speaker has inculcated in us all for more than three years.

“Our decision to embark on this publication is premised on the realisation that as a select few opportuned to experience first hand the work of the peoples’ representatives to make good and enduring laws for our country as well as being sources of empowerment, it is important for us to document these and behind-the-scenes moments. Though we are journalists, we are historians as we document most of the things that happen for generation to come.”

Spokesperson of the House, Ben Kalu, congratulated the press corps, saying that the House Press Corps was independent as the House did not interfere in its activities.

Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche, told the Corps that their allegiance was to Nigerians.

While calling for balance reportage as the nation was approaching another general elections, he urged them that democracy must always be promoted and  to always ensure they were always on the side of truth and accountability.

The post Gbajabiamila charges journalists on factual reportage appeared first on Frontpageng.

In the same vein, it has given its backing to Hon. Muhammed Idris Wase as the candidate for the post of Deputy Speaker.

The decision was taken by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party at the emergency meetings held on Saturday and Sunday.

According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the decision to endorse Omo-Agege and Wase was taken after due consultations with stakeholders including President Muhammadu Buhari and the governors.

The party therefore called on all members of the party to give full backing to the candidature of those it had adopted.

It also called on members who had indicated interests in the positions to toe the party’s line and support those approved.

Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had earlier been endorsed by the party as candidates for the post of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively.

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