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Success and Challenges of 10th House of Reps under Dr. Tajudeen Abbas

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By Obute James

The current session of Nigerian National Assembly was inaugurated on 13th June, 2023 following the emergence of four principal officers, the Senate President, Deputy Senate President; House of Representatives Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

The country’s national parliament consists of two chambers, the Senate (109 Senators) and House of Representatives (360 Members). The legislature at the state level is unicameral while National Assembly serves as parliament for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio was elected President of the Senate having polled 63 votes while the former Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation; Senator Jubrin Barau emerged as Deputy Senate President. In the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D got 353 votes to emerge as the Speaker and Hon. Benjamin Kalu also was unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker.

In his inaugural speech, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas Ph.D said under his leadership, the lawmakers will work closely and interdependently with the Executive and Judiciary Arms to give Nigerians the good governance they deserve.

Abbas said the 10th House of Representatives will not only sustain but will surpass the gains of the Ninth House of Representatives, promising to work with members to introduce reforms and innovations for the benefit of Nigerians.

In the last few months of this administration, certain actions and decisions have been taken in line with the promises of the Speaker, Abbas. These include constitution and inauguration of several ad hoc and standing committees; emergence of 8 principal officers; town hall/stakeholders meeting on the 2024 budget; passage of the 2024 Budget, review of House Standing Order and unveiling/launching of legislative agenda.

Others include commencement of sectorial debate; unveiling of policy document on training, re-training and capacity building of legislators, legislative aides and support staff; and recently, inauguration of House Committee on Constitution Review. The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is the chairman of this House Constitution Review Committee which was inaugurated on Monday 26th February, 2024. He will work with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubrin Barau. Barau is the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution.

The first notable decision of the House of Representatives under the leadership of Abbas was the Constitution of 7 Ad hoc Committees within 72 Hours of the takeoff of the 10th National Assembly. These committees took care of the House’s affairs until the announcement and constitution of the standing committees. These committees include Internal Security, Selection of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen for Committees, Media and Publicity, Legislative Agenda, Rules & Business, Ethics and Privileges and Welfare. Apart from Legislative Agenda and Selection Committees, these ad hoc committees which were inaugurated on June 15th completed their tasks and ceased to exist the moment the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the standing committees were announced and inaugurated on July 27, 2023.

On July 4, 2023 eight principal officers emerged without crisis that sometime characterise such announcement. The Speaker, Abbas made the announcement sequel to consultation with the ruling APC leaders, opposition parties and various caucuses. They include Hon. Julius Ihonvbere (Edo) as the House Majority Leader and Hon. Usman Kumo (Gombe) as Chief Whip; Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims (Kogi) as Deputy Majority Leader and Hon. Oriyomi Onanuga (Ogun) as the Deputy Chief Whip; Hon. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) Minority Leader and Hon. Ali Isah (Gombe) Minority Whip; Hon. Madaki Aliyu (NNPP, Kano) Deputy Minority Leader and Hon.George Ozodinobi (LP, Anambra), Deputy Minority Whip.

Appointment of Chairmen of Statutory and Standing Committees and How They Stand

Announcement and constitution of the standing committees’ chairmen and their deputy chairmen in view of the history of Nigerian parliament sometime results into serious crisis that affects the business of the House. However, under the leadership of Abbas both the acclaimed foes and allies of the Speaker seemed to be properly captured in the appointment of the chairmanship of these committees. Apart from lawmakers from ruling APC, Members from opposition political parties were also carried along in the appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of both the statutory and standing committees of the House.

Some pundits and political analysts argued that the increase in the number of House Standing Committees and appointment of their chairmen and deputy chairmen were basically on political consideration. The House Committees increases from110 to 134, There is no doubt that political consideration was one of the factors in the appointment of the chairmen and deputy chairmen, however, from the performance of some of the chairmen of these committees, it obvious that academic qualification, experience, effectiveness, efficiency and other factors came to play.

Education:

Under the leadership of Abbas, the previously known two committees on Education, Tertiary and Basic Education, were unbundled into 7 committees. The Tertiary Education alone in the previous assembly had about 300 government organisations to oversight. This will result into inefficiency, according to Abbas why justifying his action for increasing the number of standing committees in one of the stakeholders’ meetings recently.

The committees on education in the 10th House of Representatives include University Education (Lead Committee); TETFund & Other Services; Alternative Education; Federal Colleges of Education; Polytechnic; Examination Bodies and Basic Education.

Hon. Abubakar Hassan Fulata, former university lecturer, two times chairman of House Committee on Rules and Business is the Chairman of University Education in the 10th House of Representatives. One of the major achievements of this committee under Fulata was the removal of universities and other tertiary institutions from Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System, IPPIS.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU had gone on strike for several months in the previous administration seeking its members removal from IPPIS and other issues. But these were not achieved. However, few days after Fulata pledged that his committee is working towards elimination of strike in universities and called for the removal of university lecturers from IPPIS, the government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu yielded to the call and removed tertiary institutions from the IPPIS.

The Federal Executive Council in December last year approved the removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS.

In commending the Federal Government for the bold step, Fulata said universities have been yearning and some of them in the National Assembly have been advocating for the removal of tertiary institutions from IPPIS because it is anti-intellectual, ant-academics and retrogressive.

According to him, there are enabling laws that give the councils and boards of tertiary institutions power of recruitment, and payment. But these powers were taking away by the IPPIS. He said it is unheard of that an entire university have to seek permission from about seven MDAs before recruiting a cleaner.

Public Assets:
House Committee on Public Assets was one of the newly created committees by the Abbas leadership of the 10th House of Representatives. A legal luminary, Barr. Ademorin Kuye is the Chairman of this committee.

Kuye and other members of the House Committee on Public Assets did not hesitate to point out the direction they are going shortly after the committee was Inaugurated.

In an interview with journalists recently, Kuye said the committee decided to take necessary actions immediately because of the need to recover trillion of Naira from stolen and moribund public assets within and outside Nigeria.

He emphasised the need to have Assets Register. This was also echoed by the recent House’s resolution urging Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) to embark on comprehensive enumeration and valuation of all public assets and publish a detailed inventory of the assets in a register that would be available to the public.

Kuye said the Committee on Public Assets is founded on three pillars including
“Stringent Oversight of Public Asset Management and Disposal in all the MDAs; “Guardianship of National Assets – the vast array of government assets both domestically and internationally, tangible and intangible, within Nigeria and abroad and ensuring their optimal utilization for Nigeria’s benefit.

“Governance of Forfeited Assets – the assets forfeited to the Federal Government.”

He said their objective is to transform these assets into engines of economic growth through “Asset Monetization,
Investment Maximization, Innovative Revenue Generation and Strengthening Asset Management Practices.”

The committee is currently investigating the Public Private Partnership, PPPs and Concessions since 1999; alleged sales of two helccpters to private individuals below 20 percent of the cost price in June last year by a government agency among others.

Police Affairs:

Nigerian police have the highest number of operatives in the country. With the level of insecurity, the House of Representatives Speaker, Abbas who promised to work with other arms of government to tackle insecurity seems not to make mistake by appointing Hon. (Dr.) Abubakar Makki Yalleman as Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs.

Yalleman was the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Defence in the previous 9th House of Representatives.

In reaction to the focus of his committee, Yalleman said the House Committee on Police Affairs since inception has done so many things.

These according to him, include reviewing and making useful inputs into the budget of agencies under its supervision; co-hosting the service chiefs with the Rt. Hon. Speaker to deliberate on security issues; proposing additional recruitment of personnel for internal security agencies and ensuring that the recruitment is done on LGA basis as against State by State basis for a broader participation of Nigerians; and looking into the need for increased funding for internal security since the present security challenge is basically internal.

He noted that his committee is working for an increased collaboration and synergy among the security agencies to stem the tide of insecurity as well as increased oversight of the agencies under the committee’s supervision with the aim of improving their efficiency and effectiveness.

Few weeks ago, the House approved the committee Report on 2023 Police Trust Fund. Yalleman noted that even the 2022 Police Trust Fund has not been fully implemented, promising that his committee is working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure timely presentation of the budget proposal, its passage and proper implementation.

In respect to Abbas leadership style in the last few months, Yalleman said he did not only engender an inclusive leadership that emphasizes bringing everyone on board but he has also reminded them (committee chairmen) of the need to bring everyone on board in their committee activities. According to him, Abbas is a democrat who believes every voice must be heard, every hand must be on deck and every section of the country must be carried along. Adding that he has also given the committees free hand to work.

More of the committees will be observed and analysed subsequently.

In democratic system of government, lawmaking and oversight remain the major roles of the legislators across the globe. Though the House Speaker, Rt. Tajudeen Abbas has repeatedly said the House under his leadership while maintaining its independence will work with the Executive Arm and relevant stakeholders to deliver the dividends of democracy, the need of oversight to ensure proper implemention of what the parliament approved cannot be overemphasised.

OBUTE O. JAMES

(obutejam2015@gmail.com).

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How a Catholic Pope is elected

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April 24, 2025

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I am not a Catholic, but for decades – especially since reading David Yallop’s book, THE POWER AND THE GLORY and Dan Brown’s novel, ANGELS AND DEMONS – I have been intrigued by the Catholic Church, for a church steeped in a 2000-year-old tradition, one of the most fascinating Catholic events is the death of a Pope.

When a Pope dies, the world literally stops for a while and the major networks cease their originally scheduled programming for hours, if not days.

Incidentally the last time a sitting Pope died was on 2 April 2005, which means that many have never witnessed the traditions and ceremonies that surround the death and funeral of a Pope. With the passing of Pope Francis today, Easter Monday at the age of 88, I decided to explore this.

When a Pope dies, the entire country, the Vatican City falls into an eerie silence. Bells toll somberly across Rome and the great bronze bell of St. Peter’s Basilica sounds its heavy, sorrowful note. And within the thick, ancient walls of the Apostolic Palace, an ancient and sacred ritual begins — one unseen by the public.

The first thing that happens is that a Cardinal, known as the Camerlengo is summoned. It is the Camerlengo that pronounces the Pope dead, he announces his death to the world, and he administers the Holy See during the interregnum, until a new Pope is elected. More on that later.

Standing solemnly at the Pope’s bedside, the Camerlengo must perform a ritual that is as theatrical as it is solemn and grave. He calls the Pope’s baptismal name three times. In the case of Pope Francis, the Camerlengo must have said, “Jorge, Jorge, Jorge”. Once no response is received, the Camerlengo declares the Pope dead. As we learnt from ANGELS AND DEMONS, that’s it. No autopsy.

Next, the Camerlengo solemnly removes the Fisherman’s Ring — the signet worn by the Pope — and ceremoniously destroys it, usually by hammering it or cutting it with shears. This ritual symbolizes that the earthly reign of the man who once ruled Christendom is well and truly over.

Following the death of the Holy Father, the Holy See enters a time of Sede Vacante— the “empty seat.” The papal apartments are sealed, literally locked and taped shut. The Swiss Guard — the colorful sentinels you must have seen on TV — redouble their watch.

Under Catholic rules, a Pope’s burial should take place between four and six days after his death. But there is a nine-day period of mourning known as the novendiale. For those nine days, the Church mourns, and the city of Rome transforms into a river of black and purple.

Behind the scenes, the Pope’s body is prepared for public viewing and then laid in state before thousands of mourners — the faithful, who move past his bier with heads bowed, at St. Peter’s Basilica. There is also the procession across St. Peter’s square.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a quiet but intense political ballet begins among the Church’s Cardinals. In whispered conversations in hidden corridors, alliances form and fade. Who will be worthy to take his place and bear the mantle of the first Bishop of Rome, Pope Peter I?

Because the Church of Christ must march on and the gates of hades cannot prevail, then comes the centuries old process of the election of a new Pope, the Conclave. The Conclave is the oldest historical method of electing the Pope. It involves different rounds of voting until a Pope emerges having won two-thirds majority.

The Conclave takes place typically between 15 to 20 days after the death of a Pope. Inside the Sistine Chapel, behind marble walls and beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes, 120 cardinals — those under the age of 80 — gather in red robes to select the next Pope.

With almost theatrical drama, the Cardinals, with no phones or connection to the outside world. walk in solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, chanting the ancient prayer Veni Creator Spiritus (“Come, Creator Spirit”), invoking the Holy Spirit to guide their minds and hearts.

The heavy doors of the Sistine Chapel are shut with the words “Extra omnes!” — “Everyone out!” Only the Cardinals and a few support staff remain. The world is cut off. The voting begins.

Each Cardinal writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot, folds it, and walks, to the altar under Michelangelo’s towering Last Judgment. There, he slides it into a chalice and utters the words: “Testor Christum Dominum qui me iudicaturus est”: “I call Christ the Lord to witness that my vote is given to the one I think should be elected.”

After each round of voting — known as a scrutiny — the ballots are burned in a special stove. Chemicals are added: black smoke means no Pope has been chosen; white smoke signals there is new Pope. All this while, the crowd wait in St. Peter’s Square, staring up at the thin chimney. Every wisp of smoke is greeted with a wave of gasps and murmurs from the crowd.

The shortest Conclave is history is generally considered to be the October 1503 papal conclave which lasted for less than 10 hours. There was also the 1 – 2 March 1939 Conclave which saw the election of Pope Pius XII on his 63rd birthday to replace Pope Pius XI. The longest Conclave lasted for three years. Not to worry, modern Conclaves now last only a few days.

When a Cardinal finally receives two-thirds of the votes, bells will ring within the Sistine Chapel and the chosen Cardinal is escorted outside and asked the historical question – “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?”

If the Cardinal accepts his election – and who would not? – he is immediately asked to take a new name. That is how Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis; Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Karol Józef Wojtyła became Pope John II.

But before he is dressed in his papal garment, he will be led to the “Room of Tears” where he will have a moment alone to reflect on the burdens of his new position. It is actually in the room of tears that he changes into his papal vestments

Next, the new Pope is dressed in white papal garment. Fun fact: the papal garment is prepared in three sizes since no one knows beforehand who will be chosen as Pope. Once dressed, the Pope returns to the Sistine Chapel to be greeted by the Cardinal, each kissing his hand in reverence.

Outside, the pure unmistakable white smoke appears, to be greeted by the triumphant tolling of the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica and a roar of the crowd.

And on the central balcony, the Senior Cardinal Deacon appears in red and gold, raises his arms to silence the crowd and declares to the world, “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”)

Credit: Orji Agwu Uka

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Ode to People’s President

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1 year ago

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March 29, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu

By Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Today, I celebrate a timeless doyen of democracy and an astute mentor of many leaders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. By global standards, Asiwaju is truly a man of the people and the visionary of our times, who devoted his life to pursuing the greatest goods to the greatest number of people. This has been the core of his heart and life from when he was a boardroom guru in the 1980s to when he joined partisan politics in the 1990s.

Born on March 29, 1952, Asiwaju’s foray into politics in 1991 was never a mistake, though it came with a huge sacrifice that cost dearly. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I celebrate how Asiwaju firmly stood with the people rather than dining with the military oligarchy that annulled the outcome of the June 12, 1993 presidential election ostensibly won by Chief M.K.O Abiola (now of blessed memory), an annulment that set our fatherland back to the pre-colonial era.

I also celebrate how Asiwaju teamed up with the progressives to establish the National Democratic Coalition, a movement of likeminds and progressives that fiercely challenged the regime of the late tyrant, General Sani Abacha; mobilised support for the restoration of democracy to our fatherland and campaigned for the recognition of Chief M.K.O Abiola as the winner of the June 12 presidential election. And this conviction and pursuit eventually earned him exile from the land of his birth. Yet, he was undaunted in his quest to see his fatherland liberated from the era of locusts that pitched us against the comity of nations.

I celebrate how Asiwaju returned to Nigeria in 1998 when the darkest era of the late tyrant finally folded into the abyss of extinction after fighting doggedly on the side of the people. The end of the dark era culminated in his election as the third civilian governor of Lagos State in January 1999. Though faced with diverse heinous challenges at the inception, Asiwaju came out strong and victorious, setting Lagos on the path of irreversible progress, reforming the coastal state to a globally
competitive smart city and turning it to a constant destination of strategic investment. And the world can no more look away from Nigeria just because of the pro-people reforms he carried out in Lagos.

Asiwaju’s quest for the greatest goods for the greatest number of people pushed him to national politics, the kind of venture that consumed the nationalists and patriots who lived before him. At different times, he challenged the traditional forces that held our fatherland down. He first fought for the soul of our fatherland on the platform of the defunct Action Congress, and it did not entirely produce an enviable outcome. He later switched to the Action Congress of Nigeria, and banished the regressive elements from the six states of the South-west. Full of hope, Asiwaju stressed forth his hands across Benue and Niger, and together, they rescued Nigeria from the hands of the regressive.

At 72, as the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju has brought rare conviction and passion to the business of public governance, courageously daring the forces of regression and tirelessly pursuing the interests of over 227 million regardless of their faith, ideology and race. The task is truly daunting, but the victory is undoubted. Only within 10 months of Asiwaju’s ascendancy to the presidency, we have started witnessing the dawning of economic restoration and the ray of political renaissance under his
watch.

As I nostalgically reflect on the journey so far, I remember his labour and toiling for our fatherland, even when most misunderstood. I remember his undying passion to lead the path to a greater nation, even when the future looks so bleak and always unsure. I remember his utter commitment to a movement of patriots and progressives eternally sworn to rescue our fatherland from the claws of the ageless vultures and the blood-thirst beaks of mindless hawks that always seek to feast on the flesh of Nigeria. Despite their ferocity, he eventually subdued the enemies of our souls, even right in the midst of inferno they set ablaze for us all.

That is the reality in our fatherland today. Asiwaju is at the forefront of that reality. And we are all witnesses to this history, even from its making to its maturation. Now, as he graciously turns 72 on this auspicious day, I cannot, but earnestly pray God grants him longer life and inner strength to steadily paddle the ship of our nation to the coast of endless ecstasy.

Heartiest 72nd Birthday, my leader and mentor.

● Bamidele, Leader of the 10th Senate, writes from Abuja

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