Month: September 2023

To further promote the shared vision of Renewed Hope throughout the country and encourage unity among lawmakers, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, recently met with Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the third-term Speaker of The Lagos State House of Assembly, shortly after arriving in Lagos for a working visit.

Ayambem, who has recently traveled to various states in Nigeria intending to strengthen legislative relationships that, according to him, will result in better performance in their respective chambers and will contribute to unified decisions for effective democratic governance, also paid a visit to Hon. Samson Idiong, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, at his home. He took advantage of the opportunity to engage other members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly in conversations about the importance of Purposeful Legislative Uniformity.

Ayambem’s dedication to fostering strong connections among lawmakers has proven successful as he recently hosted a gathering of 37 legislators in Calabar to celebrate his birthday. The event, organized by government officials, also included the presence of notable figures such as the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and the Speaker of Osun State House Of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedum.

Ayambem’s efforts have positioned him as a key figure in harmonizing legislative bodies throughout Nigeria, intending to promote effective governance. According to Ayambem, his visit to the Lagos State Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa was just one of many, and he intends to continue strengthening ties across the nation as part of his commitment to good governance.

The Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem embarked on a goodwill visit to the Lagos State House of Assembly today Thursday. Rt. Hon. Ayambem was warmly received by his Lagos State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, a three-time speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

During the courtesy call, Rt. Hon. Ayambem expressed his commitment to “building bridges across Nigeria” and emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between houses of assembly across the country. He extended his gratitude to Rt. Hon. Obasa for the warm reception in Lagos State, showcasing the spirit of unity and cooperation that transcends regional boundaries.

In response, Rt. Hon. Obasa thanked Speaker Ayambem for his visit and affirmed Lagos State Assembly’s dedication to nurturing a continuous and productive relationship with the Cross River State Assembly. He highlighted the significance of these political bridges in positively impacting the lives of the people, transcending political affiliations and ethnic backgrounds.

This visit not only signifies the commitment of leaders like Rt. Hon. Ayambem and Rt. Hon. Obasa to national unity but also sets a powerful example of cooperation for the benefit of all Nigerians. The exchange of ideas and experiences between these two prominent speakers promises to strengthen legislative processes and enhance the quality of governance, ultimately improving the lives of citizens.

Matthew Okache,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker.

Dr. Justin Beshel, the Commissioner for Science, Innovation, and Technology, has congratulated Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, for the bold steps he has taken to fulfill his campaign promises.

Dr. Justin Beshel extended a note of congratulations in honour of the governor’s 100 days in office, saying that “the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Technology is also taking this moment to commend him for his trustworthiness and dedication to the promises made during his campaign.”

“The people of Cross River State are indeed proud of their governor. During your first 100 days in office, you have successfully approved the renovation of the government house and the official residences of the Assembly Speaker and Deputy Speaker and ensured the prompt payment of salaries and pension arrears owed by the previous administration.”

“Furthermore, you have implemented security measures at the Cross River State waterways and dislodged criminal elements from their hideouts. This has greatly alleviated the economic and security challenges faced by our people. By creating an enabling environment, you have set the stage for development and economic prosperity throughout the State.”

“Your government, known as the “People’s First Government,” is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the residents of the state. Your Excellency, please know that we are fully devoted to guaranteeing that the people of Cross River receive the benefits of democracy under your leadership.”

Dr. Beshel further reiterated his commitment to his office Mandate and thanked His Excellency for granting speedy recovery of the state website which hitherto was dormant. According to Beshel, “The recovery of the state’s website is intended to increase the visibility of the State’s Programmes and Policies. And inline with the best World Practices, e-governance has been launched in the administration of Senator Prince Bassey Otu. Cross River State is headed to becoming a smart model state, and the first of its kind in Nigeria.”

Earlier today, Mrs. Nelly Ayambem, the President of the Legislative Wives Association (LEWA) who is also the wife of the Speaker, led the association on a visit to congratulate, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, on his emergence as the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly.

They praised his leadership and presented him with an award at his office, in Calabar.

The group’s spokesperson assured the Speaker that they would support the assembly members and seek partnership with the assembly for their programs, which aim to provide government support in collaboration with the Office of the Governor’s Wife, Her Excellency, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu.

The women pleaded with the Speaker to continue being open to the concerns of the people, acknowledging that as wives, they also provide important insights into the needs of the general public.

The Speaker expressed gratitude to the women for their unity and emphasized that the assembly welcomes support from key stakeholders, including their wives. He recognized that their wives’ support is essential in fostering a positive atmosphere for members to succeed both in their personal lives and as public servants.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian military in the management of humanitarian crises in the country.

The Minister made the request during a courtesy visit she paid on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa at the Defence Headquarters on Monday, in Abuja.

Edu said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to preventing and mitigating any humanitarian crises while responding to present issues appropriately, thus the need to improve security and reduce poverty.

The Minister said insecurity increases humanitarian crises and poverty, saying there is a need for collaboration between her Ministry and the Military in a bid to prevent, mitigate, and reintegrate those affected back into the society.

She said there was a need for military support for humanitarian workers to provide services to persons affected by humanitarian crises wherever they are and also protect displaced persons and refugees across the country.

“We also want to expand our social register and social database to accommodate military persons that are either affected by war and injured or even killed, leaving their families behind.

“We need these data from the military so as to capture them under the Social Register and can benefit from poverty alleviation programmes while touching lives in their millions. The President’s target is to see that Nigerians are brought out of humanitarian crises and poverty in Nigeria”, she said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa said there is always a link between poverty and crime, and the military believes that once the Ministry succeeds, it makes their job easier and better.

“We assure the Minister of all the support she needs, wherever they want to go, and whatever the logistics that need to be done, we are going to provide that.

“We are also happy that the Barrack community will also be considered, which is critical. The troupes’ morale will be high knowing that in case of any emergency, their families will also be considered in the poverty alleviation programs. I can assure you we will give you all the support and work together to achieve success, ” General Musa stated.

Rasheed, Olanrewaju Zubair
Special Adviser On Media and Publicity to Hon. Minister MHAPA
04/09/23

By Denis Inakefe , ANIPR.

The Trade Union Congress stated that the Federal Government has established a two-week deadline for providing wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances to public sector workers to alleviate the difficulties they are experiencing due to subsidy removal.

Additionally, the government has agreed to address the process of accessing the intervention fund that was recently announced as relief for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Congress highlighted that only employees of the federal government have not yet received the palliative measures introduced by the government.

During a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong on Monday, Comrade Festus Osifo, President of TUC, expressed the following statement.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership did not attend the meeting called by Lalong to prevent the two-day warning strike already announced by NLC.

Only Osifo and the leadership of TUC attended the meeting, which was supposed to begin at 3:00 pm but started at precisely 5:32 pm. The meeting lasted for 30 minutes.

Some urgent issues that were discussed included the implementation of palliatives, wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, as well as the modalities for N70bn SMEs and the RTEAN crisis.

TUC leadership will continue communicating with the federal government to ensure that their demands are met. The issues discussed will be addressed within two weeks and further discussion will be held thereafter. Urgent issues will be resolved promptly, while longer-term issues will require more time. It was agreed that there would be no strike during the two-week period while the deliberations and efforts to achieve objectives take place. The TUC has decided not to participate in any plans.

By Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair

The Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu Media Watch Betta Edu has disclosed her Ministry’s plan to establish humanitarian hubs in all 774 local government areas in the country.

According to her, the humanitarian hubs are a long-term goal towards eradicating poverty in Nigeria. The hubs, she explained, will accommodate homegrown commodities, which will be sold at cheaper rates to Nigerians.

The Minister who was speaking during a radio Nigeria weekly Network Programme ‘ Radio Link’, said that the Ministry will also send its Staff to the 774 local government areas to get feedback in addition to engaging in digital tracking of the palliatives to determine the time, location, household, and individuals they are delivered to.

For a transparent and effective disbursement of palliatives, Dr. Edu further announced plans to bring on board Independent Monitors to ensure that the relief materials reach those who need them the most.

Dr. Edu, the immediate past National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, assured that “under my watch, the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry will address poverty through Job creation, Cash Transfer to poor Nigerians, engagement with the Nutrition Department, the establishment of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise and provision of stimulus to their Business”.

The Ministry, she assured, was committed to curtailing the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, as prompt response to such crisis will henceforth be on the front burner of the Ministry’s agenda.

On Empowerment Schemes of the Ministry, the Minister said “Nigerians should rest assured that all existing empowerments within the National Investment Programme will be rejigged, made more effective to cover more Nigerians”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edu stated, ” has a huge Economic Plans for Nigeria; some are short term goals which the Ministry will soon Implement and some are long term goals, Nigerians should trust the process”

On the challenges, in terms of delay in payment of stipends, being faced by the beneficiaries of the N-Power scheme, the Minister said her Ministry was working round the clock to address the issue.

“We will change the modalities so that people will get their delayed stipends, include more people, and relaunch it with a renewed hope concept”, Dr. Edu stressed.

Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, Special Adviser On Media and Publicity To Hon. Minister, Abuja
03/09/23