Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has stated that the National Assembly’s oversight of holding the other arms of the government accountable is critical to Nigeria’s democracy. 

He made this known on Tuesday at a one-day workshop on ‘Assessment of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy of Nigeria and the Role of Legislature’ organised by the Directorate of Planning and Legislative Budget of the National Assembly.

He assured that the 10th Assembly would also be accountable to the public. According to Abbas, who was represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget, Hon. Mohammed Omar Bio, it was in line with the agenda of the 10th Assembly to ensure, through oversight, that “our commonwealth is properly managed for the benefit of all Nigerians.”  He said through oversight, the Legislature, as the representatives of the people, ensures that the government remains accountable to citizens on the utilisation of public funds, as well as in the implementation of policies and laws.

The Senate will today confirm the ministerial nominees forwarded to it for screening and subsequent confirmation by President Bola Tinubu. 

Before the confirmation, the Senate would first screen the remaining two nominees sent to it by the President on Friday.

They are the former Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Festus Keyamo, SAN, (Delta State) and Mariya Mahmoud Mairiga Bunkure, a former Commissioner for Higher Education in Kano State during the tenure of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

President Tinubu had earlier sent a list of 28 ministerial nominees, followed by a supplementary list of 19 last Wednesday to the Senate for screening and, thereafter, on Friday, added Keyamo from Delta State.

The name of Maryam Shetty from Kano was removed and replaced with Mariya Mahmoud.

The Senate had on Saturday, screened Lola Ade- John, the ministerial nominee from Lagos State; Bosun Tijani from Ogun State; Dr. Isiak Salako, Ogun; Prof. Tahir Mamman, Adamawa; and Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Taraba.Those earlier screened before the last list were 28 nominees.

President Bola Tinubu met with Senate President Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker Rep Femi Gbajabiamila to discuss the leadership of the incoming 10th National Assembly. Lawan emphasized the importance of new presiding officers for the national interest. Lawan expressed hope for smooth resolution of outstanding issues and urged unity and peaceful coexistence between the legislature and executive branch. The Senate President, Lawan, has worked closely with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to create a productive environment for the National Assembly. They hope for a peaceful transition and unity among senators, regardless of political parties. The Senate President acknowledges their role in contributing to national development and obtaining critical legislations.