Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: News

  • Breaking: Embattled Edo Governor, Obaseki, dumps APC

    Breaking: Embattled Edo Governor, Obaseki, dumps APC

    The embattled Governor of Edo State has withdrawn his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party on whose back he won the governorship seat in 2016 that has now turned its back on him and even determined to stop him from returning to the number one office in the State.

    Governor Obaseki, who announced his leave from the APC this Tuesday afternoon after visiting the State House for the second time in less than a month

    “I have officially resigned my membership of the All Progressives Congress after meeting with the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We shall continue the battle to protect the interest of Edo people and sustain good governance in the state”, the Governor stated.

     

  • Shooting in Aso Rock: Buhari orders Investigation in line with rule of law

    Shooting in Aso Rock: Buhari orders Investigation in line with rule of law

    Idowu Sowunmi

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a full investigation into a security breach at the Presidential Villa in Abuja in which an Aide-de-Camp to First Lady, Usman Shuguba, fired gunshots last Thursday in a bid to apprehend Buhari’s cousin, Sabiu Yusuf, who was alleged to have refused to self-isolate after returning from Lagos State, where he had gone to see his wife who had just put to bed.

    Prominent Nigerians have expressed concerns over the development and tasked the President to take a decisive action.

    Reacting to the incident for the first time on Sunday, Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, ordered investigation into the matter and vowed that rule of law would be allowed to take its natural cause.

    “Armed guards and other security personnel assigned to the State House receive the necessary training of especially weapons handling and where they come short, their relevant agencies have their rules and regulations to immediately address them.

    “Having authorised the proper investigation to be carried out into this unfortunate incident by the police, the President has acted in compliance with the rule of law.

    “In this particular instance, the President says the law should be allowed to take its course,” the statement said.

    While acknowledging concerns expressed by several members of the public regarding the recent incident among the occupants of the State House which escalation led to the arrest of some staff by the police, the statement assured that “the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, is not, and was not at anytime in any form of danger arising, either from deadly infections or the reported incident by security personnel which is currently under investigation.”

    The Presidency added that the incident happened outside the main residence of the President.

    Shehu described the incident as “a minor occurrence,” and condemned some individuals who used the incident to “justify attacks on the government and the person of President Muhammadu Buhari,” saying such attitude “beggars belief.”

    Meanwhile, the President has criticised members of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) for alleging that the insecurity in some northern states of the country was an indication that Buhari and governors have failed in their constitutional duty to protect the people.

    Reacting to this statement, Buhari said: “We are not surprised by this latest statement by Prof. Abdullahi, and our past position on what his group represents remains unchanged: a mere irritant and featherweight.”

    NEF, in a statement on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, had berated the President and some northern governors for not foing enoigh to protect the northerners.

    But the President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, countered NEF’s position.

    “Hearing that title, you would think the body was a conglomeration of true elders. But the truth is that NEF is just Ango Abdullahi, and Ango Abdullahi is NEF. It is a quasi-organisation that boasts of no credible membership, and its leader is akin to a General without troops.

    “Before the 2019 presidential election, the one-man army called NEF had shown its antipathy against President Buhari, and its preference for another candidate. They all got beaten together.

    “NEF is merely waving a flag that is at half-mast. President Buhari steadily and steadfastly focuses on the task of retooling Nigeria, and discerning Nigerians know the true state of the nation. They don’t need a paper tiger to tell them anything,” the statement said.

  • Edo Guber Poll: Unperturbed by His disqualification, Obaseki Rallies Supporters

    Edo Guber Poll: Unperturbed by His disqualification, Obaseki Rallies Supporters

    Unperturbed by his disqualification from contesting the June 22 All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial primary in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has held a series of meetings at the Government House in Benin City to rally his supporters and determine his next political move.

    There are strong indications that Obaseki may pitch his tent with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Rallying his supporters ahead of September 19 governorship election in Edo State, the governor appreciated the people of the state for their unflinching support and prayers.

    “The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki sincerely appreciates Edo people, Nigerians and our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, for the outpouring of goodwill and solidarity since the announcement of his unjust disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee from the Edo governorship primary election. He thanks them for keeping the faith.

    “We are consulting widely with party leaders and members in the state and other stakeholders and we shall soon brief the public on the next steps we are taking, going forward,” said Obaseki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie.

    The statement explained that the governor’s insistence not to appeal his disqualification was informed by his stance not to kowtow to the wishes of a handful of politicians, who do not have the interest of the people at heart.

    “The governor is unfazed, even as he would soon announce his next line of action. But at the moment, Edo people and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are solidly standing behind the governor. They have declared unflinching support for him and the ideals he stands for.

    “The market women, labour unions, clerics, women groups, the elderly, artisan groups, youths, among others, are strongly in support of the governor’s ambition and his stance to keep the state’s treasury sealed from those who have now resorted to disqualifying him from running under the APC in the gubernatorial elections because of their selfish interests. But Governor Obaseki remains undaunted and unperturbed.

    “For Obaseki, it is Edo people or nothing. This is why he has remained in this battle thus far. Among many other reasons, each of the groups that form the governor’s support base have benefitted from Governor Obaseki’s stance against thuggery and extortion. The governor has enthroned probity and accountability in governance. For labour unions, regular salaries, clearing of over 20 months pension arrears and providing a conducive work environment is what is gearing them to support the governor. The pensioners are fully in support of his policies. The governor has not only cleared pension arrears accrued since 1999, but would soon commence the payment of gratuities.

    “The governor’s loyalty rests with Edo people. He would not trade them away to those who have decided to become godfathers and waging a war of impunity to subjugate the people,” the statement said.

    Why disqualifying Obaseki on Friday, the Jonathan Ayuba APC Screening Committee adduced six why the incumbent governor could not seek second term in office.

    The reasons include:
    1. For claiming to have a Higher School Leaving Certificate which is unknown to the Nigerian educational system;
    2. For allegedly being in possession of an affidavit disowned by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory;
    3. For error in the National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate which bears Obasek as against Obaseki;
    4. For loss of primary, secondary and the Higher School Leaving Certificates;
    5. For alleged violation of Article 21 D (V) of the party’s constitution, which forbids members from taking the party to court; and
    6. For legal precedents occasioned by the judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court on discrepancies in names.

  • Edo APC Primary: Obaseki Describes His Disqualification as Disheartening as Ize-Iyamu Hails Screening Committee

    Edo APC Primary: Obaseki Describes His Disqualification as Disheartening as Ize-Iyamu Hails Screening Committee

    Idowu Sowunmi
    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Friday described as unfortunate and disheartening his disqualification by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee from participating in the June 22 guber primary in the schedule.
    The governor said the situation was quite saddening because APC has failed to live up to expectations as a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice.
    Thus, Obaseki ruled out the possibility of appealing to the outcome of the alleged “unjust screening exercise.”
    “We have watched the mockery of democratic process, which Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is administering and superintending over in our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). It has been an unfortunate, disheartening and dreadful spectacle.
    “We had initially asserted that going by the open display and enthronement of illegality by one man in the party that comprises several organs and eminent personalities, there is no way that Governor Godwin Obaseki would get a fair assessment in the run-up to the nomination of candidates to fly the flag of the party in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election.
    “It is unfortunate that this open show of shame, illegality and travesty of justice is the brand of democracy which Comrade Oshiomhole has reduced the APC into. The situation is quite saddening because this is a party supposedly reputed for change, equity and social justice.
    “We have therefore decided that it would be effort in futility to appeal whatever the unjust outcome of the evaluation and screening process of the APC will be, especially when Comrade Oshiomhole has declared that he is the Supreme Court and ultimate determiner of the fate and future of our great party.
    “We wish Oshiomhole luck in his maladministration of the party and trust that the Almighty will help our country to find the path to true liberty, freedom and justice.
    “We call on all party members and the teeming supporters of Governor Obaseki to remain calm and await further directives,” said Obaseki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie.
    The APC Screening Committee has disqualified Edo State governor from contesting in the party’s governorship primary election scheduled for June 22.
    The committee chairman, Prof. Jonathan Ayuba, made the disclosure in a press conference on Friday afternoon.
    He said the governor did not present his Higher School Leaving Certificate, adding that the committee could not ascertain the authenticity of Obaseki’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
    Ayuba said the committee recommended that the incumbent Edo State governor was not eligible to contest in the election.
    However, Dr. Pius Odubu and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu were cleared to contest.
    Meanwhile, Ize-Iyamu has expressed gratitude to the screening committee of the party for carrying out a thorough job.
    Ize-Iyamu, in a statement on Friday in Benin by the Director of Communication and Media of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s Campaign Organisation, Mr John Mayaki, commended the leadership of the ruling party its true spirit and character premised on “a bold insistence on fairness, accountability, and transparency.”
    He said: “I wish to send my deepest gratitude to all the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for joyful cooperation that led to a seamless but thorough screening exercise.
    “I urge all the members of our party whose indefatigable commitment, loyalty, and cooperation has led to the success we experienced in recent times, to remain focused and committed to our general ambition as a party, and in the same vein pursuant of our personal political dreams in light of our progressive philosophy.
    “As we prepare for the primaries and the election itself, it is time we bind together and close ranks, remembering that the greatest goal is the progress of Edo State, the moving forward of our great homeland, and the betterment of life for all of its people.”
    But, a former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has predicted that the ruling party would suffer “dire consequences” in Edo State on account of the disqualification of Obaseki by the APC screening panel.
    Odigie-Oyegun, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Chief Ray Morphy, in Abuja on Friday, described the outcome of the screening as a hatchet job aimed at installing a stooge that would allegedly allow some people unfettered access to the treasury of Edo State.
    “While not a surprise, that disqualification is a clear indication that internal democracy has been murdered in APC, a party which we founded on the principles of fair play and good conscience!
    “I daresay that APC will suffer dire consequences in Edo State if this disqualification is not speedily reversed.
    “As a matter of fact, Oshiomhole is indeed the one who is guilty of anti-party (activities), not Obaseki.
    “Oshiomhole is the one who is acting unconstitutionally not Obaseki. I hope that Oshiomhole will not go down in history as the undertaker of APC,” Odigie-Oyegun said.
    The Chairman of Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Anselm Ojezua, Esq., has, however, called for calm among party members and supporters following the unjust disqualification of the governor.
    While noting that Obaseki has performed credibly well and would still be reelected for a second term, Ojezua said: “I want to appeal to leaders and members of APC in Edo State to remain calm. The validity of the Screening Committee has not been established.
    “A proper response to the report is yet to come as the leadership of the party in the state will meet tomorrow and at the end of the meeting give an appropriate response.
    “They didn’t say he will not contest the election but that he will not contest under the platform of the APC.
    “By tomorrow, we will meet and be in a position to make a proper statement on what the future holds for the party in Edo State.”
  • June 12 2020: Fulfilling the Promise by Hafsat Abiola-Costello

    June 12 2020: Fulfilling the Promise by Hafsat Abiola-Costello

    Hafsat Abiola-Costello
    Today marks the anniversary of June 12, 1993, the day on which a general election was held in which my father, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, was elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Now, 27 years later, tragically, his campaign promise that Nigerians would say farewell to poverty remains unfulfilled.
    My father had campaigned on a platform of restoring hope after General Ibrahim Babangida laid waste to a once vibrant economy with years of neoliberal economic policies. Within two weeks of M.K.O.’s election, on June 23, the military regime, inexplicably, annulled the results. By 1994, he was in jail, setting in motion a pro-democracy movement that continued until democracy was restored in 1999.
    After 21 years, Nigeria now ranks as the wealthiest country in Africa. It is also the most populous with 200 million people. Yet, everyone feels the reality of deepening poverty across the country, causing many to question whether the democracy movement was worth the sacrifice.
    Where did we go wrong? When that historic election was annulled, people power was ignited. Ordinary Nigerians led the struggle with their mother serving as the face of the movement. But we made a huge mistake. We thought our work was done when democracy was restored. With the benefit of hindsight, it is clear that our work had only just begun.
    M.K.O.’s date with destiny should have been June the 12th. He, my mother, and so many students and activists are now dead. But Nigerians still have the prospect of realising the dream. If there’s anything we can learn from that time, it is this: the people must again take the lead.
    In a world that is waking up to the fact that black lives matter, Nigeria’s demand for economic justice in the global system may finally be heard.
    So let this be a day on which we renew our commitment to liberate ourselves from the shackles of poverty. United, we defeated a military dictatorship. United, once again, we can really fulfill the promise and eradicate poverty in our land.
    A luta continua.
  • At last, Buhari okays Dongban-Mensem for Senate confirmation as appellate court president

    At last, Buhari okays Dongban-Mensem for Senate confirmation as appellate court president

    Idowu Sowunmi

    President Muhammadu Buhari has finally sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as the substantive President, Court of Appeal.

    Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for the nomination by the President.

    NJC’s decisions were taken at the virtual meeting of members of the council on April 22 and 23.

    READ ALSO: How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    Confirming the news, Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, explained that the nomination was in line with the President’s constitutional responsibility.

    Justice Dongban-Mensem was sworn-in by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, on March 7, a day after Buhari appointed her as Acting President of Court of Appeal.

  • How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    Tobiloba Kolawole

    The Presidency has revealed a ploy by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
    to use smear campaigns to malign the Federal Government of Nigeria with the intent to damage the relationship between it and its international allies.

    This revelation was disclosed Sunday evening by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu who stressed that it was necessary to draw the attention of citizens and the International community to what he described as a “misleading campaign”.

    Garba, accusing the IPOB leadership of spearheading the misleading campaign revealed that the group’s approach is using false allegations such as “persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State”.

    He said: “A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard.

    “Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. But the real purpose is to drive a wedge between the Nigeria government and its US and UK/European allies” he said.

    Garba, in a veiled reference to exiled leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, faulted the interest of IPOB leadership whose religious views is divergent to that of his followers.

    “IPOB leadership of course self-proclaims as “Jewish,” a position not shared by the generality of the members.

    “For reasons of convenience, he claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse: the case for independence, the leader believes, is strengthened by “proving” the government of Nigeria is “autocratic”, engaged in a “silent slaughter” of their own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria, he stated.

    READ ALSO: Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in katsina, others

    While warning stakeholders across board, the presidential spokesman further revealed how the group’s campaign and activities against the Nigerian Government are being funded by unknown sponsors.

    “Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

    “The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.

    “Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed a “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy”, Mr Shehu said.

    Expressing how far the group had gone in its attempt to heat up the polity and cause disquiet nationally and international, Garba noted that the “misleading campaign” has caught the attention of the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and other international figures and organizations in the UK and Europe.

    Shehu stated that: “There is also a UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their Budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France and the US (the latter additional to the above).

    “They have founded an “NGO/Charity” and a linked web-based campaign named “Stop the Silent Slaughter” which is well designed and complete with video “evidence”-completely concocted.

    “Members of the alleged Christian NGO have had multiple Op-Ed articles in conservative news websites promulgating their message of a “Christian Genocide”. Some of those articles have also been used as “evidence” in the sister US campaign.

    “Two of those conservative news websites were co-founded by the owner of the UK PR firm they have hired to generate their publicity as well as an OP-Ed article in the name of a British MP who may have been convinced by their campaign under false pretences” Shehu revealed.

    With additional coverage in France, EU and Germany as stated by Presidential spokesman, Shehu added that: “They secured a MPs debate on the “Christian Genocide” in the House of Commons in which staff member of the UK PR was referenced as the “private secretary” to the leader of the UK-based Charity”.

    Shehu pointed out that the misleading actions of the group is capable of damaging inter-religiois dialogue in the country as well as the reputation of Nigeria among international communities.

    READ ALSO: AfDB Board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    He said: “It is clear from all of the above that the IPOB’s extraordinarily and dubiously well-funded campaign in the US and UK/Europe is misusing the issue of the welfare of Christians purely to further their own political ends”.

    He however called on international groups and societies to send representatives to Nigeria for fact findings so they could see the false claims by “these terrorist groups who are duping them of their money and involving them in conduct and activities disguised to destroy the harmonious relationships existing between their home countries and Nigeria”.

    Shehu advised Nigerians and the international community to “ignore this campaign as they have disregarded similar past campaigns originated by this group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian State”.

  • Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in Katsina, others

    Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in Katsina, others

    President Muhammadu Buhari says he will deploy more military operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina and Kaduna States in order to check the activities of bandits.

    The President made this known on Thursday when the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari who has been troubled with recent attacks by bandits in his state, visited the State House Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu Saturday, President Buhari stressed that “bandits, who have committed crimes against innocent citizens in the state, and across the country, will not be spared”.

    Assuring the people and government of Katsina State of renewed efforts, the President stated that security operations in the troubled state and other parts of the country will be reviewed and improved to ensure the security of lives and property.

    The President, commiserating with Governor Masari over the loss of lives to incessant attacks warned “bandits to surrender their weapons, or face disgraceful and violent end’’.

  • NNPC warns of contaminated diesel, explains measures to cut crude oil production cost

    NNPC warns of contaminated diesel, explains measures to cut crude oil production cost

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has raised an alarm over prevalent low grade and contaminated Automative Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise called, diesel offered at discounted prices in parts of the country.

    This was coming as the corporation has taken measures to bring down cost of crude oil production to $10 per barrel or below.

    NNPC’s warning was contained in a report by the corporation’s Retail Limited Managing Director, Sir Billy Okoye, who admonished motorists to be wary of the off-spec products.

    Okoye explained that “the warning became necessary because the low grade, contaminated diesel is harmful to machines and environment”, adding that “NNPC Retail Limited as a market leader considered it incumbent upon it to alert the public on the subject.”

    He assured consumers that “NNPC Retail Limited deals only in premium, high-quality products in the interest of Nigerian motorists and users”, urging consumers to patronise the company’s stations where the quality of their products is assured.

    As a deregulated product, diesel is also imported by other major and independent marketers in the country.

    READ ALSO: FCTA issues guidelines on reopening of worship centres in Abuja

    Meanwhile, NNPC said it’s taking measures to bring down cost of crude oil production to $10 per barrel or below. This was disclosed by the corporation’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ventures and Business Development, Mr. Roland Ewubare.

    NNPC, in a statement by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that Ewubare made the declaration today on a Channels TV breakfast programme, Business Morning.

    The COO explained that terrain peculiarity was an important factor in determining cost, arguing that issues such as pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, among others, were some of the factors peculiar to the Nigerian terrain that drive up crude oil production cost in the country.

    He, however, stated that NNPC was looking very closely at such variable as logistics, security and transportation with a view to reducing cost of production to $10 and below per barrel.
    He disclosed that much had been done over the years in the area of reducing contracting cycle which used to be a major factor responsible for high cost of production, noting that the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) achieved a six-month contracting cycle under him as Group General Manager.

    Amidst speculations of non-compliance by some countries with the production cuts agreed upon by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its non-member allies, Ewubare affirmed that Nigeria was in full compliance with the agreed output cuts, saying reports including Nigeria on the list of non-compliant countries were not true.

    Ewubare explained that though Nigeria’s total production capacity was 2.3 million barrels per day (mbpd), it was currently producing only about 1.4mbpd in compliance with the OPEC+ production quota, adding that what makes up the little extra over the 1.4mbpd figure being bandied around for Nigeria was condensate which is usually not computed as part of production in OPEC quota.

    “There’s some confusion in the market around the parameters for the production cuts. Nigeria has a full production capacity of about 2.3mbpd. We are currently producing between 1.6 and 1.7mbpd.

    “Our OPEC quota as a result of the cuts is about 1.4mbpd. You and I know that condensate is not included in the computation of the cut numbers. So what we have is 1.4mbpd of crude oil.

    “The little you see above 1.4mbpd is made up of condensate which does not count as part of the basis for assessing our OPEC quota”, Ewubare said.

    READ ALSO: AfDB board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    NNPC Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, in a recent interview advanced a similar position where he stressed that NNPC was working assiduously to bring down the cost of crude oil production to not more than $10 per barrel by 2021.

  • No tenure extension for top management staff of National Assembly, says Gbajabiamila

    No tenure extension for top management staff of National Assembly, says Gbajabiamila

    Idowu Sowunmi

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Thursday denied authorising a letter by his Chief of Staff, Sanusi Rikiji, in which the leadership of the House purportedly insisted on an amended National Assembly Condition of Service seeking service extension for top management staff.

    A memo by Gbajabiamila’s Chief of Staff, dated June 3, 2020, with reference number: NASS/SPK/ADM/VOL.1/520, had surfaced online on Wednesday night.

    In the letter, Rikiji said the leadership of the chamber was opposed to the position of the National Assembly Service Commission which removes the clause extending the services of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, and 150 other management and senior staff members.

    In his letter titled: “Re: Forwarding of Memorandum on the Review of Conditions of Service for the National Assembly Service,” Gbajabiamila said the House could not rescind the 8th Assembly’s resolution on the retirement age of National Assembly staff just like that.

    “I am directed by the entire leadership of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the receipt of your letter on the above dated 01 June 2020 vide NASC/CHO/IPS/II/Il/94 and have deliberated on it.

    READ ALSO: Workers Welfare: House pledges support, to criminalise estimated billing

    “I am further directed to inform you that the entire leadership of the House of Representatives cannot rescind the 8th Assembly’s resolution on the retirement age of National Assembly staff.

    “Therefore, the House of Representatives maintains the position of the 8th Assembly as contained in the conditions of service jointly passed by that Assembly.

    “Please accept the assurances of our regards,” the letter read.

    It would be recalled that the speaker, in a statement on Wednesday night, said he did not direct issuance of the letter.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has been drawn to a letter purportedly emanating from his office allegedly stating his endorsement of the new Condition of Service for National Assembly Staff passed by the 8th Assembly.

    “The Speaker wishes to inform the general public that there was no time he directed issuance of such purported letter from his office as there is a recognised and authorised channel for all correspondences and resolutions reached by the House or its leadership.

    READ ALSO: FCTA issues guidelines on reopening of worship centres in Abuja

    “The Speaker also wishes to call on the general public to disregard the letter and always rely on official communication channels of the House for news on the position of the House on any matter.”