[Breaking] Senate Approves Science And Technology University For FCT

Senate Approves Science And Technology University For FCT

The Senate on Thursday approved the establishment of a Science and Technology University for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

It equally stood down the consideration of the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the INEC Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The Senate’s approval of the Science and Technology University for the FCT is coming 17 months after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had at one of its weekly meetings in May 2017 approved the establishment of the specialised university in Abaji.

Presenting the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND at plenary for the establishment of the university , its Chairman, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North), urged the Senate to receive and consider the report of the committee for the establishment of FCT University of Science and Technology (Est, etc) Bill, 2018.

He urged his colleagues to approve the establishment of the university because the location is central and will generate employment opportunities for the residents of Abaji and its environ.

Senator Philip Aduda (PDP FCT), who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the university, told newsmen after plenary that all was set for the take-off of the university by next academic session.

He disclosed that collaborative efforts were being made to get similar passage in the House of Representatives for the required presidential assent.

According to him, 500 hectares of land had already been provided for the university in Abaji Area Council of the FCT aside blocks of classrooms and equipment also put in place by FCTA.

“As the senator representing FCT and the sponsor of this bill, I’m very elated with its passage today in the Senate and happy to inform you that required concurrence from the House of Representatives will be carried out soonest for the awaiting presidential assent being a project conceived and approved by the federal government in May last year.

“FCT needs a university of its own outside the University of Abuja established in 1988 to cater for more and more people seeking for university education within the territory and in Nigeria at large,” he said.

Also Thursday, the Senate stood down

the consideration of its Committee on INEC on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

The Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said the Senate had to defer debate on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to another day so as to give the committee headed by Senator Suleiman Nazif ( PDP Bauchi North) enough time to do a thorough legislative work on the Bill.

The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, in agreeing with Lawan, then said the committee’s report will be stood down till next Tuesday.

Saraki said: “The Electoral Act Amendment Bill will now be presented at plenary by INEC committee on Tuesday.”

The Senate after a heated debate also Thursday confirmed the appointment of Dr. Abdulmalik Durnnguwa as the Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Some senators had faulted the presentation of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Identity Card and National Population Commission, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (PDP Kaduna North), about the credentials of Durnnguwa while presenting him for confirmation.

The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujinmi, wondered how the nominee can obtain his primary school leaving certificate at the age of 10.

The Senate President quickly interjected and said: “We have passed that stage, let’s do the needful as the committee has done its work.”

He thereafter put the nominee’s name into voice vote and the ‘ayes’ had it.

Earlier, the Senate had gone into a close-door session upon resumption of plenary immediately after Saraki said the opening prayer at 11.45 am.

At the end of the session that lasted for only 15 minutes, Saraki said the session discussed issues of national importance as it affects the National Assembly in general and Senate in particular

Read More

“We Have Not Released Guidelines For 2019 Elections” – PDP

“We Have Not Released Guidelines For 2019 Elections” – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that its guidelines for 2019 presidential primary election was not yet ready.

The party disclosed this in a statement issued by its National Organising Secretary, Austin Akobundu, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Akobundu said that the clarification became necessary following a publication by a national daily titled “PDP list guidelines for presidential aspirants, demands N12m for forms.

“We wish to state categorically that the party is still in the process of drawing up the guidelines for its presidential primary election.

“It is therefore misleading to claim that the party has ‘listed its guidelines’ not to talk of the cost of nomination forms.

“At the appropriate time the proposals will be presented to NEC of the party which will approve as it deems fit.

“Only then can one say that it has the guidelines for the 2018 presidential primary election.”

Mr Akobundu said that the party’s National Working Committee under the leadership of Prince Uche Secondus, was committed to adhering strictly to the PDP constitution.'
He noted that the constitution in Chapter 8 (50) (1) grants NEC the power to formulate the guidelines for aspirants in any of its Party Primaries, the presidential primary inclusive.

Mr Akobundu appreciated the interest in the party’s electoral processes and said PDP was always ready to respond to any enquiries and to make all necessary information available.

The national organising secretary urged the general public, party members and they PDP presidential aspirants to disregard the said publication.

“The authentic guidelines for PDP presidential primary election will be released as soon as they are considered by the organs of the party.”

Read More

BREAKING: President Buhari launches war ships in Lagos

According to reports President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Lagos in the early hours of the day, to commission the warship.

A statement by Femi Adesina, a senior special aide to the president on media affairs, affirms the launch ceremony.

READ ALSO: LIST: 7 IMPORTANT benefits of the 'Buhari App'

Below is the speech by President Buhari at the commissioning ceremony of Nigerian Naval Ships, Unity, Karaduwa and Tugboat Commander Edwin Ugwu, which held at the Naval Dockyard Victoria Island, Lagos.

PROTOCOLS:

I am delighted to be in your midst today to witness thecommissioning ceremony of Nigerian Navy Ships UNITY and KARADUWA as well as the Nigerian Navy Tugboat COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU, which are about to be added to the Nigerian Navyfleet. The event of today is significant for a number of reasons.

2. First, it is most fulfilling to note that our own engineers at theNigerian Navy Dockyard, Lagos and the Naval Shipyard, PortHarcourt are wholly responsible for the building of the SeawardDefence Boat, Nigerian Navy Ship KARADUWA and the Tugboat COMMANDER EDWIN UGWU, respectively.

It is also worth notingthat NNS UNITY, which is Nigeria’s newest warship, is the second ofsuch acquisitions from the Peoples’ Republic of China and is a productof Nigeria’s growing relationship with China.

3. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to this friendship, especiallyin acknowledgement of the mutually helpful military cooperation, ofwhich the Nigerian Navy has been a major beneficiary. I recall withprofound appreciation the gesture of the Chinese Government indonating an offshore patrol boat to the Navy at the time of takingdelivery of the sister ship of Nigerian Navy Unity last year. 1

4. Hence, I cannot but commend the business dependability ofChina Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Limited, thebuilders of these Offshore Patrol Vessels for seeing to a conclusiveand successful execution of the contracts. In the same vein, I enjointheir local partners to share in this commendation for their efforts atlocal facilitation.

5. The Nigerian Navy has shown great foresight in nurturing thevision for this ship and her sister ship. It is even more heartwarmingthat you have not confined your efforts to having recourse to foreignsources alone, but have braced up to take your destiny in your ownhands by embarking on aggressive local complement provision toassemble your fleet.

The Federal Government expects no less fromyou as looking inwards is the way to go amidst a uniquely challengingmix of recession and rising acute security concerns.

6. The prevailing situation is not new given the intimate connectionsbetween economic prosperity and security. For a littoral state withhuge dependence on her offshore resources, maritime security is vitalto the nation’s well-being. Today you are afforded increased defencecapacity.

This empowerment also enhances your role as instrumentsof diplomacy and leadership in the region and credible standing on the global stage. The Navy’s impressive strides in the area of continuedfight against maritime security threats like piracy, oil theft, illegalbunkering and pipeline vandalism are well known.

7. As a truly national service, I commend your involvement andcontribution in the on-going fight against insurgency in the North East.

The Navy is also envisaged to play a critical role in upcomingcontinental programmes such as the development of sustainable blueeconomy for Africa adopted and signed by the African Union in October 2016. The commissioning of these platforms is to emboldenyou to sustain and expand your capacity and remit.

8. The Federal Government will continue to provide yourrequirements within the limits of our resources. Our administration isunwavering in prioritizing the commitment, readiness and willingnesstowards strengthening the Navy through improved training, provision of modern equipment, infrastructure and attention to welfare.

I hasten however to remind you that we are at a critical period when thecountry faces dwindling revenues. The moment therefore calls forprudent resource management and patriotic re-dedication. I am accordingly encouraged by the steps you have taken so far.

9. The entrenchment of new policy directives codified in suchfunctional documents as the 2011 - 2020 Transformation Plan, FiveYear Quick Impact Strategic Plan and the Total Spectrum Strategy arecredible guidelines for improved efficiency. I urge you to keep it up.

10. Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,once again I thank you for making this event a memorable one. My gratitude goes to all the friends of Nigeria and the Nigerian Navy for making it a success. I congratulate the leadership of Nigerian Navy, itsofficers, men and civilian staff for their dedication and patriotism.

11. Thank you, God bless you and like it is said in Navy parlance“Onward Together” and wishing you the very best."

Read More