Featured

‘Enjoyment Allowance’ To Senators, Part Of Office Running Cost– NASS Mgt

Published

1 year ago

August 16, 2023

The management of the National Assembly yesterday reacted to the controversial “enjoyment allowance” paid to Senators and members of the House of Representatives before they embarked on a long recess last week Monday.
In a statement made available to journalists yesterday, the Secretary of Research and Information, Dr. Ali Umoru, said the said payment to the lawmakers in the upper and lower legislative chambers was mischaracterised, describing such as unfortunate, given that the money is part of their statutory running cost of offices.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Management of the National Assembly has been drawn to the persistent mischaracterisation and misunderstanding of the payment of N2,000,000.00 (two million naira) allowance to each Senator.
“It should be noted that the two million Naira is part of the running cost of the office of each Senator as provided for in the 2023 budget.
“The allocation for running costs is not a new development; it has been standard practice. These funds are utilized to facilitate various activities that directly contribute to effective representation, legislative activities and other initiatives aimed at serving the interests of the people.
“For the avoidance of doubt and for emphasis, the said allowances were budgeted for in the 2023 Appropriation Act as part of the running cost of the office of each Senator of the 10th Assembly.
“The allowances are, therefore, an entitlement and not a privilege or largesse distributed to the Senators. However, given the wrong impression the subject matter has created, it has become imperative to make this clarification and put the records straight.
“The National Assembly remains committed to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the Nigerian people as we work together to uphold the principles of democracy and good governance.”

Featured

RSG Set For Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Published

15 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government says all is now set to ensure a momentous Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Speaking to newmen, last Monday, at Isaac Boro Park, venue for the parade and wreath-laying ceremony, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that the annual event would be memorable.

“January 15 is a day set aside all over the country to remember those who died in the course of military engagement and also appreciate those still serving in the Armed Forces.

“We had the Juma’at Prayers last Friday and Church Thanksgiving Service last Sunday, we are grateful for very successful events. Wednesday, 15th January, is the Armed Forces Remembrance Day parade and wreath -laying ceremony at the Remembrance Arcade here in Isaac Boro Park. We are ready and expecting a superlative parade ceremony by the Armed Forces and the State Legion,” he said.

The SSG stated that it was in the nature of Rivers State Government and her people to appreciate the Armed Forces, just as he encouraged well-meaning Nigerians resident in Rivers State to join in appreciating the efforts of the nation’s heroes and remember those who had paid the ultimate price.

The SSG stressed that the actions of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on January 15 would be replicated across the 22 Local Governments Areas in the State, with the exception of the Mayor of Port Harcourt who would support the Governor.

“As a federation with three tiers of government, the ceremonies will be done simultaneously at the federal level with Mr President laying the wreath; at the State, with our Governor laying the wreath. It is also expected that the council chairmen will be replicating same thing because there are members of the Armed Forces and legionnaires in the local governments.

A representative of 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Col. S. I Fejoh, who is one of the co-ordinators of the parade, re-affirmed their readiness and promised to showcase the pride of Nigeria.

On his part, the Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Rivers State, C.O. Promise noted that members were happy and ready to celebrate the day they referred to as their birthday.

The Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Hon. Ichemati Ezebunwor, represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Wendy Kalio, also expressed optimism for a gallant celebration in the state.

“We have been fully involved and ready to celebrate the sacrifices of those who served the country. Let us honour them and encourage their loved ones. The Governor is working hard to empower the veterans and widows, let us turn up to cheer our Governor,” she summed up.

Featured

Fubara Hails Mbata’s Emergence As President – General Of Ohanaeze Ndigbo

Published

17 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has hailed the emergence of a former lawmaker representing Rivers East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator John Azuta Mbata, as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Governor Fubara said that the frontline politician’s victory at the poll in Enugu, on Friday, is a testament to his wide acceptance across the aisle as an accomplished Nigerian, whose test of character and integrity is exemplary.

He said that the overwhelming votes of the delegates show the implicit confidence of members of the socio-cultural organisation in his ability to provide needed leadership to move the Ohanaeze Ndigbo forward at this time.

Governor Fubara, therefore, extended his best wishes to Senator Mbata, and expressed the hope that he will succeed as he discharges the lofty duties of furthering national cohesion, and fostering friendly cooperation based on mutual trust and respect within the Igbos and among non-Igbos.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Rivers State, I once again congratulate you and assure you of our readiness to work with you towards maintaining and preserving national unity and cohesion”, Governor Fubara said.

Business

AfDB, Partners Boost Universal Electrification Efforts

Published

18 hours ago

January 15, 2025

The Tide

African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, the World Bank Group, the African Union (AU), and the Tanzanian government have reaffirmed their commitment to advance Africa’s path toward universal electrification.

The AfDB announced in a statement, Saturday, that it would host a pivotal summit to support this objective.

“The Africa Energy Summit, scheduled for January 27 to 28 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, will bring together Heads of State and Government, private sector leaders, development partners, donors, experts, civil society organizations, and academics.

“The summit aims to secure the financial resources, partnerships, and political commitment necessary to achieve the ambitious Mission 300 plan and further progress toward universal electrification”, it stated.

Inaugurated in April 2024 by the AfDB and the World Bank, Mission 300 sought to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

It said the initiative would focus on a dual approach: increasing infrastructure investment and implementing policy reforms across the electricity supply chain.

According to the bank, with nearly 600 million Africans accounting for 83 per cent of the global energy deficit lacking access to electricity, the need for action has never been more urgent.

“The summit will serve as a platform to consolidate efforts and accelerate Africa’s electrification journey, aiming to transform lives, improve livelihoods, and foster economic growth.

“Experts and stakeholders will deliberate on strategies to mobilise investments, expand energy access, and address challenges impeding progress, ensuring that Africa’s energy goals remain within reach”, AfDB stated.