5 Things to expect as lawmakers resume duty
Lawmakers resume today after almost two months of recess.
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![Abdullahi Ganduje [Facebook]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Abdullahi Ganduje [Facebook]")
Management of the National Assembly had announced a postponement of the resumption date from Tuesday, September 19, 2017.
Although management failed to state the reason for this, Pulse checks reveals that the postponement might be due to renovation work at the National Assembly complex.
Painted walls, fixed lightings and ceilings… The National Assembly complex is indeed wearing a new look.
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As lawmakers return, there seems to be a lots of files on the table for our representatives to treat.
Apart from the legitimate duty of law making, here are five other things to expect from the National Assembly in the coming days.
1. Jibrin’s return to Reps
Thursday, September 28, 2017, would make it exactly over year since Abdulmumin Jibrin was suspendedfrom the House of Representatives on recommendation of its committee on ethics and privileges.
Jibrin – soon after his removal as appropriation chairman -- had accused Speaker Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers of padding the 2016 budget.
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One of the conditions for Jibrin’s return is that the Kiru/Bebeji federal constituency lawmaker tenders a written apology to the House, prior to his resumption of duties which will be due on Wednesday, September 27.
Jibrin had said he would apologies to anyone.
As the House resumes, Jibrin’s fate hangs in the balance.
House spokesman, Abdulrazak Namdaz recently said that Jibrin’s fate would be determined after a meeting by the committee when the House reconvenes.
2. Hembe/Mato saga
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The coming days would again put Speaker Dogara’s integrity to question.
Despite Supreme Court’s judgment which sacked Herman Hembe, the House under Speaker Dogara’s leadership has failed to swear-in Dorathy Mato.
Hembe, the lawmaker representing Vandekiya/Konshisha federal constituency of Benue state is alleged to be Dogara’s right-hand man. This, many say, remains the reason for the delay in Mato’s swearing in.
Hembe had approached the Court to seek a reveal of its earlier judgment.
He had prayed the Court to allow him vacate office without returning the salaries and allowances earned in the last two years as he had used the money for his upkeep.
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Again, the Supreme Court on September 20, 2017 upheld its ruling on Hembe. The court awarded the sum of N1 million against him and in favour of his opponent.
With all options exhausted, Dogara may have no other choice than swear in Mato.
Any other reason why Mato should not be sworn in?
3. NGO Regulation Bill ‘controversy’
The bill to regulate the activities of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have continued to generate mixed reactions.
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With NGOs and CSOs kicking against legislation, the passage of this bill will generate more controversy in the coming days.
Also, expect more protests against this bill from NGOs and CSOs.
4. Dino recall drama
As the Senate resumes, expect some drama from embattled Kogi senator, Dino Melaye.
Melaye has failed to face his recall like a big boy.
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From blaming the governor for his misfortune to appealing against INEC at the law court…
Melaye would leave no stone unturned to stop every move to send him back to Kabba.
5. Dancing Adeleke
Senator Ademola Adeleke has won the hearts of most Nigerians with his dance steps.
As work resumes, will Senator Adeleke continue showing off his dance skills or get down to business?
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A combination of both won’t be a bad idea.
As they say, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.
Some Nigerians are also expecting a collabo between Dino and Adeleke.
Dino sings his smash hit while Adeleke moves to the beat.
Cool, yeah?
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