President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law, the recently passed National Health Insurance Authority Bill 2022, repealing thereby, the National Health Insurance Scheme Act, Cap N42, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
President Buhari said at the signing of the new law that a Fund will be set up “to ensure coverage of 83 million poor Nigerians who cannot afford to pay premiums as recommended by the Lancet Nigeria Commission.”
He then went on to elaborate on how the Fund will be sourced: “For the large number of vulnerable individuals who are not able to pay health insurance premiums, a Vulnerable Group Fund will be set up to include a component of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund due to the Authority, Health Insurance Levy, Special Intervention Fund, and any investment proceeds, donations and gifts to the Authority.”
The President announced that the Authority will collaborate with state government Health Insurance Schemes to accredit primary and secondary health facilities and enroll Nigerians into the scheme in order to ensure the delivery of quality health care.
The new Act also enables the Authority and state governments to develop information management systems and digital records for better data collection, monitoring and quality assurance.
President Buhari tasked the Health Reform Committee to work with state governments, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Authority to ensure the implementation of the articles in the new Act.
The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as parts of its Corporate Social Responsibility, built, commissioned and handover a fully furnished Basic Primary Health Care Centres to Umu-Eziogoli community in Ukwuani Local Government Area and Umuseti-Ogbe community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.
While handing over the edifices, the Managing Director of Nigeria Gas Company Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who was represented by, Mrs Uche Ossai, Executive Director Support Services, said that, the company is committed to developing a robust and sustainable relationship with its host communities.
According to Engr. Seyi; “The wellbeing of our host communities is paramount in our Corporate Social Responsibility thrust, and this is simply why we are here today. Therefore, we present to you these Basic Health Centres as a token of our contribution to the development of both communities which we cherish Dearly as one of our peace-loving communities.
“On our part as a company, we shall continue to solicit for your co-operation and assistance in the maintenance of peace in order to support our business growth aspirations for the benefit of our people in this communities and Nigerians generally.
“Let me reiterate, that NGC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of any issue. This, indeed, is the hallmark of our community relations engagement process. We would appreciate direct contact with NGC Management through our Public Affairs Department on any community issues and not through a third party. Problems are better solved where there is constant communication between entities with vested interest, for the mutual benefit of all.
“Finally, let me appeal to you as communities, that this Health Centre is yours, we therefore urge you to safeguard it by putting in place adequate security measures to protect it.”
Those who responded for both communities are, Mr Ogochukwu Nwose, Chairman Umu-Eziogoli community, Barr. Nelson Enumah, and Mr Kingsley Chukwutem Ndiom, Chairman CDC, Umuseti-Ogbe, Mr George Oliseh for Umu Odia/Achi family.
They all commended Nigeria Gas Company Limited for the kind gestures, promising to secure both facilities and ensuring that they both serve the essence of which it was provided, and also urge the Delta State Primary Health Care Board and both Local to work in synergy in order to put both facilities into use in no distant time.
In his remarks, the Secretary to Delta State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah and Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, who was represented by Mrs Gladys Priegere, commended NGC for establishing these Health Centres as parts of it Corporate Social Responsibility, noting that, both projects will complement the efforts of the State Governor, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who is very passionate about the health and well-being of Deltans.
He added that, “In no doubt, the event of today testified to an existing cordial relationship between NGC and the host communities (Umu-Eziogoli and Umuseti-Ogbe). With peaceful environment, Corporate Social Responsibility can be attracted to a community.
“Therefore we want to appeal to both communities to sustain cordial relationships they have shown to the company. By so doing, we know the company will put more developmental infrastructures in these communities. In the same vein, I enjoined all companies operating in the state to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility to their host communities.”
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Council, Hon. Barr. C.S.P Ajede, represented by Okpor Elias and the Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Council, Hon Chief Goddey Obi Nzete, represented by Augustine Ogochukwu Okom, Secretary to Ndokwa West Local Government Council. They commended NGC over the establishment of the Health Care Center in both communities, noting that, they will work in synergy with the State Primary Health Care Board to ensure that both facilities are put into use in no distant time.
One major reason why our politics bears sectional colourations, either of zones or ethnic groups, is because we have evolved with the mind set that persons in political positions, especially of President or Governor, must take advantage to develop mostly their own areas over and above others.
This has drawn our regions, zones and ethnic nationalities into political suspicions, distrust and conflicts as we witness across the country, and constrained the sense of single state citizenship.
Many politicians in executive positions have been seen or suspected to concentrate development mostly in their communities. In some cases it is true, in other cases it isn’t quite so, but generally, that is the perception.
On the other hand, in the actual, the advantage may be to a particular few mostly by way of appointments and contract awards while the vast majority of the people from the same area remain as they have been before, during and after the tenure of their person.
As Olorogun David Edevbie has pointed out, the development of one area to the disregard of other areas is negative for all, in that development becomes disjointed, incoherent, uncoordinated and, therefore unproductive and unsustainable in the long run.
For Edevbie, development must be planned to explore the full potentials of the state to dispassionately address the present and future infrastructural, economic and social needs of all its component communities and peoples in an organised and interconnected manner, with all areas relating to and complementing one another.
In such a system, citizens access to government services will be irrespective and without bias to their ethnic origin, political leaning and personal connections but simply by defined criteria applicable to all citizens and residents.
This is what David Edevbie is introducing with the idea of providing a Development Masterplan for Delta State.
Largely with stakeholders inputs, the plan shall project, propose and segment critical development needs covering our various districts, zones, local government areas, federal and state constituencies, ethnic nationalities and communities in relation with one another.
For transparency and legitimacy, it shall be subject to public hearing for all citizens and sections of the state to see what is in it, what comes to their communities, how it affects their people, projected time frames for implementation, and for them to also make suggestions or requests, all of which shall be debated and agreed upon by consensus, and passed into law as the working plan of the state.
That way, and if the people see government as truly following the plan, there will be less apprehension across sections of the state as to whether any incumbent or incoming Chief Executive would deny or disregard other communities to concentrate development particularly in his or her area.
This will reduce socio-political tension on issues of development, boost inter ethnic relations and harmony, foster a sense of single citizenship and common purpose, and elevate Delta State unto higher pedestal of governance.
A delegation of Civil Society leaders under the aiges of Civil Society Network for Citizens Engagement, Credible Elections and Good Governance (CSNCE2GG), have thrown their support for Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, Member Representing Warri South Constituency 2 at the Delta State House of Assembly in his bid to return to the House of Assembly for a Second term.
At an Aspirant Engagement Meeting, Activist Rex Emojite Anighoro leader of the delegation called Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru an Humanitarian Champion and a Citizens legislator whom have shown great leadership and character and has lived a life of service to the people.
He stated that their support became necessary because, Hon. Opuoru has always identified with the Civil Society and has been a great friend to the Civil Society who has used his position at the Delta State House of Assembly to support the causes of the Civil Society, and foster citizens greater good in the State.
He noted that Hon. Opuoru has always been very accessible to the Civil Society and has played uncommon roles in the house, working with the Civil Society in their pursuit for critical legislations that are of relevance not only to the Civil Society but the citizens in general.
He commended Hon. Opuoru’s social assistance programme, amongst many other pro-people schemes as an uncommon social protection initiative that is worthy of emulation, adding that his consistency in ensuring that over 200 most vulnerable citizens in his constituency were given a monthly stipend of ₦5000 for over two years remains unparalleled and has further endeared him to the Civil Society.
Activist Anighoro made it known that the Civil Society cannot afford to stand behind the veil but will openly support those aspirants who have given Civil Society a listening ear, and place of significance in their Citizens Initiatives and Engagement, as these were people who were open to criticism and feedback to enable them tailor their output towards meeting the demands of the people.
He also made a case for fairness, inclusivity and the continuous strengthening of the existing peace currently being enjoyed in Warri urging all political players to always prioritise these considerations as very important in their political pursuits and engagements.
He made it clear that any Political ambition that is capable of igniting divisiveness, threatening Inter ethnic tensions and good neigbourliness in Warri South Constituency 2 is definitely not in the best interest of the people of Warri, as he called on all the aspirants to put the pursuit of peace, mutual ethnic coexistence and harmony above their personal ambitions.
Also speaking at the aspirant engagement meeting, Deacon Okezi Odugala a frontline Civil Society leader in the State, said that the Civil Society is looking forward earnestly to seeing a more friendly Civil Society House of Assembly and will support Civil Friendly aspirants such as Matthew Poko Opuoru who sees the Civil Society as their own constituency.
Environmental Activist, Green Activist Comrade Harrison Agboro in his own remarks stated that his organisation will always partner with Political leaders who will support his Green Delta Campaign even as he is sure of Hon. Opuoru is one of such political leaders who will support the Green Delta Campaign.
Furthermore Amb. Augusta Impact Keneboh stated that Civil Society will always open it’s doors for every political leader who will not see the Civil Society as enemies but as partners for the development and progress of Delta State. She stated that the Civil Society will always be available to join forces with the political class to implement programmes and projects that will be of great benefit to the people offering independent evaluations that will fill the gaps and make for greater efficiency.
Responding at the meeting, Honourable Matthew Poko Opuoru thanked the Civil Society leaders for their kind words on him, stating that the gesture coming from the civil society was a great motivation for him to do much more for the people. He stressed that he will continue to give hope for a better tomorrow to the downtrodden and work for the good of his constituents and all Deltans.
Speaking further Hon. Opuoru said that he will strengthen his partnership with the Civil Society ensuring that they play greater roles in his service delivery to his people.
He said that his manifesto is simply a document aimed at strengthening legislative power for the good of Delta Citizens and to bring greater progress to his constituents through the advancement of social welfare. He thanked the Civil Society Network and called on them to continue to demand from political aspirants and leaders their social contract with the people.
The delegation at the aspirant engagement meeting with Honourable Matthew Poko Opuoru was led by Activist Rex Emojite Anighoro the State Focal Person on Civil Society and Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Civic Engagement and Civil Society and also included Deacon Okezi Odugala, Executive Director Eziodu Initiative of Sustainable Environmental Development, Ambassador Augusta Impact Keneboh, the Executive Director Afro Centre for Development, Peace and Justice, Green Activist Harrison Agboro, Executive Director Greenspere Initiative, Activist Ambrose Egbe, Director at the Defenders of the Citizens Initiative, Mrs Faith John a Director at the Advocates of the Global Goals and Citizens Greater Good Initiative, Comrade Churchill Ayovuata a member of the Delta State Steering Committee for Non State Actors on the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
The President of the Africa Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, has received an honorary doctorate degree in Ethiopia.
The honour was conferred by the Addis Ababa University and was witnessed by the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.
On the honour, Adesina said, “I was greatly honoured to be awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Addis Ababa University, ranked No.6 in Africa and No.1 in East Africa. My wife Grace & I were delighted to be with my brother Prime Minister #AbiyAhmedAli of Ethiopia. Thank you #AddisAbabaUni!”
He received an honorary degree from Duke University, UK last Sunday.
Fronline aspirant to represent the people of Delta South Senatorial District in the Senate, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has been cleared to contest the forthcoming primaries of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, as he assured his teeming supporters that victory beckons.
Hon Joel-Onowakpo, scaled through the first major hurdles towards occupying the position of Delta South Senatorial District, Delta State in the red Chambers at the APC Senatorial Screening Committee held at the Fraser Suites. Abuja, today, Sunday May 15th, 2022.
Other aspirants from Delta State who were screened alongside Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, were Senator Peter Nwaboshi, Delta North Senatorial District and Ede Dafinone, Delta Central Senatorial District.
Chief Ede Omueya Dafinone (left), Hon. Joel Onowakpo (center) Sen. Peter Nwoboshi (right)
An elated Hon Joel-Onowakpo who was beaming with smile when he stepped out of the screening venue, speaking to journalists, expressed gratitude to God for his grace and mercy on him since he was born, as he prayed God to stand by him as he embarks on the campaign and other processes that will see him winning the primaries and the election proper.
He said that the first hurdle has been successfully conquered which according to him has cleared way for him to face other contenders if any, adding that with God on his side, his teeming supporters and the implicit confidence the party leadership has on him, he was confident that the journey to the red chambers has been shortened.
According to the Harvard-trained financial expert, “Let me first of all give glory to God for bringing me thus far. Who are mine without God. For everything and whatever I am today have been made possible by God. He has brought me thus far and I am confident that He will not abandon me in the course of this project. May your name be glorified for securing this screening for me.”
“I wish to also sincerely appreciate the leadership of my party in Delta State for the opportunity to participate in this screening. It is a thing of joy to be part of this great family of the APC in Delta State. All I ask for is unity of purpose for that is the weapon with which we will win at the general pools. ”
“To my teeming supporters across the Delta South Senatorial District and my well wishers across Delta State and beyond, I am emboldened by your show of love and commitment. All I can ask for now is for you not to relent in your support for me. Your prayers, encouragement and suggestions will be needed most as I assure you that with this screening, victory is already beckoning.”
On whether his party was prepared to win the governorship, Senatorial and other positions in the state, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo said that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is prepared more than ever before to overwhelmingly take over Delta State.
He stated that the ongoing exodus from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), is enough evidence to the fact that the people of the state have embraced the APC because of the calibre of men presently piloting the affairs of the party in the state.
(Re: 2023: Edevbie’s Media Disobeys Delta PDP Chairman, Mudslinging Persists)
Once again, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe continues to device and hide under his own falsehood to pursue a failed propaganda against Olorogun David Edevbie.
In the latest under reference, he accused Olorogun David Edevbie Media Team of being responsible for a story in which some delegates reportedly called for mass rejection of now Francis Oborevwori at the PDP primaries based on the well publicised scandals surrounding his identity, age and certificates.
David Edevbie PDP
Latimore’s intention, as well betrayed by his caption, is to cunningly create disaffection between the leadership of our great Party, the PDP, and Olorogun David Edevbie but he failed in the attempt.
We wish to state that we love and respect the person and office of our State Party Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, and also always faithfully and loyally abide by the directives of our great party, the PDP.
We hereby state that we did not author any such story, we did not participate in the incident described in the story, we do not know the writer and, therefore, we have not in any way disobeyed the instructions of our respectable State Chairman as far as the story is concerned.
As a matter of policy, we do not report the activities of delegates when such activities do not relate to Olorogun David Edevbie. We only became aware of the story based on Latimore’s write up and, reading through it, we find that Edevbie is not mentioned anywhere nor did the author canvass support for him.
Our understanding of the story, as brought to our attention by Latimore, is that the delegates are reacting to acts of intimidation against them and, by their own judgement, also pointing out the dangers in pitching with Oborevwori both because of the foreseeable collateral liabilities to the party inherit in the questions surrounding him and also because they can see that he does not have adequate capacity to bear the flag of our great party, talk less of governing our dear Delta State.
We wish to remind Latimore that over 10 aspirants were screened and only Oborevwori returned with question marks surrounding his name, age and certificates. Understandably, it is party members are Deltans, not us, that are asking questions for which they appear not to be satisfied with the answers. Unfortunately, we are not responsible for the changes in his name and age in his certificates, we do not know why the names kept changing and we are neither judge nor jury. We are only hearing, watching and finding it all curious as most Deltans also are.
For the avoidance of doubt, it was Latimore himself, in one of his “manifestly reckless” write-ups (to borrow the words of the Delta State Government about him), who likened Oborevwori to Buhari whose certificate was also under question into his election in 2015.
Drawing from the terrifying comparison, it was only logical for the delegates to have pointed out, as they did in the report, that the mistake of electing a leader with questionable credentials, inadequate knowledge, low experience and scarce exposure, especially in this era of information-driven and knowledge-based economy, would be disastrous for Delta State just as it has been disastrous for Nigeria in the past seven years, and with frightening consequences that may spiral into the future.
We however also note the baseless innuendoes contained in Latimore’s false charge, as he often does like a broken record, but we are confident that Deltans and PDP delegates already know Edevbie very well.
He does not need to swear plenty affidavits just to identify his name or age. They know that all these years he has not been charged anywhere, home and abroad, for any offence, despite the uninformed and frivolous propaganda. They are satisfied with his educational qualifications and demonstrated professional skills. They have approved and accepted his Modernisation Agenda as the sure path for the development and growth of the state and they trust in his experience, competence and capacity to perform.
PDP , David Edevbie
Beyond confirming him through their overwhelming votes at the PDP primary as their Governorship flag bearer, come May 23, they are already anxiously looking forward to a glorious, industrialised and socio-economically vibrant Delta championed by David as their Governor.
Therefore, we wish to appeal once again to Latimore to leave us out of Oborevwori’s scandals. Those who have mucus infection should learn to cover their mouth to cough their cough.
A group of the Peoples Democratic Party delegates from Delta South Senatorial District have called on their counterparts across the state to be determined to join hands to rescue the party and Delta State from impending disaster in the governance of the state by rejecting Sheriff Oborevwori at the PDP Gubernatorial primaries scheduled for May 23.
Leaders of the group made the call in a chat with journalists after a clash with party officials following intimidation and discrimination against some delegates in Oleh and yet to be confirmed report that two delegates were murdered in Ughelli area allegedly as part of the coercion.
They insisted that while Governor Okowa keeps saying he is not particularly supporting any aspirant, his body language and the intimidation of delegates by government and party officials to support Sheriff Oborevwori shows glaringly that the process of the primaries has lost truth, credibility and honour.
Describing Oborevwori as a terrible choice which will set Delta State decades backward, one of the ward executive member from Isoko North who asked for anonymity in view of the on going aggression urged PDP delegates to be determined to roundly reject him at the primaries to safeguard the overall interest of the development of the state.
“Governor Okowa has denied that he is supporting Oborevwori, that he will provide a level field for all aspirants but the actions of his aides and state PDP officials speak differently.
“I cannot quarrel with the Governor having a choice, my problem is Oborevwori is a bad choice which does not portend well for the good future of Delta State and the conduct of both state government and party officials in trying to force him on the delegates is very objectionable. Look at what happened in Isoko yesterday. It is also said that two delegates have been killed in Ughelli area for venturing to speak their mind. We are investigating that to confirm.
“Besides their use of force, we know Oborevwori well and we all can see that the lacks the level of knowledge and personal comportment needed for office of Governor. It was okay for him to be Speaker by which he could rubber stamp anything for the Executive. That was why he was put there anyway.
“We have all heard about his identity and certificate scandals. Even as they are trying so hard to cover up and no matter how many affidavits they swear and how many back door processes they use to clear him, all Deltans have seen that many things around him do not add up to the least iota of integrity. Our party and our state cannot afford to gamble with such an aspirant.
“He himself knows and that is probably why he tried to talk down educational qualifications, skills and competence in his campaign messages and hang on the deceit of street credibility.
“They say he has street credibility yet they are using intimidation and victimisation to force delegates for him. That shows it is all scam.
“One of his spokesman, Latimore Oghenesivbe, said street credibility means popularity and likened him to Buhari whose secondary certificate was also in question in 2015 but was elected as President. I take it that Latimore is admitting that Oborevwori’s brain is like Buhari’s own, and Deltans know that Nigerians made a huge mistake electing Buhari.
“Morning shows the day. Like we are now questioning Oborevwori’s identity and certificate, that was how we questioned Buhari’s own in 2015. People took it as mere politics and all Nigerians have seen the backwardness and suffering that mistake has landed us.
“Today, the unemployment number is going to 60 million people, foreign exchange is at all time high, they lied about reducing price of petroleum, subsidy is now about N4 trillion per annum, banditry and insecurity have dimished the value of life, inflation is galloping, our poverty index is among the highest in the world, poor electricity supply keeps killing industries as diesel is now about N700 per litre, Federal university students are at home because of ASUU strike, aviation companies are crying over high cost and scarcity of aviation fuel, telecommunications companies have alerted that they might be folding up over multiple taxation and insecurity of their assets. The woes go on. Clueless, they keep borrowing and mounting debts for future generations, yet no progress.
“That is what you get when you choose people with little knowledge, poor skills, zero exposure and low capacity to govern.
“That is what we have been suffering for the past seven years plus. How can we now choose a similar kind of person with questionable qualifications and certificates to lead our state for another eight years when we are still suffering the damage of our bad decision for seven years now and possibly longer?
“I don’t know what is driving Okowa into this but Deltans don’t deserve the punishment he is trying to bring on the people.
“We know that in addition to the intimidation of delegates, they also manipulated the process of electing ad-hoc delegates and are now inducing the Councillors that they had neglected for the past seven years with little money just for them to have their way. We know that they are planning to camp delegates and continue to threaten and intimidate them through day and night until they take them to the congress ground, but they cannot defeat the will of the people.
“You can fool some people sometimes but you cannot fool all the people all the time. The Councillors, the delegates know what is at stake and I want to encourage them to rise up against this bad choice, no matter the tactics of molestation. A few people should not be allowed to destroy the entire future of the state for their pleasure. We must tell them that enough is enough.”
Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, aspirant to represent the good people of Delta South Senatorial District in the red Chambers, come 2023, has welcomed the former National President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Chris Ekiyor, as he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Dr. Chris Ekiyor, former Chairman, Patani Local Government Area and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Delta State, (today) Friday May 13th, 2023, decamped from the PDP to APC with his teeming supporters including, High Chief Ekeremor Pinaowei Dirikebamor; Chief Wesley Torukeregha; Mr. Isaiah Aboye; Ebiakpor Seriboh, Mr. Gift Michael, amongst.
Hon. Joel-Onowakpo, while welcoming Dr. Chris Ekiyor and his supporters to the APC, described him as a grassroots politician and great mobilizer who has impacted greatly on his people, Delta State and Nigeria in general.
He stressed that the wealth of experience and wide reach of Dr. Ekiyor was richly needed by the APC to further strengthen the desire of the ruling party at the centre in it’s quest to take over Delta State come 2023.
According Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, “I wish to use this medium to welcome Dr. Chris Ekiyor and his teeming supporters to our great party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State. It is a thing of joy to have him join our party particularly now that the 2023 election is around the corner.”
“I am confident that Dr Chris Ekiyor’s decision has added a boost to our great party that is already taking over the nooks and crannies of Delta State. His decision to dump the PDP is a pointer to the acceptability of APC by the people of Delta State. I most sincerely welcome you to the APC family as we look forward to making great impact in our resolve to make our presence felt by taking over the elective positions in our dear State.”
He expressed gratitude to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for his outstanding leadership qualities that has become a shinning light; attracting more followership to the APC, just as he thanked all those who made it to Government Waterside, Patani Town, Patani Local Government Area, to receive Dr Chris Ekiyor and his supporters to the APC.
Hon Joel-Onowakpo, called on his teeming supporters not to relent in their efforts at propagating his political ideals to others who are yet to make clear decisions on where to go, assuring them that his wealth of experience at both private and public services will be brought to bear in serving the people.
The Senate has adjourned sitting till June 7, 2022, to enable lawmakers participate fully in the Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Houses of Assembly primaries.
The motion for adjournment was moved by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North) and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Shuaibu Lau (Taraba North).
NASS National Assembly
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in a Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Elections released on 26th February, 2022, directed political parties to conduct their primaries for the nomination of candidates from the 4th April to 3rd of June, 2022.
The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks, moments before the close of plenary on Wednesday, explained that the decision to adjourn plenary was to enable lawmakers participate fully in activities and processes leading to the conduct of party primaries for the various elective positions ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He said, “Processing of forms for House of Representatives and Senate has started and we are expected to submit our completed forms tomorrow (Friday).
Senate
“And, of course, we have some of our colleagues here who are going for governorship seats of their states.
“It is very important that we participate in the process that affects us directly, as well as those that do not affect us directly – that is the State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential.
“Consequently, we have to adjourn to enable us participate fully in all these activities because we are supposed to be active participants. So, I wish all of us the best of luck.
“For the Presidential candidates, we are four and we pray that one of us will emerge as the candidate of the ruling party.”
The chamber adjourned plenary, thereafter, till June 7, 2022.
