Office of the Deputy Senate President, National Assembly, Abuja (2025)

08/09/2024

Today, I had the honour of chairing the flag-off of the distribution of federal government palliatives in the Northwest region held in Kano. This initiative, a significant part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, aims to address the economic challenges and hardships citizens across the country face.

This program is not just about providing immediate relief but about reinforcing the government's commitment to the well-being of every Nigerian. The distribution across the Northwest represents a crucial intervention as we work to bring much-needed support to vulnerable communities.

As we progress with this initiative, I extend my gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and vision. I also commend the tireless efforts of all those involved in ensuring the smooth rollout of this program. Our collective responsibility is to see that these palliatives reach those who need them most.

Together, we remain dedicated to building a more prosperous Nigeria. May this program bring renewed hope and lasting relief to our people.

14/08/2024

Award of Honour from the Kano Chamber of Commerce!

Today, the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture presented an Award of Honour to me in recognition of my outstanding contributions to the development of Kano State and the country at the National Assembly.

The President of the Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Garba Imam, who was in my office, specifically said they selected me for the award in recognition of my selfless services, hard work and excellent track record.

While thanking this great Chamber of Commerce, peopled by esteemed personalities, for this outstanding recognition, I want to reaffirm my commitment and, indeed, that of the National Assembly to continue to come up with legislation to address the challenges facing our beloved country.

29/07/2024

New National Minimum Wage Becomes Law

Today, I was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to witness the signing of the new National Minimum Wage Bill 2024 into law by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The law prescribes a minimum of N70,000 monthly salary, which is reviewable every three years. The bill's signing followed its passage by both chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday.

During an interview with members of the State House Press Corps, I commended Mr President for working hard to enhance the standard of living of the Nigerian masses, including workers, students, traders and all others.

Previously, he had signed the student loan bill into law, which assists students in their education. Last week, he signed the North West and South East Commissions establishment bills into law.

Exercise more patience and give the administration more time to address the challenges. This administration has only been in office for one year, and since taking office, Mr President has worked day and night to find solutions to these problems.

These are initiatives that will bear fruit over time. If we can be patient for the next three years, I firmly believe that, just as the president's policies transformed Lagos into the best state in Africa, he will also bring about positive change for Nigeria.

29/07/2024

I want to appeal to the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to reconsider their decision and shelve the idea to ensure that the fragile peace in our country remains undisturbed.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making genuine efforts to tackle the challenges facing our nation. Since inauguration on May 29, 2023, the government has been working diligently to restore our country’s glory and set it on a path of progress and prosperity for the benefit of all Nigerians.

I urge the promoters to give the government more time to implement the lofty programmes and policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which are aimed at socio-economic development. One year is not enough to address the challenges that have plagued our country for decades. Various interventions have been rolled out, and more are being conceived, including short, medium, and long-term measures.

The recent signing of the North West and South East Development Commissions bills into law by President Tinubu is one of the measures aimed at addressing the challenges in all parts of the country.

I also want to draw attention to the fact that peaceful demonstrations in countries like Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan eventually turned bloody and regressed those nations. We must deeply reflect on this and reconsider the idea of a protest, as there is a risk that it could be hijacked.

This is our country; we have no place to go other than the Federal Republic of Nigeria, bequeathed to us by our forefathers. I urge everyone to exercise more patience and allow more time. By the grace of God, we will get it right, and the efforts of the new government will yield the desired results.

23/07/2024

Thank you, Mr. President, for signing the North West Development Commission Bill into law

I wish to express my profound gratitude to our leader, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for signing into law the North West Development Commission Bill, which I sponsored.

The approval by Mr. President is a testament to his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the North West geopolitical zone and, indeed, all parts of the country.

With this, the challenges facing the seven states in the North West - Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States - will be addressed, Insha Allah.

On behalf of the people of the North West, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. President. I urge all Nigerians to support him in his efforts to address the challenges facing our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you, Mr. President.

04/07/2024

Mambila Power Project Good to Go!

Today, during our plenary, we considered various bills and motions, including the one on the need to address the challenges of commencing the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project.

For over an hour, the issue of the Mambila Power Project dominated our debate following a motion by Senator Haruna Manu of Taraba Central Senatorial District and 28 others.

Various speakers during the debate on the motion lamented the delay in the commencement of the project to address the challenges of power and stimulate our country's economy.

In summing up the debate on the motion during the plenary, which I presided over, I emphasised the importance of the project to the industrialisation of our country as power is sine qua non for an industrial nation.

Any nation that wants to get it right in terms of industrialisation, power is sine qua non, you can't do without it.
The issue of the Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project has been around for the past 25 years.

When I was in the House of Representatives (1999-2003), it was there. We were part of it, but it couldn't be actualised, and now, by the revelation of Senator Sani Musa, we can say that the project is good to go.

Also considered was a Bill for an Act to establish Police Pension Board. The bill sponsored by Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe scaled second reading.

The bill is very important; as we all know, the Police is our number one law enforcement entity. We need to do all that is required to take care of them.

They lay down their lives while we are asleep; they are awake to protect us and our properties, so we need to do our best in terms of their pension.

It is quite good, as suggested, that their pension should be in line with what is applicable in sister agencies. What is good for the goose should also be good for the gander.

The second reading of a bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Medical Centres Act 2024 was stepped down for further consultations. But before then, I had commended the leader of the Senate for bringing forward the bill.

The quest to establish the medical centres is part of our efforts to take medical care to the doorstep of our people.

I am highly delighted that Rano is also part of where one of these medical centres will be situated. Rano is the headquarters of Kano South Senatorial District, which has 16 local governments, more than some states. So when you have this medical centre it will help in saving the lives of so many citizens.

So, I commend Senator Kawu Sumaila for bringing this bill forward for the sake of our people. I am with him and his desire to make sure that we have the Federal Medical Center situated there. Because Kano South is like a state, even more than some states, my colleagues, please give your full support.

People have to travel, some from the Takai local government, some from Sumaila, all the way down to Kano, to the medical centre or Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

When passed, I'm sure Mr President will assent to it because we know he is somebody who loves to provide for his people, a very caring president who was a governor of Lagos State. We know what he did there (Lagos) in terms of all aspects of the life of the people of Lagos. I am sure he will assent to these bills to have health centres in all parts of this country.

01/07/2024

Declaring open the 2024 First Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Parliament

Today, I declared open the 2024 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, on behalf of the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, at the National Assembly, Abuja.

The session was kick started by the meeting of the Committee of the Bureau of Parliament and the Meeting of the Conference of Committees Bureau. Together, these events represent yet another significant stride in our ongoing journey towards unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity in the West African region.

The history of West Africa is a captivating tale woven with narratives of resilience, innovation, and interconnectedness. It is a story that traverses centuries, encompassing diverse cultures, languages, and traditions. Long before the concept of national borders and the arrival of Europeans, our ancestors engaged in trade, collaboration, and the establishment of communities.

They understood, as we do today, that our strength lies in togetherness, and when we join hands, no adversary can overcome us. From the ancient empires of Ghana, Oyo, Mali, and Songhai, which flourished through trade and cooperation, to the pivotal alliances forged during the fight for independence, the spirit of unity has always guided our path.

This very spirit should permeate every session of the ECOWAS Parliament. It should envelop us like a comforting embrace as we proudly raise the banner of ECOWAS. While we are aware of the official establishment of ECOWAS in 1975, it is crucial to recognize that its foundations were laid centuries before this year by our ancestors. Therefore, let us not view ECOWAS solely as a political instrument, but as a cultural artifact and the enduring legacy of our history. Today, as representatives in this esteemed Parliament, let us proudly uphold and carry forward this rich heritage as a badge of honor.

Let us not only legislate but also inspire and uplift our people by exemplifying the power of collaboration. Through the combined efforts of the various committees and the tireless work of the Bureau of Parliament and the Conference of Committees Bureau, we are paving the way for a future where every voice is heard, and every nation thrives. Through our combined efforts, let us transform national boundaries from barriers and barricades into corridors of cooperation and collaboration.

At this moment, let us extend our heartfelt gratitude to the representatives of each member nation. Your commitment and dedication to the ideals of ECOWAS fuel our collective progress. You are the pillars upon which this Parliament stands, a testament to the resilient spirit that defines our region, and a testament that the labors of our ancestors were not in vain.

As we embark on the deliberations and discussions that lie ahead, let us remain steadfast in our optimism. The challenges we face are not insurmountable. With unity, innovation, and an unwavering belief in our shared destiny, we can transform our collective aspirations into enduring achievements.

In this session, let our conversations be driven by the spirit of partnership and collective ambition. Let us demonstrate that when West Africa stands united, there are no limits to what we can accomplish. Our diversity is our strength, and our unity is our power.

As I look towards the future, I am filled with excitement and confidence. Together, we will continue to shape a future that reflects the dreams and aspirations of our people—a future characterized by peace, progress, and prosperity for all.

With unwavering optimism and unyielding solidarity, I hereby declare the 2024 Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament officially open.

Let the work commence!

Thank you, and may the Almighty bless us with a productive and inspiring session.

May the Almighty bless our nations!

May the Almighty bless West Africa!

May the Almighty bless Africa!

27/06/2024

Today's plenary session

26/06/2024

Last night, I attended the celebration of the 62nd birthday of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR.

Together with others, we rejoiced with him on the occasion of his birthday and prayed to Allah (SWT) to grant him many more years of sound health, wisdom, and strength to continue to serve our great country.

24/06/2024

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un

Earlier today, I was in Kano for the burial of Hajiya Asiya Muhammad Gauyama, the mother of Prof. Hafsat Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, wife of the National Chairman of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON.

I was also with the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, in Kano to condole him over the demise of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir.

May Allah SWT grant them Aljannatul Firdaus and give all those they left behind the strength to bear these irreparable losses.

Allah ya jikansu da rahama.

17/06/2024

Eid-El-Kabir Sallah Homage to Mr President

Today, we paid a Sallah homage to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at his Lagos residence.

During the visit led by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, we reiterated our commitment to provide the necessary legislative support needed for the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to address challenges facing our beloved country.

16/06/2024

Celebrating Sallah with my constituents

Today, I observed the Eid-El-Kabir prayers in my home town, Kabo Local Government Area of Kano North Senatorial District.

It was a moment full of joy and happiness as I exchanged greetings with my elders, friends, relatives, supporters and well-wishers in line with the teachings of the season.

While speaking to newsmen after the prayers, I reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to address challenges facing the country. I also used the opportunity to urge Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, security and prosperity of the country.

The president is doing his best to address the challenges we are facing in the country. We should continue to support him. The current situation we are facing has a global dimension. So, we should continue to support and pray for him to succeed in addressing our challenges.

As usual, from across the nooks and crannies of our communities, people, young and old, trooped out to receive me.

Thank you all for the warm reception. I'm grateful.

I wish you all a blessed Eid-El-Kabir celebration.

Allah ya Maimata Mana.

Office of the Deputy Senate President

08/09/2024

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29/07/2024

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