• Asks lawmakers to submit leadership list by
tomorrow
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) has mandated its members in the House of
Representatives to select their principal officers and inform the
party of their decision today.
The party, according to a reliable THISDAY source, met the House
members last Friday and mandated them to select their principal
officers like the Senate had done in a cordial atmosphere.
However, THISDAY gathered that former speaker of the House, Hon.
Yakubu Dogara, is being tipped as the natural choice to fill the
slot of minority leader.
“In any case, as former speaker, he has assumed leadership
naturally and has been the one co-ordinating our members in the
House,” a reliable party source said, adding: “He is good to get it
except he declines the offer.”
According to a source that spoke with THISDAY, the meeting was
presided over by the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche
Secondus, saying the party chose the option to avoid allegation of
imposition of the PDP principal officers on members.
“At the meeting, the party’s members of the House were in
attendance and the party directed that they should meet on their
own and inform the NWC of those chosen before Tuesday. The party
does not want to be accused of any preferential treatment,” the
source stated.
The source said the Tuesday deadline was given because of
pressure from the National Assembly leadership that is waiting for
the minority inputs into its committees it has set up to treat some
assignments, including allocation of offices and committees
chairmanship and membership.
Although the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to
appoint its leadership of both chambers, the source said this is
not an issue since the party already has the Senate presidency and
House speaker that could represent its interests during the
assignments.
The offices for grab include that of the Minority Leader, Deputy
Minority Leader, Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip.
It was gathered that two members of the House of Representatives
from Delta State, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and Dr. Ossai Ossai, are also
angling for minority leader.
The minority leader in the eigth House of Representatives was
Dr. Leo Ogor, who did not return to the ninth Assembly.
Last week, after a three-hour meeting of the party’s National
Working Committee (NWC) with its senators, the party announced
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia State) as the Senate minority
leader; Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (Taraba State) as deputy minority
leader; while Senator Philip Aduda (Federal Capital Territory) was
picked as minority whip and Senator Clifford Ordia (Edo State) got
deputy minority whip.
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Read more pdp-considers-dogara-as-house-minority-leader/
Aisha Buhari honours Female Soldiers to inspire
others
At a dinner to celebrate the female participants of the
Democracy Day parade, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria has
charged the celebrants to inspire young ones by being role models.
She noted that the celebrants have won the hearts of Nigerians
including hers. The event held at the Banquet Hall, State House on
Sunday, 16th June, 2019.
“You have also endeared many young ladies and even men to join
the military service and contribute in the protection of our dear
nation.”
Throughout history, she noted, the central role of women in the
society has ensured the stability, progress and long term
development of nations, women in the military no less; “that is why
I am quick to appreciate women who have excelled in their different
areas of specialization.”
She commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and Police for always
showcasing the Nigerian nation in good light through their usual
local and international missions, and specially commended the
Guards Brigade, for spending many hours of training to come out
with a world-class performance at the Democracy Day parade.
Wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo in her welcome
remarks expressed her admiration to the women for the wonderful
parade and display, noting that the First Lady invited them to
dinner to honour and celebrate them as well as express her support
to the excellence they displayed.. She called on them to continue
the good work they are doing, projecting positive image of women
and Nigeria.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustafa,
who was the chairman of the Inauguration Planning Committee
appreciated Mrs. Buhari for hosting the ladies for their exemplary
performance. Their performance, he said was demonstrative of the
sense of loyalty with which the armed forces defers to the
constitution, the President and the territorial integrity of the
nation.
The event, he said, was witnessed by Presidents, head of
government and heads of national delegations, some of which have
indicated their interest to learn from Nigeria.
Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig. Gen. Umar Thama Musa, in a
goodwill message noted that the First Lady has always championed
the cause of women, thereby providing a platform for them to
contribute their quota to national development. This evening’s
event, he said, “is a testament to Her Excellency’s resolve to
always reward hard work and encourage acts of distinction amongst
Nigerian women and is significant as it will boost the morale of my
female soldiers far above and beyond normal heights to the next
level.” He promised that the ladies will remain disciplined, loyal,
professional and fully committed to their constitutional
responsibility.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a plague to the
First Lady by the Guards Brigade.
Suleiman Haruna
Director of Information
to Wife of the President
State House
Abuja