NASS Not Rubber Stamp, Sen Kalu

NASS not rubber stamp, we only do things differently -Sen Kalu

Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, has slammed reports by stakeholders and Nigerians that the National Assembly NASS is a rubber stamp to the decisions taken by the executive.

Kalu, who spoke on Tuesday via a statement in Abuja, also advocated for closer synergy between the executive and judiciary in order to entrench good governance.

The lawmaker implored Nigerians to jettison the notion that the National Assembly is a rubber stamp.

“The Senate is not a rubber stamp, it is just that we have done things differently.

“There are many things the Presidency has sent to the senate that we rejected and we reject it at the level of leadership and send it back to him.

“There is no need to fight with the President because our job is to complement the efforts of the executive, to give them the chance to give Nigerians good governance.”

Kalu also explained the importance of a harmonious relationship between all arms of government in order to ensure the betterment and development of the country.

“So, our duty is to make laws and ensure we stabilise the polity by ensuring there is a good relationship between the judiciary, executive, and the legislature.

“The Senate has been very successful in bringing the budget before December each year, this is the job of the legislature.

“We don’t want to enter into unnecessary controversies with the executive.

“We have fought many times with the executive, but quietly. People can call us any name, but I can speak out my mind to say we are not rubberstamp,’’ he stressed.

Tinubu condoles with NNPCL boss over daughter’s death

President Bola Tinubu has condoled the death of his daughter with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Kolo Mele Kyari.

Kyari’s daughter, Fatima died Friday at the age of 25 after protracted illness.

The President sympathised with Kyari and the rest of the family on the irreparable and painful loss.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of Fatima and urged the Kyari family to stay strong at these trying times

Lagos sacks six LASTMA officials over misconduct

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has dismissed six of its officials based on the directive from the Lagos State Civil Service Commission (CSC).

This follows the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board, which flagged the officers for serious misconduct and inefficiency.

The disciplinary actions were officially communicated to the affected officials at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos.

In a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed that the Civil Service Commission had approved the board’s recommendations.

He emphasised that the disciplinary measures were in strict accordance with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

Bakare-Oki reassured the public that LASTMA is committed to improving its operations and urged Lagos residents to report both commendable acts and cases of misconduct by LASTMA officials, providing necessary evidence.

“This exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to rid the agency of errant officers. Another Personnel Management Board meeting will soon be held to review additional cases,” he said.

He also called on road users in Lagos to adhere to traffic laws, reminding them that violations would lead to penalties, including fines imposed by the Lagos Mobile Courts.

Highlighting the importance of compliance, Bakare-Oki noted that following traffic regulations is key to achieving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “Greater Lagos” vision, with traffic management being a core pillar of the THEMES Plus Development Agenda.

Mmebers of the public were encouraged to report complaints through LASTMA’s toll-free hotline (080000527862) or the Walk-In Complaint Centre at their Oshodi headquarters.

Bakare-Oki reassured citizens that LASTMA is committed to addressing all complaints impartially while protecting the civil rights of motorists across the state.

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Zulum opens houses for teachers in Buratai Secondary School in Tum

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday night, commissioned two projects constructed by his administration in Biu Local Government Area in the southern part of the state.

The projects include a housing estate for teachers in Buratai town and a new secondary school in Tum village.

The Buratai housing estate comprises 10 units of two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows aimed at addressing the problem of housing deficit particularly as it affects teachers in Borno State.

Tum Day Secondary School, one of the 102 constructed by the Zulum administration is a co-educational senior secondary school attached with junior secondary and primary schools.

Performing the brief opening ceremony, Zulum assured that his administration is committed to improving the quality of healthcare service delivery and education in Borno State.

He said, “I want to assure you that this administration is committed to providing affordable quality health care delivery systems and, most importantly, education, which is the bedrock for any meaningful development. Without education, there will be no meaningful development.”

As a mark of appreciation for the numerous projects by the Zulum administration, Buratai community presented a plaque to the governor commending his integrity in governance.