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Infectious Diseases Bill Consideration Not Halted By The Court – House of Rep
The House of Representatives has said the Infectious Disease Bill has not been thwarted by any Court.
In a statement signed by the Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Official Spokesperson, House of Representatives, the statement express disappointment over what is described as willful or malicious misinterpretations of the decision of the court. js">
The statement said, “The House of Representatives notes with dismay the erroneous reports by certain print and online media outfits, in what appears to be wilful or malicious misinterpretations of the decision of the court in suit no FHC/ABJ/CS/463/2020 on 13th May 2020, asserting that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the House to suspend the ongoing process of the consideration of the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill, 2020 (the “Bill”); a misrepresentation of facts which has in turn misled various other media outfits and the general public.
“While the House encourages the public and all media outfits to verify and refer to the certified true copy of the court’s order in all further social commentary or report on the subject matter, it has become necessary to set the record straight.
“The truth of the matter is that although the applicant, by way of a motion exparte, sought a court order suspending the consideration of the Bill by the House, the court in its wisdom and in the interest of justice and fair hearing, declined to grant the reliefs sought by Applicant in order to enable the Respondents in the case to appear before it and enter a defence.
“For the sake of clarity, the crux of the court’s decision in the abovementioned suit is reproduced hereunder, “Upon hearing this Motion Ex-parte as moved by learned counsel to the Applicant and upon careful consideration of the averments in the affidavit in support, Exhibits attached and the written and oral address of learned counsel, the Court is of the view that bearing in mind the weighty averments in the affidavit in support which are intended to stay the Legislative actions of the Respondents in regard to the Bill in disputation and the exigencies of the times (that is to say the COVID-19 pandemic) and the attendant hysteria in the polity, the Court is of the opinion, that it is in the interest of justice to hear the Respondents before making a long term decision in this case.
“It is for this reason that I hereby make an Order mandating the Respondents to appear before this Court on the 20th day of May 2020 to show Cause why the application of the Applicant should not be granted.”
It is unfortunate that the purport of the interim order was wrongly reported. The House, therefore, wishes to put the order of the court in proper perspective and state that the act of legislation is a sacred and constitutional responsibility which should not be subjected to flimsy or superficial reportage in the interest of our democracy.
“While the respondents await official service of processes in the above mentioned suit as directed by the court, the House reiterates that as a creation of the Nigerian Constitution, it will continue to perform its lawful mandate without jeopardizing its healthy deference to the judicial system and the process of adjudication.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”, it concluded.
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NGIJ Congratulates Alhassan Yahaya on Emergence as NUJ President
Urges Prioritisation of Press Freedom, Journalists’ Welfare
The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) heartily congratulates Comrade Alhassan Yahaya on his resounding victory as the newly elected National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
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In a statement signed by the National President of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, Friday in Abuja and made available to Journalists stated that, “As a seasoned professional who has served as NUJ Gombe State Chairman, Vice Chairman of the North-East zone, and most recently as National Deputy President, the NGIJ believes Comrade Yahaya is well-equipped to steer the union towards greater achievements.”
While celebrating this milestone, “the NGIJ calls on the new NUJ leadership to make the protection of press freedom its utmost priority. The union must boldly stand against the increasing gagging of journalists in Nigeria, which undermines not only the journalism profession but also the country’s democracy and fundamental human rights.
In this regard, “the NGIJ draws the attention of the new NUJ executive to the troubling case of four journalists currently incarcerated at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for nearly two months over a cyberstalking matter involving the Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and its Group CEO, Mr. Segun Agbaje.
“The union must see this as a clarion call to resist such affronts to the press and demand the immediate release of these journalists.”
The NGIJ remains confident that Comrade Yahaya and his team will deliver a progressive and impactful tenure. We assure the NUJ of our continued collaboration in promoting investigative journalism and defending the noble ideals of the press.
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Gov Ododo Sympathizes with Kogi State Boat Mishap Victims
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
The Kogi State Governor, Alh. Ahmed Usman Odod has expressed his condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives in a recent boat accident.
In a statement issued today by the S.
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Governor Ododo, who visited the scene of the accident, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate.” He noted that most of the victims were women, petty traders, and artisans who were engaged in legitimate business activities to earn a living and contribute to the state’s economy.
The Governor emphasized the need for urgent attention to the waterway linking Kogi and Niger State, which has become increasingly dangerous due to frequent boat accidents.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that safety measures are put in place to minimize risks associated with water transportation in the country.
Governor Ododo commended the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) for its efforts in the search and rescue operation. He also called for concerted efforts through inter-agency collaboration to prevent cases of waterways accidents and enhance emergency response management.
The Governor assured the families of the victims that the government will support those injured in their recuperation. This incident has once again highlighted the need for improved safety measures on Nigeria’s waterways.
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Gov Ododo Unveils Blueprint for Kogi State’s Urban Revitalization
By Blessing Ameloko-Odoh
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize the state’s urban and housing landscape. The Governor announced this development during a 2-day symposium themed “Modern Housing & Urban Development” held at the Glass House, Government House in Lokoja.
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Representing the Governor, Hon. Joseph Oluwasegun, Commissioner for Environment and Ecological management, reiterated the commitment of Governor Ododo’s administration to transforming the lives of Kogi State residents through modern housing and development initiatives.
The symposium aims to tackle pressing housing challenges confronting the people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon Abanika Taiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry Dr Zainab Obadaki emphasized that the program will provide affordable housing for the people of Kogi State, prioritizing sustainability and social inclusion.
The Governor has made significant strides in addressing land disputes and environmental degradation in Kogi State.
Hon. Aliu Salami, Economic Adviser to the Governor, emphasized the significance of the symposium, noting that the blueprint presented will unlock numerous benefits, ultimately driving rapid development in the state.
Dr. Zainab Obadaki, Permanent Secretary of the Kogi State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, stressed the significance of the program in achieving modern housing schemes for the people of Kogi State.
The Governor’s commitment to transforming the housing and urban development sector is expected to enhance rapid development and economic growth in Kogi State.
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