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NSIP: Uwais’s claims, allegation spurious, scandalous – Reps

Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Saturday reacted to the Special Adviser to President Muhamadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwai’s comment against the lawmakers, saying it’s slanderous and unacceptable. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The lower Chamber insisted that its position on the implementation of the National Social Investment Program, the National Conditional Cash Transfer Programme was a good intention for the country.
In a statement by the Spokesman of the 9th House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu which was made available to newsmen in Abuja stated that the insinuations that the 9th House of Representatives has sought to compromise the NSR and input the names of undeserving Nigerians as beneficiaries of the programs as incorrect by Buhari’s Aide was an invective taken too far.
It said, that insinuation in some media organisations that the 9th House labeled the NSIPs as a “failure and a scam” are incorrect and untrue.
The statement reads in full:
“Our attention has been drawn to the misleading and slanderous publications of Madam Maryam Uwais MFR and Sahara Reporters both published on April 8, 2020 regarding the implementation of the National Social Investment Programs (NSIPs), the National Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, including the development of the National Social Register (NSR).
“The insinuations in the above mentioned publications that the 9th House of Representatives labeled the NSIPs as a failure and a scam are incorrect and untrue.
“So also are the insinuations that the 9th House of Representatives has sought to compromise the NSR and input the names of undeserving Nigerians as beneficiaries of the programs.
“The 9th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila acting upon complaints from Nigerians in 360 federal constituencies regarding the inadequate spread of the NSIPs, and also concerns that the NSR is outdated and does not reflect an accurate representation of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria, intervened through a cordial interaction with the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq with the sole aim of ensuring and enhancing the delivery of service as well as the equitable distribution of the programs to the Nigerians most in need of them during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Part of our concerns expressed at this meeting was the need to review and improve the outdated NSR as well as the methodology deployed in identifying the poor and vulnerable in the various communities in view of the complaints from several constituencies that they have not benefited from the programs.
“An outcome of this meeting was an understanding per the Speaker’s proposition that a legislative framework is needed to maximize the efficiency of the NSIPs.
“We are aware that Madam Uwais has on certain occasions, including a TV interview on ChannelsTV’s Sunrise Daily programme, cited Section 14 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act as providing an exemption by which the FG can refuse to reveal details of the NSIPs to the National Assembly.
“This suggests a deliberate attempt by Madam Uwais to conceal information pertaining to the financial activities of NSIP from the elected representatives of Nigerians as we especially recall that she blatantly ignored a letter of enquiry from the House Committee on Public Account addressed to her in her capacity as Special Assistant to the President on NSIP dated August 6, 2019 with reference number HR/SCO5/52/XX/400 requesting a brief of the activities (including income and expenditure profile) of her office from the year 2014 to 2018.
“While stating categorically that the operations of the NSIP do not fall under the exemptions contemplated in Section 14 of the FOI Act, it is instructive to note that Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution vests exclusive powers of oversight on the legislative arm of government which also applies to any and all forms of government intervention programs, including the NSIP which is a disbursement of the nation’s funds appropriated by the National Assembly in the first place.
“The powers of the National Assembly to investigate or request any information from the executive are vested by the Constitution and are not subject to the stipulation of the FOI Act.
“We must remember that the doctrine of checks and balances is an essential element of our constitutional democracy and once it is discarded our democracy becomes wobbly.
“Therefore, the 9th House of Representatives frowns at any fake news or publication that seeks to cast aspersions on its intentions and commitment to the people of Nigeria in its exercise of constitutional duties.
“As the People’s Parliament and in the spirit and letter of Sections 14, 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (the Constitution), our priority remains to employ all legislative interventions to ensure the welfare of Nigerians in the face of the Covid-19 crisis and the economic hardship it has wrought on the poor and vulnerable among us”, the statement concluded.

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Kogi Deputy Gov Greets Kogi East APC Stakeholders, Hails Ogwu Alhasan’s Appointment As Ag Zonal Vice-Chairman

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East, who, despite their tight schedules, attended a critical meeting at his residence in Lokoja on Saturday.
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This is contained in a statement signed by Unubi Emmanuel, Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Kogi State
In a letter of appreciation made available to the public by his Press Secretary, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, the Deputy Governor described the meeting as both strategic and critical to the unity and progress of the party in the zone.
He thanked the leaders for their dedication and support for the APC, urging them to continue prioritizing the welfare of the party, even as they implement the discussions and resolutions reached during the engagement.
Comrade Joel Salifu use this medium to formally congratulate Hon. Abdul Ogwu Alhasan on his recent appointment as the Kogi East Acting Zonal Vice-Chairman of the APC, saying that the appointment is well deserved.
According to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Ogwu Alhasan possesses extensive experience in politics and leadership, equipping him to lead the party in Kogi East to its rightful position in the state. He commended his proactive steps in engaging stakeholders and reconciling aggrieved members shortly after his appointment.
He prayed for God’s guidance, sound health, and long life for him to steer the affairs of the APC in Kogi East to success.
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Minister Engages Chinese Companies Towards revival Of Ajaokuta Steel Company

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is currently in discussions with Chinese Companies towards the revival of the the nation’s ailing Ajaokuta Steel Complex and to attract strategic investments.
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In a Statement issued by Lizzy Okoji, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister made available to Journalists in Lokoja, at the weekend, said the mission to China was in order to attract strategic investments and deepen industrial cooperation with key Chinese partners.
The statement said that the Minister’s team which includes the Director General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr. Joseph Tegbe, and top-level officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, have held several strategic meetings.
Meeting, it pointed out, was held with some of China’s largest and most influential steel conglomerates, including executives of Sino Steel (a member of Baowu Group), Fangda Steel Group and Jingye Steel Group.
“The crux of the meeting with the leading Chinese steel conglomerates is the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, a key industrial asset considered critical to Nigeria’s manufacturing ambitions and job creation strategy”, she said.
According to the statement, the talks centred around technical evaluations, operational modelling, and financing frameworks required to restore the facility to full productivity.
The Minister, in his remarks said the “Renewed Hope” administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) under his leadership at the Ministry of Steel Development is determined to revive Ajaokuta Steel Company before the end of the current administration.
Mr Joseph Tegbe, also noted, “This strategic discussions underscores Nigeria’s commitment to forging transformative partnerships that align China’s industrial capabilities with our national development priorities.” (Ends)
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Ododo Urges Youths On Nation Building, Promotion Of Democracy

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state has urged youths across the country not to relent in contributing their quota towards nation building and promotion of democracy
The Governor noted that development of any nation is a collective responsibility entrusted in the hands of both the young and the elderly
He also admonished youths to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to execute dirty jobs such as thurggry, violence and killings during Political elections.
Ododo made the call while speaking during the 2025 June 12 Democracy Day Youth Interactive Session, organised by the Kogi State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, held at the Government House, Lokoja on Thursday.
The Governor who was represented by the Majority Leader of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon Suleiman Abdulrazaq, described the Youth Interactive Session with the Theme: 26 Years of Democracy, Renewing Our Commitment to National Development as not only timely but very relevant in impacting positively on the nation’s development and electoral process.
“As youths you must air voices that would promote democracy practice in Nigeria rather than embark on tendencies that would set the game on fire
“Our past experiences where youths are used to perpetuate evils by politicians to achieve their selfish political ambitions must be resisted and declared unacceptable”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the youths assuring of their empowerment through skills acquisition and employment opportunities.
In his welcome address, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, urged the youths to embrace entrepreneurship and skills acquisition as the surest alternative to make them self-reliant.
The commissioner disclosed that the Youth Interactive Session put in place is aimed at reflecting on the journey so far in the nation’s democratic process and general overview on youth development.
Ends.
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