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Tag: House of Reps

House of Representatives Approves Electoral Act Reforms, Imposes Two-Year Jail or N5 Million Fine for Vote Buying

Wale busari04 mins

The House of Representatives has approved targeted changes to the Electoral Act, introducing tougher penalties for vote buying and selling. Offenders are now liable to a minimum of two years in prison, a N5 million fine, or both, in addition to a 10-year ban from participating in elections. The amendments were passed during a clause-by-clause review of the House Committee on Electoral Matters’ report, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Under the updated Clause 22(a and c), penalties have been significantly increased from previous limits, which allowed fines of up to N500,000 or two years’ imprisonment. To strengthen election transparency, Section 60(3) has been revised to require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time, alongside traditional physical collation. Presiding officers who intentionally violate procedures in counting, announcing, or transmitting results now face a minimum N500,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both. Other key reforms include: Releasing election funds to INEC at least a year before general elections to improve planning and execution. Increasing penalties for multiple voter registration to a minimum N100,000 fine or one year imprisonment, or both. Extending the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 180 to 210 days before elections. Allowing electronically generated voter identification, including downloadable voter cards with unique QR codes, for accreditation and voting. Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun, explained that the House abandoned plans to repeal the Electoral Act 2022, instead choosing targeted amendments after broader proposals such as early voting, inmate voting, and PVC replacement failed to secure wide support. Balogun described the amendments as “very meaningful,” aimed at strengthening the Electoral Act 2022, addressing gaps, and improving election administration without destabilizing the legal framework. He stressed that the process was transparent and consultative, involving INEC, security agencies, civil society organizations, political parties, professional bodies, development partners, and citizens. While some innovative proposals were not adopted, they remain part of ongoing discussions on electoral reform. “Our goal remains clear: to ensure that every election in Nigeria is transparent, inclusive, secure, and truly reflective of the will of the Nigerian people,” Balogun stated.

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Garba Muhammad Raises Alarm Over Terrorist Threats To Bomb National Assembly Complex

House of Representatives Forms Committee to Investigate Tax Law Discrepancies

Wale busari03 mins

The House of Representatives has established a seven-member ad-hoc committee to investigate alleged inconsistencies between tax bills passed by lawmakers and the versions later assented to and officially gazetted. The move followed a Point of Privilege raised by Sokoto State lawmaker Abdulsammad Dasuki, who claimed the publicly released tax laws did not reflect what the National Assembly had approved. The committee will be chaired by Muktar Aliyu Betara, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, with members including former Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase, Sada Soli, James Abiodun Faleke, Fred Agbedi, Babajimi Benson, and Iduma Igariwey. Its mandate is to examine the legislative process leading to the gazetting of the tax laws and determine whether the final documents differ from those passed by both chambers. Dasuki, speaking under Order Six, Rule Two of the House Rules, said his legislative privilege had been breached. He revealed that after reviewing the gazetted copies alongside the Votes and Proceedings and the harmonised versions approved by both chambers, he found discrepancies. “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different,” Dasuki said. He added that copies obtained from the Ministry of Information did not match what had been approved by the House and Senate. He stressed that his intervention was aimed at highlighting a serious breach of legislative procedure and constitutional provisions. Dasuki called on the Speaker to ensure that all relevant documents—the harmonised versions, Votes and Proceedings, and gazetted copies—are made available for scrutiny by all lawmakers. He warned that allowing laws different from those passed by the National Assembly to circulate would undermine legislative integrity. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas acknowledged Dasuki’s concerns and assured the House that appropriate action would be taken. The ad-hoc committee is expected to provide clarity on the matter and safeguard the legislative process.

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House of Reps Passes Bill to Prohibit Contract and Casual Staff Employment in Nigerian Banks

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The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to regulate employment practices in Nigerian banks, passing its second reading on Thursday. The legislation, sponsored by Fuad Laguda, an APC member representing Surulere I federal constituency in Lagos, aims to amend the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 to “prohibit, criminalise and penalise” the hiring of casual or contract staff by banks. Speaking during plenary, Laguda said the bill is intended to address exploitative practices affecting millions of Nigerians employed on casual or contract terms in the banking sector. He noted that current laws, including the Labour Act 2004 and the Employees’ Compensation Act 2010, do not adequately protect these workers’ welfare. Laguda cited a 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), stating that banks rely on casual and contract workers to cut costs for pensions, minimum wages, health insurance, promotions, bonuses, study grants, and severance packages. He added that such workers constitute roughly 65 percent of the banking workforce. The bill also targets breaches of section 7(1) of the Labour Act 2004, which limits employment without formal recognition to three months. “I urge my colleagues to support this bill because it corresponds with the viewpoints of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, who said casual and contract staff in Nigerian banks are exposed to poor working conditions,” Laguda said. He further explained that banks often hire casual and contract employees to avoid legal obligations, leaving them vulnerable to systemic inequalities, emotional abuse, and mental health challenges. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called for a voice vote, and lawmakers unanimously approved the bill, moving it forward in the legislative process.

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Garba Muhammad Raises Alarm Over Terrorist Threats To Bomb National Assembly Complex

House of Representatives Accuses Commercial Banks of Illegally Deducting Charges From Customers’ Accounts

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday accused commercial banks of engaging in illegal practices by deducting unexplained charges from the accounts of civil servants, public servants, and other customers without proper remittance. The allegation was made by the Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee investigating tax deductions from civil and public servants’ salaries and bank charges on customer accounts, Rep. Kelechi Nwogu, at the opening of the panel’s investigation in Abuja. Nwogu said the committee’s mandate is to ensure that all deductions or charges made by banks on customers’ accounts are lawful, accurately assessed, and properly applied. “Commercial banks are perpetrating illegality by deducting inexplicable charges from civil servants, public servants, and other customers’ bank accounts without remittances,” he said. He emphasized that the House panel will leave no stone unturned in uncovering why banks have engaged in such questionable deductions. Nwogu also stated that the committee is committed to protecting Nigerians from unlawful charges. To this end, invitations have been extended to the Ministry of Finance, and the panel will work in collaboration with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the EFCC, and commercial banks operating in Nigeria.

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House Of Representatives Passes Bill For Second Reading To Lower Age For Senate And Governorship To 30

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The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved for second reading a bill proposing to amend the 1999 Constitution to reduce the minimum age for Senate and governorship elections from 35 to 30 years. The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters (HB. 2235),” is sponsored by Hon. Esin Etim and 24 other lawmakers. Currently, candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old, while those seeking election to the House of Representatives can contest from age 25. Etim, representing Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, argued that the existing age limits block young Nigerians from progressing in politics and restrict opportunities for leadership development. He highlighted that the 10-year gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices prevents young legislators who start at 25 from contesting for the Senate or governorship after two terms, as they would still be only 33 years old. “This bill seeks to reduce the required age from 35 to 30, maintaining the traditional five-year gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices,” Etim said. “A member starting at 25 would still be too young to advance after two terms. This House should address that.” Speaker Tajudeen Abbas then called for a voice vote, and lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill for second reading. The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.

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House Orders Immediate Halt To WAEC 2026 Computer-Based Exams Over Student Safety Concerns

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The House of Representatives has ordered the immediate suspension of the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) plan to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Lawmakers warned that implementing the exams prematurely could trigger mass academic failures, psychological stress, and even endanger students’ lives. The directive followed a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu during Thursday’s plenary, who described the proposed rollout as a looming educational disaster. While noting the success of CBT in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nworgu highlighted that most Nigerian secondary schools are ill-prepared for a similar transition. Many schools, particularly in rural areas, lack computers, trained ICT teachers, stable electricity, and internet access. “Most of the over 25,500 schools nationwide, especially in rural communities, have no functional computer systems or trained teachers. Many students have never used a computer, yet they are expected to take up to nine subjects via CBT,” he said. Nworgu warned that rushing the initiative could result in widespread failure, frustration, and potential mental health challenges or substance abuse among students. He recommended that WAEC delay CBT implementation for at least three years, targeting 2029 or 2030 once adequate infrastructure and training are in place. The House directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately halt the planned 2026 CBT exams. It also urged the government to allocate funds in the 2026 budget for hiring computer teachers, building ICT laboratories, and installing standby generators in schools nationwide. Additionally, the House tasked its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage stakeholders and submit a detailed report within four weeks to guide future legislative action.

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Garba Muhammad Raises Alarm Over Terrorist Threats To Bomb National Assembly Complex

Garba Muhammad Raises Alarm Over Terrorist Threats To Bomb National Assembly Complex

Wale busari02 mins

Chairman of the House Committee on Internal Security, Garba Muhammad, has disclosed that the National Assembly has received terrorist threats to bomb the complex. Speaking during a public hearing on a bill to establish the Legislative Security Directorate, aimed at enhancing safety for lawmakers, staff, and visitors, the lawmaker warned that the situation demands urgent action. Garba explained that the National Assembly has been dealing with rising security challenges, including vehicle theft, vandalism, fake identification cards, and infiltration by unauthorized individuals. He referenced a similar incident in May 2021, when security agencies warned of a planned Boko Haram attack on the National Assembly and other strategic government locations in Abuja. That alert led to restricted access to the complex and calls for stronger protection of national assets. Garba stressed the need for immediate fortification of the legislative complex, warning that any security breach could disrupt Nigeria’s democratic process. “We have received threats from terrorists to bomb the National Assembly Complex and threats from protesters to lock up the National Assembly. Legislators are exposed to threats from constituents and others who gain easy access to their offices without formal appointments. “It is clear that with the prevailing security challenges, failure to act decisively could halt legislative operations. If that happens, there will be no representation, no oversight, no annual budget, no plenary — and that would destabilize democracy and the entire system,” he said.

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House of Representatives Advances Bill to Create Ijebu State

House of Representatives Advances Bill to Create Ijebu State

Wale busari01 mins

A bill seeking to establish a new state in Nigeria’s South-West zone passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday. Sponsored by Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Ode/Ijebu Northeast/Odogbolu Federal Constituency in Ogun State, alongside three other lawmakers, the legislation proposes amending the 1999 constitution to carve out Ijebu State from Ogun State. The bill, part of a growing push to create new states in the country, was referred to the Committee on Constitutional Review by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for further examination.

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