Polls: Observer groups hail INEC on C/Rivers elections

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives Spokesman, and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has opened up on his intention to join the race for the position of Speaker of the 10th Assembly, with a promise to ensure Parliamentary independence if elected.

The House Spokesman equally assured his Colleagues and Nigerians of his resolve to prioritize laws bothering on education, economy, economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, insecurity and healthcare and environmental sustainability, if elected as the next Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

Hon. Kalu who doubles as incumbent Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, gave the assurance during a media chat with Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja.

While noting that Nigerians need a Speaker that has the capacity to achieve cohesion, national unity, inclusiveness that will bring everybody together for the purpose of achieving prosperity for the nation, Hon. Kalu assured that he has the capacity and competence to lead the Green Chamber having served meritoriously as the Spokesman of the 9th Assembly and other positions.

He said: “Nigerians are looking for a Speaker that will increase what I call parliamentary sovereignty where the motions, the resolutions and independence of the arm of government would be showcased better than 9th assembly had struggled because 9th assembly has maintained its independence, then we need somebody that will take the bath and sustain that independence.

“Many people say rubber stamp but we have always consciously monitored the borderline in the way we sustain this racer free relationship with the executive., understanding the doctrine of separation of power, knowing the borderline between what is expected by the mandate of our arm of government constitutionally speaking and where the mandate of the executive starts.

“So, Nigerians are looking for parliamentary sovereignty, nigerians are looking for the speaker that will increase institutional trust. You and I will agree that the coming of the legislature appears like a strange arm of government when Nigerians have been used to the military rule - the executive and the judiciary.

“The issue becomes who is that man that will increase the credibility, the capacity, the knowledge base legislative intervention that would gladden the hearts of nigerians to begin to understand that really this is the fulcrum of our democracy.”

(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna) TIPS ON HEALTHY ‘IFTAR’

Choose lean proteins to get the benefits with little saturated fats. Include fish, skinless chicken or turkey and low-fat dairy to have as part of your iftar meal. If you’re vegetarian, you can select other protein sources such as legumes, beans and nuts.

(HealthyEating #Alarabiya.net)

Compiled By Al-Amin Ciroma

NIA erects sign post to reduce accidents in Kaduna metropolis

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

In continuation of its 50thanniversary celebration, the Kaduna State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architecture (NIA), erected sign post in four major locations in Kaduna metropolis, namely: Lugard Hall, NEPA, Stadium, and Naira roundabouts.

The Chairman of the state chapter of NIA, Arc. Samuel Obaje, asserted this while speaking to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to him, sign post erected in Kaduna city is part of the organisation’s 50th-anniversary celebration and its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a way of giving back to the society.

He added that the significance of the activities being embarked on by NIA in the state is to contribute positively to the development of the state and to also create awareness that the organisation is already 50 years in existence in the state.

Niger Gov elect inaugurates 71 member transition committee

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

The Niger State Governor elect Umar Mohammed Bago has inaugurated a 71 member independent transition committee mandated with the process of taking stock of all the outgoing prospects, liability, access and advised the incoming government accordingly.

Umar Mohammed Bago during the inauguration said it will make their findings clear to the public.

According to him, “Our intentions are clear not negative or personal, but in the interest of Nigerlites because posterity will surely judge us.” adding that in doing so, this would enhance the required development of the state.

He urged the committee to interface with officials of the current government in a view to understanding the position of the state financially.

Bago had earlier inaugurated three principal committees that reflect the desire of the in-coming administration to take off on a sound footing -the transition, Inauguration and Secretariat committees respectively.