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COVID-19: NASS to review all emergency measures – Lawan

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5 years ago

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan says the National Assembly will continue to review of all COVID-19 emergency measures.

This he said was to determine the effectiveness and prepare the government for future emergencies and would include all relevant legislations.

Lawan stated this on Wednesday  at the the official unveiling and public presentation of the National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) Publication, “A Political Economy of Pandemics and Consequences of COVID-19 for Nigeria.”

He said  that as Nigeria began  to recover from  impact of the pandemic, the national assembly would continue to undertake  thorough review of all emergency measures to determine their effectiveness and prepare the government for future emergencies.

“We will equally maintain oversight of government interventions to ensure comprehensive reporting on how funds and other resources were utilised by relevant government agencies during the pandemic.”

“The response of Nigeria to the pandemic was decisive and the government adopted well-defined strategies to contain the spread of the virus, provide healthcare to those affected and cushion the economic effects of the lockdown.”

He, however, noted that in the health sector, the pandemic revealed some inadequacies and underscored the need for a complete overhaul to reposition the sector to better respond to this and future emergencies.

Lawan listed  efforts of the national assembly at containing the pandemic to include the fact that lawmakers had to reconvene to consider and pass the revised 2020 budget and approve other financial measures of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his remarks, Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila said Nigeria and indeed the world had in the past year,  witnessed a global pandemic that had altered lives in fundamental ways.

“The way we do business, the way we manage the affairs of government, the nature of our interactions with family and friends, all these things have been affected, perhaps permanently.

“For the most part, we do not yet fully understand the consequences of these developments.”

He said  the institute had used the instruments of research and data analysis to help Nigerians understand the changes that had happened and were still happening all around.

“This compendium will guide policy making to ensure we are better prepared for the next time. And there will be a next time,” Gbajabiamila said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Sam Egwu, who is the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Niger said  the solutions to tackling such pandemics laid within the purview of elected officers.

“That is why where you have a pandemic, you are actually dealing with a political question and it requires political leadership to respond and address them accordingly.”

He also said that parliamentary oversight of policy measures undertaken to deal with health and economic emergencies were critical to the entire outcome.

“While partnerships with other stakeholders including the executive and civil societies are required for sustained effort to combat emergencies.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that leaders,  including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II  gave a goodwill message,  urging stakeholders to carry out a peer review “to compare with what other nations are going through.

” Many nations have not really come out of the pandemic, ” he said. (NAN)

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Biodun Olujimi Joins Ekiti South APC Senatorial Race, Picks Nomination Form

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14 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

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A fresh political contest is brewing in Ekiti South Senatorial District as former lawmaker Biodun Olujimi has officially picked up the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form, signaling a major shift in the district’s political landscape.

 

 

Olujimi, who represented Ekiti South in the 9th Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the APC in 2025.

 

Her decision to now seek the party’s senatorial ticket sets the stage for a high-stakes intra-party battle ahead of the next general election.

 

The race within the APC is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, as Olujimi will contend with incumbent senator and Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, who is seeking to retain his seat.

 

Also in the contest is former member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Faparusi, who has likewise obtained the party’s nomination form.

 

 

Political observers say Olujimi’s entry into the race could significantly alter the dynamics within the APC in Ekiti South, given her political experience, grassroots network, and previous electoral success in the district.

 

Her defection from the PDP to the ruling APC had earlier generated discussions across the state, and her latest move is expected to intensify permutations within the party.

 

 

The contest is likely to test the internal cohesion of the APC in Ekiti State, as party leaders weigh the strengths of the aspirants ahead of the primaries.

 

Analysts also note that the emergence of a strong candidate could play a crucial role in determining the party’s chances of retaining the senatorial seat in the next election cycle.

 

 

With three prominent political figures now in the race, the APC primary in Ekiti South is expected to be closely watched, as it may redefine alliances and influence the broader political direction of the district.

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FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday for Workers’ Day

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15 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.

 

 

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government, congratulating Nigerian workers on the occasion.

 

 

In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, on April 29, 2026, the minister praised workers across the country for their hard work and dedication to national development.

 

 

He noted that the contributions of Nigerian workers remain vital to the nation’s growth and prosperity, urging them to continue to uphold the values of patriotism, productivity, and commitment to duty.

 

 

The statement read, “The Federal Government has declared Friday, 1st May 2026, a public holiday to celebrate this year’s International Workers Day.

 

 

“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government. He congratulated workers across the country on this year’s celebration. The Minister commended Nigerian workers for their hard work and dedication to national development. He noted that their efforts are essential for the nation’s growth and prosperity.”

 

 

Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and security, as well as creating a conducive environment for economic growth.

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Court Warns Defendants in Ode-Irele Chieftaincy Dispute to Obey Judgment or Face Jail

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15 hours ago

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April 29, 2026

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A High Court sitting in Okitipupa, Ondo State, has issued a stern warning to parties involved in the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Ode-Irele, directing them to comply with its earlier judgment or risk imprisonment.

 

The court specifically ordered Adeniyi Olanrewaju Ayeromora and other defendants to adhere to its ruling delivered on August 2, 2022. The judgment had restrained them from parading themselves as regent or initiating any new selection process for the Olofun of Irele stool.

 

In a notice outlining the consequences of disobedience, the court cautioned that failure to comply could result in contempt proceedings and possible committal to prison.

 

The directive was also extended to key government officials, including the Attorney General of Ondo State and relevant local government authorities. The court warned them against recognizing or supporting any actions that contradict its ruling.

 

Meanwhile, the court has issued a separate Form 49 notice summoning several defendants to appear and show cause why they should not be jailed for allegedly continuing to violate the subsisting court order.

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