House of Reps: Members Recount Experiences as 9th Assembly ends
Members of the House of Representatives has each recounted their experiences at the 9th Assembly, as it officially ends today Wednesday, 7th June 2023.
What started like the usual plenary of the House of Representatives was at about 12 noon dissolved into a valedictory session by the order of the Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Hassan Ado Doguwa, moved that the House resolve to a valedictory session and was seconded by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu.
The Christian opening prayer was taken by Hon. Uyime Idem, while Hon. Muhammed Alkali recited the Muslim prayers.
The Speaker Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila opened the session with an address, thanking the members for all the cooperation he received.
He also appreciated Surulere 1 constituency for giving him the opportunity to serve in the last twenty years.
He noted that Nigeria has changed a great deal in the last four years and that there was renewed hope in the country.
He said that the 9th Assembly reformed the budget process from what it was to January to December regime.
“We passed the Police Act to improve citizens and police relationship.
“I sincerely hope that the work of police reform will continue in the House of Representatives in the tenth Assembly,” Gbajabiamila said.
Members Contribute
Thereafter the floor was opened to members to make contributions.
Hon. Julius Ihonvbere said that the House made massive contributions to the growth of Nigeria.
He advised the Speaker to use his new position as Chief of Staff to the President to improve basic education in the country.
“Don’t abandon the spirit of hope, vision and commitment,” he implored.
For Hon. Onofiok Luke, he expressed appreciation for new members being given a voice under Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila.
However, he pointed out the need for a review of judicial workers’ working conditions.
“We started with joy today, and it has ended with smiles,” said Hon. Jimoh Ibrahim.
For his part, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi acknowledged “We have done our best. Let’s leave the rest for God,” while pleading for forgiveness of one another as the Assembly came to an end.
For Hon. Aishatu Dukku’s part, she observed that “To be blessed is to use your blessings to bless others.”
She commended the 9th Assembly for giving women opportunities to lead.
For Hon. James Faleke, “Nigeria is coming to an age where religion will no longer be an issue.”
Hon. Dachu Baggos, on his part, opined “No one knows tomorrow.”
In his remark, Hon. Jerry Alagboso said that with Gbajabiamila’s appointment as Chief of Staff to the President, the Executive and Legislative relationship would be smooth.
Similarly, Hon. Obinna Chidoka, thanked the speaker for effective leadership.
While giving account of his stewardship, Hon. Abubakar Fulata described the 9th Assembly as the most productive of all Assemblies in the history of the National Assembly.
“And here are the statistics: the 9th Assembly processed 2,232 bills. Out of these bills, 52 were Executive bills; 163 were bills from the Senate; and 2,017 were members’ bills.
“Mr. Speaker, out of these figures still, bills awaiting second reading are 1,197. Bills referred to committees are 581. Bills reported by the committees: 275; Bills pending in the committee: 308. Bills within the Committee of the Whole: 106. Bills laid on table, awaiting consideration: 64.
“Bills so far passed: 510. Bills killed (negatived): 13 and bills withdrawn by their sponsors: 5.
“The House also passed 2,000 motions in total. Mr. Speaker, all these could not have been achieved without your able leadership and that of your deputy, Ahmed Idris Wase, who is also chairman, Committee of the Whole,” Hon. Faluta observed.
The Principal officers were not left out.
The Deputy Speaker Hon. Idris Wase said that as deputy speaker, he helped in stabilizing the House.
He also said that while coming back to the Assembly, there was a prediction that he would be the next speaker of the House.
The House Leader Hon. Hassan Ado Doguwa praised the friendships and brotherhood established in the House, while the Deputy Chief Whip Nkiru Onyejiocha said, “I received lots of love and support.”
As for the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, “For everything in life, there is a time and season.”
Members poured out their hearts and prayed for God’s guidance in their future endeavours.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
