Nigeria National Parliament: Plenary proceedings, House of Reps, Tuesday, May 27th, 2025

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.

By admin , in Inside stories , at May 28, 2025 Tags: #LightRayMedia, #NASS, Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief, Journalism, Lady E Ejiro Umukoro, LightRay Media, Nigeria National Assembly

After the recitation of the First stanza of the National Anthem, the National Pledge and opening prayer, the Speaker approved the votes and proceedings of Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Communications from The President:

I. Request for the approval of borrowing of funds and capital raising from the domestic market to be coordinated by the Debt Management Office. This is for the development and boost of the public and private sector socioeconomic activities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appreciated the continuous partnership of the National Assembly as partners in development.

II. Request for Federal Government 2025/2026 External Borrowing Plan to ensure implementation of the development of all sectors and infrastructure development across the 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory. This is also to keep cushioning the effects of the subsidy regime removal for Nigerians and bridge the gap of funds for such developmental projects. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed assurance of the continuous support of the National Assembly.

III. Request for Federal Government of Nigeria bonds to settle outstanding Pension obligations and liabilities to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme from the domestic market. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed assurance of the continuous support of the National Assembly on such matters. The requests were referred to the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda announced that PDP Members are to meet by 14:00 at Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja immediately after Plenary.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu announced that Members of the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution have a meeting at Meeting Room 447 by 14:00 on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

In commemoration of the International Children’s Day, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved that the House suspends its relevant rules to allow an invited student, Master Haruna Sani to serves as Shadow Speaker and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

Debate
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara moved a motion on the commemoration of the International Children’s day and it was seconded by Hon. David Agada. Hon. Ogbara in leading the debate stated that May 27th every year is designated to celebrate children and the 2025 day with the theme: ‘Our Future, Our Responsibility’ symbolizes the hope of a better future for the Nigerian child and society. She stated that the United Nations states that all children have the rights to education, quality healthcare and society participation. She expressed concerns at hindersnces to guaranteeing these for the Nigerian child, especially in a digitalized world. She called on the Federal Government to implement policies that ensure these rights are enjoyed by all Nigerian children. She further called on the Ministry of Education to expedite actions to ensure that digital tools are available in schools for all Nigerian children. Hon. Ogbara called on the National Assembly to employ its legislative tools to ensure the provisions of the Child Rights Act are fully implemented. She called on the House Committee on Women Affairs, Basic Education and Services as well as that on Digital Information to ensure compliance.

Hon. Fatima Talba in contributing to the debate stressed the importance of education for children and reiterated the call for the full implementation of the provisions of the Child Rights Act in every state of the federation. The motion was voted on, adopted and referred to the House Committee on Women Affairs, Digital Information as well as that on Basic Education and Services.

ADMITTANCE INTO THE CHAMBER
Admittance into the Chamber:

Hon. Julius O. Ihonvbere:
“That the House, pursuant to Order Six, Rule 4 (2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, do admit into the Chamber, Families of the deceased Hon. Members of the House of Representatives for the purpose of a Valedictory Session and fifty (50) Public and Private Senior Secondary Students along with their Teachers in commemoration of May 27 Children’s Day to observe the Plenary Session”.

Debate
Hon. Julius Ihonbvere moved for the suspension of the relevant rules of the House for the purpose admitting selected individuals into the Chamber for of a Valedictory Session and fifty (50) Public and Private Senior Secondary Students along with their Teachers in commemoration of May 27 Children’s Day to observe the Plenary Session and it was seconded by Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

REMARKS BY THE RT. HON. ABBAS TAJUDEEN, PhD, GCON, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AT THE SPECIAL VALEDICTORY SESSION IN HONOUR OF OUR DEPARTED COLLEAGUES, TUESDAY, 27TH MAY 2025, HOUSE CHAMBER

[PROTOCOLS]
We gather this morning, 27th May 2025, coinciding with Children’s Day around the world, to pay tribute to five of our own who have passed from these benches into history. On a day dedicated to cherishing childhood dreams and nurturing tomorrow’s leaders, we are reminded poignantly that life itself is a precious gift entrusted to us only for a brief tenure. As we mourn our departed friends, let us draw strength from their example and recommit ourselves to the ideals they upheld: service, hope and the unfulfilled promise of tomorrow that every child in the galleries represents.

Today’s assembly is made even more meaningful by the presence of students from both public and private schools in Abuja, who are here to observe the workings of democracy first-hand. We applaud them for their curiosity and courage. A special commendation goes to the young student who, in symbolic homage, stepped into the Speaker’s chair earlier, celebrating both Children’s Day and our House tradition of honouring children and encouraging their dreams. May their excitement remind us that our highest calling is to build a future worthy of their boundless potential.

Honourable Colleagues, the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, affectionately called “Ijaya”, Hon. Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga, Hon. Isa Dogonyaro, Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, lovingly referred to as “Jagaban”, and Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, fondly dubbed “The Youngest”, left a pain in our hearts and a void in our deliberations. Each served with distinction, passion, and tireless dedication to their country and constituents. Although their voices now fall silent, the ideals they championed continue to resonate within these walls and the communities they tirelessly served and uplifted.

Ijaya’s unwavering advocacy for women’s empowerment and education transformed countless lives in Ogun State. Her electoral triumphs were only surpassed by her generosity of spirit and her willingness to nurture emerging leaders. Danbuga exemplified quiet humility: though his tenure was brief, his devotion to Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency was steadfast, proving that true impact rests not on years served but on the courage shown each day. Dogonyaro brought rigorous integrity to every committee he served, from national security to public health, reminding us that leadership often speaks most powerfully through action rather than words. Jagaban’s entrepreneurial vision united commerce and community service, illustrating how public office can ignite innovation for the common good. And Ekene, whose youthful vigour on the football field shaped his legislative zeal, taught us that the spirit of teamwork and resilience is as vital in the Chamber as on the pitch.

Their collective legacy compels us to remember that our authority here on earth is neither a birthright nor an end in itself, but a sacred trust borrowed for a moment in history. As the American philosopher William James admonished, “the greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” Another thinker reminds us that “life becomes more meaningful when we realise the simple fact that we will never get the same moment twice”.

Accordingly, it becomes imperative that we seize every opportunity presented to us. Each sunrise brings a new beginning, and with it, the chance to impact lives around us. We must do so with purpose, fully aware that the laws we craft and the policies we propose today will mould the destinies of those very children sitting among us.

To the families of our departed colleagues, we extend our deepest condolences and pledge that the memories of your loved ones will not merely fade on marble plaques but will endure in the lives transformed by their work. May you find solace in the knowledge that their service enriched this nation and that their unfinished dreams will guide us forward.

Honourable colleagues, let us honour the sacrifice of these our former colleagues by renewing our vigour to legislate with compassion, oversee with integrity, and govern with humility. Let every motion we pass, every debate we engage in, and every decision we make resonate with the values our late friends lived and died for.

In closing, we beseech the Almighty to grant eternal rest to these noble souls, to console those who grieve, and to inspire us, both young and old, to carry forth their torch of public service into a brighter tomorrow. Amen.
We will now take a moment to honour the five deceased Members by reading their biographies, celebrating their accomplishments, and recollecting the legacies they left behind. Following this, we will invite tributes from Members who spent time with them in the chamber, during committee meetings, and in informal sessions as friends.

1. Hon. Aliyu Madaki read the eulogy of late Hon. Isa Dogonyaro and described him as renowned and distinguished economist as well as financial security expert. He earlier worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a detective who hit hard at corruption. As a Member of the House, Hon. Dogonyaro was a detribalized Parliamentarian from Jigawa state who positively impacted on his colleagues as Deputy Chairman, House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, his constituents as well as everyone who came in contact with him.

Former Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika also spoke glowingly on the life and times of late Hon. Dogonyaro.

Hon. Francis Waive in paying tribute to Hon. Dogonyaro stated that he was indeed a patriotic and straightforward Nigerian that could not be influenced to be biased. He enjoined Members to always look after their personal health as no one is immune to illness.

Late Hon. Dogonyaro’s daughter Miss Laila Dogonyaro read to convey the gratitude of the family to Members.

Hon. Sa’ad Wada stated that late Hon. Dogonyaro was a friend, neighbor and colleague. He stated that Hon. Dogonyaro was indeed a moral compass for all who knew him.

Hon. Ahmed Jaha stated that Hon. Dogonyaro was indeed committed in every task he undertook. He stated that he was a detribalized Nigerian. Hon. Jaha commiserated with the family and wished them well.

Hon. Amobi Ogah who is the Chairman, House Committee on HIV, AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control who Hon. Dogonyaro deputized described late Hon. Dogonyaro as a true team player and friend. He expressed how he has missed Hon. Dogonyaro everyday since his death. Hon. Ogah commiserated with the family and prayed for God’s blessings on them. The Presiding Speaker commended Hon. Ogah for the role he has continued to play since the demise of Hon. Dogonyaro despite them coming from different regions of the nation. He praised it as the true Nigerian spirit.

2. Hon. George Ozodinobi read the eulogy of late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams who he described as a committed and detribalized Nigerian who excelled in the sports sector, especially football which he had extreme passion for. He was dedicated to public service and community development. Hon. Ozodinobi stated that as a fellow Labor Party member, Hon. Adams was a dedicated and dependable politician who always looked for the general good of Parliamentarians and always advocated for policies for sports development as the then Chairman, House Committee on Sports. Hon. Adams he stated had a foundation that he used for the inclusive development of Nigerians. He described him as devoted family man and truly detribalized Nigerian.

Hon. Amos Daniel described Hon. Adams as a dependable and focused Parliamentarian. He recalled how even while he was ill, he labored for the emergence of Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen as Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives being from Kaduna state as well. Hon. Amos stated that despite the crisis in his health, Hon. Adams was always focused and determined to deliver on his mandate for the unity and progress of Nigeria. He stated that all of Kaduna state still miss Hon. Adams due to his exemplary leadership and lifestyle. He condoled the family and wished them God’s continued guidance.

Son to late Hon. Adams read and expressed gratitude to the House for the recognition given to his late father.

3. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim read the eulogy late of late Hon. Akinremi Olaide and described him as compassionate, courageous and committed. He stated that Hon. Olaide excelled in business, entrepreneurship and wealth creation which made his constituents insist on him representing them in the House of Representatives. Hon. Isiaka stated that Hon. Olaide also excelled as the Chairman, House Committee on Science and Technology Institutions. He stated that Hon. Olaide was a dedicated politician and Party man who always insisted on peace, justice and stability. Hon. Olaide was also dedicated to positively impacting on the lives on all who knew him. Hon. Isiaka praised late Hon. Olaide for his undying commitment to the Nigerian project whose passing pained all who knew him as a Member of the House, colleague and friend.

Hon. Taopheek Ajilosoro in his contribution expressed sadness at the sudden passing of Hon. Olaide who he considered as a brother and friend who he misses everyday. He prayed for peace and Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the family of late Hon. Olaide.

Wife to late Hon. Olaide expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Members for their support during the life and after the passing of her late husband. She praised the passionate and patriotic efforts of her late husband for Nigerians. She charged her late husband’s successor to uphold the values for which he was known for.

4. Hon. Abdullahi Halims read the eulogy of late Hon. Abdulkadir Danbuga and described him as a dedicated public servant and lawmaker from Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency of Sokoto state. Hon. Abdulkadir was a former Sole Administrator and respected community leader. Hon. Halims stated that late Hon. Abdulkadir was indeed a committed Member of the House who discharged his duties without fear or favor, he is indeed dearly missed.

Hon. Jafaru Yakubu in his contribution stated that he has nothing but respect for late Hon. Abdulkadir who was the Chairman of Sabon Birni local government in Sokoto state which was bedeviled by bandits, but he made sure of the security of the lives and properties of the residents. Hon. Yakubu prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort of his family.

5. Hon. Babajimi Benson read the eulogy of late Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga and described late Hon. Onanuga as the hope bearer of the people she represented in Ogun state who she represented well. Hon. Onanuga he stated always captured the needs of her constituents in her Bills and Motions. Hon. Benson stated that late Hon. Onanuga was filled with passion to serve her people and that is why she ventured into politics and was the immediate past Deputy Chief Whip of the House who discharged her duties on the Floor of the House without fear or favor. Hon. Onanuga moved many interesting Bills and Motions aimed at developing socioeconomic lives of Nigerians. She was always seen empowering her people and embarking on developmental projects for the development of her community. Hon. Onanuga was also passionate about youth educational development through knowledge in science, economics, artificial intelligence, digital knowledge development etc. As the only woman in the composition of the leadership of the House, she ensured the voice of women was never stifled, for this and many more qualities she will continue to the missed.

Rt. Hon. Patricia Etteh, former Speaker of the House in contributing stated that late Hon. Onanuga’s passing was indeed a loss to Nigerian democracy. She, on behalf of the former Presiding Officers appreciated the Presiding Speaker for always giving them a role to play in affairs of the House and promised their unflinching support for the leadership of the tenth House. Hon. Etteh commiserated with the families of all the late Members and prayed for peace in their hearts. She stated that though, short, their time in the House was impactful. Hon. Etteh stated that late Hon. Onanuga was very transparent, loyal, honest and a true bridge-builder. She celebrated the life of Hon. Onanuga as a Southwest Leader who managed herself with culture and dignity. She prayed for peace for the soul of late Hon. Onanuga and blessings for the family she left behind.

Hon. Kafilat Ogbara in her contribution praised late Hon. Onanuga as a beautiful soul and spirit that shall continue to be missed and called on Members to fear Almighty Allah in all they do as a human being is qualified to die immediately they are born. She prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased Members and for peace of the family.

Dr. Gideon on behalf of the family and friends of late Hon. Onanuga thanked the House for the kind words credited to Hon. Onanuga who he described as unassuming, transparent, kind-hearted and a detribalized Nigerian who cared for everyone she met until her final breath. He then read the message from Hon. Onanuga’s children who also thanked Members for their support and prayed they ensure their late mother’s legacies never die.

Prayers were offered by Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and Hon. Idem Unyime for the peaceful repose of the souls of the former Members who remain heroes of democracy.

The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu in delivering the vote of thanks commended everyone present for their role in making the day indeed special and memorable to show duly deserved respect for the 5 Members lost during the tenth House of Representatives. He commended Members for speaking fondly of the late Members and called on them to continue to stand with the families left behind. He payed glowing tribute to the 5 late Members for their dedication to service, passion and contribution to Parliament, Public Service and for society at large in the pursuit of a better future. Hon. Kalu stated that though the late Members’ voices no longer resonate or vibrate within the Hallowed Chambers, their legacies will not be forgotten and Members should collectively ensure their dreams and ideals are achieved and maintained respectively.

The Presiding Speaker thanked Members, friends and families of the deceased for their contributions and for honoring the invitation of the House and prayed God to ensure the peaceful repose of the souls of the 5 former Members and to keep their loved ones safe.

House Adjournment:
The House at 14:20 adjourned plenary to Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 by 11:00 A.M following a motion for adjournment moved by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Abdullahi Halims and seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki.

Courtesy: LightRay! Media and the Media Unit, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives.