Day: June 24, 2024

With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President done and dusted, the seventh Parliament will now shift focus to establishing internal structures necessary for Parliament to function.

Among the activities that will unfold are the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meetings.

‘These committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function. They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee.

‘Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, s
etting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused,’ Parliament said.

Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President as the committees exercise oversight over each government department.

Parliament said committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate, and ensuring accountability.

‘President Cyril Ramaphosa in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

‘The OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two Houses that marks the official opening of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the State of the Nation Address that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans, and it
marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term,’ Parliament said.

The joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction.

The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the Parliament precinct.

Programme of the new Parliament

Once all the structures of the two Houses are established, the Joint Programming Committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme.

‘The Joint Programming Committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new Parliament. The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities,’ Parliament said.

Orientation programme for MPs

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will also undergo a structured orienta
tion programme from 2 July to 5 July to induct them into their new roles.

The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the Rules guiding the operations of each House, and those that guide Joint Sittings.

‘Following the success of the first sittings of the two Houses, the seventh parliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that Parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation,’ Parliament said.

Meetings and activities scheduled for this week are as follows:

On Wednesday, both Houses will hold their respective Rules Committee meetings. The NCOP Rules Committee meeting will start at 10:00, and the NA Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for 15:00.

On Thursday at 14:00, the NCOP will convene a
hybrid plenary to elect various office bearers for the seventh Parliament, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Rotating Deputy Chairperson, the Programming Whip, the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight, the House Chairperson for Parliamentary Diplomacy, the House Chairperson for Internal Arrangements and Members Support, and several other critical positions.

During the same session, the Council will also hold elections for the NCOP Permanent Delegates (MPs) to the Pan-African Parliament. Additionally, they will designate members to serve in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. The Council will also consider and deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill.

On the same day the Council will convene in the morning and hold the Programming Committee at 08:30. The Programming Committee considers Bills before the House, committee
reports and plans the business of the House and the programme. On Friday, the NA at 10:00 will hold its programming meeting.

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene its first of the two annual Plenary Sessions from 24 June to 5 July 2024 at the PAP precinct in Midrand. Among the critical items for discussion and consideration is the budget for the PAP to enable the institution to function optimally.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Nigerian and European business leaders, policy makers and institutional stakeholders will converge on Abuja on July 2, to identify and explore investment opportunities along specific value chains during the ninth European Union-Nigeria Business Forum.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Samuela Isopi, made this known to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

Isopi said the business forum will also facilitate trade, investment, and partnerships through networking, discussions, and policy shaping, to promote economic cooperation between the EU and Nigeria and stimulate sustainable growth for both parties.

‘It is important to note that for the first time since its inception, the 2024 edition of the EU-Nigeria Business Forum will be held in Abuja.

‘This will provide an opportunity for the EU, its Member States and the private sector from Europe and Nigeria to engage the new administration on their investment agendas in a transparent and inclusive manner, with a view to fostering confidence and commitment to a stron
ger and sustainable partnership.’

As part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, she explained, EU-funded projects will complement private sector investment in areas, which bring about critical social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

In the case of Nigeria, she said, particular attention is paid to the harnessing of local talent, particularly among youth and women, as well as economic, social, and environmental resilience.

Against this backdrop, she also said that the forum will focus on current and prospective investment in the digital, health, and agricultural sectors.

According to Isopi, the forum will discuss options and respective benefits towards establishing a bilateral legal framework between the EU and Nigeria, bringing certainty, stability, and sustainability to bilateral trade and investment relations.

NAN reports that latest statistics have shown that Nigeria and European Union trade volume has grown to 45 billion Euro.

The statistics showed that this was the case as at September 202
3, even as the United Nations COMTRADE database indicated that Nigeria remains EU largest trade partner, accounting for 20.9 per cent of Nigeria’s global trade.

The EU is made up of 28 European countries, though there are 50 countries considered European.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday, arraigned Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) over alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

Sambo was arraigned before Justice Bolaji Olajuwon of a Federal High Court, Abuja on three-count charge for allegedly diverting the funds to personal accounts.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts and ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, prayed the court for a trial date.

But Sambo’s lawyer, Isiaka Dikko, SAN, informed the court of the defendant’s bail application which had already been filed.

Since Akponimisingha did not oppose the bail plea, Justice Olajuwon admitted Sambo to a N200 million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court with original certificates of occupancy (CofO) which must be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

She equally ordered that suret
ies to provide affidavits of their tax clearance in the last three years with a passport photograph each.

Justice Olajuwon adjourned the matter until Oct. 17 for trial commencement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the anti-corruption commission had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/209/2024, sued Abubakar Abdullahi Sambo as sole defendant.

In the charge dated May 8 but filed May 10 by Akponimisingha, an Assistant Chief Legal Officer in the commission, the ICPC alleged that Sambo sometime in March 2023 or thereabout while being the Payment Finalizer on the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) platform of REA did finalise the payment of the totai sum of N1.84 billion (N1,835,000,000.00).

It alleged that the funds were done in different tranches for the use of Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Asuni Adejoke Aminat, Usman Kwakwa, Laure Shehu Abduilahi, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approval, ther
eby contributing to the economic adversity of the REA.

The commission said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 68 of the Public Enterprise Regulatory Commission Act, CAP. P39, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

In count two, Sambo was accused to have used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of the sum of N1.84 billion in different tranches for the use of Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye for a purported project supervision exercise without authority.

The offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 6(4) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.

In count three, Sambo was alleged to have conferred corrupt advantage on Okojie, Aminat, Kwakwa, Abdullahi, Titus and Karaye when he used his access password to access the REA’s GIFMIS platform and finalised the payment of N1.84 billion in different tranches for their use for a purported project supervision exercise without requisite approvals.

The
ICPC said the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

NAN reports that Justice Emeka Nwite of a sister court had earlier ordered the remand of Karaye, Titus and Okojie after they were arraigned by the ICPC on separate four-count charge preferred against them.

While Karaye and Titus were arraigned before Justice Nwite on June 13, Okojie was arraigned on June 14.

However, the fourth official, Usman Ahmed Kwakwa, who was arraigned alongside on June 13, also on separate criminal charge before the judge, was granted N50 million bail on same day.

Meanwhile, after the arraignment of Karaye, Titus and Okojie, Justice Nwite ordered for their remand and fixed today for the ruling on their bail applications.

Upon resumed hearing on Monday, Justice Nwite equally admitted the trio to a N50 million bail with sureties in the like sum.

The judge, who ordered that the first surety must be a landed property owner with original CofO within the juri
sdiction of the court, directed that the documents should be deposited with the deputy chief registrar of the court.

He held that the second surety must be a responsible citizen and must sworn to an affidavit of means.

Nwite adjourned the matter until July 10 for trial.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/203/24 filed against Okojie, she was alleged to have in count one, sometime in March 2023 or thereabout, with intent to defraud the REA, received the sum of N342 million in different tranches through her Access Bank Account: 0009022275 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has urged states and local government councils to scale up environmental health surveillance in eateries and public places nationwide.

These include markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious and sporting events venues.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, gave the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Salako said the measure would help avert further spread and transmission of cholera as well as aid in the prevention and control of the disease.

He also urged Commissioners for Environment and the local councils’ leadership to support environmental health officers across the country, to step up sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation.

According to him, it is also to strengthen collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the one health approach of the federal government.

The minister said that arrangements had been made to support most affected states with chlorine solutio
n or tablets, water and food testing resources to avert further transmission across the country.

Salako noted that recent situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1,159 suspected cases, 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 States.

He identified the most affected states contributing 90 per cent of the total cases to include Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta and Katsina.

‘The ministry has been actively involved through the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) in activities to curtail further transmission of the deadly disease.

‘The ministry has been involved through water and food testing to identified sources of infection, environmental sanitation campaigns and household water chlorination,’ he said.

The minister identified cholera as a poor sanitation and hygiene driven disease, and an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of unwholesome food or water contam
inated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.

Salako said the disease remained a global threat to public health, affecting both children and adults and could lead to death if untreated promptly.

He further identified it as an extremely virulent disease that takes the period of 12 hours and five days for its symptoms to manifest.

‘The common early symptoms are frequent watery stool that is usually milky white in colour, nausea and vomiting.

‘Cholera outbreak is a seasonal public health event in Nigeria, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and often in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

‘Extreme climate events like flooding are also contributing in multiple ways to drive the outbreak of the disease.

‘The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the global resurgence of cases of cholera classifying the current outbreak as ‘grade three public health emergency’, requiring maximal WHO system wide response.

‘Nigeria is one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence is be
ing experienced,’ he said.

The minister urged the populace to be more vigilant and to imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace.

He further tasked all and sundry on preventive measures such as keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

‘Ensure the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one pack of chlorine solution to 100 parts.

‘Avoid locally prepared drinks like pap, porridge, fruits juice (kunu, zobo, fura da nono), among others except it is certain that the preparation was done in a hygienic and safe manner.

‘Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially after using the toilet, cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WINDHOEK: Everyone deserves freedom because everyone is free, one cannot be grounded while others are free.

These were the words of Magdalena Dausas, mother of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) activist, Friedel Dausab.

Dausab who challenged the sodomy common law crime which was declared unconstitutional and invalid, described his mother as a supportive woman despite their differences in the beginning.

In an interview with Nampa following the delivery of the verdict on Friday by the Windhoek High Court, Dausas shared her gratitude with the judgement, stating: ‘No one can be grounded while others are free.’

Dausas, who accompanied her son, urged parents to be supportive of their children, stating: ‘God has created a person, therefore as a mother, I am happy that my child and everyone who was grounded is now free to practise their rights and express themselves.’

On his part, Dausab said his mother has always been his support system.

‘Today, she stood by my si
de in court,’ said Dausab.

Dausab during a press conference said he challenged the sodomy law because it has hampered his relationships in the past.

‘Many of my relationships were a secret because of the sodomy crime. I hope that today’s landmark decision means that we can hold hands in public and not hide our love,’ he said.

The joint decision between Judge Nate Ndauendapo, Judge Claudia Claasen and Judge Shafimana Ueitele ruled that the inclusion of the crime of sodomy in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is declared unconstitutional and invalid.

‘I feel a lot safer to be in Namibia, it’s not always been like that,’ Dausab said. Moreover, Dausab called on the leaders of Namibia to be considerate of the language they use in Parliament relating to the LGBTQIA+ community, stating that they are the direct link towards how society acts towards minorities.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Kamanjab Constituency is seeking national assistance to address the effects of the climate catastrophe, specifically drought which has ravaged the livelihoods of the locals and devastated livestock.

Similar to other regions and constituencies in Namibia, Kamanjab is suffering greatly from the consequences of the drought, Kamanjab Constituency councillor Niko Somaeb said in an interview with Nampa while discussing the ongoing effects of the drought on farmers’ crops and livestock in the Kunene Region.

With regards to the delivery of food aid for drought relief, Somaeb informed this agency on Sunday that although the government prioritises people, it ignores the fact that livestock is the foundation of farmers’ livelihoods.

‘Drought relief food is available to help the impacted farmers in the Kamanjab Constituency, but it doesn’t deal with the fact that farmers need to feed their remaining animals,’ said Somaeb.

Over 2 080 households are presently receiving food parcels from the drought assistance progr
amme, according to Somaeb.

‘Compared to the initial total of 951 beneficiaries in 2017, that number has doubled,’ he added.

According to Somaeb, the constituency has experienced drought for the last 10 years, with the present drought being the worst recorded in the area. As a result, over 80 per cent of the livestock has been lost, he said.

He reiterated that the drought poses a threat to the remaining livestock, thus immediate assistance is needed to alleviate it.

‘Currently the Kamanjab Constituency has not received extra assistance and funding for drought relief, except from the drought relief programme of the Office of Prime Minister, therefore we are calling on all Samaritans to assist and help our farmers fight drought,’ he stated.

Somaeb said the protracted drought has resulted in significant losses of livelihood and population relocation, leaving the locals suffering extreme food insecurity and hopelessness.

In response to the ongoing drought, President Nangolo Mbumba issued a state of emergency
last month, which enables the government to mobilise resources and guarantee that impacted communities receive the support they need.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency