*House Committee Adjourns Hearing on Petition for National Assembly Intervention in Benue and Zamfara State Assemblies*

On Wednesday, 14th May, 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions Chaired by Rep. Kwamoti B Laori adjourned its hearing regarding a petition requesting the National Assembly to take over the Benue and Zamfara State Houses of Assembly.

During the session, the Petitioner, the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law, represented by Barr. Emmanuel Onwudiwe, was present alongside the suspended members of both state assemblies. However, the governors of Benue and Zamfara, as well as their respective speakers, were notably absent.

In total, 13 members from the Benue State House of Assembly and 8 from the Zamfara State House of Assembly have been suspended.

Chairman of the Committee, informed those in attendance that the committee had received court documents pertaining to the case (Suit No. FHC/MKD/CS/146/2025), which was filed on May 5, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Makurdi also due for hearing on May 19, 2025.

The Chairman detailed that the Benue State House of Assembly and its Speaker, Hon. Aondona Hyacinth Dajoh, are the plaintiffs in this suit, while the defendants include the Speaker, House of Representatives, the Committee on Public Petitions, and the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law.

Additionally, Hon. Kwamoti noted that the leadership of the Benue State House of Assembly had reached out to the Senate and the House of Representatives Benue Caucuses, requesting a discussion on the matter.

Given the ongoing court proceedings and the leadership’s request for dialogue with the Senate and House representatives, the decision on whether to proceed with the petition will be made during the next scheduled hearing on May 28, 2025.

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NEED TO MITIGATE THE SPREAD OF DIPHTHERIA: A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN IN NIGERIA TO SAVE LIVES By Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori

 

The House

Notes that Diphtheria, a bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species, has become a critical public health issue since the first outbreak in Borno State in 2011 claimed 21 lives. The outbreak's current resurgence poses significant threats to Nigeria's already overburdened public health system;

Also notes that diphtheria which affects the nose, throat, skin, and, in severe cases, the heart; is transmitted through respiratory droplets, contaminated objects, and crowded unsanitary environments, making its spread particularly rapid among children and those with compromised immune systems in crowded communities;

Aware that diphtheria thrives in Africa due to low vaccination rates while remaining virtually absent in countries like the United States of America and Europe, where vaccination coverage is high. Thus, diphtheria primarily threatens unvaccinated individuals who travel internationally or come into contact with infected persons;

Also, aware that in Africa, nations such as Niger, Gabon, and Mauritania have reported outbreaks with only a handful of confirmed deaths due to effective vaccination coverage, early detection, laboratory confirmation, and the availability of antitoxins and antibiotics for treatment. In stark contrast, Nigeria's statistics paint a dire picture, with thousands of reported cases and associated deaths due to low or absence of vaccination;

Alarmed that from May 2022 to February 2025, Nigeria has reported 41,978 suspected cases of diphtheria from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, with Kano and Yobe States accounting for the highest numbers- 24,062 and 5330, respectively. Most cases were children aged 1-14, and only 19.7% were fully vaccinated, resulting in 1,279 deaths within this period;

Concerned that if nothing is done, the high case fatality rate could worsen and spread outside of the states already impacted, underscoring the urgency of improving on the low vaccination rates, ineffective antitoxins and treatments, and delays in clinical detection and test confirmation that fuel this outbreak;

Resolves to:

i. Direct the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the National Health Care Development Agency to enforce the mandatory diphtheria immunization, testing and treatment across healthcare centers in all 774 Local Government Areas;

ii. Task the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to raise public awareness through sensitization campaigns regarding the dangers, symptoms, and transmission modes of diphtheria to prevent further spread and fatalities;

iii. Mandate the House Committee on Health and Health Institutions to assess the level of compliance with the mandatory Diphtheria immunization, the capacity of health institutions to effectively respond to current threat of Diphtheria spread across the country and report back within four weeks for further legislative action;

iv. Mandate the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.

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*Rep. Kwamoti Laori Assumes Chairmanship of the Committee on Public Petitions, Conducts Maiden Meeting*

In a recent reshuffle of committee leadership, the Rt. Hon. Speaker announced the appointment of Rep. Kwamoti B. Laori, representing the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, as the new Chairman of the Committee on Public Petitions.

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Rep. Kwamoti held his inaugural meeting as Chairman, addressing a total of 14 cases brought before the committee. During this session, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring that all petitions are handled promptly and fairly, upholding the principles of justice for all parties involved.

Rep. Kwamoti reassured the public of the 10th House of Representatives’ dedication, under the dynamic leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, to amplifying the voices of ordinary Nigerians. His leadership marks a new chapter in the committee’s efforts to enhance transparency and responsiveness in addressing citizens' concerns.

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SPEAKER ABBAS APPOINTS REP. KWAMOTI B. LAORI AS CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC PETITIONS

During the plenary session on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, announced a minor reshuffle of Committee Chairmen, appointing Rep. Kwamoti B. Laori as the new Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions.

Rep. Laori, a senior member representing the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, previously served as Chairman of the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa. He succeeds Hon. Mike Etaba, who has moved to chair the Committee on Environment. Meanwhile, Hon. Billy Osawaru will assume the role of Chairman of the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, effective immediately.

The Speaker conveyed his best wishes to all the newly appointed members, expressing his hopes for their success and divine guidance in their new responsibilities.

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*Federal University of Education, Numan Establishment Bill Passes Third Reading*

The Bill to establish the Federal University of Education in Numan, Adamawa State, has successfully passed its third reading in the House of Representatives.

Presented for reconsideration by Rt. Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori, who represents Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency, this pivotal legislative achievement moves the initiative closer to fruition.

Previously, the bill had received approval from both chambers of the National Assembly; however, presidential assent was withheld due to necessary corrections. 

Following the completion of these amendments, the bill was re-considered by the House Committee of the Whole during the plenary session on Wednesday, and the third reading was successfully taken on Thursday, May 8, 2025, effectively concluding the legislative process.

The next critical step involves the Clerk of the National Assembly transmitting the finalized copy of the bill to the President for his assent, bringing the establishment of the Federal University of Education in Numan one step closer to reality.

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*Rep. Kwamoti Commissions Examination Hall in Opalo, Honoring Late Pa Oliver Vitu*

In a momentous event that highlighted his unwavering commitment to the people of Opalo Ward, Rep. Kwamoti has officially inaugurated a newly constructent to the people of Opalo Ward, Rep. Kwamoti has officially inaugurated a newly constructed Examination Hall at Government Day Secondary School Opalo. 

This significant facility is named in honor of the late Pa Oliver Vitu, a pivotal figure in the establishment of the school and a champion of western education and the Catholic mission in the community. This development marks a substantial advancement for local education.

The residents of Opalo Ward warmly welcomed Rt. Hon. Kwamoti, the representative of the Demsa/Numan/Lamurde Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, with spirited celebrations—dancing and singing in profound appreciation for his contributions to their community.

Established by missionaries in 1959, Government Day Secondary School Opalo serves not only Opalo but also neighboring communities such as Ngbakowo, Shomun, Hoki, Zekun, and Dawuto. 

For years, the school’s senior students faced challenges, utilizing classrooms to take their WAEC and NECO examinations. This temporary arrangement posed a risk of losing the Senior School Examination Center status due to the absence of a dedicated facility, creating anxiety for students, parents, and the school management.

However, with the completion of the new Examination Hall, the school has now fulfilled the necessary requirements to maintain its examination center status. 

The School Principal, Mrs. Jummai Dandy Gambo, represented by Mr. Kefas Donald Mandefa, expressed visible relief, stating, "With this Hall, we can now provide our students with a conducive environment for their examinations, free from fear and anxiety."

During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Birsan Penuel, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Post Primary Schools Management Board, expressed gratitude to Rep. Kwamoti for his continuous efforts in supporting the Adamawa State Government's educational initiatives. 

The Commissioner for Rural Infrastructure Development commended the legislator’s commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps across various sectors throughout his constituency, praying for his continued strength and wisdom to serve the people of Adamawa State.

Several notable figures attended the event, including Hon. Pawikai Bauna Myandasa, the state legislator representing Lamurde State Constituency, along with the Local Government Area Chairmen of Demsa, Numan, and Lamurde—Hon. Akham Jalo, Hon. Innocent Koto, and Hon. Bulus Daniel. They collectively praised Rep. Kwamoti for his exemplary leadership and quality representation, assuring him of their unwavering support and loyalty.

Additionally, former Permanent Secretary Alh. Saleh Shelleng urged alumni of the school to contribute towards providing essential items such as furniture to further enhance the learning environment. 

In a touching display of gratitude, Baba Kevin Damara, representing the community elders, presented a culturally symbolic gift to Rep. Kwamoti, pledging their continuous support and prayers for divine wisdom, strength, and protection.

In his response, Rep. Kwamoti expressed his delight at the warm reception, commendations, and gifts, while also pledging to continue uplifting the lives of his constituents. He emphasized the importance of holding elected representatives accountable for their campaign promises and urged the community to unite in support of good governance.

The event was also graced by numerous dignitaries, including Hon. Iliya James, State Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Hon. Niwesa George Kushi, Chairman of Jimeta Ultra Modern Market; Hon. Dishi Khobe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security; Mr. Mennas Ngangurrah, Chairman of the Adamawa State Mining Company; as well as many other party officials and local community leaders.

The highlights of the ceremony featured vibrant traditional dances and cultural displays by the Opalo community's cultural troupe, infusing the event with energy and festivity.

Rep. Kwamoti’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure in Opalo underscores a broader commitment to fostering growth, opportunity, and empowerment within his constituency.

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