On Tuesday, the House of Representatives urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately form the National Council on Public Procurement (NCPP). This request came after a motion was sponsored by Hon. Murphy Omoruyi. Omoruyi criticized the administrations of former Presidents Umar Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari for not following the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
During his debate, Hon. Omoruyi highlighted that the Public Procurement Act was created to regulate government activities and ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement processes.
“The House also notes Section 1 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 mandates the establishment of the National Council on Public Procurement.
“The House further notes that the National Council on Public Procurement is essential for oversight, regulation, and standardization of procurement practices across Government Agencies.
“The House is aware that the composition of the NCPP includes representatives from various interest groups in the country as contained in Section 1(2) (a}-(g) of the Act to ensure inclusive stakeholders’ participation in national development.
“The House is concerned that the absence of the National Council on Public Procurement undermines the objectives of the Act and hampers procurement processes.
“The House is worried that the last administrations of Umaru Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari have refused to inaugurate the National Council on Public Procurement as prescribed by the Act.
“The House is disturbed that the Federal Executive Council has continued to usurp the most important functions of the National Council on Public Procurement.
“The House is cognizant of the need to constitute the National Council on Public Procurement in accordance with Section 1 of the Public Procurement Act 2007 which is crucial for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government procurement processes.”
The House has directed its Committee of Public Procurement to ensure compliance with this resolution.
In another development, the Nigerian Army and Police have intensified their efforts to prevent the resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno State. This was revealed by Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 15, AIG Abdu Umar, during his farewell address in Maiduguri as he retired. He mentioned that intelligence gathering and collaborative security measures are being utilized to detect and neutralize potential threats.
AIG Umar stated that the police have been in discussions with the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Waidi Shuaibu, to strategize and develop a tactical plan to effectively counter and combat the resurgence of Boko Haram’s suicide bombings in Borno State. He emphasized that significant efforts have been made by the police and other security agencies, led by the military, to fight insurgency in the state.
AIG Umar expressed his gratitude for the progress achieved, which has enabled commercial activities to resume and freedom of movement to be restored. He recalled the challenges faced since 2009 but appreciated the support of the military, police, and other security agencies in overcoming these challenges.
He thanked the Inspector General of Police for the financial support and structures provided to the police and other security agencies in Borno and Yobe states. AIG Umar also acknowledged the contributions of journalists during his tenure, recognizing their role in his success.
Furthermore, he extended his gratitude to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for their collaboration and support throughout his time in office. He also acknowledged the efforts of traditional rulers in restoring peace in Borno State.
The combined efforts of the Nigerian Army and Police are aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing the re-emergence of suicide bombings in the state. Through intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and collaborative security measures, they are working proactively to maintain peace and stability in Borno State.
