NPHR EMERGENCY SITTING: BUDGET DELIBERATIONS AND INAUGURATION INTO TWO ARMS

By Fawunmi Elizabeth

On April 10, 2026, the legislative arm of NAPS held its second sitting of the semester. Although scheduled for 12:00 p.m., proceedings commenced at 12:20 p.m. following the resolution of logistical arrangements.

The sitting opened with a prayer and the adoption of the agenda. This was followed by the reading of the minutes from the previous sitting.

One of the key highlights of the session was the inauguration of new Honourable members. Honourable Odewale Anuoluwapo Dorcas, Honourable Muochukwuneke Blessing Ifunanya, Honourable Ishola Ezekiel Oluwabamise, and Honourable Roberts Glorious Ebube were duly sworn in. Honourable Roberts was subsequently presented and accepted as the Clerk of the House, immediately assuming his duties.

In a dual capacity, Glorious Ebube was also inaugurated as a member of the EDC. Addressing concerns about managing both roles, he outlined his plans in managing the responsibilities, after which the House confirmed his inauguration.

The Deputy Speaker presented a budget proposal to cater for refreshments during extended sittings. After deliberations, the House resolved to allocate ₦400 per Honourable—₦200 for snacks and ₦200 for table water, following a reduction from the initial proposal.

The sitting also featured the commencement of bye-elections to fill vacant positions, with the exception of the Treasurer. In the absence of the Returning Officer, the process was overseen by the Secretary of INEC, Miss Pelumi.

Aspirants presented their manifestos in turn: Miss Mojirade Teribba (Financial Secretary), Miss Doyin Stella (Social Director), Mr. Harry Paul (Public Relations Officer), and Mr. Uthman Awosanmi (Sports Director). They were subsequently engaged in a question-and-answer session involving the electoral officer, pressmen, and members of the House. While most candidates responded satisfactorily, the Social Director aspirant struggled to provide clear answers regarding funding strategies.

Voting was restricted to the thirteen Honourable members present. At the conclusion of the process, Mr. Uthman Awosanmi was unanimously elected Sports Director with thirteen affirmative votes. Mr. Harry Paul secured the position of Public Relations Officer with nine votes, while Miss Mojirade Teribba emerged as Financial Secretary with twelve votes.

The Social Director election, however, ended in a tie. The Speaker exercised her casting vote, resulting in a final tally of seven “No” votes against six “Yes” votes, thereby determining the outcome.

Under Any Other Business, the Speaker emphasized the importance of bowing to the mace upon entry, describing it as a symbol of authority. She also announced plans for a constitutional amendment, including the formation of a committee comprising four NPHR members, two executives, two pressmen, and two congressmen.

The sitting was adjourned at 3:44 p.m.