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  • Reps won’t rubberstamp 2013 budget –Tambuwal

    Reps won’t rubberstamp 2013 budget –Tambuwal

    • Denies disloyalty charge

    The office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday insisted that the National Assembly and not the executive arm, has the final say on the budget.

    In the latest of the broadsides exchanged by both sides since the Wednesday presentation of the 2013 budget proposals to the legislative arm by President Goodluck Jonathan, the Special Adviser on Media to Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Mallam Imam Imam hoped that the President does not “share the overzealous and rather morbid views and sentiments of Dr. Doyin Okupe and some of his co-travellers in the President’s media office” on the power of the National Assembly on the budget.

    Dr. Okupe, the Presidential Special Adviser on Communication had, in a statement, dismissed the positions of Senate President David Mark and Speaker Tambuwal on the insistence of the Presidency that the federal legislators should pass the proposals the way they were presented as wrong.

    The two presiding officers immediately replied him as playing to the gallery and striving to justify his pay.

    But in an update yesterday, Imam said: “Since the presentation of the 2013 budget by President Goodluck Jonathan to the joint sitting of the National Assembly last Wednesday, some members of the President’s media team have come up with what can best be described as hysterical responses to the remarks made by Senate President, Senator David Mark and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    “From innuendos to outright insults, the President’s media managers, led by Dr. Doyin Okupe, sought to denigrate the submissions of the two leaders of the National Assembly who in their estimation, had the temerity to tell their guests gathered at the Green Chamber that fateful Wednesday that not all things were right with past budgets and that more was expected from the Executive arm of government in the future.

    “It is worth mentioning here that Mark and Tambuwal’s speeches were made with the best of intentions aimed at finding lasting solutions to the myriad of socio-economic problems confronting the nation.

    “Speaker Tambuwal, who gave the vote of thanks in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly, toed the line of the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Mark, to lay on the table, the fears of Nigerians and how the National Assembly thinks those fears can be better allayed.

    “The Speaker rightly asserted that as elected representatives of the people, the legislators, representing 469 federal constituencies and senatorial districts of the country, have closer interaction with the nooks and crannies of the nation. In essence, the legislature, more than any arm of government, is privileged to feel the people’s pulse more intensely and feel same on behalf and for the benefit and guidance of all the other arms of government.

    “It is therefore highly incongruous to now turn around and say such views showed disrespect to the person and office of the President.

    “It is appropriate to state here that section 81 (1), (4) as well as section 83 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) classify the proposed budget documents by the President as mere ‘estimate’ and therefore only a constitutional amendment can alter this. The phrase ‘mere’ as used by Senator Mark was not intended to demean, rather it only distinguishes between a document of finality and a proposal. It is therefore mischievous to read meanings other than those intended.

    “On the oil benchmark which the House made it clear it will set at $80 per barrel, all variables were considered in arriving at the figure. The chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Abdulmumini Jibrin, has since availed the public such superior variables which apparently may not have been countenanced by those who drafted the estimate.

    “As for the poor implementation of the capital budget for 2012 which Dr. Okupe brazenly attributed to non-utilization of already released votes, there could be no better self-indictment, as all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that ought to execute these projects are all under the Executive watch and control.”

     

    “The assertion that the National Assembly will not rubber stamp the estimates as stated by the Senate President was intended to clear the erroneous impression created in the minds of the public by military apologists in the corridors of power that the laying of the estimate by the President is akin to budget broadcast by a military dictator which is only a notice and to enlighten the people. But for the avoidance of doubt, by the clear provisions of section 59 subsection 4 of the constitution, the legislature has the FINAL say on the budget document.

    “As clearly stated in the past and for the avoidance of any doubt, Speaker Tambuwal is not on a popularity contest with any official of government. Instead, he embodies the wishes and aspiration of the Nigerian people, and expresses, at every point, only the position of the members of the House of Representatives.

    “On the rather funny issue of alleged Tambuwal’s disloyalty to the PDP which one of the aides raised in a newspaper article, nothing can be farther from the truth. It is safe to say here that Nigerians are tired of worn out sentiments dished out to them at every given opportunity in order to justify unnecessary attacks on the person of the Number Four Citizen of Nigeria.

    “As seen during the budget presentation, of all those who spoke at the event, only the Speaker recognised the presence of the PDP National Chairman in his order of protocol while delivering his vote of thanks. As a matter of fact, this loyal gesture drew the ire of opposition lawmakers who shouted ‘Nay’ repeatedly to show their disapproval at the Speaker’s recognition of his party chairman.

    “In conclusion, let me state here that the level of discourse emanating from the President’s public affairs managers is not only unbecoming of the requirement of the highest office in the land, it shows lack of depth in the understanding of public issues and governance generally including even the rudiments of democracy and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Dr. Okupe especially is proving to have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing from his days of political participation during transition of military dictatorships and into civilian democracy. With due respect, we call on Dr. Okupe and his other attack dogs to change their orientation, they can do this by making friends with the copy of the constitution. In the event they feel that this is cumbersome, they should, in the alternative, subject their opinions to vetting by those who are more conversant with the hallowed document”.

  • Plateau: Four killed in Berom, Fulani clash

    Plateau: Four killed in Berom, Fulani clash

    Four persons were killed yesterday in three villages in Riyom Local Government area of Plateau State, five days into the latest round of conflict between the Berom and Fulani.

    Several houses were also burnt after gunmen suspected to be Fulani invaded the villages and launched an attack.

    However, Ardo Fulani Bachi, Ardo Muhammad Bello told THE NATION that unknown gunmen attacked and killed one Fulani boy while grazing cows. Six of his cows were also killed, he said.

    Mallam Bello said, “Surprisingly, while we were mourning of our member, security men came to arrest our people. Our major problem is the attitude of the security agencies. We are the ones being attacked but the security men came here and arrested 10 of our boys. They are biased against us”

    Similar confrontation has reduced in Barkin Ladi local government area following the imposition of a curfew.

    Some residents want a similar curfew imposed in Riyom.

    Over 5,000 women and children have fled their homes and are taking refuge in public schools and open markets in Riyom. More than 25 people have been killed since last Tuesday.

    Saturday killings came on the heels of heightening tension in Riyom on Friday when more than 2000 women of Berom extraction took to the streets to protest the killing of a woman by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

    The woman was allegedly waylaid and killed on her way to the farm. Her death was said to be a reprisal for Wednesday’s killing of a Fulani man by suspected Berom youths.

     

  • Lagos coastal erosion will threaten national security, FG told

    THE president of Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Philip Asiodu (CON), has warned the federal government that coastal erosion problem in Lagos State is the nation’s “most urgent environmental challenge.”

    He said this at the 4th annual Walk for Nature event, organised by the NCF in collaboration with the Lagos State Government to raise awareness about environmental issues through a short walk around Lagos Island.

    Though, “sustainable energy for all” was the theme of this year’s commemoration, the urgency of coastal erosion and the threat it portends imposed a detour on Asiodu, who called on the federal government to take “timely bold preventive action” to prevent “this extremely dangerous threat.”

    In recent weeks, flood has caused tremendous damage in some Nigerian states, raising fears of food scarcity as major link roads between the northern and southern parts of the country became inaccessible. But while the flooding still takes its toll on internally displaced people, Asiodu said the entire nation’s economy risks paralysis with the impending threat posed by coastal erosion.

  • Cartoon – Nigeria is a failing state

    Cartoon – Nigeria is a failing state

  • UNIPORT Four: Human rights groups, ACN call for reinstatement of don

    UNIPORT Four: Human rights groups, ACN call for reinstatement of don

    Human rights groups and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have called on the authorities of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, to reinstate a former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), UNIPORT chapter, Dr. Andrew Efemini, as the Head of Department of Philosophy.

    Efemini was removed as the HOD, shortly after participating in Tuesday’s protest at Choba Junction on the East-West Road, against the murder of four UNIPORT students at Omuokiri-Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area on October 5. The four male victims were Biringa Chiadika Lordson, Year Two, Theatre Arts, U2010/1805036; Ugonna Kelechi Obuzor, Year Two, Geology, U2010/5565149 and Mike Lloyd Toku, Year Two, Civil Engineering, U2010/3010094 and Tekena Erikena, a certificate student in the Faculty of Education, who had not completed his registration before the gruesome murder.

    The Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD), through its Director of Operations, Styvn Obodoekwe, yesterday in Port Harcourt, condemned the removal of the activist lecturer, which it said was unjust.

    ACN on its part said: “We demand the immediate reversal of the removal of Dr. Efemini as the HOD, Philosophy of UNIPORT. The vice-chancellor’s decision to remove him for participating in last Tuesday’s protest is condemnable, irrational, unlawful, ungodly and provocative.”

     

  • Alleged militia training: Akeredolu’s group reports LP to NSA

    Alleged militia training: Akeredolu’s group reports LP to NSA

    RELYING on intelligence reports, the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) yesterday claimed it has uncovered a plot by the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State to attack stalwarts of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state using Israeli-trained militia.

    The organisation – the political platform of the ACN standard bearer in the governorship election billed for October 20, Olurotimi Aredolu (SAN), accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko of funding the training in Israel.

    In a petition to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Major Sambo Dasuki (rtd), by its Director-General, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, ACO named NIRTA Limited as the security outfit training the militia.

    According to the organisation, no fewer than 50 members of the LP had sharpened their skills in the art of weapon handling and bomb making, all which ACO alleged the ruling party plans to use to manipulate the election on Saturday.

    It urged the NSA to direct concerned agencies to swing into action to avert lawlessness, saying the ACN members have been at the receiving end of the terror being perpetrated in the Sunshine State.

    The petition reads: “There are clear indications that things may get worse in the days ahead. At present, a group of people from Ondo State are undergoing training in a security company in Israel known as NIRTAL Limited.

    “They are believed to be sponsored by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo State Governor and candidate of the Labour Party in the October 20 governorship election.

    “The scope of the training, according to our discovery, includes, offensive, tactical training, shooting AK-47 live ammunitions in a shooting range and in dedicated facility. We are also aware that this special squad has been trained in the act of bomb making.

    “According to our findings, about 50 members of the Labour Party have undergone this dastardly training. Many more are said to be there at present.

    “The returnees (Israeli-trained militia) are believed to be strategically distributed in different parts of the state ahead of elections. The predictable consequence of this terrorist tutelage is better imagined.”

    The ACO traced the ownership of NIRTAL Limited to a highly-experienced Israeli ex-military personnel that specialises in security training.

    It said: “We, therefore, appeal to you to direct the appropriate agencies of the state to commence full and fast investigation into this looming threat with a view to averting a major security breach in our state and potentially in the country.”

     

  • Lagos Speaker, SSG, others for Africa award

    Lagos Speaker, SSG, others for Africa award

    THE Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Deputy Chairman of Action Congress (ACN) in the state, Cardinal (Dr) James Odunmbaku, and Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, have been nominated for the COPA Africa Award for Leadership excellence.

    They are to join 25 other top flight personalities that cut across the academia, public service, politics, and the private sector to receive their awards at a ceremony slated for the African Regent Hotel, Accra, the Ghanaian capital next Saturday.

    The organisers, Visionfort Media Ltd and Benjas Productions Ltd, an Accra-based media productions outfit yesterday, said the award is a reward for the sterling contributions of the awardees to the promotion of peace and improved conditions of living of the people.

    Benjas Promotions Chief Executive Officer Mr. Anthony Iwa-Eni said the awardees were picked from votes collated through SMS from targeted members of the public and residents over a period of time.

    He said: “A number of these awardees were picked because of the way they have affected people and residents of their various communities. While some are still serving, others have continued to empower hundreds of people, including youths and women through various programmes like youth development, empowerment and poverty alleviation and education support.”

    The awardees Iwa Eni said include: Vice-Chancellor IBB University, Niger State, Prof. Kola Ibrahim, and Chief Executive Officer of Skye Bank Trustees Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, Deputy Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, and a federal lawmaker Hon. Isiaka Oluwatoyin Suarau (Ojo Federal Constituency).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lawmaker tackles FG on insecurity

    The unabated crimes and criminal activities being perpetrated across the country is a clear indication that the present administration lacks any sense of accountability.

    This view was expressed by a member of the House of Representatives representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Prince Oyekola Olabiyi.

    In a press statement made available to The Nation, the lawmaker commiserated with the people of Iseyin Town and relations of victims, who were attacked and killed in a recent robbery attack, which claimed about three lives.

    The federal legislator commended the local government caretaker chairman and the Divisional Police Officer in the area for their sense of commitment and diligence in ensuring that some members of the robbery gang were apprehended.

    While urging the police not to rest on its oars in ensuring that other fleeing members of the gang are arrested and brought to justice, Olabiyi also called for more concerted efforts on the part of security agencies to forestall a future occurrence.

    Hon. Olabiyi, who attributed unemployment, injustice, bribery and corruption, executive arrogance, lack of sincerity of purpose and absence of a cohesive national security policy as responsible for the insecurity situation in the country, added, “it is unfortunate that in spite of colossal allocation by the National Assembly to national security, the people have continued to live in trepidation, fear and restlessness as a result of insecurity to lives and property by criminals, who unleash terror with sophisticated weapons, even more powerful than the ones being used by our security agencies.”

  • Soldier kills student over quarrel with girlfriend

    Soldier kills student over quarrel with girlfriend

    Emmanuel Papa Ebonyi dreamt of a great future. A future where he would pass his examinations in flying colours, have a great job and support his siblings who had always been there for him. Unfortunately, all these dreams were terminated when a soldier snuffed life out of him just because he tried to be a Good Samaritan.

    His sister Felicia Samuel Ebonyi tells the story in tears. “The unfortunate incident happened in the early hours of 9th August (2012). On that day, my brother, a Higher National Diploma I (HND I) student of Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State met his untimely death in the hands of one Captain Olufela Doyin Erizia.”

    Like so many other people, she just could not believe that it was true. So did it happen? you ask. “My brother was in the company of his friends and they visited Mate Bar Night Club, PZ Sabongari area of Zaria on the night of the previous day to celebrate the birthday of a friend. That was where he met Captain Olufela D. Erizia and his friends.”

    Peace maker bears the brunt

    Everything went well for a while. But suddenly there was a quarrel between Erizia and his girlfriend. Ebonyi intervened warning Erizia against fighting with his girlfriend. That unfortunately turned out to be a grievous offence in Erizia’s dictionary. Infuriated, he took the laws into his hands beating Ebonyi black and blue.

    “He beat up my brother until he was half dead. Along the line his friends rescued him from the soldier and were trying to leave the premises in the vehicle in which they came, but he (Erizia) still chased them and was struggling with the driver of the vehicle. If Ebonyi had known the calamity that would befall him, he would not stop Erizia from fighting his girlfriend, but his sympathy for the womenfolk landed him in an unexpected grave.” Sadly, she continues her story: “When the incident happened, one of my brother’s friends called me on phone and asked me to come over. They took us to the barracks and I met another eye witness. It was not the soldier’s girlfriend, it was another girl. The girlfriend actually ran away and I have been trying to get her to come and tell her side of the story.”

    What about her parents and the other siblings? How are they taking the news of her brother’s demise? “My parents are both late. I have four other siblings and they are all very sad about the development. He is the second to the last born in the family. We used to have an elder sister who died in 2007. She was ill and initially the ailment was diagnosed as typhoid. It was later discovered that it was hepatitis and her death was quite painful.”

    Erizia was apprehended, taken for questioning and interrogations after which he was taken to the Area Command Police Station, Zaria. “However nothing has been heard ever since. We have been kept in the dark on this issue because not only did they refuse to hand over the man to the police authorities but also did not have courtesy to say a word. Sources at the barracks were even saying that he had been posted to another duty beat. It is on this basis that we are calling on the Military HQ, well-meaning Nigerians, human rights activists to see to this matter and make sure that Erizia is brought to book.”

    According to Sadau Garba of the Kaduna Human Rights Association “The offence of the late Ebonyi was that he pleaded with Capt Erizia not to manhandle a lady he jerked up and molested. After mercilessly beating Ebonyi a friend, one Femi David, rushed him to Salama Hospital, Sabongari, Zaria and they directed that he should be taken to Shika Teaching Hospital due to the critical condition. It was on the way to Shika that Emmanuel gave up the ghost.”

    He added that “the family members of the late Ebonyi have made several visits to the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters but the authorities of the Army Barracks Zaria, are not willing to release the said Captain Erizia to the police to investigate this inhuman, barbaric and dastardly act.”

    The Nation also spoke with DSP Aminu Lawal, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna and he confirmed the case saying investigation was in progress.

    He also said, “The authorities of the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria could not ascertain if Ebonyi was a student of the institution.”

    How is the culprit going to be brought to book is what the Ebonyi family is asking.

     

  • State creation: Igbo leaders urged to put their house in order

    AS controversy over the approval of one additional state to be created in the south-east to balance it with the other geo political zones in the country rages on, Ohanaeze Media Forum (OMF) has called on Igbo leaders to put their house in order or they would lose the state.

    According to the forum, “Ndigbo would come out with compensation list for the injustices that the Nigerian state has meted to them,” adding that “the list must be addressed before this country would move forward.”

    In a statement signed by Peter Anosike and Ngozi Emedoluibe, President and Secretary respectively, the forum said what should be of paramount importance to every Igbo man or woman is for the additional state to be created in Igbo land and not from which state it would be carved out.

    They said that if they continue to insist on the area the new state would come from, they would lose the state.

    According to them, if that happens, Igbos should have themselves to blame.