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Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • Saraki seeks probe of diversion of IDPs relief items

    Saraki seeks probe of diversion of IDPs relief items

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Thursday asked security agencies to immediately set machinery in motion to investigate allegations of diversion of relief items meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

    The Senate President also asked the Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Mallami to prepare grounds to prosecute anybody found wanting in the diversion of items meant for IDPs.

    This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja.

    The statement said that with recent reports of aid relief deliverables being diverted by some officials in charge of ensuring the distribution of materials to the IDPs, Saraki urged the security agencies to immediately set up a team of crack detectives to investigate the allegations while the Attorney General should ensure the prosecution of individuals found culpable in the misappropriation of relief items.

    “Such reports are totally unacceptable. The IGP must immediately take action and bring all those that have carted away relief materials meant for the people of the North East to book,” Saraki was reported to have said.

    It said that Saraki commended the pledge of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to continue providing relief assistance to millions in the North-east, despite last  Thursday’s (June 28th, 2016) attack on a its relief convoy that left two aid workers, one contractor and two soldiers  injured.

    It said that the Senate President also “called on the security agencies and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami to investigate the allegations that some aid deliverables meant for the internally displaced persons are being diverted by officials in charge of distributing to the people.”

    It said that the Senate President applauded UNICEF for not turning its back on the troubled zone, which has witnessed increased cases of malnutrition – primarily amongst women and children – since the Boko Haram insurgency in the region led to suspension of agricultural activities, destroyed markets, and hindered access to clean water.

    Saraki was quoted to have said, “UNICEF’s decision to press on in the North East despite Thursday’s attack is truly commendable. On our part, the Nigerian government must back the resolve of our international partners with greater coordination platforms in terms of security for aid workers and thorough mandate mapping exercises to ensure that we are meeting the needs of those in crisis areas.”

    Saraki further reiterated his call for an immediate review of the security situation in the North East by the relevant authorities, and urged domestic and international partners to step up humanitarian intervention projects in the region to save more lives.

    “It is a difficult situation, whichever way we look at it,” he said, “however, its situations like these that should prompt aid agencies on the ground to scale up their activities and coordination in order to save thousands of lives.”

    It said that late last week, unidentified assailants attacked a humanitarian convoy that was on its way to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital from Bama.

    The convoy included staff from UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Following this attack, UNICEF announced that it would be temporarily suspending “humanitarian assistance missions pending review of the security situation” in the North East.

    In recent months, the organisation has repeatedly issued warnings that of the 244,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in Borno State alone; one in five would die if they do not receive the appropriate treatment.

    Last month, Saraki led a delegation to IDP camps in Maiduguri, Borno State where he pledged that the Senate would work on expediting the passage of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Bill as well as look into the issue of malnutrition and shortage of medical supplies in the North East.

    The NEDC Bill aims to create a multi-state platform for the coordination of relief and donations to the zone.

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  • Buhari nominates Chairman, Commissioners for NCC

    Buhari nominates Chairman, Commissioners for NCC

    President Muhammadu Buhari has requested the Senate to confirm nominees into positions of Chairman, Executive Commissioner, and Non-Executive Commissioners of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    Mr Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, said Buhari made the request through a letter dated Aug. 2, sent to President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    The statement said Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye (South West) was nominated as Chairman, while Mr Sunday Dare (South West) got the nod as Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management.

    Those nominated as Non-Executive Commissioners, according to the statement, are Aliyu Sa’idu Abubakar (North East), Clement Omeiza Baiye (North Central), Chief Okoi Ofem Obono Obla (South South), Pastor Ezekiel Yissa (North Central) and Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume (South East).

    “The nominations are in accordance with Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act 2003,” the statement said.

     

  • Economy: Adeosun must appear before Senate-Saraki

    Economy: Adeosun must appear before Senate-Saraki

    Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, was Wednesday asked to appear before the Senate on Thursday to brief the upper chamber about measures the Federal Government is taking to shore up the country’s dwindling economy.

    The directive followed the failure of the minister to brief the Senate on Wednesday as scheduled.

    Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, informed the Senate in plenary that Adeosun sent a message that she was held up at the Federal Executive Council meeting and therefore could not attend the scheduled briefing.

    Ndume said that Senate should give the minister another date to appear for the briefing.

    Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio who seconded the motion observed that it was Adeosun who picked the Wednesday date and wondered why she failed to honour the invitation.

    Akpabio said that the minister should have taken cognizance of the fact the FEC meeting would hold yesterday.

    He added, “We would not take it as a slight and disrespect for the Senate. We will take it as a mistake on her part but it should not repeat itself again because the minister ought to have known about the FEC meeting.”

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki ruled that Adeosun must be here tomorrow (Thursday).

    Saraki noted that the issue of the economy is very important and that Nigerians needed to be informed about what is happening in the economy.

    He said, “She must be here tomorrow of today at the end of council meeting because we are here. These are important to Nigerians to know what is happening.”

    The Central Bnak of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele took his turn to brief the Senate on Tuesday on the same subject matter.

  • Nigeria economy still strong, says CBN boss

    Nigeria economy still strong, says CBN boss

    …Adeosun to brief Senate

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday declared that the strategic health of the country’s financial system is still strong.

    Emefiele also painted a gloomy picture of the sharp decline in the price of oil and commodity prices to the country’s economy.

    The CBN boss spoke at a closed session with Senators in line with Section 8 of the CBN Act, 2007, which required that the Governor of the Bank provide, to the National Assembly, periodic updates on the activities of the Bank as well as the performance of the economy.

    After the over one hour closed session, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki noted that the Senate in a closed door session with the CBN Governor deliberated on the new foreign exchange management policy and the determination of foreign exchange market by demand and supply mechanism.

    Saraki added that the session also deliberated on the need to continue to grow the economy with focus on diversification of the economy.

    A statement by the leadership of the Senate said that the CBN Governor presented a comprehensive and lucid account of the performance of the Nigerian economy in the last one year.

    It said that Emefiele’s presentation began with current global economic conditions, which has been characterized by external shocks including the sharp decline in commodity prices, the geopolitical tensions along important global trading routes, and tightening of monetary policy in the United States of America.

    It said that the CBN boss drew linkages of these occurrences with the Nigerian economy, especially with respect to the over 70 percent decline in oil prices from about S116 per barrel in June 2014 to about $30 per barrel earlier in the year.

    It said, “The Governor’s presentation also gave us an insight into the Bank’s decisions in the Foreign Exchange Market, and the rationale underlying the recent re-introduction of a Flexible Exchange Rate Mechanism in Nigeria.

    “He also delved into the health of the financial system and discussed the Bank’s detailed examinations of financial institutions as well as its zero tolerance for insider dealings by Board and Management of deposit money banks.

    “In sum, the Governor declared that the Strategic health of Nigeria’s financial system is still strong at this time.”

    It said that after the presentation, many Senators asked a host of pertinent questions and raised issues concerning the banking system, the slippage in economic growth for the first quarter of 2016, the gradual

    rise in inflation, fall in foreign exchange reserves, and policy coordination between the fiscal and monetary authorities.

    It said that following an exhaustive response by both the Governor and his team, the Senate acknowledged that “these are indeed difficult times all over the world and not just in Nigeria.”

    “The Senate also acknowledged the pains that many people may be facing at this time, especially in light of increases in price of electricity and fuels.

    “But having carefully considered the policies of the CBN, the Senate would like to commend and support these policies because they are mostly geared towards increasing local production, creating jobs here in Nigeria, safeguarding our commonwealth, and expanding economic opportunities and growth in Nigeria,” the statement said.

    The Senate insisted that it is critical that all Nigerians put hands together to seek long term solutions to the country’s underlying problem of non diversification of foreign exchange earning and revenues, rather than pointing fingers or apportioning blames.

    The Senators noted that they “believe strongly in the resilience of the Nigerian economy and the ingenuity of the Nigerian people and as such, we are confident that we will all pull through these difficulties and come out as a much better, equitable, and prosperous nation.”

    A source at the closed door meeting also said that “at a time, the CBN governor told us that we should also work together to pull the economy out of trouble.”

    He noted that “many of us believe that the economy is actually in trouble and something has to be done to rescue it in the interest of the country.”

    Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun will also face the Senate on Wednesday on the same subject matter.

     

  • Senate threatens to arrest AGF

    Senate threatens to arrest AGF

    The Senate Tuesday threatened to invoke necessary legislative powers including arrest warrant to drag the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Ababukar Malami, to appear before it.

    The resolution followed explanation by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru, on the circumstances surrounding the failure of Malami to honour the invitation of his committee.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said that the Senate would be guided by Constitutional provisions to deal with the AGF if he failed once again to honour the invitation of the upper chamber.

    Special Assistant to the President on Prosecution attached to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla, had told the committee that it lacked the power to summon Malami since the AGF was not an appointee of the Senate.

    Obono-Obla who represented the AGF at a sitting of the committee insisted before he was walked out of the meeting that Malami did not commit any offence by dragging Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu to court over alleged forgery of Senate standing rule.

    Umaru who came under personal explanation said: “The resolution of the Senate was for the committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters to invite the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to appear before it and explain the reason behind attempts to prefer charges against the principal officers of this hallowed chamber.

    “In line with the directive, we invited the Honourable Attorney General, first on the 23rd of June and on that date he did not appear but a letter was received by our committee to the effect that he needed more time to articulate its position and that he was out of the country.

    “The committee obliged him, we scheduled another meeting for the 30th of June, on that day, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice did not appear before the committee.

    “However, somebody who claimed to be Mr. Oblar appeared to say that he was appearing on behalf of the minister.

    “The committee therefore told him that he was not an invitee and that we will not attend to him and we asked him to leave.

    “I have being informed by Senator Ita Enag (Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters) and I have received lots of attempts to reach me by the Hon. Attorney General. Senator Ita Enag have informed me that the Attorney General regrets his inability to respond to our petition and that he requests time to appear before us.

    “I think it is important for the distinguished colleagues to be informed about this development and for us to request for more time to give him the opportunity to appear since he has indicated his willingness to appear before the committee.”

    Saraki who did not allow debate of the matter said insisted that the AGF must appear before the committee in line with the resolution of the Senate.

    He noted that failure to comply with the resolution of the Senate to appear before the committee necessary constitutional steps would be taken to enforce Senate resolution.

    The Senate President noted that they would have no choice than to follow strictly what he Constitution dictates if the AGF failed to honour the Senate.

    Saraki said, “We all heard the explanation of the chairman Judiciary. What he is trying to get across to us here is to tell us the status of the situation because what we have been reading in the papers was of great concern where the number one judicial officer of the country will be the one that will be flouting the Constitution.

    “Section 89 (c) of the Constitution is very clear. But it appears from what you are saying that the Attorney General is requesting for one more chance to be given to appear before you.

    “The Senate is always in the progress of development; as such we will do that and ensure that he does come this time.

    “Otherwise, we will have no choice than to follow the constitution strictly.

    “So, you will report back to us before the end of the week to let us know the status of that situation.

    “If that does not happen, we will go ahead and go in line with the Constitution very clearly.”

     

     

  • Buhari writes Senate over medical vacation

    Buhari writes Senate over medical vacation

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter informing the Senate about his medical vacation in the United Kingdom was Tuesday read on the floor of the Senate.

    The letter entitled “Medical vacation” read by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was dated June 6th June, 2016.

    President Buhari said in the letter addressed to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, “In compliance with Section 145 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, I wish to inform the Distinguished Senate that I will be away on a short medical vacation from 6th-16th of June 2016, and while I am away, the Vice President will perform the functions of my office.

    “Please accept, as always assurances of my highest esteemed consideration.”

    The President travelled to the United Kingdom on Monday to rest as well as seek medical attention to an ear weakness.

  • Amended electoral law ready before 2017, says Saraki

    Amended electoral law ready before 2017, says Saraki

    • Inconclusive elections to end next month-INEC boss

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Monday gave a matching order to the Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act are concluded before the end of 2016.

    Saraki’s directive came even as INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, assured that all pending inconclusive elections would be concluded before the end of next month.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on his part canvassed that institutionalization for early and direct primaries by political parties to make the country’s electoral process more credible and to deepen her democracy.

    Saraki, Yakubu and Ekweremadu spoke at a summit on elections with the theme “Legislating for electoral reform” organised by the Senate Committee on INEC.

    The summit specifically seeks to amend the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended).

    The Senate President noted that the necessity to end amendment to the Electoral Act before 2017 was informed to ensure that the amendment did not run into the electioneering period.

    He noted that it becomes more difficult to amend the Act at the period of politics.

    Saraki said: “I have given the matching order that we must conclude the amendment on or at the end of the 2016. My view is that once politics starts it becomes more and more difficult to amend the Act. Especially these days that politics starts early, it is my expectation that by the end of 2016 we shall have amended the Electoral Act.”

    He said that the country’s electoral successes in the last general election has created the impression that “we have achieved electoral universality and integrity, but recent events and emerging issues have served as a reminder to us that there is still a lot of work to be done.”

    Describing the retreat as both timely and critical, Saraki said that the Senate should be aware that more than ever before the Nigerian people wanted a responsible government whose fate, they alone can determine.

    “It all starts with having a virile electoral system with impeccable integrity and universal application must be the minimum standards. We must fashion out an electoral scheme that does not disenfranchise any Nigerian, one that does not have room for ballot tampering and manipulation.

    “Electoral process must become routine and inviolable. This is attainable. The current National Assembly is poised to provide the missing gaps through its legislative interventions but we will be best served with the advice coming from your recommendations through the committee,” Saraki insisted.

    He asked the committee to consider the demand of Nigerians in the Diaspora to be included in the electoral process and the germane issue of the voting opportunity of IDPs and people living in severely challenged hard to reach areas either due to security or other unforeseen challenges.

    He added, “It will be important to take another look at the role of our security personnel from the Police, to the Department of State Security and the Military. This is especially so in the light of certain revelations to the effect that the previous government had signed into law an amendment to the Electoral Act empowering the military to be used during elections for a variety of reasons.

    “It should be borne in mind that the Electoral (Amendment) Act, 2015 had in fact made far reaching amendments on the role of the Police before and during elections especially the issue of holding of rallies and meetings by political parties (S.94) and the role and operational deployment of the Armed Forces during elections (S.29). These provisions were designed as an attempt to ensure the democratic character of free and fair elections.”

    He said that the retreat will be expected to deliberate on and come up with a clear direction for the Senate on issue of the card reader and the desirability or otherwise of using the card reader exclusively for accreditation and voting in the electoral process.

    He also talked about a framework for Independent candidature – how best to operationalise and ensure that no candidate is placed in a vulnerable or compromised position by a party or external factors  but rather ensure that the electoral system provided to all equal access and a chance to aspire as they deem fit.

    According to Ekweremadu, late conduct of primaries by political parties owing mainly to constitutional restrictions posed serious challenges to the electoral system, while the parties’ penchant for indirect primaries had undermined internal democracy in the political parties.

    Stressing the need for Nigeria to learn from international best practices, Ekweremadu said: “In the United States of America, presidential primaries for presidential candidates start about 12 months to the election, culminating in the convention, which is usually a celebration of an already known candidate of the party.

    “In Ghana, although neither the Constitution nor the Electoral Act gives any specific period for the conduct of presidential and parliamentary primaries, individual parties have provisions in their respective constitutions for early primaries.

    “For example, Article 11 (2)(b) of the NPP Constitution provides that “parliamentary candidates shall be elected at least twelve (12) months before the National General Election” while Article 12 provides that the party’s primary election for the nomination of the presidential candidate shall be held not later than twenty-four (24) months from the date of the national elections”.

    He described the benefits of early primaries as manifold.

    He said early primaries would allow the winning candidates in the early primaries the foothold to raise sufficient campaign funds for the larger contests.

    He added: “Early primaries afford parties and candidates the time to visit every part of the country/constituency.

    “It also allows them to initiate and shape the national conversation about their identity and future direction, defining ideologies and manifesto.

    “Early primaries will help the judiciary to conclude all pre-election litigations and assist the election management body to have ample time to plan and deliver credible elections”.

    Ekweremadu further argued that with early primaries, “resources expended on conduct of bye-elections over the fielding of the wrong candidates or omission of candidates will also be drastically reduced”, adding that knowing early enough whether they have their parties’ tickets or not would also enable elected political office holders to plan ahead for life after their tenure.

    The lawmaker, who also canvassed staggered primaries, said that holding primaries in different states on different dates for presidential aspirants, for instance, would “allow the optimization of the use of resources such as security forces and increases the possibility of closer scrutiny and transparency and management”.

    On the imperatives of direct primaries, Ekweremadu regretted that while Section 87 (2) of the Electoral Act provides for the nomination of candidates by political parties for the various elective positions through direct or indirect primaries, parties had always favoured indirect primaries, which, according to him, were less transparent, participatory, and democratic.

    To this end, he suggested the amendment of Section 87 of the Electoral Act to make the conduct of direct primaries compulsory for all political parties, noting that presently, mandatory direct primaries only apply to the election of councillorship candidates.

    While further noting that direct primaries were the sure way of “returning power back to the people, Ekweremadu also said “Such would ensure that the process of nominating candidates is credible, transparent, fully participatory, and democratic as well as reduce electoral disputes within the party and restore confidence and internal democracy”.

    Prof, Yakubu cited some challenges confronting INEC since the 2015 elections as part of the reasons for the .inconclusive elections.

    The INEC boss also noted that said since the conclusion of the 2015 general election, the electoral empire had conducted a total number of 129 elections including 49 rerun elections out of the 80 nullified polls by elections petitions tribunals; 10 bye-elections in various constituencies resulting from the death of members of state and national assemblies; 68 elections in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two end of tenure elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States, among others.

    He said that 23 election certificates were withdrawn in accordance with court rulings and such certificates re-presented to rightful winners of elections in both the Senate and House of Representatives.

    He canvassed the need for an amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act with a view to ensuring that candidates whose elections are nullified as a result of improper nominations by their parties should have their certificates re-issued to the runners-up.

    Doing so, he said, would save the nation the huge cost of conducting fresh elections in such circumstances.

    Prof. Yakubu urged the committee to ensure the inclusion of card readers in the Electoral Act ahead of the conduct of the next general elections.

    Such provision, he said, should also cover the use of other forms of technology to enable INEC have the full fledged power to deploy any technological innovation it deems fit without any legal hindrance.

    The INEC boss who accused political parties of compounding electoral challenges by failing to properly nominate candidates, recalled how some elections were cancelled because parties nominated ex-convicts, under-age candidates, certificates forgers, among other renegades in the country.

    In the same vein, he asked the National Assembly to consider an amendment which will name a specific candidate to inherit the result of an election if a candidate at an election dies before the announcement of election result as was the case in Kogi State following the death of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abubakar Audu, at the November 2015 Kogi governorship election.

  • I was ‘extremely rich’ before becoming Kwara gov – Saraki

    I was ‘extremely rich’ before becoming Kwara gov – Saraki

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki said Tuesday that he was “extremely rich” before he became Kwara State governor in 2003.

    He said he had $22million US dollars, about 12million pounds, 2.6m Euro and about N4billion in cash in his various accounts.

    Aside the liquid asset, Saraki said he also possessed landed property estimated at N2billion and 15 vehicles valued at about N263.4m.

    He gave details of the vehicles he acquired as at 2003 to include: Mercedes X320, valued at N16m; Mercedes X500 worth N20m; Mercedes G500, valued at N6m; Mercedes V220 worth 2m and Ferrari456GT, valued at N25m.

    Others are:  Navigator, N15m, MN240 worth N8.5m; Peugeot 406, valued at N2.9m; Mercedes CLK 320 worth N9m; Mercedes E320 valued at N11m; Mercedes G500 bullet proof, worth N45m; Mercedes X500 worth N300m; Lexus jeep Bullet proof, valued at N30m and Lincoln Navigator Bullet Proof worth N25m.

    Saraki’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN) made this public Tuesday at the resumption of the Senate President’s trial for false asset declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Abuja.

    Erokoro, who was cross-examining the first prosecution witness, Michael Wetkas, identified the assets as claimed by Saraki in the asset declaration form he submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) in 2003.

    Erokoro said he needed to point out that his client was very rich before he became Kwara State governor to erase the wrong impression created by the prosecution that, he could not have acquired the property he claimed to have, without obtaining loans from banks

    The lawyer was however silent on the source of his client’s wealth and how he came about all the property and cash he claimed to have possessed before he became governor in 2003.

    However, Saraki’s profile, as contained in “Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia,” indicated that he was born on 19 December 1962 and studied at the London Hospital Medical College of the University of London from 1982 to 1987, when he obtained his M.B.B.S (London).

    He worked as a medical officer at Rush Green Hospital, Essex, from 1988 to 1989 and was a director of Société Générale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990 to 2000. The bank founded by his now late father, Olusola Saraki, had its operating licence withdrawn in January 2006, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    In 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Saraki as Special Assistant to the President on Budget, a position he held until he became governor.

    When asked if it was possible for Saraki to have made anticipatory declaration of asset, Wetkas insisted it was not about whether or not such practice was possible, but that investigation and evidence have shown that the Senate President actually engaged in anticipatory asset declaration.

    The witness pointed out that, in the asset declaration form submitted to the CCB by Saraki in 2003, he claimed to have acquired houses Nos: 15A and 15B Macdonald Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, when in actual fact, such property do not exist.

    Wetkas, a detective with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said, investigation revealed that the only property with similar description was No15 and Block 15 Flat 1 to 4 Mcdonald Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    “In the course of our investigation, when we came across this No.15 A and B, Ikoyi, Lagos, we wrote to the Presidential Implementation Committee on the disposal of Federal Government Landed Property. We also wrote to the Lagos Land Registry.

    “The Lagos Land Registry said they do not have records of No.15A and B, McDonald. The Presidential Committee said the record they have on their system is No.15 Mcdonald, which was sold to the company, TinyTee Ltd, and Block 15, Flat 1 to 4 Mcdonald Ikoyi, which was sold to another company, Bitti Oil Ltd.

    “The evidence I gave was that No: 15 Mcdonald was sold to TinyTee Ltd, belonging to the defendant, which we did not see declared as part of his assets in all the declaration forms, about 6 in all.

    In my testimony on 5th April 2016 I had said the defendant declared, in his asset declaration form – Exhibit 1, in appendix 3, that he bought No: 15A and B, McDonald, Ikoyi, Lagos sometime in 2000 through his company called Calile Properties Ltd, whereas our findings reveals that  No:15 was actually purchased by his company, TinyTee, not Calile sometime in 2006.

    “We also found that the second property : Block 15 Flat 1 -4 was sold to Bitti Oil Ltd, investigation is yet to link the defendant with that company,” Wetkas said.

    As Wetkas testified, Saraki, who wore white agbada and a cap, sat quietly in the “accused box.”

    At a point, Erokoro attempted to discredit the form submitted by Saraki in 2003, which he signed on September 16, 2003, by claiming that it must have been tampered with.

    Erokoro hinged his suspicion on his belief that it was impossible for Saraki to have contemplated as at 2003, of buying the Ikoyi property in 2006 and thereby included it in his 2003 asset declaration form.

    In reacting to Erokoro’s position, Wetkas said it was only Saraki, who signed the document, admitting his claims on it that could explain the reason for what Erokoro thinks seems impossible.

    “The Exhibit 1 (the 2003 form) was signed and dated by Saraki on September 16, 2003. As far as I am concerned, Exhibit 1 was duly signed and dated by the defendant on September 16, 2003.

    “I did not insert the properties in the form. Asset declaration form is not just any document. The person declaring his assets is expected to go before a High Court judge to swear on oath. They swear to affidavit, so it is believed that all he swore to, and appended his signature to the truth.  I do not need to see him in person or confront him to believe that his declaration in the form is true,” Wetkas said.

    Earlier, the witness, who was handed an electric calculator by Erokoro, to calculate the value of Saraki’s asset, as stated in the 2003 form, said inquiry into some of his bank accounts and those of some members of his immediate family revealed that Saraki was worth more than N1.5billion as at 2003

    “By Appendix 7A of Exhibit 1, the defendant’s wife’s account in EcoBank showed N1, 500,000 as cahs balance.

    “At page 6 of Exhibit 1: Cash at bank in Nigeria added up to N1, 100,000 in Société General Bank, in the name of Tosin and Seni Saraki (his children below 18 years as at 2003).

    At 3.30 pm, lead defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) sought an adjournment, which the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar reluctantly agreed to.

    Umar reminded Agabi that parties had agreed at the commencement of proceedings, that the tribunal will only rise at 4pm.

    The tribunal Chairman however changed his mind when other fence lawyers, including Paul Usoro (SAN) added their voices to Agabi’s request.

    Only about three Senators were identified at yesterday’s proceedings as against the practice in the past when up to 20 Senators were always attending every sitting.

    The regulars: Dino Melaye (who occasionally served food and drinks to other Senators when they attend proceedings), Samuel Anyawu and Tayo Alasoadura were absent at yesterday’s proceedings.

    Also, Ajibola Oluyede, the lawyer, who suddenly appeared in the defence team at the previous proceedings to move a motion seeking Umar’s disqualification, was also absent yesterday.

    Further hearing resumes Wednesday.

     

  • Anti-Corruption War: Saraki seeks private-public partnership

    Anti-Corruption War: Saraki seeks private-public partnership

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Monday  called for closer collaboration between private organizations with the Federal Government for an effective fight against corruption.

    Saraki gave the charge when he played host to the executive members of the Institute of Directors (IOD), led by its President/Chairman of Governing Council, Mr. Samuel Yemi Akeju, in his office in Abuja.

    He said it is part of the 8th Senate’s Legislative Agenda to contribute maximally towards the elimination of corrupt tendencies in the country.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, said that Saraki told his guests that the Executive arm of government is on the same page with the National Assembly in resuscitating the economy, ensuring adequate security and alleviating unemployment across board.

    The Senate President was quoted to have said, “Our agenda in the Senate and that of the present administration is geared towards improving the economic situation of our dear country, adequate security and fight against corruption.

    “The fight against corruption is key to this administration and we are in full support of this task. I want to call on the Institute of Directors of Nigeria to join the fight in every capacity to bring to normalcy ways of doing things and take our nation out of economic doldrums.”

    He recalled that the 8th Senate from inception have been an inclusive Senate.

    He said, “We had meetings with players in Public and private sectors on how to amend our outdated laws and make them acceptable and blend with the modern trend.

    “That is the major reason why we seek collaboration and support of private organizations and bodies like Institute of Directors of Nigeria in ensuring that government’s actions and approaches are directed towards providing better lives Nigerians.”

    Akeju was quoted to have said that the 8th Senate since inception has lived up to the yearnings of the people in terms of professionalism and legislation adding that if sustained, it will give room for best practices in all ramifications of governance.

    Akeju who unfolded the purpose of the visit to the Senate President said the Institute has agreed to present a draft Bill to the National Assembly on the workings of the Institute saying the Bill when passed into Law will further boost the day to day activities in the business world.

    He said that the IOD, as a foremost organization in the country, will continue to play the leadership role saying over the last two years, the Institute has inducted over 800 Directors just as he suggested a mandatory membership for lawmakers in the National Assembly.

     

  • Saraki lacks moral right to query CCT Chair’s integrity – FG

    Saraki lacks moral right to query CCT Chair’s integrity – FG

    The Federal Government Wednesday queried the moral right of the Senate President in calling on the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar to disqualify himself from his (Saraki’s) trial for false asset declaration.

    Lead prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs said it was laughable that Saraki, who is currently being tried, will chose to hold on to office as a Senator and Senator President, but demand that Umar, who was merely investigated and had since been freed, to vacate office.

    “This motion is absurd. The defendant (Saraki), who has been charged to court, is still performing his statutory duty as a senator, but he is saying that the Constitution guarantees him presumption of innocence.

    “He is saying that he remains a senator. He is saying that he will continue to be Senate President and he will continue to perform his duties. But he is saying that your lordship (Umar), who was merely investigated, should not be allowed to enjoy the presumption of innocence and that your lordship should not be allowed to continue to perform his duties.

    “Your lordship has not been charged before any court. No charge has been filed against your lordship. That is the absurdity in their motion. This application is only filed to achieve one purpose; to embarrass the tribunal,” Jacobs said while responding to a motion by Saraki, asking the tribunal Chairman to disqualify himself from the trial on the ground that he was investigated for bribery allegation.

    Jacobs said the motion was filed to malign the tribunal chairman, adding that the investigation of the bribery allegation had been concluded and the person found to be culpable had since last year been charged to court by the EFCC.

    “If investigation has been concluded and someone is already facing trial, will the defendant be right to say that the tribunal chairman is involved in on-going investigation. He cannot be right. The investigation has been concluded since March 2015.

    “This is stated in our counter-affidavit which was never challenged. That is what led to the charge he referred to. The person on trial is the only one recommend for prosecution.

    “The letter did not recommend your lordship for prosecution. That is not what the letter says. The letter clearly stated with overwhelming evidence the person to be prosecuted. We should fear God, we are counsel,” Jacobs said.

    He noted that contrary to Saraki’s claim, the EFCC was not a party to the case, but that it was the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) that issued him (Jacobs) the fiat to prosecute the defendant.

    He insisted that the case was filed through the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and not the EFCC as claimed by Oluyede.

    He said by virtue of section 349(7), of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Saraki’s lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede could not have validly file the motion without the  consent of the lead defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) who was still in the case.

    He reminded the tribunal that the issue of who filed the charges against Saraki, had been argued by Agabi in a motion challenging the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

    Jacobs said the issue had become part of the subjects of appeal filed by Agabi against the tribunal’s ruling and urged the judge not to make findings on it in order not to run foul of usurping the duties of the appeal court.

    Earlier, Oluyede, while moving the motion, insisted that Umar must disqualify himself from the trial. He argued that the June 24, 2014 letter by the then EFCC chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde and which was dated addressed to the then AGF, Bello Adoke, did not exonerate him of the bribery allegation.

    Oluyede contended that the then AGF had directed the EFCC to proceed to prosecute the tribunal chairman and the other suspects. He added that the other report of investigation issued in March 2015 did not also clear the tribunal chairman.

    Oluyede said it would require the AGF office to issue another letter overriding the earlier directive to the EFCC to go ahead with the prosecution of Umar and his co-suspect, before the tribunal chairman could be said to have been cleared.

    He insisted that in as much as there was no fresh letter by the AGF expressly stating that Umar had been cleared of the allegation, “the legitimacy of the proceedings (Saraki’s trial) is in question”.

    On claim by Jacobs that Agabi was not part of the motion, Oluyede noted that “Paragraph 15 of the further affidavit confirms that it was, in fact the lead counsel, Agabi,that advised the defendant to bring this application before the tribunal in the interest of justice.

    “The submission of counsel, no matter how esteem that counsel is, does not and is not allowed to be considered as constituting evidence.

    “Even if it was true that the lead counsel was not aware or did not even consent or approve it for reasons of conflict, it is immaterial because any counsel that is briefed by a party to a proceeding is entitled to act in accordance to the instruction of his client,” Oluyede said.

    Before Oluyede moved the motion, Agabi excused himself from the proceedings.

    He appealed to parties in the case, including the tribunal members to allow peace to reign.

    As against the claim by Oluyede, Agabi, before exiting the proceedings, admitted that he only became aware of the motion after Oluyede had filed it. Agabi said he had no problem with the motion, being moved on behalf of the defence team.

    Shortly after Oluyede moved his motion, Umar said he has been cleared of the allegation by both the EFCC and the AGF.

    He recalled that upon a petition filed against him before the House of Representatives over the bribery allegation, the AGF (Malami) appeared before a committee of the House and told the members of the committee that he (Umar) had been cleared.

    Umar said, “A group called Anti-Corruption Network wrote a petition against me at the House of Representatives.

    “The House committee invited me and I went there three times but the petitioner did not come. The committee asked me what I think should be done and I said, if it were to be court, when the person who filed a case refuses to come, the court will strike it out. But the chairman said, let’s give them another time.

    “Why did he not strike it out and decided to continue to wait for the petitioner? I went there just because of the respect I have for the institution. I am a law abiding citizen. That is why I went there three times, abandoning all my works here.

    “They invited the AGF. He went with a copy of the letter of EFCC and he said by virtue of that letter, nobody could compel him to prosecute me on the basis of that letter, which stated that the allegation was based on mere suspicion.

    “On the basis of that, he (the AGF) said he will not prosecute me. As the chief law officer, he decides who to prosecute and when to stop to prosecute anybody.”

    The tribunal will rule Thursday on the motion.