The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • National Assembly draws battle line with Presidency

    With a 12 point strongly worded resolutions, members of the National Assembly appear to have drawn the battle line with the Presidency.

    Some observers saw it coming with the spouting cold war between the two arms of government.

    It is indeed a war of attrition that may have dire consequences on both sides if it is not quickly arrested.

    In the estimation of most members of the National Assembly, the Presidency has crossed the red line.

    They seem to have concluded the enough is enough hence the audacious resolutions.

    The linking of Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, with the deadly Offa robbery that claimed 33 lives and the threat of arraign Speaker, House of Representatives Yakubu Dagara over alleged budget padding may have the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

    The lawmakers captured their grievances their 12 point resolution.

    The National Assembly was charged on Tuesday as the two chambers reconvened for the plenary.

    Unexpected high number of security personnel swarmed the National Assembly complex.

    Entitled resolution of the joint session of the National Assembly, the obvious angry lawmakers declared:

    “The National Assembly held a Joint Executive Session today, Tuesday, June 5th, 2018, where lawmakers resolved as follows:

    Read Also: National Assembly, redeem thyself

    “The Security Agencies must be given marching orders to curtail the sustained killing of Nigerians across the country and protect lives and properties of Nigerians as this is the primary duty of any responsible Government;

    “The systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents, people with contrary opinions including Legislators and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies must stop;

    “There must be strict adherence to the Rule of Law and protection for all citizens by the President and his appointees;

    “The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those that carry out any act which will ridicule or endanger our country and democracy;

    “The Government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective . It should also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them;

    “The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved by the Federal Government of Nigeria by not interfering in its business and prosecuting those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace;

    “National Assembly should liaise with International Communities through the IPU, APU, ECOWAS, CPA, Parliament, Pan African Parliament, EU,  UN,  US congress and UK Parliament to secure our democracy

    Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the present reign of fear and intimidation particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections;

    “The National Assembly will work closely with Civil Society Organizations, Trade Unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy;

    “The President must take immediate steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that we have advantage of the oil price having risen to $80 per barrel;

    “Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the entire leadership of the National Assembly;

    “We reaffirm our earlier resolution of vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police who does nothing other than preside over the killing of innocent Nigerian and consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative;

    “Finally, the National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its Constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.”

    Apart from the controversial emergence of Saraki and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu as Senate President and Deputy Senate President against the directive of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the refusal of the Senate to confirm Ibrahim Magu as Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, was a major source of friction between the two arms.

    The arraigning of Saraki for alleged false declaration of asset was another point of disagreement.

    With the 12 point resolution, the two arms government may have reached a point of no return in their frosty relationship.

  • Petroleum administration bill to aide deregulation of sector

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday said that Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) will provide legal backing for the deregulation of downstream petroleum sector.

    He also said that the three new PIB considered by the Senate will boost economic growth and lead to a more efficient oil sector that is globally competitive.

    Saraki stated this while inaugurating a three-day public hearing on the PIB organized by the Senate Joint Committee on the PIB in Abuja.

    The Senate President said the three bills under consideration would have tremendous impact on the economy and investment opportunities when passed into law.

    The bills under consideration included the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill 2018, Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill 2018 and the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill 2018.

    The Senate recently passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which is now before the Conference Committee of both chambers for harmonization.

    The objective of the Petroleum Industry Administration Bill, Saraki said, is to transform the administration of the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of the country’s petroleum industry.

    He said: “Firstly, the Bill creates a framework that will free up acreages that are not being developed by current license and lease holders, thereby creating opportunities for new investors. This will bring substantial new investment to our oil and gas industry.

    “Secondly, it ensures effective management of the environment by petroleum operators and administrators.

    “Thirdly, it provides a framework to unleash midstream activities which will open up the market for the supply of gas and other downstream products, for economic growth. Above all, I believe the most important feature of this Bill is that it provides much needed legal backing for the deregulation of our downstream petroleum sector.”

    He said that the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, aims to fix the anomalies in the nation’s existing fiscal framework for the petroleum industry which is outdated, especially with regards to royalty and tax regimes.

    He said, “For instance, billions of dollars have been lost through non-invocation of provisions in subsisting laws, at those times when crude oil price crosses certain thresholds.

    Read Also: Buhari yet to get petroleum bill, says Presidency

     “The Bill will fix this as well as remove difficulties and uncertainties surrounding our tax assessment and collection system.

    “Additionally, it will remove distortions created by the Associated Gas Framework Agreement; and provide comprehensive fiscal terms for the development of our abundant natural gas resources.

    “Perhaps the most critical objective of the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill is that it will enhance our international competitiveness and make Nigeria a choice destination for oil and gas investors.”

    Saraki noted that the Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill, according to him, provides for a legal framework for the development of the petroleum host and impacted communities.

    He said, “It is a pan-Nigeria Bill that will cater for communities that are hosts to upstream assets, as well as significant midstream and downstream assets and infrastructure.

    “The Petroleum Host and Impacted Communities Bill is unique because it overcomes the pitfalls of past efforts; and is structured to bring funding for the development of host communities, under the direct control of the communities themselves.

    “We expect the Bill to make for greater harmony and partnership among the various stakeholders in the sector. I urge everyone to pay particular attention to presentations by representatives of host communities,” he said.

    The Bills, he said, are critical to the growth of the nation’s economy, the livelihood of all Nigerians and the interests of investors.

    He said, “We have the task of delivering these Bills which, together, will enhance the growth of our oil and gas industry, modernize our fiscal system and enhance competitiveness, while creating harmony for all stakeholders.”

  • Corruption: Senate challenges Jega to mention names

    The Senate yesterday asked former Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) Chairman, Attahiru Jega, to name members of the National Assembly involved in corruption practices.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, threw the challenge to former INEC boss following a Point of Order raised by Senator Isah Hamman Misau on the allegation of corrupt practices leveled against National Assembly members by Jega.

    Jega was reported to have said that National Assembly Committee chairmen asked for gratification from heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to carry out their constitutional duties in the name of so-called over sight functions.

    Saraki said he was at the event where the allegation was made.

    He also said that Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was also at the event where Jega made allegation.

    He said that they were “highly embarrassed” by the sweeping allegation which failed to name names.

    He noted that the matter should be forgotten if Jega fails to name those involved.

     Saraki said, “I was at the programme, myself with the Speaker and we were highly embarrassed by that kind of comment. All of us are committed to the fight against corruption.

    “But I believe it doesn’t help the fight against corruption, it is a slight to the integrity of some of us, where such a statement is made.

    “If he has those kinds of evidence, he should bring it forward. Because to say that, is to suggest that every member of the National Assembly is part of this even those who are not part of this are condoling this action which is far from the truth.

    “If he can’t come out and name names then he should not make such branding statement.

    “Going forward to all distinguished and respected Nigerians, in issues that have to do with the institutions and a parliament, if there are cases like this, we have always said that we are not going to cover up for anybody and future accusations, they should name them and see what the institution would do in trying to ensure that the necessary sanctions are taken.”

    Misau said “My point of order is based on the lecture made during the Democracy Day, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was in attendance.

    “During the lecture, the guest lecturer who is an elder stateman and the former chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega made a statement which I feel I have to bring it to this floor.

    “He made mention that some committee chairmen of the National Assembly are notorious for demanding or collecting bribes, which I feel is unfortunate.

    “Somebody that is well respected to come and make statement that he was told by some executive is really unfortunate.

    “I feel that the statement is very weighty because that programme was televised live.

    “The thing they need to understand is that these live programmes are watched around the world and at the time he made that statement, I am a member of ECOWAS parliament and I after the lecture, I went to the parliament, most of the parliamentarians, asked me if what the Professor said is true or not?

    Also read : Ex-nPDP: stop Saraki’s trial

    “I found it difficult to explain to them and I feel that not only Professor Jega but anybody that would make statements concerning the credibility of this Senate and the chairmen, I think you should be bold enough to mention the committee chairmen especially when it is about fighting corruption in Nigeria.

    “If we really want to fight corruption and want to help the government, he would not be making such statements without mentioning the committee chairmen and those who gave him that sort of information.

    “I felt embarrassed. We need the Professor to throw more light on what he made.”

  • Nigerians should not be complacent about democracy- Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday advised Nigerians not to take for granted the continued democratic dispensation the country has been enjoying for the past 19 years but guard against actions, statements and moves which can truncate the political process.

    While congratulating Nigerians on the 19th anniversary of unbroken elected government in the country, Saraki in a statement advised the people to always be vigilant and speak against anti-democratic policies and actions which are capable of subverting rule of law.

    He also canvassed  strict adherence to the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, sovereignty of parliament, independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the press, adding that “our constitutional institutions must be preserved and protected”.

    “As we celebrate democracy today, I congratulate our people and express my conviction that this system of government is the best so far invented. However, it goes beyond the conduct of elections to put leaders in office. Democracy involves strict adherence to rule of law as against the rule of men. It is about respect for due process and following laid down procedures. It is about respect for and building of institutions.

    “That is why we cannot be celebrating Democracy Day without canvassing for caution on some recent negative developments in our polity, particularly as we prepare for next year’s general elections. These include abuse of office in a manner that suggests persecution and oppression of perceived enemies, stifling of free expression, undermining of democratic institutions, and impunity on the part of certain persons who behave as though they are above the laws of the land.

    “These developments should be of concern to all democrats. Other political and opinion leaders who decided to veil their sight as if they are not seeing these infractions on democracy and choose to keep quiet, should know that they equally pose danger to the survival of our country.

    “History will not be fair to us if we allow our complacency to jeopardize democracy. We all must be able to speak out with strong voice on issues that constitute a danger to democracy. Eternal vigilance, they say, is the price of liberty.

    “At this point, let us remember and salute our heroes of democracy, those who toiled and paid different prices for us to have elected government, particularly, those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. Their labour shall definitely not be in vain.

    Read Also: Osinbajo-led FG delegation meets Saraki-led nPDP

    “Also, it is important for us to quickly tackle all issues that can undermine our democracy, particularly insecurity and lack of good governance. We must immediately find solution to the security issues and ensure that we return the regime of peace, safety of lives and property in all parts of our country. In the same way, we must do all that is necessary to deliver good governance to our people and fight corruption at all levels. These challenges must be confronted by all political leaders devoid of party loyalty, ethnicity, religion and personal preferences. We must all set aside our personal interests and work as a collective on these aforementioned issues.

    “It is equally necessary to warn that with the 2015 polls, we have set a very high standard in Africa. We cannot afford to perform less in 2019. The next general elections must be freer, fairer and more peaceful than the last one. Those responsible for conducting the polls must raise the bar and work to take Nigeria to a higher level of electoral process.

    “It is important for all of us to note that Nigeria will continue to exist after the 2019 polls. Just as the country is still here after the 2015 polls. We must therefore not do anything that will threaten the existence of the country or its peace, unity and tranquility.

    “Let me use this occasion to urge our all our people to avoid making and circulating hate speech which can further accentuate our fault lines and set one section of the country against the other. Rather, we should all embrace tolerance and the need to be our brother’s keeper. We all have a lot to gain from a united and stronger Nigeria than having a nation embedded in conflict.

    “As we celebrate Democracy Day, it is my wish that Nigerians will continue to enjoy good  governance, provided by freely elected government and sustained by strong and impartial institutions, all of which will lead to the creation of a developed society with the citizens freely enjoying a high standard of living,” Saraki stated.

  • Senate summons service chiefs, IGP over Birnin Gwari killings

    The Senate Wednesday invited the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the continued killings in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

    The resolution followed a point of order by Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central) at plenary on the security situation in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Sani said, “I will say again that there is the need by the Federal Government to take Birnin Gwari as seriously as other parts of Nigeria. It is very clear that the people have been crying and raising issues but nobody is listening. Birnin Gwari has gradually become the Sambisa Forest of the North West region in Nigeria.”

    President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, decried the killings in Birnin Gwari and other parts of the country.

    Read Also:Senate summons service chiefs over arms proliferation

    Saraki said that the security chiefs were invited to brief the lawmakers on their efforts to check the growing insecurity in that part of the country.

    He said, “This is a matter that is very serious. It is a case where we have in our society people being killed daily and kidnapped in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, particularly the events of last week where many were killed. Doing nothing does not give hope to our people. We must continue to be seen to be addressing these concerns.

    “I will want to suggest that next week and on this particular issue as well, we do get a briefing from the state security, the military and the police. I don’t think any of us have any objection to that. If there is none, I will rule on it, that we direct these three agencies, next week, to come and brief us on this.”

  • Omo-Agege resumes sitting in Senate

    The Senator representing Delta Central, Ovie Omo-Agege, on Wednesday resumed duties at the Senate chamber following his victory at the law court on his suspension..

    Omo-Agege walked into the chamber alongside some of his colleagues and signed the attendance register.

    He momentarily left the chamber before returning once again to participate in the plenary session presided over by the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

    The Delta Central lawmaker had on Monday hinted that he would resume duties.

    The Senate also said that it would not prevent him from attending sittings since he had obtained a court order nullifying his suspension.

    The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had last Thursday, voided the suspension of Omo-Agege by the Senate.

    The court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, held that the reason the Senate gave for Omo-Agege suspension for 90 legislative days, was unconstitutional.

    The court further noted that the Ethics and Privileges Committee of the Senate recommended that Omo-Agege should be suspended to punish him for instituting legal action against the legislative house.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege attends Senate plenary

    The court held that while the Senate has the powers to sanction its erring members to protect its integrity, no institution or authority has the powers to strip any citizen his right of access to the court.

    Justice Dimgba further noted that whereas sections 67(4) of the Senate Standing Rules 2014 and section 21(2) of the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act, okayed the suspension of any erring lawmakers for 14 legislative days, the Senate went ahead and handed Omo-Agege 90 days suspension.

    “The suspension of the plaintiff for 90 days is ultra-vires of powers of the 1st defendant (Senate). .Any suspension of member of the Senate that exceeds 14 days is null and void and unconstitutional”.er

    The court ordered the Senate to recall the plaintiff immediately and equally pay him any salary or allowance that accrued to him within the period he was illegally suspended.

  • Senate endorses attractive investment environment bill

    The pro-business, Attractive Investment Environment Bill, was Tuesday passed by the Senate.

    The passage of the repeal and re-enactment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), is perhaps the biggest business reform bill in the country in over 28 years.

    The passage of the Bill, heralds a new dawn for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) development in Nigeria, as the country will now join a select group of countries with attractive investment environments.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who spoke about the Bill, noted that the passage of CAMA was a significant milestone in the 8th Senate’s legislative agenda.

    Saraki said, “With the passage of CAMA, which is by far the biggest and one of the most far-reaching legislation ever passed in any legislature in our country, we have now put in place a regulatory framework to promote the ease of doing business and reduce regulatory hurdles.

    “This is a pro-business law. This bill that we have just passed will show the audacity that we have to move Nigerian businesses into a new era of success and development.”

    Read Also: 2018 budget: Senate, Reps, request N2bn more for Tourism sector

    If signed into law, the new Bill will help to make country’s business environment as competitive as its counterparts around the world.

    It also “allow business owners to register their businesses in a faster and more efficient way by using technology; removes all the unnecessary regulatory provisions , such as the requirement for ‘annual general meetings’ and ‘company secretaries’; and reduces the minimum share capital for all companies and start-ups in Nigeria — which will encourage more investments and create new jobs.”

    “CAMA will also creates the ‘LLP’ (Limited Liability Partnership) which is a new form of legal identity for businesses in Nigeria that is targeted at increasing foreign investment in the country; as well as guarantees that Nigerians will be able to register their businesses from anywhere in the country through the e-Registration system that the Senate’s amendment gives legal backing.

    “We are truly now walking the talk,” the President of the Senate said, “With the passage of CAMA, we are saying to the rest of the world that Nigeria is ready for business and the government of Nigeria is ready to support small scale industries to promote innovations, and encourage enterprise.

    “It will not have been done without the effort of all my colleagues.  I thank you for this great day in showing that truly the National Assembly is here in support of Nigerians to create an environment that enables them to be able to create business and seek opportunities,” Saraki said.

  • CBN only apex bank without a board, says Sani

    The Senator representing Kaduna Central Shehu Sani, Wednesday said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is the only apex bank in Africa without a board.

    The vocal senator appealed to his colleagues to take immediate steps to screen and approve nominated board members of the CBN.

    Sani said, “I stand here to make a personal appeal, an appeal to the conscience and support of this Senate over the issue of the central bank of Nigeria.

    “Mr. President, Nigeria Central Bank is the only central bank in the whole of Africa without a board.

    “And when you don’t have board, you limit the ability and capacity of the management of that institution that have a pivotal role to play in our economy to manage the affairs of banks for it to function properly.

    “The CBN is the most important economic fulcrum of our country. I can understand that we collectively here stood to make a position to suspend the screening of nominees but I think we should look at the issue of the CBN critically.

    “We can appreciate the fact that it has made some progress – progress in terms of stabilizing the economy, progress in terms of stabilizing the naira, and also progress in terms of appreciating our foreign reserve.

    “But we should be mindful that our work as a Senate will be lessened if we have a board that can perform an institutional oversight to ensure that the bank is run according to due process and according to the best standard both nationally and internationally.

    “The CBN board should be screened in the interest of transparency and probity so that we can truly know what is going on within the bank and we can be properly briefed that the management of the bank can be able to function.

    The absence of a board has made it impossible for the bank to function and to also do its duty as other banks do within the continent and beyond. I appeal that the Senate should look into the need to screen and approve the board of this bank in the interest of our economy to that we can have a proper documentation and knowledge of what is going on within the bank

    “It is the time to hold the executive to account,”

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki promised that the matter will be looked into.

    Read Also:CBN boosts foreign exchange market with $210m

  • Saraki to northern leaders: Why killings must be addressed

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday told northern leaders to join hands with the Federal Government in finding lasting solution to the incessant killings across the country.

    Saraki made the call while addressing a delegation of the Northern Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly (NLSA) who visited him at the National Assembly, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai.

    Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, noted that peace and unity is essential to achieve overall development of the country, while commending the group for rising up to contribute their quota in realizing a peaceful and prosperous country.

    Saraki said: “By this time, as elders, you ought to be resting, but the patriotism in you brought you out. You said you are political but non-partisan, we are all political and we need to get Nigeria in the right direction.

    “Being leaders, this is the time to find lasting solutions. This is not the time for blame. This is the time for us to bring peace and regional dialogue. No society worth its salt will keep quiet in the face of these killings.

    “Something somewhere is wrong. We need to meet to bring about peaceful coexistence and unity in this country. Part of the solution is to know that something is wrong.

    “I am happy that you are here and we will speak truth about the problems and to conduct ourselves on how to encourage dialogue and ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.

    Earlier, the chairman of the group and leader of the delegation, Yakasai, said the purpose of the visit was to brief the President of the Senate on the formation of the organization, including its aims and objectives.

    He said that the group is not out to get a consensus presidential candidate for north as being rumoured in some quarters, but rather to cooperate with Nigerians who share in its vision and mission.

    According to him, the group is out to formulate and device methods of preventing and resolving conflicts with the goal of creating and sustaining peaceful coexistence, arrest the drift in the North, restore individual and group confidence, create functional regional unity, among others.

    Besides, he said the group will look at the problems of armed robbery, kidnapping and herdsmen/farmers clashes and to find a way to resolve them.

    He said the group will soon organize a Northern political summit to address the identified problems while seeking the support of the National Assembly in hosting the event.

    Members of the delegation included a former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, former Minister of Defence, Haliru Ballo Mohammed, former Governor of Niger state, Babangida Aliyu, former Governor of Kogi State, Idris Wada, former FCT ministers, Bala Mohammed and Abba Gana, former Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Dr. Umar Ardo, Hajia Zainab Maina, Dr. Mamman Shata and Senator Joseph Waku, among others.

  • Invasion: Panel may impose more sanctions on Omo-Agege

    The Senate may have concluded arrangements to impose fresh sanctions on suspended Delta Central senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, over his alleged role in the invasion of the Senate chamber by thugs.

    This is coming as the upper chamber Tuesday referred the report of its panel on the investigation of the April 18 invasion to the chamber to the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee to review.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday met President Muhammadu Buhari over the invasion, the alleged ill treatment of Senator Dino Melaye by the police and the 2018 budget.

    After the invasion, Saraki on April 25 constituted an adhoc committee chaired by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah to investigate the circumstances that led to the incident.

    The committee was given two weeks to report back to the Senate in plenary for further action

    Saraki Tuesday announced that the Na’Allah led adhoc committee had concluded its assignment.

    He further told the Senate that the report of the adhoc committee had been assigned to the committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to scrutinize and make recommendations for more legislative action.

    Saraki said, “The report on the invasion of the Senate is ready. It has been given to the Senate committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. The committee is to review the report and come up with recommendations for the consideration of the Senate.”

    Sources close to the leadership of the Senate noted that “there is no doubt that Senator Omo-Agege will be in for more trouble following the perceived role he was said to have played in the invasion of the Senate chamber.

    The source said that “Omo-Agege may not escape the recommendation that he should proceed on indefinite suspension.”

    According to the source, “the role of Omo-Agege during and after the invasion of the hallowed chamber of the Senate was too glaring to be ignored.”

    Findings further showed that security agents said to have found “culpable” during the invasion would not be scolded.

    Some of the security personnel, he said, will be redeployed “for dereliction of duty.”

    He said that the committee is also expected to come up with ways and means to strengthen security in and around the National Assembly.

    On the masked operatives of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) which took over the internal security of the National Assembly last week, he said that the development was part of the new security architecture in the National Assembly which may be permanent.

    Read Also:Omo-Agege takes Senate, AGF to court