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Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • National Assembly is broke, says Saraki

    National Assembly is broke, says Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that despite the widespread perception that the National Assembly is being over funded, the national parliament is actually grappling with funding constraints in carrying out its statutory functions.

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, stated this when he paid a working visit to the Chairman and members of the National Assembly Service Commission ( NASC ) at their temporary office located in Utako, Abuja on Wednesday.

    It said that the Senate President who was responding to the request of the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Adamu Fika, to have a permanent office of the Commission inside the National Assembly complex, pledged the support of the leadership towards the project.

    It said that Saraki noted that adequate funding remained the major challenge of the National Assembly.

    Saraki said: “One of the things that I see here today is the issue of budgetary constraints. However, the impression around the country is often that the National Assembly has too much money. But we have seen the challenges of the last few years.

    “As we work through the number of bills passed, the public hearings held, and the number of ad-hoc committees that have been established — we know the challenges of not being able to fund some of our activities. 

    “So far, I am happy to report that despite these constraints, the 8th Senate has been able to surpass all previous Senates in the number of Bills that we have passed in 2-years — despite the funding gaps.

    “We know that as we continue over time, people will begin to have more confidence in the National Assembly. However, right now, the challenges that we have are the issue of perception, and the issue of funding. We need to work hard to change this.”

    It said that Saraki who is also Chairman of the National Assembly, further noted that it has not been easy for Nigerians to appreciate the various roles of the legislature as an  arm of government being the youngest of the three arms of government.

    “Therefore, we all have a lot of work in trying to make the people appreciate the role of the legislature in our democracy,” Saraki said. “This has not been easy, this is why I am sure that working with the Commission, we can work towards this together so that we can improve the image of the National Assembly.”

    Chairman of the NASC, Dr. Adamu Fika, was quoted to have lamented that the commission still operates from a rented apartment with the attendant cost. 

    Fika urged the leadership of the National Assembly to come to the aide of NASC by supporting it to build a befitting permanent office within the National Assembly complex.

    It said that the NASC boss commended Saraki for being the first President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly to visited the office of the commission.

  • NNPC in fresh corruption scandal

    NNPC in fresh corruption scandal

    The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, yesterday accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ), of involvement in a fresh multi-million dollar corruption.

    Melaye at plenary yesterday, claimed that NNPC is involved a “monumental corruption” which the Senate should look into.

    He noted that the NNPC allegedly registered a company by the name Brass NLG.

    The firm, he said, is jointly owned by investors from Italy, Belgium, France, among others.

    Melaye said that contrary to statutory provisions that the account of the company be domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ), NNPC and its partners, instead, opened an account with a commercial bank.

    He noted that the account has no Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    He claimed that monies running into millions of dollars have been withdrawn from the account so far.

    Melaye said: “While some individuals and government appointees would continue to steal, we have decided to continue to expose corruption in public life. This morning (yesterday), I draw the attention of the Nigerian Senate, a suspected colossal, monumental corruption in NNPC.

    “Mr. President, a company was registered with the name Brass NLG limited with the federal government having controlling shares and we have some Italians, Belgians, French people who are shareholders with the Federal Government in controlling shares of about 50 per cent.

    “It is known fact that once you have a joint venture, the account of such joint venture should be domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria. But in this case, that was not what happened. An account was opened with Keystone bank.

    “This account has no BVN and there have been periodic withdrawals. The last withdrawal from that account was to the tune of $4 million. As I speak to you, the balance of that account as at today is $137 million.”

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, sought the approval of the Senate to allow Melaye to bring a proper motion.

    When the motion was put to a voice vote, the senators voted in the affirmative.

  • 2019: Don’t abandon governance for politicking, Saraki warns

    2019: Don’t abandon governance for politicking, Saraki warns

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday kicked against the heightening frenzy trailing the 2019 general elections.

    Saraki warned that it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and larger work of governance.

    The Senate President gave the warning in his welcome address to Senators on their return from the Christmas and New Year recess.

    He described the lingering fuel scarcity in parts of the country as man made a situation the chamber was determined to get its root.

    Saraki said, “Distinguished colleagues, it is my appeal to each and every one of us, that our legislative duty to Nigeria and her people, must be uppermost in our minds. We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people that elected us – or distract us from that which we are mandated to do by the constitution and the trust reposed in us by the people.

    “This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance. We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion. It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise. I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.”

    “Many were on the queue for petrol; many households are grief-stricken. This mood of reflection is also one from which no lawmaker is immune; what affects one, affects all. When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.

    “We have all been witnesses to the hardships with which many Nigerians saw in the new year, stuck on fuel queues tailing from petrol stations in many of our cities. It has been disheartening to see, especially during the festive period when Nigerians should have been enjoying carefree time with their loved ones, with enough petrol in their tanks to make that cherished journey to their various hometowns.

    “We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people. Things being the way they were, we could not but respond to the crisis. I therefore had to direct members of the Senate Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity to cut short their recess to commence hearings into the lingering problem; and that work is ongoing. I commend the committee for their prompt response and the work carried out.

    “We seek the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians as we try to get to the bottom of this issue. My own estimation of the fuel scarcity phenomenon is that it is man-made. We thought we had left the problem of fuel queues firmly in the past in this country, but sadly, that appears not to be the case. In any event, there is a problem, and it must be solved. We await the findings of the Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity, firm in our resolve that whoever is responsible must pay the price for visiting this needless hardship upon our people.

    “You will agree with me that even more sober reflection attends the killings in some parts of the country, particularly recent tragic events in Benue State. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts.

    “Human life is sacred. We state without equivocation that Nigerian life must become sacred. When we fail in our duty to protect Nigerian lives, it is a tragedy and an indictment on us all. We as the 8th Senate stand ready to help find solutions to assuage the hurt to affected parts, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to enthrone peace in all four corners of this country.

    “Let me state that the 8th Senate is disturbed by these unfortunate incidents, and we have been for some time. We were concerned enough to have inaugurated the Ad-Hoc Committee on Security in November of last year. And so it was that, with the shocking reports from Benue, Rivers and other places, the Security Committee members also cut short their recess to resume sitting, with a view to fast-tracking their investigations, in order to present an interim report for the Senate’s consideration immediately on resumption.

    “We are a people-oriented Senate, and I believe I speak for us all when I pledge that we shall continue to demonstrate similar dedication to our duties this year, as worthy representatives of the people who voted us into office.

    “The 8th Senate has continued its historic run, because by the end of 2017, we had passed 140 Bills over a period of 30 months. The landmark Economic Bills we passed, helped to propel the country’s emergence from recession, powering us upwards in the Ease of Doing Business Report. While the legislative feats of the year gone by shall go down in the annals of lawmaking in this country, what is also true is that we cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.

    “Going into the New Year, I can only wish each and every one of us the best as we prepare for the task ahead. It is a crucial year. As you all know, this, in all probability, will be the last productive year before we go into the 2019 electioneering period. Not only is there a need to up the ante in terms of productivity, it is important we keep our eyes on the big picture. Let us not be caught in the political fray before due season.

    “To each and every thing under the sun, its own time. This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service. It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills. Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill.

    “Let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence. We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit of the people.

    “To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfill the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process – and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers.

    “Currently, distinguished colleagues, there are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill. It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment; I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front. With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committee as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process.

    “Once more, my distinguished colleagues, we are a people-oriented Senate. Nigerians already have a measure of who we are, particularly through our interventions and engagement in areas such as Job Creation and Youth Empowerment, the Welfare of Nigerian Students Overseas, and the Drug Abuse Epidemic ravaging through Nigerian Communities. We will not relent in our efforts in these arrears.

    “It bears reiterating that we cannot waste a moment of this year that rolls its boundless opportunities out for us. As the legislative arm of government, we must do everything we can to transform the developmental firmament of this country, to bring succour to the masses, and to leave our prints in the sands of time. There is really no other choice. The work is upon us. We can get it done.”

  • Crisis: Senate threatens to dump 2018 budget

    Crisis: Senate threatens to dump 2018 budget

    Nigerians may not have heard the last about the passage of the 2018 budget presented to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 7.

    Senators in plenary Tuesday threatened to dump the fiscal estimate over alleged inconsistencies and abysmal performance of the 2017 budget.

    The lawmakers took turns to criticize the performance of the 2017 budget, taking cognizance of what they called extremely low releases by the Ministry of Finance to fund projected capital projects.

    They insisted that the promised passaged of the 2018 budget before the end of the year was no longer feasible.

    The senators said that the promise by President Buhari that 40 per cent of the 2017 budget would be achieved before the end of the year while remaining the balance of 60 per cent would be rolled over to 2018, has not be adhered to.

    The lawmakers were particularly irked by the observation that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), only attained 15-20 per cent 2017 budget performance.

    This, they said, was despite repeated assurances by the executive arm that improvement in releases of funds will be made.

    Most MDAs, they said, were yet to receive funds to pay salaries and as well as fund other recurrent components of the 2017 budget.

    For them, the declaration by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, that N750 billion had been released, remained questionable.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s intervention saved the day as no resolution was taken at the end lengthy debate on the performance of the 2017 budget.

    Many of those who contributed to the debate wanted the lifespan of the 2017 budget to be extended to  31st of March, 2018.

    It was the opinion of the speakers that until the 2017 budget attained a high level of performance, the implementation of the budget should not be truncated by the passage of the 2018 budget.

    The debate of the performance of the 2017 budget followed a closed door session where the lawmakers were also said to have bared their minds.

    Although Saraki broached the issue of what really transpired at the closed session, Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah raised a point of order.

    Na’Allah cited Order 42 and 45 of the Senate Standing Rules to buttress his point.

    The Kebbi South lawmaker told his colleagues that the plan to pass the 2018 budget before the end of 2017 was no longer feasible due to prevailing circumstances.

    He warned that the prevailing template of the budget will continue to pose serious challenges to the Federal Government in the implementation of the budget.

    Na’Allah noted that the template was developed and adopted during the Military era specifically when Kalu Idika Kalu was Finance minister.

    He said that issue should be extensively discussed in order to proffer solutions.

    Na’Allah said: “I feel that there are certain aspects that the Senate has so many things to discuss. When we suspended the plenary for two weeks, the intention was to enable committees work. They are supposed to report progress in order to enable the Senate pass the budget before the end of the year or early next year.

    “When we suspended plenary, it was with the idea that the committees will swing into action so we can have a tentative date to pass the budget. From what I have seen, we might run into troubled waters. If we have not appreciated what the problems are, it is important for Nigerians to come here and understand what the problem is.

    “The template we are using will continue to create problems for us. It was created during the Military era. The template cannot work in our country today. From reports we have had, it is obvious that we have problems. We need to know what the problems are. If we have a 2017 budget that has not been executed today and we are considering the 2018 budget, it means there is a problem.

    “The President told us that the 2017 budget was going to achieve at least 60 per cent performance. Today, that has not happened. We need to lay this issue and discuss it. Let us put the facts before the Executive and show Nigerians the difficulties we are facing.”

    Senator Barnabas Gemade, in his contribution suggested that the consideration of the 2018 budget be suspended.

    He also suggested that the lifespan of the 2017 budget be extended to end of March of 2018.

    Gemade said, “This point of order raised is important because of what the public is waiting for. Our two weeks committee work should have led us to where we will lay the report and pass the budget. As was indicted, we need to appreciate the efforts of the executive who is trying to return the budget year from January to December.

    “What we have seen is far from the 40 per cent capital project implementation we were told. In many MDAs, budget performance is hovering between 12 to 15 per cent. In early November, the borrowing plans were brought and we approved it. They said they were going to release more funds. As of now, we cannot say if that is true.

    “In defending the budget, MDAs are supposed to bring their 2017 budget performance to committees. When you look at the budget proposals brought here, many things captured in the 2017 budget were not rolled over. Committees and MDAs need to do some work.

    “We have to set a date for the implementation of the 2017 budget based on the borrowing plans we approved. I therefore propose that we set March 31st for the 2017 budget to be implemented before we can start working on the 2018 budget. We need to guide against abandonment of ongoing projects.”

    Senator Solomon Adeola wondered why the Senate should consider and approve the 2018 budget, when the performance of the 2017 budget is unknown.

    The Lagos West senator prayed the Senate to invite the Minister of Finance, Mrs Adeosun to brief the chamber on the troubling low performance of the budget and why her Ministry is not releasing funds.

    Adeola said, “How can we approve the 2018 budget without knowing the performance of 2017 budget? This is abnormal. From the recent budget defences, it is obvious that MDAs are not ready. Year in, year out, the budget performance is low. Last week, a Minister was asked to excuse lawmakers because he did come prepared. He did not come with the necessary documents to defend the budget of his Ministry.

    “We need to show to Nigerians that the National Assembly is ready to approve the budget. Remember that the President during the presentation of the 2018 budget, said the performance of the 2017 budget will attain at least 40 per cent. But that has not been done. I am suggesting that we invite the Minister of Finance to brief us on the performance of the 2017 budget. We need to be told.

    “Remember how the Executive submitted the MTEF and withdrew it again. It submitted it and withdrew it again. It shows the lack of seriousness on the part of economic managers of the country.”

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Account, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, noted that the consideration of the 2018 budget be suspended, pending when the 2017 budget will attain appreciable level of performance.

    He said, “I want to say that the budget of 2018 is already bedeviled. For us to be able to determine the 2018, we need to see the performance of 2017. Many MDAs are complaining that what they are getting for recurrent expenditure is not even for them. More worrisome is the capital expenditure.

    “Last week, the Minister of Finance announced that N750 billion had been released. If this money has been released, MDAs are yet to get this money. With the envelope budgeting they are doing, we do not know what has been given to MDAs.

    “I want to say that every consideration about the 2018 budget should be put at bay. This executive is not serious. Let them tell us what they have done with the 2017 budget. The budget presentation is an annual ritual that is not benefiting anybody,” he said.

    Senator Mohammed Hassan, (Yobe South) proposed the setting up of a technical committee to come up with a standard format on how to handle the 2018 budget.

    He specifically listed the inclusion of N8.5 billion in the budget of Ministry of Power for counterpart funding of the Mambila Power projected when the National Assembly had already approved a loan of $5.5 billion for the presidency.

    He noted that the Senate was told that part of the $5.5 billion loan would be used for the counterpart funding of the Mambila power project.

    Hassan said: “Many of us have been made to do the work of the executive. We need to set up a small technical committee to come up with a standard format on how to handle the 2018 budget. It is very important to do that.”

    Senator Dino Melaye, on his part, described the 2018 budget as a ‘boju boju’ document.

    The Kogi West lawmaker said that it was obvious that the 2018 budget proposal was “garnished with deception.”

    He stated: “The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, said during the budget presentation that the 2017 budget will be rolled over. I took the 2017 budget and went through it page by page. There is no relationship between the two documents. The budget we received was a ‘boju boju’ budget. Why do we package a 2018 budget that was garnished with deception”

    “There is about N850 trillion with the CBN. There is an outstanding of N1.5 trillion from collection of stamp duties with the CBN. This money has not been remitted. Yet we took over N2 trillion loan. We need to strengthen the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

    “The NNPC was supposed to remit hundreds of billions of naira last year. They did not do that. Yet, we say we are fighting corruption. We cannot continue in sin and ask grace to abound. The issue of discussing the 2018 budget should not even arise.

    “Enough is enough. We must ensure that the 2017 budget is properly implemented. We must ensure that the budget is an elitist. What they have brought to us is a just a proposal. We need to give Nigerians a budget that will benefit Nigerians.”

    Saraki who did not subject the points and proposal made to vote noted that if the executive refused to act, by rolling over the 2017 budget as promised, it will be a disaster.

    Saraki added that lawmakers are not magicians.

    He said, “Truly, it is very disheartening and disappointing because we know how much we have put into the budget process. How can anybody who is responsible travel at this period when the budget defence is ongoing?

    “The budget has not been implemented. We cannot be magicians. We just have to work and give a good budget to Nigerians. The executive really needs to sit up. If they have refused to roll over the 2017 projects into 2018, it is a disaster. We have to work with what we have.”

  • Nigeria can do better in tackling security challenges – Saraki

    Nigeria can do better in tackling security challenges – Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, said that he is convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that country can do far better to address security challenges facing it.

    Although Saraki acknowledged that the current administration has done well in its efforts to address the security challenges in parts of the country, he noted that it is obvious that the country can still do better.

    The Senate President spoke while inaugurating the ad-hoc committee charged with the duty to review the current security infrastructure of the country in the face of rising incidences of security breaches.

    The Senator Ahmed Lawan led committee is to work in consultation with security agencies.

    Saraki said that funding challenges inhibiting the operation of security agencies would be addressed in the 2018 budget.

    He lamented that the recent attacks in Adamawa and Zamfara States where dozens of lives and property were lost, are unacceptable incidences too many.

    He insisted that as far as Nigerians are still losing their lives and property through unwarranted attacks, there is still work to do.

    The committee, Saraki said, should work to provide answers to critical questions and issues which include the clamour for state police, technology, funding, collaboration among security agencies, role of traditional and community leaders, among others.

    He believed that the ad-hoc committee provides an opportunity for security agents who know what can be done differently, but are hampered by the system to speak up and proffer workable solutions.

    Chairman of the committee and Senate Leader Lawan, in his opening remarks noted that the Muhammadu Buharied administration is committed to fixing the security challenges which it inherited.

    He commended the armed forces for their hard work, gallantry and patriotism in the fight against Boko Haram.

    Lawan said, “The administration has shown commitment and determination to stamp out the various security challenges it inherited.

    “There are still security breaches in different parts of the country that occur from time to time. This has assumed a worrisome dimension. Nigerians are killed and properties are lost. There are still security breaches in parts of the country which has assumed worrisome dimension.

    “The spate of suicide bombings, kidnapping are all issues that should be addressed. This committee has been saddled with the responsibility of finding improved security infrastructure that will assist the country to address its security challenges.”

    Apart from Lawan, other members of the committee include Senators Abdullahi Yahaya, Joshua Lidani, Abubakar Kyari, Biodun Olujimi, Rose Oko, Mohammed Sabo, Baba Kaka Garbai.

    Read Also: Nigeria needs courageous leadership now, says Saraki

  • 2018 budget: Senators warn over Nigeria’s rising debt profile

    2018 budget: Senators warn over Nigeria’s rising debt profile

    Senators Thursday expressed concern over what they described as the ever increasing debt profile of the country.

    While Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) asked the Senate committee on Local and Foreign Debts to look critically to determine the actual country’s debt profile, Senator Rabiu Kwankawso (Kano Central) said that the country must be careful not to fall into unnecessary debt trap again.

    Senator Sunny Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South) said that the debt profile of the country had been steadily on the rise.

    This is coming as the Senate Thursday put on hold consideration of the report of Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriation and National Planning and Economic Affairs on the 2018- 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) informed that the decision of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on production quota yesterday (Thursday) would guide the Senate to take informed position on some parameters of the MTEF.

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who briefly presided before Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki took over agreed and thanked Lawan for the information.

    The Senate resolved that the MTEF would be considered and passed on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.

    The lawmakers who raised issues with the country’s rising debt portfolio spoke when the upper chamber resumed consideration of the general principles of the 2018 budget.

    Adeola said, “I call on the committee on Local and Foreign Debts to critically look at the countries debt profile. The committee should determine and tell Nigerians the true profile of the country’s debts. How much of the debt service are we actually fulfilling. It is important that we know to guide us in our actions.”

    The Lagos West senator noted that it would have been better if the National Assembly was furnished with the budget performance of 2017 to enable members to make meaningful comparism.

    He also said that it is belief that the issue of virement for 2017 had died a natural death and would not come up again in view of the presentation of the 2018 budget.

    Adeola prayed the country to reconsider the number of agencies and do away with those that were adding no value to the country.

    On his own, Kwankwaso said that the Executive arm of government should be supported to maintain the prevailing stability in the Niger Delta region to ensure that the oil production quota is met.

    The Kano Central lawmaker said that he not in support of borrowing locally or from the international market except if it is absolutely necessary.

    His fear, however is that if care is not taken, the country may fall back into the debt trap especially if borrowed funds are mismanaged.

    Ogbuoji wondered why the 2018 budget was christened “a budget of consolidation.”

    He asked, “I don’t know what we are consolidating. Is it the 2017 budget that is barely implemented that we are consolidating. Are we consolidating incomplete payment of salary or salary that is not paid at all”

    The Ebonyi south lawmaker said that if 60% capital budget is rolled over to 2018 as being suggested, the budget would be further over bloated making it difficult for the country to find money to fund the budget.

    He said that it is worrisome that local debt profile is increasing rapidly.

    Ogbuoji said, “Consideration of the budget is beyond party lines. Anybody who thinks he is defending this budget is anti-Nigeria.”

    Saraki however explained that the budget was rightly christened budget of consolidation because the country has just recovered from recession “now is the time to build the economy.”

    Saraki said that question that would enable the Senate refer the budget to the committee on Appropriation would be put on Tuesday when the decision on MTEF would have been taken.

  • Buhari names CCB chair, nine others  

    Buhari names CCB chair, nine others  

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday, asked the Senate to confirm Muhammed Isa and nine others as chairman and members of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    A letter read by Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President Buhari requested the lawmakers to expedite action on the confirmation of the nominees.

    Buhari said in the letter:  “In compliance with section 541 of the 1999 constitution as amended and in pursuant to sections 1(2) and 1(3) of the code of conduct bureau act LFN 2004, I write to request for the confirmation of the following nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the bureau.

    “The curriculum vitae of the nominees are attached herewith. It is my hope that this Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will in their usual expeditious manner consider and confirm the nominees. Please accept Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Isa, who is expected to head the Bureau, hails from Jigawa, North West. Others members included Murtala Kankia (member, Katsina, North West), Emmanuel Attah (member, Cross River, South South), Danjuma Sado, (member, Edo, South South)  Obolo Opanachi, (member, Kogi, North Central), and Ken Madaki Alkali, (member Nasarawa, North Central.)

    Others are S.F. Ogundare, (member, Oyo, South West), Ganiyu Hamzat, (member, Ogun, South West), Sahad Abubakar, (member, Gombe North East) and Vincent Nwanne, (member, Ebonyi, South East.)

  • Buhari turns down two bills

    Buhari turns down two bills

    President Muhammadu Buhari has refused to sign two bills passed by the National Assembly.

    The President withheld assent on The Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (Establishment, etc) Bill 2017 and The Federal University of Wukari (establishment, etc) Bill 2017.

    In a letter dated November 8, 2017 addressed to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, President Buhari noted that in pursuant to Section 58(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) “I hereby convey to the Senate, my decision, on 25th October, 2017 to withhold assent to the Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (establishment, etc) Bill 2017.”

    He noted that the rationale for withholding assent are regarding the scope of, and phrase utilized in the Bill.

    He noted for instance that the phrase “treasury management’ is not defined in the Bill.

    The President said that greater clarity may be required regarding the impact of the Bill on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s regulation of treasury managers in the banks, and the relationship between the proposed Institute and other existing professional institutes that regulate treasury managers in Nigeria.

    On the refusal to assent to the Federal University of Wukari, the president said the ‘Statute” should replace “regulation” throughout the bill for consistency.

    He said that paragraph 9(1) of the 1st Schedule should refer to “the President” and not “the Visitor while paragraph 5 of the 3rd Schedule should refer to sub-paragraph (2) and not sub-paragraph (3).

    Apart from withholding of assent on the two bills, President Buhari sent three other bills to the Senate for consideration and passage into law,

    The new bills are Federal Institute for Industrial research Bill 2017, Nigeria natural medicine development agency (establishment) bill 2017 and the raw materials research and development council (repeal and re-enactment) bill 2017.

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

    Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Senate President, David Mark, yesterday expressed grief over the demise of the first elected Vice-President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, lauded the dedication and service of Ekwueme to the development of the country.

    He described Ekwueme as a rare personality and an exceptional leader.

    The Senate President prayed God for the repose of Ekwueme’s soul and the grace for his family and the nation to bear the loss.

    Saraki said: “Today, I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, our first elected Vice-President. As we mourn his death, we celebrate his dedication and service to the development of our country.

    “We remember his unique and exemplary courage in the face of overwhelming odds – when he stood up to past military regimes in the struggle for restoration of democracy and his dexterity in his personal pursuits as a successful architect, lawyer, businessman and philanthropist.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a rare man and a great leader. He will be sorely missed. I pray for God’s strength for his family at this difficult time. May the Almighty God in his infinite wisdom and grace continue to guide the family and the nation that he has left behind.”

    Ekweremadu in a statement by his media adviser, Uche Anichukwu, described Ekwueme’s death as a sad event for Nigeria and her democracy, noting that Ide Oko, as he called him, was a pillar of the nation’s democracy and the struggle for a restructured, just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

    He said: “Dr. Ekwueme combined the uncommon toughness and courage of Heracles with the wits of Odysseus and Nestor. His fearless battle against military rule as the convener of the Group of 34 eminent Nigerians (G-34) can be likened to Heracles’ heroic encounter with the hydra-headed chthonic monsters.

    “Ekwueme was a fine gentleman and an epitome of politics without bitterness. Although he lost the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an offshoot of the G34 and pan-Nigerian political platform he built from the scratch, he remained faithful to the party in thick and thin until his death.

    “He will be remembered as a public administrator per excellence and a soldier of conscience. He stood by his people during their most challenging and difficult time, knowing that politics has a local flavor most of the time. He offered his undiluted professional service in the design and development of access to the air for Ndigbo during the civil war 1967 to 1970. As the Head of Planning of the Biafra Airports Board, the late prodigy built two functional airports in Ulli and Uga, while the airport projects at Mbaise, Ntigha Ngwa, Umuleri, and Arochukwu were at various completion stages before the end of hostilities.

    “Yet, as a detribalized and pan-Nigerian, he joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) rather than the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in the journey to the Second Republic.  He also did Ndigbo a great honour by facilitating the state pardon and eventual return from exile, and reunion of late Ezeigbo Gburugbu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with Ndigbo and Nigeria”.

    The Senator added that Ekwueme bequeathed a legacy of integrity and strength of character as “he was until his death reputed to have left Office as the Vice President of Nigeria poorer”.

    While condoling the Ekwueme family, Government and people of Anambra State, and indeed the entire nation on the great loss, Ekweremadu prayed God to grant the deceased a peaceful repose.

    Ex- Senate President, David Mark, on his own described second republic Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme as a quintessential leader and a hero of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

    Mark in a statement by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, noted that the elder statesman was a fine architect both in character and leadership.

    Ekwueme, he added, was unarguably a foremost leader of the modern day Nigeria pointing out that besides his successes in politics, he was among the leading indigenous architects who designed the Federal capital Territory ( FCT), Abuja.

    He recalled Ekwueme’s relentless struggle for the enthronement of democracy  in Nigeria when he led the famous G34 that later metamorphosed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that formed the government in 1999.

    He listed Ekwueme’s exploits in politics and leadership to include but not limited to propounding the theory of the segmentation of Nigeria into the current six geo political zones for administrative and political convenience during the 1994/95 constitutional conference convoked by late Head of State General Sani Abacha.

    Interestingly, the six geo political zonal  structure ( North West, North East, South East, South West, North Central and South South ) have remain the a road map for power sharing arrangement in Nigeria today.

    According to Mark, “Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a visionary leader, a forefront politician who brought intellectualism into governance.  His quest for excellence, due process and rule of law  in Nigeria will remain a reference point in politics and leadership in many years to come.

    “No doubt, history will be kind to Ekwueme for his immeasurable contributions to the political, socio and economic development of Nigeria”

    Senator Mark urged the federal government to immortalize Ekwueme for his selfless contributions to the nation.

    Also the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Andy Uba, described the exit of Dr Alex Ekwueme as “loss of a great iconic figure”.

    Senator Uba, who represents the constituency of the late Vice President, in a statement, condoled the immediate family of Ekwueme, the senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

    “I want to sincerely condole with the family of Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, GCON and the people of Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Anambra State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the loss of this great Iconic figure and Former Vice President of Nigeria”, Uba said.

    Uba added, “Dr. Ekwueme’s selfless contributions to Nigeria’s democracy cannot be overemphasized.

    “I therefore honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family and the people of Nigeria.

    “I pray that the Almighty God grant us the fortitude to bear this great loss”.

  • Saraki seeks partnership with NBA for ease passage of bills

    Saraki seeks partnership with NBA for ease passage of bills

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki has directed that all pending and prospective bills before the Senate be made available to the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) for its input.

    Saraki said that such partnership would only improve the quality of such bills but engender easy passage of the proposed legislations.

    The Senate President pledged the cooperation of the Senate with the NBA to ensure easy passage of bills before the upper chamber.

    A statement by Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media, Chuks Okocha, said that Saraki spoke when the NBA Legislative Advocacy Committee led by Paul Erokoro (SAN) paid him a courtesy visit at the National Assembly.

    It said that the NBA official visited Saraki to solicit that the association be allowed to make its input to bills being considered by the Senate before passage.

    It quoted Saraki to have said that he was in complete agreement with the NBA that their input is necessary before bills go for public hearings.

    Saraki said, “l agree with you entirely as part of recommendations that we must have collaborations. I am surprised that our bills are new to you and that you don’t have free access to them. We have these bills on our website. You should be able to access them.

    “Going forward, I think that instead of you waiting for us, by your experience, there are areas that require necessary input and I think we should be able to collaborate closely.

    “We’ve done this in the business sector where we set up a working group with Nigeria Economic Summit Group and my office and we’ve been able to work together in some business related bills.

    “Some of these bills require amendment, some are outdated, and some are not inline with today’s practice. We have been able to come out with a road map which we are following and the economic sector is enjoying the efforts in the business communities and infrastructure.

    “We’ve passed the Railway Bill, Road Transport, Company and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and Secured Transaction bills. All these are as a result of collaboration. If there are other areas that need amendment or on general issues in the society, we want the NBA to partner with us. We will be very happy to work closely with you.  All we can assure you is that it is our responsibility to pass these relevant Bills.

    “The society has changed drastically and the times have changed. So, as we send these Bills to you, I think there should be some initiative from your own part too and we assure you that there will be prompt attention on our part to fast-track such bills”

    It said that Chairman of the NBA Legislative Advocacy Committee also demanded for a register of all pending bills before the Senate to enable them conduct a research on the bills, stating that such partnership would enable bills passed by the National Assembly to stand the necessary legal test.