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Tag: Abubakar Bukola Saraki

  • Senate to probe Etisalat $1.2bn debt crisis

    Senate to probe Etisalat $1.2bn debt crisis

     The Senate Tuesday resolved to investigate the management and utilization of the $1.2 billion loan facility obtained by Etisalat (Nigeria) from 13 Nigerian banks.

    The upper chamber mandated its Committees on Banking, Communications, Capital Market and National Security and Intelligence to probe the deal.

    It also asked the joint Committee to make recommendations on ways the country’s Financial Governance Structure could be strengthened by legislations to prevent any future similar reoccurrence of such crisis.

    The Senate urged relevant financial intelligence agencies of the Federal Government to investigate the management of Etisalat (Nigeria) and hold the defaulting parties accountable for their actions.

    The resolutions followed the adoption a motion on “the need for Senate’s intervention in the recent ETISALAT (Nigeria) $1.2 billion debt crisis” sponsored by Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West)

    Adeola in his lead debate noted that Etisalat Nigeria, a Telecommunication Company operating in Nigeria has in recent times been in the public eye over it’s $1.2bn loan crisis.

    The lawmaker said that he is aware that the syndicated loan was acquired in 2013 as a medium-term, seven-year facility to fund expansion of the network from a consortium of 13 Banks in Nigeria.

    He said that Etisalat ownership comprises of three shareholders, the United Arab Emirates Sovereign Wealth Fund through Mubadala Development Comp Abu Dhabi (45 /u), Emirates Telecommunications Group Company (40%) and Myacinth (15%) through Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services.

    Adeola said that as of 2016, the company had started defaulting on its $1.2 billion loan obligations leading to a few bailouts from its Parent Company in Abu Dhabi.

    He noted that only about 42% of the loan has been repaid, remaining an outstanding debt of $696 million representing 58% of its Capital, which Etisalat has failed to service since 2016.

    He said that “since this year, the Banks have been moving to take over the Telecommunications Company in order to recover their funds.”  

    The Lagos West senator said that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have intervened and raised issues of regulatory compliances in trying to prevent a takeover by the banks, but the intervention has failed to produce an agreement on the debt restructuring.

    He observed that all UAE shareholders of Etisalat Nigeria, including state-owned investment fund Mubadala, had exited the company coupled with the resignation of top key management officers of the Company the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matthew Willsher, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Wole Obasunloye, Director and the 3rd Shareholder/PartnerMr. Hakeem Belo Osagie;

    Adeola regretted that although it should ordinarily not be the duty of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to wade into individual debt crisis of private sector businesses; but the Senate is convinced that if this situation is not pr0perly handled, it will have negative implications for the Nigerian Business Environment and on Foreign Investments in Nigeria in general

    He also regretted that a loan of this magnitude has the capacity of setting off another Banking crisis in Nigeria, with Banks looking for bailout funds once again.

    Believes the Nigerian Business Environment must be protected and insulated from all forms of fraudulent dealings in order to advance the Government’s drive towards promotion of genuine investments in Nigeria;

    Regrets that about 4000 jobs are at stake as a result of these suspicious dealings;

    He noted that the decision of the core investors to pull out of Nigeria raises issues of suspicion, on the intent of a Company in obtaining a loan facility, defaulting and then pulling out of the country, hoping that their shares would be used to write off the debts.

    He said that he is aware of allegations that the loans have been diverted to other uses not related to the business for which the huge loan was obtained, as there was no evidence of what the Company did with the loans,

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said that the Senate must do what it could to protect jobs in the country and work to ensure that the right thing is always done.

  • $25bn contract: Senate postpones probe of NNPC GMD

    $25bn contract: Senate postpones probe of NNPC GMD

    The Senate Tuesday postponed the planned probe of the Group Managing Director (GMD), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, over alleged award of $25 billion contract without due process.

    The upper chamber also resolved to investigate Baru over alleged insubordination and abuse of office as contained in the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu leaked letter to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who announced the postponement, said that the investigation will now commence next Tuesday.

    The investigative panel to be chaired by Senator Aliyu Wamakko ought to have started Tuesday.

    Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary did not give any reason for the sudden postponement.

    Sources said that the court case praying the court to stop the Senate from conducting the investigation might have been the reason for the shift.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki constituted the adhoc panel last week following a resolution of the Senate and public outcry over the award of the alleged shady contract.

    The committee was given four weeks to submit its report.

    A source said that earlier meeting scheduled last week by the chairman, Wammako, was also called off at the last minute.

    Wamakko is yet to address the press about the modalities his committee would adopt to conduct the investigation.

    Kachikwu’s letter, addressed to President Buhari was leaked to the press last two weeks.

    In the memo, Kachikwu alleged lack of due process in the award of contract valued at over $25 billion by NNPC.

    In the August 30, 2017 letter, Kachikwu attributed the slow growth in the oil and gas sector to illegal practices by the departments and agencies under his ministry, especially the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headed by the GMD of Baru.

    He told President Buhari that the country’s petroleum industry would have recorded tremendous progress, but for Baru’s alleged inaction.

    Kachikwu who also presented five prayers to the President to save the oil sector from collapse, said he was always being blocked from seeing the President. He said he was disturbed that $25 billion contracts were awarded by Baru without his input and that of the board.

  • Senate criminalises secret recruitment

    Senate criminalises secret recruitment

    The Senate Wednesday took steps to stamp out secret and backdoor recruitment of staff into ministries, department and agencies of the Federal Government.

    The upper chamber insisted that recruitment process in MDAs must be streamlined to reflect the principles of Federal Character.

    It is proposing two year jail term or payment of N300, 000 for any person found guilty of engaging in recruitment without advertisement.

    This followed the consideration and passage for second reading a Bill for an Act for regular publication of existing vacant positions in Federal Government offices to ensure transparency and equal opportunities to all Nigerians in the recruitment of new personnel.

    The Bill entitled: “Existing Vacancies in the Federal Civil Service (Publication) Bill” is said to be in line with the determination of the 8th Senate to create an enabling environment through legislation that would not only generate but ensure that all qualified job seekers are given access to take advantage of employment opportunities in the country.

    It would be recalled that the Senate on Monday, held a roundtable on youth unemployment in the country during which representatives of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government as well as civil society organizations (CSO) identified root causes of unemployment in the country and proffered a way forward.

    The sponsor of the Bill, Senator Biodun Olujimi, in her lead debate said the Bill seeks to mandate the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) to compile and publish a complete list of all vacant positions in the Federal Civil Service and its parastatals once every quarter.

    The lawmaker representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, said the Bill when passed into law would make it an offense to fill any vacant position in any Ministry, Parastatals, Corporation and Government department unless it is in accordance with the provisions of the Act under consideration.

    She said, “It is common knowledge today that employment in Government parastatals in most cases is not based on merit as god-fatherism, favouritism, nepotism and ethnicity have taken the front burner,” Olujimi lamented.

    She noted that “Millions of Nigerian men and women are denied equal opportunities in recruitment today, as most vacancies are not advertised publicly.”

    Olujimi insisted that the failure to publish existing vacancies by government agencies has given rise to corruption and fallen standards of education due largely to the fact that educational qualifications are no longer criteria for employment.

    “Similarly, the unemployed seek short cuts to gain employment because of the lack of trust in the system,” she stated. “Nigerians engage in all sorts of vices to get their relatives, friends and loved ones into vacant positions and this has been accepted as the general norm. This is unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue.”

    Other senators in their contributions bemoaned the rampant incidence of secret recruitment into the Federal Civil Service in the guise of ‘replacement’ and said that the Bill would help restore transparency and equity in federal employments.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his contribution stated that the Bill when passed into law would give millions of Nigerians a sense of belonging in matters of state.

    “For the unity of this country, everybody must know that they have a sense of belonging,” Saraki said

    The Bill was subsequently referred by Saraki to the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service to report back in four weeks.

  • FG seeks FRA amendment to off-set N2.7 trillion obligations

    FG seeks FRA amendment to off-set N2.7 trillion obligations

    The Federal Government (FG) is seeking a legal framework for the issuance of promissory note and bond to settle some financial obligations amounting to N2.7 trillion.

    This is contained in a letter to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki written by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

    The letter dated August 4, 2017 and addressed to the Senate President was written when Osinbajo was Acting President.

    Saraki read the letter on the floor of the upper chamber on Tuesday a copy of which was obtained by our reporter yesterday.

    Entitled “Request for the amendment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by the National Assembly to give effect to the proposed promissory note and bond issuance programme,” Osinbajo sought expedited treatment of the request by the Senate.

    The letter read in part: “I forward herewith, for your kind consideration and passage into law, the Fiscal Responsibility (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

    “The proposed amendment is necessitated by the need to commence the programme of promissory note and bond issuance to provide a final solution to the long standing issue of outstanding obligations of the Government that have been quantified at a gross amount of N2.7 trillion.

    “This programme has become imperative in view of the seriousness of the accumulation of these obligations, which are inimical to Government plans to revive the economy through the provision of improved and modernised infrastructure; and, at a human capital level, the issue of pension and promotional arrears, which go back as far as 2012, is causing untold hardship among those who have served. It also adversely affects the morale of those currently in service, and on whom we depend to implement Government programmes.

    “However, as you are no doubt aware, pension and salary arrears are recurrent expenditure and the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 (FRA) clearly stipulate in section 41(1)(a) and 44(2)(b) that the proceeds of borrowing by Government shall be applied solely towards capital expenditure.

    “In this regard, I request that the National Assembly approves the proposed amendment to FRA to provide legal backing for the use of the use of the mentioned instrument in the satisfaction of the accumulated obligations.”

  • Saraki reshuffles committees

    Saraki reshuffles committees

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Tuesday rearranged some standing committees of the Senate.

    Saraki who announced the committee alterations on the floor of the upper chamber, named Senator Andy Uba, as chairman, Senate committee on Interior.

    Senator Uba (Anambra South) was formerly chairman, Senate committee on Public Accounts before he defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Public Accounts committee is statutorily meant to be chaired by the opposition party.

    Saraki also named Senator Mathew Urhoghide, (Edo South) to replace Uba as chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts.

    The outspoken Senator Urhoghide was before the new appointment chairman, Senate committee on Culture and Tourism.

    Other appointments included Senator Sabo Mohammed, chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment with Senator Mohammed Sani Mustapha as Vice Chairman; Senator Raji Rasaki, Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content  with Senator Godswill Akpabio as Vice Chairman.

    Senator Adeola was formerly Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications.

    The local content committee was extracted from the committee on petroleum

    Saraki named Senator Stella Oduah, chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration while Senator Buka Mustapha was named Chairman, Senate Committee on Capital Market.

    The newly inaugurated Senator Nurudeen Adeleke (Osun West) was named Vice Chairman, Senate committee on Communications.

    Senator Babajide Omoworare (Osun East) was named Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

    The committee rearrangement was in line with Saraki’s promise before the Senate went on recess that the committees would reshuffled to ensure effective performance.

  • IPOB, devolution of powers, others top Senate discussion

    IPOB, devolution of powers, others top Senate discussion

    The Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives resumed on Monday after over two months recess. The national lawmakers are resuming at a time the that country has pressing national issues to address.

    Divergent views have been expressed on various issues by stakeholders including the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers were scheduled to resume on September 19 but the massive repair work going on at the Assembly complex forced the management to extend the resumption date by one week. Members of the two chambers of the National Assembly proceeded on annual vacation on July 27.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is expected to deliver an address to welcome his colleagues back to chamber for legislative business.

    Saraki’s address, no doubt, will touch on some burning issues and ex-ray how far the Senate has complied with its legislative agenda.

    The caucuses of various zones are also expected to meet to articulate issues dear to them.

    Some of the burning issues that are likely to dominate discussions in the upper chamber include the agitation for devolution of powers to states also tagged restructuring.

    The activities of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) the proscription of the group and its classification as a terrorist organization by the Federal Government are expected to be discussed by the lawmakers.

    Senate President has already set the tone of discussion of IPOB when he described that proscription and the classification of IPOB as a terrorist organization as a terrorist organization as unconstitutional.

    Some of the lawmakers seem uncomfortable with the position of Saraki and are ready to state their positions.

    However, those close to Saraki said that the position the Senate President took on the proscription and classification of IPOB as a terrorist organization remained his personal opinion which informed why he personally signed the statement conveying his position.

    Following the fire and fury that attended National Assembly rejection of the proposal for devolution of powers to states, Saraki promised that the issue would be re-visited.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, also said that an avenue could be created to reconsider the power devolution clause.

    That majority of Nigerians are anxiously waiting to see the controversial clause would be re-visited is not in doubt. What is in doubt, however, is how the proponents of devolution of powers will win over senators and House of Representative members who are bent to ensure that the power devolution clause did not see the light of the day.

    The 2018 budget is another issue that expected to dominate discussion in the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    The Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) that will outline the revenue outlay and financial projections for the 2018 Fiscal year is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly immediately the lawmakers resume.

    The consideration of the MTEF and FSP has in the past formed a source of friction and disagreement between the Presidency and the Legislature.

    The performance of the 2017 budget will also be x-rayed by the two chambers.

    Some outstanding issue including the approval of virement to complete important projects as requested by the Presidency, will also be considered and approved by the lawmakers especially when some road projects are said to have been abandoned by contractors due to lack of funds.

    Before commencement of recess in July, Saraki hinted of the need to reshuffle standing committees to make them effective and functional. It is expected that rearrangement of the committees will be one of the issues lined up by the Senate President.

    The resumption of suspended former Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, is another issue before the Senate.

    Ndume was suspended for six months for raising issues concerning alleged certificate forgery against Senator Dino Melaye and purchase of exotic car by Saraki without investigation.

    The Borno South lawmaker has served out his suspension and appears to be ready to resume his legislative duties.

    Ndume is, however challenging his suspension in court.

  • 2017 budget over bloated, says NILS DG

    2017 budget over bloated, says NILS DG

    Director General, National Institute for Legislative Studies (NILS), Dr. Ladi Hamalai, Wednesday faulted the over N7 trillion national budget of the Federal Government for the 2017 fiscal year.

    The NILS boss said that there was no reason why the budget should be as high as N7 trillion when the revenue projection was a little N4 trillion.

    The Federal Government ear marked N7.44 trillion for the 2017 fiscal year.

    Hamalai who spoke at a media interaction on “Reforming the budget process in Nigeria” noted that the 2017 budget should have been at most N5 trillion in line with revenue projection for the fiscal year.

    The DG wondered the logic that informed adopting a budget of over N7 trillion when the revenue projection did not support the figure.

    Over bloated budget, she said, is the reason capital budget is hardly implemented.

    The DG said that over the years the implementation of the capital budget had remained at about 8.1 per cent.

    She insisted that it is obvious that the gap between the amount appropriated to be spent and the projected revenue too large to be bridged.   

    Lamenting that the country still has a long way to go in perfecting its budget process, the DG said that there is too wide gap between budget projection and available resources.

    The DG also faulted the consideration of budget as a political tool rather than an instrument for development.

    She said, “Although government budget is very important tool of economic management and promoting growth and development, it has not generally met the expectations of improved service delivery and development in Nigeria unlike in most other countries.

    The situation has given rise to the compelling need for a comprehensive reform of the budget process to address the various flaws and challenges bedeviling the nation’s budgeting system in tandem with the current dynamics.

    In line with this, the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki inaugurated a technical committee on budget reforms to produce a budget reform strategy and draft reform bill.”

     She listed weak revenue base, late enactment of budget, limited realism of the budget, untimely and irregular release of funds, preponderance of unplanned projects, weak implementation capacity on the part of MDAs and weak budget monitoring by the executive and poor legislative oversight, as part of the problems hindering capital budget implementation.

    She noted that stakeholders have expressed concerns about oversight performance by the National Assembly.

    Speaking specifically about the 2017, she said that the late submission of the 2017 budget did not help matters.

    She also identified weak linkage between the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2017 budget.

    According to Hamalai, “Despite being a recession budget, the content of the budget does not differ from previous budgets-; it is characterized by opaqueness, frivolous spending, inadequate prioritization to mobilize resources to critical sectors such as health, education and infrastructure.

    “In some countries all non-essential spending and third party contracts were completely done away with.”

    The NILS DG also highlighted lack of continuity segmentation in capital projects which leads to opaqueness

    She said that Nigeria could adopt 25 per cent annually for heavy projects while light projects could be budgeted for within one year.

    The NILS DG who said that the fragmentation resources continue in the 2017 budget said that resources should be aggregated to key projects rather than diffused.

    The problem, she said, will persist as long as the current budget template subsists.

    The NILS DG acknowledged that undoubtedly the 2017 budget is a significant improvement on the 2016 budget with drastic cuts on wasteful spending.

     “However, more can be done to limit spending on controllable expenditure particularly during recession. This underscores the need for economic frugality as espoused by the APC led government of President Muhammadu Buhari.”  

  • Eid-El-Kabir: Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark seek rededication to nation building

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Senate President, David Mark, have expressed felicitation to Muslim faithful on the occasion of celebration of Eid-El-Kabir.

    While Saraki, called on all Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the dreams and aspirations of building a strong, united, economically sound and politically stable country, Ekweremadu called for sacrifice and unity.

    Senator Mark on his part, sought for peace and justice in the country.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, felicitated with Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid- El-Kabir, while urging all Nigerians irrespective of religion to use the occasion to pray for the greater glory of the country.

    He stated that the Muslim festival which falls on Jummat day (Friday) is unique as it carries a dual promise that all prayers offered during the Eid and Jummat have a double assurance of bringing Allah’s blessing to Muslim faithful and their country.

    “It is significant that the Eid-El-Kabir and Jummat will be celebrated in one day,” Saraki said. “This tells us that all prayers offered during this solemn day will no doubt command double mercies of Allah towards us all.”

    He called on all Muslims to seek Allah’s grace for the peace, unity, security and economic development of the country.

    He equally enjoined Nigerians to pray for the good health of President Muhammadu Buhari and God’s guidance for all persons in positions of authority – from the Presidency to the wards – as well as all those directing affairs in the private sector of the economy.

    “This is a time we must be our brothers’ keeper by sharing our worldly goods with them. This is a time we must pray for our leaders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari and all those saddled with the responsibilities of leadership at all levels in our country.

    “With prayers, I have no doubt that God will inspire and guide our leaders to initiate and sustain policies and programmes that would guarantee peace, security, economic growth, political stability and social cohesion in our nation,” the President of the Senate stated.

    Saraki said he has no doubt that this year would witness the strong rebound of the nation’s economy and that the positive effects will trickle down to individual homes and help citizens to realize their goals and aspirations.

    “Therefore, I call on all our brothers and sisters, fellow Nigerians, to be law abiding and support the present administration in its bid to tackle the problems of insecurity, unemployment, corruption and underperforming economy. I wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters a peaceful, rewarding and blessed Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah accept our supplications”, he stated.

    Ekweremadu enjoined Nigerians to eschew all forms of recrimination and imbibe self-sacrifice, forgiveness and other higher virtues that promote national unity and development.

    Ekweremadu said: “I congratulate our Muslim brethren on this occasion of Eid el-Kabir. This season of conviviality presents another opportunity to reflect on our national challenges and the way forward.

    “No nation realises its full potentials without equity, justice, unity, and peaceful co-existence. I enjoin the Muslim Umah and indeed all of us to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, and love that the season represents in order to move the nation forward”.

    While also enjoining the Muslim Umah to cease the opportunity of the Sallah to recommit the nation into God’s hand, the Deputy President of the Senate wished the Muslim Umah a merry and hitch-free Eid el-Kabir celebration.

    Mark once again canvassed for justice, righteousness and peaceful coexistence between and among Nigerians.

    Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s Sallah said only a harmonious and peaceful coexistence could guarantee meaningful development.

    Apparently concerned about recent out burst from different regions agitating for self-independence within the existing geopolitical entity, Sen. Mark cautioned against any action or utterances capable of threatening the indivisibility of Nigeria.

    He said Nigeria as a nation has over the years weathered the storm of socio-economic and political challenges pointing out that it will be unnecessary and ridiculous to ignite another storm.

    Sen. Mark however admitted that the current political and constitutional arrangement may not be perfect but “with collective will and understanding of all stakeholders, we can gradually address the perceived imbalances without spilling the beans”

    He therefore tasked authorities at all levels to begin forthwith a peace building mechanism between and among various groups so that the present misconceptions in some quarters would not snow ball into a bigger crises.

    He reminded aggrieved persons that there are existing legitimate channels including the judiciary and the national assembly where groups or individuals could leverage on to seek redress of perceived wrong doings instead of resort to self-help.

    For Sen. Mark, Nigeria is a big brother in Africa and a respectable player in the world affairs and cannot be seen to be doing things in the opposite direction.

    The former Senate president craved for a just and egalitarian society where every citizen is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition in any part of the country without fear of intimidation or molestation.

     

  • Plateau United extend NPFL lead, ends Shooting Stars unbeaten run

    Plateau United extend NPFL lead, ends Shooting Stars unbeaten run

    Plateau United on Match day 32, maintained their position as top of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table after they defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan 2-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

    Emmanuel Odafe had given the hosts the lead after converting a Salmon Junior cross on 16 minutes, before Ibeh Johnson scored, scrabbling the ball in, after a goal-mouth melee on 78 minutes.

    This win ends Shooting Stars five-match unbeaten run in the NPFL, with the Jos-based side also failing to drop points at home in their last ten matches.

    Mfom Udoh scored the only goal for Enyimba in their 1-0 victory over Kano Pillars from the penalty spot. This goal marked his eleventh of the season. The twist in the game, however, came in the 35th minute, when Junior Lokosa of Pillars was shown a straight red for a rough tackle on Ifeanyi Anaemena on 35 minutes.

    The People’s Elephant also hit the bar on four occasions during the match, in a bid to extend their lead.

    In Sagamu, Austin Ogunye scored on 71 minutes to gift the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club a slim 1-0 victory over already relegated Remo Stars, as they continue their chase to catch up with leaders Plateau United. He converted an assist from Adebayo Waheed to score for the Lagos side.

    Stephen Odey, however, missed chances during the match to extend his lead as the highest goal scorer of the domestic league.

    Akwa United lost 1-0 to El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri. Tchoanfine Pade scored from a header to gift the northerners the win against the third placed side on the table.

    At the end of match day 32 of the NPFL, Plateau United sit on top with 58 points, MFM FC is second with 55 points, Akwa United is third with 51 points and Enyimba FC is fourth with 50 points.

    At the rear, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) stays at 17th position is 40 points, Enugu Rangers is 18th with 39 points, Gombe United is 19th with 37 points and Remo Stars stays at 20th place with 29 points.

  • Senators to fast-track NFIU

    Senators to fast-track NFIU

    A bill which aims to separate the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) scaled first reading in the Senate yesterday.

    This is coming less than 24 hours after the upper chamber raised the alarm over the suspension of Nigeria by the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Unit.

    The Bill, sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Chukwuka Utazi (Enugu North), seeks to create autonomous NFIU, which will not be domiciled in the EFCC.

    The move to create an independent NFIU is line with the demand of the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Unit which had given the country December 2017 deadline to comply or risk expulsion from the group.

    The Senate had on Wednesday debated the suspension of Nigeria from the Egmont Group for failing to grant autonomy to the NFIU.

    The upper chamber declared its intention to give an accelerated hearing to the Bill to ensure that the NFIU becomes independent before the December 2017 deadline given by Egmont Group.

    Shortly after the Bill scaled first reading, Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, directed the Business and Rules Committee to ensure that the Bill was scheduled for Second Reading on Tuesday next week.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi told reporters that the Senate does not want anybody to doubt the supportive role of the upper chamber to the fight against corruption in the country.

    The Senate Abdullahi said, has its own input to make to ensure the success of the anti-graft war.

    He noted that for any anti-graft agency to succeed in its task, it must share intelligence report with sister agencies in the world.

    He said: “Our worry is that Nigeria was suspended from the Egmont Group basically because NFIU has not been granted autonomy and still domiciled in EFCC. The essence of it is that in sharing intelligence, there are protocols that must be respected. The Senate is committed to ensuring that the right thing is always done. We must be proactive. If you strengthen the NFIU you are strengthening other intelligence units in the country.”