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Tag: Bukola Saraki

  • Senate to meet with CBN over high interest rate

    Senate to meet with CBN over high interest rate

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has promised that the Senate will look into the high interest rate charged by banks in the country.

    “It is likely that we will debate it this week,” Saraki said during an interactive session with journalists on Sunday in Ilorin.

    According to him, the high interest rate is not good for the economy as the nation eases out of recession and targets growth.

    “This week we will debate it, have a round table discussion with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other commercial banks and talk frankly to ourselves,” he said.

    According to Saraki, it is not fair for the banking sector to be making astronomical profit while companies lose money and retrench workers.

    “Hopefully, with the stability of the foreign exchange, we can now begin to address the issue of interest rate.

    “There is no business that can make money if you are borrowing at 28 percent, it cannot work,” Saraki added.

    He said the Senate would engage financial institutions to arrive at an affordable interest rate, adding, “if they refuse, the Senate may come up with legislation to peg the interest rate.”

    According to him, the banks are charging high interest rate because they have tied their assets in government securities and are getting 18 to 19 percent.

    “They will tell you they are doing business, but in any business, there must be social responsibility.

    “I promise Nigerians that we will find a solution to the high interest rate,” Saraki assured.

    The Senate president also said the upper chamber may limit the amount banks can put in government securities and channel the rest to areas like the real sector.

    Saraki also expressed concern over the status of local governments in the country, saying virtually all local councils lacked the required finances to carry out their statutory obligations.

    He said that to reduce the burden of responsibilities on local councils, the Senate may transfer the responsibility of funding primary education to states.

    “I am of the view that we should look at how state governments take over primary education.

    “This is an arm of government that cannot meet its constitutional obligations and you now put a very important one under it.

    “Ninety Five percent of local governments depend on state governments’ support to pay workers salaries,” Saraki added.

    He noted that the Constitution Review Committee of the Senate may grant autonomy to the local government in the country.

    The Senate president, however, believed that granting autonomy to local governments may not solve their problems.

    He stressed that the main issue was that of inadequate funding which must be addressed to allow local governments function effectively.

  • Senate confirms 15 RECs

    Senate confirms 15 RECs

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 15 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) out of the 27 names sent to it by the Presidency.

    The confirmation followed consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on INEC presented by its acting Chairman, Sen. Suleiman Nazif during Thursday’s plenary.

    The Senate resolved to confirm the remaining 12 nominees at a later date.

    Those confirmed include Prof. Godswill Obioma, Abia; James, Apam, Benue; Dr Nwachukwu Orji, Ebonyi; Dr Iloh Chuks, Enugu; Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Plateau; Umar Ibrahim, Taraba; Mr Emeka Joseph, Imo and Obo Effanga, Cross River.

    Others are, Prof. Francis Ezeonu, Anambra; Dr Briyai Frankland, Bayelsa; Ibrahim Abdullahi, Adamawa; Agboke Olaleke, Ogun; Hussaini Pai, Federal Capital Territory; Ahmad Makama, Bauchi and Sadiq Musa, Kaduna.

    Nazif had while presenting the reports, informed the Senate that although all the 27 nominees had been cleared by relevant security agencies, the committee was only able to conclude the screening of 15.

    According to him, the committee had scrutinized all the relevant documents of the nominees and was satisfied with the qualification, experience and suitability of 15 nominees in the first batch.

    “The remaining 12 nominees are still undergoing screening by the committee,” Suleiman said.

    In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola saraki, wished the nominees a successful tenure.

    “They are coming at a very important time to compliment the work already being laid by the current chairman of INEC and to guide us into new reforms that we have put into the amendment of the Electoral Act.

    “I hope they will be able to do that successfully, so that we can continue to improve on our electoral processes,’’ he said.

  • INEC, others kick against Political Debate Commission bill

    INEC, others kick against Political Debate Commission bill

    Attempts by the Senate to establish a Nigerian Political Party Debate Commission is being resisted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders.

    At a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday, the stakeholders described the envisaged commission as superfluous and diversionary.

    The Senate had in October last year, passed for second reading the bill entitled, “Nigerian Political Debates Commission Bill, 2015, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari.

    Senator Buhari had argued that if passed, “the bill would make it mandatory for those seeking election as president, governors, lawmakers and other elective positions, including their running mates, would have to go through a debate, which would be organised by a the commission to be funded by government and headship of which to be appointed by a sitting President”

    However, stakeholders in the electoral process at the public hearing session vehemently opposed the idea of setting up the commission, which they described unnecessary burden on the nation’s resources.

    INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu who was the first to kick against the bill, said although the election debate platform was a welcome development for the deepening of democratic practice, making such a platform to be a full fledge commission to be funded by government will be counterproductive.

    Yabuku said, “The idea of a solid platform for election debate in Nigeria as it is in the United States of America and some other countries of the world is a welcome development for our democracy and electoral processes.

    “But making such platform to be like a statutory commission would not help in achieving the motive behind the lofty idea.

    “To us in INEC, such a platform should be allowed to remain in form of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that would be funded by corporate bodies in the land and managed by independent and non-partisan Nigerians with outstanding character and repute”.

    Similarly, the President of the Nigeria Political Science Association, Professor Sam Egwu, also backed the position of the INEC chairman.

    According to him, that the platform for such debate should be independent and not a commission that would be funded by government.

    Egwu added that such a move would not only be counter-productive to the desired goal, but would also rubbish the electoral process.

    The President of the Senate, D. Bukola Saraki in his opening address at the session, stated that law making is an all-encompassing process where input of stakeholders and the public is imperative.

    According to him, the bill, if passed into law, will enable the Nigerian electorate vote for the best candidates at the various elections.

  • My relationship with Buhari cordial, says Saraki

    My relationship with Buhari cordial, says Saraki

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki said on Tuesday that his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari remained cordial, despite false claims in some social media.
    He made this known when the National Executive of the Islamic group, Jamaatu Izalatul Bidiah Wa Ikamatus Sunnali (JIBWS) led by its President, Mohammed Jingiri visited him at the National Assembly.
    The President of the Senate debunked allegations that he and the Senate are working against President Buhari.
    ”I want to assure you of the good cooperation between the legislative arm and executive led by President Muhammudu Buhari.
    ” Since the commencement of this Senate, I think we had about 196 requests from President Buhari for confirmation of his nominees and we have confirmed 185.
    “I think, we have only rejected 11. By Mathematics, that is over 90 per cent.
    “I want to assure you there is a lot of noise, you will see in the newspapers, radio and social media, please, be assured that the two arms of government are working closely together, more than in past sessions of the Senate.
    ” In January, I went to see him and assured him of our cooperation and we have continued to work closely.
    “I want to assure you as we always say, let us be judged by our actions and not by talk
    ”I want you to convey the same message to your followers, who because of social media and the fake news they hear over radio, they get wrong impression that we in the Senate are working against the President.
    I assure you that we have a very cordial relationship with the Executive,” he said.
    Saraki also reaffirmed the commitment of the Senate in ensuring good governance, economic stability and creation of jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
    He promised to ensure that all Bills to be passed by the Senate would ensure that religious sentiments of Nigerians were taken into consideration.
    The Senate President told the group that the Gender Bill currently before the National Assembly would be fair to all religious groups.
    ” I want to reassure you on our greatest concern, particularly in the issue of Gender Bill. Here in the National Assembly, we pass laws and whatever law we pass, we take into consideration the religious aspects.
    ”There is no law that can disregard the religious sentiments of the citizens.
    “So, we have discussed that whatever final version of the law that will come for discussion, because it is still for discussion, it is just a proposal, it should not be one that would have conflict with religion. I want to assure you of that”, he said.
    According to him, the final version of the gender bill will be such that all religious sentiments are taken care of and Nigerians would be proud of.
    Saraki pledged that the senate will continue to play its roles by bringing political balancing and stability into consideration.
    “We will do what we know is best for this country. We will strive to work to keep this country together”, he said.
    Earlier, the leader of the group, Mohammed Jingirr commended the Senate President on his role in the arrangement that led to the rejection of the Muslim-Muslim Presidential ticket for the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in the 2015 presidential elections.
    He added that Nigeria was not ripe for such an arrangement, which did not take into consideration the need for religious balance in the country, as all religious interest must be represented at all times, including elections.
    According to him, religious balancing must at all times be respected in Nigeria as only this will ensure harmony.
    The Islamic cleric also commended the National Assembly for rejecting same sex marriages and capital punishment, describing them as unIslamic.
    He also urged the Senate President to ensure that the current Gender Bill reflects the tenets of all religions.
    Sheik Jingiri called on the Senate to ensure equality of representations in political appointments in line with the population of states.
    He also called for cordial relationship between all arms of government for the benefit of the people.
    The leader of JIBWS prayed for the quick recovery of President Buhari, who is currently on medical vacation in London.

  • Saraki seeks strong economy to sustain Nigeria’s democracy

    Saraki seeks strong economy to sustain Nigeria’s democracy

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called for concerted effort by all Nigerians to build a strong economy as a means of sustaining the nation’s democracy.

    Saraki made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to commemorate the 2017 Democracy Day in Abuja on Sunday.

    Saraki said it was only an economy that guaranteed high standard of living for its citizens and equitable distribution of resources that could boast of sustaining democracy.

    Saraki commended the present administration for coming up with policies and programmes aimed at repositioning the country and called on Nigerians to continue to support the government.

    He stressed that the present administration was endowed with the necessary political will to initiate changes that would lead to the overall development of the country.

    He urged Nigerians to support the policies of government aimed at involving the private sector in key sectors of the economy.

    “I want to congratulate all Nigerians for the successes we have recorded so far in our democratic journey.

    “We cannot afford to remove our legs from the gas pedal. Government definitely is determined to make life more abundant for our people.

    “All Nigerians deserve commendation. We have done well so far. We must strive more to make democracy a way of life.

    “The successes recorded so far, demonstrate the unwavering commitment of Nigerians to sustain and grow our democracy.

    “Let us celebrate with hope that the present economic challenges will soon give way to a prosperous country that we can all be proud of.

    “Our democratic institutions need to be strengthened to perform their duties in the service of all Nigerians irrespective of the government in power,’’ he said.

    Saraki further called on Nigerians to shun acts that could threaten the stability of the country, adding that it was only then that democracy would be strengthened.

    He urged Nigerians to nurture the various institutions that make up a democracy, stressing that it was by building institutions and respecting the values they represented that the nation could guarantee stability, development and consistency.

    The senate president commended Nigerians for their perseverance, understanding and resilience in the face of the current economic challenges.

    He urged Nigerians not to give up hope, saying “better days are near’’.

  • Ramadan: Saraki urges prayers for Buhari, help for IDPs

    Ramadan: Saraki urges prayers for Buhari, help for IDPs

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on Muslims and all Nigerians to dedicate Ramadan period to offer prayers for the recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and nation’s prosperity.

    Saraki, in a message he signed, said the Holy month presented another opportunity for Nigerians to show love to the less privileged, especially those currently living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the country.

    “It is a great pleasure and honour to once again felicitate with millions of Nigerian Muslims, and of course, Muslims across the world, on the start of the glorious month of Ramadan.

    “Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.

    “Ramadan is a unique symbol of the values that Muslims and people of all faiths share – that is charity, cooperation, compassion and self-restraint,” he said.

    He added that Ramadan was also an occasion for Muslims to strengthen family and community ties and share God’s gifts with those in need.

    “This is why I invite us to reflect on the conditions of our brothers and sisters in IDPs camps that for no fault of their own are unable to fast in the comfort of their homes like you and I.

    “This heart-breaking conditions, therefore, remind us all of our common humanity and compel us into positive actions that could bring a permanent end to the situations.

    “I like to also use this occasion to pray for the quick recovery of our dear President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “My thoughts and prayers are always with him just as I wish for him a complete and restful recovery.

    “May the glory and blessings of this month shine upon us now and always,” he said.

     

  • Senate passes PIB into law

    Senate passes PIB into law

    The Senate on Thursday passed the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said “this is Bill that has been here for many years. We made a commitment and it is being fulfilled.”

    TRENDING: Senate cautions Kachikwu on false PIB claims

    “This bill is not only for Nigerians but for our investors. We are proud of what has been done.”

    The PIB was read for the third time in the Senate before it was passed.

  • Osinbajo, IBB, Sultan, others save Emir of Kano from Assembly probe

    Osinbajo, IBB, Sultan, others save Emir of Kano from Assembly probe

    The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday stopped further probe of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, following a letter received from Government House and signed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urging the House to halt the probe due to appeals from notable Nigerians who pleaded on behalf of the Emir.

    The Nation gathered that Ganduje who recognized the principles of separation of powers stated that his letter to that effect did not intend to threaten the independence of the House.

    According to the Speaker of the Kano state House of Assembly who read the Governor’s letter yesterday afternoon, Hon. Kabiru Alhasan Rurum, the decision to suspend the probe was prompted by a letter written by Kano state governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje requesting the House to halt further actions against the Royal Father.

    The letter from the Governor appealed to the state legislative arm to halt proceedings into the eight count charge against the Emir of Kano, citing mediation by prominent Nigerians, including the Governors’ Forum, Acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, Sultan of Sokoto, Alh Sahaad Abubakar, Senate President Bukola Saraki, Speaker of House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, Aminu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

    Ganduje in the letter to the House buttressed his appeal for the cancellation of further investigation of the charges against the Kano monarch positing that the Emir had shown remorse during a reconciliation session organized by Northern Governors’ forum in Kaduna.

    The House after an extensive deliberation session passed a unanimous verdict approving the termination of the probe into the alleged illicit activities of the Emir.

    The Nation learned that the House before now had planned to allegedly create additional Emirates in the state.

    However, a lawmaker who spoke to The Nation on condition of anonymity expressed dissatisfaction over the abrupt intervention by prominent Nigerians.

    According to him, “I am not happy at all because we are set to make the records straight before this sudden intervention by prominent personalities in the country.”

    The Nation reports that Emir Sanusi has been in controversy lately with the allegation of financial misappropriation and alleged misconduct.

    Apart from the probe initiated by the Kano state anti-corruption agency, Emir Sanusi recently entered the black book of the state Assembly as it set up an eight-man committee to investigate the Emir.

    A member representing Nasarawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Gama last week raised a motion of urgent public importance.

    Gama frowned at the recent comments credited to the Emir over the proposed Kano light rail project which will soon be executed by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    The Chairman of the House committee on Works insisted that, “the statement from the Emir is capable of tarnishing his image, the Government and that of the assembly.

    “The Emir during his speech in Kaduna alleged that the Kano State Governor and his entourage, including me as the Chairman of the House committee on Works wasted one month in China seeking for a loan to construct rail.”

    “The Emir’s statement was not true, we spent only four days in China, and our visit was to find out the capability of the company to handle the rail project.

    “His utterances have caused a lot of insult to me, the state government and also the house of assembly by the general public in the state, and outside the state.”

    He took a swipe at Emir Sanusi for sending his daughter to represent in one of the functions organized by Bring Back Our Girls group in Abuja, describing it as inimical to the tradition of the Emirate Council.

    “There are many responsible Emirate Council members who can represent him at the Programme. This is the first time we are seeing such in the historical traditional home,” he added.

    According to Gama, the mode of dressing by the Emir’s daughter during the Programme, was an embarrassment to the emirate council and the tradition of Kano people.

    He also accused Sanusi for introducing religious issues that are contrary to the teachings of Islam, saying such things are capable of disgracing the religion.

    Gama further accused Emir Sanusi of involvement in political issues, misappropriation of emirate Council’s fund, and making statements against President Muhammad Buhari.

  • Kwara LG chairman pledges to prioritise staff welfare

    Mr. Abiodun Ajiboye, the newly sworn-in Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) Chairman for Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, has promised to make staff welfare his priority.

    Ajiboye made the promise at the inauguration of the council’s TIC members at the council headquarters in Omu-Aran on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed had extended the tenure of the 16 TICs, with each made up of four members.

    Ajiboye said his administration would channel adequate resources toward improving the welfare of council workers through prompt payment of salaries and allowances.

    He expressed his administration’s commitment to promoting the state government’s rural integration drive as catalyst for socio-economic development at the grassroots.

    Ajiboye, who solicited the support of council workers and other stakeholders, pledged to run an open door administration that would facilitate the turning around of the council’s fortunes.

    He said: “I want to say that our efforts toward the transformation of this council remains a collective responsibility of every stakeholder.

    “We will give everybody, be it workers, politicians, traders and other stakeholders, equal opportunity to contribute toward the development of this council.

    “Ours will be an open door policy with adequate priority for the welfare of council workers and the generality of the people of the council,” he said.

    The chairman, however, urged the newly sworn-in officers to make honesty, transparency and accountability their watchwords.

    He solicited the cooperation of party leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in building a solid foundation for the next elected council administration.

    Ajiboye commended the governor and the state’s APC leader, Sen. Bukola Saraki, for the confidence reposed in the committee’s ability to turn the councils around.

    Chief Bisi Owolabi, the Chairman of the party in the local government area, urged the TIC members to see their appointments as a call to service.

    NAN reports that the inauguration was attended by party leaders and supporters across the 11 wards of the local government area.

    Those sworn-in were Adefila Olumide, Vice-Chairman, Adewoye Alarape, Supervisory Councillor for Works and Agriculture and Sherif Mohammed, Supervisory Councillor for Health and Education.

     

  • Senate receives 2017 budget report, fixes Thursday for passage

    Senate receives 2017 budget report, fixes Thursday for passage

    The Senate on Tuesday received the report of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance on the 2017 budget.

    The report was laid at plenary by the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation,  Danjuma Goje.

    In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, commended the committee for a job well done.

    He said the Senate would ensure the passage of the budget on Thursday.

    Saraki commended the committee for laying the report with details, saying it would help speed up the passage of the budget.

    He said, “On behalf of our colleagues let me congratulate the committee.

    “This is history been made, because this is the first time report of the Appropriation Bill will be laid with details.

    “Because of that, by Wednesday you will get hard copies of the report. But the soft copy will be ready today (Tuesday).

    “We will distribute them and ensure we pass the bill on Thursday.”

    The report on the  2017 budget was laid four days after the expiration of the 2016 fiscal year.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had presented a budget proposal of N7.30 trillion for the 2017 fiscal year before a Joint Session of the National Assembly on December 14, 2016.

    NAN